The winter weather slowed down the progress of removing coal spilled into the middle fork of the Feather River when a train derailed on February 11th near Blairsden. The Union Pacific train carrying 15 cars overturned 8 of them into the river, with three lying in the waters. The amount of coal spilled has still yet to be disclosed.
The unified command in charge of the clean-up, including the EPA, CDFW, and the RR, is still working on getting the final car out of the river, but the recent storms delayed the work. Officials say crews continue on-land and in-water coal recovery operations with steady progress. Most of the coal removed has been taken by rail for disposal, yet in the coming days; you may see a few trucks off Sloat Road to remove a small coal stockpile staged in that area.
Although there are no road closures, you are asked to consider an alternative route, as you may come across trucks, equipment, and trailers near the work site.
The EPA and CDFW say they have not observed any negative impacts on fish or wildlife due to the spill, yet they continue to monitor those conditions.
Photo: Provided by CDFW
