SAINT PAUL, MN — Early this morning, a train derailed on the Hoffman Bridge in South Saint Paul, causing it to leak 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel into the Mississippi River. Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South Saint Paul), who represents the area, has joined local, state MPCA and federal officials at the site of the derailment.
“While this is an unfortunate incident, it shows that Minnesota’s laws are working well after changes were made in 2014,” remarked Rep. Hansen. “There’s no immediate threat to the public and floating booms have been deployed to contain most of the spill. Thank you to the first responders who responded so quickly to this accident. Minnesotans cherish the environment and especially our amazing waterways such as the Mississippi. As this unfolds, I’ll remain committed to ensuring Union Pacific works with local officials to prevent environmental harms to our state, including our fish and wildlife.”
Union Pacific Railroad is working with private contractors, and state and federal officials to contain the spill. The river is currently closed to barge and other large boat traffic between South St. Paul and St. Paul. Minnesota Statutes governing emergency responses were updated in 2014 (MS 115E.042).
A photo taken by Rep. Hansen showing the booms deployed along the Mississippi is below.
Rep. Rick Hansen is the DFL-Lead on the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee.
-30-