Lenexa, Kansas — The railroad company whose train derailed near Doon in 2018, causing a large crude oil spill into a flood-swollen river has agreed to pay $1.5 million to the EPA to settle the matter.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says BNSF Railway Corporation has agreed to pay $1,513,750 to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. According to the EPA, the tanker cars released approximately 117,500 gallons of heavy crude oil when one of BNSF’s freight trains derailed outside of Doon in June 2018, resulting in discharges to the Rock River, Little Rock River, and Burr Oak Creek.
EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister says, “Illegal discharges of oil into streams, rivers and wetlands present a significant threat to human health and the environment. The EPA is committed to protecting our nation’s waterways and will ensure that Clean Water Act protections are upheld.”
EPA says the derailment occurred during heavy flooding in the area. Impacts from the oil spill included an evacuation order for nearby residents, elevated levels of hazardous substances within the affected site, closure of nearby drinking water wells, destruction of crops, and deaths of at least three animals.
BNSF spokesperson Amy Casas says, “The derailment that occurred in Doon… was an unfortunate incident caused by heavy flooding. This settlement acknowledges BNSF’s prompt and comprehensive response to remedy any impacts of the derailment and we appreciate the opportunity to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to cooperatively resolve this matter prior to litigation.”
