Those on the scene of a BNSF train derailment caused by floodwaters south of Doon along the Sioux and Lyon County lines in northwest Iowa are worried about the impact downstream. Lyon County Sheriff, Stuart Vander Stoep says leaking material from the train could impact Rock Valley.
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The Little Rock River flows into the Rock River which is at flood stage in the city of Rock Valley. Vander Stoep says the Department of Natural Resources is on site and has staff arriving downstream to monitor the flow of the crude oil plume. In addition to their current attempts to contain the crude oil, Vander Stoep says the railroad is sending a crew in for cleanup. Environmental Program Supervisor and Spencer Field Office Superintendent Kenneth Hessenius says they are monitoring the situation.
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He says the number of rail cars leaking may not be known for a long time as many of them are partially submerged in the flooded Little Rock River. He says he will know more as time goes by and more information becomes available.