One local lawmaker is seeking the development of a special
account through the state Department of Environmental Protection to
finance the restoration of the area affected by the June 30 train
derailment in southern McKean County.

On Monday, state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said he’s
been considering such an account since the derailment of a Norfolk
Southern train spilled roughly 44,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide
into the nearby Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek, damaging it for
several miles downstream and virtually wiping out aquatic life.

“By setting aside an account specifically for fines paid as a
result of this incident, we can ensure that money will be available
to pay for future restoration projects in the area affected by the
spill,” Causer said. “We must do everything we can to restore the
exceptionally valued trout streams to their original state.”

Causer sent a letter to DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty on Sept.
1 in an effort to encourage the establishment of the special
account.

Officials said there hasn’t been a decision yet regarding the
account or when it could be implemented.

“We certainly do welcome Rep. Causer’s engagement to make sure
the area is cleaned up,” DEP Community Relations Coordinator Freda
Tarbell said. “At this point, we are still assessing the full
extent of the damage.”

The train derailed while descending Keating Summit. Railroad
officials confirmed the train was traveling about 73 mph at the
time of the crash; the speed limit posted for that area of rail
line was 15 mph.

When 28 of the rail cars tipped over during the derailment, the
sodium hydroxide spilled into the nearby creek, damaging it more
than seven miles downstream at the mouth of Fourmile Run near
Emporium in Cameron County.

On Aug. 14, DEP issued a notice of violation to the railroad,
stating its actions violated numerous state environmental
regulations. Under state law, the railroad is subject to up to
$35,000 in penalties a day, starting with the original date of the
spill and continuing until the violations cease.

The notice cites the railroad for the discharge of pollution
into Commonwealth waters, the unpermitted disposal of wastes and
the release of hazardous substances.

According to Tarbell, consultants for the railroad are currently
assessing the environmental situation at the site and should get a
final plan for clean-up completed by the end of the month.

“We haven’t levied any penalties at this point,” Tarbell said.
“No determination on that can be made until we have a clear picture
of the environmental effects of the accident.”

Causer said “this is going to be a long-term thing. I know DEP
is dedicated to working on ensuring this area is restored. It’s my
understanding the streams are showing improvement and signs of
life.”

Causer said the dedicated account will help ensure the funding
is used solely for the clean-up effort.