North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco says there is no “imminent public safety hazard” related to yesterday’s CSX train derailment near Tonnelle Avenue.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“During yesterday’s freight train derailment in North Bergen, our Police and Fire Departments were immediately notified and responded to the scene within minutes. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a substance leaking from one of the downed rail cars, along with a strong odor that caused irritation, including burning eyes,” Sacco said in a statement this afternoon.
” … We have since been advised by CSX that the material that spilled was in fact polyethylene, which does not present as an imminent public safety hazard. Regardless, our first responsibility is, and always will be, the safety of our residents and first responders. Every action taken on scene was guided by that principle and an abundance of caution.”
Sacco further stated that the “complex incident” involved fire and hazmat times, with police and personnel from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEPT) still on the scene. Route 3 has also been reopened in both directions.
“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are grateful that this incident did not result in any injuries or significant property damage and we will continue working with CSX and all involved authorities to ensure public safety in our community,” he concluded.
Sacco had previously identified the substance spilled as ethyl acetate, a non-toxic but still hazardous substance, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D-36), the chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, also weighed in on the situation, pointing to a rail safety bill of his that was signed into law this January.
“Yesterday’s CSX freight train derailment in Hudson County is a stark reminder that vigilance in rail safety is essential. I am grateful there were no reported injuries and that emergency responders acted swiftly to contain the situation,” he said in a statement.
“In recent years, there has been growing concern nationwide about the transportation of hazardous materials by rail, particularly through densely populated communities like those in New Jersey. In response, this past January, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, my rail safety legislation, A-4460.”
Calabrese acknowledged that a trade association representing major freight rail carriers, including CSX, have filed a legal challenge, the New Jersey law is meant to establish safety requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials.
