JUNE 22, 2018 BY RADIO IOWA CONTRIBUTOR
Drone view of train derailment.
Those on the scene of a train derailment caused by floodwaters south of Doon along the Sioux and Lyon County lines are worried about the impact downstream…
https://www.radioiowa.com/2018/06/22/oil-from-derailed-train-raises-concern-in-rock-valley/
Here is a local televsion news story on the BNSF derailment.
News reports indicate the oil has already made its way a substantial distance down river.
The derailment occurred over the Little Rock River, which flows into the Rock River just a short distance away.
This is in Norris’ neighborhood (relatively speaking, I’m sure). Saw some video showing at lest 31 cars on the ground (or in the mud).
It looks like somewhat of a cushioned pileup. I suppose the water helped prevent a fire. I wonder how fast they would travel in that flooded area.
Oil train would be rare around here- this is maybe 40 miles from my house. Could this be an ethanol train maybe?
The local media are reporting it was Canadian crude oil. The origin or destination was not given.
This video starts out with a long held still shot, and then moves slowly. But at around 6:00, this video zooms in on the pileup and shows some very interesting high resolution imagery. It covers the whole site quite well.
https://www.facebook.com/Sioux.County.Sheriff/videos/1782149598499719/
It looks to me like the roadbed lost its ability to support the train due to ground saturation.
It looks like an oil slick coming from the pile-up. Ethanol mixes with water.
What an obvious oil slick.
http://www.ktiv.com/story/38484923/2018/06/22/train-derailment-in-sioux-county-evacuations-issued
How much will this cost BNSF?
Does oil float? I seem to recall seing pictures of ocean oil spills where big boom nets of some sort were put around an oil spill to contain it.
I’d say a fair share of that corner of Iowa is underwater right now, and it’s rainong again.
Most crude oils do. There are some South American crudes that have the same density as water. And there are some Marine Heavy Fuel oils (residual oils) that are slightly heavier than water.
Waves can always mix water and oil distribution oil over some hight. Oil dispersants support this process letting the oil drops sink.
Regards, Volker
Local news shows the site dry enough to allow heavy equipment to access the site to remove the remaining crude and clear the right of way. However, Lyon County has received an additional 6 inches of rain in the past 2 days, so the situation may not be stable.
The cargo was described as Alberta crude oil. From the photos, the oil floats. If it had been tar sands dilbit, it would have been a much bigger problem clean-up. Dilbit seperates into its components: bitumin, which sinks; and the dilutant, which floats. The Iowa crude spill would be easier to clean-up. They are containing the oil slick with floating booms, and can skim it off. The oil that hits the shore, or otherwise lands on solid ground will usually be handled with soil removal and treatment, or hauled to a landfill. Hopefully this can be done with the high water table, before groundwater is affected.
At least this wreck isn’t burning.
Ouch!