CN train removed from river

The Globe and Mail

Friday, August 12, 2005 Updated at 8:15 PM EDT Canadian Press

Squamish, B.C. — Rail crews have succeeded in lifting a derailed tank car out of the Cheakamus Canyon near Squamish without any further spillage, B.C.'s environment minister said on Friday.

The tanker spilled thousands of litres of caustic soda into the Cheakamus River when nine cars of a CN train derailed on Aug. 5.

“That rail car was successfully lifted out in one piece,” Environment Minister Barry Penner said. “The Cheakamus River and the Lower Squamish are now open again for recreation so if people want to river-rafting or swimming or anything else, it's safe to do so.”

The spill killed hundreds of fish and in an effort to preserve remaining fish stocks, Mr. Penner has announced a fishing ban on the Cheakamus, Mamquam and Lower Squamish rivers effective on Monday.

He said the ban will likely remain in effect until September.

It has the support of all levels of government, First Nations and regional sports fishing groups.

Mr. Penner has said that CN will be charged if there's evidence of any wrongdoing in the derailment.

© The Globe and Mail 2005