Oil on river?

[ciobst]

My experience with Burlington Northern and claims is that they pay them no questions asked. Show any financial support for the dollar of the claim, and they pay it immediately. CGWA should go big on the claim, especially due to the environmental impact of the creek bed. Several hundred thousand dollars to BN is a small price to pay, especially since risk and claims is factored into their freight rates.

[CGW2]

The CGWA is greatly disappointed and saddened by the oil train derailment that occurred last week. We are actively monitoring all updates and developments that relate to water quality in the Columbia and access to Mosier's Rock Creek launch site. We hope to open up and maintain a line of communication with the City of Mosier and Union Pacific regarding the incident and next steps that will be taken.

Please find our most recent newsletter on this issue here: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/334267/4bbfe8918f/1427001437/6b44378b7b/

[ImmigrantJesus]

Some people are wondering why UNP, BNSF, etc. get a free ride - I am not 100% sure about how it works, but many rail lines fall under Federal jurisdiction (same as navigable water ways) so the states, counties and municipalities often tend to be powerless.

[drblanke]

I think native fishing rights would have the best luck against the railroads, since a major oil spill would kill off a lot of the salmon. The Yakima Nation has more sway over the feds than OR or WA.

[biffmalibu]

I went to the special Mosier council meeting last night.
I was wrong about my prediction of the re-opening of Rock Creek Park; it won't be a couple of weeks. It will be at least a month and perhaps all summer that the park will be closed. It's not because of the oil spill (which is NOT major) into the creek and river. It's because of the necessary reconstruction activity for the sewer (which runs through Rock Creek parking area) and water treatment plant nearby. There will be heavy equipment there doing the job. Access is therefore restricted.

Given the amount of oil (again, not a major amount) that reached the creek and the river, I would say the beach itself and the creek will be relatively clean in a short time. Maybe Rock Creek will revert back to the "old school" rough access of parking a couple of cars near the west side of the creek and then hiking to the beach with gear. I will ask about this.

I respect all the native peoples of the Gorge, and I hope they will wield as much power as they can in order to make things right and prevent further oil transport here. Because, with the ongoing beetle/fungus kill of the Gorge conifers, we don't need to add MORE fuel to the growing Gorge fire hazard. We are lucky there was a light spill. The fish do not live in or spawn in the lower part of Rock Creek (which has the oil); they simply swim up over and then die/drift back down this same area. I don't believe the fish will be adversely affected as a consequence. They simply don't spend much time in this short affected area.

Let's not get into hyperbole about Rock Creek oil contamination. Mosier will still get theirs from Union Pacific, don't you worry. If you REALLY want to get upset about river contamination, try Hanford instead.

[kmf]

So exactly what does "Not a major oil spill" mean? We know that the UP reported that they had recovered 10,000 gallons of oil from the septic plant tanks. Surely not all the oil conveniently landed in the septic tanks. UP's definition of a minor spill and my definition of a minor spill might differ a bit.

Just because the city of Mosier get's lots of dough for their troubles doesn't mean that the rest of us can just hang up our concerns and go on our merry way.

KMF

[biffmalibu]

Reading comprehension along with suspension of emotions will help avoid future embarrassments. From my first two paragraphs...

"It's not because of the oil spill (which is NOT major) into the creek and river. "

"Given the amount of oil (again, not a major amount) that reached the creek and the river..."

Although this was a large spill on land, very little of the oil reached Rock Creek and the Columbia River. Over 90% of the total oil spilled has burned or already been removed by excavation.

[kmf]

And so how much is UP giving you biff....so you won't be emotional.....

KMF

[biffmalibu]

kmf, I will allow you to apologize directly to me for accusing me of taking bribes from UP and for lying. You may contact me directly via private message, and I will make the time for a meeting in-person for this occasion.

In the meantime, I will expect you to refrain from any further libel.

[WMP]