From: http://www.merrilltownship.com/Master-P ... ebsite.pdf (page 25)CONTANIMATED SITE
On February 4, 1978 a Dow Chemical train carrying toxic chemicals derailed near Woodland
Park’s East Lake causing an approximately 30,000 gallon chemical spill. Recent tests conducted
by 24 Hour News 8 in the area show chemical levels of the potential carcinogen 1,1-DCE (used
to make plastics and flame-retardant coatings) to be more than twice the level for safe drinking
water and that the chemical has spread to the southwest, toward East Lake. Additional tests
conducted by a consultant hired by CSX have found traces of vinyl chloride in East Lake. Vinyl
chloride is a known carcinogen and is created when 1,1-DCE breaks down in the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says 1,1-DCE might cause cancer in humans. This
chemical can damage the nervous system, liver, and lungs. Unconfirmed anecdotal evidence
shows that many people who lived around the train derailment site died of cancer within a few
years of the derailment.
The biggest concern for Merrill Township is human exposure through drinking the groundwater.
Clean-up efforts on the groundwater were stopped in 1998 after it became apparent that they
were not working. Since this time, monitoring wells are showing chemical levels up to 137
times higher than the safe level for drinking. Another investigation several years ago indicated
that the contamination had spread uphill and upstream to the north, crossing 11 Mile Road.
Merrill Township must take the chemical contamination into consideration for any plans on or
near the derailment site. The Township should consider pursuing professional, scientific, and
legal assistance when addressing issues related to the contaminated site.
Anyone have stories or further info about this wreck?