It could take a couple of days to clean up some oil from a derailment on the CN mainline in Emo.
Mayor Harold McQuaker says company officials met with them Wednesday to provide an update.
“CN told us that they were working diligently to get their rail line open. First and foremost safety was their main concern. Everybody being on the safe side and looked after. They have local contractors plus some of their own personnel at the scene.”
McQuaker adds that once the rail line is open again, then the clean-up work can begin.
He says fortunately the Rainy River and local wells were not impacted by the spill.
“It’s northern Alberta crude, which is a very heavy crude and thank god for the cold weather it’s not flowing and everything is proceeding well.”
McQuaker notes the oil containment is all on the east side of Highway 602 so there is no immediate danger to the public.
He adds everything is being handled in a timely and professional fashion.
The Transportation Safety Board and CN Rail are now investigating the cause of the incident.
Highway 602 remains closed until further notice as a result of the incident.
