Every Tuesday, we focus on Superior Environment stories. This article is part of a month-long focus on microplastics and their impact. Join us TONIGHT! May 3rd, 7pm-9pm at the Lake Helen Community Hall for an information session and discussion on microplastics issue.
Canadian Pacific Railway has forwarded documents pertaining to the assessment and clean-up of plastic pellets after a train derailment near Nipigon Bay in January of 2008.
Nipigon-area resident Chuck Hutterli spoke with the InfoSuperior team two weeks ago, demonstrating how tonnes of microplastic beads called ‘nurdles’ have been washing up on the shore of his home since the derailment eight years ago. See our interview, with video and photos, here.
Hutterli said that following the crash, CPR has done its due diligence and comes to the area regularly for clean up projects when called upon. The problem persists, however.
When reached for comment, CPR representatives were cooperative and generous in their response. They forwarded key documents pertaining to the initial incident, its assessment, and clean-up efforts (both immediately after the derailment and ongoing into the present day).
Here are the documents forwarded to InfoSuperior by CPR.
- CP Rail: Figures and Photographs of Documented Clean Up Efforts
- CP Rail: Letter Summarizing Clean Up Efforts for Train Derailment Jan. 2008 at Cavers Cove
- CP Rail: Report from Conestoga-Rovers to CPR re: Potential Environmental Hazard to Humans, Environment following Jan. 2008 derailment (Includes Material Safety Data Sheets)
- CP Rail: Powerpoint Presentation summarizing CPR’s response to plastic pellet issue in Nipigon Bay
The powerpoint presentation summary will be presented at tonight’s meeting at Lake Helen Community Hall, between 7pm-9pm. While CPR representatives will not be there to present, they’ve indicated they would like to attend future meetings for productive discussion on remedial actions and clean up of the nurdles.