If anyone doesn’t know a train derailed in the West Branch above right above Hale Eddy around 2 am Thursday. The heavy rain undermined a culvert on the tracks. Two of the cars ending up in the river spilling some diesel. Luckily the river was high and much of the fuel was pushed and diluted through the system. DEC expects no long term damage and they are monitoring it closely along with the National Park Service. The fuel smell was strong along the West Branch in the morning but was pretty much gone by the afternoon. Some eddys with a lot of flotsam may still smell but it is much, much better than yesterday morning. If you find a fuel slick report it to DEC or NPS- or send it to us and we’ll pass on the information.
A lot of roads took a beating in the heavy rain but the local crews did a great job and many were cleared and graded by mid afternoon. There are a few that need additional work so drive slow and pay attention if you’re driving around the area.
The release from Cannonsville is 1,500 cfs. The East Branch in Downsville is 1,220 cfs
Give the river a break for a couple of days and let the crews do their work. Things look good and should be back as normal as possible in a short time.
