CSX today expanded its outreach to Lynchburg, Va.-area businesses and residents who may have been affected by the derailment of a freight train on April 30.  In addition to maintaining a nearby Community Outreach Center where residents can get information and assistance in addressing concerns, CSX representatives today went door-to-door visiting approximately 150 businesses that may have been affected.
 
Meanwhile, on Friday, May 2, the CSX Community Outreach Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wingate Hotel, 3777 Candlers Mountain Road. In addition, citizens and businesses can contact 1-877-TELL CSX (1-877-835-5279) for assistance. The Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health is also available to provide information or to answer questions. That phone number is 434-442-4642.
 
CSX also contacted state and local officials in Lynchburg and downstream to provide information and answer questions about steps the company is taking to assess and mitigate any environmental effects.  CSX continued implementing a comprehensive environmental assessment and protection effort that includes land-, air- and water-based testing and remediation, as well as measures to limit dispersal and impacts of materials in the James River. This work is being done in coordination with federal, state and local environmental authorities and independent experts.
 
Work at the derailment site continued on May 1. Most of the derailed cars have been repositioned for removal from the site, and work continues in preparation to remove the remaining cars safely with no additional community impact, in coordination with onsite safety, investigative and first-responder organizations. Late in the day, the company removed one of three rail cars from the James River.  The CSX teams expect to remove the remaining two cars tomorrow.  The train had two locomotives and 105 rail cars and originated in North Dakota with the destination of Yorktown, Va.
 
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the derailment on-scene. CSX is cooperating in this investigation.
 
CSX is grateful for the support and assistance of the Lynchburg Fire Department, Lynchburg Police Department, and additional first responders from surrounding communities who are helping to ensure public safety. CSX is committed to fully supporting the emergency responders and other agencies, meeting the needs of the community and protecting the environment.  We will provide additional reports as information becomes available.