NEW KENT, Va. (WWBT) – A train derailment over the weekend in New Kent County, initially causing travel delays, has now ignited significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding the health of the Chickahominy River.

53 coal cars and two locomotives were derailed by a CSX train this past Saturday, veering them off course.

While crews are in the process of removing the derailed trains and repairing the infrastructure, the incident has drawn concern from environmental groups.

The James River Association (JRA) has highlighted the derailment as a stark reminder of how such accidents can severely impact crucial rivers and vital natural areas within the Commonwealth.

The organization said that robust infrastructure and consistent maintenance are essential preventative measures to safeguard against future environmental threats.

“We’re concerned about the immediate impacts to the environment as well as the long-term impacts to the environment,” Tom Dunlap, James Riverkeeper, said.

The primary worry stems from coal spilled from the derailed cars into adjacent wetlands, with some of it reportedly reaching the Chickahominy River.

Along with that is the potential for thousands of gallons of diesel fuel to have leaked from the locomotives.

“The immediate containment of those products and the removal from those products from the crash from the wetland is imperative so that the site can heal and water quality could be contained,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap noted that the Chickahominy River, part of the broader James River watershed, is a critical component of the ecosystem.

“It’s actually one of the main refuges for underwater grasses, which is an indicator of water quality and provides that essential habitat for those species as well, and not to mention it’s providing drinking water for communities in the lower peninsula,” Dunlap said.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the James River Association asserts that protecting natural resources is its paramount priority moving forward.

They have outlined clear next steps.

“Contain the pollution and keep it from spreading any further, and then take the appropriate steps that are called on to protect the environment and drinking water resources or habitat and wildlife downstream of where this crash took place,” said Dunlap.

CSX has confirmed that the cause of the derailment is still under investigation. The James River Association plans to continue to work with its partners to closely monitor the situation, assess the damage, and ensure appropriate follow-up actions are taken.

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