The B.C. Environment Ministry and CN plan to review emergency notification procedures following complaints that people weren't warned fast enough after a toxic chemical spilled into a river north of Vancouver.

More than 40,000 litres of sodium hydroxide were spilled into the Cheakamus River after a freight train derailment halfway between Squamish and Whistler, early in the morning on Friday.

The chemical spilled into the Cheakamus River when nine cars of a CN freight train fell 12 metres from a bridge near Squamish.
The chemical spilled into the Cheakamus River when nine cars of a CN freight train fell 12 metres from a bridge near Squamish.

Undiluted, the corrosive chemical can cause serious burns to people. Ingesting the chemical or breathing in the vapours is also harmful. It killed scores of fish in the river, including some of the river's struggling population of steelhead salmon.

Yet people who lived in the area weren't warned for hours about the possible health risks when nine cars of a CN freight train that was crossing a bridge fell 12 metres into a canyon.

The spill has killed and injured fish of several different species.
The spill has killed and injured fish of several different species.

Later in the day on Friday, B.C. Environment officials issued a public advisory telling people not to use the water from the river or any wells within 100 metres of the river.

The department said on Sunday that the pH balance in the river was normal, but was still warning against the use of wells.

Many people living near the river are still worried the toxic chemical will leach into their drinking water.




Al Martin, who lives in Brackendale and relies on a well near the river, said that although early tests showed the water is still safe to drink, he and his neighbours are waiting to see what later tests will show.

"Everyone I've talked to is quite disgusted at the lack of warning from CN. After we found the fish, we started phoning around and then we heard a news broadcast that there had been a spill and that it had been contained.

"Well, it definitely wasn't contained, unless you call putting it in the river containing it."

Among other problems, the spill forced tourism operators to cancel activities such as rafting trips during their busy season.

CN spokesperson Graham Dallas said the company has set up a special claims information line in Squamish for people who think they should be compensated.

"[It's] for any residents who may have a justifiable claim, as a result of either the spill or the closure of the river," Dallas said.

"And that includes out-of-pocket expenses and local businesses who may have been impacted by the closure."

People can call (604) 815 - 5066 for more information.