It was March of 2015 when 39 cars of a CN train carrying crude oil derailed, causing explosions, fire and spilling 2.6 million litres of petroleum into the Makami River near Gogama.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released the findings of its investigations Thursday in Sudbury. It says deteriorating rail conditions were just part of the problem.
"We identified some systemic issues with CN’s training of its staff.” said Kathy Fox of the TSB.
The report makes a recommendation to Transport Canada to help prevent future rail failures.
"We are asking them to include more data now, and asking them to look at other leading indicators investigations into their regulatory inspections" said Rob Johnston of the TSB.
Gogama Fire Chief Mike Benson has been critical of CN's response and cleanup of the river.
"There is still a lot of oil that's unaccounted for officially. I don't believe this is acceptable, inhabitants of Gogama will tell you this is unacceptable, this should have been cleaned up properly and swiftly." said Benson.
Meantime, Nickel Belt MPP, France Gelinas, says CN still has worked to do but she is optimistic about this report.
"I would say that it gave me hope that I did not have before. They acknowledged a lot of what we knew but they also brought forward recommendations to improve things and change things." Said Gelinas.
CN responded to the TSB report as well, saying it has already begun to improve things.
"We have expanded our use of technology to analyze, monitor and inspect track across the CN network. We continue to invest to maintain, improve and protect our infrastructure.” Said spokesman Patrick Waldron.
The Company also says it’s continuing its cleanup of the Makami River.
Transport Canada will now have 90 days to respond to the TSB’s recommendations and to explain how they will be addressed.
