DUNNELLON, Fla. – On Monday, state environmental authorities gave the green light to CSX Rail’s proposed plan to clean up the aftermath of a significant fire that engulfed thousands of chemically treated railroad ties in Dunnellon. Meanwhile, city officials are gearing up to join legal proceedings against the company.
The Dunnellon City Council has decided to align with Marion County in pursuing a legal injunction against CSX Rail. Although the council’s final decision is scheduled for a future meeting, officials have indicated that the injunction is a precautionary step in case the company’s environmental remediation efforts fall short of expectations.
Craig Camuso, who is in charge of overseeing the cleanup for CSX, reassured that the company remains committed to addressing the issue, irrespective of any legal challenges.
“We are aware that we are just at the start of this cleanup process. The filing of an injunction won’t alter our course of action. I can assure you on behalf of the company, we are dedicated to resolving this situation,” Camuso stated.
Camuso further mentioned that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave its approval for the cleanup strategy on Monday afternoon. The company plans to commence soil remediation on Tuesday and has restarted the removal of the remaining railroad ties from the affected site.
While city council members have commended CSX for its openness and communication efforts since the incident, local residents voiced concerns at the meeting, expressing doubts about the company’s involvement in the cleanup operations.
“We have the fox watching the hen house,” one resident said during public comments. Another resident accused the company of deliberately choosing Dunnellon for its operations, stating, “They came to our community because we are a small town with property values below the national average. It was an economic decision on their part because it saves them money if there’s mistakes or accidents. This is economic discrimination and this has to stop.”
Some residents reported health concerns from exposure to chemical smoke from the burning railroad ties.
“I don’t need a sample. I can feel it in my lungs. My daughter can feel it. I can feel it in my house, my house smells like it,” one resident told the council.
Local business owners expressed concerns about the fire’s impact on tourism, a crucial element of Dunnellon’s economy.
“I suggest you get out your checkbooks because we’re about to get paid for our suffering. This is not right,” one business owner said.
The environmental cleanup process will begin following state approval, though the long-term effects of the chemical exposure on the community remain uncertain.
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