An eastbound BNSF train derailed around midnight on Thursday morning. Ecology reported they were notified at around 1 am and had a team on site by 2 am. Four tank cars on the train remained upright and were removed by noon Thursday.
Anacortes City Council member Ryan Walters said "Our information is that the train was derailed by the derailer device that is intended to derail a train when the train is headed for the swing bridge when it's open for boats."
Responders lined the shoreline with a boom as a precaution. But, Ecology said there was no indication of any impact to water or wildlife.
The Ecology earlier reported that they and the Marine Spill Response Corporation responded to the derailment. Ecology's initial report indicated about 5000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked, but that most of it leaked on the land side of the tracks. The spill happened on a berm.
Ecology says one locomotive was actively spilling, while the other two locomotives did not appear to be spilling. Cleanup contractors have a boom in place along the shoreline, according to an Ecology spokesperson.
The Swinomish Police Department and Fire are also responding. A refinery hazmat team will help with additional oil spill response equipment.
Updated at 2 pm Thursday.