BNSF train leaks fuel into Columbia River

The Department of Ecology is responding to a fuel spill after a BNSF train reported a busted fuel line.

Benton County emergency crews were called out to the area of S. Meals Road and E. Toothaker where the train stopped on a siding just after 9:00 PM Sunday.

First responders and they had to travel by foot to reach the train's location.

"As the BNSF train was traveling from Pasco to Finley, they experienced a lost of  diesel fuel," said Ty Kelton with Ecology. "It looks like they may have lost about 500 gallons between an 11-mile stretch or so.

Once stopped, it's estimated that another 400 gallons spilled on the ground.

Ecology says about 9 gallons spilled into the Columbia River as the train made its way over the train bridge that spans the river between Benton and Franklin Counties.

They plan to launch a boat at first light assess the impact to the river.

A spokesperson for BNSF confirmed to Newsradio 610 KONA that a mechanical issue led to the leak.