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On Wednesday, July 29, officials provided the latest progress on cleanup and repair work following the multi-car train derailment that occurred early Monday in Laurens County, South Carolina. CSX crews have finished vacuuming up the last visible piles of sodium borate (Borax) that spilled from one of the 17 derailed cars near Whitten Road in the Cross Hill area. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Laurens County emergency management confirmed Tuesday evening that all standing Borax piles had been contained and removed using industrial vacuum trucks. CSX personnel are now sweeping the site for any residual material. As an added environmental safeguard, turbidity curtains and containment booms have been deployed both near the derailment site and along the bridge to prevent any debris or sediment from reaching Lake Greenwood, a key regional water resource.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has been on site since Monday conducting water and soil sampling. Preliminary results released Wednesday morning showed no detectable levels of Borax contamination in Lake Greenwood or nearby streams. DHEC officials stated they will continue daily monitoring until track repairs are fully complete.
The final phase of track restoration involves repairing the bridge that was damaged in the derailment. CSX has transported pile drivers to the scene to begin driving support piles into the bridge structure. Residents living near the Cross Hill area should expect noticeable intermittent noise from heavy machinery throughout Wednesday evening and possibly into Thursday. CSX said it is working to expedite the process to minimize disruption while maintaining structural safety. Turbidity curtains placed in the water beneath the bridge will catch any falling debris during pile driving.
Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in laundry detergents, cleaning products, and industrial applications. It is classified as non-hazardous for transportation. However, large concentrations can irritate skin upon direct contact and may harm sensitive plants or aquatic life. DHEC emphasizes that the spilled material was quickly contained and removed, and the current risk to people, pets, and wildlife is very low. Residents are advised not to disturb any remaining white powder near the site and to report sightings to authorities.
CSX anticipates completing the track and bridge repairs within the next 48 hours, pending weather and equipment availability. Once the line is certified safe, normal rail service will resume. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to release a preliminary report on the derailment cause within the next two weeks. Local officials urge drivers to avoid the Whitten Road area while work continues.
