GASSED: The True Story of a Toxic Train Derailment

We begin Part V-Derailed. The EPA releases its blueprint to muzzle EPA Ombudsman Bob Martin, threatening to derail all of his cases, including Alberton. Meanwhile, the EPA finally retests the Alberton spill site.

Over 4-1/2 years after the Alberton train derailment and chemical spill, Alberton spill victims finally get a public hearing—which includes a startling revelation.

Pictured: Le Schutter with John Zeimet at the EPA Ombudsman Hearing on the Alberton Spill (2000)

We conclude "War," as EPA Ombudsman Bob Martin continues his Alberton investigation, while dealing with EPA attempts to control his office. Meanwhile, Dr. Cynthia Lewis-Younger releases the results of her clinical evaluation, and the EPA makes plans to retest the environment around Alberton.

ATSDR releases the results of its Phase 2 study, which, despite its limitations, documents chronic injury in Alberton spill victims. Meanwhile, the EPA declares war on the EPA National Ombudsman, Robert Martin, threatening his Alberton case.

Pictured: Lucinda Hodges testifies at the EPA National Ombudsman hearing in Denver, 2000.

While Roger Chalmers pursues his personal investigation into the Alberton chemical spill, EPA Ombudsman Robert Martin shares with ACCEH how his recent victory in the Denver Shattuck case can help with the Alberton case. But the Denver battle is only part of a larger war Martin faces with the EPA itself.

In the summer of 1999, Dr. Kaye Kilburn releases the results of his follow-up neurological testing, and ATSDR sponsors a one-time clinical evaluation for Alberton spill victims. That summer, three Alberton area mothers finally get a meeting with a Sen. Max Baucus aide in Missoula, and while beseeching the senator’s help, vent their anger and frustration.

We begin Part 4, Light at the End of the Tunnel. Suffering from chronic illness and convinced the Alberton area is still contaminated, spill victims appeal to the EPA’s National Ombusdsman, who agrees to take on their case. Meanwhile, the CAG release their overdue Needs Assessment.

Pictured: National EPA Ombudsman Robert Martin 2000 (video frame grab, RL Scholl)

Over two years after the Alberton chemical spill, ATSDR releases the results from their initial health survey. Later that summer, in conjunction with a fundraiser for ACCEH, Hodges releases public information about safety problems on MRL’s rail line. Within weeks, her husband is brutally attacked.

Pictured: health data from the ATSDR Phase 1 Survey

ATSDR sets up a Community Advisory Group for Alberton spill victims, and a power struggle quickly develops between ACCEH and the new Mineral County Sanitarian, who becomes head of the CAG.

Advocates for Alberton spill victims, Lisa Mosca and Hope Sieck take their video camera to the state capital of Helena, Montana, to interview Tom Ellerhoff, administrative officer for MT Department of Environmental Quality, who has oversight on the Alberton spill site remediation. The encounter leaves them in awe.

Pictured: Tom Ellerhoff, MT DEQ (Lisa Mosca video screen grab)