More than 50 tons of chemical solvent leak into ground in Sonda, Tapa
As EVR Cargo confirmed on Thursday, a total of 51.9 tons of chemicals leaked into the ground below a train of tank cars on Mar. 27. The train was on its way from Kohtla in Ida-Viru County to Tapa in neighboring Lääne-Viru County when the leak occurred.
The spill was detected in Sonda as well as in Tapa, where leakage was spotted under the tank cars.
The largest amount of chemical solvent that leaked into the ground was lost in Sonda on the two counties’ border. According to initial estimates, the train, composed of 36 tank cars and four flat cars, lost some 50 tons of its freight there.
On Mar. 28 a team of experts examined the train in Tapa, checking its seals and other parts for potential leaks. After making sure that there was no danger of any additional leaks occurring, the train then continued to the Muuga freight station, where the chemicals were unloaded and a team of experts and representatives of the Environmental Inspectorate, EVR Cargo, and the recipient of the chemicals inspected the train again.
According to a press release by EVR Cargo, the company had received the tank cars in Kohtla. The cars were not their own, but had undergone a standard check, in the course of which no leaks had been identified, and no leakage reported.
The Environmental Inspectorate has started a criminal investigation in the case.
Editor: Dario Cavegn
