BISMARCK, N.D., Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Rail operators in North Dakota have taken a good step forward on safety, though they're likely to face further scrutiny, Gov. Jack Dalrymple said.
Dalrymple met with officials from BNSF Railway to discuss rail safety in the state. The rail company, the government said, is facing pressure after two derailments near the town of Casselton in the same calendar year.
Around 1 dozen empty crude oil tankers derailed Nov. 13 in Casselton from a BNSF-operated train. About 950 barrels of oil spilled when two trains operated by BNSF collided and derailed near Casselton in late December.
The governor said the rail company outlined a series of ways it would ensure safety in and around Casselton following the latest derailment.
"These actions are a good step forward to preventing further incidents and improving overall safety," he said in a Monday statement. "We will continue to press BNSF for further review."
U.S. safety regulators said older DOT-111 cars, some of which derailed in the December accident, may be more vulnerable to leaks or explosions than other types of rail cars. Disputed studies show oil taken from the Bakken reserve area in North Dakota may also be more prone to catch fire than other types of oil.
North Dakota officials said specific action would target route safety, speed limits and other guidelines.
