GASSED: The True Story of a Toxic Train Derailment

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

We conclude Part 5, as Robert Martin resigns as EPA Ombudsman rather than accept the restructuring of his office, which would vastly weaken its function. With Martin no longer on the Alberton case, the EPA Office of Inspector General issues a final report on the Alberton spill.

We begin the final part of GASSED, Part 6, The Last Train, which examines the only remaining avenue for justice for the Alberton spill victims--litigation. 
Pictured: may of Cyr to Frenchtown