New concern at Tennessee derailment, fire site

MARYVILLE, Tenn -- Two days after the all clear was given to thousands of evacuated Maryville residents to return to their homes in the wake of a freight train car derailment and fire, a new worry has arisen.

Officials have issued an advisory regarding the nearby Culton Creek, reports CBS Knoxville, Tennessee affiliate WVLT-TV.

A CSX train derailed Wednesday night, sending black smoke full of toxic material into the air. Five thousand people were evacuated. After the EPA tested the air and water, officials gave people permission to go home Friday afternoon.

At about 4:30 Sunday afternoon, biologists working to install a water treatment system found dead fish in Culton Creek. Officials believe the fish died during the time of the train derailment.

As a precautionary measure, officials issued an advisory for people to refrain from activity in the creek.

Sample results from Pistol Creek and Little River indicate the water is still safe for normal activity.

Active water treatment and daily surface water sampling has been implemented.