Union Pacific crews began working Wednesday to remove the chicken meal which spilled during the July 16  trail derailment in Hays.

According to Dan Wells, KDHE Northwest District Environmental Administrator in Hays, there have been some complications delaying the cleanup.

U-P estimates there are about 1,500 tons of the chicken meal on the ground northeast of the intersection of 8th and Vine streets.

Because it’s mixed with soil contaminated with diesel fuel from the wrecked train locomotives, the meal is not allowed in the Ellis County Landfill.

Wells says Barton County is the nearest Subtitle D Landfill which can accept it.  But Barton County is experiencing flooding, and another Subtitle D landfill may have to be found.

Union Pacific is sending 20 gondola-style railroad cars from Utah to Hays on which the chicken meal will be loaded.

Although there is a strong odor emanating from the white-tarped pile, Wells says there is no danger to the public.  “It may be an offensive smell to some people.  I haven’t seen any flies around it and we haven’t had any reports of rodents in that area, ” he says.

The chicken meal was destined for use in the manufacture of cat food.