ST. JAMES PARISH, La. — An evacuation order has been mostly lifted in. St. James Parish after a derailed railroad tank car spilled hydrochloric acid in Paulina, La. Wednesday afternoon.
Just before 1 p.m., the St. James Parish Government shared that residents living on Synder, Stella, A&G, Bourbon streets and Bourbon Lane could return to their homes. Around 3 p.m., Sheriff Wily Martin added Washington, Albert, Scott streets.
Martin says that only 2 households remain evacuated as of Thursday evening.
Parts of LA highway 44 have reopened to through traffic only. LA highway 642 between Snyder Road and LA highway 44 remains closed.
Martin said cleanup crews are making progress mitigating the 20,000 gallons of acid that spilled from the train on Wednesday. The sheriff said that most of the acid that leaked out of the train cars has been neutralized and is no longer a threat.
RELATED: 150 evacuated after train car carrying 20,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid derails in Paulina
Crews used the necessary chemicals to neutralize the acid that has spilled on the ground. Workers are now going house to house to test the exterior of the nearby homes for any contamination. Once test results show safe levels officials will begin allowing some residents to return home.
The acid is extremely corrosive and inhaling fumes from the spill can damage lungs.
Evacuations were called soon after the Wednesday afternoon derailment of several Canadian National railroad cars. There were no reports of injuries, although Martin cautioned Thursday that he had no information on whether anyone had privately sought medical care.
The damaged car was one of six that derailed. State police spokesman Christian Reed said the damaged rail car was carrying 20,000 gallons of the chemical.
Parish officials say there is no threat to the parish's water system.
Crews worked Thursday to determine how to upright the leaking car and prevent more acid from spilling. Cleanup involved the use of chemicals to neutralize the acid and haul away contaminated material. Martin said officials were considering trying to neutralize any acid still in the damaged car before moving it.
Overnight, workers contracted airboats to disperse vapors from the area and give crews a better environment to work in. Martin said workers were taking soil samples. He also said that after the overnight cleanup, daylight would enable a closer inspection to make sure all of the spilled material is located and removed.
Martin said authorities would work with residents who had to quickly abandon the area to allow them, when safe, to temporarily return home to retrieve personal items and pets.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.