Banff Alberta - The cleanup of a train derailment in Banff National Park has started, with officials saying they've removed most of the fly ash, lentils, soybeans, and train cars in the area and mitigated the environmental risk.
 
On Tuesday, Parks Canada issued a statement from resource conservation manager David Gummer updating the operation.
 
"The majority of the fly ash, lentils, and soy beans that spilled on land has been removed," said the emailed response to a request for an interview last week.
 
"All of the rail cars, except for one, have also been removed.
 
"The remaining rail car was purposely left in the creek and is being used as a temporary dam to facilitate the work."
 
Fifteen rail cars on a Canadian Pacific train went off the tracks while crossing a bridge on the edge of the Banff town site on 26 Dec 2014.
 
Eight of the cars fell into 40 Mile Creek below, spilling soybeans and fly ash, a substance that can be toxic for fish.
 
Gummer was not made available to comment, but the statement said Parks Canada and CP have mitigated most risks.
 
"The remaining contaminants are below national standard levels for the protection of aquatic life, and pose little risk to fish," it said.
 
It suggested Parks Canada will continue to work with CP to refine the cleanup plan to safely remove any remaining fly ash from the water.
 
"CP is working on a cleanup plan that reduces the risk of further environmental damage and returns the area, as closely as possible, to the condition it was prior to the incident," said the statement.
 
"Parks Canada expects to be in a position to approve CP's cleanup plan in time for the railway to begin the safe removal of the fly ash from the water in the near future, with sufficient time to ensure completion before mild spring temperatures increase water flow in the creeks."
 
The area remains closed for safety reasons.

Colette Derworiz.