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BETHEL — State environmental officials are hoping thousands of gallons of chemicals will not harm a Pitt County creek.
Two chemicals, ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, spilled into Grindle Creek after a CSX freight train derailed Tuesday morning.
The State Division of Water Quality says about 42,000 gallons of anti-freeze are in the water.
So far, no fish kills have turned up. Investigators say the water should break down the chemical in four to five days.
State water quality officials still do not know if the chemicals will pose a threat to drinking water supplies downstream.
Most residents evacuated from their homes Tuesday have returned home. It may be another day before families living closest to the fire caused by the derailment are allowed to return.
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