By Kim Minugh, The Sacramento Bee, Calif.
Nov. 4--A small amount of agricultural lime has spilled from three California Northern Railroad cars that derailed in Davis Tuesday afternoon, although officials say there is no danger to the environment.
The derailment occurred shortly after 4 p.m. when the train attempted to switch onto the main track in the area of Eighth and G streets, said Davis fire Capt. Richard Moore.
Two of the cars are "leaning considerably," Moore said. The third remains upright.
All three were carrying agricultural lime, though only one spilled some of the powder-like substance onto the ground, Moore said. He said the lime poses no threat to the environment.
Farmers sometimes apply agricultural lime to their fields reduce the acidity of soil.
As a precaution, however, nearby residents have been told to avoid their back yards, Moore said.
Davis police and firefighters are expected to leave the scene within an hour, Moore said, at which point officials from California Northern will guard the scene until a crane can put the cars back on track in the morning.
The derailment won't affect the Amtrak train schedule because it occurred on a different train line, Amtrak officials said.
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