The last significant hazardous materials spill in the MRL yards is believed to have been in June 2006 when a five-car derailment spilled 12,000 gallons of ethanol. Nine residents living near the tracks were briefly evacuated, and there was concern of an explosion.

In the aftermath, neighborhood leaders and others complained of a lack of notification. Lynda Frost, MRL’s spokeswoman at the time, said the company had a procedure to alert employees and emergency responders when accidents occur but had no formal way to inform the public.

This time the press statement released by MRL on Thursday night was the first public notification of the spill. It came after the Missoulian followed up on an anonymous tip left on the newsroom voice mail.

“Montana Rail Link was proactive in circulating a press statement Thursday evening,” Lewis said by email Friday. “In our communication with the Missoula County Health Department and DEQ there has been no concerns expressed regarding local drinking water supply or risk to public health in the area of the incident.”

Beck said it’s “probably fair to say (MRL) would have an obligation to let the public know” about the spill.