Scientists at the Anacostia Watershed Society are monitoring water quality and environmental conditions around the wreckage of a freight train that derailed on Nov. 9 dumping more than 600 tons of coal into the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.

Analysis of water samples collected near the accident site last week indicate only slight changes to acidity, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity levels in the area around the coal spill. These results confirm the findings of similar tests undertaken by CSX and the District of Columbia Department of the Environment over the past several days.

The six rail cars in contact with river water were cut up and moved onto a barge for transport away from the accident site, according to a statement issued by CSX Corp.

The recovery team used mechanical shears to dismantle the submerged train cars into pieces small enough to be hoisted by crane -- leaving coal and some scrap metal lying on the river bed. Plans are in place to identify the remaining debris and remove it from the river.

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