Asphalt and Sulfur Can Change Things

The railroad bridge collapse last month that spilled tanker cars full of liquid asphalt and molten sulfur into the Yellowstone River was hardly the first indignity the river has suffered.

A broken oil pipeline under the river near Billings a few years ago comes to mind. So does a broken sewer line over the river at Gardiner, to name a few.

The longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 has taken some abuse.

Before the rail line between Livingston and Gardiner was discontinued, trains used to deliver goods and supplies, along with tourists, to Yellowstone Park.

The tracks followed the river...