BISMARK, N.D. -- Before the lawsuits start coming in Minot, Canadian Pacific Railway is pushing for individual settlements with those affected by last month's anhydrous ammonia spill, according to KFYR-TV in Bismark, N.D.

THE COMPANY HAS ALREADY HANDLED MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND CLAIMS. Last week, it announced it would pay anyone living in Minot during the incident two hundred fifty dollars in exchange for promising to stay out of any future lawsuits.

A CP spokesman says most of the recent claim settlements have been the 250 dollar type as well as those who've had some medical problems related to the chemical spill.