That's just nuts, Tom.
A typical tank car holds 6,000 - 10,000 gallons, or 38,000 liters max. That meant this recent spill was equivalent to 26 large rail tank cars dumping oil. Another comparison - a swimming pool 30 feet wide, 150 feet long and 6 feet deep holds about a million liters. Dump that much oil in your neighbourhood and see if it's insignificant.
I'm not saying the spill wasn't hyped, that's how the whole system works, but I think downplaying it is even more irresponsible.