I attended the hearing for the Millennium Bulk Terminals project, as did about 800 of my neighbors in Cowlitz County. Many who would be impacted along the rail corridor joined me in giving testimony, which ran 3-1 in opposition to this dangerous proposal.
Just a few days earlier, a coal train had derailed, spilling coal from 28 cars, near the Mississippi River. Here in the Pacific Northwest, there are approximately nine freight train derailments per month. Millennium’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement predicts 19 coal train accidents per year in Washington, with one in Longview.
It’s nearly impossible to imagine the enormity and consequences of a coal train derailment in Longview, Vancouver, or the Columbia Gorge. Accidents happen. They will continue to happen.
Also, we must clearly understand what the addition of multiple tons of diesel fumes and particle pollution means for the health status for all those exposed — cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, lung disease, asthma. Diesel fumes are full of carcinogens and harmful, toxic ingredients. Cowlitz County already ranks as one of the least healthy counties in Washington. Why risk worsening our health and that of our children and grandchildren? The harmful effects are known, and will occur. Just like accidents.