The Washington state Department of Ecology is expected to make a determination whether to approve Millennium Bulk Terminal’s plans to build a huge terminal in Longview, which would increase coal transportation by railcar through the Pacific Northwest. The Department of Ecology released their study’s findings on July 27. The study found “unavoidable and significant adverse environmental impacts” to our climate, health and the Columbia River.
Increasing the coal trains, from three per week to 12 per day, will have a significant effect on us all. In a National Geographic documentary, “From the Ashes,” BNSF Railway stated that, in one uncovered trainload of coal, a minimum of four tons of coal and coal dust are lost in the air and ground around the tracks during an average train trip. Coal dust contains mercury, lead, arsenic, and other toxic chemicals. Coal cannot be transported in enclosed cars because of its combustibility.
Please encourage your friends, family, and local government to encourage state government to stand up to Millennium Coal and deny them permits to ruin our beautiful Pacific Northwest. It effects everyone along the tracks, from Wyoming and Montana, to Oregon and Washington. The impact to our air and water, especially along the Columbia River, will be significant.
