My family and I live east of Washougal behind the BNSF Fallbridge line and the old Port of Camas-Washougal siding.
I agree that oil trains have an inherent danger and there is the possibility of an accident that has the potential to cause damage. Living alongside the railroad, I see crews checking the tracks every day. The railroad also has sensors placed along the track to detect issues with the trains.
However, oil and coal have been singled out. I see chlorine, ammonia, acid and many other hazardous materials go by every day, which have a much greater potential to cause damage. I don’t hear any concern about these other cargoes. Why is that?
As a consumer of carbon-based fuels, I will not be a hypocrite and say “no” to the transportation of coal and oil on the Fallbridge line.
From what I understand, the trains are going to pass through the community whether or not the terminal is built. Why shouldn’t the residents of Vancouver and the state of Washington have some benefit?
