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The Washington
Times reports that a New Jersey senator is calling for tougher consequences for
railroads that violate safety rules. Democrat Robert Menendez cites a report
from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as his motivation.
The NTSB report details “systemic problems” that led to a derailment
and chemical spill in Paulsboro, NJ. Exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride
in the aftermath has been linked to dizziness, breathing problems and even
death for nearby citizens.
Train operator Conrail has been blamed for the derailment, based on its
use of a problematic swinging bridge despite repeated issues. NTSB also says
Conrail took too long to shared detailed information with local emergency
medical responders.
Menendez says his plan entails the following:
- harsher penalties for railroad safety violations;
- requiring railroads to alert local emergency management officials if transporting of hazardous materials;
- implementing new safety procedures for rail workers when signal lights are red;
- improving risk assessment tools for railroads;
- educating communities about hazardous materials passing through on trains.
Mendez says allowing railroads to self-regulate matters of safety simply
is not good enough, and the Paulsboro case is evidence enough.
“Paulsboro is an example that it’s not good enough,” Menendez says.
“It just cannot be the cost of doing business, that you have an occasional
derailment.”