Coal Trains Disrupt Local Communities and Air Quality

Coal trains have a significant impact on local communities and air quality. They can disrupt the lives of people living near the rail lines, causing noise pollution and health concerns.

The loud whistle of coal trains can be heard for miles, disturbing the peace and quiet of surrounding neighborhoods. This can be especially problematic for families with young children, who may have trouble sleeping due to the constant noise.

In addition to noise pollution, coal trains also pose a threat to air quality. The coal they carry releases toxic pollutants into the air, contributing to respiratory problems and other health issues.

Coal trains are massive, with most of them consisting of 125-150 rail cars. They can stretch up to 1.5 miles long, which is a staggering sight to see.

The coal these trains carry is sourced from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming. This region is a major coal-producing area.

Most of these coal trains are headed to the West Coast, specifically California, Oregon, and Washington.

Coal train pollution has significant health effects that disproportionately impact communities of color and people who are young, old, or have low incomes.

The study found that trains carrying loads of coal bring with them higher rates of asthma, heart disease, hospitalization, and death for residents living nearest the rail lines.

These health impacts have local and global implications, as coal trains run all over the world, exposing the poorest populations who often live close to the train tracks.

Coal power generates about 40% of the world's electricity, and at least 80 countries use coal power, making coal train pollution a global issue.

The study, which focused on the San Francisco Bay Area, is the first health impact assessment of coal train pollution in the world.

Consider reading: Path Train Newark Penn Station to World Trade Center

Local Disruptions can be a real nuisance. Vehicles have to stop and wait for coal trains to pass at railroad crossings, which can be life-threatening if an ambulance or fire truck gets stuck waiting.

This can be frustrating for people trying to get home, to work, or to a local business. They may have to wait 30 minutes for a train to pass, which can be a huge inconvenience.

Noise pollution from coal trains is another issue. The loud rumbling and horns required at every railroad crossing can cause sleep disturbances, stress, and development problems in younger children.

Dust can be a major issue in our community, and it's not just a nuisance, it's a serious problem. Coal dust is a major contributor to this issue, and it's incredibly fine, making it easily blown off of coal trains.

Up to 500 pounds of coal dust comes off of each car, and with an average of 130 cars per train, that's 65,000 pounds of coal dust per train in just one trip. This amount of dust is staggering and can have severe consequences.

The coal dust blown off of trains causes contamination of nearby water sources, farmlands, and other ecosystems. This can lead to serious health risks for people living nearby.

The dust can also build up on railroad tracks, which can lead to a train derailing. This can be a disaster waiting to happen, and it's a risk that's very real.

Local Disruptions can be a real nuisance. Vehicles have to stop and wait for coal trains to pass at railroad crossings, which can be life-threatening if an ambulance or fire truck gets stuck waiting.

This can happen multiple times a day, causing huge inconvenience for people trying to get home, to work, or to a local business. The delay can be as long as 30 minutes.

Noise pollution from coal trains is also a problem. The loud rumbling and horns at every railroad crossing can cause sleep disturbances, stress, and development problems in younger children.

The constant noise can be overwhelming, making it difficult to relax or enjoy quiet time in your own home.

North Dakota is a significant player in the lignite market, with BNSF-served surface mines providing a steady supply of the fossil fuel.

The lignite field in North Dakota is part of the Great Plains coal area, which is known for its high-quality deposits. Heat values of the lignite in this area range from 6,500 to 7,000 BTU/lb.

Locally, the lignite is primarily burned by power plants to generate electricity. This is because the lignite is well-suited for use in stokers, coal-fired units, and cyclone furnaces.

Utah is a key state in the railroad industry, with BNSF Railway having access to local coal mines through Utah Railway, a connecting carrier.

Mines are accessed by Utah Railway through two loadout facilities, Wildcat and Savage Coal Terminal.

Utah Railway interchanges coal trains with BNSF at Provo, Utah (westbound) and Grand Junction, Colorado (eastbound).

Curious to learn more? Check out: Bnsf Coal Train Derailment

Local disruptions can have a ripple effect on our daily lives, and it's essential to be prepared. Flooding from heavy rainfall can cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

In areas prone to flooding, it's crucial to have a plan in place to ensure safety. For instance, knowing the flood risk in your area can help you make informed decisions about where to live and work.

Having a emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies can be a lifesaver during a disaster. According to the article, a minimum of 3 days' worth of supplies is recommended.

If you're in a flood-prone area, it's a good idea to elevate your home or business to avoid water damage. This can be a costly but effective measure to protect your property.

The health impacts of coal trains are a serious concern. Exposure to PM2.5 emitted from these trains can have devastating effects on local communities.

For the roughly 262,000 people exposed, an increase in PM2.5 can lead to additional hospital admissions for heart disease, with 28 extra admissions per year. This represents a 3 to 6% increase over current levels.

The health impacts are not limited to heart disease; an increase in PM2.5 can also lead to 22 new cases of asthma each year.

Pneumonia is another health issue affected by coal train emissions, with 17 additional cases per year. This is a concerning statistic, especially considering the vulnerable populations that may be affected.

The cumulative effect of these health issues is staggering, with 58,000 additional days of asthma attributable to coal train transit each year. This is a significant burden on individuals and communities.

Under a less severe scenario, the health impacts would be about 50% lower. However, even this reduced scenario is still cause for concern.