Old Dude
06-23-2006, 09:47 AM
U.S. cities consider rail bans to thwart terror
June 23, 2006
BY MIMI HALL
USA TODAY
At least a half-dozen U.S. cities are considering a ban or limit on rail shipments of deadly chemicals in an effort to prevent terrorists from turning tanker cars into weapons.
The restrictions would apply to rail cars carrying lethal chemicals through populated neighborhoods. Industry figures show 1.7 million carloads of hazardous material are shipped each year.
"I cannot imagine an easier way for Al Qaeda to fulfill its goal than to take out a tank car," said Fred Millar, an environmentalist who helped get a ban -- the nation's first -- passed in Washington last year. The rail industry is fighting the ban in court.
Among cities that might ban or limit shipments: Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Las Vegas and Buffalo.
...
About 100,000 carloads of hazardous material being hauled each year contain "toxic-by-inhalation" chemicals that could quickly form a devastating cloud over a city. According to the U.S. Naval Research Lab, 100,000 people could be killed or injured in one attack.
The rail industry opposes efforts to reroute trains because longer routes increase the chance of accidents and injuries, said Peggy Wilhide of the Association of American Railroads.
In Cleveland, Councilman Matthew Zone wants rail companies to send toxic shipments through less-populated neighborhoods. "There are in excess of a million people living and working less than a quarter-mile" from toxic cars, he said.
William Flynn of the Homeland Security Department said security assessments have been conducted in five cities but admits the measures may not stop an attack.
....
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060623/NEWS07/606230414/1009
June 23, 2006
BY MIMI HALL
USA TODAY
At least a half-dozen U.S. cities are considering a ban or limit on rail shipments of deadly chemicals in an effort to prevent terrorists from turning tanker cars into weapons.
The restrictions would apply to rail cars carrying lethal chemicals through populated neighborhoods. Industry figures show 1.7 million carloads of hazardous material are shipped each year.
"I cannot imagine an easier way for Al Qaeda to fulfill its goal than to take out a tank car," said Fred Millar, an environmentalist who helped get a ban -- the nation's first -- passed in Washington last year. The rail industry is fighting the ban in court.
Among cities that might ban or limit shipments: Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Las Vegas and Buffalo.
...
About 100,000 carloads of hazardous material being hauled each year contain "toxic-by-inhalation" chemicals that could quickly form a devastating cloud over a city. According to the U.S. Naval Research Lab, 100,000 people could be killed or injured in one attack.
The rail industry opposes efforts to reroute trains because longer routes increase the chance of accidents and injuries, said Peggy Wilhide of the Association of American Railroads.
In Cleveland, Councilman Matthew Zone wants rail companies to send toxic shipments through less-populated neighborhoods. "There are in excess of a million people living and working less than a quarter-mile" from toxic cars, he said.
William Flynn of the Homeland Security Department said security assessments have been conducted in five cities but admits the measures may not stop an attack.
....
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060623/NEWS07/606230414/1009