Resolution 1363 Packet7.3
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 06/28/2016
Resolution Urging the Prohibition of Trains Carrying Coal Through Edmonds (5 min)
Staff Lead: Andrew Pierce
Department: City Council
Preparer: Andrew Pierce
Background/History
Trains carrying coal present a health and safety risk to the people and areas immediately adjacent to rail
lines that those trains travel upon. The projected increase in the production of coal is very likely to lead
to an increase in number of trains carrying coal throughout the United States, especially to export
facilities in Washington and Canada. With that increase, the potential for the health and safety affects
posed by trains carrying coal will also increase.
The increased potential for harm caused by trains carrying coal poses a substantial risk to the City of
Edmonds as rail lines that trains use to carry coal to market run through the heart of Edmonds, as well
as, along the shoreline of Puget Sound and other natural areas.
Staff Recommendation
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Narrative
Projected Increase in the Production and Export of Coal from the United States
Despite a decrease in coal production in the United States between 2015 and 2016,
current projections show an increase in national coal production in 2017 by four
percent. (1) A large portion of the coal produced in the United State is shipped for
export to Asia. (2) An increase in the total amount of coal produced will likely increase
the amount shipped via train, and exported from the Canadian export terminals in
British Columbia.
Other than the Longview terminal in southwestern Washington, the majority of coal
export terminal are located in British Columbia, Canada. As it is cheaper to export coal
to Asia through Canada, trains carrying coal for export to Asia must travel through
Edmonds to get to Canadian export facilities in British Columbia. Expansion efforts at
three Canadian coal export facilities evidence preparation for a likely increase. (3)
Any increase in the production and subsequent transportation of coal to export
terminals in Washington and Canada will likely increase the amount of coal train traffic
through Edmonds.
Estimated Amount of Coal Dust Lost During Transit
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Trains carrying coal also carry the threat of harm to the environment and public health and safety due to
the coal dust that is blown from the "open -top hopper" train cars used to haul the coal via rail. Although
many rail companies have implemented procedures that can reduce coal dust lost during transit by an
average of eighty-five percent (4), it is still estimated that coal trains can lose as much as "500 pounds of
coal dust per car for every 500 miles traveled." (5) Railroad industry officials claim that the bulk of coal
dust that does blow from these open -top train cars does so closer to the loading stations and mines and
decreases as the train travels further from the loading terminal, however, similar to other issues
surrounding coal dust emanating from trains, there is no solidly conclusive evidence as to how much
coal dust will actually blow from open -top trains cars carrying coal. Additionally, industry officials claim
that other factors like weather and the speed the train is travelling can affect coal dust loss.
As coal trains typically have over 100 open -top cars in a unit, according to the above estimates, a
possible total of 2,000 pounds of coal dust per day could be released into the environment along the
five miles of rail lines that run through Edmonds. (6) With the projected increase of coal production and
shipping, this estimate could have the potential to increase the amount of coal dust released in
Edmonds.
A lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club and other environmental groups in 2013 sought an injunction to stop
the transportation of coal via rail. As part of that lawsuit, the petitioners submitted evidence of coal dust
and ore discharge and accumulation in several tested areas. As part of the suit, the petitioners
submitted evidence of coal dust discharge from several points along rail lines where trains carrying coal
traverse, including the following two sites: February 27, 2013 (Picnic Point Beach, Edmonds, Puget
Sound); March 1, 2013 (Marina Beach Park, Edmonds, Puget Sound). (7)
While total amounts of coal dust lost from open -top train cars is inconclusive, evidence suggests that the
amount is not zero and, for reasons later discussed, likely is not negligible regardless of how little or how
much is lost in transit.
The Potential Risk to Heath, Environment, Personal Safety posed by Coal Train Transit through
Edmonds
Trains carrying coal through Edmonds pose serious environmental, health, and safety risks. Any increase
in the number of trains carrying coal through Edmonds can only increase the potential manifestation of
those risks.
The trains themselves are powered by diesel engines which release diesel particulates via exhaust. The
health effects from diesel engine particulate matter were the reason that in 2008 the Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") began implementing emissions standards for diesel locomotive engines
manufactured and used in the United States. As stated in a 2008 EPA Regulatory Announcement:
"Locomotive and marine diesel engines contribute significantly to air
pollution in many of the nation's cities and towns. EPA anticipates that
over the next few decades, these engines may account for an even
greater share of overall emissions as other emission control programs
take effect for cars and trucks and other nonroad (sic) emissions
sources. Estimates show that, without the emission reductions from this
final action, by 2030 locomotive and marine diesel engines would
contribute more than 65 percent of national mobile source diesel
PM2.5, or fine particulate, emissions and 35 percent of national mobile
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source NOx emissions, a key precursor to ozone and secondary PM
formation.
As of October 10, 2007, air quality data show that about 144 million
people live in areas that violate air quality standards for ground -level
ozone, also called smog, and about 88 million people live in areas that
violate air quality standards from PM. These pollutants contribute to
serious public health problems that include premature mortality,
aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and
aggravation of existing asthma, acute respiratory symptoms and
chronic bronchitis. Beyond the impact these diesel engines have on our
nation's ambient air quality, exposure to diesel exhaust has been
classified by EPA as being likely carcinogenic to humans. Children,
people with heart and lung diseases, and the elderly are most at risk."
(8)
While the 2008 rule concerning the emissions standards for locomotive diesel engines will reduce the
total amount of diesel engine particulate matter from diesel train emissions, it will not eliminate all
emissions coming from diesel locomotives. A study concerning pollution prevention stated,
"epidemiologic evidence suggests that there may be no safe threshold for fine particulate matter and
that the effects are linearly related to concentration." (9) Despite the EPA's measures to curb
locomotive emissions, the increase in the number of trains traveling through Edmonds can only increase
the level of diesel engine particulate matter released in the environment surrounding the city of
Edmonds.
Coal has been transported via train for decades, but little research has been done on the potential
health effects for people who live near coal train routes. The presence of known toxins in coal dust
(mainly arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metals), as well as, exposure to coal dust, have been linked to
many health problems, including: birth defects, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses like
asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. (10)
While it is certain that people living along coal train routes will likely never be exposed to the levels of
coal dust to which the typical coal miner is exposed, any exposure to coal dust could carry adverse
health effects. Juliet Van Eenwyk, an epidemiologist with the Washington State Department of Health, in
2013 stated; "There could be ramifications for children at lower levels of breathing the coal dust," and
that if they're exposed to air pollution they can suffer from decreased lung function for the rest of their
lives. (11) Regna Merritt, of the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility (a group of doctors who want
Oregon to stop the permitting process for coal exports) speaking on the health concerns of people living
in close proximity to rail lines carrying coal, stated, "If you live near the tracks, that's going to be bad
news for you. For your lungs and your heart. (12)
Although the effects of coal dust in mines has been thoroughly studied for its potential health impacts,
there is no research based evidence that living near rail lines over which trains carrying coal travel is
directly related to any health defects, however, public health officials in Washington say there is enough
risk to merit more testing and research about coal dust from trains. (13)
The risk of coal dust deposited into the air, water, and natural areas abutting the rail lines that run
through Edmonds poses more threats to the environment. A study commissioned by the Environmental
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Protection Agency in 1978 (the most recent study available concerning the effects of coal dust in the
environment) concluded the following:
"Operation of a rail line to transport coal can cause pollutant emissions,
noise, potential for fires, leaching of chemicals and detrimental
aesthetic effects."
"Coal dust will cover the leaves of nearby vegetation and reduce its
photosynthesis capabilities."
"Coal dust could have 'toxic effects on wildlife that might browse on
[coal dust covered] vegetation." (14)
Coal dust not only poses a risk to the environment due to loss during transit, but coal
dust has been proven to degrade the integrity of rail lines thus creating the potential to
weaken tracks and increase the potential for track failure and derailment. A study
conducted by the University of Illinois concerning the effect of coal dust on railroad
ballast strength (a railroad ballast is what would be considered the traditional railroad
tie upon which the railroad tracks sit) concluded that accumulation of coal dust weakens
the structural integrity of rail tracks which caused many of the track failures leading to
derailments close to coal production facilities. (15) Again, while there is no conclusive
evidence as to the environmental harm of coal dust in air, water, or soil, a derailment of
an open top train car carrying coal through Edmonds has the potential to deposit
massive amounts of coal ore into Puget Sound and other natural areas within Edmonds'
borders.
As previously stated, while there is no conclusive evidence as to how much coal dust
may be lost in transit, results from testing done by the Sierra Club and filed as part of
that groups' lawsuit seeking to enjoin coal transport via rail, as well as, industry studies
on the loss of coal dust during transit evidences that the amount is not zero. For the
same reasons that coal dust can be hazardous to human health (the presence of heavy
metals like arsenic, mercury, etc.) it can also be hazardous to the environment while at
the same time causing massive aesthetic problems due to a deposit of coal dust on the
environment and personal property.
ENDNOTES:
1. (See U.S. Coal Production Forecast Chart at < https://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/report/coal.cfm>.)
2. (See U.S. Coal Exports Table at http://www.eia.gov/coal/production/quarterly/pdf/t7p0lp1.pdf.)
3. (See "Coal Association of Canada" website page < http://www.coal.ca/transportation/>, stating "By
early 2013, western -based Westshore, Neptune and Ridley Terminals will see over $1 billion invested in
improvements to the efficiency and capacity of their terminals. This includes the addition of more than
20 million tonnes in coal handling capacity.")
4. (see <http://www.bnsf.com/customers/what-can-i-ship/coal/coal-dust.html>.)
5. (See "How Much Coal Dust Will There Really Be? Cassandra Profita, Ecotrope, July 30, 2012, posted on
Oregon Public Broadcasting website, <http://www.opb.org/news/blog/ecotrope/10753/>)
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6. Estimate based on the following formula: 500 pounds of Coal Dust lost per car over 500 miles equated
to 1 pound lost over 1 mile. Estimates show that 4 coal train units likely pass through Edmonds daily,
each with a minimum of 100 cars. Thus, 1 lb. of coal dust, per car, per mile at five miles of track at four
trains a day at 100 cars per train is (1 X 100 X 5 X 4 = 2000).
7. (See Learn, Scott, "Sierra Club sues over coal dust from uncovered trains in Columbia River gorge,"
The Oregonian, June 5, 2013,
<http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/06/sierra_club_sues_over_coal_dus.html>,
accessed website on June 23, 2016.
8. "Emissions Standards for Locomotives and Marine Compression -Ignition Engines," United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Regulatory Announcement, EPA-420-F-08-004, March 2008.
<https://www3.epa.gov/otaq/regs/nonroad/420f08004.pdf> [emphasis added].
9. (see Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook, 1998: Toward Cleaner Production, Vol. 777, pg.,
204, find at <https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-172/pdfs/2011-172.pdf>.)
10. (See <http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/59cfb38048855493b35cf36a6515bb18/Handbook
AirborneParticularMatter.pdf?MOD=AJPERES>.)
11. (see "Current Intelligence Bulletin 64: Coal Mine Dust Exposure and Associated Health Outcomes,"
joint report by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, April 2011,
<https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-172/pdfs/2011-172.pdf>.)
12. (see "What Coal -Train Dust Means For Human Health," Ashley Ahearn, KUOW, March 10, 2013,
posted on Oregon Public Broadcasting website, < http://www.opb.org/news/article/coal-dust-a-closer-
look/>.)
13. (see "How Much Coal Dust Will There Really Be? Cassandra Profita, Ecotrope, July 30, 2012, posted
on Oregon Public Broadcasting website, http://www.opb.org/news/blog/ecotrope/10753/.)
14. (see "What Coal -Train Dust Means For Human Health," Ashley Ahearn, KUOW, March 10, 2013,
posted on Oregon Public Broadcasting website, < http://www.opb.org/news/article/coal-dust-a-closer-
look/>, Discussing a request made by the State of Washington Department of Health to conduct an
Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal in Cherry Creek, which was
denied permitting in early 2016 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers because it would interfere
with tribal sovereignty.)
15. Ahearn, Ashley, "Coal Dust's Environmental Impacts," KUOW, reported online at Oregon Public
Broadcasting, March 11, 2013, < http://www.opb.org/news/article/coal-dusts-environmental-impacts/>,
accessed June 23, 2016.
16. Tutumler, Erol, William (Zach) Dombrow, and Hai Huang, "Effect of Coal Dust on Railroad Ballast
Strength and Stability," <http://railtec.illinois.edu/CEE/pdf/PPT's/faII08/Tutumluer%20-
%2010_10_2008.pdf>. accessed June 24, 2016.
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7.3.a
RESOLUTION NO. [########]
A RESOLUTION URGING THE PROHIBITION OF THE
TRANSPORTATION OF COAL VIA RAIL THROUGH THE
CITY OF EDMONDS
WHEREAS, the City Council has a responsibility and a duty to protect the health and
safety of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, as a signatory member of the Safe Energy Leadership Alliance ("SELA"), Edmonds
has committed itself to being a regional and national leader in addressing the adverse impacts of climate
change unequivocally linked to the burning of fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, Edmonds has committed itself to protecting the environment and natural
resources of our community, the State of Washington, the United State of America, and the
Earth; and
WHEREAS, the burning of fossil fuels in the production of energy is unsustainable and is
in stark contradiction to the goals of Edmonds to mitigate and combat the effects of climate
change; and
WHEREAS, the transportation of coal ore via rail, and the burning of coal and other
fossil fuels in the production of energy, threatens both the personal health and safety of Edmonds
citizens as well as the health and safety of our natural resources and environment; and
WHEREAS, the coal transported via rail is exposed in open -top rail cars resulting in coal
dust contaminating all areas along the rail lines where coal is transported via train; and
WHEREAS, coal dust contamination has the potential to cause serious growth and
development conditions in children, cardiovascular and respiratory health problems, as well as,
the potential to pose a threat to personal safety and property; and
WHEREAS, all projected estimates evidence a significant increase in the number of coal
trains traveling the rail lines that run through Edmonds to export facilities in the State of
Washington and British Columbia, Canada; and
WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds should join with other cities, localities, states, and
tribal nations in demanding a cessation of the use of fossil fuels for the production of energy and
of the transportation of fossil fuels via rail through populated areas; and
WHEREAS, prior resolutions passed by this Council addressing the issue of the
transportation of fossil fuels via rail have not been adequately addressed by the governments of
the State of Washington or the United States of America, have not led to a decrease in the
transportation of coal and other fossil fuels through our community, and did not account for the
increases in transportation of fossil fuels via rail through Edmonds.
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7.3.a
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, THAT:
Section 1: The City of Edmonds adamantly supports and urges the transition of energy
production away from the consumption of fossil fuels and toward the implementation of a
sustainable, renewable, and environmentally friendly system of energy production.
Section 2: The City of Edmonds opposes the transportation of coal via rail through the
City of Edmonds, along the Puget Sound, and other populated areas.
Section 3: The City of Edmonds strongly urges the United States Department of
Transportation and the United States Congress to prohibit the transportation of coal via rail
through the City of Edmonds and all other populated areas.
Section 4: Copies of this resolution shall be transmitted by the City Clerk to the President of
the United States; the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation; each member of
the United States Congress elected from this State, including: Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria
Cantwell, and Representative Jim McDermott; Governor Jay Inslee; each member of the Washington
State delegation representing the City of Edmonds from Districts 21 and 32, including: Senator
Maralyn Chase, Senator Marko Liias, Representative Cindy Ryu, Representative Ruth Kagi,
Representative Strom Peterson, and Representative Lillian Ortiz -Self.
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