A state Department of Ecology report that includes recommendations for actions to protect the public in light of oil and coal transportation by rail throughout the state was delivered to state legislators on Monday.
The Legislature requested the study, which also addresses public health and safety, environmental concerns and tribal treaty rights, based on recent changes in how crude oil moves through rail corridors and Washington waters.
“Hopefully it will inform other agencies on what is safe with this type of transportation,” Ecology Spills Communications Officer Lisa Copeland said.
The Marine and Rail Oil Transportation Study is in draft form (available at http://ift.tt/1yDp4xn) and details 40 recommendations including 12 key recommendations:
• Adequately fund the state’s spill prevention, preparedness and response program.
• The hiring of eight full-time employees for additional inspection.
• Allow inspectors to enter a private shipper’s property.
• Hire three full-time Ecology planners to develop and maintain response plans.
• Continue funding for assessing oil transportation risks.
• Enhance and provide oil spill response and first responder firefighter equipment.
• Require local authorities to submit hazardous materials plans and updates every four years.
• Allow designated first-class cities to opt in to the railroad crossing inspection and enforcement program.
• Provide funding for railroad and road reviews of high-risk crossings.
• Issue certificates of financial responsibility to ensure that those transporting oil can pay for cleanup costs and damages resulting from oil spills.
• Direct Ecology to develop regulations requiring rail oil spill contingency plans and participation in drills.
• Direct Ecology fire marshal’s office to analyze the need for response teams, their equipment, training, location and funding. It should include start-up and recurring cost estimates for the teams.
The key recommendations did not see significant change since their release in October.
Preliminary findings and recommendations were released on Oct. 1 and two public meetings were held in Spokane (Oct. 28) and Olympia (Oct. 30) with large crowds gathering for both meetings to voice their opposition to rail transportation of crude oil and coal throughout the state.
Gov. Inslee already has asked agencies to begin drafting legislation based on the preliminary findings and recommendations, Copeland said.
While little has changed as far as key recommendations, the comments have influenced change overall, she said.
“The tug escort brought up during the public meetings is not one of the 12 recommendations, but it’s already being talked about being bounced around in the Legislature,” she said.
The Department of Ecology coordinated with the Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division to research and compile the report. The Federal Railroad Administration and the Washington State Department of Transportation also contributed.
A final report will be presented to the Legislature on March 1, 2015.
No other public meetings will be held, however, the department still is accepting email comments that will be used to help inform future projects and reports, Copeland said.
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