The Columbia River Gorge Commission this week raised a host of concerns about the transport of coal and oil by rail through the Gorge.
Commissioners voiced those concerns in letters sent to the governors of Washington and Oregon.
The letters come on the heels of a resolution passed unanimously calling for a moratorium on all new fossil fuel transport through the area until a comprehensive risk assessment is complete. The resolution and letters were backed by all 13 members of the bistate commission.
The agency has long heard concerns from the public on the issues of coal and oil transport and decided to add its own voice to the mix, said Executive Director Darren Nichols.
“We want the states to work with the Gorge commission to fully assess the risks of rail transport through the Gorge,” Nichols said. “Our hope is that we’ll be able to avoid and minimize and mitigate the risks.”
Proposed expansions in the transport of coal and oil in the Northwest have drawn strong opposition from residents and advocates who cite safety and environmental implications. But both commodities already routinely move through the region by train.
One of BNSF Railway’s busiest lines travels along the Washington side of the Gorge and Vancouver.
Data recently released by the railroad showed that as many as 18 loaded oil trains can roll through the Gorge and Clark County in a single week.
Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies have proposed building an oil transfer terminal at the Port of Vancouver that would significantly increase that number. An oil boom in North Dakota has led to a surge in the transport of oil by rail in recent years.
The commission’s letters to the governors urged both states to fully evaluate the risks and benefits of fossil fuel transport through the Gorge and ensure that the area is properly protected. The commission also requested meetings with both governors’ staffs no later than Sept. 30.
“Together, we ask for your leadership and investment to keep our communities safe, healthy and prepared, and protect the stunning natural, cultural, scenic and recreation assets of the Columbia River Gorge,” the letter read. “We can address these concerns by working together.”
Among the specific concerns outlined in the letter were loss of river access, recreation conflicts, noise and air pollution. A series of fiery derailments and explosions involving oil trains since last year has also raised the specter of a major disaster occurring in the Northwest.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge, an advocacy group that opposes the transport of coal and oil by rail through the region, welcomed the commission’s action.
“We’re pleased to see the Gorge commission join the many communities along the routes for oil and coal trains that have spoken out against this threat,” Nathan Baker, staff attorney for Friends of the Columbia Gorge, said Friday.
