Dr. Ethan Angell: Coal trains elevate health risks
The state of Washington is looking to build the largest coal export terminal in North America. There are many critical reasons why this proposed project is dangerous and irresponsible. As a primary care physician in Spokane, I am most concerned about the many ways in which it will jeopardize the health of huge populations of people locally and afar.
In particular, I am concerned about the coal trains that will accompany the proposed Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview, and how this increase in new congestion will affect the health of residents.
The damage to human health resulting from this increase in train traffic, particularly trains transporting coal, is not hypothetical or abstract. It is real, based in science, and it will be suffered by people all along the rail lines every day.
The Millennium coal export terminal is estimated to export 44 million tons of coal overseas, and will create 37.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of adding 8 million passenger vehicles to the road. Once mined, the coal will be loaded daily into eight additional coal trains, totaling an extra 2,000 train cars.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s website estimated that up to 500 pounds of coal from each rail car could be lost in the form of coal dust as it travels its route, a bulk of which will fall in our communities along the rail routes before getting to the port. Coal dust contains lead, mercury, nickel, tin, arsenic and other heavy metals. Exposure to coal dust has been linked to decreased lung capacity, increased childhood bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema and heart disease.
More exhaust fumes emitted by the trains as they rumble through Spokane would also have a negative health effect on Spokane. Diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen and increased train traffic would negatively impact lung health.
In addition to the chronic daily impact on health, there will be catastrophic events that will occur more randomly. Wait times to cross the rails as trains pass will increase dramatically. A single, slow-moving coal train can obstruct a rail crossing by six minutes or more. This will delay emergency vehicles that cross the lines every day. Imagine if your loved one were the one on the wrong side of the tracks in this emergency situation.
These concerns are not just isolated to our rails. As many of us know, the Columbia River, along with its pristine beauty, is a source of livelihood for many who fish the river, as well as recreation. Like railways, the increase in barging traffic will make navigating the river harder. As is the case with local communities, the coal dust that falls from the boats will pollute the river and threaten the wildlife that calls the river home. It also threatens a way of life and deep culture of the region that has shaped and defined the identity of the Pacific Northwest.
The glory days of the coal industry are over and not returning. The proposed Millennium coal export terminal will create train and boat congestion, pollute our air and water and threaten our health, without long-term economic development.
Spokane must be heard. Let the Washington Department of Ecology and the coal industry know that our health is not for sale by submitting comments at millenniumbulkeiswa.gov.
Dr. Ethan Angell is a primary care physician in Spokane.