May 1, 2014
m. 202-‐423-‐0504
Betsy Nicholas, Executive Director of Waterkeepers Chesapeake issued this statement about the CSX train derailment and crude oil spill and explosion on the James River in Lynchburg, Virginia yesterday:
“Our thoughts are with the residents
of Lynchburg and first responders as they deal with this explosion
and toxic oil spill. Thankfully no one was injured.
Upper James Riverkeeper Pat Calvert has an office
about 150 yards from the crash site. He and Lower James
Riverkeeper Jamie Brunkow responded
immediately and are now assisted
by staff from Waterkeeper Alliance, Shenandoah Riverkeeper and other local
Waterkeepers. They will monitor the impact on the river
and assist in the clean
up and future mitigation of this toxic
oil spill.
This train derailment in downtown Lynchburg is a stark reminder that we need a national discussion about
the safety and regulatory oversight of the transportation of hazardous materials through populated areas and sensitive
environmental areas, especially along rivers that supply drinking
water to cities such as Richmond.
We agree with Pat Calvert,
Upper James Riverkeeper, who wants
to see a larger discussion on what is appropriate for us to be transporting by rail, especially along our rivers.
The amount of crude oil being transported by rail has grown exponentially due to the fracking boom. The federal
rule making and oversight has not kept up.
In addition to the Lynchburg derailment, yesterday our region
experienced a coal train derailment near Bowie, Maryland, and a sink hole that compromised CSX train tracks
near Baltimore. These incidents along
with the other train explosions involving
crude oil in the U.S. and Canada over the past year are more than enough
of a wake up call.
We need a true assessment of the risks and costs of our reliance
on dirty fossil fuels
and real protections for our waterways.”
Read
James River Association’s statement here: http://www.jamesriverassociation.org/what-‐we-‐ do/Publications/press-‐release/TrainDerailmentPressStatement.pdf
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Waterkeepers Chesapeake is a coalition of nineteen independent programs working
to make the waters of the Chesapeake and Coastal
Bays swimmable and fishable. We amplify
the voices of each Waterkeeper and mobilize our organizations to fight pollution and champion clean water. The members of Waterkeepers Chesapeake work locally, using grassroots action
and advocacy to protect their communities and their waters, as well as regionally to expand each Waterkeeper’s capacity for
on the water, citizen-‐based enforcement of environmental laws in the Chesapeake
region.
Facebook @WaterkeepersChesapeake
Twitter @WaterkeepersCP
