Knowing what chemicals ride the rails is crucial in
preparing for accidental spills, says a citizens’ coalition for
environmental health in Alberton, a small northwestern Montana
town. The group formed after a Montana Rail Link train derailed,
exposing the town of Alberton to chlorine and leaving some
residents with lingering health problems (HCN,
4/28/97).
Long after their evacuation and return,
residents say they still don’t know what chemicals regularly ride
the rails through their town. Now the group is circulating a
petition asking railroad companies and Congress to enforce
citizens’ right to know how often hazardous substances pass through
their communities. “Volunteer firemen (who responded to the
Alberton spill) were heroes but they had no idea what they were
getting into,” says Lucinda Hodges of the
coalition.
For more information or to see a
petition, visit www.wildrockies.-org/cmcr/Campaign/ acceh.html, or
contact Alberton Community Coalition for Environmental Health, P.O.
Box 8733, Missoula, MT 59807 (406/728-7572), e-mail
chlorina@marsweb.com.
* Taffeta
Elliott
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Spills and secrets.
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