The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based in Atlanta says in a new report that railroad shipments of hazardous chemicals should be routed away from densely populated areas whenever possible to avoid accidents
like the one that killed nine people in South Carolina this earlier this month.
The Jan. 6 train collision in Graniteville, S.C., released toxic chlorine gas that forced the evacuation of more than 5,400 people and caused 529 to seek medical care, according to the Atlanta Constitution.
The agencies pointed out that about 800,000 shipments of hazardous substances travel daily throughout the United States by truck, rail, airplanes, boats and pipelines. Railroads account for about 4,300.
In its story, Atlanta Constitution said that last year, community leaders in the District of Columbia requested legislation to force railroads and truckers to obtain permits to transport chlorine, ammonia and other hazardous materials through Washington, D.C. The D.C. Council rejected the idea, saying it would not have withstood a court challenge by railroads, which opposed the measure.
Now, the paper noted at least one D.C. councilwoman said the South Carolina accident should increase the chances that the council would approve the ban when it is reconsidered next month.