FRA response draws criticism

By Howell Dennis

CITY EDITOR

CROWLEY – The recent train derailment in Lafayette, which resulted in the evacuation of over 3000 people, brought to light a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulation
which has begun to draw some criticism.

After 9/11, the FRA decided to implement a rule not to divulge which dangerous chemicals are carried on trains. The reasoning behind their decision was to keep information regarding these toxic substances away from terrorists.

However, in situations like the spill in Lafayette, the FRA’s rule has some obvious drawbacks. Lafayette firefighters did not know of the derailed train’s contents until they were en route to the scene of the accident. One of the derailed cars contained hydrochloric acid, a highly toxic chemical, which spilled from the its tanker. Two other cars carried fatty alcohols and one contained ethylene oxide. The resulting spill created a toxic cloud which luckily caused no serious injuries.

Many people are concerned about these trains which pass through neighborhoods, business districts, and other populated areas. Residents can only find out what type of hazardous materials travel through their area if they take the time to write down the numbers on the orange triangular sign which signifies that a train is carrying a hazardous material. Also, railroad officials are only required to tell residents what chemicals a train is transporting in the event of a spill.

When speaking with Crowley Fire Chief Jody Viator, he produced a book containing pictures of all the different placards which are displayed on railcars which identify a railcar’s contents. Though it would be nearly impossible for anyone to recognize each of these placards on sight, Viator offered a much more simple point of view.

“Even if we don’t know the specific material that each car is carrying the placards on each car indicate clearly whether it is hazardous,” he said. “Our job is to immediately assess the situation and to protect the public.”

The Crowley Fire Department has three members who are educated in different aspects of hazardous materials training.