Res 2028 - Opposing Coal TrainsCOUNCIL BILL NO. 2925
RESOLUTION NO. 2028
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE TRANSPORTATION OF COAL FOR EXPORT THROUGH
THE CITY OF WOODBURN
WHEREAS, in October 2011, the international Port of Coos Bay signed an
exclusive negotiating agreement with an anonymous company interested in
building a new terminal and shipping 6 to 10 million tons of coal per year to Asia.
The coal would be strip -mined on public lands in the Powder River Basin (PRB) of
Wyoming and Montana; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Coos Bay has indicated that as many as four coal
trains a day — two full and two empty — would pass through Woodburn. Each
train would have four locomotives hauling approximately 14,750 tons of coal.
Trains are allowed to travel up to 45 mph through Woodburn and the coal dust
would be widely disbursed beyond the tracks. Coal dust particles vary in size
but some are smaller than a single human red blood cell, and can penetrate
the nose, upper respiratory system and travel deep into the lungs and lead to
irreversible lung disease. More than 45,000 residents in Marion County already
suffer from asthma, bronchitis and emphysema; and
WHEREAS, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and
research in other communities, there is a likelihood of significant negative
impacts on local residents' health, economy and water quality. Property values
along railroad tracks already suffer a diminished value, and this would further
decrease the value. Even slight decreases in property values may significantly
erode property tax revenues used to support City services; and
WHEREAS, even though coal dust can be reduced by 85 percent with the
application of a "surfactant" applied at the mine, this still leaves up to 4.5 to 66
tons of potential "fugitive coal dust" that would be emitted along forests, farms,
rivers and urbanized areas in the Woodburn region. Coal dust contains toxic -
heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic and lead, all known to have serious
adverse health impacts on people of all ages, particularly children. These heavy
metals, as well as emissions from the diesel - powered engines, are linked to
increases in cancer, bronchitis, emphysema, black lung disease and birth
defects ; and
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Resolution No. 2028
WHEREAS, mercury and other toxic air pollutants produced from burning
coal in Asian nations have been shown to adversely impact the Northwest's air,
water, fish and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, each coal train would block local streets for at least 10 minutes
or more per day, which potentially would slow response times for police, fire and
ambulance services. In addition, once Union Pacific upgrades its Portland to
Eugene line, train speeds will increase. Coal trains will be held to a speed limit of
around 55 mph, which will increase the opportunity for more train - related
accidents; and
WHEREAS, shipping coal has lasting effects on Oregon because it
encourages China to continue to rely on inefficient coal -fired plants that send
pollutants to Oregon. It also undermines the U.S. manufacturing sector. Exporting
coal will cause the loss of Oregon jobs; and
WHEREAS, derailment is more likely in coal trains than in other trains.
Because many homes and businesses in the Woodburn area are in such close
proximity to the rail alignment, a coal train derailment could result in significant
property damage to residents or business owners in the area; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY OF WOODBURN RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds that allowing coal trains to pass through
Woodburn is not compatible with the City's efforts to improve air quality,
enhance public health and promote local food production.
Section 2. The City Council finds that allowing trains or barges to pass
through the state of Oregon transporting coal in the volume and of the type
planned is not compatible with the environmental future desired by our City
residents.
Section 3. The City Council finds that all applicable federal, state and
local laws protecting public health, safety and air and water quality should be
enforced to protect citizens from the adverse effects of coal trains and barges.
Section 4. The City Council fully supports Governor John Kitzhaber's
request that a federal agency prepare a programmatic and comprehensive
environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy
Act to look at the unprecedented number of coal export proposals pending in
the Pacific Northwest, as well as the potential effects in this country of the use of
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Resolution No. 2028
coal in Asia. Now is the time for conducting a programmatic EIS, before
substantial and irreversible commitments of resources are made.
Section 5. The City Council joins the call for review of a comprehensive
independent Health Impact Assessment before any permits are approved for
any proposed coal export project.
Section 6. The City Council directs that a copy of this resolution shall be
sent to Governor Kitzhaber, Senators Wyden and Merkley, Congressman
Schrader, Secretary of the Interior Salazar, Secretary of the Army McHugh,
General Temple of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and all local state
legislators.
Approved as to form:
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City Attorney
4{l3 /zOi1'
Passed by the Council
Submitted to the Mayor
Approved by the Mayor
Filed in the Office of the Recorder
ATTEST:
4ea Pierson, City Recorder
And "DLL
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Resolution No. 2028