SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Lac-Magentic disaster has brought a number of issues to the forefront, including emergency preparedness.
New Brunswick rail traffic is on the rise, with tanker cars loaded with crude oil passing through a number of small communities with only modest volunteer fire departments on hand.
WATCH: The crude oil on the train that derailed and exploded in Lac-Megantic Que. was destined for the Saint John oil refinery
In Grand Bay-Westfield, the trains run regularly right through the center of town.
The community’s volunteer fire department has three full-time firefighters and more than 40 volunteers trained in a number of different areas, including hazardous materials.
The Grand Bay-Westfield department also works with other fire departments in the area. So, if a major tragedy were to break out, they can quickly call for assistance from nearby Saint John and Welsford.
Read also: Tensions high in Lac-Megantic as railway head angers residents
In Rothesay, they have a similar situation.
Tanker trains run right through populated areas, which is a concern for deputy mayor Dr. Nancy Grant.
“I’ve counted cars and my personal high number of cars is 82, and they’re almost all tanker cars,” she said.
One area of particular concern is the Kennebecasis Park neighborhood.
There is only one entrance to the 350 homes located there and that’s at a rail crossing.
“We have a partially-built emergency access road that can accommodate an emergency vehicle one way, one car at a time. But, in terms of being able to send multiple vehicles two directions and to evacuate the community we’re in trouble.” Grant explained.
Rothesay town council has asked staff to study the rail situation, to find out what is being carried in the cars, how fast they go, and how many are coming into town.
Comments