An Excess of Train Derailments

November 5, 2008 by dmetraintruth

Recently there have been an alarming number of train derailments in our region, a majority of them coming from Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) and Iowa, Chicago & Eastern (IC&E) rail lines.

  • On October 29 there was an IC&E derailment in downtown Dubuque, Iowa.  Eight cars jumped off the track spilling grain.
  • On October 23 there was a DM&E derailment in Cavour, S.D.
  • On October 8 a DM&E locomotive and six tank cars carrying ethanol derailed and overturned in Dyersville, Iowa.
  • On September 16 there was a DM&E derailment near Minnesota City, Minn., spilling over 30,000 gallons of soybean oil.

There have also been a string of derailments from other major railroad companies in our region.

The reasons for each of these derailments vary from human error to track malfunctions, but one constant remains – train accidents happen. Trains derail and they derail often. FRA statistics state that a train derails in the U.S. about every 3.4 hours.

Increasing speeds and carrying hazardous materials only adds to the potential for a disaster. The citizens in each of the towns are lucky none of the trains hauling hazardous materials that could have spilled during the derailments but with such a high number of derailments happening we have to wonder when some towns’ luck will run out.

 

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CP’s safety and the DM&E

October 8, 2008 by dmetraintruth

On Sept. 30, 2008, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced the approval of Canadian Pacific’s acquisition of the DM&E railroad. The new owners will take over in a few weeks and assume responsibility to improving the safety of the DM&E railroad.

Yesterday it was announced that Kevin Schieffer has left DM&E to “explore other opportunities”. CP running the railroad has got to make it safer than DM&E management ever did. Right? 

The article posted today by a Canadian news pub calls into question CP’s safety record. Several CP union officials have been vocal about CP’s unsafe joint bars and the lack of responsibility CP is taking to prevent a potential safety disaster. The article reports that the wearing of the joint bars and not fixing or replacing them a timely manner could lead to train derailments. Hopefully this is just an oversight on CP’s part, but it brings up concerns on what we can expect as far as safety improvements for CP’s newest railroad, the DM&E.

The Edmonton Journal reported:

Concerns they have raised about joint bars being damaged by passing trains have fallen on deaf ears, they say, and failure to address the problem may have tragic results.
 
One union official in Alberta called it a disaster waiting to happen.
 
To me, this is a piece of dynamite and the fuse is halfway burned off,” said Henry Helfenbein, Teamsters Rail Conference Pacific region director.
 
“We truly feel that there is a concern for safety in general, and I personally feel that it is not a matter of if something will happen, but when.”

One CP union member cites his thoughts on the reason behind the lack of proactive fixing:

“This is an issue of them [CP] putting profits before safety; of them trusting good luck and gravity to keep the trains on the rails,” said Brehl, who represents 3,500 rail maintenance workers. “This is a problem that’s systematic that could be leading to the increasing number of derailments. It’s getting worse and worse every day and they are putting it off year after year. I think it has got to get fixed and it has got to get fixed now.”

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Train derailments

September 15, 2008 by dmetraintruth

 

This past Friday, September 12, 2008 a Metrolink passenger train collided with a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, California. It has been confirmed in news reports that 25 Metrolink passengers died, 135 were injured, 40 which were critically injured. In statements made by a Metrolink spokeswoman, the train crash and derailment was caused by human error. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the accident.

 

The Los Angeles Times reported:

Federal officials investigating Friday’s fatal Metrolink train crash focused Sunday on whether a signal that should have alerted the engineer to stop the train was working properly, and whether it went unheeded.

 

…The Metrolink train “blew through” a switch controlling a junction with a railroad siding closest to the accident site. A data recorder said the Metrolink train was traveling at 42 mph when it passed the switch.

The Associated Press also reported:

A commuter train engineer who ran a stop signal was blamed Saturday for the nation’s deadliest rail disaster in 15 years, a wreck that killed 25 people and left such a mass of smoldering, twisted metal that it took nearly a day to recover all the bodies.

 

Firefighter Searcy Jackson III, a 20-year veteran and one of the first to pull bodies from the wreckage, said he had never seen such devastation. The 50-year-old said his team pulled one living passenger from the train and cut the mangled metal to remove about a half-dozen bodies.

The train derailment in Chatsworth, Calif. has impacted the nation and catapulted rail safety into the public domain but the reality is derailments caused by human error happen all the time.

 

This morning, DM&E rail cars derailed in Minnesota City, Minn., fortunately, the cars contained no hazardous materials, it was not in a highly populated area and no one was injured.

 

The Winona Daily News reported:

A Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern train derailed on Monday morning, shortly before 8, leaving 16 train cars overturned and no one injured.

The accident happened near Highway 23 in Minnesota City, Minn.

Clean-up crews are expected to be on scene by late morning to start the recovery process. Ten cars filled with soybean oil were overturned and the other six cars were carrying grain.

 

 

Earlier this morning in Mankato, Minn., a Union Pacific freight train car derailed because the switches had been moved and cars came off the tracks.

KEYC-TV reported on this derailment:

Human error is to blame in a train derailment in Mankato this morning…That, according to authorities. It happened around 9:00 near the rail yard at Poplar and ‘D’ Street. Company officials with the Union Pacific say a couple cars jumped the tracks when a switch was changed while a train was in the middle of backing into another siding.

In conclusion – train accidents happen, and they happen frequently.

 

 

 

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East Side Pioneers Neighborhood Association on the DM&E CP Merger

August 26, 2008 by dmetraintruth

The Eastside Pioneers Neighborhood Association (ESPNA) is a neighborhood based group of citizens out of Rochester, MN. Many of the residents live in close proximity to the DM&E tracks that run through the city. ESPNA voice Micheal LaPlante wrote recently on his concern about increased rail traffic following the Aug. 22 Burlington Northern Santa Fe hazmat derailment that forced evacuations within a half-mile area of Luther, Okla.

LaPlante writes:

The ESPNA cannot help but be concerned by such incidents as cited above [BNSF derailment]. The Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DME) railroad corridor passes through our densely populated community, including our neighborhood. We have a number of homes in close proximity to the DME railroad tracks and have not forgotten the derailment that occurred within our neighborhood association a few years ago. We are also well aware that the DME currently transports a number of hazardous materials through our neighborhood, including ethanol.

Our fears of such a catastrophe happening here are not allayed by the acquisition of the DME by the larger, more apt CP, but are only heightened by the very real possibility that within a month, the Surface Transportation Board (STB), may very well likely be giving their blessing to a disaster in the making.

We have heard rumors that once the acquisition is approved things could move rather quickly. The ESPNA does not want this hastily, ill-considered juggernaut passing through our city or our neighborhood. It is unconscionable to even consider such a proposition. We are concerned that the union between the DME, an historically irresponsible railroad and the CP, a railroad with deep pockets, may spell real trouble for us as this will more than likely give more impetus to an already dangerous situation.

Even the CP, a Class I railroad, with a markedly better safety and operational record than the DME, has had a catastrophic accident. Recall the CP anhydrous tanker accident in Minot, ND, six years ago, resulting in one death and several hundred injuries. With this in mind, it is rather chilling to read statements made by the CP regarding the poor condition of the DME railroad. There’s so many problems with the current DME railroad that the CP openly acknowledges that they do not have enough capital on hand to immediately and adequately address the needed improvements. The CP even appears helpless to rectify the situation. It is openly acknowledged that in all likelihood there will be gaps, for some time in the future, in needed safety implementation and improvements on the CP-DME railroad corridor.

Our fear is that the STB is just as infatuated as both railroads are with the risky Powder River Basin proposal so much so that they are willing to overlook multiple problems just to approve the acquisition and that our neighbors may end up paying for it with our property and our lives.

For the complete posting, visit RNeighbors.

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DM&E Trains to Increase Speed in Huron, S.D.

August 21, 2008 by dmetraintruth

Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern train speeds will be increasing in the Huron, S.D. area. DM&E said they have completed upgrades to the track in the area and will be increasing from the current speed of 15 mph to 40 miles mph in 5 mph increments starting at the end of August.

The Plainsman reported

DM&E said the increased speeds are expected to improve public traffic flow and grade crossing safety by enhancing train traffic movement through the area. Statistics show that more highway-rail grade crossing collisions occur at slower train speeds.
  
At the same time, slower train speeds can cause traffic delays as trains occupy street or highway crossings for longer time periods. Motorists are required to yield to trains approaching or occupying railroad grade crossings at streets and highways. 

The Plainsman neglected to mention that faster trains contribute to collisions at crossings because motorists have less time to make a good decision and often misjudge the train’s speed. Additionally, higher speed produces bigger accidents with greater consequences, especially when those trains are barreling highway-rail grade crossings.

In a derailment at 10 to 15 mph, a few cars usually jump the track and some might tip over. In a derailment at 45 to 60 mph, dozens of cars typically accordion, obliterating a swath of real estate and people. Adding hazardous materials creates potential for an accident that could kill or injure thousands of people.

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Train Blocks Crossing

August 11, 2008 by dmetraintruth

An IC&E train blocked an intersection for more than 40 minutes in Manly, Iowa causing a delay for drivers. The stopped train was the result of having to manually operate switches in the area. The crossing at Highway 9, a two-lane highway became a turn-around zone for many drivers.

The Mason City Globe Gazette reported on train stopping regulations:

According to the Iowa Office of Rail Transportation, no wait at a crossing should be longer than 10 minutes under normal circumstances under the Iowa Code.

However, there are several exceptions, said Diane McCauley, marketing and policy administrator for the offices.

Blockages can be legally extended, for instance, when a train is disabled or it is the only way to avoid striking an object or person on the track. There are times when a train can only travel, according to a safety regulation, at a certain speed. Mechanical failure can prolong blockages.

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The City of Brookings Purchases Two Homes

August 6, 2008 by dmetraintruth

The city of Brookings, South Dakota, recently approved the purchase of two homes along the DM&E rail line. The plots will be used to build a potential overpass in the event DM&E starts moving Powder River Basin coal in from Wyoming. 

The Brookings Register reports:

The City of Brookings is in the residential rental business. By two separate , 7-0 rollcall votes at its Tuesday meeting , the City Council approved the purchase of two properties :

- 368 22nd Ave. S., owned by Greg Kastner and Jennifer Kastner, went for $149,900; and “¢ 2150 Derdall Drive, the former home of the late Dwight Adams and Nevorah Adams, went for $172,500. Behind the purchases was the city’s watchful waiting to see what happens as the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad continues planning that could daily bring 34 mile-long-plus coal trains through the heart of Brookings and right past the two purchased properties.

Explaining the rationale for the purchases, City Manager Jeffrey Weldon said, “If and when the city at some point in the future decided that it was needed to have a land bank, that would provide for additional space to construct an overpass as a solution to the railroad safety at the intersection of the D M & E Railroad and 22nd (Avenue).” He described the properties as “two residential parcels across the street from each other.”

KELOLAND-TV reports:

City officials have approved the purchase of two homes in an area where it may be necessary to build an overpass if the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad begins running coal trains from Wyoming.

One home will be bought for $149,900 and the other for $172,500.

City Manager Jeffrey Weldon says the two homes could be leveled at some point if the land is needed for an overpass.

The South Dakota War College blog also reported on the purchases:

Curiously enough, one of the homes (the one for $172,500) belonged to the widow of Dwight Adams, a long-time and vocal opponent of the DM&E expansion.

This purchase by the city is a novel approach which would have normally been handled through eminent domain procedures.  Now, each party gets a big fat check, and gets to walk away from land that’s somewhat stigmatized for being on the tracks because of the expansion which “someday may happen.”

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IC&E Train Derailment in Southern Minnesota

July 29, 2008 by dmetraintruth

Early this morning, an Iowa, Chicago & Eastern (IC&E) train derailed in Brownsville, Minn., resulting in more than 20 cars going off the tracks and four tanker cars plunging into the Mississippi River. Reports from the scene state at least one of the four tanker cars is carrying ethanol and is now leaking into the river. 

IC&E is owned by the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) railroad - a railroad with a reputation of poor safety and high derailment rates - and links onto the DM&E line in Southern Minnesota. According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, DM&E/IC&E had 245 train accidents in the past four years. DM&E logs one of the worst safety records among the nation’s largest railroads, with a train accident rate 6 times higher than the national average.

Several Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin media outlets are covering the derailment and hazardous materials teams in the Twin Cities have been summoned to respond to the environmental impact of hazardous materials contaminating the river.

WEAU-TV reports:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says a hazardous materials team is trying to get to a shutoff valve on a tanker. That tanker is leaking ethanol. The Department of Natural Resources is also on the scene.

The Houston County, Minn. Sheriff’s Department says Highway 26 is closed from Brownsville, Minn., to New Albin, Iowa. The trail derailed near the Highway 249 intersection in Reno, Minn. Highway 249 is also closed from Reno, Minn., to Freeburg, Minn.

Sheriff Dave Brand of neighboring Winona County says 28 cars went off the tracks. Four of them are tanker cars, carrying ethanol. All four of those tankers are in the Mississippi River. No one was hurt.

The Rochester-Post Bulletin reports (Video Included):

Minnesota Highway 26 between Brownsville and New Albin, Iowa, is closed because of the derailment of 20 cars of an Iowa, Chicago & Eastern train.

The Houston County Sheriff’s Department said the derailment was reported at 5:22 a.m. There are no known injuries, the department reported, and traffic is being detoured around the area.

 Original article by: The Associated Press

KAAL-TV reports:

A train derailment in southeastern Minnesota could be related to the failure of the wooden railroad bridge.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Doug Neville says it’s not clear if the privately owned bridge collapsed under the train, or if derailed cars took it out.

He says the derailed train is owned by the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad, but it’s also unclear if that railroad also owns the bridge.

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Public Pressure Affects CN Rail Merger

July 24, 2008 by dmetraintruth

According to news reports, the Canadian National Railway may be having second thoughts about acquiring the Elgin Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railway Co. and expanding its tracks due in part to public opposition to the project. The CN/EJ&E’s acquisition has garnered a lot of unwanted public attention since combining the two railroads will mean an increase of freight traffic along Chicago’s suburban rail lines. Community members have been staging a public war on the proposal and are requesting bypasses. Even Sen. Obama has joined the opposition. Brent Jang from Globe and Mail reports:

CN announced in September that it had struck a tentative deal to buy the strategic Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. for $300-million (U.S.), hoping to bypass train gridlock in Chicago’s core by rerouting traffic through EJ&E’s suburban tracks.

 

But Hunter Harrison, CN’s chief executive officer, said the railway isn’t wearing blinders when it comes to the deal, which would clear the way to speed up shipments across its network, including from the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia to the Memphis hub.

 

“Would we ever walk? Absolutely. I mean, we’re good business people,” Mr. Harrison said yesterday during a conference call, noting that CN hasn’t fallen deeply in love with the deal.

 

“We could run this railroad without the EJ&E. We could run it a lot more efficiently with it. But if it gets to the point where the mitigation costs or the timing of the issue is going to drag out for so long. … We’re very good at turning our backs and walking the other way and figuring out another way to skin the cat.”

 

Read full article: CN Says It’s Not Tied to Chicago Deal (Globe and Mail)

 

 

 

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Rochester Group Raises Concerns Over DM&E - CP Project

June 30, 2008 by dmetraintruth

The East Side Pioneers Neighborhood Association (ESPNA), formed by concerned Rochester, Minn., neighbors in early 1997, includes approximately 1160 residents, including home-owners and renters. Close to Rochester’s center, the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DME) railroad corridor would bisect the association. Michael LaPlante, president of ESPNA, recently blogged about the DM&E issue and the concerns the group has with the impending merger with Canadian Pacific.

 

We are alarmed by the course of events surrounding the proposed merger between the CPR and the DME railroads. The Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) denial of the $2.5 billion loan didn’t seem to curb the DME’s infatuation with the risky Powder River Basin project.

 

It is obvious by recent news accounts from South Dakota and Wyoming that the real prize in the CPR-DME merger, is not the inherently unstable ethanol industry as some have intimated but is instead the Powder River Basin project. Property owners are now fighting a particularly aggressive DME railroad that is seeking to seize their land from them, using a tweaked version of eminent domain legislation that will speed the land condemnation process for railroads in South Dakota.

 

LaPlante goes on to say:

 

It is especially worrisome to also note that even the CPR, a Class I railroad, with a markedly better safety and operational record than the DME, has had a catastrophic accident. Recall the CP anhydrous tanker accident in Minot, ND, six years ago, resulting in one death and several hundred injuries. With this in mind it is rather chilling to read statements made by the CPR regarding the poor condition of the DME railroad. The CPR appears helpless to rectify the situation. The CPR acknowledges that they do not have enough capital on hand to immediately and adequately address the needed improvements. It also seems that there will likely be gaps, for some time in the future, in needed safety implementation and improvements on the CPR-DME railroad corridor.

 

Source: RNeighbors blog

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