Not many people know that that one of the toxic chemicals at play in the recent East Palestine, Ohio train wreck (vinyl chloride) was destined for Pedricktown, New Jersey.
Fewer likely remember how, back in 2012, a Paulsboro, New Jersey train derailment resulted in 20,000 gallons of vinyl chloride being dumped in Mantua Creek. Many members of the South Jersey community believe they’re still grappling with the impact of the 11-year old disaster.
One South Jersey legislator says it’s a cautionary tale as a proposed Glassboro-Camden rail line enters into the initial development phase.
“The Ohio train derailment served as a grim reminder for residents of Gloucester County who have headaches, nausea and lifelong health problems from the exposure to toxic chemicals following the 2012 Paulsboro incident. And now we know the Ohio train’s toxic freight was destined for a South Jersey plant. More rail lines will just put more residents at risk,” said Assemblywoman Beth Sawyer (R-3).
The 18-mile line has the support of the Delaware River Port Authority and NJ Transit but local opposition in both red and blue towns remains palpable.
“I support responsible rail shipping and mass transit, but I refuse to needlessly subject South Jersey residents to more harm,” Sawyer added. “Ripping up the old rail lines will cause chemicals to leak into our water, destroy our nature trails and hurt our communities. There are safer ways to connect residents to where they need to go without putting a diesel train in their backyard.”
Sawyer’s proposed alternative is a “Bus Rapid Transit” system connecting Philadelphia to Gloucester County.
“It is my duty to protect my constituents and be a voice for South Jersey,” Sawyer continued. “We don’t want or need the GCL’s proposed route or its negative societal and environmental impacts.”
