It also has helped to train first responders.Įarlier this year, BNSF and the rail industry agreed to added steps to reduce the risk of moving crude, including lower speeds through urban areas and increased track inspections.Ī train derailment near Casselton on Nov. Since the Casselton derailment, BNSF has staged additional equipment and supplies in Fargo. “We’ve had a lot of support to make things better and provide more training,” said Fargo Fire Chief Steve Dirksen, who serves on a task force assembled by Heitkamp to address challenges posed by the oil and gas boom. “I think this is something we’re going to live with a lot of years.”įirefighters in Fargo, West Fargo and Casselton are among those who have received special training in responding to crude oil derailments. “I don’t think it’s temporary,” Heitkamp said. “It seemed clear to me we needed access to specialized training,” including some available locally, Heitkamp said.ĭespite the clamor for expanded pipeline capacity to reduce the need for oil trucks and trains, she said rail transport of crude likely will continue because of the flexibility it provides, including access to coastal refineries that often pay a higher price. So far, more than 60 firefighters or other responders from North Dakota have signed up. I don’t know why things take so long.”įederal funds helped to train first responders at a training center near Pueblo, Colo., a provision pushed by Heitkamp. “Do I wish we had a tank standard right now?” she asked. Heitkamp also is frustrated that the new standards are not in place, though she said it’s important to have the right standard. “We’ve got to transition to new cars,” said Hoeven, who added he’s been pushing for better tank cars for two years, as well as expanded pipeline capacity to move crude oil. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., believe will be met, but both say shippers and railroads need certainty from Washington about what will be deemed an acceptable standard. Department of Transportation to issue new standards for older tank cars that will be phased out of service or upgraded by Jan. Safety experts have warned for years about the most common rail tanker being susceptible to puncture.Ī funding bill puts pressure on the U.S. “There’s a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes.”Ĭongress is pushing federal regulators to issue proposed new regulations for rail tanker cars, both for a new generation of tankers and to retrofit older models. “I think there’s been a lot of progress made in a year,” said McLean, who is the Casselton fire chief. The same could be said in Fargo, about 18 track miles to the east, and cities all around the nation along rail routes transformed into mobile pipelines carrying large shipments of volatile Bakken crude oil.Īctions prompted by the disaster include increased training for first responders, still-pending new standards to make rail tanker cars more resistant to punctures and upgrades by BNSF Railway of an accident-prone, seven-mile stretch of track running through Casselton.
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