The Dangers of Uncovered Train Rail Cars Transporting Industrial Waste: A Growing Concern in Fostoria, OH

In the quiet town of Fostoria, Ohio, a troubling environmental issue is brewing just a stone’s throw from the community. The culprit? Uncovered train rail cars transporting industrial waste, including hazardous fly ash, to the local landfill operated by Win Waste Innovations, formerly known as Sunny Farm Landfill. These rail cars, which sit on tracks for up to 12 hours before being moved to the landfill located just half a mile away, pose a significant threat to the environment and public health—especially when it rains.

The Risks of Uncovered Rail Cars in Wet Conditions

One of the most alarming aspects of this situation is the exposure of industrial waste to the elements, particularly rain. When water runs through these uncovered rail cars, it can carry with it hazardous compounds found in the waste, draining into nearby ditches and streams. This process, known as leachate formation, can introduce a cocktail of toxic substances into the environment, with potentially devastating consequences.

Hazardous Compounds Found in Industrial Waste

Industrial waste transported to landfills often includes a variety of hazardous materials. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion in power plants, is one of the most common and dangerous types of waste found in these shipments. Fly ash can contain a number of harmful compounds, including:

  1. Heavy Metals:
    • Arsenic: Known to cause cancer, skin lesions, and cardiovascular disease.
    • Lead: Can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, leading to cognitive impairments and developmental delays.
    • Mercury: A potent neurotoxin that can cause brain and kidney damage, and affect fetal development.
    • Cadmium: Associated with kidney damage, bone fractures, and lung cancer.
  2. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10):
    • These fine particles can be easily inhaled, leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and exacerbating conditions such as asthma.
  3. Silica:
    • Chronic exposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis, a severe lung disease, and increase the risk of lung cancer.
  4. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs):
    • These organic compounds are known carcinogens, and prolonged exposure can lead to skin, lung, bladder, and gastrointestinal cancers.
  5. Dioxins and Furans:
    • Highly toxic environmental pollutants that can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones, and also cause cancer.
Environmental and Health Hazards from Contaminated Runoff

When it rains, the risk of these hazardous substances being washed out of the rail cars and into the surrounding environment becomes significant. This runoff can lead to:

  1. Contamination of Surface Water:
    • Rainwater carrying toxic leachate can flow into ditches, streams, and rivers, leading to the contamination of local water bodies. This not only affects aquatic life but also poses a risk to human health if the contaminated water is used for drinking or irrigation.
  2. Groundwater Contamination:
    • Over time, contaminated surface water can seep into the ground, polluting the groundwater supply. In communities that rely on wells for drinking water, this could lead to serious health issues.
  3. Soil Contamination:
    • The chemicals in the leachate can accumulate in the soil, making the land unsuitable for agriculture and potentially leading to the bioaccumulation of toxins in crops grown in contaminated soil.
  4. Airborne Contaminants:
    • Dry fly ash and other particulate matter can become airborne, especially on windy days or during the transport process. Inhalation of these particles can cause respiratory problems and long-term lung damage.
Local Impact: The Case of Fostoria, OH

In Fostoria, the situation is particularly concerning. The rail cars filled with industrial waste sit uncovered on tracks, often for up to 12 hours, before being moved to the landfill just half a mile away. During this time, any rainfall can cause significant amounts of water to percolate through the waste, leading to the formation of leachate. Given the proximity of the rail cars to local water sources, this poses a direct threat to the environment and the community.

Residents of Fostoria and surrounding areas could be at risk of exposure to these hazardous substances, either through contaminated water, soil, or air. The long-term health implications, including increased rates of cancer, respiratory diseases, and other chronic conditions, cannot be overlooked.

The Need for Immediate Action

The dangers posed by uncovered rail cars transporting industrial waste are clear and present. To mitigate these risks, Win Waste Innovations, along with regulatory bodies, must take immediate action to ensure the safety of the community and the environment. Key steps should include:

  1. Covering Rail Cars:
    • Rail cars transporting hazardous waste should be securely covered to prevent exposure to rain and the subsequent runoff of toxic substances.
  2. Improved Monitoring:
    • Regular monitoring of the water quality in nearby ditches, streams, and groundwater sources should be conducted to detect any signs of contamination.
  3. Community Engagement:
    • Win Waste Innovations should engage with the local community, providing transparency about their operations and taking proactive measures to address residents’ concerns.
  4. Regulatory Oversight:
    • State and federal environmental agencies need to enforce strict regulations regarding the transport and handling of industrial waste to prevent such environmental hazards.

Conclusion

The uncovered transport of industrial waste, including fly ash, in Fostoria, OH, is a significant environmental and public health concern. The potential for hazardous runoff during rain events poses a direct threat to the community’s water sources, soil, and air quality. Immediate action is required to prevent long-term damage and protect the health and well-being of the residents of Fostoria.