TRRAAC holds the opinion that a rail yard is never ideal when located within populated areas. To say that an evacuation area containing one population is better than an evacution area that contains a different population is self-serving at best. Whenever anyone's health and well-being is put at risk it is unfortunate and to be avoided. We also realize that a location that would avoid population centers in Lancaster County would be difficult, if not impossible to achieve.
However, each evacuation and accident impact radius has its own pros and cons, unrelated to population. We submit that the alternative location (See "A Better Location") TRRAAC is suggesting provides increased access for responding emergency personnel due to better developed road infrastructure surrounding the area. Conversely, F&M's, LGH's, and Norfolk Southern's proposed plan hinders and limits available access points for first responders.
The existing yard at Dillerville Road is serviced by a full-time professional fire department. The proposed yard will be moved into an area serviced by volunteer community fire departments. We value the excellent skills and commitment of our community volunteers, but what is proposed will place additional burdens on groups that are already short on funds, time for needed educational activities, and personnel. TRRAAC is suggesting this shift in responsibilities is not the wisest in regard to overall public safety.
Additionally, both the 1-mile and ½-mile radius footprints of an area potentially affected by a spill or fire at the proposed dump site location could significantly create traffic grid-lock in the surrounding areas on either side of that emergency. The real possibility of having to shut down Route 30, the busiest artery in the area, would result in traffic issues that would seriously affect emergency responders and any evacuation plans
initiated by public officials.
With this in mind, TRRAAC again appeals to the community at large to stand with us. Please speak to and write to our community leaders that there is a better solution for ALL.
Thank you.
TRRAAC