The Long and Winding Route by Freight Rail
November Light - French Azilum, PA
Brian Keeler Studio, www.briankeeler.com
In 2020 a Trump administration rule lifted the long-standing ban on LNG rail transport, allowing it to be transported on the nation’s railways;
New Fortress Energy LLC projects making 3.5 to 4 million gallons per day of LNG.
A rail car holds 30,680 gal. That equates to over 100 filled rail cars per day, which would likely move as a 100-car unit (cars all of same type) train.
Even a “small-scale operation (DOE definition of <51.75 Bcf per year, equates to 1.7 million gallons of LNG. Daily, 170 ISO containers could be transported by fright rail carriers.
References:
Tunkhannock, a Community in Peril
Click images to view full size.
Railroad at grade crossing
Report Hazards (no pun intended)
Track condition
Bridge condition
Hauling LNG by train
Rail hauling of tanker cars has not gotten safer.
Report by FracTracker Alliance: On the Wrong Track: Risks To Residents Of The Upper Ohio River Valley From Railroad Incidents.
Dec. 2023: According to the report, there were 742 rail incidents in the tri-state region of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2023, a bit more than four per week. Over 14 million people in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia live within one mile of rail lines used to transport hazardous materials. 423 hospitals are located within one mile of rails in these three states, with populations that would be difficult to evacuate in an emergency situation. There are 12,791 schools and child-care centers within one mile of railroad tracks in the tri-state area, serving more than 2.2 million children.
https://www.fractracker.org/2023/12/on-the-wrong-track-risks-to-residents-of-the-upper-ohio-river-valley-from-railroad-incidents/
Derailments rose at the top five freight railroads in 2023, according to regulatory reports for the first 10 months of the year, the most recent period for which data exists for all five companies. And there was a steep increase in the mechanical problem — an overheated wheel bearing — that regulators think caused the derailment of the 1.75-mile-long train in East Palestine. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/28/business/ohio-train-derailment-safety-east-palestine.html
3 Trains Involved In Collision, Derailment In Lower Saucon: NTSB. March 2, 2024. Officials said three trains were involved in a collision, causing multiple cars to derail and at least one to go into the Lehigh River. https://patch.com/pennsylvania/bensalem/s/iv3mg/train-derails-into-lehigh-river-in-northampton-county-officials
Freight Train Collides with Cement Truck. September 2023.
https://patch.com/pennsylvania/levittown/freight-train-collides-tractor-trailer-middletown-twp
In May 2022, 17 tanker cars derailed in Harmar Township in western PA.
https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/epa-all-tankers-train-derailment-harmar-township-removed-creek/RC3K2NNJ2FCKPIUD6CORP7UHTA/
On Dec. 2, 2022 a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Marysville, Perry County, with a rail car falling off a railroad bridge onto road below.
https://www.wgal.com/article/norfolk-southern-train-derails-car-falls-off-bridge-marysville-perry-county-pennsylvania/42133587#
On May 11, 2023 outside off New Castle, PA, nine railcars from a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed, with no hazardous chemicals on board and no reported injuries, fire department and company officials said.
https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-train-derailment-norfolk-southern-d4e81aa3adab99f2602e9b3b57379f6b?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=e3cfb301-1779-42f1-ad24-21fd61816f80
A train derailment in Whitemarsh Township, July 17, 2023, spilled a full rail car of polyethylene pellets
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/whitemarsh-train-crash-cleanup-tetrachloroethylene-plastic-pellets-urea-20230717.html
The Rail Routes of the LNG
If the federal government does not suspend and then reverse the 2019 LNG-by-rail rule, LNG could move on various routes.
Likely rail route through Northeastern PA
FracTracker Alliance interactive map of rail routes, incidents, schools and hospitals.
Satellite views drill down on Reading, West Conshohocken, North Philadelphia; and Pennsauken, Camden, Gloucester City, Westville, Woodbury, and Gibbstown, NJ.
Reading and Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN)
LNG by rail history
Bulk transport of LNH by rail in cryogenic rail cars was not allowed in the United States until June 2020. Here is the history.
New Fortress Energy (aka Bradford County Real-Estate Partners) prepared an industrial site in Bradford County for a plant that will make LNG from fossil gas received from area pipelines. Their projection is for a production volume of 3.5-4 million gallons daily, that will fill, daily, a unit train of 100 cryogenic rail cars (30,000 gallons each) or 300-400 ISO containers (10,000 gallons each). ISO containers can go by truck or rail. The LNG will be transported to Gibbstown, NJ, for loading onto ships.
Starting point
Federal hazardous materials regulations do not allow LNG shipments by rail, except with a special permit. Currently the only in-use special permit is on the Florida East Coast Railway for movement of LNG in ISO containers from NFE’s Hialeah liquefaction facility to Port Miami and Port Everglades for export. (4, 5)
Executive Order 13868. The Trump administration issued Executive Order 13868 in April 2019 that directed the Transportation secretary to propose a rule allowing liquefied natural gas to be shipped in cryogenic rail tank cars. (6)
Rail Special Permit. Special Permit SP 20534
Energy Transport Solutions LLC (ETS), a logistics subsidiary of NFE, requested and received (December 5, 2019) special permission to move LNG by rail in a 50-year-old cryogenic tank car design (DOT-113C120W) which has never been authorized for LNG hauling, and without safety testing for LNG. The special permit requires training of emergency responders along the rail routes, but does not specify the route, name these responders, designate responsibility for training costs or how preparedness will be assured; or clarify liability in the event of a catastrophe. (7, 8, 9)
The proposal was likely an industry test balloon to see if it could ship gas by rail instead of pipelines. (31)
Expiration and renewal request.
The Special Permit was not used and had an expiration date of Nov. 30, 2021. (10)
ETS applied for an extension on Nov. 29, 2021. (11, 12, 13)
On April 24, 2023, PHMSA denied renewal of the special permit.
SPECIAL PERMITS DATA—DENIED
Permit # 20534–R
Energy Transport Solutions LLC
To renew authorization for the transportation in commerce of methane, refrigerated liquid in DOT specification 113C120W tank cars. (8)
Federal Rulemaking
On Oct. 24, 2019 as a response to the same Executive order 13868, PHMSA promulgated federal rulemaking to remove the decades-old prohibition on movement of LNG via rail cars, anywhere in the U.S. The comment period closed on Dec. 23, 2019. (15) The rule was issued on June 19, 2020. (16) Compared to the Special Permit granted to ETS, the rulemaking required a route analysis, structural requirements for rail cars, and other transportation measures. But there have been no realistic crash, derailment, or puncture tests, and the PHMSA logic used risk analysis, which does not rule out loss of life.
Objections to the rule change came from numerous commenters. (18, 19)
Suspension of the LNG by rail rule: On Nov. 8, 2021 PHMSA opened a comment period to solicit comments on suspending the LNG-by-rail rule. The comment period closed Dec. 23, 2021. (20) PHMSA referenced concerns received about public safety in announcing the suspension. Fifteen Attorneys General wrote to PHMSA urging prompt suspension. (21) Citizens sent a petition to the Biden administration in May 2022. (23)
Ohio train derailment prompts new calls to block natural gas transport plan. 2.15.23 (26)
Congressional representatives from Pennsylvania urge Biden Administration to permanently ban rail shipments of LNG, warning of the risk of an explosion and catastrophe along a densely populated route. 3.3.23 (27, 35)
Local emergency responders are not equipped and certified to handle hazmat situations if a train handling chemicals derails here. Evacuation will be needed until it burns out. Bradford County currently contracts its hazmat response team from the Harrisburg area. If such a derailment happens in Wyalusing. 3.8.23 (28)
U.S. DOT still hasn’t suspended rule allowing shipping LNG natural gas by rail, including a proposal in PA. Communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania demanded an immediate return to a ban on LNG-by-rail. Eighteen New Jersey municipalities, eleven Pennsylvania local governments, and two Delaware municipalities have passed resolutions against LNG-by-rail. (29)
Senator Corey Booker sends letter to Pete Buttigieg requesting swift action to pause implementation of a Trump Administration rule that allowed bulk transportation of LNG by railcar anywhere in the nation. (34)
PHMSA announces suspension of suspension of the Hazardous Materials Rule Authorizing Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail (AF-55) and timetable to amend rules (AF-54). (36, 37, 38)
As of November 1, 2024, Federal Rulemaking has not commenced.
References:
1. Protect Northern PA describes project beginnings. https://protectnorthernpa.org/about-us
2. SEC. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1749723/000114036120024135/0001140361-20-024135-index.htm
3. Gibbstown Logistics Center Plans to Export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) https://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/sites/default/files/Fact%20Sheet%20Gibbstown%20LNG%202022.pdf
4. Fearing catastrophe, national nonprofit asks Broward to ban LNG shipments at Port Everglades.
https://www.floridabulldog.org/2022/01/national-nonprofit-asks-broward-ban-lng-shipments-port-everglades/?mc_cid=275f95fb03&mc_eid=25f65d3293
5. Biden moves to slow use of trains to haul hazardous LNG, but Trump’s permits let LNG ‘bomb trains’ roll on Florida EastCoast tracks. https://www.floridabulldog.org/2021/11/biden-moves-to-slow-use-of-trains-to-haul-hazardous-lng-but-trumps-permits-let-lng-bomb-trains-roll-on-fec-tracks/
6. Executive Order. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/04/15/2019-07656/promoting-energy-infrastructure-and-economic-growth See. Sec. 4 (b)
7. Special Permit. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/safe-transportation-energy-products/liquefied-natural-gas-transportation-rail
8. Federal Register. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-04-24/pdf/2023-08590.pdf (See page 24846)
9. Risk managers and regulators repeatedly have said that data assessing the safety of transporting LNG by rail do not exist because it’s never been done before. LNG Rail Tank Cars: The Few and the Unknown. By Chris Mele, February 12, 2021. For Delaware Currents. https://delawarecurrents.org/2021/02/12/lng-rail-tank-cars-the-few-and-the-unknown/
10. DOT SP-20534. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/safe-transportation-energy-products/72906/dot-20534.pdf
12. Last-minute special permit renewal sought for Gibbstown project. By Chris Mele. December 3, 2021.
https://delawarecurrents.org/2021/12/03/last-minute-special-permit-renewal-sought-for-gibbstown-project/
13. New Fortress doubles down on LNG-by-rail permit. By Chris Mele. December 17, 2021. For Delaware Currents. https://delawarecurrents.org/2021/12/17/new-fortress-doubles-down-on-lng-by-rail-permit/
15. Proposed rule. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/24/2019-22949/hazardous-materials-liquefied-natural-gas-by-rail
16. Final rule. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/us-department-transportation-issues-final-rule-safe-transportation-liquefied-natural-gas-rail
18. Fifteen states oppose Trump plan to allow LNG shipments by rail. January 14, 2020. https://apnews.com/aa38504df0fe3adc250a379608fec2fa
19. Several justice and environmental think tanks oppose LNG by rail
https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/comments-expert-statements-lng-by-rail.pdf
20. Opening of comments to suspend LNG-by-rail. https://www.regulations.gov/document/PHMSA-2021-0058-0002
21. Fifteen Attorneys General urge suspension of federal rule for LNG-by-rail. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/AG/Press_Releases/2021/Comments-of-State-Attorneys-General-on-Proposed-Suspension-Rule-12-23-21.pdf
23. In May 2022, petitions signed by 15,157 individuals were submitted today to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, calling for action to prohibit the transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by rail. https://earthworks.org/releases/petitions-delivered-to-biden-administration-to-reinstate-the-national-ban-on-transporting-lng-by-rail-put-the-public-first/
24. DOT/PHMSA. RIN: 2137-AF54. Publication ID: Spring 2022. Title: Hazardous Materials: Improving the Safety of Transporting Liquefied Natural Gas. Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations governing transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in rail tank cars. This rulemaking action would incorporate the results of ongoing research efforts and collaboration with other Department of Transportation Operating Administrations and external technical experts; respond to a mandate in Executive Order 13990 for PHMSA to review recent actions that could be obstacles to Administration policies promoting public health and safety, the environment, climate change mitigation; and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on rail transportation of LNG. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202204&RIN=2137-AF54
26. Ohio train derailment prompts new calls to block natural gas transport plan. Energy company wants to transport liquified natural gas from Pennsylvania for export overseas. February 15, 2023 https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/02/15/ohio-derailment-prompts-new-calls-to-block-south-jersey-bomb-trains/
27. Lawmakers Urge Biden Administration to Permanently Ban Rail Shipments of Liquefied Natural Gas. Warning of the risk of an explosion and catastrophe along a densely populated route, congressional representatives from Pennsylvania ask a federal agency to finalize a rollback of a Trump-era rule. March 3, 2023 https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03032023/lng-rail-shipments/
28. 28. What’s the Plan if a Train Carrying Chemicals Derails Here? March 8, 2023 https://www.rocket-courier.com/pageview/viewer/2023-03-09#page=0
29. U.S. DOT Misses Deadline To Suspend Rule Allowing Shipping LNG Natural Gas By Rail, Including A Proposal In PA. March 13, 2023 http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2023/03/us-dot-misses-deadline-to-suspend-rule.html
30. Future of Gibbstown-LNG project remains far from certain. A pending federal ruling about LNG by rail is one of numerous puzzle pieces still needed for the project. March 10, 2023 https://delawarecurrents.org/2023/03/10/gibbstown-lng-by-rail/
31. Biden denies ‘bomb train’ permit to ship liquid gas through populated areas. Gas giant New Fortress Energy’s cars would have taken a route from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, hauling its explosive cargo. April 30, 2023 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/30/bomb-train-us-transportation-department-pennsylvania
34. Senator Cory Booker letter to Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg. June 2, 2023. https://www.booker.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senator_bookers_letter_to_dot_on_lng_by_rail.pdf
35. Seven members of Congress’ letter to Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, Feb. 24, 2023. https://houlahan.house.gov/uploadedfiles/finalized_lng-by-rail_phmsa_rule_-_pennsylvania_members_letter.pdf
36. Suspension of HMR Amendments Authorizing Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail. A Rule by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. 09/01/2023. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/01/2023-18569/hazardous-materials-suspension-of-hmr-amendments-authorizing-transportation-of-liquefied-natural-gas
37. DOT/PHMSA RIN: 2137-AF54. Publication ID: Spring 2022. Title: Hazardous Materials: Improving the Safety of Transporting Liquefied Natural Gas. Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations governing transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in rail tank cars. This rulemaking action would incorporate the results of ongoing research efforts and collaboration with other Department of Transportation Operating Administrations and external technical experts; respond to a mandate in Executive Order 13990 for PHMSA to review recent actions that could be obstacles to Administration policies promoting public health and safety, the environment, climate change mitigation; and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on rail transportation of LNG. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202310&RIN=2137-AF54
38. DOT/PHMSA RIN: 2137-AF55. Publication ID: Fall 2023. Title: Hazardous Materials: Suspension of HMR Amendments Authorizing Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas by Rail. Abstract: PHMSA, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to suspend authorization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation in rail tank cars pursuant to a final rule published on July 24, 2020, pending the earlier of either completion of a companion rulemaking evaluating potential modifications to requirements governing rail tank car transportation of LNG, or June 30, 2025.