HomeMy WebLinkAbout5050 RESOLUTION NO. 5 0 5 0
A RESOWTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, SEEKING TO PROTECT THE
_ _
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ECONOMIC WELL - BEING OF
LOCAL CITIZENS AND AUBURN'S DRINKING WATER
SUPPLY AND NATURAL RESOURCES FROM THE
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF 1NCREASED CRUDE OIL RAIL
TRAFFIC PASSING THROUGH THE CITY OF AUBURN
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Aubum, Washington is committed' to
theprotection of its citizens, as well as the natural resources on which the City depends;
and
WHEREAS, rail infrastructure in Westem Washington runs through and across
property on which the City depends for its sourae of drinking water, and
WHEREAS, the City Council is concerned about the potential impacts on public
safety and economic disruption from a possible derailment antl sp'ill of crude oil as trains
run through Aubum and the surzounding area; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA) issued a major safety alert on January 2, 2014, declaring that oil obtained in
the Bakken Shale is more explosive; and
WHEREAS, on July 6, 2013, a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac Megantic,
Quebec killing over 40 people, destroying thirty buildings, and requiring the evacuation
of over 1,000 people; and
WHEREAS, on December 30, 2013 a :train carrying crude oil derailed in
Casselton, North Dakota causing violent explosions and a hazardous plume of smoke;
and
Resolution No. 5050
April 1, 2014
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WHEREAS, On January 7, 2014 a train carrying crude oil derailed in New
Brunswick; and
WHEREAS, on December 24, 1991 a train derailed dropping a freight car 80 feet
onto an interstate highway just west of downtown Spokane, Washington, above Latah
Creek;and
WHEREAS, State of Washington and King County officials are starting to review
three new oil-terminal projects that could bring millions of gallons of crude oil a day
through the state, the largest of which is proposed to be at the Port of Vancouver and
could handle as much as 380,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Aubum City Council strongly requests the potential impacts to
Aubum's public safety, water resources, environment, economy, and traffic be studied
by tfie agencies conducting all environmental reViews and request that Aubum be
included in any environmental impact statements pertaining to any project that may
cause increase in associated oil rail traffic travelling through Aubum.
2. The Aubum Ciry Council supports the creation of clear Federal guidelines
for tracking the chemical composition of transported fuels so that local govemments,
citizens and first responders can better understand and plan for the risks associated
with the specific type of fuel flowing through or to their communities.
` 3. The Aubum City Council requests that the Federal Government
immediately implement safety regulations regarding older tank cars, train speeds, and
other identified hazards associated with flammable crude oil.
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April 1, 2014
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4. The Aubum Ci4y Council urges the Washington State Legislature to adopt
legislafion promoting rail safety especially along transportation routes used in the
transport of oil; and calls for the Washington State to coordinate state/govemmental
agencies to study rail-related safety preparedness and capaciry to respond to an
accident involving railcars transporting oil.
5, The Mayor is authorized to implement such administrative procedures as
may be necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation, including reviewing and
commenting on the public emergency response and evacuation plans in the case of a
derailment of an oil train.
, 6. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force upon passage and
signatures hereon.
Dated and Signed this 7�day of , 2014.
CITY OF AUBURN
�h
NCY B S, MAYOR
ATTEST:
,��„� ���
Danielle E. Daskam; Ciry Clerk
APP ED AS FORM:
Da ' B. Heid, Gity Attorney
Resolution No. 5050
April 1, 2014
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