The freight rail system in the United States is composed of over 100,000 miles of railroad track that stretches throughout every major city as well as thousands of smaller sized communities, transporting millions of tons of freight every day. Shipments that travel throughout the system include toxic materials that pose a significant risk to public safety. Every year, between 1.7 and 1.8 million carloads of hazardous materials are transported by rail throughout the US, including chemicals such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia. These chemicals often pass through densely populated areas, raising significant concern over the security of the freight system, which remains a viable target for terrorists due to the vast size of the infrastructure, and numerous opportunities for potential attack.
Hazardous chemicals are often transported in pressurized tanks, which if ruptured would produce catastrophic results. While fatality estimates caused by such an event vary, a 2004 US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report indicated that the release of chlorine from a pressurized tank could result in the death of 17,500 individuals and injure another 10,000, in addition to the tens of thousands who would be forced to evacuate the area.
Current Security
Current security for the freight rail system is viewed as inadequate, despite heightened measures implemented following the September 11, 2001 attacks. While the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) does enforce federal regulations that require carriers to implement security plans, many of these measures remain voluntary, to include criminal background checks and formal liaisons with emergency response agencies. Many freight rail providers have implemented additional voluntary measures, such as conducting vulnerability assessments and providing security and intelligence training to their employees.
However, the openness of the US rail system presents significant challenges to authorities, and there is often minimal security along railway lines. Tanks are frequently left in unmonitored rail yards for several days at a time while they are awaiting delivery to a final destination.
Proposals Spark Debate
Security proposals submitted in federal, state and local city council legislation have sparked numerous deliberations regarding the most reasonable method for increasing freight rail security.
One debate centers on legislation passed by the District of Colombia in 2005 that bans freight carriers with shipments of hazardous chemicals from traveling through the center of the city. While the legislation has not gone into effect due to an ongoing lawsuit by CSX Transportation, several additional cities such as Atlanta, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are considering similar measures. The federal government as well as rail companies are opposed to such legislation, and have stated that the measure would not eliminate threats but rather shift them to other areas. In addition to high costs incurred, rerouting would be difficult in many major cities, as the hazardous chemicals are often destined for these locations.
Other security proposals have included measures that would require freight carriers to give pre-notification to local authorities of any hazardous material traveling through the area. The freight industry currently notifies local officials of the top 25 hazardous materials likely to be transported through their community. Representatives from the industry have argued that pre-notification would be extremely difficult and costly due the large quantity of materials, as well as frequent last-minute changes in shipments. In addition, pre-notification could increase the accessibility of information on the location of hazardous materials, and thereby decrease overall security.
Moving Forward
As significant vulnerabilities remain along the US freight rail system, it is necessary for new security measures to be developed and implemented. In particular, an attack and or/accident involving hazardous chemicals transported on the system would result in devastating consequences. Cohesive requirements that increase coordination and communication between all authorities and officials involved are needed in order to secure this critical infrastructure.
