Brian Barton
Railroads and river routes have historically been vital transportation arteries, but they have also raised concerns about pollution and its impact on the environment and nearby communities. While railroads have long been considered more environmentally friendly than road traffic, they are not without their environmental impact. The burning of fuels, the use of lubricants and other fluids, and the transportation of various goods by rail all contribute to air, soil, and water pollution. River routes, on the other hand, have their own set of pollution concerns, with chemical run-off, sewage, and industrial waste being key issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution from railroads | Diesel exhaust, toxic pollution, Particulate matter (PM), Nitrogen oxides, Noise, Light, Vibration, Soil pollution, Water pollution, Air pollution, Heavy metals, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) |
| Pollution from river routes | N/A |
| Communities impacted by pollution from railroads | Communities of color, Low-income communities, Residents near railyards, rail lines, ports, Residents near freight routes |
| Efforts to reduce pollution from railroads | California's rules to fund cleaner locomotives, EPA's heavy-duty vehicle pollution standards, Engineering structures to reduce noise and vibration, Soil pollution mitigation techniques |
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What You'll Learn
Locomotive exhaust and diesel pollution
Diesel trains may expose passengers, especially those sitting directly behind the locomotive, to elevated levels of certain pollutants. A study by the University of Toronto's Engineering department found that commuters in these seats breathe in exhaust levels nine times higher than on a busy city street. The study measured the concentration of airborne particles using instruments that detect black carbon (BC) and ultrafine particles (UFP).
The health effects of exposure to diesel exhaust are well-documented. Both BC and UFP have been linked to detrimental health effects, particularly on respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive health. Diesel exhaust has been classified by the EPA as a likely human carcinogen, providing strong evidence that emissions from locomotives significantly impact public health and welfare.
To address locomotive and diesel pollution, there have been efforts to implement new technologies and emission standards. The EPA has proposed a comprehensive program to reduce emissions from locomotives and marine diesel engines, aiming for very large emission reductions in PM and NOx. Locomotive companies are also transitioning to improved emissions standards and electrified services, which will eliminate diesel emissions.
While river routes are not mentioned explicitly in the context of locomotive exhaust and diesel pollution, it is evident that locomotive pollution adversely affects the health of nearby communities and passengers alike. The impact of diesel pollution from locomotives on communities and the environment is a pressing issue that requires attention and mitigation strategies.
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Soil pollution
In Poland, for instance, investigations have been conducted in the area of the railway junction Iława Główna, located about 200 km north of Warsaw. This region, covered mostly by forests and lakes, is relatively clean due to the absence of heavy industry. However, the analysis revealed strong contamination with PAHs and heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg, Fe, Co, Cr, and Mo. The highest levels of PAH contamination were found in the railway siding and platform areas, exceeding average control levels by up to 80 times.
Similar studies have been extended to other regions in Poland, including Białystok Fabryczny, Siemianówka, Hajnówka, and Waliły. The results indicated that the most toxic soils were found on the railway tracks at Białystok Fabryczny and Siemianówka, posing significant ecological risks. The contents of oil-derived substances in these toxic soils were comparable to those observed after a massive oil spill in the Niger River delta, emphasizing the potential environmental hazards caused by railway pollution.
In Serbia, along the Serbian Railroad in the Srem district, soil samples were analyzed for PCBs and heavy metals. PCBs were detected in most sampling locations, with a mean total concentration of 0.0043 ppm dry weight, ranging from 0.0005 to 0.0227 ppm. Heavy metals such as Cu, Co, Zn, and Ni were also prevalent in the areas near the railroad. The most polluted areas were found within a 1-kilometer radius of the railroad and nearby railway stations.
The impact of railway transportation on soil pollution extends beyond the immediate surroundings of the tracks. Communities living along freight routes, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and communities of color, bear the brunt of transportation pollution. Locomotive exhaust contains particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, contributing to poor air quality and adverse health effects.
To address these issues, various engineering structures and mitigation strategies have been proposed. For instance, rail dampers, under-sleeper pads, and noise barriers help minimize noise and vibration. Additionally, washing with water and cleaning the ballast are employed to mitigate soil pollution. While these measures provide some relief, more comprehensive action is needed to protect communities and the environment from the detrimental effects of railway-related soil pollution.
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Water pollution
Railroads and river routes have historically been associated with water pollution, among other environmental concerns.
Railway transportation is a source of both organic and inorganic pollution. In Poland, for instance, investigations have been carried out to study the contamination of soil and plants with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the area of the railway junction Iława Główna. The results provided evidence that railway transport was the source of the contamination. Similar studies have been conducted in Serbia, where samples were taken from the soil near railroad tracks and stations to analyze the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals. The findings indicated that railway transport was a potential source of these pollutants.
In addition to soil pollution, railroad activities can also impact water bodies. Railways can cause water pollution through the release of pollutants into nearby water sources. For example, PCBs, which are toxic chemicals, have been introduced into the environment through improper disposal and leaks from electrical equipment, including locomotive transformers. These PCBs can then enter streams and rivers, contaminating the water and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Furthermore, the use of diesel fuel by trains contributes to water pollution. Diesel exhaust contains particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. When released into the atmosphere, these pollutants can eventually find their way into water bodies through precipitation, affecting water quality and contributing to aquatic pollution.
River routes have also been associated with water pollution due to the discharge of pollutants directly into rivers and the impact of shipping activities. For example, the Mississippi River, which is a major waterway for shipping and transportation, has experienced increased levels of pollution, particularly from railways and road traffic. The burning of fossil fuels by ships and the release of pollutants into the water can have detrimental effects on water quality and aquatic life.
To address these issues, efforts are being made to reduce emissions and improve air and water quality. For instance, California has implemented rules to fund cleaner locomotives, which could help reduce pollution levels and protect communities living near railroad infrastructure. Additionally, there is a growing focus on expanding and electrifying railway systems, which have the potential to reduce emissions and provide environmental benefits. By transitioning from trucks to railroads for freight transport, there is a possibility of improving air and water quality, particularly in regions heavily impacted by transportation-related pollution.
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Air pollution
In addition to the direct emissions from locomotives, the interaction between emitted particulates, gases, and meteorological conditions can lead to the creation of ambient pollution. This results in air pollution not being confined to the immediate vicinity of railways but spreading across the region. However, the impact of freight transportation on air quality can be mitigated by transitioning from trucks to railroads. Studies have shown that replacing thousands of trucks with railcars can lead to a decrease in pollutant concentrations, particularly along highways. This suggests that utilising railroads more extensively may improve air quality by reducing emissions.
While rail transport is often considered more environmentally friendly than road traffic, it does contribute to organic and inorganic contamination. This contamination arises from various sources, including lubricating oils, condenser fluids, the transportation of oil derivatives and chemicals, and the use of herbicides. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals are two of the most significant types of pollutants associated with railway transport. PAHs, in particular, possess high toxicity, stability, and cumulative effects in the environment, and they have been linked to carcinogenic and mutagenic impacts on living organisms.
The impact of railway transportation on air pollution has been observed in Poland, where investigations have been conducted near railway junctions and along railway routes. These studies have revealed contamination of soil and plants with heavy metals and PAHs, indicating that railway transport is a contributing factor to environmental pollution. Similar findings have been reported in Serbia, where the presence of PCBs and heavy metals in the soil near railroad tracks and stations has been detected.
To address locomotive pollution, the EPA has an important role in implementing and updating pollution standards and regulations. In the United States, the Biden administration has an opportunity to advance environmental justice and tackle climate pollution by strengthening heavy-duty vehicle pollution standards, including those for railroads. Additionally, transitioning to cleaner locomotives, as California has been pursuing, can be a pivotal step towards decarbonisation and improving air quality for communities affected by locomotive emissions.
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Health issues
Railroads and river routes have different impacts on the environment and human health. While river routes are associated with water pollution, railroads are a source of air, water, and soil pollution.
Air Pollution
Railroads are a significant source of air pollution, particularly in the United States, where freight trains emit more carbon pollution than many states. Locomotive exhaust contains pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to human health. These pollutants are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and other dangerous health issues. Communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by this type of pollution as they often live and work near freight railroad infrastructure.
Water Pollution
Railway transportation has also been linked to water pollution. Investigations in Poland, for instance, found evidence of contamination with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil and plants near railway junctions. Similar studies have detected high levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in the soil alongside railroads, which can leach into water sources.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is another concern associated with railroads. High concentrations of heavy metals, such as Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Co, have been found in the soil near railroad tracks. These metals can contaminate plants and impact the health of both humans and wildlife.
Overall, while river routes have their own environmental impacts, railroads have been associated with a range of health issues due to the air, water, and soil pollution they generate. The effects are particularly detrimental to vulnerable communities living in close proximity to railroad infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
Pollution caused by railroads and river routes is a complex issue. While trains are often seen as a more environmentally friendly mode of transport than road traffic, they can still contribute to air, soil, and water pollution. The pollution emitted by trains can include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, diesel exhaust, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Locomotive pollution has been linked to serious health issues for communities living nearby, particularly low-income communities and communities of color. The toxic pollution from locomotives can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and even cancer.
Railroad disturbances can cause soil erosion and contamination, water pollution, and air pollution. These impacts can have negative effects on wildlife, including insects, amphibians, birds, and aquatic fauna.
Yes, railroads can actually help reduce emissions and improve air quality. Urban and high-speed rail are particularly promising in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and air pollution. Rail transport is also the most electrified transport sector, which means it can take advantage of renewable energy sources.
There have been efforts to implement engineering structures and changes in operations to reduce the environmental impact of railroads. These include the use of rail fastenings, rail dampers, under-sleeper pads, noise barriers, and soil cleaning methods. Additionally, there are initiatives to transition from truck to railroad freight transport, which can help improve air quality.
