Not all share ‘full confidence’ in Phillips 66 rail plan
Mr. David Reutzel believes the Phillips 66 rail extension is perfectly safe (“Phillips 66 rail extension is the safe way to go,” Nov. 30). Had he read the draft environmental impact report, he would have learned about the 11 Class 1 impacts, including five that relate specifically to air quality and diesel emissions, that cannot be mitigated within the refinery and along the Union Pacific rail mainline.
He states that the rail cars that will be used are the most current, not comprehending that these cars are the very same that have been involved in multiple fiery explosions. What’s more, they don’t conform to the current specifications of the NTSB. If Mr. Reutzel would take a walk and see the Arroyo Creek bridge over which the milelong trains would travel, he’d see a crumbling structure built in 1909.
As to the trucks on our roads, the the revised environmental report states that utilizing 195 semitrucks to transport oil is not a viable option. Lastly, should Phillips 66 use imported oil from Canada — the dirty and volatile tar sands —that oil would replace local crude, and as such impact and diminish local jobs and taxes. Mr. Reutzel may have full confidence, but over 40 municipalities and professional organization have written in opposition. They don’t share his “full confidence.”
Arlene Carol, Nipomo
This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 2:27 PM with the headline "Not all share ‘full confidence’ in Phillips 66 rail plan."