The number of oil trains moving through north Idaho is expected to increase in coming years, raising fears of a catastrophic accident.
BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas says they move an average of 1.5 loaded oil trains through north Idaho each day. The trains roll through Sandpoint, Athol, Rathdrum and Hauser from the Bakken oil fields of North Dakota and Montana to coastal refineries.
The Coeur d’Alene Press reported that an oil train typically has about 100 rail cars and each car holds about 29,000 gallons.
Union Pacific, the other railroad that transports commodities through the Idaho Panhandle, carries crude that is interspersed with other products. That’s according to spokesman Aaron Hunt.
Melonas said the volume of oil trains coming through North Idaho is expected to increase.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Hermès Heir Sues Arnault and LVMH in $16 Billion Suit Over Lost Shares 
Hong Kong Orders Citywide Scaffolding Nets Removal After Blaze 
Florida And East Coast Will See Big Losses From More Cat 5 Storms, Researchers Say 
State Farm Sued Over Policies Backed by Distressed Insurer PHL 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.