Derailment offers us cautionary warning

The train that recently derailed in Mesa, Wash., and spilled 31 cars of coal from the Powder River Basin is an indication of what’s to come if giant coal companies are successful in shipping massive amounts of coal through our backyards for export to Asia.

Coal contains mercury, arsenic, and other toxic compounds that pose a serious threat to wildlife and human health. In addition to threats of trains derailing, the diesel emissions, coal dust, disturbance of crucial habitat, air and water pollution, and carbon pollution that fuels climate change combine to make this one of the most environmentally destructive proposals in the Northwest.

If the coal companies’ plans go through, I am afraid we will be stuck with the pollution and they will get the profits. The Army Corps of Engineers must complete a comprehensive environmental analysis as soon as possible so we will know how damaging this coal export plan will be.

SHANNON FOUTS

Spokane, Wash.