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Propane-Filled Tankers Parked On Tracks Worry Neighbors

Rail tracks
Tipiac-Alain Caraco/Wikimedia Commons

Some Vermont residents and lawmakers are concerned that propane-filled tanker cars parked on railroad tracks could pose a danger to nearby residential areas in Bennington.
Vermont Rail System Vice President Seldon Houghton says the propane is waiting to be delivered as the market demands this winter. He tells Vermont Public Radio cars must be held where there is track space available, and the tankers exceed all federal safety standards.

Bennington town officials say they only heard about the tankers after residents raised concerns.

Democratic state Senator Brian Campion says the railroad is storing fuel without being required to build expensive facilities and abide by permitting and environmental regulations. He wants a law that would force companies to notify local officials when hazardous materials are being held on tracks.

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