BOC-MFSA_05142013_webPort of Vancouver USA Commissioner Nancy Baker paused during the July 8 Board of Commissioners meeting to acknowledge an unfortunate date: the one-year anniversary of the freight train derailment near the town of Lac-Megantic, Canada.

On July 6, 2013, a freight train carrying crude oil derailed near this small town in eastern Quebec and several rail cars exploded. Forty-two people lost their lives; five more are missing and presumed dead.

“We will not forget the terrible losses suffered in Lac-Megantic,” said Commissioner Baker. She pledged that the tragedy would “strengthen our resolve and our efforts to be strong and careful” as the port considers a new energy facility to handle crude oil.

“All life is precious and important, and we as a nation must find ways to make the transport of crude oil safer,” said Commissioner Baker. “The port has been an early and frequent advocate for the development of new national operations and safety rules for the transport of oil. This is essential in protecting our environment and community.”

Port CEO Todd Coleman is working closely with Washington state’s congressional delegation to make sure rail safety is a top priority in our nation’s capital. Currently, 79 freight trains roll through Vancouver, Washington each day. They carry a wide variety of cargo, including crude oil from the Midcontinent.

Handling cargo safely is something the Port of Vancouver has been doing for a long time and “we know it’s possible for trains and communities to safely co-exist side-by-side,” said Commissioner Baker.