SMART to discuss return of liquid petroleum gas tankers to Schellville

Jul 20, 2023

The SMART Board of Directors will explore the advantages of housing tanker cars at Victory Station in Schellville at their Sept. 20 meeting. This move follows a July 19 session where General Manager Eddy Cumins highlighted a budget deficit and a March goal to boost revenue by $500,000 annually. Cumins pointed out that maximizing freight storage could be a key revenue driver.

He emphasized that expanding storage at Victory Station wouldn't necessitate additional investment or staff. Over recent years, storage revenue for the transport firm has seen a sharp decline. In 2021, earnings ranged from $500,000 to $750,000. However, 2023's revenue is just a fraction of that.

In Jan. 2022, SMART decided to phase out gas tanker car storage, a move projected to cost them $500,000 in annual revenue. “Storing tank cars is probably our best revenue option,” Cumins remarked. He identified two potential tank car types for storage: pressurized tank cars (holding liquid pressurized gas, chlorine, and ammonia) and non-pressurized tank cars (containing liquids like food-grade materials and hazardous substances such as diesel, ethanol, and fertilizer).

Rail storage brokers indicate a regional demand for tanker car storage. SMART representatives shared that each tanker car could net the organization $15 daily. "Most operators would jump at the chance to have storage on their tracks. It's a triple win," Cumins stated.

Board members probed into risks, insurance policies, tanker types and security measures. Board Member Chris Coursey noted, “people’s antennae are up about this because of the last conversation about this and because of some pretty high profile accidents around the country.” Coursey sits on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

Cumins reassured, "Tanker cars are generally safe. Accidents are rare, and we don't foresee additional security needs on the rail line."

However, some Sonoma Valley residents expressed reservations. Norman Gilroy, who championed the 2021 tanker removal, warned, "Reintroducing loaded tankers to the conversation could ignite strong community reactions."

Since 2021, Sonoma Valley locals have appreciated the absence of potential hazards from tankers. Some board members sought insights from neighboring rail operators storing tanker cars. Cumins mentioned he's uncertain about the current location of the LPG tankers but assumes they're in Napa. The team plans to engage with nearby operators about assumed risks and will update the board in their subsequent meeting.

David Schonbrunn, president of the San Rafael-based Transportation Solutions Defense and Education Fund, commented, "What was lacking in 2021 was a comprehensive risk analysis and public safety findings. The decisions then were largely driven by public sentiment."

The Schellville yard experienced a derailment in Mar. 2023 when an 8-car freight train derailed, spilling corn seed. The derailment was caused after months of heavy rainfall and flooding accelerated ground saturation.

Members of the public can participate in the Sept. 20 meeting. Visit https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/meetings for more information.

Tom Martin. retired teacher and teacher union organizer, lives in the Boyes Springs area. He taught American History and Government at Santa Barbara High School for over twenty years. For another twenty years he served as Field Representative for the California Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, representing teachers in the five counties region north of the Golden Gate Bridge. He works with the Sonoma Valley Democrats, serves as a Docent at the Sonoma/Petaluma State Park, and is a member of the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission. Contact: 707-938-5025/[email protected].