Increases in rail traffic have resulted in increased concerns about the risk of and response to tanker-car derailments and spills. Several high profile accidents have residents and local officials alike giving new scrutiny to the cargo on the trains that have run through their communities for generations. What commodities are moving through our region on the extensive network of rail lines located here? What should communities do before finding themselves in an urgent situation? What is the range of situations for which they should be preparing? What are the protocols when emergencies occur?

At 9 a.m., July 30, how local, state and national agencies are preparing and responding to rail accidents will be discussed at this program. Additionally we will review the potential long-term health and environmental consequences of rail accidents, and the responsibilities for avoiding, addressing and mitigating environmental damage.

Click here to go to LGA’s course catalog. At a Moment’s Notice: Rail Transportation Emergencies, Community Response and Health is at the top of the catalog. Click on the down arrow to see a description of the course or the shopping cart to register for the program.

LGA also offers the Michael P. Lynch Scholarship Fund (MPLSF) to communities who are fiscally distressed. These communities are eligible for a 50-percent discount for this program. Click here for a complete list of scholarship communities. If your community is on the scholarship list, please contact Kelly Garrett at 412-586-5659 for the discount code.

The Local Communities/Healthy Communities series is being offered as part of the Sustainable Development Academy.