Writer urges, 'Be wary of Canadian Pacific'

[BNSF 1088]

Writer urges, 'Be wary of Canadian Pacific'
(The following opinion column, "Be wary of Canadian Pacific," was written by Gerald Aftern and appeared in the Minot, N.D., Argus Leader, Nov. 3.)
Fact: The Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad is considered the worst in the industry when it comes to safety and track maintenance. Federal Railroad Administration statistics (www.fra.dot.gov) support this statement.

So it's understandable why communities along the DM&E route would be anxious to see the purchase of the DM&E by the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Yet we are reminded to remain cautious.

The Canadian Pacific used to be able to state it was one of the safest railroads in the country. However, recent statistics show that the Canadian Pacific has fallen from No. 1 to No. 6 in safety. And now it is set to acquire the most unsafe railroad. One has to wonder if safety even is a concern for Canadian Pacific.

As residents of Minot, N.D., we have firsthand knowledge of Canadian Pacific's declining safety and track maintenance. Consider the following:

•In a 1994 Canadian Pacific derailment in Minot, a 16-year-old boy was burned beyond recognition. The National Transportation Safety Board told Canadian Pacific that the track must be replaced or monitored with special equipment until replaced. Neither was done.

•In January 2002, another derailment occurred less than five miles from the 1994 accident. This time it resulted in the largest anhydrous ammonia spill in U.S. history. More than 11,000 people were affected or displaced by one of the most dangerous chemicals known to mankind. Five years after this catastrophic accident, the track still had not been replaced.

It appears CP believes accident claims cost less than track repair. Victims of disastrous train derailments must use Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security disability and private insurance to survive.

The lack of Canadian Pacific's acceptance of its responsibility in such matters means that others must pay for its negligence. In today's world of corporate transparency and fiscal responsibility, this is unacceptable.

An old saying states we should know and be careful with whom we get in bed. We urge our South Dakota neighbors to be aware of what's happening and to fight to protect what is theirs.

November 3, 2008