Eyes on Transportation - Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community

Communities across southwestern Pennsylvania are facing growing risks from hazardous rail shipments—and Beaver County is no exception. Every day, trains carrying toxic chemicals travel through our neighborhoods, often without the knowledge or consent of those living closest to the tracks. These shipments move past homes, schools, businesses, and waterways putting public health, safety, and the environment at risk.

There are many reasons to be concerned about the impact of rail activity on our communities:

The transportation of hazardous materials like vinyl chloride and other toxic chemicals poses a serious risk to public health and safety. These substances are often moved through densely populated areas without adequate public notice or emergency planning.
Train derailments happen far more often than people realize. In 2023 alone, there were over 1,100 train derailments in the United States. When hazardous cargo is involved, these incidents can release dangerous substances into the air, soil, and water.
Unit trains—long trains carrying a single type of cargo such as oil, gas, or petrochemicals—are more prone to serious accidents due to their weight and size. A single failure can impact dozens of cars at once.
Air pollution from diesel locomotives contributes to respiratory issues, especially in communities already burdened by industrial emissions. Rail corridors often run directly through residential neighborhoods, compounding exposure.
Noise pollution from passing trains can disrupt sleep, increase stress, and reduce quality of life for residents living near the tracks.
Public road safety hazards are another major concern. Trains frequently block intersections, limit visibility, and delay emergency vehicles. In some cases, crossings lack adequate signals or signage.
Eminent domain is often used to seize private land for rail infrastructure. This process can displace families and erode property rights with little community input or compensation.
Vibrations from frequent train activity can weaken home foundations over time, especially in older or poorly insulated structures near the rail line.

Through BCMAC’s Eyes on Transportation campaign, we’re tracking rail activity, calling for stronger regulations, pushing for public access to emergency response plans, and working to ensure that residents are informed and prepared in the event of a chemical disaster. Our goal is simple: no one should have to wonder what’s in the train rolling past their home—or what might happen if it derails.

The 2023 train derailment in East Palestine made it clear just how devastating a single rail incident can be. Communities like ours live with the constant threat of toxic chemicals moving through our neighborhoods—often without warning, oversight, or adequate emergency planning. These risks aren’t hypothetical.

Since 2000, Shell and its subsidiaries have racked up 88 railroad safety violations from the Federal Railroad Administration, totaling $751,900 in fines. It’s a stark reminder that we cannot trust industry to prioritize our safety—so we’re doing it ourselves. Through our new Beaver County Train Cam Project, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Create Lab and the Breathe Project, we’re keeping watch on Shell’s rail activity, documenting what moves through our community, and making sure residents have the information they need to stay safe and hold polluters accountable.