A bill co-sponsored by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara to regulate transfer of waste by rail (A4928) has been passed in the New York State Assembly.

The bill is designed to ensure that waste transferred by rail in New York State is contained to prevent odors, leaks, and spills.“The use of rail instead of trucking has increased significantly and has highlighted the need to protect residential communities adjacent to tracks,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Often waste is either completely or partially uncovered causing odors, leaks and even spills. This poses health risks for residents near the tracks and can have environmental consequences as well.”

The bill requires the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which permits and regulates waste transfer stations in the state of New York, to require rail cars to be covered before exiting the transfer station to minimize the odors and prevent leaking. Rail cars hauling putrescible waste must be sealed with hard lids, and rail cars hauling non-putrescible waste must be covered with hard tarping. All rail cars that emit odors must also be sealed with hard lids.

Santabarbara noted that in his hometown of Rotterdam there are a number of rail lines with many residential areas in the vicinity. “Every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe and healthy environment,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This legislation will help ensure that the transportation of waste via rail does not put neighboring communities at risk from leaks, spills, odors or fumes.”