NH Delegation Calls for Inspection of Portsmouth Rail Lines

Submitted by the Offices of U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter:

In response to concerns from Seacoast area residents, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) are supporting the New Hampshire Towns of Newington, Stratham, Greenland, and the City of Portsmouth as they urge the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct an inspection of the Portsmouth and Newington Industrial Tracks.

In a letter to FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo, the members of New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation urged the FRA to quickly conduct an inspection on the condition and safety of the Portsmouth and Newington Industrial Tracks, which are owned by Pan Am Railways and would be used to transport liquefied petroleum gas (propane) if a Sea-3, Inc. application is approved.  Additionally, Shea-Porter, Shaheen, and Ayotte requested the FRA attend a local public forum on track safety to address residents’ questions on track safety and the impact on the community.

“These communities have raised concerns about the condition and safety of these tracks, and the dangers associated with using them to transport highly flammable material,” wrote Shea-Porter, Shaheen, and Ayotte. “The safety of these tracks is of paramount importance, especially in light of a recent study of freight train derailments that found that broken rails or track welds are the leading cause of derailments.”

They added, “We ask that the FRA conduct an inspection of the Portsmouth and Newington Industrial Tracks and provide the results to the Town of Newington in an expedient manner, and that the FRA participate in a public forum to discuss track safety.”

The Town of Newington planning board is reviewing an application from Sea-3, Inc. to expand its liquefied petroleum gas facility and increase its capacity for off-loading propane from tank cars. Sea-3’s proposal would involve increasing the number of rail-cars carrying liquefied propane to the Shattuck Way facility. These cars would pass through Newington, Stratham, Greenland, and Portsmouth.