Mayor demands action on parked trash trains

Vows to contact Congressional representatives

By:Roger Alvarado
   Mayor Angelo Corradino says that CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads have to do something about the putrid smell that continues to emanate from rail cars filled with garbage and stored in Manville within the next few weeks or else.
   The mayor, who remains optimistic that the problem will be addressed, says that if nothing changes soon he’ll turn to either Congressman Mike Ferguson or Sens. Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg for help.
   "We’re waiting on them (the railroads) to get back to us," Mayor Corradino said. "We want them to pick up the trains rather than put them on hold on tracks in Manville."
   The trash train has been a major bone of contention between the borough and CSX and Norfolk Southern. Area residents complain that the trash train, sometimes stationed in the stockyard between the south side of town on East Camplain Road toward the end of Lost Valley, is so close to their houses that its odor sickens them.
   Residents, including Lee Place resident Chris Gosk, have complained that the stench is at times so bad that they haven’t been able to spend much time outside their homes because of the foul smelling air from the trash train.
   CSX spokeswoman Jane Covington says CSX will do all it can to try and resolve the situation amicably.
   "We are working together with Norfolk Southern … to come up with a plan that works both for the community and for us," Ms. Covington said Tuesday. "We want to expedite the changeover through town so that we’re not sitting at our yard in Manville."
   Ms. Covington also says that CSX is also looking at its "rerouting options."
   Somerset County’s Director of Public Health and Health Officer John Horensky, who the borough contacted to look into the matter on its behalf, says he thinks CSX will properly address the issue.
   "In our conversations with CSX they have been most cooperative," Mr. Horensky said. "They understand the situation of the residents in town and want to work with us to try and resolve the situation.
   "They have indicated that the train presently hauling cars out of Manville originates someplace to the east of here, I think in Newark at the Oak Island Station, and transports waste out of the state," Mr. Horensky. "Internally they are working on a way to have the train move its cars out … on a daily basis as opposed to staging them here."
   Mr. Horensky says he remains confident that CSX will move forward with the plans it has discussed.
   "I’m sure trafficking issues have to be done and I do not anticipate it can be done at the flip of a light switch," he said.
   Borough Administrator Gary Garwacke says that another safety issue that needs to be addressed is that the train’s cars need to be properly sealed.
   "If they’re not then they need to be repaired," Mr. Garwacke said.
   Mayor Corradino for his part says he won’t hesitate to call on either borough or county health officials to inspect the cars and slap the rail companies with summonses if their cars aren’t up to snuff.
   "The ball is in their court now," Mr. Horensky said. "Where, when and how this thing is going to happen is up to them."
   Mr. Garwacke is urging any resident who has any immediate concerns or complaints about the trash train to contact Borough Hall at 725-9478.