To protect public health, safeguard the environment, and support job growth by demanding that railway companies transparently inform the public about chemicals sprayed along train tracks. We are especially concerned for those who forage wild foods near these areas, as exposure to these chemicals could pose serious health risks. By replacing chemical sprays with human-powered vegetation management, railway companies can not only eliminate harmful chemicals but also create jobs and boost local economies.
Background:
Railway companies often spray herbicides and pesticides to control vegetation along tracks. However, there is a stark lack of transparency regarding the types of chemicals used, the timing of applications, and the potential risks they pose. This is especially dangerous for those who forage for wild foods, such as berries, in areas near tracks, unaware of the risk of contamination. Studies reveal that pesticides commonly used in herbicides may contain toxins that persist in the environment, leaching into soil and water, where they accumulate over time. Foragers, wildlife, and entire ecosystems are at risk, and the long-term impacts are deeply concerning.
In Michigan alone, about 96% of rivers have been listed as impaired under Part 303d of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) due to contamination. Additionally, at the Rockford Michigan tannery site, PFAS contamination levels reached up to 1 million parts per billion (ppb), which is thousands of times above safe levels for human and environmental health. Such staggering contamination demonstrates a systemic failure to protect our water sources and ecosystems from harmful chemical exposure, and chemical sprays used along railways only compound this issue.
Key Points:
- Lack of Transparency:
Public disclosure about the chemicals sprayed along railway tracks is minimal. The lack of accessible information leaves people who live near these areas and those who forage unaware of the health and environmental dangers they may face. - Health Risks:
Many herbicides used in railway vegetation management contain toxins known to disrupt the endocrine system, affect reproductive health, and increase cancer risk. For those consuming wild plants, like berries, these chemicals pose a direct risk of ingestion, impacting vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women more severely. - Environmental Impact:
Pesticides and herbicides sprayed on railways do not remain confined to those areas—they seep into the soil, run off into nearby water bodies, and leach into groundwater. This contamination endangers not only our natural resources but also the broader ecosystem, affecting wildlife, soil health, and entire aquatic habitats that connect to larger watersheds.
Demands:
- Immediate Cessation of Chemical Spraying:
Railway companies must immediately halt the use of chemical sprays along train tracks! - Transparency of Chemical Use:
Railway companies should publicly disclose detailed information about all chemicals used along tracks, including active ingredients, toxicity data, and potential health and environmental impacts. This information should be readily accessible to the public and updated regularly. - Public Warnings in Foraging Areas:
Signs should be placed in ALL areas where foraging is common, warning the public of recent or ongoing chemical applications. These warnings will allow community members to make informed choices about their activities in these areas. You should have a sign anywhere you spray any of it ANYWHERE! - Creation of Local Jobs through Non-Chemical Methods:
By adopting non-chemical vegetation control methods, such as mechanical cutting and manual clearing, railway companies can create sustainable, community-based job opportunities. Transitioning to human-powered vegetation control has the added benefit of reducing reliance on toxic chemicals, thereby protecting public health and the environment. - Legal Action for Non-Compliance:
If these demands are not met, we will pursue legal action against railway companies for negligence and endangerment of public health and the environment. Legal accountability is crucial to uphold the rights of citizens and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Conclusion:
Our fundamental right to clean air, water, and land is at stake. By demanding transparency, safe practices, and job creation through environmentally responsible methods, we can ensure railway companies prioritize public safety over profits. The contamination of our communities, natural resources, and food sources with toxic chemicals is unacceptable.
Call to Action:
Sign and share this petition to demand change and accountability from railway companies. Together, we can advocate for a safe, transparent, and sustainable approach to railway vegetation management—one that protects our communities, boosts local economies, and preserves the integrity of our natural environment.
petition: Demand Transparency and Safety: Stop Spraying Chemicals on Train Tracks Without Proper Warnings