What's Happening?
BNSF Railway, the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper, and North County Transit District have reached a settlement to address the spillage of small plastic pellets, known as nurdles, during transportation. These nurdles, which
are the raw form of plastic resin, have been found along tracks near North County lagoons and waterways. The settlement includes new policies and enhanced protocols to prevent accidental spillage, requiring BNSF's customers to properly seal rail cars transporting these pellets. Additionally, BNSF will implement escalating fees for non-compliance and has rolled out these changes nationwide. The resolution also involves a BNSF donation to support efforts in San Diego County to combat plastic pollution.
Why It's Important?
The settlement is significant as it addresses the environmental impact of plastic pollution, particularly the release of nurdles into oceans, which poses a threat to marine life. With an estimated 25-30 billion nurdles entering oceans daily, this agreement represents a collaborative effort to mitigate such pollution. The involvement of major stakeholders like BNSF and local environmental groups highlights the importance of industry accountability and proactive measures in environmental conservation. This initiative could set a precedent for similar actions across the U.S., encouraging other companies to adopt stringent measures to prevent plastic pollution.
What's Next?
The implementation of these new policies by BNSF is expected to lead to a reduction in nurdle spillage incidents. Environmental groups will likely monitor compliance and the effectiveness of these measures. The success of this initiative could prompt further regulatory actions or inspire similar agreements in other regions. Stakeholders may also explore additional strategies to address plastic pollution, potentially influencing broader policy changes at the state or national level.
