[Archived] City Council Forms Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility Community Monitoring Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 24, 2008     

City Council Forms Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility Community Monitoring Group

Tonight, the Alexandria City Council adopted a resolution to establish an eight-member Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Community Monitoring Group to monitor and keep the community informed about the many issues regarding Norfolk Southern’s ethanol transloading operation. Members of the monitoring group, to be appointed by the Mayor, will include representatives from the Cameron Station and Summers Grove communities, the Alexandria City Public Schools, the West End Business Association, the Eisenhower Partnership, two members of City Council and City staff.

The Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility, located at the former Norfolk Southern intermodal terminal in the City's West End, began operation in April 2008. The facility is located near a high-density residential area that includes the Cameron Station and Summers Grove communities; Samuel Tucker Elementary School (located approximately 600 feet from the facility); the Van Dorn Metrorail station, and the Capital Beltway.

Since first being notified, Mayor William D. Euille and the Alexandria City Council have objected to Norfolk Southern’s unilateral decision to locate and operate a bulk ethanol transloading terminal in Alexandria. Norfolk Southern has claimed that the City’s zoning and other authority to permit or regulate this railroad operation is preempted by federal law. “This operation presents a serious threat to our residents, businesses, and the people who travel our streets and the nearby highways and the City will do everything that can be done to shut this facility down.” said Mayor Euille. “In the interim, the City will act to protect the health and safety of the City’s residents from any dangers posed by this operation. This community group is essential for discussing and monitoring activities at the Norfolk Southern facility.” The City has requested that Norfolk Southern cease ethanol transloading operations immediately.

For up to date information, visit alexandriava.gov/transloading.