Schumer: Idling Garbage Trains Must Soon Be a Thing of the Past for Depew Residents

Press Release

Today, during a personal phone call, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer received a commitment from the CEO of CSX rail company, Michael Ward, that his company would do everything possible to move trains filled with garbage that have been idling at all hours of the night on its rail lines along Walden Avenue, a heavily populated residential area in the Village of Depew. In addition to saying the company would make every effort to move these trains away from homes, Ward also indicated that CSX would push the companies moving garbage on their rail lines to use de-odorizers to limit the garbage smell. This announcement comes after Schumer urged CSX two weeks ago to prioritize the health and quality of life of Western New Yorkers and find an alternate, non-residential location for these idling trains. Schumer wrote a letter to the CEO and followed up with a direct phone call to him as well. Depew residents have complained that CSX garbage trains idle all night in the midst of a residential area emitting noxious fumes. The trains are uncovered, which allows the smell of garbage to permeate the neighborhood and has prevented many residents from going outside or opening their windows. Schumer vowed to stay on top of CSX and do everything he can to make sure they are following through on their commitment.

"These smelly and noisy garbage trains should never have been idling in Depew, disturbing residents and negatively impacting their quality of life, and to his credit CSX's CEO Michael Ward recognizes that and has pledged to take positive action," said Schumer. "I am pleased that CSX has recognized that Walden Avenue is no place for these train cars and that Mr. Ward has committed to move these trains away from residential neighborhoods and push trash companies to use de-odorizers to squash the smell. I will not rest until residents' health and quality of life is no longer affected and will closely monitor this situation to make sure progress is made."

In addition to CSX's commitment to move trains holding garbage and cover the smell, Schumer also noted that Ward committed to him that trains carrying hazardous materials would never idle in Depew.

The Mayor of the Village of Depew, as well as many other residents, contacted Senator Schumer's office looking for help in remedying this issue after failing to receive a response from CSX. The Village of Depew has contacted CSX regarding the trains multiple times throughout the months of June and July with minimal response. Schumer noted that residents were assured before the July 4th holiday that the trains would be moved, but that did not happen. Senator Schumer responded to the village's request for help by writing to Michael J. Ward, the Chairman, President, and CEO of CSX, and urging the company to find an alternate location for the idling trains for the sake of residents' health and quality of life.

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