Date: 04/17/2006
Final
Railroad Security Briefing
COMMITTEE ON JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
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12:22 PM
Scott Hinckley, Union Pacific Railroad, began the briefing on railroad security and emergency response. Mr. Hinckley provided a hard copy of his presentation to the committee (Attachment A). He discussed railroad right of ways and security partnerships with local entities. He focused first on emergency first responders and mentioned that the National Emergency Response Training Center is located in Pueblo. He talked about police agencies of which the railroads are a part, including national and local joint terrorism task forces and the United States Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Hinckley discussed the interface between railroad security personnel and various local, state, and federal agencies. He outlined the various security plans that have been developed as a response to several different possible scenarios. Mr. Hinckley responded to committee questions regarding investigation of railroad containers.
12:36 PM
Pat Brady, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad, focused his presentation on the transportation of hazardous materials. Mr. Brady pointed out that the U.S. Department of Transportation has stated that railroad transportation is 16% safer than over road transportation. He talked about the risks of transporting hazardous materials and the types of release of materials into the environment. He provided statistics about train accidents that result in a release of hazardous materials and transportation of hazardous material by BNSF. Mr. Brady discussed BNSF's system emergency response plan and community training for Colorado responders.
12:48 PM
Bill Heileman, BNSF Railroad, discussed the different segments of railroad security plans developed by the Railroad Security Task Force. Mr. Heileman talked about risk assessment criteria. He explained the various protective programs that have been implemented within the railroads to raise awareness within employees, contractors, and the community. He gave examples of the various methods of technology used by railroads in security efforts. Mr. Heileman discussed BNSF's Resource Protection Solutions Team, which is charged with security efforts. He gave some statistics about railraod transport in the context of supply chain consequences.
01:02 PM
Representative Carroll adjourned the committee.