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In reply to the discussion: Look at West, Texas on Google Maps [View all]wercal
(1,370 posts)37. The regulation is likely in place
The disconnect comes when the local planning department doesn't understand that there is a blast radius map filed with the state....and they are generally (as I would be) ignorant of how dangerous that plant was. Its a disconnect and a communication issue (I deal with platting and zoning all the time). So, I can easily see how the development started to occur near the plant, without much of a second thought.
I can't remember the exact speeds, but I think a BNSF freight train runs at 52 mph, and Amtrak goes 73 mph...I'm going from memory. For obvious reasons, they have to slow down when entering a town...and occassionally something goes wrong, and things pile up.
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I'm glad you got the order of things right. The plant and storage tanks were there before...
slackmaster
Apr 2013
#2
It is too bad that local planning/zoning officials cannot be sued over allowing the building of
pampango
Apr 2013
#3
People buy the homes and rent the apartments that are built in proximity to these sites.
bike man
Apr 2013
#13
chlorine leak from a train wreck in rural part of san antonio killed a couple people in 2004
sammytko
Apr 2013
#31
From what I heard, the plant had been there since the 50's. It's quite likely that...
Poll_Blind
Apr 2013
#11
A gasoline pipeline exploded at the end of my street in L.A. in 1976; 4 dead, 16 injured
pinboy3niner
Apr 2013
#33