Global Petroleum to transport ethanol via rail car in 2012

Global Petroleum will begin transporting ethanol to its Revere, Massachusetts-based blending terminal by trains comprising 60 cars, starting in 2012.

Two trains per week will be used to transport the biofuel, and with each car carrying 29,000 gallons of ethanol, this amounts to almost 3.6 million gallons a week.

Currently, the majority of ethanol-blended petrol enters Massachusetts by ship or truck. However, rail is more cost-effective and statistically safer.

Despite this, some members of the community object to the plans, voicing concerns over large spills caused by train derailments. And if a fire were to occur, there are worries that the local fire departments are not well enough equipped to deal with such incidents.

Before Global begins transporting ethanol via rail cars, upgrades need to be made to its facility and the rail spur. The Revere Conservation Commission approved these plans earlier this year.