Second thoughts about Durango due to pollution (Center: building, annex) - Colorado (CO) - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

CAVA1990 · 01-06-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80skeys

The air might be clean.
But what about the water? I seem to recall those parts of Virginia have seen a lot of mining and deforestation. These things always pollute the water.

No mining or deforestation around the Blue Ridge there. It's all untouched national forest up top. You're thinking the southwest part of the state or West VA where they do coal mining. The only real pollutants would be animal related (cattle mostly) but they tend to be down in the lower areas and would only affect the open streams. It's mostly patureland so not much in the way of insecticides, pesticides, or fertilizers either. Once you get up at any elevation or tap it underground the water is very clean. The only major downside versus somewhere like CO would be the summer humidity. Winters are normally pretty mild.

delta07 · 01-06-2010, 12:04 PM

You might consider eastern Oregon. Not sure if it would fit all of your criteria, but it's worth a look!

Robinstyler · 01-17-2010, 04:11 PM

I'm from the Durango area, actually Mancos, and have no negative air quality issues to report. There is no haze in the sky.

I know Durango proper is too populated for my taste, but I believe the train may add to the ozone readings there, but we have fresh air in the rural areas for the most part. We also have a large amount of people who homeschool.

Durango is more of a tourist town and Mancos is a very small community. However, inside both communities, you will find no shortage of earth friendly people.

CAVA1990 · 01-17-2010, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robinstyler

but I believe the train may add to the ozone readings there,

They just refuse to switch from coal to diesel.

Robinstyler · 01-17-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

They just refuse to switch from coal to diesel.

I believe that is because if they switch they fear losing the tourism that brings a large amount of people in each year.

Since the train is of historical significance, purists come to see it and ride it. Riding this train allows people to enjoy some of the most difficult to reach areas and is an incredible experience. The locomotives are 1923-25 vintage and are maintained in original condition.

Home | Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train

It may seem selfish, but without the train, Durango would have failed years ago. During the savings and loan scandals, the banks and many businesses were failing. The train along with Kroegers (now, Kroegers Ace Hardware) and Strater Hotel pooled their money together and kept the community together.

Durango is a town with a tight knit community that is remarkably environmentally conscious. Looking at the town as a whole, it's doing pretty well.

CAVA1990 · 01-17-2010, 04:53 PM

I was joking. Tough to buy narrow gauge diesels off the lot.

jazzlover · 01-17-2010, 04:55 PM

The coal smoke from the railroad is a visible pollution source because it contains a lot of particulates, but as a source of bad air quality, it is very small and limited. In fact, all of the tourists' motor vehicles running around Durango are a much more significant source of pollution than the railroad could ever hope to be.

As to switching to oil, it would raise the operating costs for the railroad exponentially, and oil-burning steam locomotives are only marginally cleaner than coal. Considering that there are less than about a hundred operating steam locomotives in North America now, the historical significance of those in Durango is far greater than any pollution considerations.

And, make no mistake about this, shut the train in Durango down, and about 50% of the Durango economy would disappear. Oh, and the railroad was in Durango first--in fact, it platted and developed the town.