The intent behind this petition is to give a voice to the residents of City of Smyrna and surrounding areas whose health and quality of life are negatively impacted by the loud freight trains that are moving through our quiet residential areas at high speeds.

The extremely high-pitched screeching emanating from the trains reach high decibel measurements of over 70, often times approaching 100, during both daytime and evening hours. This noise pollution is not only disturbing our peace but also potentially impacting our health. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to excessive noise can lead to stress-related illnesses, poor concentration and productivity loss, and at worst permanent hearing loss (WHO). For the children growing up in our community, this repeated exposure may affect development-critical skills like speech, language, reading, listening, and capacity to learn (United States Environmental Protection Agency). And beyond these harmful impacts to our health, local residents are also enduring staggering vibrations which pose a risk to the integrity and stability of our homes, as well as a heightened fear of potential accidents.

One of the causes of the increase in noise, speed, and frequency of the trains is believed to be the 2017 implementation of “precision scheduling,” along with a lack of proper maintenance which declined during COVID with the rollback of key freight regulations. The practice of precision scheduling requires less maintenance by train companies and allows for heavier, faster, and longer freight trains. This needs to change, particularly given recent derailments, such as Norfolk Southern in E. Palestine, Ohio on February 3rd, 2023. The CSX trains that run through Smyrna, Georgia and surrounding areas are carrying the same toxic materials that devastated the E. Palestine community.

We need immediate action from our local representatives to get involved and proactively work with federal authorities, and CSX Corporation, to investigate and implement effective measures that will reduce the environmental risk for our beautiful community and all who live in it. Let's stand together for a healthier and more peaceful Smyrna!