High Risk 🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure  ·  Nebraska

Ammonia Rail Corridor Great Plains

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  NEBRASKA

8 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure
Primary Risk Radius
5
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
25
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score8 / 10   High
Facility Type🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure
Operator / BranchUnion Pacific Railway / BNSF
Host CountyDouglas County NE
Nearest CityOmaha, NE
Primary Risk Radius5 miles
Secondary Risk Radius25 miles

// Strategic Significance

The Great Plains rail corridor carries large quantities of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer from production facilities in Louisiana Kansas and Texas to agricultural markets across the Midwest and Plains states. Anhydrous ammonia is acutely toxic and a major rail release can create a toxic cloud requiring evacuation of miles downwind. Multiple serious rail incidents involving anhydrous ammonia have occurred along this corridor. The 2002 Minot North Dakota derailment killed 1 person and injured 322 when an anhydrous ammonia tank car ruptured.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

Omaha metro with 950,000 residents and agricultural communities along the entire corridor. A major anhydrous ammonia release requires immediate evacuation of areas downwind. Ammonia is acutely toxic and creates serious respiratory damage. Emergency responders must approach from upwind with full protective equipment.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

I-80, I-480, US-75. Douglas County Emergency Management coordinates rail hazmat and anhydrous ammonia protocols.

// Counties Within Risk Zone

// Cities Within Risk Zone