Bomb Trains on the Hudson

Jon Bowermaster/ 2015/ 7 min/ Energy

Film Description: For decades, the Hudson River was treated as a convenient dumping ground for a mountain of pollutants, including toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and general refuse. This once clean waterway, flowing through the heart of New York State, bore the brunt of industrial negligence and environmental disregard, transforming it into a symbol of ecological abuse. However, over the past forty years, concerted efforts by dedicated environmental groups and agencies—such as Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, and Clearwater—have brought about a significant transformation. The river, once a repository for waste, has gradually become cleaner and more vibrant.

The story of this environmental film is both hopeful and cautionary. While the Hudson River has seen a resurgence in recreational use, with boaters, kayakers, and even swimmers increasingly embracing it as a playground, the river’s history of pollution still casts a long shadow. The improvements achieved are the result of tireless advocacy, legislative action, and community involvement, yet the river remains under threat from ongoing environmental risks.

An alarming concern involves the freight trains that traverse North America, including areas close to the Hudson River. These trains, often composed of over a hundred black, cylindrical cars, have become a common sight in many cities and towns. Their presence, however, belies a hidden danger: each car is packed with a highly flammable mixture of gas and oil extracted from the shale fields of North Dakota. These trains, carrying around thirty thousand gallons per car, cumulatively transport more than three million gallons of volatile and toxic fuel. Their ominous nickname, "bomb trains," underscores the severe risks they pose to communities and environments along their routes.

The film sheds light on these issues, presenting a view of the Hudson River’s journey from a contaminated wasteland to a symbol of environmental recovery. It captures the ongoing struggles faced by environmentalists and the complexities involved in managing and mitigating the risks posed by industrial activities and infrastructure. Despite notable improvements, the Hudson River's story is far from complete, as it continues to navigate the challenges of environmental preservation amidst contemporary threats.

Director Bio: Jon Bowermaster, the acclaimed writer, filmmaker, and adventurer behind this documentary, brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to environmental storytelling. As a six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council, Jon’s career is marked by a series of ambitious and impactful projects. His first notable assignment for National Geographic Magazine involved documenting a remarkable 3,741-mile crossing of Antarctica by dogsled, an endeavor that set the stage for his future work as an environmental advocate.

Jon’s filmography includes over thirty documentary films, with feature documentaries such as "Dear President Obama," "Antarctica, on the Edge," "After the Spill," and "Ghost Fleet." His extensive work has earned him recognition as one of National Geographic’s 'Ocean Heroes,' reflecting his dedication to environmental issues. The Oceans 8 project, sponsored by National Geographic, was particularly significant, involving a decade-long journey around the world by sea kayak. This project allowed Jon and his teams to explore and document diverse marine environments, from the Aleutian Islands to French Polynesia, and Gabon to Tasmania, providing crucial insights into the state of the planet’s oceans and coastlines.

Currently residing in New York’s Hudson Valley, Jon continues to focus on environmental issues through his One Ocean Media Foundation. As the President of the Foundation and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, he is deeply involved in promoting conservation efforts and raising awareness about environmental risks. His recent work includes a series of short films addressing the environmental challenges and opportunities in the Hudson River Valley, the birthplace of the American environmental movement.

In addition to his filmmaking, Jon serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Bard College, where he teaches in the Environment and Urban Studies Department. His weekly radio show and podcast, "The Green Radio Hour with Jon Bowermaster," broadcast on radiokingston.org, further exemplify his commitment to environmental advocacy and public education. Through his multifaceted career, Jon Bowermaster remains a leading voice in environmental journalism and a dedicated champion for the protection and preservation of natural landscapes.