San Diego Coastkeeper and CERF reach resolution with BNSF to curb plastic pellet leaks on trains
Resolution targets plastic pellet losses along San Diego County’s coastal rail corridor
San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) have reached a resolution with BNSF Railway addressing allegations that plastic pellets used as raw material in manufacturing have been leaking from freight railcars moving through San Diego County. The agreement also involves the North County Transit District (NCTD), which owns the rail line used by BNSF along the coast.
The issue centers on small, lentil-sized plastic pellets—often called nurdles—that can be transported in bulk and, once released, are difficult to recover from waterways and wetlands. Environmental groups have argued that pellets escaping from railcars can accumulate along the trackway and later be carried into adjacent water bodies during rain events or via stormwater infrastructure.
Background: coastal lagoons and protected wetlands along the route
The coastal rail alignment in northern San Diego County crosses or runs adjacent to several tidal lagoons, including Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos, San Elijo, San Dieguito, and Los Peñasquitos. These lagoon systems are part of a network of sensitive coastal wetlands that support birds, fish, and other wildlife and are difficult to restore once degraded.
In April 2024, Coastkeeper and CERF issued a formal notice of intent to sue under the federal Clean Water Act, asserting that pellet discharges into waters could constitute unpermitted pollution. The notice described repeated documentation of pellets along the corridor over numerous instances.
What the resolution requires: sealing standards, refusal of non-compliant cars, and fees
Under the resolution announced in early February 2026, BNSF implemented updated policies and enhanced protocols intended to prevent accidental spills or releases of plastic pellets. The measures include requirements that customers properly seal railcars used to transport pellets, whether the cars are loaded or unloaded.
BNSF will not pick up or move railcars deemed non-compliant with sealing requirements.
Escalating fees will apply for non-compliance.
The company stated the updated procedures have been rolled out nationwide.
Monitoring, industry coordination, and local funding
Separate reporting on the agreement described additional elements, including monitoring at three locations over the next year to assess whether pellets continue to be deposited along the rail corridor. BNSF also indicated it is working with industry partners, including shippers, receivers, and rail industry organizations, to develop best practices for pellet transportation.
The resolution includes a BNSF donation designated to support efforts in San Diego County focused on addressing plastic pollution in the environment. Financial terms and the specific recipient programs were not detailed in the announcement.
The agreement follows months of investigation and negotiations and is framed by the parties as a set of operational controls aimed at preventing pellet losses at the source—before material can enter stormwater pathways and coastal wetlands.