WASHINGTON — CSX and CPKC’s proposed acquisition of Genesee & Wyoming short line Meridian & Bigbee will have no significant environmental impacts, federal regulators said in a draft environmental assessment released today.
The Class I railroads aim to link their systems — and create a new through route connecting the Southeast with Texas and Mexico — via a new interchange at Myrtlewood, Ala., on the Meridian & Bigbee.
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis draft report says the transaction’s only minimal impact would be increased noise at a 32 homes and a church along the route between Meridian, Miss., and Burkeville, Ala., which is 10 miles west of Montgomery.
The noise impacts could be mitigated through railroad-funded installation of sound insulation, the report says. The draft report recommends that the STB order four mitigation measures to reduce noise-related impacts.
The transaction would have no impact on grade crossing delays, energy use, air quality and climate change, vibration, or environmental justice, according to the draft environmental assessment.
Comments on the draft report are due by April 17.
I wonder how many thousands or even millions of dollars were wasted to reach this obvious conclusion.
“…This shows how ridiculous the EA/EIS process can be….” This draft report is to solicit public input about the project which includes new track, related infrastructure plus operating mode. EA/EIS is about environment in a macro perspective, not just immediate physical surroundings. Competitors, local communities, employees, shareholders, anyone – anyplace. Embrace democracy.
Since Myrtlewood, Ala. is a key point in this operation, why is it not indicated on the map?
I had to look it up. It’s midway between Pennington and Linden on the map above.
Probably because population for last census is only 107 persons! 60% of those 50 or older!
11 car miles west of Linden. Post office open 1000 — 1200 daily except Sunday..
The STB left out one addition noise pollution consideration – the intense screaming emanating from Norfolk Southern HQ in Atlanta.
I’m a bit surprised the contract between NS and KCS (at the time) did not include some sort of clause preventing a competitor from using the Meridan Speedway after NS plowed all that capital into the line. Will NS get some sort of rebate/reduction based on their lowered percentage of carloads with the addition of the CSX traffic?
This shows how ridiculous the EA/EIS process can be. Here we have an existing, operable rail line, and the companies are wrung through the environmental process because they are going to increase service.
JAMES —-
To further your thought, airlines, trucking companies, railroads, parcel delivery services, etc. etc. adjust the number of movements on their various routes (up or down) every day of the week. Are they supposed to file an EIS? Do I have to file an EIS because I’ve added to the number of times I drive to my church each month, having become more active? Is this last question I ask any more ridiculous than our government’s EIS process? No, it isn’t.
So sloooooooooow for this transaction. Ridiculous!