Comment EI-19868
Received or sent (printed as 1/11/2013)
I am very concerned about the potential negative impacts of coal export facilities and the associated rail lines in Whatcom County where I have been a resident for 36 years. These include the negative impact on public health, local finances, environment and quality of life. I realize, too, that the impact of coal export extends well beyond my city, county and state. I share these same concerns with proposals to transport coal from Montana and Wyoming to terminals on the Pacific Coast for export to Asia. Specifically, the proposal to build a coal-hauling railroad through the Tongue River Valley is truly disturbing. The Tongue River Railroad Company’s proposal renews it’s attempt to cut the Tongue River Valley in half destroying Montana ranchland. Thus, I request the new EIS address and analyze the following: 1) Public convenience and necessity: This proposed railroad is not for the “public convenience and necessity” which is what is required in order for a body to get the power of eminent domain and condemnation authority. This railroad would serve only one coal company giant, Arch Coal, which intends to sell the coal to China and other Asian countries. 2) Financial impact: This would include potential devalued property, infringement on property rights and the increased difficulty and cost associated with spitting ranches in half. 3) Wildlife: The Tongue River Valley is a rich wildlife habitat which will be seriously compromised by the coal strip mine and associated rail lines. Please investigate the impacts. 4) Noise: The impact of loud trains on the recreation areas and the residents living in communities near the rail lines should be studied. 5) Infrastructure and traffic: Taxes will go up for residents communities along the rail lines as the coal heads to coastal ports for shipment. This railroad will increase coal train traffic substantially causing traffic delays, noise, and diesel pollution. The only way to live with this increased traffic will require expensive over passes and safety crossing which are paid for primarily by local taxpayers. Finally, the Otter Creek coal transported on these lines will be exported to China. Mining, transportation to terminals, shipping overseas and hauling coal to plants all involve the burning of fossil fuel. Transporting and burning this coal is contrary to the essential need to decrease carbon emissions, which contribute to global climate change. This, too, should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement to determine whether proposed rail lines should be built. Sincerely, Jeanine Hart-Horner
Submitted by: Jeanine Hart-Horner · Bellingham, Washington
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/FD-30186/comment/EI-19868 · back to the docket sheet