Comment EI-16351
Received or sent (printed as 2/2/2009)
The following are my comments about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Alaska Railroads proposed line extension between Fairbanks and Fort Greely Alaska. First I would like to state that I’m not anti-development and that I believe a future rail route to the lower 48 states through Canada is a positive thing, and in the long run will serve the best interests of the State of Alaska, however I hope that it is completed with good intent and respect for property owners, public land users and fish and wildlife habitat along its route. In particular though, I am concerned with the route that has been proposed within Map Area 5 known as the “South Common Segment”. My family and I are property owners on the Richardson Clearwater which is a very important recreational stream located less than a mile north of the proposed route. The Richardson Clearwater is an approximately 10 mile long spring fed stream that supports a diverse habitat for spanning Salmon, Arctic Grayling, Whitefish and Burbot, as well as Moose, Bears, Eagles, Peregrine falcons, an occasional Caribou and many of Alaska’s fur barrier species. In addition to these year round critters, the Clearwater also is a cherished recreational area for over 25 families, some of whom live their retirement here May through September of each year. Because the Richardson Clearwater is a spring fed stream, its headwaters consist of a series of marshes and smaller streams that work as a natural filter and catch basin for the drainage. It is this area that appears will be most adversely affected by the proposed route. As proposed, the rail line will be laid right through this critical wetlands, and will span two of the primary streams that feed the Clearwater. Believe me when I say that having a train operating in such a critical area is at best undesirable, however the thought that a single mishap with a train carrying hazardous material that could quickly destroy this beautiful area is considered irresponsible and unacceptable to the private property owners in the area. As a property owner in the area, and one that is proud to say spends up to 60 days a year recreating in a cabin I built for my family, I have some strong concerns about the proximity of the proposed route, which including the potential for the substantial noise and vibrations we may now experiences as we try to enjoy the solitude that we have for many years worked for and relished. Thus I respectfully ask that the Surface Transportation Board consider mine and others concerns with respect to the proposed railroads location and its impact to the area. While the potential for noise, vibration, and accidental spills are inherent with railroads, the added impact from the construction and daily railroad operations could have an even larger affect on the geology of the area, and one that could significant alter the fragile aquifer that feeds this beautiful spring fed clearwater stream. Moving the route as far a way as possible from this recreational area, to uninhabited state or federally owned land is a reasonable request given the relatively level terrain encountered, and one that can only help mitigate the impact of a new rail line to the environment and property owners in the area. In early January, I testified to the Transportation Board at a town meeting in North Pole that I would at a minimum, like to see the route follow the existing State Forestry logging road that runs along higher ground south of the Clearwater, which would keep it away from the critical wetlands that are the lifeline of our river. In retrospect I now feel that the line should be moved even further south in this segment to where it’s located just within the north boundary military operating area. This realignment would help reduce noise, vibration, potential hazardous spills, and hopefully any effects on the aquifer that enables this wonderful, spring fed Richardson Clearwater to exist! In addition, its location within the military operating area would eliminate problems associated with illegal track crossings by outdoor users as the military land is already off limits to the public. Thank you for the opportunity to comment in this forum. Sincerely, Ivar S. Halvarson and family Richardson Clearwater property owner, Alaska 746 9th Avenue Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Submitted by: Ivar Halvarson · Fairbanks, Alaska
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-34658/comment/EI-16351
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