Comment EI-12265
Received or sent (printed as 9/21/2008)
This comment is concerning STB Finance Docket No. 35087. I am writing this comment to express my concern over the CN aquisition of the EJ&E rail line. I would like to remind that this is government for the people by the people, not for industry at the expense of the people. The communities along the EJ&E are not prepared for a 300% increase in rail traffic. Although CN states that the STB only should look at rail traffic reduction when makking this decision, I would state that the STB must look at the safety and welfare of the communities along the line. CN stands to gain from this aquisition, yet the people stand to lose. I am concerned with the safety of my family and neighbors. One tanker leak of chlorine gas or ammmonium hydroxide can wipe out our communities. I understand the arguement that all must share in keeping transporation moving in America. I would reconsider my stance on this merger if CN promised to provide equipment and train emergency response crews along the line. Have the communities idenitiy all grade crossing that need underpasses and overpasses and have CN pay of all of these uppgrades. CN must establish quite zones along the line and must pay for all grade crossing upgrades to establish these quiet zones. CN must install sound barriers and buffers along the line for all communities directly adjacent to the rail line. CN must present to the STB their safety history and record and prove to the board they can transport hazardous material safely without incident. Only if they promise to pay for all these improvements and prove they have an excellent safety record could the STB think of appproving this aquisition. If not, this aquisition needs to be rejected. Please - for the safety of my community and family please consider this aquistiion carefully before making a decision. Remember this is government for the people by the people and the people have spoken.
Submitted by: Leonard Wojtowicz · Plainfield, Illinois
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-35087/comment/EI-12265 · back to the docket sheet