Comment EI-13897
Received or sent (printed as 9/29/2008)
I have already commented a couple of times on the proposed sale of the EJ&E Railway to CN (Canadian National Railway Company). However, I'm getting more and more disturbed by the high handed manner of CN as well as their bully tactics. Since when can a foreign entity sue the US government? Can a foreign entity sue in order to hurry up a questionable transaction when the deadline doesn't suit them and to try to forego the environmental study????? Isn't that like putting the cart before the horse? Does this mean that any foreign company can do the same? And be heard in court??? How can other communities (those who already have CN going through their towns and villages) vote to have this problem moved to other towns and villages and therefore put the onus on the latter to defend themselves???? This means that the problem will just be shifted. Note that where CN is now in Chicagoland there are numerous separations between roads and the trains. No such viaducts exist in Barrington and other areas that would be affected by CN buying EJ&E. There are numerous potential disasters in the making if this deal goes through. Barrington will be cut in half with emergency services located in the southern part of town and the nearest hospital north of town. The whole disastrous traffic situation has already been pointed out by numerous entities. It will mean gridlock in Barrington and decline of businesses in town on both side/s/ of the tracks. Noise pollution is another problem that will grow 20- or more fold. The most serious consequence, however, is the possibility of derailments with possible hazardous spills. Not only does the railway pass within a short distance away from schools, old peoples homes, the library, the shopping district and subdivisions but the rail also bisects Cuba Marsh and crosses Flint Creek.the Marsh" and "Creek" are critical here. Barrington and the surrounding areas solely depends on its water supply from the shallow acquafiers (Marsh and Creek, e.g.). A chemical spill (never mind possible explosions and fires) could poison the water supply for years and years. We have NO OTHER source of water. A derailment or leakage could turn this thriving community into a wasteland. CN does not have a good reputation on safety. There have been numerous problems with accidents and such documented. Why would our government offer these towns and villages as "cannon fodder" for an entity that only is looking at making more profit. Profit that would come by riding roughshod over entire towns and villages? Please consider what hardworking, law abiding citizens need and don't put the wishes and desires of a foreign entity first. I look forward to a decision that makes sense on this important issue, which should be for the people and not buckling under to the business plans of a foreign entity. Thank you! Inger Burrows"
Submitted by: inger burrows
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-13897 · back to the docket sheet