Comment EI-14160
Received or sent (printed as 9/30/2008)
I am concerned about the Canadian National takeover of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern railroad, which runs through Plainfield. Concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact upon surrounding suburban communities, not just here in Plainfield, but in Naperville, Joliet, Aurora and many other communities throughout our region. As a resident and a candidate for state Senate I stand opposed to the CN merger and the drastic increase in freight traffic proposed for our region. As a retired 10-year member of the Will County Board where I chaired the Land Use Committee and was the county’s representative to the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, I have reviewed many plans over the years and I have serious traffic and safety concerns about this transaction. I believe this proposed transaction and its increase in rail traffic will negatively impact the quality of life in an area where the average commute to work is already approximately 35 minutes. More congestion is not good for our communities. Our roadway system is already strained by Will County’s rapid growth. Additionally, the number of street grade crossings and increase in rail traffic create an increased safety concern. The CN merger is not just an economic issue but a quality of life issue. Additionally it is a safety issue. A dramatic increase in freight traffic will lead to longer delays at rail crossings, higher train-related accident rates, higher incidence of hazmat transport through our communities and noise pollution. Most worrisome is the fact that fire and ambulance emergency response teams will face delays greater in frequency and length at rail crossings. The increase in freight cars carrying hazardous materials near ecologically sensitive areas like Lake Renwick is also problematic from an environmental perspective. Not to mention the increase in freight cars carrying hazardous materials on rail lines through residential areas. Not all emergency first responders will have the training or equipment needed for a hazmat response. Many lawmakers have questioned the STB’s environmental impact report on the CN merger and community reaction at public meetings has been overwhelmingly and diametrically opposed to the merger.
Submitted by: Terri Ann Wintermute · Bolingbrook, IL
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-14160 · back to the docket sheet