Comment EI-20749
Received or sent (printed as 12/13/2014)
I am strongly opposed to the proposed rail extension by the Port Authority through the Banana River section of the Indian River Lagoon, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in terms of Safety (Impact Category #2), Biological Resources (Impact Category #5), Water Resources (Impact Category #6), Land Use (Impact Category #3), and Cumulative Impacts (Impact Category #16). Safety: The North Merritt Island populated area proximal to the proposed rail extension in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge has been declared an Area of High Hazard Flooding Concern" since 1991. Were this surface water outflow to be obstructed, all residences and structures west of the proposed rail extension would be at risk for flooding in this most current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated Flood Zone Map (March 17, 2014). Water Resources: Important water resources including wetland and surface water systems, are located within the affected area. North Merritt Island is located proximal to the Indian River Lagoon Hydrologic Basin (IRLB). Biological Resources: The IRLB contains the Indian River Lagoon, which is the most diverse estuary in North America and designated as an estuary of national significance, suppotig multiple protected and endangered species. Important state and local resources are located within the IRLB including the Pine Island Conservation Area, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Banana River Aquatic Preserve. Wetland and surface water systems within these and other areas of North Merritt Island are hydrologically connected. These connected systems are important because they provide flood protection, water supply, aquifer recharge, pollutant and nutrient reduction, wildlife habitat, protected and endangered species, and other environmental and economic benefits. Land Use: The construction of a heavy cargo railroad proximal to a Recreation Park is incompatible with the existing land use patterns within the project area. Per NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 9050.6 (as revised), KARS Parks I & II were established as recreational facilities operated by the NASA Exchange Council of Kennedy Space Center for the efficiency, morale, and welfare of all NASA employees and retirees, their family members and guests, Government contract employees, and official visitors. The KARS Parks are operated and maintained by non-appropriated funds generated by the Exchange Stores, Child Development Center and KARS Park membership and facility usage fees. All reasonable efforts have been made to make facilities and services accessible to and usable by all visitors including those with disabilities. This recreational area has been a staple land use supporting the public for nearly 50 years. Cumulative Impacts : The proposed rail extension through the Banana River section of the Indian River Lagoon, the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and sensitive wetland, aquifer and surface water discharge ares is neither an "Overriding Public Benefit", "In the Best Public Interest", nor in the "Public Interest" as defined in the Brevard County Comprehensive Plan. Please consider the devastating impacts and probability of irreversible environmental damage of this proposal. Our community is strongly opposed to this project. Sincerely, Mary E. Hillberg MPA,BSN,RN,CCRN Elected member of the North Merritt Island Special Advisory Board Vice President North Merritt Island Homeowner Association 3780 Sierra Drive Merritt Island,FL 32953 321.453.0220 nmihoa1@earthlink.net"
Submitted by: Mary Hillberg · NMIHOA
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-35852/comment/EI-20749 · back to the docket sheet