Comment EI-20823
Received or sent (printed as 12/19/2014)
The proposed rail line is 11 miles of new track rune through environmentally sensitive wetlands and across the Banana River which is under great environmental stress. The preferred rout would be parallel and as close to Route 528 for the following reasons. 1.It will be cheaper in the long run even if the 11 mile right of way is given free of charge by the US Government the the required environmental mitigation expenses and the loss of Ecotourism and recreation business to the numerous organizations in the area. Florida is planning to spend over $20 million/yr for many years to restore the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The IRL supports over $3 billion/yr in Ecotourism. The proposed route for this rail project will be detrimental to these efforts. This project would have to mitigate the probable damage done. 2.The proposed track through the undisturbed wetlands needs to prevent polluting the wetlands and destroying the marine nursery system that supports the marine life of the Banana River. The tracks should be constructed in a tube or trough for the train to pass through the catch any runoff or contamination spills or transported chemicals and liquids. These liquids can be pumped to collection tanks at the start and end points of the tube or trough for the train. 3.The trains should be pulled by an electric engine to prevent diesel fumes from contaminating the wetlands. 4.The proposed causeway and rail trestle will impede water flow out of the Banana River and increase muck and other pollution buildup. The only way to improve the lagoon and prevent further pollution is to dredge out all the muck and contaminants before causeway and rail trestle are built. The Banana River is a major component of the IRL. It is in sever stress due to pollution from excessive development without proper mitigation and poor discharges of the pollution. The clams and oysters have disappeared. Many marine animals and shore birds have died. The Banana River could finally be destroyed if the muck dredging and contamination is not removed before the project starts. 5.Wildlife crossings need to be provided in the wetland and other land areas. 6.The cost of acquiring private land along Route 528 will be much cheaper than the mitigation and maintenance costs required to properly protect the environment.
Submitted by: William R. Klein · Titusville, FL
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-20823 · back to the docket sheet