Comment EI-20831
Received or sent (printed as 12/19/2014)
Safety The area is pristine and much is undisturbed wetlands. Any accident containing chemical would be difficult to clean up and would potentially end up in the lagoon and our aquifer which provides our drinking water. Recreation The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge provides recreation for birding, boating, fishing, hunting and has 15 federally listed threatened or endangered species. Our truly wild places are disappearing and must be protected. A better route for the rail would be the 528 corridor. Biological The Indian River Lagoon system is in crisis. The northern section is in the best condition and has the best sea grasses. Any type of causeway structure would slow the flow of water and cause destruction of the natural balance. Millions of dollars have been allocated to improve the lagoon. The proposed rail system puts this project in jeopardy. Scrub jays are found exclusively in Florida and there most critical threat is habitat destruction. They need a very specific type of environment which is high and dry, the same type of land preferred by developers. This refuge provides one of the few place left in Florida where they can survive. Estimates say that only 3,000 scrub jays remain in Florida. A rail cutting through the habitat would have a negative effect. The 528 corridor is a better choice. Aesthetics The Merritt Island Wildlife Sanctuary provides pristine vistas and abundant wildlife in a setting untouched by man. A railroad running through it would be devastating. A much better route for the rail would be along the 528 corridor.
Submitted by: Marilynn Collins · Satellite Beach, Florida
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-20831 · back to the docket sheet