Comment EI-22204
Received or sent (printed as 4/21/2016)
Dear Sir, I am writing to ask the STB examine a number of issues in the EIS that will be completed for the proposed Great Lakes Basin Rail Line (GLBRL) project. I live in a rural development of 33 homes next to STH 140 just north of Clinton Wi. The GLBRL is proposed to pass less than 1/2 mile south of our development. I have concerns that the noise, air pollution and visual impact of the rail line will negatively impact the property values of the 33 homes in our development as well as other properties near the line. Further, the immediate area has bedrock very close to the surface. The vibrations from rail traffic will likely impact our properties. Will the vibrations be strong enough to be felt and could they potentially crack foundations or swimming pool concrete where residences have in-ground pools? If there is a chemical or oil spill what is the potential for ground water contamination? Does the fact that bedrock is close to the surface increase the chance that the 33 private wells in our development would be contaminated? I ask that each of the issues raised be throughly investigated. If these issues have the effect of reducing property values what would the STB propose to mitigate that taking of property value? Will GLBRL be required to make us whole? The reduction is property value as well as taking 600 acres off the tax rolls in Rock County will have a negative impact on the ability of local governments to raise necessary funding to provide services. Will this be mitigated by requiring GLBRL to make payments in lieu of taxes" to each of the effected jurisdictions? Local emergency services will be seriously impacted by road closures and delays at crossings. This may require additional resources for local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the County of Rock funds the Level B Hazmat Team operated by the City of Janesville fire department which responds countywide. Will the additional rail traffic require more resources be put into the Level B Team? I ask the STB analyze the impact the GLBRL will have on all emergency services and indicate mitigation strategies for any impact identified. Craig Knutson"
Submitted by: Craig · Knutson
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-35952/comment/EI-22204 · back to the docket sheet