Comment EI-23844
Received or sent (printed as 6/15/2016)
Dear Dave, We have lived in Emerald Grove for 12 years and have had 3 floods. Emerald Grove is very low lying ground and the water run off from the neighboring fields and hills is tremendous. The worst flooding occurred in 2008 and FEMA declared us a disaster area. We had over 2 feet of water in our basement and lost our furnace, freezer, refrigerator, washer, dryer and hot water heater not to mention personal belongings that were irreplaceable. Our neighbors were not as fortunate as us and had water in their basements up to the rafters, well over 6 feet. The other 2 times of flooding also caused destruction to our property was due to the vast amount of rain that the ditches and creek could not handle. It is with great concern that I write to you about the GLB'S proposed route that is within feet of the creek that is responsible for our water flow. There is a natural spring about 200 feet from our property that is the start of what is commonly called Blackhawk Creek in Rock County. This creek runs directly along the same route that is proposed by GLB. Any disruption to that creek would have dire consequences for the citizens of Emerald Grove. We were told by the UW Extension Office that under Emerald Grove is the largest water shed in Rock County. Of course we are also concerned about any contamination that might affect our well water. Right next to the proposed route is Emerald Grove Cemetery at the end of our road. How are people going to visit the graves of their loved ones with the noise and pollution emitted by the high speed rail line that is proposed? This rail line appears to be less than 100 feet from the cemetery that was created in 1850. This will turn a quaint, historical cemetery into a place that no one will ever want to go to. My husband and I moved out into the country to get away from the hectic traffic and noise of city life. This proposed rail line would greatly impact our quality of life and cancel any plans for retiring in a peaceful country setting. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please check into the matters I have mention. Sincerely, Pat Schwartz
Submitted by: Pat Schwartz · Janesville, WI
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-23844 · back to the docket sheet