Comment EI-30236
Received or sent (printed as 9/3/2019)
I would like to express my concerns regarding the proposed railroad for both the Indian Canyon Route and the Wells Draw Route. I believe that the cost estimate for both of these routes has been grossly understated. The terrain that would be encountered through both routes would be very difficult and costs associated with this would quickly drive this project way over budget. I would hate to see taxpayers get stuck "holding the bag" for the final price that such a project would ultimately cost. I believe that there are better and ultimately cheaper routes out there to consider. Another concern for either route is the possibility of wildfire. Argyle Canyon is still suffering the effects of the Church Camp Fire that occurred in 2012. Trains do have a history of causing wildfires and these areas do not need another potential ignition source traveling back and forth on a daily basis. Air pollution is another concern. If oil production was truly quadrupled as the numbers indicate it could, air pollution levels would continue to rise in the Basin area. Multiple trains per day hauling the oil would only add to such a pollution problem. Damage to our beautiful environment is another concern. Argyle Canyon and South Argyle represent some of the best privately owned recreational lands in the state. Thousands of trees would be lost as well as many seeps and springs that people and wildlife depend upon for survival. Property values would be greatly impacted and ultimately the landowner's would be ones who lose out. Please re-evaluate some of the other routes and consider all of the things that would be effected by such a project of this magnitude. Sincerely Justin Slaughter
Submitted by: Justin Slaughter · Argyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance · Price, UT
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-36284/comment/EI-30236 · back to the docket sheet