Comment EI-32197
Received or sent (printed as 9/13/2022)
The proposed merger of the railroad companies that pass along our Mississippi River has the makings of an environmental disaster. Just last year up the river from Davenport in LeClaire there was a "derailing". Luckily the contents were cleaned up and did not affect the river. The proposal includes almost 3 times as many trains; so the chances of an environmental disaster to our river will rise expotentially. In a flood, Nahant Marsh, a beautiful refuge for all kinds of wildlife, could experience irreparable damage. Last week a car in Davenport was side-swiped by a train. The increase in trains would delay any emergency vehicles getting across the tracks to save lives and, again, raise the probability of an increase in accidents with cars and people. Our area is a winter nesting place for our American eagles. The increased sound would not only be sound pollution for humans; it would, most likely, disturb these beautiful creatures and could cause a disruption of their past patterns. My husband and I walk between the train tracks and the river and use earplugs when a train passes. The Mississippi is a flyway for many birds and butterflies, guiding them on their paths of migration. The increased sound pollution and possible river pollution, will undoubtedly negatively affect them. Trains run on diesel fuel so the effect of the merger would be more air pollution, affecting people and wildlife. Many people cross the tracks to enjoy many activities such as music, festivals, the highest ranking minor league park in the midwest, etc. Air and sound pollution will greatly deter the use of these treasures. Davenport is planning a destination playground in an area on the river side of the park. Families will not expose their children or themselves to this air and sound pollution, no matter how wonderful these ammentities are. ANY increase in air, sound, or environmental spills would be a disaster waiting to happen. Please do no approve this merger.
Submitted by: Diane E. Franken · Davenport, IA
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-36500/comment/EI-32197 · back to the docket sheet