Comment EI-32223
Received or sent (printed as 9/19/2022)
The proposed merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads would create a direct pipeline for oil that cuts right through White Earth reservation and goes all along the Mississippi River watershed. As an enrolled member of Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, I am highly concerned about the potential environmental impact of the increased rail traffic and increase of potentially harmful materials being freighted throughout Minnesota alongside our most precious clean water resources. I am additionally concerned by the fact that in its report for environmental impact the company only cited one tribe that had responded for consultation, but that consultation never actually occurred. Through many parts of Minnesota, the railroad runs through ceded territory. Endangering such land is irresponsible and a violation of the 1854 Treaty. By routing oil, in any amount, along these lines, it directly threatens ceded territories and land that should be protected. Furthermore, an increase in localized emission, runoff, leaks, still poses a threat to our precious land and waterways. The report minimizes the impacts to wetlands and streams by accounting for site work and construction as minimal by projected cumulative measurements. But it fails to consider any damages that occur regularly by an increase in railroad usage or future site work and construction for additional maintenance. I request that the STB reevaluate and reconsider this proposed merger and the EIS report to account for a more in-depth analysis and consult with the appropriate tribal leaders.
Submitted by: Manilan Houle · Saint Paul, MN
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-32223 · back to the docket sheet