Comment EI-32227
Received or sent (printed as 9/20/2022)
I am in opposition to the proposed CP and KCS merger. One of the reasons I am opposed, is the proposed route follows and or crosses many miles of the Mississippi River, Missouri river and the Arkansas river and multiple tributaries. Increased train traffic in the areas of these rivers and wetlands will adversely affect many birds, fish, other wild life and insects who live and migrate along these river basins. For instance, in the area by lock and dams #14 and #15 many bald eagles (our nation’s bird) nest in trees close to the river in the winter because even during the coldest part of the year the water is open for them to catch fish for them and their hatchlings to eat. Increased traffic could disturb this hangout for the eagle who are protected under two Federal acts. Many pelicans now call the Mississippi River their home in the warmer months in the Quad City and surrounding areas and would be disturbed also. Nahant marsh home to many species is located near a train yard and would be greatly affected. Many of the trains will be carrying hazardous chemicals and any spill will greatly affect wildlife and humans in close proximity, and possibly for many miles for years afterward. The city of Davenport, Iowa is doing amazing things with their waterfront to make it a wonderful place to live, run a business and recreate. If this merger is allowed to go through with the increased train traffic. No one will want to go down to the riverfront (our most valuable natural asset). Just like when a highway is built that goes around a town and the town dies, the opposite will happen and the increased train traffic and with it the loud and more frequent noise, and congestion for traffic caused by these trains will cause the death of the Davenport downtown and many areas along the route. Also, once this merger gets the go ahead, what is to stop the company from adding more and more trains to run along this route? Please do NOT allow this merger to go through.
Submitted by: Mary M Maher · self · 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-32227 · back to the docket sheet