Comment EI-33758
Received or sent (printed as 3/18/2025)
I have many environmental concerns regarding Texas Materials, a private company, proposing to construct a 27-mile railway through family-owned small ranches in Burnet and Lampasas counties. My primary concern is the impact on our 600-acre family ranch, which would be divided by the railway, with the potential for train operations running adjacent to our homestead. This proposed railway, situated near Mesquite Creek, poses a significant threat to our groundwater resources, which are essential for the region. The route traverses both the Edwards and Trinity recharge zones, and these aquifers serve as the primary sources of groundwater for the Texas Hill Country, holding ecological, cultural, and economic importance for the state. Additionally, I am worried about noise pollution in both cities of Lampasas and Kempner. Texas Materials plans to operate a minimum of 2 to 4 trains daily, which would not only increase noise levels but also contribute to air pollution due to the dust and debris stirred up by the trains. Furthermore, the presence of the railway raises substantial fire risks for the surrounding area. Another ecological concern is the fragmentation and habitat loss for the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, an endangered species that inhabits these ranches. The proposed railway corridor encompasses a prime habitat for these birds. Additionally, by following the Mesquite Creek, the development threatens numerous spring-fed sections that have existed for centuries, as well as valuable Native American artifacts that would be at risk should the railway be constructed along the proposed route. Overall, this plan raises significant concerns regarding its environmental impact, primarily aimed at enhancing profits for a private company that currently transports rock by truck. The company\'s approach appears to overlook the potential consequences for the environment and the hundreds of families that may be affected by the acquisition of land along the proposed 27-mile route.
Submitted by: Cathy Kuehne · Lampasas, TX
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-36815/comment/EI-33758 · back to the docket sheet