Comment EI-33856
Received or sent (printed as 4/3/2025)
I strongly oppose the proposed 26.9-mile railway project by Texas Materials Group. An Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared for the proposed new rail line through Burnet and Lampasas Counties because the rail line is a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of our human environment. Per 42 U.S.C. 4331(a), Section 102 of NEPA, the Office of Environmental Analysis on behalf of the Surface Transportation Board is required to perform an Environmental Impact Statement to address the devastating effects the action will have on the area. Many landowners will be directly affected. Derailments could contaminate major creeks. The proposed route crosses and then follows Mesquite Creek for ~7 or 8 miles. It then crosses Sulphur Creek. The proposed routes are within 100 to 400 yards of some homes. The noise of the 1-1/4 mile long trains will destroy peaceful ranch settings and wildlife that depends on the creek as a source of water and shelter will be cut off from their property. Many properties will be cut in two, losing access to portions of their property and homes. Adverse effects include the destruction of 200-year-old live oak trees which are currently suffering from extended drought. The ones that are not in the direct path of the railroad will have additional stress from change to their water shed. There will be destruction of habitat for many wildlife species plus the loss of cultural and historical sites. The proposed railroad line will destroy the productivity of the land and adversely affect the community: local businesses, feed stores, banks, land valuation, increased bus routes for kids and their safety on many county roads and major highways. Texas Materials has been using the existing railroads for many years and can continue doing so. This proposed new route is only for their convenience. I urge the Surface Transportation Board to consider these concerns and stop this project and its significant threat to the local environment.
Submitted by: Jane Bushong Brown · Mountain Home, 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-33856 · back to the docket sheet