HomeMy WebLinkAbout20041112Environmental and Historical Report.pdf:;'
Fr-F !\/r' , ,.~ '-1,..- j '" L :
11 rri
," '", ".,.
zunI! rLO v f t(i~; $= 2 ~
November 5 , 2004
; ".
; UULiC
::''~ ;'
" ""'-"i"""
"""~"
lil ;r-
!;:;-""-' _.. ,,-'
V,-,'jjji!v..,)',
VIA U.P .S. OVERNIGHT
Surface Transportation Board
Section of Environmental Analysis
192511 KII St., N., Room 504
Washington , DC 20423-0001
Attention: Victoria Rutson
RE:Docket No. AB-33(Sub-No.227X), Union Pacific Railroad Company
Abandonment Exemption -In Carribou County, Idaho from M.P. 23.90 to
P. 24.11 (Dry Valley Subdivision)
Dear Ms. Rutson:
Enclosed for filing in the above-referenced docket is the original and ten (10)
copies of a Combined Environmental and Historic Report prepared pursuant to 49
R. 91105.7 and 91105., with a Certificate of Service, and a transmittal letter
pursuant to 49 C.R. 91105.11.
Union Pacific anticipates filing a Petition for Exemption in this matter on or after
November 29, 2004.
Enclosures
0 :\ABAN DON M ENT S\33-227X\STB- E HR. doc
Mack H. Shumate, Jr.
Senior General Attorney, Law Department
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
101 N. Wacker Dr., Rm. 1920, Chicago, IL 60606-1718
ph. (312) 777-2055 he. (312) 777-2065
BEFORE THE
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 227X)
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
-- ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION --
IN CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO
(DRY VALLEY SUBDIVISION)
Combined Environmental and Historic Re~
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
Mack H. Shumate, Jr., Senior General Attorney
101 North Wacker Drive , Room 1920
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 777-2055
(312) 777-2065 FAX
Dated: November 5,2004
Filed: November 8, 2004
BEFORE THE
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 227X)
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
-- ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION~-
IN CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO
(DRY VALLEY SUBDIVISION)
Combined Environmental and Historic Re~
Union Pacific Railroad Company (IIUPII submits this Combined
Environmental and Historic Report pursuant to 49 C.R. 9 1105.7(e) and 49 C.
9 11 05.8(d), respectively, for an exempt abandonment and discontinuance of service over
the Dry Valley Subdivision from milepost 23.90 to milepost 24., a distance of 0.21 miles
in Caribou County, Idaho (the Il Line
).
The Line traverses U. S. Postal Service Zip Code
83230.
The UP anticipates that a Petition for Exemption to abandon the Line will be
filed at the STB on or after December 29, 2004.
A map of the Line marked Attachment No.1 is attached hereto and hereby
made part hereof. UP's letter to federal , state and local government agencies marked
Attachment No.2 is attached hereto and hereby made a part hereof. Responses , if any,
received to UP's letters to date are typically attached and sequentially numbered.
ENVI RONMENT AL REPORT
49 C.R. ~ 11 05.7(ID
(1) Proposed action and alternatives. Describe the proposed action
including commodities transported, the planned disposition (if any) of any rail line and other
structures that may be involved , and any possible changes in current operations or
maintenance practices. Also describe any reasonable alternatives to the proposed action.
Include a readable, detailed map and drawings clearly delineating the project.
Response:The proposed action involves the abandonment and
discontinuance of service over the Dry Valley Subdivision from milepost 23.90 to milepost
24., a distance of 0.21 miles near Dry Valley, in Caribou County, Idaho. The sole reason
for the proposed abandonment is to facilitate the reclassification and sale of the Line to the
customer, Agrium , so that Agrium can assemble optimally sized phosphate rock trains with
its own crews , which will enhance the economic performance of this short segment and the
line beyond. In 2002 and 2003, the Dry Valley traffic was moved by a firm named Astaris.
Astaris has since sold the Dry Valley mining operations to a firm called Agrium. Agrium
is the party that desires to operate the subject Line after the proposed abandonment
reclassification, and sale. It is contemplated that Agrium will commence shipping activities
in 2005. The recent shipping profile for the Line is as follows
Agrium (Successor-In-Interest to Astaris)
13131 Lake Fraser Drive S.
Calgary, AB T2J 7E8
(Note: Astaris was the sole shipper on the Line in 2002 and 2003 but subsequently
sold its operations served by the Line to Agrium).
2002: Phosphate Rock, STCC 1471410, 1722 cars , 170 469 tons.
Covered Hoppers moved on own wheels , 14 cars, 0 tons lading
Total: 1736 cars, 170,469 tons.
2003: Phosphate Rock, STCC 1471410, 1906 cars, 159 103 tons.
January-September 2004 , no activity.
The abandonment will have no adverse effect on Agrium. Subsequent
reclassification of the Line and sale of the Line by UP to Agrium will permit Agrium to build
larger trains with its own personnel and permit it to maximize its rail shipping activity.
Agrium will not have to utilize any transportation alternatives.
There appears to be no reasonable alternative to the abandonment. The
Line serves the sole function of accessing the industry tracks of Agrium. There is no other
industry in the area, and none is anticipated. There is no overhead traffic The phosphate
rock produced by Agrium moves in dedicated unit trains.
The Line was constructed in 1965 by UP for EI Paso Gas Products
Company. The Line was purchased by form UP subsidiary Oregon Short Line Railroad in
1973. It is laid with 131-pound jointed rail.
UP does not believe the property proposed for abandonment is suitable for
other public purposes, including roads or highways, other forms of mass transportation
conservation energy production or transmission , as the area because of its limited
population base is adequately served by existing roads and utility lines. The Line contains
approximately 3.992 acres of non-reversionary property. Based on information in our
possession, the Line does not contain federally granted right-of-way. Any documentation
in U piS possession will be made available to those requesting it.
A map of the Line is attached as Attachment No.
(2) Transportation system. Describe the effects of the proposed action on
regional or local transportation systems and patterns. Estimate the amount of traffic
(passenger or freight) that will be diverted to other transportation systems or modes as a
result of the proposed action.
Response: There should be no effect on regional or local transportation
systems or patterns, and there will be no diversion to other modes or systems
(3) Land use. (i) Based on consultation with local and/or regional planning
agencies and/or a review of the official planning documents prepared by such agencies
state whether the proposed action is consistent with existing land use plans. Describe anyinconsistencies.
(ii) Based on consultation with the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service, state the effect of the proposed action on any prime agricultural land.
(iii) If the action effects land or water uses within a
designated coastal zone, include the coastal zone information required by 9 1105.
(iv) If the proposed action is an abandonment, state whether
or not the right-of-way is suitable for alternative public use under 49 U.C. 9 10905 and
explain why.
Response (i) The Caribou County Commissioners Office has been
contacted. To date UP has received no response.
(ii) The United States Natural Resources Conservation Service
has been contacted and responded that the proposed abandonment will not have any
adverse environmental impact on any prime agricultural land. The Natural Resources
Conservation Service s response is attached as Attachment No., and is hereby made
part hereof.
(iii) Not Applicable.
(iv) The property is generally not suitable for other public
purposes including roads or highways, other forms of mass transportation, conservation,
energy production or transmission , as the area because of its limited population base is
adequately served by existing roads and utility lines at the present time.
(4) Energy. (i) Describe the effect of the proposed action on transportation
of energy resources.
commodities.
(ii) Describe the effect of the proposed action on recyclable
(iii) State whether the proposed action will result in an increase
or decrease in overall energy efficiency and explain why.
(iv) If the proposed action will cause diversions from rail to
motor carriage of more than:
(A) 1 000 rail carloads a year, or
(B) an average of 50 rail carloads per mile per year for
any part of the affected Line , quantify the resulting net change in energy consumption and
show the data and methodology used to arrive at the figure given.
Response (i) There will be no effects on the transportation of energy
resources.
(ii) There are no recyclable commodities handled over the Line.
(iii) There will be no effect on energy efficiency.
(iv)(A)(B) There will be no rail-to-motor diversion.
(5) Air. (i) If the proposed action will result in either:
(A) an increase in rail traffic of at least 100010 (measured in
gross ton miles annually) or an increase of at least eight trains a day on any segment of
rail line affected by the proposal, or
(B) an increase in rail yard activity of at least 100010 (measured
by carload activity), or
(C) an average increase in truck traffic of more than 100/0 of the
average daily traffic or 50 vehicles a day on any affected road segment, quantify the
anticipated effect on air emissions. For a proposal under 49 U.C. 9 10901 (or 9 10505)
to construct a new line or reinstitute service over a previously abandoned line, only the
eight train a day provision in 99 (5)(i)(A) will apply.
Response: There is no such effect anticipated.
(5) Air. (ii) If the proposed action affects a class 1 or nonattainment area
under the Clean Air Act, and will result in either:
(A) an increase in rail traffic of at least 50010 (measured in gross
ton miles annually) or an increase of at least three trains a day on any segment of rail line
by carload activity), or
(B) an increase in rail yard activity of at least 200/0 (measured
(C) an average increase in truck traffic of more than 10010 of the
average daily traffic or 50 vehicles a day on a given road segment, then state whether any
expected increased emissions are within the parameters established by the State
Implementation Plan. However, for a rail construction under 49 U.C. 9 10901 (or 49
C. 9 10505), or a case involving the reinstitution of service over previously
abandoned line, only the three train a day threshold in this item shall apply.
Response: There will be no increase in rail traffic, rail yard activity, or truck
traffic of these magnitudes as a result of the proposed action.
(5) Air. (iii) If transportation of ozone depleting materials (such as nitrogen
oxide and freon) is contemplated, identify: the materials and quantity; the frequency of
service; safety practices (including any speed restrictions); the applicant's safety record (to
the extent available) on derailments , accidents and spills; contingency plans to deal with
accidental spills; and the likelihood of an accidental release of ozone depleting materials
in the event of a collision or derailment.
Response: The proposed action will not affect the transportation of ozone
depleting materials.
(6) Noise. If any of the thresholds identified in item (5)(i) of this section are
surpassed , state whether the proposed action will cause:
(i) an incremental increase in noise levels of three decibels Ldn
or more or
(ii) an increase to a noise level of 65 decibels Ldn or greater.
If so , identify sensitive receptors (e., schools, libraries, hospitals, residences , retirement
communities, and nursing homes) in the project area and quantify the noise increase for
these receptors if the thresholds are surpassed.
Response: Not applicable.
(7) Safety. (i) Describe any effects of the proposed action on public health
and safety (including vehicle delay time at railroad grade crossings).
(ii) If hazardous materials are expected to be transported,
identify: the materials and quantity; the frequency of service; whether chemicals are being
transported that, if mixed , could react to form more hazardous compounds; safety practices
(including any speed restrictions); the applicant's safety record (to the extent available) on
derailments, accidents and hazardous spills; the contingency plans to deal with accidental
spills; and the likelihood of an accidental release of hazardous materials.
(iii) If there are any known hazardous waste sites or sites
where there have been known hazardous materials spills on the right-of-way, identify the
location of those sites and the types of hazardous materials involved.
Response (i) The proposed action will have no detrimental effects on
public health and safety.
(ii) The proposed action will not affect the transportation of
hazardous materials.
(iii) There are no known hazardous material waste sites or
sites where known hazardous material spills have occurred on or along the subject right-of-
way.
(8) Biological resources. (i) Based on consultation with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, state whether the proposed action is likely to adversely affect endangered
or threatened species or areas designated as a critical habitat, and if so , describe the
effects.
(ii) State whether wildlife sanctuaries
refuges, National or State parks or forests will be affected , and describe any effects.
Response (i) The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been contacted.
date UP has received no response.
(ii) UP is not aware of any wildlife sanctuaries or refuges , or of
any National or State parks or forests, that will be affected by the proposed abandonment.
(9) Water. (i) Based on consultation with State water quality officials, state
whether the proposed action is consistent with applicable Federal, State or local water
quality standards. Describe any inconsistencies.
(ii) Based on consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, state whether permits under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.C. 9
1344) are required for the proposed action and whether any designated wetlands or 100-
year flood plains will be affected. Describe the effects.
(iii) State whether permits under section 402 of the Clean
Water Act (33 U.C. 9 1342) are required for the proposed action. (Applicants should
contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the state environmental protection
or equivalent agency if they are unsure whether such permits are required.
Response (i) The Idaho Division of Environmental Quality has been
contacted. To date UP has received no response.
(ii) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been contacted.
date no response has been received.
(iii) It is not anticipated there will be any requirements for
Section 402 permits.
(10) Proposed Mitigation. Describe any actions that are proposed to
mitigate adverse environmental impacts , indicating why the proposed mitigation is
appropriate.
Response : There are no known adverse environmental impacts.
HISTORIC REPORT
49 C.R. ~ 11 05.8(Ql
(1) A U.S. topographic map (or an alternate map drawn to scale and
sufficiently detailed to show buildings and other structures in the vicinity of the proposed
action) showing the location of the proposed action, and the locations and approximate
dimensions of railroad structures that are 50 years old or older and are part of the
proposed action:
Response See Attachment No.
(2) A written description of the right-of-way (including approximate widths to
the extent known), and the topography and urban and/or rural characteristics of the
surrounding area:
Response The Line is 149 feet in width and is in a dale. The topography
of the land is hilly, rocky with some gently rolling slopes
(3) Good quality photographs (actual photographic prints, not photocopies)
of railroad structures on the property that are 50 years old or older and of the immediately
surrounding area:
Response : There no structures on the property that are 50 years old
older.
(4) The date(s) of construction of the structure(s), and the date(s) and extent
of any major alterations to the extent such information is known:
Response: Not applicable.
(5) A brief narrative history of carrier operations in the area and an
explanation of what, if any, changes are contemplated as a result of the proposed action:
Response: See the preceding pages for a brief history and description of
carrier operations.
(6) A brief summary of documents in the carrier s possession, such as
engineering drawings, that might be useful in documenting a structure that is found to be
historic:
Response: Not applicable.
(7) An opinion (based on readily available information in the railroadl
possession) as to whether the site and/or structures meet the criteria for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places (36 C.R. 9 60.4), and whether there is a likelihood
of archeological resources or any other previously unknown historic properties in the
project area, and the basis for these opinions (including any consultations with the State
Historic Preservation Office , local historical societies or universities):
Response: At this time, UP knows of no historic sites or structures or
archeological resources on the Line or in the project area. UP believes that there is
nothing in the scope of the project that merits historical comment and that any
archeological sites within the scope of the right-of-way would have previously been
disturbed during the construction of the Line.
(8) A description (based on readily available information in the railroad'
possession) of any known prior subsurface ground disturbance or fill, environmental
conditions (naturally occurring or manmade) that might affect the archeological recovery
of resources (such as swampy conditions or the presence of toxic wastes), and the
surrounding terrain:
Response: UP does not have any such readily available information.
(9) Within 30 days of receipt of the historic report, the State Historic
Preservation Officer may request the following additional information regarding specified
nonrailroad owned properties or group of properties immediately adjacent to the railroad
right-of-way. Photographs of specified properties that can be readily seen from the railroad
right-of-way (or other public rights-of-way adjacent to the property) and a written description
of any previously discovered archeological sites, identifying the locations and type of the
site (Le., prehistoric or native American):
Response: Not applicable.
Dated this 5th day of November, 2004.
Respectfully submitted,
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
O:\ABANDONMENTS\33-221 x\EHR.wpd
Mack H. Shumate , Jr.
Senior General Attorney
101 North Wacker Drive , Room 1920
Chicago , Illinois 60606
(312) 777-2055
(312) 777-2065 FAX
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
OF THE
COMBINED ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC REPORT
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing Combined
Environmental and Historic Report in Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 227X) for the Dry Valley
Subdivision in Caribou County, Idaho was served by first class mail on the 5th day of November,
2004 on the following:
State Clearinahouse C2r..!.1ternate)
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box 83720
472 West Washington St.
Boise, 10 83702
S. Army Corps of Enaineers
S. Army Engineer District
Walla Walla
201 North Third Avenue
Walla Walla, W A 99362-1876
State Environmental Protection Aaency
Idaho Division of Environmental Quality
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
National Park Service
National Park Service
William D. Shaddox
Chief, land Resources Division
1849 "C" St., N. W., #MS3540
Washington, DC 20240
State Coastal Zone Manaaement Aaency
None
Head of each County
Caribou County Commissioners
County Courthouse
159 S. Main Street
Soda Springs, ID 83276-1427
S. Natural Resources Conservation Service
State Conservationist
Natural Resource Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Drive, Ste. C
Boise, ID 83709-1573
Environmental Protection Aaency
JReaiona~ Otljce)
S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
National Geodetic Survey
National Geodetic Survey
Frank Maida, Chief
Spatial Reference System Division
NOAA N/NGS23
1315 E-W Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282
S. Fish and Wildlife
S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Region
911 NE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232-4181
State Historic Preservation Office
State Historic Preservation Officer
Idaho Historical Society
1109 Main St., Suite 250
Boise, ID 83702
Shipper:
Agrium
13131 lake Fraser Drive S.
Calgary, AB T2J 7E8
Dated this 5th day of November, 2004
Mack H. Shumate Jr
ATTACHMENT NO.
! ,_..! ,...' ' ~.._"
r \..
I ,....,
-:-
(:t r-""'-
........"'--._~,.;:;,-""~
c....
,,_, "" '?'-/ """""""..,'\ "--""\,
:,t, ".......L.
....,....'\""".. \ -- \.."", ,
!i'
~) ~'- """'
7 : \....J
\ '
~D -I..
( "\.'
v -"
, ) / , '-~" ~ \ // \\" ( ~..~::;
, BEGIN"1 ' " ABANDONMENT.Y P. 23.
,..".._-::;.. \-"'_.......,.._,..\, \, )-
r'"
\:' "..) -"\ "\ (/ ..../ '.... """)-""~"'\. ~.., \~;"....--,/,,""' '
l. '
, j"-' ' \ ,~~"\ ,.. \'-",) \ ' "
I ,-
) ..
Dry Valle~ "
~",.
~A
" ..
.-J_""
"-""'" ...)..,
.., , ()1-
- \..,,..
r\...
..~/~..
.J \
"'-:::
)i~
" "-; ) ,:!:(
i...... f '
,-" '
I '\
........,..
, 1 ,'jCONDA: ~, "'-"
' ~..,,~ ;)"-'-'
~~G.
/"~ ! ~' ~
L.~!,
\\ \, \ '' '\~'-"""" ~
).)~ Cdnda '~
~ "\ ;", '
i.
'-- j"-, / "\.. ~ ,,"),~ .'-; ,~,...,"'.., \'-..
1 \rfJ
,..,'-)... \
I "
~;;~;
~X'!
, ~!
~l ;~!~St('r/~\i 1~
'\ Mons~n\~r"
' . ..
9.+_.+....r"'
~: ,j/-", / , ,'; % -, ~
1,
....
\ r"
...) -
j!F..;-t i...
,......./" -
"f'
\ ".. / "..-! ;
30 ..1 \.:/
: pOC~EllO ~ Qri;ri~thLf',
"-"""'
:::r~~"
" '
Jl....
..._....'"-
fr ! o~a pn~gs""
.' "
L..,......_
+....--+.~..' '..--
f,,
~~\,.-'
J- (
\ /"/'")\
l-ii-\Jjl~~ I 't c
"'- '-
Pc!U8DIVISJON I
L./ /
...:;~~:
c.~.
...
! i.4...J;..\i,"~"""""~"=~1I-""'t'.'r i '
j /... ~/ ,,''" '\;) """,-'., """'"
i _
. ;'-", ;.. /' .) )
-1-'
"- .- ,"--, .....
r--'-
.. / '\\-' \
I '
.._... j ~/ \j
I 'I .
~.....- : .- j./ \ ,
;;7'J,,
,( . '! \
,J _..n
-- ,
"- r.....
--_.
...n
..._
'-':~..- ....._n ......n"
\ ID\A.HO
CAR BOU COU NTY
r --..
~"""-
T-\.
j...._...._..__.....\ \--., :~j~~
1 i
"'-
I /
/-. !~:~~\
0)y(
\--"
/ n
vVool~y Nalley
\ \
r:--
(J'
""';..~
""'J
....";'
,,- 1 ,
, /\ ""
- E'ABANDONMENTP. 24.
._-'\."(....\. ",._--.....--,,-..--,"(\;~~\..--,~:,- "" "\ j\..
5 /r'-
/".:~:~j--""
flAR1 BOU COUNTY /7i~""""'~~
~~"
T"'n_~n"",,",
~..
.J BEI?f?~::"LAfjt
---
COUNTY
\ \
':r-'
; j ,.-/\ .'!
r""--
~ ....; /~...../' ---
)z::~
t;c~~~
_....-.../...._-. "
j~7"-l-';r-
....~/\" ~" ...,... ,::;~,(~ /---., ,~../' -.. ';." ...-(~~ ',. : ,;! ,
i (
it
-..
...f t
~ ""..
~~;t;; J
~ ~-...
.l...f",
--,
NOTE: THERE ARE 50+YEAR OLD STRUCTURES DRY VALLEY SUBDIVISION
E N MP 23. 90 TO MP 24. I I
TOTAL OF 0.21 MILES
IN CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO
UPRR LINES TO BE ABANDONED UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.
DRY VALLEY SUBDIVISION
DRY VALLEY, IDAHO
INCLUDING 50 + YEAR OLD STRUCTURES
I .............................................,.........
OTHER UPRR LINES
OTHER RAILROADS
PRINCIPAL HIGHWAYS
OTHER ROADS
50 + YEAR OLD STRUCTURES SCALE MILES
FILE: q:\obondonments\ob0350_dry _vo//ey.dgn DATE: 04-0ct-04 //:07
AB-33 (Sub-No2 27X)
A TT ACHMENT NO.
October 11 , 2004
~e Clearinahouse ~ernat!
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box 83720
472 West Washington St.
Boise, ID 83702
s. Army CorDs of Ena~neers
S. Army Engineer District
Walla Walla
201 North Third Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362-1876
State Coastal Zone Manaaement Aaency
~:
None
National Park Service
National Park Service
William O. Shaddox
Chief, Land Resources Division
1849 "C" St., N. W., #MS3540
Washington, DC 20240
State Environmental Protection Aaency
Idaho Division of Environmental Quality
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
Head of each County
: .. .
Caribou Cou nty Com in issiohers
County Courthouse
. .. .
159 S. Main Street
Soda Springs, 10 832?6-:-1427
s. Natural Resources Conservation Service
State Conservationist
Natural Resource Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Drive, Ste. C
Boise, 1083709-1573
Environmental Profection Aaency
iBealonal Office
S. Environmental protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
National Geodetic Survey
National Geodetic Survey
Edward J. McKay, Chief
Spatial Reference System Division
NOAA N/NGS2
1315 E-W Highway
Silver Spring, MO 20910-3282
S. Fish and Wildlife
S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Region
911 NE 11th Avenue -
Portland, OR 97232-4181
State Historic Preservation Office
State Historic Preservation Officer
Idaho Historical Society
1109 Main St., Suite 250
Boise, 10 83702
Re:Proposed Abandonment of the Dry Valley Subdivision from M. P. 23.90 to M.P. 24.11 near Dry Valley in Caribou County, Idaho; STB Docket No. AB-
(Sub-No. 227X)
Law Department
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
1400 Douglas St., Stop 1580, Omaha, NE 68179-1580
he. (402) 501-0127
Dear Sirs:
Union Pacific Railroad Company plans to request authority from the Surface
Transportation Board (STB) to abandon and discontinue service on the Dry ValleySubdivision from M. P. 23.90 to M. P. 24.11 near Dry Valley, a distance of 0.21 miles in
Caribou County, Idaho. A map of the proposed track abandonment shown in black is
attached.
Pursuant to the STB'regulations at 49 C.R. Part 1152, and theenvironmental regulations at 40 C.F. R. Part 1105., this is to again request your assistance
in identifying any potential effects of this action as indicated in the paragraphs below.
do not anticipate any adverse environmental impacts. However, if you identify any adverse
environmental impacts , describe any actions that are proposed in order to mitigate theenvironmental impacts. Please provide us with a written response that can be included in
an Environmental Report, which will be sent to the STB.
LOCAL AND/OR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES. State whether theproposed action is consistent with existing land use plans. Describe any inconsistencies.
U. S. SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE. State the effect of the proposed
action on any prime agricultural land.
U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (ADd State G~me And ParksCommission, If Addressed). State (1) whether the proposed action is. likely to adverselyaffect endangered or threatened species or areas designated as a critical habitat, and if so,
describe the effects, and, (2) whether wildlife sanctuaries or refuges, National or State parksor forests will be affected, and describe any effects.
STATE WATER QUALITY OFFICIALS. State whether the proposed action
is consistent with applicable Federal, State or Local water quality standards. Describe anyinconsistencies.
U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS . State (1) whether permits under
Section 404 otthe Clean Water Act (33 U.S. C. ~ 1344) are required tor the proposed action
and (2) whether any designated wetlands or 100-year flood plains will be affected. Describe
the effects.
U. S.ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND STATEENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OR EQUIVALENT AGENCY. (1) Identify any potential
effects on the surrounding area , (2) identify the location ot hazardous waste sites and known
hazardous material spills on the right-ot-way and list the types ot hazardous materialsinvolved, and (3) state whether permits under Section 402 ot the Clean Water Act (33 U.~ 1342) are required for the proposed action.
Thank you for your assistance. Please send your reply to Union Pacific
Railroad, Mr. Chuck Saylors, 1400 Douglas Street, Mail Stop 1580, Omaha, NE, 68179.If you need further information , please contact me at (402) 544-4861.
Attachment
G: \ABANDONMENTS\33-227X\33SUB227 . 1ST. DOC
Charles W. Saylors
1 ,...- ('-'--/( ----~ '-,/
I--Ii '-,
..-. -. "~'_.----- .. /..~'\..,..,--,~' -/""II j :-'\ I "1 i
' ', "----" ----? ,
I -
\, ~/ (/ '
. J
,", '\......,....---.., \' \-
!,I h
'\,
tt,
' .
h"
, "
I ,
,.......
,r---
......./ ~-_..
..I 1- "L."
\ \ " ;--'..; /-,--..
'0 '
-""---'-""~' \ "
...1/
.-- -- """", ~'\
,i/-..A-.,,).~ '-II r~' i, 'I
,..- ..-
ii';
- ~'\ "" '' : .. ,-' /":';~)"
c- 1\
- -.
- 1
__.__.-::;,...-....----... ''( '\."
"" J i ' '-,""r-' ;
"\...
,r! !
\ '. "" /! \ - ."
v_~ '\ r-Wool~y \Yalley
, '
\ BEGINI \
~I t----j ABANDONMENT
--.
CAR/B , U CO4NTY
, j"
r" . M.P. 23.-i ')-1........---.... ,- l ' ~J........
/-... "~'-
1-"---
\ \ ) -...... ( "
- I l ,
~/ \ '' ..'" .-.."--
A'--"-
. \\. ,
i \'
:\
ABANDONMENT
: :
i -
~~ \ , \, ~'~'_'_/"""
i ("\n .
""-""'-"""""'-)"'-'~'--'
i \
...
...J
""'~"', \."......./"'-'" \,
.,)0'" '
. -, "
'" l' -
"-
6 )
! " , ,
..,.. ') t--
" \
~l,'I
( ) -'- \ ---'\
Dry Vall~~
~~..-""\".. ,.,.--.
..-J..,,
-"'---j "
-'7"""" '" ilL. 'I , -,~ i /'--/ r' , I
, ,..----." '
;" l ,
\..
./ L-~..-- '
/- / "
". i
\ !('
t'L -"'::'r
') \. \ \. /\ '"
ii
\ "\ ", '. "" --........./ ,
CIDN
~' "'--
r~-":I,-
.,.~
x i
':\ '-- ....... ...
'r-I I "
\\ , \
'A':""'..~ 1"'-""
;\ \ ~\ "
i --..-." I .-' 0 ), \1?i tr ,~
" ", ....\ ('" "-.., ""! -
Ce;R~a .l.'.....A
" \
"'1 Q
' /- . ,'.
gJ \'
"-----'!--..
I.
" \\...... ,"-. "
':;:;; A't~-"\ t ')
.; '\ ""
.... I
\.
II oJ /f J'.
, "--"""",.....;:; ,---( _
.J",,
, '
--1.. \
! ,';"',~
r~r......'o!
"\.' '
I:-' , , ~
""~-" ...---'" '" ,\, ,
fU.-- \i - L) / -
~ -
~!--. I
! ,' ""'....... '---'-"'
-\1
.. /
' '" 'V
.--. \ ......_-.--: "--.., ! ------"- \ /"'---, '. (.. , \ )j .. ,
\ r'
\~- ,.../
..r
----. '--..
Y'-
\......, \ "./'.
'\\....I 'o 5;1 "1/'"
r?t1Or1$\ n~~T'1
' . ~'
f::~"1../
--~!,.
1 t,
,... ~ "" ""---'
'7"
\ ,---- ~--\ "
\J if L..
/' \;:; , ~' ! \"\. _...-. '..,
I I
"~ " .........--..,,"~\
~-I
) '
\ 0
'\ ,....\ /
,r'
j.
I 1 j Ajil'J
).
.i\. \;m!
, -
f /
\ ~ " '-.....-- '-....:'\..,
J..-,
"""__._"
A.
""-
ll'h'1 ~
.j / \
r--.
'- -' '. \ " ;'" \ '" \ '""", ..-, .
of
./...... . './
" ---rf ,
---
'D 'l . "-
",,
; '7 /
,-------:\,
' 10 '1;;"" ,
'--- /'
~ .('1:
'. .
1/
'\ " """".- /
l-'SO~'Spri~gs
! (,
)L..--
\ ", "'
., r-J ' !1\ ,1
-"""""..
....J 1 L.._-"i-'-T-"""'L...j -Q i 'r-' i 1 '6
.., '~'--""'.j\ ~ .....
, 1
\ \
\'1'-..
' ,
- /'o
';)-.-.._, ,, )\"". ! ",/ /'- \\ '. _/ ~
"0 i I ,
: '(, /'--.. ( "\ "'" _/\ / ~
'1" '\ ~r .,), ,('I /
~ ".....- ,'--"""...... '- ')'" ,
1'/ ! L."
..-'
; '-G-
, ,
I) 7 J t~
-'Y
~B~QJ!f(fx...-
,. "-"-
I(~iV')~.
~ =)..-"? ~. ~
("BE4R~-L-AKE COUNTY
~ *.. ~\~".. *' \, ""."'\. /
X--"--
\. .. .. : ',;-.,..---'--\ /
./ ,-1
. )
'!PIij;
'"
\. I
-, )'-..
/1 ! ...-"C..) 1\ 1-
...... .. y'\'-----' '" ... . /
.1
,\ \ ......-- (- ,- /' ... ,.,.. ., ...-!~
1",,\ \
/ ~/ ~
/J ~
;::-./ ( \, '" ..'--\ (
.. a
..
-----~ I
'\ .\. '-....
if ....I-.--r-"
"", .. '- ,-..' , '
Y I ,I
"""'....., /.-----' , ,,'\
I, ,,1"--
-----~ ' '
1/
\.., \ --.......\ "'-.. .....--.
r,-
, \...... "-'
i ,....---:.7~ ,
....-
-1"
\ ,
.f-!r:N-
( -/(~" '
rj-r-
.,.,." '\
r" ! ,
'. ..' '-.,...-....- j./---" ~\ /---- ", ~
.J./
..
~ I e . (~
' )(1I '
/""
-r1
~"--$ ..'
NOTE: THERE ARE NO 50 +YEAR OLD STRUCTURES DRY VALLEY SUBDIVISION
MP 23. 90 TO MP 24. II
TOTAL OF 0.21 MILES
IN CARfBOU COUNTY, IDAHO
UPRR LINES TO BE ABANDONED UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.
DRY VALLEY SUBDIVISION
DRY VALLEY, IDAHO
INCLUDING 50 + YEAR OLD STRUCTURES
OTHER UPRR LINES
OTHER RAILROADS
PRINCIPAL HIGHWAYS
OTHER ROADS
50 + YEAR OLD STRUCTURES SCALE MILES
...--..-.-.............-....-.."......-......
FILE: q:\obondonments\ob0350_dry _vo//ey.dgn DATE: 04-0ct-04 //:07
A TT ACHMENT NO.
United States Department of Agriculture
~ N RCS
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, ID 83709-1574
October 20, 2004
Mr. Chuck Saylors
Union Pacific Railroad
1400 Douglas Street
Mail Stop 1580
Omaha, NE 68179
RE: Proposed Abandonment of the Dry Valley Subdivision from M.P. 23.90 to M.P. 24.11 near
Dry Valley in Caribou County, Idaho; STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 227x)
Dear Mr. Saylors:
This is to inform you that the Natural Resources Conservation Service s official position on
Union Pacific Railroad Company s plan to abandon and discontinue service on the Dry Valley
Subdivision from M.P. 23.90 to M.P. 24.11 near Dry Valley, a distance of 0.21 miles in Caribou
County, Idaho will not have any adverse environmental impact on any prime agricultural land.
SinCerelY
&ROOKS
Assistant State Conservationist (TS)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C
Boise, ID 83709-1573
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer