20081103Environmental-Historic Report to STB.pdf

.Gabriel S. MeyerAssistant~ËEËYvirD
2008 NOV - 3 PM 2: 52
IDAHO PUBUÇ
UTiLITIES COMMISSION
October 28, 2008
Via UPS 2nd Day Air
Surface Transportation Board
395 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
u pR '- R - 08 -0 ,
Attention: Victoria Rutson
Re: . Proposed Abandonment of the Coeur d'Alene Industrial Lead from Milepost
7.5 near Gibbs to Milepost 8.79; STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 272X)
Dear Ms. Rutson:
Enclosed for filing in the above-referenced matter are the original and ten (10)
copies of Union Pacific Railroad Company's Combined Environmental and Historic
Report prepared pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Sections 1105.7 and 1105.8, with a Certificate
of Service and a transmittal letter pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Section 1105.11.
Union Pacific anticipates filing a Petition for Exemption in this matter on or after
November 17, 2008. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,~,A~
Gabriel S. Meyer
Enclosures
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD 1400 Douglas Street STOP 1580 Omaha, NE 68179 [phone] fax [phone] gmeyerØlup.com
Dated:
Filed:
BEFORE THE
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 272X)
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
--PETITION FOR ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION--
IN KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID
(COEUR D'ALENE INDUSTRIAL LEAD)
Combined Environmental and Historic Report
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
Gabriel S. Meyer
Assistant General Attorney
1400 Douglas Street, Mail Stop 1580
Omaha, Nebraska 68179
[phone]
[phone] FAX
October 28, 2008
October 30,2008
BEFORE THE
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 272X)
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
--PETITION FOR ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION--
IN KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID
(COEUR D'ALENE INDUSTRIAL LEAD)
Combined Environmental and Historic Report
Union Pacific Railroad Company ("UP") submits this Combined Environmental
and Historic Report ("EHR") pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 1105.7(e) and 49 C.F.R.
§ 11 05.8(d), respectively, for an exempt abandonment of the Coeur d'Alene Industrial
Lead, from Milepost 7.5 near Gibbs to the end of the line at Milepost 8.79 near Coeur
d'Alene, a distance of 1.29 miles in Kootenai County, Idaho (the "Line"). The Line
traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Code 83814. UP anticipates that it will file a Petition
for Exemption to abandon the Line on or after November 17, 2008.
A map of the Line (Attachment No.1), and UP's letter to federal, state and local
government agencies (Attachment No.2) are attached to this EHR. Responses
received thus far to UP's letters are also attached.
2
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
49 C.F.R. § 1105.7(e)
(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 an exempt abandonment of UP's Coeur
d'Alene Industrial Lead. The Line proposed for abandonment extends from Milepost 7.5
near Gibbs to the end of the line at Milepost 8.79 near Coeur d'Alene, a total distance of
1.29 miles. A map of the Line is attached as Attchment NO.1.
The Line was originally constructed in 1911 by the Coeur d'Alene and Pend
Oreile Railway Company. The majority of the Line is constructed with 112, 131, and
133-pound jointed rail laid secondhand in 1985 and 1998. Approximately one sixth of a
mile of the Line contains 72-pound raiL.
The right-of-way proposed for abandonment may be suitable for other public
purposes, including use as a recreational traiL. UP has entered discussions with the
Coeur d'Alene City Attorney's office and a developer regarding the possible relocation of
an existing trail onto the Line's right of way. At present, the trail proposed for relocation
runs along the Spokane River, approximately 250 feet from the Line.
The Line includes reversionary propert interests which could affect the transfer
of title or use of the property for other than railroad purposes. Based upon information
in UP's possession, the Line does not contain any federally granted right-of-way. Any
documentation in UP's possession will be made available to those requesting it.
In recent years, and continuing until May, 2008, the sole purpose of the Line has
been to serve Stimson Lumber Company's DeArmond Stud MilL. Historically, the mil
3
was jointly served by UP and BNSF Railway Company (previous Burlington Northern),
with each carrier maintaining its own access. In October, 2003, UP ceased operation of
its own service over the Line in favor of BNSF, which began providing service for UP
pursuant to a haulage agreement between the carriers.
In May, 2008, all production at the DeArmond Mill ended and train service over
the Line ceased. The mil is currently being dismantled and the property is being
converted for other, non-industrial uses. UP believes that it is not necessary to reveal
the DeArmond Mil's shipping activities during its final years of operation, because the
mil is being dismantled, and because Stimson continues to maintain operations at other
locations and such information could be used by its competitors. A copy of UP's
exemption petition wil be sent to Stimson Lumber Company's headquarters, which is
located at 520 S.W. Yamhil Street, Suite 700, Portland, OR, 97204. There are no other
opportunities for traffic on the line.
After abandonment, the closest UP rail service wil be provided at the Feeley
Spur station located several miles northwest of central Coeur d'Alene. Coeur d'Alene
will also continue to receive rail service from BNSF, whose line is located approximately
one mile away from the Coeur d'Alene Industrial Lead. Coeur d'Alene is also served by
Interstate 90, an east-west route, and U.S. Highway 95, a north-south route.
(2) Transporttion System. Describe the effects of the proposed action on regionalor
local transportation systems and patterns. Estimate the amount of traffic (passenger or
freight) that wil be diverted to other transportation systems or modes as a result of the
proposed action.
Response: Given that no traffc uses the Line, the proposed abandonment wil have
no impact on area transportation systems and patterns.
4
(3) Land Use.
Response:
(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 any inconsistencies.
(ii) Based on consultation with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, state
the effect of the proposed action on any prime agricultural land.
(ii) If the action affects land or water uses within a designated coastal
zone, include the coastal zone information required by 49 C.F.R. §
1105.9.
(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.S.C. § 10905
and explain why.
(i) UP is unaware of any adverse effects on local and existing land use
plans. The Kootenai County Commissioners' Offiæ has been contacted.
To date, UP has received no response.
(ii) The Natural Resources Conservation Service ("NRCS") has been
contacted. Upon review, the NRCS found that soil suitability and effects to
prime and unique farmland will not be changed or otherwise affected by
the proposed abandonment, and it is unlikely that there would be
additional effects to plant communities, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,
biodiversity, or fuel loads. The NRCS' response is attached as
Attachment NO.3.
(iii) Not Applicable.
(iv) The right-of-way has the potential to be used as a public recreational
traiL. Pursuant to discussions with the City Attorney and developer, the
5
existing biking/hiking trail along the Spokane River, may be moved 250
feet northeast onto the Line's right of way. The City and the developer are
assembling Union Pacific's land with BNSF's land and will construct
condos/town homes along the river. In order to accommodate the
development, the trail wil be moved away from the river.
(4) Energy. "
(i) Describe the effect of the proposed action on transportation of energy
resources.
(ii) Describe the effect of the proposed action on recyclable commodities.
(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 wil 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 are no effects on the transportation of energy resources.
(ii) There are no recyclable commodities moved over the Line.
(iii) There will be no change in energy consumption from the proposed
action.
(iv)(A)(B) UP does not anticipate that there will be any rail-to-motor
diversion.
(5) Air. (i) If the proposed action wil result in either:
6
(A) an increase in rail traffic of at least 100% (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 100%
(measured by carload activity), or
(C) an average increase in truck traffic of more than 10% 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.S.C. §10901 (or
§ 10505) to construct a new line or reinstitute service over a
previously abandoned line, only the eight train a day
provision in subsection (5)(i)(A) will apply.
Response: UP does not anticipate any such effects.
(5) Air. (ii) If the proposed action affects a class 1 or nonattainment area under the
Clean Air Act, and wil result in either:
(A) an increase in rail traffic of at least 50% (measured in
gross ton miles annually) or an increase of at least three
trains a day on any segment of rail line, or
(B) an increase in rail yard activity of at least 20% (measured
by carload activity), or
(C) an average increase in truck traffic of more than 10% 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.S.C. §10901 (or 49 U.S.C. §10505), or a case involving
the reinstitution of service over a 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 as a
result of the proposed action.
(5) Air. (ii) If transportation of ozone depleting materials (such as nitrogen oxide and
freon) is contemplated, identify: the materials and quantity; the frequency of service;
7
safety practices (including any speed restrictions); the applicant's safety record (to the
extent available) on derailments, accidents and spils; contingency plans to deal with
accidental spils; and the likelihood of an accidental release of ozone depleting materials
in the event of a collsion 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 wil 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.g., 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 spils; 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 spils on the right-of-way, identify
the location of those sites and the types of hazardous materials involved.
8
Response: (i) The proposed action wil 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 materials waste sites or sites where
known hazardous material spills have occurred on or along the subject
right-of-way. The State of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
("DEQ") reviewed the proposed abandonment and stated that it is not
aware of any large releases of hazardous materials along the Line.
However, based on the potential for petroleum contamination, the long
history of the Line's operation and DEQ's experience with other rail line
abandonments, DEQ requests that UP conduct a reconnaissance
assessment of the rail bed and adjacent right-of-way proposed for
abandonment, and complete a scientifically supportable random sampling
of the grade and right-of-way to establish the surface and near surface
concentrations of petroleum constituents and herbicides. The data would
be subjected to a risk based assessment protocol that would guide grade
closure alternatives protective of human health and the environment. The
DEQ response is attached as Attchment NO.4.
(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.
9
(ii) State whether wildlife sanctuaries or refuges, National or State parks or
forests wil be affected, and describe any effects.
Response: (i) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been contacted, reviewed the
proposed abandonment, and concluded that no federally listed, proposed,
or candidate species are likely to occur in the vicinity of the project. The
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's response is attached as Attchment No.
5.
(ii) The National Park Service has been contacted. To date, UP has
received no response.
(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.S.C. §
1344) are required for the proposed action and whether any designated
wetlands or 1 OO-year flood plains will be affected. Describe the effects.
(ii) State whether permits under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. § 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 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office has been
contacted. To date, UP has received no response.
(ii) The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has been contacted. To date, UP
has received no response.
10
(iii) UP does not anticipate that 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.
11
HISTORIC REPORT
49 C.F.R. § 1105.8(d)
(1) A U.S.G.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 Attchment NO.1.
(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's right-of-way is approximately 100 feet wide, and its topography
is generally leveL.
(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 are no structures over 50 years old affected by the proposed
abandonment.
(4) The date(s) of construction of the structure(s), and the date(s) and extent of any
major ålterations 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:
12
Response: See UP's response to Question (1) in the Environmental Report for a brief
history and description.
(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: UP does not have any relevant documentation.
(7) An opinion (based on readily available information in the UP's possession) as to
whether the site and/or structures meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places (36 C.F.R. § 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 Offce, local historical societies or universities):
Response: At this time, UP knows of no historic sites or structures or archeological
resources in the project area. No structures over 50 years old are affected by the
proposed abandonment.
(8) A description (based on readily available information in the railroad's possession) of
any known prior subsurface ground disturbance or fil, 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
Offiær may request the following additional information regarding specified non-railroad
owned properties or groups 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 (i.e., prehistoric or native American):
Response: Not applicable.
13
Dated this 28th day of October, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
~,4 ~
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
Gabriel S. Meyer, Assistant General Attorney
1400 Douglas Street, Mail Stop 1580
Omaha, Nebraska 68179
[phone]
[phone] FAX
14
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing Combined
Environmental and Historic Report in Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No. 272X), the Coeur
d'Alene Industrial Lead in Kootenai County, Idaho was served by first class mail,
postage prepaid, on the 28th day of October, 2008 on the following:
!staie Clearinghouse (or altrnate):
J Commission SecretaryIdaho Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box 83720
472 West Washington St.
Boise, ID 83702
u.s. Army Corps of Engineers:
U.S. Army Engineers
Seattle District
4735 East Marginal Way South
Seattle WA 98134-2385
State Environmental Protection Agency:
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
National Park Service:
National Park Service
Pacific West Region
One Jackson Center
1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607
State Coastal Zone Management Agency
(i applicable):
None
U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service:
State Conservationist
Natural Resource Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Drive, Ste. C
Boise, ID 83709-1574Head of each County:
Kootenai County Commissioners
County Courthouse
451 Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814-2988
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
Environmental Protection Agency
(Regional Office):
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900
Seatte, WA 98101
State Historic Preservation Office:
State Historic Preservation Officer
Idaho Historical Society
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712u.S. Fish and Wildlife:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Pacific Region
911 NE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232-4181
Dated this 28th day of October, 2008.
~,,~
Gabriel S. Meyer
Attachment No. 1
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ABANDONMENT
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ABANDONMENT "
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NOTE: THERE ARE NO 50+ YEAR OLD STRUCTURES
Legend COEUR D'ALENE INDUSTRIAL LEAD
UPRR LINES TO BE ABANDONED MP 7.50 10 MP 8.79
TOTAL OF 1.29 MILES IN KOOTENAI COUNTY
IN IDAHO
OTHER UPRR LINES UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.
COEUR D'ALENE INDUSTRIAL LEAD
IDAHO
INCLUDiNG 50+ YEAR OLD STRUCTURESo 0.5 1 2
Miles
OTHER RAILROADS
· · .. PRINCIPAL HIGHWAYS
OTHER ROADS - -- -
Attachment No. 2
m
July 1, 2008
State Clearinghouse (or alternate):
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilties Commission
P. O. Box 83720
472 West Washington St.
Boise, ID 83702
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
U.S. Army Engineers
Seatte District
4735 East Marginal Way South
Seattle WA 98134-2385
State Environmental Protection Agency:
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, fD 83706
National Park Service:
National Park Service
Pacific West Region
One Jackson Center
1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607
State Coastal Zone Management Agency
(if applicable):
None
u.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service:
State Conservationist
Natural Resource Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Drive, Ste. C
Boise, ID 83709-1574Head of each County:
Kootenai County Commissioners
County Courthouse
451 Government Way
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814-2988
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
Environmental Protection Agency
(Regional Office):
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900
Seatte, WA 98101
State Historic Preservation Office:
State Historic Preservation Officer
Idaho Historical Society
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712
u.S. Fish and Wildlife:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Pacific Region
911 NE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232-4181
Re: Proposed Abandonment of the Coeur d'Alene Industrial Lead from M.P. 7.5
near Gibbs to the end of the line at M.P. 8.79 near Coeur d'Alene, a distance
of 1.29 miles in Kootenai County, Idaho; STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-No.
272X)
Dear Sirs:
Union Pacific Railroad Company plans to request authority from the Surface
Transportation Board (STB) to abandon and discontinue service on the Coeur d'Alene
Industrial Lead from M.P. 7.5 near Gibbs to the end of the line at M.P. 8.79 near Coeur
d'Alene, a distance of 1.29 miles in Kootenai County, Idaho. A map of the proposed track
abandonment shown in black is attached.
Law Deparent
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
1400 Douglas St., Stop 1580, Omaha, NE 68179-1580
fx. [phone]
Pursuant to the STB's regulations at 49 C.F.R. Part 1152, and the
environmental regulations at 40 C.F. R. Part 1105.7, this is to request your assistance in
identifying any potential effects of this action as indicated in the paragraphs below. We 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 the
environmental impacts. Please provide us with a written response that can be included in an
Environmental Report, which wil be sent to the STB.
LOCAL AND/OR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES. State whether the
proposed 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 (And State Game And Parks
Commission, If Addressed). State (1) 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, and, (2) whether wildlife sanctuaries or refuges, National or State parks
or forests will be affected, and describe any effects.
STATE WATER QUALITY OFFICIALS. State whether the proposed action isconsistent with applicable Federal, State or Local water qualiy standards. Describe any
inconsistencies.
U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS. State (1) whether permits under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S. C. § 1344) are required for the proposed action
and (2) whether any designated wetlands or 1 OO-year flood plains will be affected. Describe
the effects.
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND STATE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (OR EQUIVALENT AGENCY). (1) Identify any potentialeffects on the surrounding area, (2) identify the location of hazardous waste sites and known
hazardous material spills on the right-of-way and list the types of hazardous materials
involved, and (3) state whether permits under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.
§ 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 [phone].
Charles W. Saylors
Attachment
2
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BEGIN
ABANDONMENT
MP7.5
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\~,END
ABANDONMENT
MP 8.79
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NOTE: THERE ARE NO 50+ YEAR OLD STRUCTURES
Legend COEUR D'ALENE INDUSTRIAL LEAD
UPRR LINES TO BE ABANDONED MP 7.50 TO MP 8.79
TOTAL OF 1.29 MILES IN KOOTENAI COUNTY
IN IDAHO
OTHER UPRR LINES
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.
COEUR D'ALENE INDUSTRIAL LEAD
IDAHO
INCLUDING 50+ YEAR OLD STRUCTURESa 0.5 1 2
Miles- -- -
OTHER RAILROADS
· · .. PRINCIPAL HIGHWAYS
OTHER ROADS
United States Department of Agriculture Attachment No. 3
NRCS
Natural Resources Conservation.Service
9173 W. Bames Drive, Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
[phone]
July 22, 2008
Union Pacific Railroad
Attn: Mr. Chuck Saylors
1400 Douglas Street
Mail Stop 1580
Omaha, NE 68179
RE: STB Docket No. AB-33 (Sub-NO. 272X); Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Mr. Saylors,
We received your request for information and comments on the above referenced project.
The resource impacts that the NRCS typically reviews and provides .comments for, ifnecessary,
. include the following:
. . '. Soil.Srutabilityand limitations
· Erosion, sediment and dust control
· Water discharge from project area to off-site locations - Impact to wàter quality and
irrgation systems
· Effects of disruption to natural drainage patterns
· Consideration for soil and water conservation management systems and measures on
project and adjacent lands; and, Impacts on previously installed soil and water
conservation management systems.
· Prime and Unique Fanland
· Impacts on Ecosystems
· Impacts on other NRCS-related projects.
The NRCS has no comments or concerns with the listed resources for the abandonment of these
1.29 miles of Industral Lead near Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. The proposed abandonment will occur .
within an existing transportation right-of-way. Soil suitability and effects to prime and unique
fanland will not be changed nor otherwise affected. Erosion, sediment, dust and water control
should be included withn normal operating plans as required by federal and state regulatory
agencies. It is unikely that there would be additional effects to plant communties, terrestral
Helping People Help the Land
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
and aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, or fuel loads. There are no curent or planed NRCS-
related projects in that area.
If you have any questions, please contact Mark Weatherstone, Assistant State Conservationist for
Idaho (Technical Resources) at 208-378-5720 or email at Mark.Weatherstone(iid.usda.gov.
Sincerely,
~1:~:~:erationist
cc: Mark Weatherstone, Assistant State Conservationist - Technical Servces, Idaho NRCS, SO
David Hoover, State Soil Scientist, Idaho NRCS, SO
Hal K. Swenson, Assistant State Soil Scientist, Idaho NRCS, SO
Bruce Knapp, Resource Soil Scientist, Idaho NRCS, Moscow, Idaho
Mark Addy, Distrct Conservationist, Idaho NRCS, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Attachment No. 4
STATE OF IDAHO
DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
2110 Ironwood Parkway. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814. [phone] C.L "Butch" Otter, Governor
Toni Hardesty, Director
July 18, 2008
Chuck Saylors
Union Pacific Railroad
1400 Douglas Street
Mail Stop 1580
Omaha, ~, 68179
Subject: Proposed Union Pacific Railroad AbandoIient - Coeur d'Alene Industrial Lead
Dear Mr. Saylors:
This letter is in response to your July 1, 2008 letter requesting assistance in identifying any
potential environmental affects from the abandonment of the Coeur d'Alene Industrial Lead rail
line from M.P. 7.5 to M.P. 8.79 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It appears that ths section is a
contiuation of the same rail line that was formally abandoned from mile post 7.5 to 2.25 in
2004/2005. The Deparent of Environmental Quaity (DEQ) submitted comments to Union
Pacific on that abandonment in a June 15, 2004 letter. Many ofDEQ's concerns are the same for
ths section and are reiterated below.
The rail line passes by residential neighborhoods and industrial areas in Coeur d'Alene. It is
readily accessible to the public. After discussions with long time residents of the Coeur d'Alene
area, our understading is that the line primarily caried forest p~oducts to and from lumber
mills. Petroleum products were also transported to heating oil distributors and an asphalt plant
along the line. Herbicides, used in vegetation control, and spiled petroleum product are potential
contaminants in the rail corrdor
The Deparent of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is not aware of any large releases of hazardous
materials along the rail line. Based on the potential for petroleum contamination, the long history
ofthis line's operation and our experience with other rail line abandonment projects, DEQ
requests that Union Pacific conduct a reconnaissance assessment of the rail bed and adjacent
right of way over ths segment proposed for abandonment. The assessment should inventory any
areas with discolored soils or devoid of vegetation for no apparent reason. The extent of these
areas should be mapped. Any areas inventoried should undergo soil testing using a defensible
sampling design to establish the natue of any contamination, its extent and maximum
concentration values. The type of contanation suspected at any parcular site should dictate
the constituents sampled and assessed.
UPRR Abandonment - Coeur d'Alene Industral Lead
Page 2
July 18, 2008
Union Pacific should also complete a scientifically supportable random sampling of the gradeand right of way to establish the surface and near surface (12 inches) concentrations of petroleum
constituents and herbicides. These data should be subjected to a risk based assessment protocol
that would guide grade closure alternatives protective of human health and the environment. TheIdaho Risk Evaluation Manual is available though the DEQ website at
htt://ww.deq.idaho.gov/ApplicationslBrowneldslindex.cfm?site=sk.htm
Since this section of the rail line is situated along the Spokane River, any abandonmentactivities such as rail and tie removal should apply best management practices (BMPs)
designed to protect the river from nonpoint source pollution. Once installed, these BMPs should
be inspected on a reguar basis and enhanced if not achieving the desired control of ruoff and
nonpoint source pollution.
Any area used to temporarily store and/or treat salvaged rails and ties should be situated well
away from the river. It should be adequately fenced to restrict public access. Any temporar
storage and/or treatment facility situated any place along the rail line will be over the Rathdr
Prairie-Spokane Valley Aquifer, a sole drng water source for over 450,000 residents in the
region. Local critical materials regulations (IDAPA 41.01.01.400) designed for aquifer
protection will apply to any associated chemical storage at a storage and/or treatment site.
Groundwater protection is required by the Idaho Groundwater Rule (lDAP A 58.01.1 1). Primar
and secondar impermeable layers for containment of drainage generated from precipitation on
stored rails .and ties would be waranted. Adequate measures to collect, isolate and treat any
accumulating liquids should be in place. Should tie washig be contemplated on such a site,
liquid waste minization measures would be required in addition to a liquids removal or
treatment plan. RCRA regulations may also apply, dependent on any wastes generated.
If you have any questions concernng this response, please direct these to Kreg Beck at 208-769-
1422 or kreg.beck(Ðdeq.îdaho.gov.
ely,
Danel Redline
Regional Administrator
c: Toni Hardesty, Director, DEQ
Rosie Alonzo, DEQ - Assignent 39135
Kreg Beck, CDA DEQ
June Bergquist, CDA DEQ
.
Attachment No. 5
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
l'~
TAKE PRIDEINAMERICA
United States Department of the Interior
Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office
11103 East Montgomery Drive
Spokane, WA 99206
July 17, 2008
Chuck Saylors
Union Pacific Railroad
1400 Douglas St., MIS 1580
Omaha, NE 68179
Subject: Species List for the Proposed Abandonment of Coeur d'Alene Industral Lead Project
in Kootenai County, ID
Dear Mr. Saylors:
We have reviewed your request for information on endangered and theatened species and their
habitats that may be present in the vicinity of the proposed Abandonment of Coeur d'Alene'
Industral Lead Project in Kootenai County, ID. Because of
the scope and location of theproject, no fedenìiiy listed, proposed, or candidate species are likely to occur in the vicinity of
this proj ect.
This response fufills the requirements of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Servce) under section
7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Should the project plans change,
or if it is delayed more than 90 days, you should verify the curent accuracy of this response with
the Service.
If you have any questions about this letter or your responsibilties under the Act, please contact
Care Cordova at [phone]. Than you for your efforts to protect our nation's species and
their habitats.
Sincerely,~~
..y- Supervs~r .