Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

The Quinn Brothers Construction Company yard on the proposed construction site was not listed in any
of the searched databases. However, the potential for environmental contamination at the site cannot
be eliminated. If contamination is encountered during construction, proper response and remediation
will be implemented.
During a site visit, no observations of any evidence of potential hazardous waste sites in the project area
were noted. Five above-ground storage tanks were observed in a BP fuel storage and distribution
facility bordering the east side of the construction site. However, these tanks would be unaffected by
the proposed construction. No known hazardous waste sites would be impacted by the proposed project.
Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Because the traffic over the connection is through traffic, it is difficult to determine the exact type and
amount of hazardous materials that would be transported over the connection. Systemwide,
approximately 5.6 percent of NS traffic is composed of hazardous materials. With the low probability
of a train accident (one in four million), no significant impact is expected.
No significant adverse impact from transportation of hazardous materials is expected. The reduction
in train-miles from using the shorter route over the connection would have a beneficial system impact
on transportation safety.
Hazardous Materials Release
All necessary precautions will be taken to reduce the risk of a hazardous materials release during
construction. The majority of the materials are likely to be on the construction site include petroleum
products for construction vehicles. As part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES), a plan for accidental releases of hazardous materials must be included in the Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Electric Transmission Facilities
The proposed alignment would cross one 12-kV electric power line owned by American Electric Power.
The corridor would be crossed between East Warren Street and Rensselaer Street. No alterations to the
height or location of the electric power line are anticipated by NS.
Train Operations
The potential for train-highway vehicle accidents on the proposed connection is expected to be minimal
because of the low speed of the trains (approximately 25 miles per hour), the low level of rail traffic
(eight trains per day) and the minimal number of grade crossings (one expanded crossing and one new
crossing). The average train would be 5,000 feet long.
Train operation always involves a possibility for train accidents or incidents. However, NS’ track and
equipment inspection and maintenance programs, employee training programs, and the low speed of
trains would minimize this potential. The probability of a train accident on the proposed connection is
approximately 1.93 accidents per million train miles.
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