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

Floodplain
FEMA maps for the area show that the proposed project is not within the 100-year floodplain.
Groundwater
Groundwater quality could only be affected if a sufficient amount of a contaminant from a potential spill
were released and if it were able to leach to the aquifer prior to implementation and completion of cleanup
procedures. The circumstances under which this could happen would be unusual considering the
permeability of the soils (moderately slow to slow), the depth to groundwater (30 to 60 feet), low rail
traffic (eight trains per day), low rail speed (25 mph), and NS’ transportation safety performance record
and emergency action procedures. The probability of a train accident on the proposed connection is
approximately 1.93 accidents per million train miles, or one accident every 300 years (The FRA defines
a train accident as any event resulting in damages as low as $6,300). Response to a contaminant release
is expected to be timely and sufficient to clean up the release. Any spill or contaminant release would
be reported and cleaned up in accordance with all Federal and state statutes and regulations. The
construction of the proposed rail line would not have adverse impacts on groundwater resources. Only
a small amount of fuel and oil would be present on the site during construction activities. Therefore,
any potential leaks or spills could only involve small amounts and would be cleaned up immediately.
4.1.6 Biological Resources
4.1.6.1 Evaluation Criteria
The following significance criteria were utilized to assess the potential impacts to biological resources
resulting from the proposed projects:
• Loss or degradation of unique or important vegetative communities.
• Harm to or loss of individuals or populations of rare, threatened or endangered plants or
animals.
• Disturbance of nesting, breeding or foraging areas of threatened or endangered wildlife.
• Loss or degradation of areas designated as critical habitat.
• Loss or degradation of wildlife sanctuaries, refuges or national, state or local parks/forests.
• Alteration of movement or migration corridors for animals.
• Loss of large numbers of local wildlife or their habitats.
Sensitive animal species with potential to occur in the vicinity of the project may be impacted by
construction activities. A determination as to the level of impact will depend on many factors including
the availability of suitable habitat, previous surveys, and comments from agencies.
Parks, forest preserves, refuges and sanctuaries were identified within one mile of the proposed
construction. Potential impacts to these areas were determined based on their distance from the
proposed constructions and the degree to which rail construction, operation and maintenance would
disturb or disrupt activities at these areas.
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