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

4.1.7.1 Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria were used to assess the potential impacts to air quality that could result from the
proposed construction project:
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Increase in levels of pollutant emissions (e.g., hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter) from the operation of construction
equipment and vehicles.
Effects related to train operations over the NS and Conrail line segments adjoining the
connection, to the extent thy meet the Board’s thresholds for analysis.
Evaluation of the potential for air quality effects from fugitive dust emissions.
Air quality effects are considered to be adverse if the proposed construction would lead to
long-term increases in pollutant emissions or excessive fugitive dust emissions.
4.1.7.2 Potential Impacts
Crawford County, Ohio is an air quality attainment area. Only minor effects on air quality are
expected as a result of the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed project. The
operation of heavy equipment would be the primary source of pollutant emissions during construction
activities. Such pollutants vary by the source and include:
• Particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and
nitrogen oxide (NO) resulting from the combustion of diesel fuel.
• Fugitive dust along the right-of-way and unimproved roads resulting from the operation of
heavy equipment.
During the construction phase, grading, excavation and placement of ballast and subgrade could result
in a temporary increase of fugitive dust. However, with appropriate mitigation measures, such effects
are expected to be minimal. Mitigation measures would include spraying road surfaces with a water
truck or covering truck beds with tarps as necessary. Emissions from construction and maintenance
equipment engines would be localized and temporary during the construction period and during
maintenance activities. They are not expected to reduce air quality.
Because rail traffic over the proposed connection would meet the Board’s thresholds for air quality, area
emissions were quantified and are presented below in Table 4-1. These emissions are not significant.
Emissions resulting from vehicle delays at grade crossings were not quantified since the ADT at the
crossings does not exceed 5,000 vpd.
Table 4-1
Estimated Air Emissions for the Proposed Connection in Bucyrus
(tons per year)
VOC CO NOx SO PM Pb
2 10
0.12 0.35 3.2 0.21 0.08 0.0000067
As previously stated, the proposed connection would shorten the route NS trains would have to travel
by approximately 70 miles. The estimated systemwide decreases in emissions as a result of the proposed
connection in Bucyrus are presented below in Table 4-2.
4-9