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

STB Finance Docket No. 33388
Operation
The amount of train traffic operating over the proposed project site meets or exceeds STB thresholds
for air quality; therefore air pollutant emissions were evaluated.
Maintenance
Right-of-way maintenance activities would result in emissions from vehicles and equipment used to
perform maintenance activities. Maintenance activities would be confined to the rail line and occur
sporadically for short periods throughout the year. Emissions during maintenance activities would be
insignificant compared to the existing emissions in the area and would not significantly impact air
quality.
Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria were used to assess the potential impacts to air quality that could result from the
proposed construction project:
C
C
C
C
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 UP 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 longterm
increases in pollutant emissions or excessive fugitive dust emissions.
NOISE
Construction
The proposed project would consist of construction activities that last for, at most, a few months.
Temporary increases in noise level would occur during these operations, but the noise level would be
similar to that of normal track maintenance procedures. Thus, the construction activities are not
expected to result in significant adverse noise impacts.
D-21