Public Comment. Volume III - Montana Legislature

DRAFT, 4/9/85 20
_,c. During third phase . engineering, the Applicant
should attempt .. to provide the -. greatest .-possible
access to all portions of the ROW, in terms of
grade crossings and gates, in an effort to minimize
response time. Certain areas adjacent to the ROW
are . more accessible than others. The Applicant
should recognize topographic differences in providing
access for emergency vehicles crossing the
rail line. While there are no industry standards
for determining the preferable distance between
crossing points, it should be shorter in rougher
- i - terrain than it would be in more accessible areas.
The Applicant should consult other railroads to
ascertain the appropriate distance between access
points.
d. Since the Applicant will be a significant taxpaying
entity, it can be assumed that the emergency assistance
of the various tax-supported fire districts
will be an integral part of this plan [see
item (2) above I. It ~~hquld be noted, however, that
many rural fire districts operate on a strictly
volunteer, unfunded basis. In such cases, the
Applicant sb.ould develop relationships with these
local organizations for the purpose of implementing
funding agreements. A formula 9houl.d be established,
based on criteria applied by other railroads'
in the region, to determine the amount of
funding per group.
e. The Applicant ghould commit to all reasonable
efforts .to protect property, livestock, and the
general public from damage due to Tongue River
Railroad-caused fires. In addition, the Applicant
should make eveFy effort to assure adequate access
to all areas on all sides of the ROW. All serious
concerns and' suggestions should be explored for
practicality, usefulness, economic considerations,
etc.
f. The Applicant ghould observe all applicable operat
f onal regulations promulgated by the Federal
Railroad Administration. This will also serve to
minimize the potential for railroad-caused fires.
(4) Oil Spill Prevention and Control Plan. The Applicant
qhould develop, in concert with the appropriate agencies
and private concerns, plans to prevent spills of
oil or other petroleum products, both during construc-
EQC Eminent Domain Study -203-