California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter XVIII – Environmental Review
CHAPTER XVIII
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
California is aggressively working at improving the State’s environment.
Careful stewardship is necessary to continue these advances in the natural and
human environment while providing the infrastructure necessary for a vibrant
economy. Freight rail is an integral tool of commerce. The State Rail Plan
provides a decision platform to consider the current rail conditions, identify
associated environmental issues, and develop candidate responses.
Numerous elements contribute to the complex issue of providing a viable freight
system and balancing environmental considerations. Some of these elements
include the following facts:
• Urban areas have serious air quality problems.
• Rail corridors have been in place for well over a hundred years.
• Land uses have evolved and grown around these routes.
• Interstate commerce drives Class I railroad practices.
• Private railroads provide a public conveyance.
• Railroad ROW is generally privately held.
• Federal positions and responsibilities may preempt state actions.
For this overview, California’s Livable Communities objectives will be used for
identifying issue areas for the State to consider and further analyze as the freight
element of the State Rail Plan is implemented. This overview also provides a
baseline understanding of the following environmental impacts of rail:
• Noise
• Vibration
• Highway-Rail Crossings
• Air Quality
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