TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Irreversible and 

Irretrievable 

Commitment of 

Resources

7.21

7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 7.21-1

7.21 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES

7.21.1 Introduction

This section provides a brief description of the potential commitment of resources that would result 

from implementation of any of the Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Tier 1 Draft EIS) 

Action Alternatives.

7.21.2 Definition of Resource

An Action Alternative may cause irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources; this kind 

of impact may have short-term effects or long-term benefits to a variety of resources. Of particular 

concern would be those resources that may be considered scarce or rare—such as high-quality 

wetlands/habitats, historic resources, or something that may be considered irreplaceable—and those 

effects that could not be reduced or mitigated.

7.21.3 Commitment of Resources

Implementation of the Action Alternatives would result in effects on resources that are considered 

scarce and rare, and once used, are irretrievable. This Tier 1 Draft EIS evaluates a variety of resources 

at a broad level of detail. Based on the analysis conducted for this Tier 1 Draft EIS, the Federal Railroad 

Administration presents a qualitative assessment of the types of impacts that would result in

irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.

Energy is a resource that is irretrievable and could become scarce and rare. While energy sources 

such as oil and gas are not currently considered rare, once used, they cannot readily be replaced.

Improved passenger rail service and options may reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle 

trips, thereby reducing energy usage related to transportation within the NEC FUTURE Study Area 

over the long term. During construction activities, energy usage and consumption may increase for a 

short time. Improvements in technology may also contribute to overall reductions in energy usage 

and consumption for both the long and short terms.

Natural resources—such as ecologically sensitive areas, threatened and endangered species, water 

resources and agricultural soils—would be affected by any of the Action Alternatives. Given the broad 

level of detail in this Tier 1 Draft EIS analysis, specific attributes of these resources that would make 

them particularly scarce or unique are unknown at this time. Degradation of natural habitats and 

resources would be irreversible. However, in some cases mitigation can be used to minimize the 

overall effects to these resources. Long-term effects on these resources would result from converting 

undeveloped land (which includes natural areas) to developed (including a transportation use), and 

the increases in impervious surfaces that would result in increased stormwater runoff. Short-term 

effects on these resources would be related to construction activities and would not likely result in 

irreversible commitments of natural resources. 

Cultural and historic resources would be affected by any of the Action Alternatives. Destruction of

cultural and historic resources would be an irretrievable commitment of resources. Long-term effects 

to these resources would result from earthmoving activities and removal of existing structures. Once 

disturbed, these resources cannot be replaced. However, in some cases portions of these resources 

would be preserved on- or off-site. Short-term construction-related effects on these resources may 
7.21. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources

Page | 7.21-2 Tier 1 Draft EIS

result in temporary closure of a site—if open to the public—and temporary changes to the visual 

setting. These effects would be temporary and would not result in an irretrievable commitment of 

these resources. 

Construction of the Action Alternatives would result in the commitment of resources through the use 

of fossil fuel, labor, and construction materials. Additional fuel and natural resources would be used 

in fabricating and preparing the construction materials. These materials are generally not in short 

supply, and their use would not have an adverse impact on the continued availability of the materials.

Construction would also require the expenditure of local, state, and/or federal funds, which would 

not be available for use on other projects.

7.21.4 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis 

Potential effects and mitigation would be studied further and clarified in subsequent project-level 

analysis, design, and environmental review, which would provide a better understanding of effects 

and whether those effects would result in the irreversible and irretrievable commitments of 

resources.