U.S. Department of Transportation

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Submitted Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332 (2)(c)

By the

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Railroad Administration

and

South Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Public Railways (Palmetto Railways)

December 2022
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project i

December 2022

 

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1-1

Chapter 2 Study Area ........................................................................................................................ 2-1

Chapter 3 Purpose and Need............................................................................................................. 3-1

Chapter 4 Alternatives...................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Alternatives Screening .....................................................................................................4-1

4.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................................................4-4

4.3 Action Alternative ............................................................................................................4-4

Chapter 5 Selected Alternative.......................................................................................................... 5-1

Chapter 6 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ................................................. 6-1

Chapter 7 Determinations and Findings Regarding Other Laws ......................................................... 7-1

7.1 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 .......................................7-1

7.2 Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966................................7-1

7.3 Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ...........................................................7-2

Chapter 8 Commitments and Mitigation Measures........................................................................... 8-1

Chapter 9 Coordination and Consultation ......................................................................................... 9-1

Chapter 10 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 10-1

Chapter 11 References.................................................................................................................... 11-1
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project ii December 2022 

List of Tables

Page

4-1 Joint-Lead Agencies Alternatives Screening Summary .................................................................4-5

6-1 Impact Summary...........................................................................................................................6-3

8-1 Commitments and Mitigation Measures......................................................................................8-2

List of Figures

Page

2-1 Study Area.....................................................................................................................................2-2

4-1 Preferred Alternative ....................................................................................................................4-3

List of Appendices

Appendix A: Supplemental Section 106 Compliance Camp Hall Rail, Berkeley County, 

South Carolina
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project iii December 2022 

Acronyms

APE Area of Potential Effects 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

Cross Option 3 Preferred Alternative 

CSXT CSX Transportation, Inc. 

DA Department of the Army 

EA Environmental Assessment 

ESA Endangered Species Act 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Administration 

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact 

FR Federal Register 

FRA Federal Railroad Association 

I- Interstate 

INFRA Infrastructure for Rebuilding America 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act 

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service 

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places 

OEA Office of Environmental Analysis 

Project Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project

Section 4(f) Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act 

(49 U.S.C. § 303)

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

STB Surface Transportation Board 

U.S.C. United States Code 

USACE U.S Army Corps of Engineers 

USDOT U.S. Department of Transportation 

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

USGS U.S. Geological Survey 

Volvo Cars Volvo Cars of North America 

WMAs Wildlife Management Areas 
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 1-1

December 2022

 

Chapter 1

Introduction

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Public Railways (doing business as 

Palmetto Railways)1is proposing to construct and operate the Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 

(Project). The Project includes construction of a 22.7-mile freight rail corridor from the Camp Hall 

Commerce Park in Berkeley County, South Carolina, traveling north and east to a connection with 

the CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) rail network near the Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station in 

Pineville, South Carolina. 

Federal permits were required from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the U.S Army Corps 

of Engineers (USACE) to proceed with the construction of the Project:

• Palmetto Railways filed an exemption petition with the STB under 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) 

Section 10502 to construct and operate a rail line.

• Palmetto Railways applied for a Department of the Army (DA) permit from the USACE under 

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. § 1251) because construction of the 

Project will require the discharge of fill material into waters of the United States.

Since federal permits were required, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. § 

4321 et seq.) (NEPA) applied. To comply with NEPA, STB and USACE acting as joint lead agencies 

prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Camp Hall Rail Line proposed by Palmetto 

Railways. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Railroad Association (FRA) acted 

as a cooperating agency because FRA anticipated that Palmetto Railways would apply for a grant to 

help fund the proposed rail line; and, on July 12, 2018, the FRA accepted the Board’s invitation to be 

a cooperating agency. As noted in the Final EA, FRA used the Draft and Final EAs to fulfill its NEPA 

responsibilities related to this Project and is now issuing a separate Finding of No Significant Impact

(FONSI).

The Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) and USACE jointly issued a Draft EA on 

November 30, 2018, analyzing the potential environmental impacts of the proposal and requesting 

public comments, as required by NEPA (OEA and USACE 2018). A Final EA, containing responses to 

the comments received on the Draft EA, was issued on April 30, 2019 (OEA and USACE 2019). The 

Final EA recommended measures, including voluntary mitigation measures proposed by Palmetto 

Railways, to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed 

construction and operation of the Project. On May 6, 2019, USACE issued Department of the Army 

(DA) permit SAC-2016-01395 authorizing the Palmetto Railways to discharge fill material into waters 

of the United States. On July 22, 2019, the Board granted the exemption Palmetto Railways 

requested, authorizing it to construct and operate the rail line, subject to the environmental 

mitigation measures set forth in the Final EA. 

1

In the Draft EA and Final EA Palmetto Railways is referred to as the Applicant. 
 Introduction

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 1-2

December 2022

 

On March 18, 2021, Palmetto Railways requested federal funding through the Infrastructure for 

Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program administered by FRA to construct the Project. FRA must 

comply with the NEPA (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.) prior to authorizing Palmetto Railways to use 

federal funds. Since the EA conformed to FRA NEPA guidance at 64 Federal Register (FR) 28545 

(May 26, 1999), and the Project for which Palmetto Railways is requesting funding is substantially 

the same as detailed in the previous EA,

2

FRA is using the EA to prepare this FONSI in support of 

obligating funds for the INFRA grant awarded for the proposed Project. FRA has prepared this FONSI 

to comply with NEPA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq. and its implementing regulations, 40 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Parts 1500–1508; FRA regulations implementing NEPA (23 CFR 

Part 771); Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. § 303) 

(Section 4(f)) and FRA implementing regulations (23 CFR Part 774); and related laws. FRA has 

developed this FONSI based on information included in the EA, and the FONSI incorporates the Draft 

and Final EAs by reference (OEA and USACE 2018, 2019). 

2

For analysis in the EA, STB and the USACE (the joint lead agencies) used a mileage calculation of 28.01 miles. The 28.01 

miles includes both spurs within the Camp Hall Commerce Park. Palmetto Railways’ request for federal funding included 

22.7 miles of mainline track, a lead track, and processing and classification yards at the Camp Hall Commerce Park 

adjacent to the Volvo manufacturing plant. The 28.01 miles of track in the EA accounts for the mainline track, the lead 

track and the processing and classification yards at the Camp Hall Commerce Park. Additionally, the location of the 

proposed small maintenance office facility (now referred to as the Locomotive Maintenance Facility and Office) has 

changed since the completion of the Final EA.
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 2-1

December 2022

 

Chapter 2

Study Area

The proposed Camp Hall Industrial Corridor in Berkeley County, South Carolina, involves the 

construction of an industrial freight rail line connecting the Camp Hall Commerce Park to an existing 

CSXT rail infrastructure railroad right-of-way, near the Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station in 

Berkeley County, South Carolina. 

The proposed Project is located in the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain region of South Carolina, which 

is generally a flat region underlain by unconsolidated sedimentary deposits. Rivers meander 

through broad floodplains characterized by cut-off lakes and swamp vegetation. Elevation 

differences in the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain range from 300 feet at the border of the Sandhills to 

sea level at the border of the coast. Additionally, as shown in Figure 2-1

3

the proposed Project area 

is located at the convergence of two distinct river basins: (1) the Project area is located 

predominantly in the upper reaches of the Cypress Swamp Watershed of the Cooper River Basin and 

(2) a small portion of the Project is on the lower boundary of the Lower Four Hole Swamp 

Watershed of the Edisto River Basin.

Land use within the Project corridor is a mix of residential, commercial, silvicultural, and wetlands. 

The Project corridor originates on Santee Cooper property adjacent to its Cross Generating Station 

and crosses the Diversion Canal between Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie South of the Diversion 

Canal. The Project corridor includes the unincorporated rural community of Cross. Outside of the 

Cross community, the corridor runs south through intensively managed pine plantation in short pulp

rotations, and then into the Camp Hall Commerce Park.

3

Figure 2-1 in this FONSI is included in the Draft EA as the Water Resources Study Area. This figure is used in the FONSI 

as it shows the largest extent of the study areas used for analysis in the EA.
 Study Area

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 2-2

December 2022

 

Figure 2-1. Study Area
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 3-1

December 2022

 

Chapter 3

Purpose and Need 

The purpose of the Project is to construct and operate an industrial rail line that will connect an 

existing Class I rail line with the Camp Hall Commerce Park. The need for the rail line derives from 

development in the Camp Hall Commerce Park increasing the demand for rail service connecting the 

park with an existing Class I rail network, in a manner that is logistically feasible. The rail line will 

better serve the needs of future park tenants and industry for transportation, distribution, and 

logistics. In addition, the rail line will support infrastructure needs in South Carolina and Berkeley 

County and will help alleviate highway congestion involving large commercial trucks.
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-1

December 2022

 

Chapter 4

Alternatives

This chapter describes the alternatives analyzed in the EA including the alternatives screening 

process, the No Action Alternative, Action Alternative, and Selected Alternative.

4.1 Alternatives Screening

Palmetto Railways evaluated alternatives to select a preferred alternative for analysis. The joint 

lead agencies independently reviewed Palmetto Railways’ information, developed and applied 

independent screening criteria to each of the Palmetto Railways’ alternatives, and carried the 

Palmetto Railways’ Preferred Alternative forward for analysis, in addition to its analysis of the NoAction alternative. 

The process used to develop and evaluate alternatives is described in the Draft EA, Appendix B, 

Environmental Report. Palmetto Railways developed six alternatives4for meeting the purpose and 

need for the proposed rail line, in addition to a No Action Alternative. These alternatives were 

subject to screening criteria, revised, and re-evaluated according to refined criteria. As part of this 

process, Palmetto Railways analyzed alternatives at three stages, and eliminated all initial 

alternatives except for the Cross route which it expanded into four options.56 Palmetto Railways’ 

screening process evaluated whether alternatives were reasonable and practicable, and considered 

environmental, economic, technological, and safety concerns. Palmetto Railways then finally 

identified and refined a Preferred Alternative (Cross Option 3).

7 Palmetto Railways’ Preferred 

Alternative is shown on Figure 4-1, which is identical to Figure 2-5 in the Draft EA.

The joint lead agencies implemented a two-phase screening process to evaluate the alternatives 

proposed and considered by Palmetto Railways. This process incorporated information from the 

Draft EA Appendix B, Environmental Report, additional information provided by Palmetto Railways, 

and input from agencies and the public. In the first phase, the joint lead agencies determined that 

the initial six alternatives represented a reasonable range of alternatives that could meet the stated 

purpose and need, then suggested modifications to two of these alternatives to ensure a robust 

exploration of alternatives.8In the second phase, the joint lead agencies screened the initial six 

4 The initial six alternatives were the Soter South Route, Soter North Route, Moncks Corner Route, Cross Route, 

Eutawville/Holly Hill Route, and Ridgeville Route.

5 Palmetto Railways developed six alternatives that could potentially meet the purpose and need for the proposed rail line. 

These alternatives were subjected to screening criteria, revised, and re-evaluated according to refined criteria. As part of this 

process, Palmetto Railways analyzed alternatives at Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 stages, ultimately identifying and refining

a preferred alternative. A full description of Palmetto Railways screening process can be found in the Draft EA. 

6 The Eutawville/Holly Hill Route and Ridgeville Route were eliminated at the first screening level. The Moncks Corner Route, 

Soter North Route, and Soter South Route were eliminated at the second screening level. The remaining Cross Route was 

expanded into four routes: Cross Option 1 through Cross Option 4.

7 After Palmetto Railways identified the Cross Option 3 alignment as its Preferred Alternative, it further refined the route to 

reduce impacts on cultural resources, specifically on the Bulltown Ditch and the Garrett Cemetery.

8 Palmetto Railways subsequently modified the Moncks Corner Route and Soter South Route.
 Alternatives

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-2

December 2022

 

alternatives (including the modified routes) and the four refinements of the Cross Route using 

criteria that focused on the following key impact issues: wetlands; potential relocations of

residences, commercial buildings, churches, and other institutional structures; land parcels affected;

and known archaeological sites.
 Alternatives

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-3

December 2022

 

Figure 4-1. Preferred Alternative
 Alternatives

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-4

December 2022

 

Table 4-1, as included in the Draft EA and updated with revisions noted in the Final EA, summarizes 

information from the joint lead agencies’ alternatives screening process. The joint lead agencies 

found that the original Cross Route would have fewer overall environmental impacts compared to 

the other routes. The joint lead agencies further verified that Cross Option 3 would reduce the 

potential impacts associated with the Cross Route and would have the fewest overall impacts of the 

four Cross Options. Ultimately, the joint lead agencies carried forward the refined Cross Option 3, 

Palmetto Railways’ Preferred Alternative, for analysis in the EA. 

4.2 No-Action Alternative 

The No-Action Alternative was considered in the EA and analyzes what would happen if there are no 

Project improvements in comparison to the Action Alternative. The No Action Alternative was not 

selected because it would not meet the purpose and need of the Project. With the No-Action

Alternative, Palmetto Railways would not construct and operate the rail line as proposed. Instead, 

automobiles produced by Volvo Cars at Camp Hall Commerce Park and destined for the North 

American market would be shipped by truck approximately 80 miles, primarily on Interstate (I-)26, 

to CSXT’s Dixiana auto distribution facility near Columbia, South Carolina (Draft EA Appendix A, 

Applicant Correspondence with Agencies, Information Request #3). Other goods produced by future 

tenants in Camp Hall Commerce Park would also be shipped by truck, resulting in additional truck 

traffic. The exact routes that would be affected would likely include I-26.

4.3 Action Alternative

The Action Alternative is Palmetto Railways’ Preferred Alternative for the proposed rail line, Cross 

Option 3. All other alternatives, with the exception of the No-Action Alternative, were eliminated 

from further consideration as explained in Section 4.1, Alternatives Screening.

With the Action Alternative the rail line will extend 28.019 miles to connect the CSXT Cross 

Subdivision to Camp Hall Commerce Park; running south–southwest from the Cross Generating 

Station, crossing the Diversion Canal between Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie (over a proposed 

bridge), traversing the unincorporated community of Cross, and extending south through pine 

plantations into Camp Hall Commerce Park. One terminus will be in the Volvo Cars facility and 

adjacent to Volvo Car Drive, and the other terminus will be approximately 10,000 feet south of the 

crossing of Fish Road.

9 Palmetto Railways’ INFRA Grant Application uses 22.7 miles as the length of the rail line. For analysis in the EA, STB and 

USACE (the joint lead agencies) used a mileage calculation of 28.01 miles. The 28.01 miles includes both spurs within the 

Camp Hall Commerce Park.
 Alternatives

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-5

December 2022

 

Table 4-1. Joint-Lead Agencies Alternatives Screening Summary

Criteria1 Metrics2

Alternatives3

Original 

Cross Cross 1 Cross 2

Palmetto Railways’ 

Preferred

(refinement of Cross 3) Cross 4 Moncks Corner Soter North

Right-of-Way Length (miles) 21.8 23.9 24.6 26.1 25.5 23.3 18.2

Acres of 100-foot right-of-way 270.4 294.9 304.6 322.6 313.6 282.1 220.8

Acres of 200-foot right-of-way 528.9 579.4 594.4 630.0 616.3 563.9 441.4

Grade Crossings Number of at-grade crossings of 

public roads 14 12 10 10 12 11 11

Number of at-grade crossings of 

private roads 39 42 44 55 52 30 42

Vehicle Traffic at Grade 

Crossings

Sum of AADT vehicles for at-grade 

crossings of highways, arterial 

and collector roads

12,100 12,100 12,100 12,100 12,100 18,700 48,350

Wetlands Acres total wetlands within rightof-way (based on NWI and hydric 

soils data)

291.8 281.7 304.1 336.5 316.1 345.9 226.0

Floodplains Acres total FEMA-regulated 100-

year floodplains within right-ofway23.1 16.8 17.1 4.2 3.9 57.7 32.4

Floodways Acres total FEMA-regulated 

floodways within right-of-way

-- -- -- -- -- 6.4 13.2

Streams

Navigable waterways Number of crossings of navigable 

waterways

1 1 1 1 1 0 0

USGS named streams Number of crossings of USGS 

named streams 9 7 7 4 4 2 6

Farmland

Prime Farmland Acres within right-of-way 142.7 136.2 143.5 143.4 139.6 94.2 133.8

Farmland of Statewide 

Importance Acres within right-of-way 276.9 270.4 285.3 337.0 323.4 306.3 208.4
 Alternatives

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-6

December 2022

 

Criteria1 Metrics2

Alternatives3

Original 

Cross Cross 1 Cross 2

Palmetto Railways’ 

Preferred

(refinement of Cross 3) Cross 4 Moncks Corner Soter North

Cultural and Historic Resources

National Register Properties4 Number affected within right-ofway2 2 2 2 2 1 0

Historic Buildings Number affected within right-ofway0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Historical Areas5 Number affected within right-ofway0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Known Archeological Sites Number affected within right-ofway4 1 1 0 0 1 8

Noise Number of sensitive receptors 

outside of 100 foot- right-of-way 

and within the 65 LDN noise 

contour

9 5 1 1 5 4 15

Potential Relocations Number of residences, 

commercial buildings, churches, 

and other institutional structures 

(e.g., schools and government 

buildings) within 100-foot rightof-way

5 2 2 0 1 0 27

Planned Development Number of recent/future 

developments 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Low Income and Minority Communities

Low Income Communities

Number of selected census 

blocks6intersected by right-ofway

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Minority Communities

Number of selected census 

blocks7intersected by right-ofway4 4 4 4 4 4 1

Stewardship and Protected 

Area Resources8

Impact type9 Direct Direct Direct Direct Direct Unaffected Unaffected

Source: OEA and USACE 2018, 2019
 Alternatives

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 4-7

December 2022

 

1 Criteria included in Palmetto Railways’ Level 2 Analysis and omitted from this table: design criteria, transmission line crossings, water quality, habitat, hazardous waste sites, 

estimated parcels, and boundaries. 

2 Right-of-way width of 200 feet, unless otherwise indicated, or required for crossing Diversion Canal connecting Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie.

3 Palmetto Railways deemed the initial Cross Route to have the least environmental impacts in its Environmental Report (Palmetto Railways 2017a) and subsequently developed 

additional alignment options within the Cross corridor. Those cross options met all criteria related to purpose and need, and thus are included as alternatives (Cross Options 1, 

2, 3, and 4) for screening.

4 For all of the cross options, the properties counted are the Bulltown Ditch and the Lakes Marion and Moultrie Diversion Canal, consistent with a letter dated August 28, 2017, 

from the South Carolina Department of Archives & History. For the Moncks Corner Route, the Old Santee Canal is counted three times―as a national register property, 

historical area, and archeological site—because it appears in three data sets in separate locations within a 200-foot right-of-way; no overlap with the 100-foot right-of-way.

5

Includes the Old Santee Canal and the David Hare House. There is a slight overlap of the polygons with the 200-foot right-of-way; no overlap with the 100-foot right-of-way.

6

Low-income: census block groups in which the average household incomes are below $15,000 per American Community Surveys for 2011–2015.

7 Minority: census block groups in which the minority population either exceeds 50% or is 1.2 times the state average.

8 Wildlife Management Units, Conservation Easements, and Mitigation Banks.

9 Direct Impact, Indirect Impact, or Unaffected.
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 5-1

December 2022

 

Chapter 5

Selected Alternative

The Selected Alternative is the Preferred Alternative and is described in Chapter 4 above and more 

fully in Chapter 1 of the Final EA. The Selected Alternative includes the following:

• 22.7 miles of mainline track from the Camp Hall Commerce Park to CSXT’s Cross Subdivision 

north of the Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station. Palmetto Railways’ request for federal 

funding includes a request for a lead track and processing and classification yards at the Camp 

Hall Commerce Park adjacent to the Volvo manufacturing plant. The total 28.01 miles of track in 

the EA accounts for the mainline track, the lead track, and the processing and classification 

yards at the Camp Hall Commerce Park.

• One bridge crossing over the Diversion Canal approximately 845 feet long (520 feet over water), 

which would provide a 100-foot-wide navigation channel and a 50-foot vertical clearance. 

• At-grade rail crossings for 10 public roads and 55 private roads. 

• Relocation of seven private roads to avoid rail crossings of those roads. 

• The Locomotive Maintenance Facility and Office (referred to as small maintenance and office 

facility in the EA).10 The building will be a one-story pre-engineered metal building with overall 

dimensions of approximately 160 feet by 60 feet. The building will consist of office, storage, a 

break room, toilets, a crew area, and a shop area for performing light locomotive maintenance 

duties, and necessary administrative functions for the train crews and mechanics. The shop 

area of the building will have track over an observation pit to perform the FRA-mandated 92-day 

inspections. 

Palmetto Railways anticipates transporting approximately 50,000 automobiles per year on five 

round trips (10 transits or passbys) on the proposed rail line per week, for an average of 1.4 train 

passbys per day. In response to comments on the Draft EA and additional information obtained 

since the issuance of the Draft EA, the joint lead agencies considered additional rail traffic that could 

result from additional tenants at Camp Hall Commerce Park. Should this potential traffic 

materialize, the Final EA concluded and documented that slightly longer trains (increasing from 

3,000 to 4,100 feet) could be used without increasing daily passbys. 

10 When the Draft EA was prepared, Palmetto Railways anticipated the location to be approximately 3,000 feet west of 

Volvo Car Drive outside of the Commerce Park but within the right-of-way of the preferred alternative. The joint lead 

agencies updated this location from the Draft EA, and in the Final EA stated that the facility would be in Camp Hall 

Commerce Park. As contemplated in the Draft EA, property acquisition negotiations have led to the proposed location of 

the Locomotive Maintenance Facility and Office changing after the Final EA was completed. The new location is shown 

on Figure 4-1.
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-1

December 2022

 

Chapter 6

Affected Environment and Environmental 

Consequences

Chapter 3 of the Draft EA (as modified by the Final EA) described the affected environment, defined 

the Study Area, and explained the analysis methodology for each resource. Based upon the EA 

(which, along with associated appendices are incorporated by reference in this FONSI), FRA 

concludes the Selected Alternative will have no foreseeable significant impact on the quality of the 

natural and human environment. FRA finds the Selected Alternative is best able to achieve the 

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project Purpose and Need without significant environmental impacts.

Table 6-1 on the following pages, was included in the Draft EA as Table S-1 and has been updated 

here to reflect minor modifications from Chapter 4 of the Final EA which summarizes the potential 

impacts of the proposed rail line. 

FRA considered whether changes to the Selected Alternative since the Final EA was issued (April 

2019) would alter the impacts identified in the Final EA. The only change is the location of the 

Locomotive Maintenance Facility and Office.11 While the location changed, the Locomotive 

Maintenance Facility and Office are within the Study Areas assessed in the EA (refer to Figure 4-1) 

and would not result in additional impacts because the revised location is of the same land use and 

wetland type (wetland plantation pine) and is anticipated to be of the same general size and design. 

The new location for the Locomotive Maintenance Facility and Office is also within the area that 

Palmetto Railways evaluated in their initial screening effort; the resources within that area are 

captured the screening table shown in Section 4.1, Table 4-1, Joint Lead Agencies Alternative 

Screening Summary.

FRA also reviewed the analysis in the EA to determine if there were any changes in applicable laws, 

regulations, and resource conditions that would potentially affect the analysis. Based on this 

review, FRA determined that there were no changes in laws, regulations, and resource conditions 

that substantively affect the analysis or conclusions presented in the EA. As part of this review, FRA 

conducted a records search to determine if there were any newly identified historic properties that 

could be affected by the Project, pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 

(NHPA). FRA also assessed whether there were any new species listed under the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) or state-listed species that could occur in the Project area. FRA did not identify 

any new historic properties or new ESA-listed species. The findings of that review are described 

further in Sections 7.1, Sand 7.3 of the EA . 

Palmetto Railways is coordinating with Santee Cooper, as the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission designee and responsible entity for approval of changes to hydrology within the 

11 The location noted in the Final EA was approximately 3,000 feet west of Volvo Car Drive. The location noted in 

this FONSI is immediately adjacent to the rail line and extends north from Fish Road in a location east from the 

location noted in the Final EA. The new location is approximately 1 mile southeast of the prior location.
 

Affected Environment and Environmental 

Consequences

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-2

December 2022

 

diversion canal. Changes to hydrology could result from the new rail bridge piers, but will not be 

significant with the mitigation measures noted in Chapter 8. 

As noted in Chapter 8, Commitments and Mitigation Measures, the Board and USACE included

conditions in their respective approvals. The Board provided its approval subject to the mitigation

measures included in the Final EA. USACE included general permit conditions and special conditions

as part of the Department of the Army (DA) permit.
 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-3

December 2022

 

Table 6-1. Impact Summary

Resource Impacts of Selected Alternative Level of Impact Mitigation

Transportation Rail safety: No construction impacts. Operations could result in an 

accident risk rate of 0.17 per year, or one per every 6 years. 

Minimal VMs will address rail safety issues 

through implementation of Operation 

Lifesaver, safety training and contact for 

emergency response personnel, active 

and early warning systems, community 

workshops, coordination with 

emergency services, and compliance 

with regulations governing the 

transport of hazardous materials.

Vehicle safety: Construction would increase vehicle traffic, which will

be distributed over many roads. Operations-related accidents would 

be based on traffic levels and train speeds. At the busiest 

intersection, a predicted accident interval would be one vehicle/rail 

incident every 33 years. This compares with an estimated 0.1% 

increase in daily truck traffic on Interstate 26.

Minimal VMs will provide passive and active 

warning systems; community 

workshops; emergency coordination; 

hazardous materials regulatory 

compliance.

Vehicle delay: Construction could cause temporary vehicle delay for 

diversions. Operations-related delay could affect from 1 to 10 

vehicles at proposed new grade crossings (0.2% of vehicles), with 

total delay ranging from 1.5 to 12 minutes. This compares with an 

increase in truck traffic under the no-action alternative.

Minimal VMs will present community workshops 

about the safety program.

Navigation: Construction impacts of the proposed bridge spanning 

the Navigation Canal could temporarily affect boaters. The bridge 

would provide sufficient clearance (50 vertical feet) for continued 

navigation of the canal.

Minimal NA

Water Resources Surface waters: Construction may alter surface water flow and 

quality, including one 303(d) impaired water body, but impacts will

be local and addressed with voluntary mitigation. Culverts required 

for operation could alter channel hydraulics, but this would be 

addressed by voluntary mitigation. Potential water quality impacts 

from fugitive dust and maintenance chemicals will be addressed by 

voluntary measures.

Minimal VMs will implement appropriate BMPs 

for stormwater, erosion control, runoff, 

and sediment control consistent with 

SDHEC handbook; implement a SWPPP; 

comply with NPDES conditions; use 

appropriate design measures, adhere to 

county stormwater regulations, and 

obtain a permit to discharge fill.
 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-4

December 2022

 

Resource Impacts of Selected Alternative Level of Impact Mitigation

Wetlands: During construction, wetlands will be filled and 

permanently cleared of vegetation. This could fragment habitat, 

alter hydrology, and change vegetation through deposition of 

fugitive dust. Fill will cause loss of habitat function and railbeds 

could fragment flow, affecting water quality. Placement of materials 

temporarily and permanently could limit stormwater and floodwater 

retention. Operations maintenance could result in incidental 

emissions affecting water quality.

No Significant Impact

with mitigation- 103 

acres permanently 

filled; 17 acres 

permanently cleared 

of vegetation

Compensated by Palmetto Railways’ 

mitigation plan that includes mitigation 

in the Francis Marion National Forest 

and purchase of mitigation credits.

Floodplains: The proposed rail line will cross two 100-year 

floodplains. Bridge bents will be installed in the canal, potentially 

constricting flows. A small area will be cleared. Area of impact would 

be 0.005% of all 100-year floodplains mapped in the watershed.

Minimal VMs: See surface waters

Groundwater: Potential spills during construction or operations 

could infiltrate and contaminate groundwater but this will be limited 

to the alignment footprint.

Minimal VMs: See surface waters

Vegetation During construction, clearing and fill placement could disturb or 

displace vegetation; heavy equipment could compact soil and 

impede germination and growth; noxious weeds could be introduced 

or spread on heavy equipment or in fill; dust deposition could affect 

plant growth; and accidental spills could damage vegetation. 

Operations impacts could include vegetation trimming or clearing 

and potential leaks or spills.

Minimal VM will implement an SPCC plan to 

minimize potential spill impacts. 

MM will require preparation of a plan to 

control the spread of noxious weeds.

Wildlife Construction could remove or alter habitat, causing wildlife 

displacement; cause direct injury or mortality; or result in contact 

with contaminants. Operations could result in wildlife injury or 

mortality; cause habitat fragmentation and create a barrier to 

movement; and cause habitat degradation and wildlife 

displacement.

Minimal VM will implement an SPCC plan to 

minimize potential spill impacts. 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

Construction and culvert placement could cause sedimentation and 

turbidity, affecting juvenile fish and altering diet and behavioral 

responses; impede fish movements and harm fish; result in spills 

affecting water quality and fish habitat; result in removal or 

alteration of instream and riparian habitats. During operations, 

culverts could impede fish movement.

Minimal VMs: See surface waters and 

vegetation. 

MMs: See wetlands; additional MM will 

ensure appropriate culvert sizing and 

placement.
 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-5

December 2022

 

Resource Impacts of Selected Alternative Level of Impact Mitigation

Special-Status 

Species

A small area of red-cockaded woodpecker foraging habitat is within 

140 feet of the right-of-way and may be affected by construction and 

operations. Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon have been 

documented in or near the Diversion Canal and may be affected by 

construction and operations.

Not likely to 

adversely affect

VMs will minimize over-water footprint, 

comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty 

Act and Endangered Species Act,

implement a construction plan 

incorporating wildlife measures and 

staff training; and implement vessel 

operation BMPs. Through Endangered 

Species Act consultation, protective 

measures were identified that will

minimize impacts on federally listed 

species.

Noise and 

Vibration

Noise: Construction noise will exceed the FTA threshold at one 

sensitive receptor (91 dBA; threshold is 90 dBA). The same receptor 

could be affected by horn noise during operations.

One sensitive 

receptor within the 

65 DNL noise curve

VMs will mitigate operational noise 

impacts on the single residence within 

the 65 DNL noise curve through use of 

noise-dampening rail materials and

support of community-initiated 

establishment of Quiet Zones.

Vibration: Construction vibration levels will be below the FTA fragile 

building damage threshold of 0.20 inch per second. Operations 

vibration levels would not affect receptors within the noise contour 

for FTA’s infrequent event criterion.

Minimal NA

Cultural and 

Historical 

Resources

Archaeological resources: None in the study area NA MM will require a stop work order and 

further coordination should artifacts or 

remains be discovered during 

construction.

Historical resources: Diversion Canal’s association with the Santee 

Cooper Hydroelectric Project and its eligibility for listing would not 

be affected. Bulltown Ditch’s association with the Santee Canal and 

its significance would be maintained through engineering measures 

to protect the canal’s structural integrity. Neither resource will be 

affected by operations. Garrett Cemetery’s setting could be affected 

by construction and operation but construction will not affect grave 

markers. Tribal consultation as noted in the Draft EA (which included 

the FOE) did not result in any objections to the project. One tribe, 

No adverse effect VM will maintain a 50-foot buffer 

around Garrett Cemetery.
 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-6

December 2022

 

Resource Impacts of Selected Alternative Level of Impact Mitigation

the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, submitted a letter on the Draft EA 

stating that they had no comments.

Land Resources Land use, utilities, and recreation: construction could temporarily 

disrupt access o facilities; the small number of passbys will not affect 

ongoing use of resources. 

Minimal NA

Section 6(f) and Section 4(f): Lake Moultrie Passage route will change 

during construction. Diversion Canal and Bulltown Ditch would not 

be affected. Operations will change the setting of Garrett Cemetery. 

No Section 6(f) resources. 

No adverse effect VM will maintain a 50-foot buffer 

around Garrett Cemetery.

MM will maintain access to Lake 

Moultrie Passage trail during 

construction.

Visual Resources 

and Aesthetics

Visual character and quality: Both construction and operations 

impacts will be consistent with timber and maintenance activities. 

Views will be limited in most locations except for a few residences 

closer to the alignment.

Minimal NA

Light and glare: No nighttime lighting; new bridge surface will not 

create a new source of glare but could reduce glare from the water.

Minimal NA

Hazardous 

Waste Sites

The Cross Generating Station located in the study area will not affect 

construction or operation of the proposed rail line. Operations of 

the rail line could cause the release of hazardous substances, but 

best management practices and regulatory compliance will minimize 

impacts.

Minimal Best management practices and 

regulatory compliance will minimize any 

potential impacts.

Air Quality and 

Climate Change

Proposed rail line will be constructed in an attainment area and 

emissions would not cause the area to exceed NAAQS. Operations 

will result in lower GHG emissions than the no-action alternative.

Minimal and 

beneficial

VMs will implement construction BMPs, 

a dust mitigation program, require 

proper equipment maintenance, ensure 

compliance with state regulations, and 

require operation of equipment in 

compliance with permits.

Energy Construction will require minimal and temporary consumption of 

fuel. Operations would consume about 78,000 gallons of fuel 

annually, or less than 1% of distillate fuel consumption for the state.

This will be less than the 203,718 gallons of fuel consumed under the 

no-action alternative.

Minimal and 

beneficial

NA
 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 6-7

December 2022

 

Resource Impacts of Selected Alternative Level of Impact Mitigation

Geology and 

Soils

Construction could affect soils, causing small, local, and temporary 

increases in erosion and sedimentation. New impervious surfaces 

could increase runoff. 

Minimal VM will implement soil stabilization and 

revegetation measures.

Socioeconomics Construction will require acquisition of land, most zoned for 

agricultural use. Landowners will be compensated. Construction will

provide temporary employment benefits; operations will improve 

capacity at Camp Hall Commerce Park. Operations will not affect 

community cohesion.

Minimal and 

beneficial

VMs will develop a public, agency, and 

stakeholder coordination plan; find 

financial assistance for a broadband 

infrastructure; and provide financial 

assistance for improvements to 

community facilities.

Environmental 

Justice

The Project will not meet the criteria for a high and adverse 

environmental justice impact despite all census tracts composed of

low-income populations and one comprised of 67% minorities. The 

Selected Alternative will not result in significant or high and adverse 

environmental effects and therefore, there will be no 

disproportionately high and adverse impacts on minority or lowincome populations.

No 

disproportionately 

high and adverse 

impacts

NA

Source: OEA and USACE 2018, 2019

VM = voluntary mitigation measure; BMP = best management practice; SDHEC = South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control; SWPPP = stormwater 

pollution prevention plan; NPDES = National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; SPCC = spill prevention, control, and countermeasure plan; MM = preliminary 

recommended mitigation measure; FTA = Federal Transit Administration; dBA = A-weighted decibel; DNL = day-night sound level; NAAQS = National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards; GHG = greenhouse gas

The complete list of mitigation measures is contained in Chapter 8, Commitments and Mitigation Measures, of this FONSI.
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 7-1

December 2022

Chapter 7

Determinations and Findings Regarding Other Laws

7.1 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 

Act of 1966

In 2018, ICF, as the Board and USACE’s independent third-party contractor, prepared an NHPA 

Section 106 Finding of Effect on behalf of USACE and the Board. In the report, USACE concluded 

that the Project would have no adverse effects on historic properties. The South Carolina State 

Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) agreed with USACE’s finding of no adverse effects on historic 

properties. 

In 2022, ICF, as FRA’s independent third-party contractor, completed a supplemental records search 

and literature review as part of preparing this FONSI to ensure the 2018 finding of no adverse effect 

on historic properties remained valid (Appendix A, Supplemental Section 106 Compliance Camp Hall 

Rail, Berkeley County, South Carolina). The supplemental records search in the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) was conducted to determine if any additional historic properties were listed or were 

eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) since 2017 and if any properties 

in the APE had reached the 50-year age threshold for such eligibility since 2017. ICF’s analysis found 

no additional historic properties in the APE, confirming the Project will have no adverse effects on 

historic properties. FRA concludes that there is no change to the APE and no additional historical 

properties identified within the APE; therefore, there are no adverse effects on Section 106 historic 

properties, and the prior conclusions remain unchanged.

7.2 Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of 

Transportation Act of 1966

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 4(f), the EA included a Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation (Draft 

EA Appendix H, Section 4(f) and 6(f) Evaluations). The EA identified three recreation resources 

within the vicinity of the proposed rail line that may be subject to Section 4(f). The EA also 

identified three historic properties eligible for protection under Section 4(f).

The three recreation sites identified included the Palmetto Trail, Lake Moultrie Passage; Moultrie 

Hunt Unit Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs; and the diversion canal that connects Lake Marion 

on the west and Lake Moultrie on the east (Diversion Canal).

The FRA determined that the Lake Moultrie Passage is a significant recreational trail that qualifies as

a Section 4(f) property. However, FRA also determined that the portion of the trail that the 

proposed rail line will cross at Viper Road is not a Section 4(f) resource.

Initially, FRA’s determined that the Moultrie Hunt Unit WMAs are not significant for the purposes of 

public recreation, waterfowl, or wildlife refuge, and do not qualify as Section 4(f) properties. In 
 Determinations and Findings Regarding Other Laws

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 7-2

December 2022

addition, the proposed rail line will be located near to but will not cross the WMAs, which FRA 

determined were not significant for the purposes of public recreation or waterfowl or wildlife 

refuge, and they do not qualify as Section 4(f) properties (See Appendix H of the Draft EA). 

The primary purpose of the Diversion Canal is Santee Cooper’s generation of hydroelectric power. 

Although recreational use of the Diversion Canal occurs, FRA’s preliminary determination was that 

such use is incidental and secondary to the primary purpose of the canal and thus FRA did not 

consider the canal significant for the purpose of public recreation. Therefore, the Diversion Canal is 

not protected under Section 4(f).

The three historic properties identified as eligible for protection under Section 4(f) included the 

Diversion Canal, Bulltown Ditch, and Garrett Cemetery. For all three properties, the SHPO 

concurred with USACE’s finding of no adverse effects on historic properties. Pursuant to 23 CFR § 

774.3, an analysis of feasible and prudent avoidance alternatives will be required if the proposed rail 

line results in a greater than de minimis impact on a Section 4(f) property. Based on the SHPO’s 

concurrence, FRA has notified the SHPO that it intends to make a determination that the proposed 

rail line will result in a de minimis use of all three historic properties (Draft EA Appendix C,

Interagency and Tribal Correspondence, Email from J. Winkle to Keely Lewis dated August 27, 2018,

in).Thus, an analysis of feasible and prudent avoidance alternatives for the three historic properties 

is not required.

The EA addressed measures to minimize harm and are included as mitigation in this FONSI. Chapter 

8, Commitments and Mitigation, of this FONSI contains general measures that will minimize harm to 

all potentially affected properties as a result of noise or visual intrusion are provided in. Specific 

measures for the noted Section 4(f) properties include the following:

• Access to the Lake Moultrie Passage shall be maintained at all times during construction of the 

proposed rail line and signs shall be posted directing trail users along the detour route at Viper 

Road.

• During construction, the Palmetto Railways shall employ stabilization measures and best 

management practices designed to avoid affecting the structural integrity of the Diversion 

Canal, Bulltown Ditch.

• Palmetto Railways shall design culverts to maintain existing surface water drainage patterns and 

not cause or exacerbate flooding.

• Palmetto Railways shall maintain at least a 50-foot buffer between the right-of-way for the 

proposed rail line and the Garrett Cemetery.

7.3 Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973

During preparation of the EA, the joint lead agencies consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to determine the potential presence 

of federally listed and state-listed threatened and endangered species and their habitats in the 

Project area. Consultation with USFWS determined that the proposed rail line may affect the red-
 Determinations and Findings Regarding Other Laws

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 7-3

December 2022

cockaded woodpecker in a small, isolated area of foraging habitat near the right-of-way. However, 

as explained in the EA, any potential construction and operation impacts on red-cockaded 

woodpecker would be insignificant and discountable and, therefore, are not likely to adversely affect

the red-cockaded woodpecker. USFWS concurred with this determination and stated that the 

requirements of ESA Section 7 have been fulfilled and no further consultation on federally listed 

species is necessary (Draft EA Appendix C, Interagency and Tribal Correspondence).

Based on consultation with NMFS, the joint lead agencies determined that the proposed rail line 

may affect the Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon during construction of the proposed rail 

bridge across the Diversion Canal. However, as explained in the EA, it is likely that any potential 

impact on the species would be insignificant and discountable because the presence of the species 

at the bridge crossing would be rare, construction would be temporary, and several mitigation 

measures will be implemented to minimize impacts on the species. Therefore, the proposed rail line 

is not likely to adversely affect the Atlantic sturgeon or shortnose sturgeon. NMFS concurred with 

this determination and stated that the joint lead agencies’ ESA Section 7 responsibilities have been 

concluded for species under their purview (Draft EA Appendix C, Interagency and Tribal

Correspondence, letter of concurrence dated October 4, 2018).

In March 2022, FRA reviewed the current list of federally listed threatened and endangered species 

that occur or potentially occur in the Project area and determined that no new species were listed 

or new critical habitat designated since OEA issued the Final EA (USFWS 2022; NMFS 2022). 

In the March 2022 review, three new state-listed endangered and threatened species were added to 

the list for Berkeley County, including the endangered Florida manatee and wood stork, and the 

threatened southern hog-nosed snake. The South Carolina endangered species statute (50 South 

Carolina Code of Laws §§ 15‒30) does not require a consultation process like Section 7 of the ESA. 

However, the statute makes it unlawful for Palmetto Railways to take, possess, transport, import, 

export, process, sell, offer for sale, ship, or received for shipment these species without a permit. 

Permits are issued only for research and educational purposes. Under South Carolina law, take is 

defined as to harass, hunt, capture, or kill or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill wildlife. The 

Florida manatee and wood stork are federally listed species that were previously dismissed from 

consideration in the Final EA because there is no habitat in the Project area. The U.S. Geological 

Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project predicted suitable habitat modeling identified potentially 

suitable habitat for the southern hog-nosed snake in the Project area. Construction will likely affect 

this habitat. While the South Carolina endangered species statute does not protect state threatened 

and endangered species habitat, it does prohibit the actions described above. Therefore, Palmetto 

Railways will need to ensure that the actions comply with the state endangered species law for the 

southern hog-nosed snake.
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-1

December 2022

Chapter 8

Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Palmetto Railways will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local permitting 

requirements during the implementation of the Selected Alternative, which will include:

• Public Law 95-217, Clean Water Act of 1977, 33 U.S.C. § 1251-1376 (Section 401 Certification, 

Section 404 Permit and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit)

• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 470 

• Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, 

42 U.S.C. § 4601 et seq.

• Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, 42 FR 26961, May 24, 1977

• Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, 42 FR 26951, May 24, 1977 

• Federal Power Act (FPA) of 1935 (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for the South 

Carolina Public Service Authority (SCPSA) Santee Cooper Project)

• Obstruction or Damage to Roads or Drainage, South Carolina Annotated Code Section 57-7 

(Encroachment permit from the South Carolina Department of Transportation)

• South Carolina Pollution Control Act (South Carolina Annotated Code Section 48)

• South Carolina Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act (South Carolina Annotated Code. Section 48-

39-10 et seq.)

• Berkeley County Stormwater Management Program (Ordinance No. 14-11-36)

Table 8-1 identifies the commitments and mitigation measures that have been identified to address 

and further reduce impacts of the Project. Additional measures may also be implemented as 

necessary and as identified. Palmetto Railways is responsible for ensuring all environmental 

commitments and mitigation measures identified in this FONSI are fully implemented. 
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-2

December 2022

Table 8-1. Commitments and Mitigation Measures

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

01 Prior to initiating operations, Palmetto Railways will offer instructional 

programs from Operation Lifesaver to the communities impacted by the 

new rail line. These will include in person, written, and online materials 

to educate communities on rail safety.*

Transportation

02 Prior to initiating operations, Palmetto Railways will offer rail safety 

training for all emergency response personnel in the impacted project 

area.*

Transportation

03 Prior to initiating operations, Palmetto Railways will provide a 24-hour 

emergency contact to first responders in the service area for use in the 

event of an emergency involving the new rail line. *

Transportation

04 Palmetto Railways will provide active warning systems with lights and 

gates at crossings of public roads by the new rail line. Palmetto 

Railways shall provide appropriate passive warnings, such as crossbucks, 

yield or stop signs, and pavement markings at crossings of private roads 

by the new rail line.*

Transportation

05 Prior to initiating operations, Palmetto Railways will provide early 

warning systems at Shortcut Road, Old Highway 6, and Ranger Road. 

This will consist of an illuminated W10-1 warning sign and railroad 

pavement markings to be placed approximately 700 feet from the atgrade crossing, which will be activated similar to the gates and lights in 

the grade crossing system.*

Transportation

06 Prior to initiating operations, Palmetto Railways will conduct 

community workshops within the Cross community to educate 

residents about rail and rail crossing safety and to answer questions 

about the project. *

Transportation

07 Prior to initiating operations, Palmetto Railways will coordinate with 

emergency services to address concerns regarding delays and to train 

local first responders on train operations. Palmetto Railways will 

partner with the Berkeley County Emergency Services Division and the 

Cross Rural Fire District to develop specific plans to upgrade equipment 

and/or facilities to improve emergency services for the Cross 

community.*

Transportation

08 If a shipper requests that Palmetto Railways transport hazardous 

materials on the new rail line, Palmetto Railways will conduct any such 

shipments in compliance with the requirements established by the U.S. 

Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, the Federal 

Railroad Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration.*

Transportation

09 To mitigate potential water quality impacts from the new rail line, 

Palmetto Railways will use a variety of post-construction stormwater 

best management practices to convey, filter, and dissipate runoff from 

the new rail line, which may include but will not be limited to vegetated 

swales, vegetated filter strips, stream bank stabilization, and 

channelized flow dissipation.*

Water Resources
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-3

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

10 Palmetto Railways will implement a stormwater pollution and 

prevention plan, as required by the National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System permit that includes management of sediment and 

erosion control.*

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

11 Palmetto Railways will implement erosion prevention best management 

practices, which may include dust control, mulching, blown straw, 

hydro-mulching/seeding, erosion control blankets, turf reinforcement 

mats, and outlet protection (i.e., riprap), temporary seeding, sediment 

tubes, sediment tube slope breaks (slopes greater than 50 feet in 

length), flexible growth medium or engineered fiber medium (i.e., 

Flexterra), and/or other devices as prescribed by the design engineer.*

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

12 Palmetto Railways will implement runoff control and conveyance best 

management practices that may include diversion ditches/dikes, pipe 

slope drains, drainage swales, and level spreader and/or other devices 

as prescribed by the design engineer.*

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

13 Palmetto Railways will implement sediment control best management 

practices that may include sediment basins, sediment traps, silt fences, 

ditch checks, stabilized construction entrances, storm drain inlet 

protection, and sediment tubes and/or other devices as prescribed by 

the design engineer.*

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

14 Palmetto Railways will design, implement, and maintain all construction 

best management practices per the guidance in the South Carolina 

Department of Health and Environmental Control Storm Water 

Management BMP Handbook (August 2005).*

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

15 Palmetto Railways will obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 

System Phase II Construction General Permit to address water quality 

and quantity.*

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

16 Palmetto Railways will implement appropriate rail design measures to 

ensure minimal impact to floodplains and compliance with all Federal 

Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) or FEMA-approved 

local floodplain construction requirements.*

Water Resources

17 Palmetto Railways will design culverts and/or bridges to maintain 

existing surface water drainage patterns and not cause or exacerbate 

flooding on adjacent properties.*

Water Resources

18 Palmetto Railways will adhere to Berkeley County’s stormwater 

regulations associated with the specific implementation of various 

stormwater management facilities where applicable and under Berkeley 

County’s jurisdiction (i.e., ditches, culverts, secondary collection 

systems, etc.). *

Water Resources

19 Palmetto Railways will design culverts and bridges to maintain existing 

flow and hydrology for wetland areas and to prevent flooding 

upstream.*

Water Resources

20 Palmetto Railways will design drainages located within Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulated floodplains (Zone A 

Special Flood Hazard Area) in accordance with all FEMA or FEMAapproved local floodplain construction requirements.*

Water Resources
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-4

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

21 Palmetto Railways will design culverts and bridges to maintain existing 

flow/exchange and hydrology for wetland areas.*

Water Resources

22 Palmetto Railways will obtain a Department of the Army permit 

authorization to discharge fill material into waters of the United 

States.*

Water Resources

23 Palmetto Railways will design, construct, and operate the rail line and 

associated facilities to maintain existing water patterns and flow 

conditions and provide long-term hydrologic stability by conforming to 

natural stream gradients and stream channel alignment and avoiding 

altered subsurface flow to the extent practicable. Project-related 

supporting structures (e.g., bridge piers) will be designed to minimize 

scour (sediment removal) and increased flow velocity, to the extent 

practicable. 

Water Resources

24 Palmetto Railways will construct project-related water crossings in a 

manner that minimizes disturbances to streambeds, stream banks, and 

flow. 

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

25 Palmetto Railways will abandon project-related geotechnical boreholes 

in compliance with the reasonable requirements of South Carolina 

Department of Health and Environmental Control’s R.61-71, Well 

Standards regulation. 

Water Resources

26 During project-related construction, Palmetto Railways will minimize, to 

the extent practicable, the duration and extent of activity at temporary 

construction facilities such as staging areas, and provide surface 

treatments to minimize soil compaction (e.g., break up compacted soils 

during reclamation to promote infiltration) and promote vegetation 

regrowth after the facilities are no longer needed to support 

construction. 

Water Resources

27 Palmetto Railways will ensure that all project-related culverts and 

bridges are clear of debris to avoid flow blockages, flow alteration, and 

increased flooding. Palmetto Railways shall inspect all project-related 

bridges and culverts semi-annually (or more frequently, as seasonal 

flows dictate) for debris accumulation and shall remove and properly 

dispose of debris promptly. 

Water Resources, 

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

28 Palmetto Railways will comply with the reasonable requirements of the 

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control 

regarding the composition of embankment and surface materials used 

in project-related construction. 

Water Resources

29 During project-related construction, Palmetto Railways will use 

temporary barricades, fencing, and/or flagging in sensitive habitats to 

contain project-related impacts to the construction area. Palmetto 

Railways will locate staging areas in previously disturbed sites to the 

extent practicable, avoiding sensitive habitat areas whenever possible.

Water Resources

30 Palmetto Railways will comply with the requirements of the PermitteeResponsible Mitigation Plan for the Fairlawn C-1 tract and purchase the 

required compensatory mitigation credits to compensate for impacts on 

waters of the United States.

Water Resources
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-5

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

31 Palmetto Railways will comply with the requirements of the 

Certification of Consistency with the South Carolina Coastal Zone 

Management Program and the Water Quality Certification issued by the 

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on 

March 6, 2019.

Water Resources

32 Palmetto Railways will implement a spill prevention, control, and 

countermeasures plan during construction and operations to minimize 

the impact of a potential spill.*

Vegetation, 

Wildlife, Fish and 

Other Aquatic 

Species, SpecialStatus Species

33 Prior to any project-related construction, Palmetto Railways will 

develop and implement a mitigation plan to address the spread and 

control of nonnative invasive plants during project-related construction. 

This plan will address and designate the following elements: (1) planned 

seed mixes, (2) weed prevention and eradication procedures, (3) 

equipment cleaning protocols, (4) revegetation methods, and (5) 

protocols for monitoring revegetation. Palmetto Railways shall submit 

this plan to OEA.

Vegetation

34 Palmetto Railways shall design culverts and/or bridges to allow aquatic 

organisms to pass relatively unhindered.*

Fish and Other 

Aquatic Species

35 Palmetto Railways will align structures over water and/or other benthic 

resources (organisms that live in the sediments) so as to minimize the 

over-water footprint as much as possible.*

Special-Status 

Species

36 Palmetto Railways will protect bald eagles by adhering to the Bald and 

Golden Eagle Protection Act even though eagles have been delisted 

under the Endangered Species Act.*

Special-Status 

Species

37 Palmetto Railways will comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 

1918 by following all laws and regulations pertaining to the 

removal/take of nests within the limits of the project construction 

area.*

Special-Status 

Species

38 Palmetto Railways will implement the following best management 

practices during project-related construction by the contractor 

responsible for the execution of the work. These are required in 

addition to conditions set forth in regulatory permit(s).*

a) Prior to project-related construction, the contractor will 

prepare a work plan describing its proposed construction 

approach, methodology, and equipment to be used. Palmetto 

Railways will review this plan to ensure compliance with 

applicable regulatory requirements and mitigation and best 

management practices. The contractor will also be required to 

attend and document his/her attendance at a pre-construction 

conference meeting with Palmetto Railways.

b) Once construction is initiated, the contractor will complete the 

project in an expeditious manner in order to minimize the 

period of disturbance to environmental resources. 

c) Land-disturbing activities will not encroach into any wetland 

areas outside of the permitted impact area. 

Special-Status 

Species
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-6

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

d) The contractor will implement best management practices to 

minimize erosion and migration of sediments on and off the 

upland project site, including reclaimed lands, during and after 

project-related construction. The contractor will conduct 

inspections at a minimum of at least once every calendar week 

or within 24 hours of the end of a storm event of 0.5 inch or 

more, until final stabilization is reached on all areas of the 

construction site. 

e) The contractor will ensure that oil, tar, trash, debris, and other 

pollutants do not enter the adjacent waters or wetlands during 

project-related construction. 

f) The contractor will instruct all construction personnel on the 

potential presence of protected species in the construction 

area and the need to prevent entrapment, harm, or other 

impacts on these animals. 

g) The contractor will advise all construction personnel that there 

are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing 

protected species. 

h) The contractor will complete all in-water construction activities 

during daylight hours. 

39 Palmetto Railways will implement the following best management 

practices related to vessel operations during project-related 

construction by the contractor responsible for the execution of the 

work: *

a) Palmetto Railways will use shallow draft vessels that maximize 

the navigational clearance between the vessel and the river 

bottom (e.g., "jon boats", flat-bottomed barges) where 

possible. 

b) Palmetto Railways will operate all vessels associated with the 

rail construction project at "no wake/idle" speeds whenever 

possible while in the construction area and while in water 

depths where the draft of the vessel provides less than a 4-foot 

clearance from the bottom. 

c) If a protected species is seen within 300 feet of the active daily 

construction/dredging operation or vessel movement, 

Palmetto Railways will implement all appropriate precautions 

to ensure its protection. These precautions will include 

cessation of operation of any moving equipment within 50 feet 

of a protected species. Operation of any mechanical 

construction equipment will cease immediately if a protected 

species is seen within a 50-foot radius of the equipment. 

Activities may not resume until the protected species has 

departed the project area of its own volition.

d) Palmetto Railways will immediately report any collision with 

and/or injury to Atlantic sturgeon and/or shortnose sturgeon 

Special-Status 

Species
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-7

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

to the NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Species at (727) 

824-5312.

40 To the extent practicable, Palmetto Railways will minimize projectrelated ground disturbance, clearing of established vegetation, and 

removal of wildlife habitats and riparian vegetation during projectrelated construction.

Special-Status 

Species

41 Palmetto Railways will require that its contractors avoid in-water work 

at the Diversion Canal between January and June 15, to the maximum 

extent practicable, to avoid periods of anadromous fish migration and 

spawning.

Special-Status 

Species

42 Palmetto Railways will use continuously welded rail to minimize noise 

associated with operation of the rail line.*

Noise and 

Vibration

43 Palmetto Railways will work with FRA and local communities, if 

requested, to establish Quiet Zones at the crossings of Ranger Road, 

Mudville Road, Shortcut Road, SC 311, and Old Highway.*

Noise and 

Vibration

44 Palmetto Railways will maintain at least a 50-foot buffer between the 

right-of-way for the new rail line and the Garrett Cemetery.*

Cultural and 

Historical 

Resources and 

Land Resources

45 Palmetto Railways will issue a stop work order should previously 

unknown or unevaluated buildings, objects, districts, archeological sites, 

human remains, funerary artifacts, or associated artifacts be discovered 

during project-related construction. Palmetto Railways will stop all 

work near the find and immediately notify the Corps [USACE] and OEA. 

The Corps will begin re-initiation of the Section 106 process, including 

consultation with State Office of Historic Preservation, interested 

parties, and interested federally recognized tribes to determine 

whether the discovery constitutes a National Register of Historic Places 

eligible historic property, to analyze whether an adverse effect is posed 

by the undertaking, and to develop appropriate resolution. 

Construction at the site shall not resume in the vicinity of the discovery 

until a determination is made on any appropriate mitigation or 

protection of the resource. All procedures will comply with federal 

regulations at 36 C.F.R. § 800.13.

Cultural and 

Historical 

Resources

46 Palmetto Railways will maintain access to the Palmetto Trail at Lake 

Moultrie Passage at all times during construction of the new rail line 

and post signs directing trail users along the detour route at Viper Road.

Land Resources

47 To reduce the emission of pollutants during project-related 

construction, Palmetto Railways and its contractors will observe 

appropriate construction best management practices.*

Air Quality and 

Climate Change

48 Palmetto Railways will implement a dust mitigation program during the 

construction of the new rail line to ensure emissions and fugitive dust 

are kept at a minimum, such as spraying water or other established 

measures. Palmetto Railways will also operate water trucks on haul 

roads as necessary to reduce dust.*

Air Quality and 

Climate Change
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-8

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

49 To limit project-related construction emissions, Palmetto Railways will 

work with its contractor(s) to ensure that construction equipment is 

properly maintained and that required pollution-control devices are in 

working condition.*

Air Quality and 

Climate Change

50 Palmetto Railways will comply with applicable air quality state 

construction and operating permit requirements, conditions, and 

reporting.*

Air Quality and 

Climate Change

51 Palmetto Railways will operate and maintain air pollution control 

equipment in accordance with applicable permit requirements.*

Air Quality and 

Climate Change

52 Following construction of the rail line, Palmetto Railways will implement 

appropriate soil stabilization and vegetation management measures.*

Geology and Soils

53 Prior to initiating project-related construction, Palmetto Railways will 

develop a public, agency, and stakeholder coordination plan to ensure 

that outreach to diverse groups takes place throughout the project area 

to improve public awareness and education about the project.*

Socioeconomics

54 Palmetto Railways will team with a local telecommunications company 

to provide financial assistance for a broadband infrastructure 

improvement program for the communities surrounding the project 

area. The extent and mechanism for implementing this assistance will 

be finally determined after input with local community leaders to 

ensure that the assistance meets the greatest need.*

Socioeconomics

55 Palmetto Railways will provide financial assistance for renovations and 

improvements to the existing Community Center and Spiers Landing 

recreational facility that are utilized by the Cross community. Again, the 

extent and mechanism for implementing this assistance will be finally 

determined after input with local community leaders.*

Socioeconomics

56 Palmetto Railways will comply with all of the final mitigation measures 

imposed by the joint lead agencies and all requirements of permits and 

approvals required under applicable federal and state regulations.

General 

Monitoring and 

Enforcement

57 Prior to initiation of project-related construction activities, and for a 

period of 1 year following start-up of operations on the rail line, 

Palmetto Railways will establish a community liaison to consult with 

affected communities, businesses, and appropriate agencies; develop 

cooperative solutions to local concerns; be available for public 

meetings; and conduct periodic public outreach. Palmetto Railways will 

provide the name and phone number of the community liaison to 

mayors and other appropriate local officials in each community through 

which the rail line passes.

General 

Monitoring and 

Enforcement

58 If there is material new evidence, or substantially changed 

circumstances, that differ from the information upon which the joint 

lead agencies relied on in imposing specific environmental mitigation 

conditions, and upon petition by any party that demonstrates such 

material change, the joint lead agencies may revise their final 

mitigation, if warranted and appropriate.

General 

Monitoring and 

Enforcement
 Commitments and Mitigation Measures

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 8-9

December 2022

ID Measure 

Resource Area 

Mitigated

59 Palmetto Railways will submit quarterly reports to OEA on the progress 

of, implementation of, and compliance with all Board-imposed 

mitigation measures. The reporting period for these quarterly reports 

will begin on the date of a Final Decision by the Board authorizing the 

project and continue until 1 year after Palmetto Railways has completed 

project-related construction activities. Palmetto Railways will submit 

copies of the quarterly reports within 30 days following the end of each 

quarterly reporting period to OEA.

General 

Monitoring and 

Enforcement

Source: OEA and USACE 2018, 2019

* Voluntary mitigation measure
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 9-1

December 2022

Chapter 9

Coordination and Consultation

In August 2017, following Palmetto Railways’ filing of a Petition for Exemption with the Board, OEA, 

working with USACE and the Coast Guard, began consultation with tribes and federal, state, and 

local agencies by sending each entity a letter that described the Project area and requested 

information on environmental resources that could be affected by the proposed rail line. The joint 

lead agencies also enquired about required approvals and permits. As part of this consultation 

effort, OEA formally invited the following tribes to consult under Section 106: Eastern Band of 

Cherokee Indians, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee, 

Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians, Catawba Indian Nation, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation. . 

Two tribes responded to the letter and requested involvement in government-to-government 

consultation. Accordingly, during preparation of the Draft EA, the joint lead agencies consulted with 

the Catawba Indian Nation and Muscogee (Creek) Nation and provided them with archaeological 

and historic properties information developed for the proposed rail line as described in the NHPA 

Section 106 Finding of Effect. For the three identified historic properties - Diversion Canal, Bulltown 

Ditch, and Garrett Cemetery- about which none of the consulting tribes had concerns, no adverse 

effects were identified. Only one tribe, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, commented on the Draft EA 

(which included the FOE) stating that they had no comments. Their letter is included in the Final EA, 

Appendix A Comments.

On March 7, 2018, USACE hosted an interagency meeting in Charleston, South Carolina, allowing 

Palmetto Railways to present an overview of the proposed rail line to a number of federal and state 

agencies. OEA, the Coast Guard, and ICF, the joint lead agencies’ independent third-party consultant 

for this Project, also participated in the meeting. Agencies were able to become familiar with the 

Project, ask questions, and explain their review processes. 

On April 4, 2018, pursuant to USACE’s permit requirements, USACE issued a Public Notice in 

response to the Palmetto Railways’ DA permit application to discharge fill material into waters of 

the United States and wetlands associated with Bulltown Ditch, the Diversion Canal (between Lake 

Marion and Lake Moultrie), and tributaries to Caton Creek and Black Creek for the purpose of 

constructing the proposed rail line (Draft EA Appendix D, Agency Notices and Comment Letters). The 

Public Notice comment period ended on May 4, 2018. USACE received 10 utility, agency, tribal, and 

citizen comments pertaining to potential environmental impacts and benefits. The public comments 

resulting from the Public Notice are discussed in the Draft EA Appendix D, Agency Notices and 

Comment Letters.

On July 27, 2018, pursuant to its own requirements, the Coast Guard issued a Preliminary Public 

Notice to solicit comments on Palmetto Railways’ proposal to construct a fixed railroad bridge over 

the Santee Cooper Diversion Canal. The notice requested that mariners express their views on 

navigation access and safety issues, including the need for clearance gauges and extended nighttime 

navigation through the proposed bridge. The Coast Guard received three responses to the notice 

(Draft EA Appendix D, Agency Notices and Comment Letters).
 Coordination and Consultation

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 9-2

December 2022

The joint lead agencies developed and maintained a Project website where information about the 

project, including the Draft EA and the Final EA, was publicly available.12 Contents of the Project 

website included relevant maps, agency and tribal correspondence, information requests from the 

joint lead agencies to the Palmetto Railways and the Palmetto Railways’ responses, Project updates, 

and an option to join the joint lead agencies’ mailing list for the Project. In addition, filings, 

decisions, and correspondence related to the Project are posted on the Board’s website.13

As Palmetto Railways developed the Project concept and prior to its applications to the joint lead 

agencies, Palmetto Railways engaged with communities and organizations in the Project area and 

agencies with jurisdiction and expertise to develop and update Project information on its own 

Project website. Palmetto Railways also conducted two public meetings pertaining to the proposed 

rail line.

On November 30, 2018, the Board released the Draft EA for public review and comment (Board 

Decision ID No. 46695) and published a Notice of Availability of the Draft EA in the Federal Register 

(83 FR 61707). OEA and USACE distributed the Draft EA to all parties of record for this docket and 

the environmental distribution list, which includes key governmental agencies, federally recognized 

tribes, and other appropriate entities. The Draft EA was made available through the joint lead 

agencies’ Project website and the Board's website (see footnotes 7 and 8). OEA and USACE also 

made the Draft EA available for public review in the reference sections of the six public libraries in 

Berkeley County, South Carolina. 

OEA and USACE encouraged the public and any interested parties to submit written comments on all 

aspects of the Draft EA. The comment period was initially set to close on December 30, 2018. 

Because of the partial federal government shutdown, on January 28, 2019, the Board issued a 

decision extending the comment period to February 4, 2019. The joint lead agencies received nine 

comments, including comments from three agencies, one tribe, two individuals, one corporation, 

and two from Palmetto Railways (Final EA Appendix A, Comment Letters). OEA and USACE 

considered all comments received on the Draft EA, including comments received after the close of 

the comment period, and responded to all substantive comments in the Final EA. The points raised 

in each of these comments and joint lead agency responses are provided in the Final EA, Chapter 3, 

Draft EA Comments and Responses.

12 The Project website was http://www.camphallrailnepa.com/.

13 The Board’s website is https://www.stb.gov/stb/index.html. Search for environmental correspondence at 

https://www.stb.gov/proceedings-actions/search-stb-records/ using docket number FD 36095.

Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project 11-1

December 2022

Chapter 11

References

50 South Carolina Code of Laws §§ 15‒30. Available: 

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c015.php#:~:text=SECTION%2050-15-

30.%20Endangered%20species%20listed%3B%20review%20and%20amendment,take%2C%20de

al%20in%2C%20or%20transport%20species%20on%20lists. Accessed: March 9, 2022.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2022. Species Directory: ESA Threatened and 

Endangered for the Southeast Region, Fish and Sharks. Available: 

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory/threatenedendangered?title=&species_category=1000000031&species_status=any®ions=1000001121&

items_per_page=25&sort=. Accessed: March 7, 2022. 

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2022. Tracked Species By County: Berkeley 

County. South Carolina Heritage Trust. Available: 

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/af61ba156d054cc7b3e27d09a0c35c0f. Accessed: 

March 7, 2022. 

Surface Transportation Board, Office of Environmental Analysis, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

(OEA and USACE). 2018. Camp Hall Rail Line. Draft Environmental Assessment. November. 

Washington, DC.

Surface Transportation Board, Office of Environmental Analysis, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

(OEA and USACE). 2019. Camp Hall Rail Line. Final Environmental Assessment. April. 

Washington, DC.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022. Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC). 

Available: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/index. Accessed: March 7, 2022. 

U.S. Geological Survey. 2018. GAP Analysis Project: Southern Hog-Nosed Snake predicted habitat 

map. Available: https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/58fe25efe4b0f87f0854aed6. 

Accessed: March 9, 2022. 
Finding of No Significant Impact for the

Camp Hall Industrial Corridor Project A-1

December 2022

 

Appendix A

Supplemental Section 106 Compliance Camp Hall Rail, 

Berkeley County, South Carolina
9300 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22031 USA +1.703.934.3000 +1.703.934.3740 fax icf.com

The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend an approach to the Federal Railroad Administration 

for supplemental National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 compliance for the proposed Camp Hall 

Railroad project in Berkeley County, South Carolina. 

Background

Palmetto Railways proposes to construct and operate a new 27.2 mile rail line to provide service from 

Camp Hall Commerce Park to the A-Line of CSX Transportation, Inc. (Project). Palmetto Railways 

commissioned Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. to prepare a Phase I Cultural 

Resource Survey of the Proposed Camp Hall Railroad Build-In, Berkeley County, South Carolina, dated 

October 2017 (2017 Report; Sipe and Carpini 2017). The 2017 Report recommended architectural 

properties in the Project area as listed in and eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places 

(NRHP) but did not identify any archaeological properties as NRHP-listed or eligible.

The Surface Transportation Board's Office of Environmental Analysis together with the Corps, as joint 

lead agencies, evaluated potential environmental effects of the proposed project pursuant to the National 

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.), the Board’s 

environmental rules at 49 CFR § 1105, the Corps’ permitting authority under Section 404 of the Clean 

Water Act (40 CFR Part 230), and other applicable federal and state laws including Section 106 of the 

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), as amended (54 U.S.C. § 306108), and its 

implementing regulations at 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800. In accordance with 36 CFR 

800.2(a)(2), on June 13, 2018, OEA designated the Corps as the lead federal agency for fulfilling the 

collective OEA and Corps responsibilities under Section 106. On July 12, 2018, the Federal Railroad 

Memorandum

To: Matthew Mielke, Federal Railroad Administration

From: Debi Rogers, Managing Director, Environment & Planning

Colleen Davis, Senior Architectural Historian

Alice Muntz, Senior Archaeologist

CC: 

Date: 8 March 2022

Re: Supplemental Section 106 Compliance 

Camp Hall Rail, Berkeley County, South Carolina

Federal Railroad Administration
Memorandum 

Page 2 of 4 

Administration (FRA) accepted OEA’s invitation to be a cooperating agency on the Environmental 

Assessment and also designated the Corps as the lead federal agency for this undertaking for purposes 

of Section 106 compliance.

The Corps adopted the NRHP-eligibility recommendations in the 2017 report. In August 2018, ICF 

prepared a National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 Finding of Effect on behalf of the 

Corps and the Surface Transportation Board (2018 Report; ICF 2018). In the 2018 Report, the Corps 

concluded that the Project would result in no adverse effect to historic properties, with conditions. The 

South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SC SHPO) concurred with the Corps’ finding of effect 

on August 24, 2018 (Attachment A). The NEPA Environmental Assessment was completed in April 2019.

FRA now proposes to grant funding for construction of the Project. In order to ensure that the conclusions 

memorialized in the 2018 Report remain valid, FRA requested that ICF perform additional analysis. 

Specifically, FRA directed ICF to perform a literature review to determine a) whether any additional 

historic properties have been identified in the Area of Potential Effects (APE) since 2017 and b) whether 

any properties in the APE have reached the 50-year age threshold since 2017.

Project Area Setting and Area of Potential Effects

Given that the Corps is the lead federal agency for this undertaking to fulfill the collective

responsibilities of the Corps, OEA, and FRA for purposes of Section 106, this document focuses on

the APE as defined at 36 CFR Part 800.16(d).

As noted in the STB and Corps’ environmental analysis (2018 Report; ICF 2018), the Project area’s 

topography is primarily low and flat with occasional subtle landforms. The hydrology of the area originally 

included extensive wetlands with a profusion of native pines suited to the wetland environment. The 

introduction of the Cooper Santee Hydroelectric Project resulted in dramatic changes to the hydrology by 

introducing Lakes Moultrie and Marion, reducing the wetlands, and altering other water features such as 

swamps, rivers, and tributaries. Some of the pines have been clear-cut.

In the 2018 Report (ICF 2018), the Corps defined the Project APE as follows:

• For archaeological sites, the Project footprint plus a 100-foot wide buffer zone on either side of 

the edge of the Project footprint to account for construction staging and access.

• For aboveground built environment resources (i.e., buildings, structures, objects, landscapes, and 

districts), the Project footprint plus a 200-foot wide buffer on either side of the Project footprint. 

Due to changes the area’s setting resulting from alterations to hydrologic landscape and the 

presence of extensive pine trees that serve as visual screens, this buffer is adequate to account 

for the full range of potential effects including physical, visual, auditory, and atmospheric effects. 

SC SHPO concurred with this APE on August 24, 2018 (Attachment A). 

Literature Review

On February 14, 2022, qualified archaeologist and GIS specialist Alice Muntz reviewed cultural resources 

records from the South Carolina Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA) and South Carolina 

Department of Archives and History (SCDAH). Ms. Muntz confirmed that no new archaeological or 

aboveground built environment resources had been recorded since the preparation of the 2017 Report

within a larger study area of one-half mile from the centerline of the proposed Project corridor. 
Memorandum 

Page 3 of 4 

Ms. Muntz also reviewed records from the Berkeley County GIS (Berkeley County 2022) to identify 

whether any aboveground built environment properties within the study area reached the 50-year age 

threshold for NRHP-eligibility consideration since preparation of the 2017 Report. Historic United States 

Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps (USGS 1958, 1979a, 1979b, 1979c, 1979d) and aerial 

imagery (NETRonline n.d.) were also consulted during the review.

Ms. Muntz used conservative search parameters that identified 13 aboveground built environment historic

resources within the study area which may have been constructed between 1967 and 1972 (Table 1). 

None of the properties in Table 1 are located within the APE for aboveground built environment resources

as defined in the previous section. 

Table 1. Aboveground Built Environment Resources Built 1967–1972 within Study Area (One-Half Mile of Project 

Centerline) 

Name Address Year Built

Distance from Project Footprint 

at its Closest (Approximate)

None 603 Mammy’s Lane, Pineville, SC 

29468

1972 1,478 feet (0.28-mile) east of 

Project 

None 610 Mammy’s Lane, Pineville, SC 

29468

1972 1,742 feet (0.33-mile) east of 

Project 

None 150 Lovers Lane, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

2,112 feet (0.40-mile) southeast of 

Project 

None 156 Lovers Lane, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

2,323 feet (0.44-mile) southeast of 

Project 

None 152 Lovers Lane, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

2,482 (0.47-mile) southeast of 

Project 

Jerusalem 

United 

Methodist 

Church

1096 Old Highway 6, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

1,109 (0.21-mile) east-southeast of 

Project 

None 1106 Old Highway 6, Cross, SC 29496 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

950 feet (0.18-mile) east of Project

None 134 Harley Circle, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

2,376 feet (0.45-mile) east of 

Project 

None 218 Harley Circle, Cross, SC 29436 1970 739 feet (0.14-mile) southeast of 

Project 

None 210 Harley Circle, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

739 feet (0.14-mile) southeast of 

Project 

None 188 Harley Circle, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

739 feet (0.14-mile) south of 

Project 

None 1051 Highway 311, Cross, SC 29436 1957–1972 

(presumed 

1967–1972)

422 feet (0.08-mile) east-northeast 

of Project
Memorandum 

Page 4 of 4 

Name Address Year Built

Distance from Project Footprint 

at its Closest (Approximate)

None 2332 Mudville Road, Cross, SC 29436 1972 2,376 feet (0.45-mile) northeast of 

Project 

Source: Berkeley County 2022. 

Conclusion

According to ICF’s analysis of data provided by SCIAA/SCDAH (n.d.), Berkeley County GIS (2022), and 

other resources (NETRonline n.d.; USGS 1958, 1979a, 1979b, 1979c, 1979d), no additional historic 

properties in the APE for aboveground built environment historic resources have the potential to be 

eligible for the listing in the NRHP. The conclusions in the 2018 Report, therefore, need not be changed. 

The Project will result in no adverse effect.

Attachments

Attachment A: SC SHPO concurrence letter on the 2018 Report (ICF 2018). Keely Lewis, Archaeologist, 

South Carolina Department of Archives & History (SCDAH/SHPO), to Travis G. Hughes, Chief, 

Regulatory Division, Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District. August 

24, 2018.

References

Berkeley County. 2022. Berkeley County Geographic Information System (GIS). Electronic document, 

https://gis.berkeleycountysc.gov/maps/desktop/. Accessed February 14, 2022.

ICF. 2018. Camp Hall Rail Project National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Finding of Effect. July. 

(ICF 00305.17.) Los Angeles, CA. Prepared for Surface Transportation Board, Office of Environmental 

Analysis & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, Charleston, SC.

NETRonline. n.d. Historic Aerials. Electronic document, https://www.historicaerials.com/. Accessed 

February 14, 2022.

Sipe, R. and H. Carpini. 2017. Phase I Cultural Resource Survey Camp Hall Rail Project, Berkeley 

County, South Carolina. Prepared for Palmetto Railways by Amec Foster Wheeler Environmental & 

Infrastructure, Inc. 

South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA)/South Carolina Department of 

Archives and History (SCDAH). n.d. SC ArchSite, Subscription View. Electronic document, 

http://www.scarchsite.org/default.aspx. Accessed February 14, 2022.

United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1958. 1:24000-Scale Topographic Map of Summerville NW, 

SC. Reston, VA. 

1979a. 1:24000-Scale Topographic Map of Chicora, SC. Reston, VA. 

1979b. 1:24000-Scale Topographic Map of Cross, SC. Reston, VA. 

1979c. 1:24000-Scale Topographic Map of Eadytown, SC. Reston, VA. 

1979d. 1:24000-Scale Topographic Map of Pineville, SC. Reston, VA. 
August 24, 2018 

Travis G. Hughes 

Chief, Regulatory Division 

Department of the Army 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District 

69A Hagood Avenue 

Charleston, South Carolina 29403 

Re: Camp Hall Rail Project 

 (SAC-2016-01395) 

 Berkeley County, South Carolina 

 SHPO Project No. 16-EJ0087 

Dear Travis Hughes: 

Thank you for your letter of August 8, 2018, which we received on August 10, 2018, regarding the abovereferenced proposed undertaking. We also received the Camp Hall Rail Project: National Historic 

Preservation Act Section 106 Finding of Effect, plans, and elevation drawings as supporting 

documentation for the proposed undertaking. In an email from Elizabeth Williams dated August 23, 2018, 

our Office additionally received the Palmetto Railways Response to National Marine Fisheries Service 

Questions, the letter to John Winkle dated July 13, 2018 regarding Palmetto Railways Construction 

Exemption in Berkeley County, South Carolina; Uses of Section 4(f) Properties, the Palmetto Railways 

Construction Exemption Properties Section 4(f) map, and the Lake Moultrie Passage of the Palmetto 

Trail- Section 2 map following our request for the documents cited in the Finding of Effect in regards to 

the best management practices, stabilization and minimization measures. The State Historic Preservation 

Office (SHPO) is providing comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Surface 

Transportations Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) and the Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA) pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its 

implementing regulations, 36 CFR 800. Consultation with the SHPO is not a substitution for consultation 

with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, other Native American tribes, local governments, or the public. 

The proposed undertaking is defined as the construction of a 22.7-mile industrial rail line. The Area of 

Potential Effect (APE) for the proposed undertaking is defined as the project footprint plus a 100-footwide buffer zone on either side of the edge of the project footprint. 

As noted in your letter and the Finding of Effect, the Diversion Canal (SHPO Site No. 0786), Garrett 

Cemetery (SHPO Site No. 1263), and the Bulltown Ditch (SHPO Site No. 1270) were previously 

identified in the APE and determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places 

(NRHP) (Sipe and Carpini 2017). The Corps has applied the criteria of adverse effect to these historic 

properties. 
In applying the criteria of adverse effect to the Diversion Canal (SHPO Site No. 0786), the Corps notes 

that the proposed new railroad will be carried over the canal by a newly constructed six-span bridge. The 

overall bridge design is modeled generally on the existing Highway 45 Bridge that currently crosses the 

Diversion Canal approximately 1 mile to the north of the APE. The Corps notes that while the 

construction of the new railroad infrastructure has the potential to affect the structural integrity of the 

canal, the applicant’s current plans include stabilization measures and best management practices 

designed to avoid adverse effects of this nature. The Corps recommends that the canal’s significance is 

due to engineering and historical importance and will not be adversely affected by auditory or vibratory 

effects from the proposed infrastructure. 

In applying the criteria of adverse effect to the Bulltown Ditch (SHPO Site No. 1270), the Corps notes 

that the proposed new railroad will cross a section of the ditch by a three-barrel culvert in a section 

already crossed by an existing railroad line and an electrical transmission line. The Corps recommends 

that the significance of Bulltown Ditch is tied to its association with the Santee Canal, and its role as a 

transportation corridor and an engineering achievement, therefore, it would not be adversely affected by 

temporary or permanent visual or noise effects. The Corps notes that while the proposed undertaking has 

the potential to affect the structural integrity of the canal, the Applicant has proposed to stabilize the 

ditch’s bank during construction which will avoid a direct adverse effect to its structural integrity. 

In applying the criteria of adverse effect to Garrett Cemetery (SHPO Site No. 1263), the Corps notes that 

the proposed right-of-way will be located approximately 120-feet from the cemetery. The Corps 

recommends that the grave markers conveying the significance of the cemetery will not be directly 

affected. The Corps notes that temporary and permanent changes of setting, including the construction 

and operation of the railroad, have the potential to affect Garrett Cemetery. In order to avoid any adverse 

effect, a 50-foot buffer will be established around the cemetery. 

The Corps recommends that conditions be placed on the undertaking to ensure the preservation of 

significant features of the historic properties and to accommodate changes to the project description 

and/or footprint that may occur as the undertaking proceeds. We concur with this recommendation and 

recommend that the referenced conditions be submitted for review by our office and that additional 

coordination occur with our Office if the project description and/or footprint changes. 

The Corps recommends that the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effect on historic properties. 

Based on the description of the Area of Potential Effect (APE), the identification of historic properties 

within the APE, the application of the criteria of adverse effect, and contingent on the review of the 

conditions by our Office, we concur with the assessment that no properties listed in or eligible for listing 

in the NRHP will be adversely affected by this project. 

If archaeological materials are encountered during construction, the procedures codified at 36 CFR 

800.13(b) will apply. Archaeological materials consist of any items, fifty years old or older, which were 

made or used by man. These items include, but are not limited to, stone projectile points (arrowheads), 

ceramic sherds, bricks, worked wood, bone and stone, metal and glass objects, and human skeletal 

materials. The federal agency or the applicant receiving federal assistance should contact our office 

immediately. 

Please refer to SHPO Project Number 16-EJ0087 in any future correspondence regarding this project. If 

you have any questions, please contact me at (803) 896-6181 or KLewis@scdah.sc.gov. 
Sincerely, 

Keely Lewis 

Archaeologist 

State Historic Preservation Office 

cc: Elizabeth Williams, Corps 

 Michelle Zulauf, Corps 

 Diana Wood, OEA 

 John Winkle, FRA 

 Richard Kanaski, USFWS 

 T Ravenel, Palmetto Railways