NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 2

Project Commitments

Norfolk Southern Railway Company

Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility

Rossville, Fayette County, Tennessee

Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) will develop the project in accordance with 

all applicable laws, the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT’s) Standard 

Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and NSR Standard Specifications for 

Roadbed, Track and Structures. TDOT specifications address sediment and erosion 

control and siltation; channelization; floodplains; construction impacts; utility relocation; 

and traffic maintenance and detours. NSR will stringently implement the Best 

Management Practices (BMPs) throughout the construction period. 

TDOT/NSR will utilize the following measures to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate 

impacts to the human and natural environment associated with construction and 

implementation of the Preferred Alternative.

 Wetlands



– NSR will avoid wetlands where possible and minimize impacts to the 

extent practicable. However, wetlands within the footprint of the facility (7.31 

acres) may be impacted by the proposed project. NSR will mitigate the 

unavoidable impacts to wetlands as required by permitting agencies. As on-site 

mitigation is impractical, NSR proposes to purchase wetland mitigation credits 

from the Wolf River Mitigation Bank at a 2:1 ratio.

Streams



– NSR will avoid streams where possible and minimize impacts to 

streams to the extent practicable. The proposed project may impact streams 

within the footprint of the facility. Based on the current design, the project may 

impact 5,352 linear feet of stream channel. NSR will minimize potential water 

quality impacts through the implementation of BMPs during both construction and 

operation of the facility. NSR will offset the unavoidable loss of stream channel 

through compensatory mitigation. NSR proposes to mitigate through 

Tennessee’s stream mitigation in-lieu-fee program, which will ensure that 

appropriate stream mitigation is accomplished within the same watershed.

Floodplain



– NSR will incorporate the construction and maintenance practices 

outlined in the local floodplain practices to the extent practicable and does not 

anticipate floodplain impacts. For this project, NSR has adopted and will 

implement all construction and maintenance practices in Fayette County’s 

floodplain management regulations. For encroachment in Zones AE or A, a 

professional engineer will certify that these encroachments will not increase the 

water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within 

the community. The proposed stormwater control system will provide storage to 

allow discharges to mimic predevelopment hydrology, minimize initial flows 

following rain events, and decrease resultant peak flows.

Stormwater – NSR will construct and implement a stormwater detention system 

that will provide adequate storage and treatment of stormwater runoff. NSR will 

adequately size detention basins and include control valves in discharge pipes to 
NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 3

serve as spill prevention and protection devices in the unlikely event that a spill 

leaves the concrete pad area. NSR will line the detention basins with at least a 

12-inch thick layer of compacted clayey soil to reduce infiltration. NSR will follow 

appropriate BMPs to minimize erosion, turbidity, and/or other potential impacts to 

streams. NSR will avoid degradation of waters through the implementation of 

BMPs and a site-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 

 Permits

o U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Individual or Nationwide 

Permit for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. (including wetlands and 

aquatic resources). Provisional Permit received on May 14, 2010.

– TDOT/NSR will comply with all permitting requirements with respect to 

impacts to wetlands and streams, and as required by Sections 401, 402, and 404 

of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as well as Tennessee’s Aquatic Resource 

Alteration Permit (ARAP) program. Applicable permits include: 

o TDEC ARAP Individual or General Permit for Construction and 

Removal of Minor Road Crossings and Minor Alterations to 

Wetlands. 

o TN National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 

Individual Stormwater Permit for Construction. 

 Air



– To reduce potential air impacts to nearby residents, NSR will use ultra lowsulfur transportation grade diesel fuel (0.0015 percent sulfur) for NSR container 

and trailer handling equipment. NSR will use Tier 4 technology on the overhead 

lift cranes.

Noise and Visual



– Though no significant noise or visual impacts are expected, 

to reduce potential noise and visual impacts to nearby residents, NSR will 

construct earthen berms along portions of the eastern and western sides of the 

facility as well as along portions of the western side of the lead track. Along the 

western edge of the proposed lead track adjacent to the residences along Neville 

Road, NSR will construct a landscape berm so that the top of the berm will be 

approximately 15’ higher than the adjacent top of rail. NSR will control additional 

visual impacts by using non-standard 70’ tall light poles in areas requiring 

illumination with downward directed fixtures to reduce off-site impacts. 

Archaeological



– Though no known archaeological resources are within the 

project site, if an unidentified archaeological site is found during construction, 

TDOT/NSR will cease all construction activities in the immediate area where 

archaeological material is discovered. TDOT/NSR construction will not restart 

activities in this area until appropriate clearances are obtained. TDOT/NSR will 

immediately contact the Tennessee Division of Archaeology and any Native 

American tribes with interests in the area so that representatives may have the 

opportunity to examine and evaluate the archaeological material.

Operational Measures – To reduce operational impacts, NSR will maintain and 

service equipment in the designated maintenance pad area with appropriate 

treatment systems. NSR will maintain controls in-place and operational in 

accordance with applicable permit requirements. NSR will secure the facility by 
NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 4

fencing and close circuit monitoring to prevent vandalism and unauthorized site 

access. NSR will properly train the facility staff on appropriate emergency 

response actions and protocols in the unlikely event of a hazardous materials 

spill. NSR will insure that the necessary contact information for local, state, and 

Federal emergency responders as well as emergency response contractor 

resources are readily available. Facility employees, working with NSR

environmental staff and local authorities, will have around the clock access to 

these emergency response resources. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 5

Table of Contents

Project Commitments...................................................................................................... 2

1 Type of Action........................................................................................................... 8

2 Proposed Action ....................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Project Overview ................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Purpose and Need for Action ................................................................................ 8

3 Summary of Alternatives........................................................................................... 9

Figure 1: Proposed Alternatives.............................................................................. 10

Figure 2: Alternatives Studied in Fayette County................................................... 11

3.1 Alternatives Reviewed But Eliminated From Further Consideration .................... 12

3.1.1 Alternative 2: East Rossville IMF (Windyke Property) ............................... 12

3.1.2 Alternative 3: Expansion of Existing Facility (Forrest IMF)......................... 13

3.1.3 Alternative 4: IMF on Vulcan Property ....................................................... 13

3.1.4 Alternative 5: IMF on Pictsweet Property................................................... 13

3.1.5 Alternative 6: Intermodal Gateway at Memphis Pidgeon Park................... 14

Table 1: Summary of Alternatives.......................................................................... 15

3.2 Build Alternative .................................................................................................. 16

Table 2: Summary of Revisions Made Based on Public Comment, Agency Review 

and Initial Design Process ...................................................................................... 16

3.3 Preferred Build Alternative – Build Alternative 1.................................................. 18

Figure 3: Preferred Build Alternative....................................................................... 19

3.4 No-Build Alternative............................................................................................. 20

3.5 Area of Potential Effect (APE) ............................................................................. 21

Table 3: Areas of Potential Effects for Alternatives................................................. 21

4 Summary of Project Impacts and Mitigation ........................................................... 22

4.1 Land Use............................................................................................................. 22

4.2 Farmland ............................................................................................................. 22

4.3 Transportation ..................................................................................................... 23

4.3.1 Rail ............................................................................................................ 23

4.3.2 Traffic......................................................................................................... 23

4.4 Social................................................................................................................... 25

4.4.1 Social/Community Cohesion...................................................................... 25
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NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 6

4.4.2 Community Services.................................................................................. 25

4.4.3 Environmental Justice................................................................................ 26

4.5 Displacements..................................................................................................... 26

4.6 Economic............................................................................................................. 26

4.7 Air Quality............................................................................................................ 27

4.7.1 Conformity ................................................................................................. 27

4.7.2 Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)............................................................ 27

4.8 Noise ................................................................................................................... 28

4.9 Cultural Resources.............................................................................................. 30

4.9.1 Architectural/Historic.................................................................................. 30

4.9.2 Archaeological Sites .................................................................................. 30

4.10 Recreational Resources ...................................................................................... 31

4.11 Section 4(f).......................................................................................................... 31

4.12 Natural Resources............................................................................................... 31

4.12.1 Water Quality and Aquatic Resources....................................................... 31

4.12.2 Wetlands.................................................................................................... 32

4.12.3 Floodplains ................................................................................................ 32

4.12.4 Aquifer/Groundwater ................................................................................. 33

4.12.5 Stormwater ................................................................................................ 35

4.12.6 Federally Threatened or Endangered Species .......................................... 35

4.12.7 State-Listed Species.................................................................................. 36

4.12.8 Invasive Species........................................................................................ 36

4.12.9 Wild & Scenic Rivers ................................................................................. 36

4.12.10 Permits ................................................................................................... 36

4.13 Visual................................................................................................................... 36

4.14 Energy................................................................................................................. 37

4.15 Hazardous Materials............................................................................................ 37

4.15.1 No Hazardous Material Sites..................................................................... 37

4.15.2 Potential Hazardous Material..................................................................... 37

4.16 Pedestrian and Bicycle........................................................................................ 38

4.17 Construction ........................................................................................................ 38

4.18 Primary Benefits and Impacts.............................................................................. 38

5 Public and Agency Involvement.............................................................................. 40

5.1 Agency Involvement ............................................................................................ 40
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 7

5.1.1 NEPA Participating Agencies .................................................................... 40

5.1.2 TESA Process ........................................................................................... 42

5.1.2.1 TESA Concurrence Point #1/#2 .......................................................... 42

5.1.2.2 TESA Concurrence Point #3............................................................... 42

5.1.2.3 TESA Concurrence Point #4............................................................... 42

5.1.3 Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment .......................... 43

5.2 Circulation of the Environmental Assessment ..................................................... 43

5.3 Public Involvement .............................................................................................. 44

5.3.1 Public Informational Meeting ..................................................................... 44

5.3.2 Public Hearing ........................................................................................... 44

5.3.3 Summary of Public Hearing Comments..................................................... 44

Table 4: Public Comments Grouped by July 8 EA Topics ..................................... 45

6 Revisions to Environmental Assessment................................................................ 46

7 Basis for Finding of No Significant Impact .............................................................. 46

Appendix A - Summary of Comments for Concurrence Points #1 and #2....................... 1

Appendix B - Summary of Comment for Concurrence Point #3 ...................................... 1

Appendix C - Summary of Comment for Concurrence Point #4...................................... 1

Appendix D – Agency Comments to July 8 EA ............................................................... 1

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses.............................................. 2

Appendix E – Public Hearing Materials, Public Comments and Responses ................... 1

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response......................................... 2
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 8

1 Type of Action

This document is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA) administrative action, Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

The FHWA and FRA of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have determined 

that the preferred build alternative, Build Alternative 1, will not have any significant 

impact on the human and natural environment. This FONSI is based on a July 8, 2010, 

Environmental Assessment (July 8 EA), which was prepared by Tennessee Department 

of Transportation (TDOT), signed and issued by FRA, and adopted by FHWA. FHWA 

and FRA independently evaluated the July 8 EA and determined that it adequately and 

accurately discusses the needs, environmental issues and impacts of the proposed 

project and appropriate mitigation measures. The EA provided sufficient evidence and 

analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was not 

required. The FHWA and FRA take full responsibility for the accuracy, scope and 

content of the EA. This FONSI should be read in conjunction with the approved EA.

2 Proposed Action

2.1 Project Overview

Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) proposes to construct, own, and operate a 

new intermodal facility (IMF) known as the Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility 

(Memphis Regional IMF) to increase freight transportation capacity in the Memphis, 

Tennessee, region and to meet current and future demands for freight transportation to 

and from the Northeast U.S. An IMF is a facility where freight is transferred from one 

transportation mode to another, in this case, between trains and trucks, in order to 

efficiently deliver freight over long distances. 

In February 2010, Tennessee was selected to receive funds for this project from the 

DOT, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program as 

part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. As a result of 

this Federal funding, the proposed Memphis Regional IMF project is subject to the 

requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This document 

was prepared to meet those NEPA requirements.1

2.2 Purpose and Need for Action

 The DOT FRA, FHWA, and TDOT 

are the lead agencies for the proposed project. The Mississippi Department of 

Transportation (MDOT) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are Cooperating 

Agencies.

Existing infrastructure is not adequate to serve future transportation capacity needs in 

the Memphis region. A freight transportation bottleneck exists between the Memphis 

region and the Northeast U.S. The Memphis Regional IMF would help alleviate this 

bottleneck by increasing intermodal service capacity. To meet the increased demand 

 1 See FRA NEPA requirements at 64 Fed. Reg. 28545 (May 26, 1999); see also FHWA NEPA requirements at 23 C.F.R. 771.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 9

for capacity, NSR estimates a need for a new facility that can perform 327,000 annual 

lifts of containers and trailers between trucks and trains.2

To meet operational requirements and adequately serve future transportation capacity 

needs, the main required components for the IMF are:

 

 Tracks connecting the Memphis Regional IMF site to the NSR mainline;

 Six 4,050 foot long pad tracks to handle train engines and cargo to 

optimize transportation efficiency and maximize fuel savings and 

emissions reductions;

 Support yard with 34,500 feet of track in parallel strips to allow longer 

trains to be separated until they can be loaded/unloaded;

 Paved areas for parking approximately 2,200 trailers and containers on 

chassis necessary for daily operations at the IMF, which is equivalent to a 

minimum of 125 acres;

 Several small administration, maintenance, and operations buildings 

located on the support yard pad necessary for transportation operations, 

security, and maintenance; and

 Equipment maintenance pad with spill control and stormwater 

management features and other related facilities.

The purpose of the Memphis Regional IMF is to improve freight transportation capacity 

in the Memphis, Tennessee region to meet growing freight transportation demand. 

Anticipated benefits of the project include economic and employment benefits as well as 

a reduction of long-haul truck traffic on congested highways in the Memphis region. 

Less long-haul truck traffic should reduce damage to highways from heavy trucks, 

decrease traffic accidents, and improve air quality through the use of energy efficient 

transportation alternatives. 

3 Summary of Alternatives

A suitable location is a critical requirement to satisfy the purpose and need for the 

Memphis Regional IMF. NSR used the following internally developed critical evaluation 

factors to consider a site viable:

 Sufficient Land



. Sufficient land, properly configured, is necessary to develop a 

facility, which can meet intermodal demand and support the IMF operating 

requirements. The site needs to be a rectangular tract consisting of 

approximately 380 useable acres (approximately 7,000 feet long by 2,400 feet 

wide).

Proximity to Rail Infrastructure



. The project must be located near the NSR 

mainline with intermodal service, preferably not more than several miles away 

with direct track access reasonably possible.

Proximity to Highway Infrastructure

 2 In this context, a “lift” is a trailer or container loaded to a rail car or unloaded from a rail car.

. The proposed site must be located in 

proximity to adequate highway infrastructure.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 10

Figure 1: Proposed Alternatives 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 11

Figure 2: Alternatives Studied in Fayette County

Alternatives

Alternative 1 – Memphis Regional IMF 

(Adair Property) 

Alternative 2 – E. Rossville (Windyke)

Alternative 3 – Expand Forrest IMF

Alternative 4 – Vulcan Property

Alternative 5 – Pictsweet Property

Alternative 6 – Pidgeon Park 

Note – Alternatives 3 and 6 are not 

shown on this map 

(See Figure 2-5 for their locations)
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 12

 Location

Between 2003 and 2009, NSR evaluated six alternatives for the Memphis Regional IMF 

project. They were identified based on public input and NSR's location research.

. The proposed IMF must be located near potential customers in an area 

convenient for industrial and commercial economic activities. 

 Alternative 1 – Memphis Regional IMF (Build Alternative 1) 

 Alternative 2 – East Rossville IMF (Windyke Property)

 Alternative 3 – Expand Forrest IMF

 Alternative 4 – IMF on Vulcan Property

 Alternative 5 – IMF on Pictsweet Property

 Alternative 6 – Intermodal Gateway at Memphis Pidgeon Park

3.1 Alternatives Reviewed But Eliminated From Further Consideration

Alternatives 3 and 6 are within Shelby County, inside Memphis, Figure 1. The 

remaining four alternatives are in Fayette County, Figure 2. All of the build alternatives 

considered would require construction of a new intermodal facility of a similar size and 

design, capable of meeting the operational requirements. Alternatives 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 

were evaluated as part of the TESA process (see section 5.1.2), against the above 

criteria and eliminated from further consideration because they:

 Failed to meet one or more of the NSR critical evaluation factors, which must be 

met for a project to be considered viable, or 

 Were evaluated and judged inferior to Build Alternative 1 with respect to potential 

impacts to natural resources and cultural resources, or have undesirable 

operating costs or inefficiencies.

3.1.1 Alternative 2: East Rossville IMF (Windyke Property)

Alternative 2 (approximately 795-acre site) would include constructing an IMF along the 

south side of the mainline tracks on the east side of Rossville just north of State Route 

(SR) 57, Figure 2. This location satisfies the railroad’s needs for adequate acreage and 

facility layout. However, use of the East Rossville IMF would increase highway traffic 

volume for the section of SR-57 from east of Rossville to SR-385, which would involve 

routing truck traffic through the City of Rossville. There was strong opposition to 

increasing traffic along SR-57 from the local community and other stakeholders. Also, 

this site is located at the maximum distance from Memphis that is considered efficient 

for truck-train transfer to occur within the Memphis market.

The lead tracks would be located within the Wolf River floodplain. Overall, the site 

topography is such that the northern portion of the property would need to be filled while 

a substantial cut would be needed along the south side of the property to bring the site 

to the required grade. The overall site elevation should result in good sub-grade 

conditions compared to the other low-lying sites (Alternatives 4 and 5) adjacent to SR57. Environmental impacts would include several streams and wetlands and potentially 

impact a known Civil War earthwork. This site would be up-stream of the William Clark 

Conservation Area and along sections of the Wolf River designated as Exceptional 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 13

Tennessee Waters (ETW). Given the potential environmental impacts on area 

wetlands, the William Clark Conservation Area and sections of the Wolf River 

designated as ETW, Alternative 2 was eliminated from consideration in the TESA 

concurrence point 2 phase as the potential environmental impacts are more substantial 

than those of Alternative 1.

3.1.2 Alternative 3: Expansion of Existing Facility (Forrest IMF)

Alternative 3 would expand the existing Forrest IMF to create additional intermodal 

capacity, Figure 1. NSR currently operates the Forrest IMF five miles east of downtown 

Memphis. The IMF shares Forrest Yard with other non-intermodal NSR railroad 

operations, including train interchanges with the four other Class I railroads in the 

Memphis area. The Forrest IMF encompasses approximately 50 acres owned by NSR. 

The facility is currently operating at or near its capacity. Industrial development, sports 

arenas, the NSR mainline and residential housing surround the current facility. 

Consequently, opportunities for capacity expansion at the Forrest IMF do not exist due 

to its urban location. Since Alternative 3 cannot meet the required criteria of sufficient 

land identified in the Purpose and Need for the project, Alternative 3 is not viable and 

was eliminated from further consideration in the TESA concurrence point 2 phase.

3.1.3 Alternative 4: IMF on Vulcan Property

For Alternative 4, the IMF would be constructed along the south side of the mainline 

tracks in Rossville, Figure 2. This layout encompasses a tract of land owned by Vulcan 

Materials; therefore, the site is called the Vulcan property. This alternative is located 

about one mile west of Rossville between the NSR mainline and SR-57. Alternative 4 

presents a feasible location with respect to rail operations; however, it includes only 300 

acres and would require the relocation of existing businesses including a rail served 

stone distribution yard (Vulcan) and a planned-permitted asphalt operation. This 

alternative would increase traffic volume along SR-57 for the 3.5 miles between the IMF 

and SR-385. Additional environmental considerations include construction in a 

floodplain and impacts to streams and wetlands. 

Alternative 4 is too small of a site and would not allow for the construction of an 

adequate facility layout necessary for the traffic volumes and service levels, Alternative 

4 cannot meet the required criteria of sufficient land identified in the Purpose and Need 

for the project. Therefore, Alternative 4 is not viable and was eliminated from further 

consideration in the TESA concurrence point 2 phase.

3.1.4 Alternative 5: IMF on Pictsweet Property

Alternative 5 (approximately 884-acre site) would include constructing an IMF along the 

north side of the mainline tracks west of Rossville on the Pictsweet Property, Figure 2. 

This alternative would be located between the NSR mainline and the Wolf River. 

Although this location has adequate acreage, site development is constrained by the 

Wolf River floodway and floodplain. The majority of the facility would be located within 

the floodplain and grading work would require considerable site preparation and filling 

costs. Environmental considerations include impacts to several streams and wetlands. 

In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in agreement with other 

cooperating agencies, would need to remove a deed restriction on approximately 20 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 14

acres of land in a 65 acre restricted area on the west-side of the site to build the IMF.3 

This restriction was part of a 1993 Consent Order due to unauthorized construction in 

the area.4

While Alternative 5 is a viable alternative, meeting the first four criteria identified in the 

Purpose and Need for the project, the cost of developing this site, as well as the 

potential natural resources impacts, the potential difficulty of environmental permitting, 

and potential land use restrictions in comparison to Alternative 1, resulted in Alternative 

5 being eliminated from further consideration in the TESA concurrence point 2 phase.

Avoiding these restricted acres would require a smaller, less efficient facility. 

Construction of Alternative 5 would also increase traffic on SR-57 for about three miles 

prior to its connection with SR-385 to the west. SR-57 is a two-lane road, which is 

considered a rural minor arterial. The access road would require construction of an 

overpass over the NSR mainline track to access to the site.

3.1.5 Alternative 6: Intermodal Gateway at Memphis Pidgeon Park

Alternative 6 would require expansion of the Intermodal Gateway at Memphis in 

Pidgeon Park on the Canadian National Railway (CN) southwest of Memphis, Figure 1. 

Sufficient land is available for the development; however, to gain rail access, an 

expensive rail connection to the CN would be required. This would require that a deep 

trench be constructed from below the west end of Forrest Yard to the CN track. This 

trench would further reduce the capability of the Forrest rail yard. More importantly, the 

12 to 13-mile CN route from Forrest Yard to Pidgeon Park passes through the busiest 

section of the CN Memphis terminal. Without extra route investments on the CN line 

beyond the above-mentioned connection, this route is incapable of handling the 

additional NSR trains in a timely manner. Without consistent train performance and 

truck competitive train schedules, Alternative 6 could not serve the projected demand 

for freight transportation, thus negating the purpose. This location would add 

approximately 39 additional rail miles for traffic to and from Memphis relative to the 

Fayette County sites. This alternative would also add extra operating costs. With the 

area’s industrial development moving east and south of Memphis, the Pidgeon Park 

Alternative southwest of Memphis would increase drayage miles. Drayage is the cost 

associated with a vehicle hauling an item. These additional drayage miles would 

increase drayage costs. 

Route deficiencies requiring exorbitant investment and extra rail transit time, operating 

cost issues and the fact that this alternative is unable to meet the required criteria of 

proximity to NSR rail infrastructure identified in the Purpose and Need for the project 

make Alternative 6 a non-viable alternative. Alternative 6 was eliminated from further 

consideration in the TESA concurrence point 2 phase.

Table 1 summarizes the assessment of each alternative as evaluated against the 

previously described screening criteria as part of the TESA concurrence point 2 phase 

(see section 5.1.2.1). 

 3 Fayette County, TN, Fayette County Register, “Deed Book 389, page 79, Exhibit 5,” 1993.

4 EPA, “Docket No. 404-90-08,” Signed December 8, 1993.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 15

Table 1: Summary of Alternatives

Considerations

Build Alternative 

(Alternative 1) 

Memphis Region IMF 

Alternative 2

East Rossville 

(Windyke Property)

Alternative 3

Expanded Forrest 

IMF

Alternative 4

Vulcan Property

Alternative 5

Pictsweet Property

Alternative 6 

Pidgeon Park

1* – Sufficient 

Land

Yes. Yes. No - impractical to 

assemble a suitable 

amount of land.

No - requires difficult or 

impossible relocation of 

existing and planned 

businesses.

Yes - but EPA deed 

restriction on area needed 

for track connections to 

mainline must be removed 

to avoid shortening tracks 

beyond a reasonable and 

necessary level.

Yes.

2* – Proximity to 

NSR Rail 

Infrastructure

Yes - within 2 miles of 

NSR mainline.

Yes - adjacent to NSR 

mainline.

Yes - adjacent to NSR 

mainline.

Yes - adjacent to NSR 

mainline.

Yes - adjacent to NSR 

mainline.

No - deficient route on 

CN to access 

terminal. Additional 

route miles and transit 

time.

3* – Proximity to 

Highway 

Infrastructure

Yes - US Hwy 72 (Rural 

Principle Arterial), 

combination 2- and 4-lane 

sections (programmed for 

4)

Yes - but SR-57 (Rural 

Minor Arterial), 2-lane 

road.

Yes - urban collector to 

SR-277.

Yes - but SR-57 (Rural 

Minor Arterial), 2-lane 

road.

Yes - but SR-57 (Rural 

Minor Arterial), 2-lane 

road.

Yes - adequate 

industrial access road 

to Interstate.

4* – Location

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes - but additional 

drayage miles would 

add cost and reduce 

rail efficiency and rail 

optimization. 

5 – Impact to 

Natural 

Resources 

Moderate impacts to 

natural resources:

 Affect ~ 3 to 8 acres of 

wetlands.

 Impact ~ 5,000 linear 

feet of stream.

 Potential impact to Zone 

A within unnamed 

tributary to Wolf River 

floodplain.

 Attainment for air quality

Potential serious impacts 

to natural resources:

 Affect ~ 4 to 6 acres of 

wetlands.

 Impact ~ 5,000 linear 

feet of stream.

 Portions of lead tracks 

to IMF would be within 

Wolf River floodplain.

 Potential run-off to 

Exceptional Tennessee 

Water (ETW).

 Attainment for air quality

Low impact to natural 

resources as site is 

within an urban area.

 Non-Attainment for 

air quality

Moderate impacts to 

natural resources:

 Affect ~ 10-15 acres of 

wetlands.

 Impact ~ 1,500 linear 

feet of stream.

 Connections to NSR 

mainline within Wolf 

River floodplain.

 Attainment for air 

quality

Potential serious impacts 

to natural resources:

 EPA consent order deed 

restricted land within 

project footprint.

 Affect ~ 15 acres of 

wetlands.

 Impact ~ 1,500 linear feet 

of stream with springs on 

site.

 Site within Wolf River 

floodplain.

 Attainment for air quality

Moderate impacts to 

natural resources: 

 Potentially affect 

unknown acres of 

wetlands.

 Impact unknown 

linear feet of stream.

 Non-Attainment for 

air quality

6 – Impact to 

Cultural, 

Historical, and 

Social 

Resources

 No eligible or listed 

archaeological sites within 

project boundary. 

 No disproportionate or 

adverse effect to minority 

or low-income populations

 Potential adverse effect 

on a 1.2-acre Civil War 

earthwork.

 Nearby minority 

population on Mt. 

Pleasant Road. 

 No previously 

identified archaeological 

sites within project 

boundary.

 Nearby minority 

populations.

 No previously identified 

archaeological sites 

within project boundary. 

 Nearby low-income 

population on Morrison 

Road.

 No previously identified 

archaeological sites within 

project boundary. 

 Nearby adverse effect 

on low-income population 

on Morrison Road. 

 No previously 

identified 

archaeological sites 

within project 

boundary.

 Nearby minority 

populations.

* Denotes criterion that must be clearly met for an alternative to be considered viable.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 16

3.2 Build Alternative 

Build Alternative 1 was developed with consideration of the purpose and need for the 

project, the required criteria for meeting the purpose and need (as summarized in Table 

1 above), and impacts to the human environment in accordance with NEPA, minimizing 

and avoiding impacts as well as mitigation where appropriate. NSR held a Local 

government briefing and a public meeting in 2009 to gather input on the project’s 

purpose and need, which provided local and public input regarding location alternatives. 

Previously studied alternatives were presented, including all of the alternatives 

described above. During these meetings, participants had the opportunity to discuss 

project needs and provide suggestions for possible alignments on a map of the study 

area. 

Build Alternative 1 was retained for assessment and review of environmental impacts.

As the conceptual planning for the Memphis Regional IMF proceeded, TDOT provided

several opportunities for the public, governmental agencies and Non-Governmental 

Organizations (NGO) to review and comment on the proposed project, and especially 

Build Alternative 1, through the NEPA process and development of the July 8 EA. The 

following issues of particular interest were specifically evaluated for potential 

adjustments to further avoid, minimize or mitigate impact: Wetlands and Streams, 

Sensitive Habitats, Stormwater Management and Water Quality, Aquifer, Traffic, Visual 

and Lights, Noise, and Energy. Table 2 outlines the various revisions made to Build 

Alternate 1 during the review process. 

Table 2: Summary of Revisions Made Based on Public Comment, Agency 

Review and Initial Design Process

# Area of Interest Original Impacts Revision 

Description

Benefits from 

Change

1

Sensitive Habitats

Wetlands/Streams

Place fill along and 

potential relocation of 

several hundred feet 

of Stream 6

Shift footprint to the 

east

Reduce impacts to 

Stream 6 from 

several hundred feet 

to less than 150 feet

2

Sensitive Habitats

Wetlands/Streams

Impact Stream 6 

meander, 

channelization and 

floodplain/riparian 

areas along 

approximately 300’ of 

Stream 6

Bridge Stream 6 in 

two locations 

instead of using 

culvert(s) in single 

fill crossing location

Reduce impacts to 

less than 150 feet of 

Stream 6. Allow 

Stream 6 to maintain 

a natural bottom

3

Sensitive Habitats

Wetlands/Streams

Utilize riprap along 

and/or channelize 

approximately 350’ of 

Stream 6

Use retaining walls 

to avoid impacts to 

Stream 6

Avoid in-stream 

impacts to Stream 6 

and associated 

floodplain for 

approximately 350’ 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 17

Table 2: Summary of Revisions Made Based on Public Comment, Agency 

Review and Initial Design Process

# Area of Interest Original Impacts Revision 

Description

Benefits from 

Change

4 Wetlands/Streams

Eliminate potential 

source water for 

downstream portions 

of Stream 4 by filling 

channel with earthen 

fill

Use rock fill as 

opposed to earthen 

fill in Stream 4

Rock fill would 

convey potential 

groundwater seepage 

to downstream 

portions of stream

5 Wetlands/Streams

Divert wet weather 

conveyance (WWC)

away from Stream 5 

to other basins, 

depriving Stream 5 of 

existing drainage

Convey existing 

WWC within project 

footprint to 

downstream portion 

of Stream 5

Provides surface flow 

to downstream 

portion of Stream 5

6

Sensitive Habitats

Wetlands/Streams

Construct loop track 

across Wetland 4 and 

Stream 6 meander

Shift loop track to 

the east, avoiding 

Wetland 4 and 

meander

Avoids impacts to 

Wetland 4 and avoid 

channelize Stream 6

7

Wetlands/Streams

Stormwater 

Water Quantity/ 

Quality

Aquifer

Floodplain

Allow stormwater 

from IMF pads to 

directly flow to 

adjacent streams

Manage 

stormwater flows 

using detention 

basins

Allows sediment 

deposition and 

regulates stormwater 

discharge so postconstruction flows do 

not exceed preconstruction flows

8

Sensitive Habitats

Wetlands/Streams

Stormwater Quality

Use 2:1 slopes

Use 3:1 slopes to 

improve slope 

stability and reduce 

erosion

Flatter slopes are 

less likely to fail and 

erode causing 

sedimentation

9 Aquifer

Stormwater Quality

Use higher 

permeability surfaces 

in the facility, such as 

super-pave asphalt

Use rollercompacted 

concrete in 

operating areas

Reduce infiltration 

from operating 

surface; Stormwater 

detention system 

would regulate flow 

from facility prior to 

discharge 

10

Wetlands/Streams

Stormwater Quality

Aquifer

Design for ponds to 

infiltrate directly to 

aquifer

Design ponds as 

‘dry’ clay-lined 

ponds to avoid 

infiltration and 

regulate flows to 

surface water 

Protects aquifer

11 Traffic

Construct an access

road to Knox Road or 

SR-57

Utilize Industrial 

Road to access the 

facility

Keeps traffic off of 

SR-57 and Knox 

Road
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 18

Table 2: Summary of Revisions Made Based on Public Comment, Agency 

Review and Initial Design Process

# Area of Interest Original Impacts Revision 

Description

Benefits from 

Change

12

Traffic

Noise

Construct an at-grade 

crossing at SR-57

Construct a grade 

separation at the 

SR-57 crossing

Traffic flows would 

not be disrupted; 

trains would not 

sound horn at 

crossing

13

Noise

Visual 

Do not construct 

berms around project 

boundary

Construct 

vegetated berms 

around facility 

boundary

Reduces visual and 

noise impacts to 

nearby residents

14 Visual/Lights

Use standard 100-

foot light poles 

without directional 

lighting

Use directional 

lighting and shorter 

(70-foot) poles

Reduces visual and 

light impacts

15

Energy

Noise

Air

Utilize switches 

instead of loop track 

to change locomotive 

direction

Construct a loop 

track

Reduce need for

switching, which 

reduces energy 

consumption and 

potential noise and 

air impacts

16 Energy Construct non-LEED 

compliant buildings

Construct LEED 

buildings on-site

Have more energy 

efficient buildings onsite to reduce energy 

consumption

17

Water Quality

Aquifer

No treatment for 

exposed Memphis 

Sand outcropping

Cover any exposed 

Memphis Sand 

outcrops within 

facility footprint at 

subgrade with layer 

of compacted 

clayey material

Protects aquifer

3.3 Preferred Build Alternative – Build Alternative 1 

Build Alternative 1 consists of constructing and operating the proposed IMF in southern 

Fayette County, Tennessee, approximately 25 miles east of Memphis. Build 

Alternative 1 is located approximately 1.5 miles south of SR-57 and 0.5 mile west of 

Knox Road in the City of Rossville. The facility would occupy about 380 acres on 

Build Alternative 1’s 650-acre parcel. Build Alternative 1 includes the required lead 

tracks from the NSR mainline, a loop track, container and trailer transfer and storage 

yard, a new SR-57 overpass and an access road. The SR-57 overpass would create 

a grade separation between the lead tracks and SR-57. The loop track at the south end 

of the facility would allow trains to reverse direction to return to the NSR mainline. 

Industrial Road, the access road, would connect the facility to U.S. Highway (US Hwy) 

72. The adjacent property owner (Developer) is building Industrial Road to facilitate 

industrial and commercial development in the immediate area of the road. While 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 19

Industrial Road is being developed with non-Federal funds, the direct, indirect and 

cumulative impacts of Industrial Road were evaluated as part of the July 8 EA.

Figure 3: Preferred Build Alternative

TDOT selected Build Alternative 1 as the Preferred Build Alternative, because it 

achieves NSR’s identified viability critical evaluation factors as follows:

 Sufficient Land



: Sufficient land is available to develop the facility, meet 

intermodal demand, and support the infrastructure, operations, and storage 

requirements. The rectangular 650-acre property has adequate width and length 

for facility layout and provides suitable land for effective intermodal operations. 

Proximity to Rail Infrastructure: The site is located a reasonable distance 

(approximately 2 miles) from the NSR mainline and can be accessed via 

connection (lead) tracks under SR-57.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 20

 Proximity to Highway Infrastructure



: The proposed site is located near adequate 

highway infrastructure with connection to US Hwy 72 provided by Industrial Road. 

From US Hwy 72, the Memphis Regional IMF truck traffic would have connectivity 

to a four-lane road, SR-385. Both of these roads have available capacity and 

would allow trucks to make easy trips between the facility and customers 

throughout the Memphis metropolitan area. 

Location

The assessment of impacts of Build Alternative 1, including indirect and cumulative 

impacts, reflected in the July 8 EA and related environmental studies, identified no 

significant impacts that will occur under Build Alternative 1. NSR developed measures 

to avoid, minimize or mitigate minor impacts; the unavoidable impacts and appropriate 

mitigation are discussed in more detail below. Mitigation implementation and monitoring 

are provided in applicable permits and pursuit to this approval under NEPA.

: The facility’s customer base is generally moving eastward and 

southward in the Memphis metropolitan area. Locating the Memphis Regional 

IMF east of Memphis matches the region’s industrial and commercial area for 

economic activity. 

3.4 No-Build Alternative 

The No-Build Alternative would continue to use the existing Forrest IMF in Memphis 

without expansion. The No-Build Alternative would not cause any immediate, direct 

impacts to the human or natural environment in the project area. 

The No-Build Alternative would fail to satisfy the demand for needed additional IMF 

capacity within the Memphis region and fail to achieve the articulated Purpose and 

Need for the project: 

 The projected requirement for intermodal freight is approximately 2-1⁄2 times the 

capacity of the Forrest IMF;

 The Forrest IMF cannot be expanded due to physical space limitations 

(surrounded by streets and houses) in an urbanized area of Memphis; 

 The supplemental capacity to perform the projected lifts and to meet the 

additional transportation demands would not be available at the Forrest IMF; 

 Growth in the freight market would cause an increase in long-distance highway 

truck traffic rather than an increase in environmentally preferable rail-truck 

intermodal service;5

 Without adequate rail-truck intermodal service, economic growth would be 

hampered; and

 Inadequate IMF capacity eliminates the public benefits of intermodal 

transportation by decreasing transportation6 and energy efficiency7 and 

increasing emissions.8

 5 FHWA Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) [Version 2.2”, 2002 http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/freight_analysis/faf/index.htm] 

forecasts that the tons of freight transported will likely almost double by 2035 from its 2006 level. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 21

3.5 Area of Potential Effect (APE)

The potential effects of the proposed project for both Build Alternative 1 and the NoBuild Alternative are listed in Table 3. 

Table 3: Areas of Potential Effects for Alternatives

Area of Potential 

Effect (APE) Build Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) No-Build Alternative

Land Use Conversion from agricultural to industrial. Facility within 

Rossville Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and zoned industrial. 

Industrial Road and surrounding ~1,500 acres being zoned 

commercial/industrial.

Zoned 

Industrial / 

Commercial 

Social No evidence of any low-income or minority populations or 

neighborhoods with predominantly low-income or minority 

populations adjacent or near project. Social interactions within 

community would continue unhindered.

No change

Air Quality Minor increase in emissions of criteria pollutants and Mobile 

Source Air Toxics (MSATs) expected.

No change

Recreational 

Resources

None on-site No change

Hazardous Materials No existing hazardous materials sites identified within footprint. 

Only minor quantities of hazardous materials transported 

through IMF. 

No change

Farmland 311 acres of unique and prime farmland No change

Displacements No relocations or displacements No change

Noise 1 affected site with 3 residents. No change

Section 4(f) None on-site No change

Visual No areas of high visual quality or visually sensitive resources 

exist in area. Visual setting along SR-57 already disrupted by 

commercial and industrial facilities. 

No change

Pedestrian and 

Bicycle 

No bicycle paths or sidewalks within project area. No change

Transportation Improved efficiency in transporting freight. Reduced long-haul 

truck traffic and associated congestion and emissions

No change

Economic Approximately 140 new full-time jobs plus temporary

construction jobs. In Memphis area, cumulative economic impact 

of $2.7 billion and 6,186 new, saved, or benefited jobs by 2020.

No change

Cultural Resources No listed or eligible archaeological resources for the National 

Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

No change

 6 ATA estimates long-haul truck productivity has decreased since 2002 due to a number of factors including congestion, fuel costs 

and regulation changes. [ATA, “Truck Weights and Lengths: Assessing the Impacts of Existing Laws and Regulations,” 9 Jul 2008.] 7 A train loaded with containerized freight can carry equivalent to about 280 trucks loaded with freight. [AAR, Freight Rail Works 280 

Fact Sheet, 2009, http://www.freightrailworks.org/280.html]

8 AAR estimates that on average, moving freight by rail as compared with moving freight by truck reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) 

emissions by 75%. [AAR, “Rail Intermodal Keeps America Moving,” November 2009. http://www.aar.org/Economy.]
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 22

Table 3: Areas of Potential Effects for Alternatives

Area of Potential 

Effect (APE) Build Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) No-Build Alternative

Natural Resources 5,352 linear feet of stream; 7.3 acres of wetland; 1 acre of Zone 

A floodplain; Memphis Sands aquifer outcrop area; No federallyor state-listed endangered species; No National Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System (NWSRS), Exceptional Tennessee Waters 

(ETW), or Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW)

within project.

No change

Energy 23.8 million gallons of fuel estimated saved on annual basis No change

4 Summary of Project Impacts and Mitigation 

4.1 Land Use 

The majority of Fayette and Marshall Counties is rural in nature. The project area 

(including lead tracks, loop track, facility and SR-57 overpass) is located between the 

towns of Piperton and Rossville. The facility would be within Rossville city limits and it’s

Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The project site is zoned in its own Industrial 

Development Overlay District. The District is designated M-1, general industrial, which 

would allow a broad range of industrial uses geared towards warehouse distribution, 

light manufacturing, an IMF with access limited to US Hwy 72, and limited retail sales 

and services. The project would convert land currently being used for agricultural to 

industrial and/or commercial use.

Industrial Road would be located within the rural area of the Fayette County Growth 

Plan and an un-designated area of Marshall County. Industrial Road and the 

surrounding approximately 1,500 acres are zoned commercial/industrial.

Based on current zoning and the UGB, Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant 

impact to land use.

4.2 Farmland

The Memphis Regional IMF, including the SR-57 overpass, would encompass 

approximately 650 acres with 330 acres being directly converted and 320 acres being 

indirectly converted from farmland. Land would be directly converted from farmland in 

areas of facility buildings, tracks, container and trailer storage areas, and paved areas 

or roads. Land would be considered indirectly converted if it would no longer be 

capable of being farmed for the duration of the existence of the facility because of 

restricted access. Based on the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

completed Farmland Form, approximately 311 acres of farmland within the project site 

is rated as prime and unique.

In accordance with Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) regulations, TDOT and 

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) applied soil and site assessment 

criteria to determine the effects to farmland. The site assessment criteria are designed 

to assess important factors other than the agricultural value of the land to protect 

farmland. Each factor is assigned a score relative to its importance on a Farmland 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 23

Conversion Impact Rating Form (AD-1006). Sites that receive a total site assessment 

score of 160 points or less are given a minimal level of consideration for protection. 

Sites with a total site assessment score of 160 points or more require the consideration 

of alternative project alignments that would still serve the proposed purpose but would 

convert either fewer acres of farmland or otherwise impact farmland that has a relative 

lower value. 

Build Alternative 1 including lead tracks, facility, and SR-57 overpass has a farmland

site assessment score of 151 points. Since the point total is below 160 points, the use 

of farmland contained in Build Alternative 1 was determined not to be a significant 

impact to the environment, and therefore, an examination of alternatives to the use of

this property was not required. 

Based on the farmland site assessment, Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant 

impact to farmland.

4.3 Transportation 

4.3.1 Rail

Build Alternative 1 would combine rail and truck freight movements to improve 

transportation capacity in the Memphis region and provide an energy efficient 

alternative for current and future freight transportation. It would also improve 

operational efficiency, volume levels, and speed of delivery. The additional capacity of 

Build Alternative 1 is required to meet growing freight demand. The facility would 

annually handle an estimated 187,000 loaded trailers or containers moving between the 

Memphis Region and the Northeast in addition to freight moving in other, lower volume 

corridors. 

Based on the location and design, Build Alternative 1 will have positive impacts to rail 

transportation.

4.3.2 Traffic

As a direct result of the Build Alternative 1, traffic is expected to increase in the vicinity 

of the IMF’s entrance on US Hwy 72. A two-lane segment of US Hwy 72 is expected to 

operate at Level of Service (LOS) D in calendar year (CY) 2032 with or without traffic 

generated by the Memphis Regional IMF.9 With the 2.5% background growth and the 

traffic generated by the Memphis Regional IMF, the two-lane section of US Hwy 72 is 

expected to operate at LOS D in CY 2015. The LOS is a qualitative measure that is 

used to gauge the operational performance of an intersection. There are six levels 

ranging from “A” to “F” with “F” being the worst. LOS C is defined as fair progression 

with higher delays. LOS D is defined as unfavorable progression with congestion 

becoming apparent. Specifically, MDOT defined LOC C as an acceptable level of 

service for US Hwy 72.10

 9 AECOM, “Memphis Intermodal Facility, Traffic Impact Study” November 2009 Revision, On file with TDOT and MDOT (Nashville, 

TN: AECOM).

 

10 Phone call between AMEC (Robin Hagerty) and MDOT ED (Kim Thurman) on April 13, 2010; MDOT defined the required

parameters of: 2.5% per year increase in existing traffic volumes to represent the background traffic along US Hwy 72, US Hwy 72 

will be a four-lane rural principal arterial with a design speed of 70 mph, and LOS C being the acceptable level of service. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 24

In April 2010, MDOT was in the process of finalizing right-of-ways maps and deeds and 

planned on beginning to acquire the needed right-of-way for this section of US Hwy 

72.11 MDOT plans to widen US Hwy 72 (from 2-lanes to 4-lanes)12

US Hwy 72 is expected to carry between 13,900 vehicles per day (vpd) and 15,000 vpd 

depending on growth rate

starting in 2012.

Accordingly, the 4-lane section of US Hwy 72 would operate at LOS C or better in CY 

2015 and 2032 with the projected IMF traffic. 

13

In anticipation of the planned widening of US Hwy 72 to four lanes in the vicinity of the 

project area, MDOT has requested that the design and construction of the proposed 

intersection of Industrial Road and US Hwy 72 include widening US Hwy 72 to fourlanes, with stub-outs to the east and west.

in CY 2015 near Industrial Road, including site generated 

traffic. From CY 2015 to 2032 traffic volume is expected to increase to a total volume of 

between 16,500 vpd and 22,200 vpd depending on growth rate, including site generated 

traffic. 

14

Based on the evaluation and analyses of existing and future conditions, traffic 

generated by the proposed Memphis Regional IMF is expected to have a minimal 

impact on the adjacent roadway network in the below configuration. In order to address 

the expected operational impacts of the Memphis Regional IMF and provide safe traffic 

operations, the following configurations were included in the Traffic Impact Study. The 

private Developer would make these project-required improvements in conjunction with 

a MDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP).

 By incorporating the planned widening of 

US Hwy 72 into the design of the proposed intersection, MDOT would avoid impacts to 

the intersection during the future widening of US Hwy 72. MDOT is a participating and 

cooperating agency for the NEPA documentation. 

 One each turn lanes for right and left turning vehicles from Industrial Road onto 

US Hwy 72. 

 Channelize the southbound right turning movement on Industrial Road at US 

Hwy 72.

 Add an eastbound left turn lane on US Hwy 72 at the intersection with 

Industrial Road.

 Locate the intersection of US Hwy 72 and Industrial Road to provide adequate 

sight distance to the west and east.

 Add acceleration and deceleration lanes on US Hwy 72 at the intersection with 

Industrial Road.

Though the southbound left turning movements onto US Hwy 72 from Industrial Road 

are predicted to be LOS D to LOS F (CY 2015 and 2032), the expected number of left 

 11 Letter to Commissioner Nicely, TDOT from Executive Director Brown, MDOT dated April 27, 2010

12 Mississippi DOT 2010-2013 STIP, US72 from FR302 to Tennessee State Line, NEED ID 4752 and May 2005 Widening of US 72 

from SR 302 to the Tennessee State Line Desoto County FONSI.

13 The 13,900 vpd and 16,500 vpd based on 1% per year growth rate for existing (background) traffic on US Hwy 72. The 15,000 

vpd and 22,200 vpd is based on 2.5% per year growth rate.

14 Meeting with MDOT, NSR, AECOM, AMEC, and Developer in Batesville on October 22, 2009.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 25

turning vehicles during the peak hour is 18 vehicles or less. Therefore, the warrants 

necessary to justify a signal are not met for this intersection. 

The other turning movements, eastbound left turning movement from US Hwy 72 onto 

Industrial Road and southbound right turning movement onto US Hwy 72 from Industrial 

Road (CY 2015 and 2032), are predicted to be LOS C or better, an acceptable level of 

service. 

NSR considered several rail access alternatives to the facility. Among the issues 

considered were grade crossings. The lead tracks of Build Alternative 1 must cross SR57 in order for trains to access the facility. Build Alternative 1 includes a crossing at the 

north end of the project near the NSR mainline that will be a grade-separated crossing 

to ensure that local traffic is not interrupted by trains on the lead track. The crossing

would consist of construction of the SR-57 overpass.

Based on the planned widening of US Hwy 72, the configuration of the intersection of

US Hwy 72 and Industrial Road, and the SR-57 overpass, Build Alternative 1 will not 

have a significant impact to traffic.

4.4 Social

4.4.1 Social/Community Cohesion 

Build Alternative 1 would not represent a barrier to social interaction or community 

cohesion. The facility is rural with only approximately 55 residences located within 1⁄2 

mile of the project limits and with another approximate 20 residences located within 1⁄2 

mile of the Industrial Road. There are no schools, day-care, churches, or hospitals 

located within the project site. 

Residents on Neville Road in Tennessee may experience an increase in noise levels 

from train traffic. Residents on North Lenderman Road in Tennessee and Mississippi 

may experience a similar increase in noise levels along with increased congestion due 

to truck traffic. However, none of these increases were determined to be significant.

Local school buses utilize the section of US Hwy 72, where the construction and 

operating traffic would enter the facility. Some school buses travel on SR-57, which 

would be placed on a temporary bypass while the grade separation overpass is 

constructed over the lead tracks to the facility. 

These impacts are temporary and are not significant. Overall, Build Alternative 1 will 

not have a significant impact to community cohesion.

4.4.2 Community Services

The facility might cause a slight increase in the need for fire, police, hospital or other 

type of emergency services due to increases in traffic and population. The Town of 

Rossville in Fayette County, Tennessee will provide the emergency services. Area 

roads will remain unimpeded to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage for area 

residents. 

Build Alternative 1 will not introduce impediments to the provision of community 

services. As such, Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant impact to community 

services.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 26

4.4.3 Environmental Justice

This project was developed in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 12898 and 

Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income 

Populations (1994), which requires identifying and mitigating disproportionately high 

and adverse impacts on minority and low-income populations with respect to human 

health and the environment.

Based on the U.S. Census data for the project area, coordination with local 

government, and a field review in 2009, it was determined that this project would not

have a disproportionately high and/or negative impact on low-income or minority 

populations.

The nearest low-income neighborhood, based on information from the Town of 

Rossville, is located on Morrison Road, approximately 1.7 miles from the Memphis 

Regional IMF. Several low-income families live on Knox Road southeast of the facility. 

The Memphis Regional IMF will not have a disproportionate impact directly or indirectly 

on the Morrison Road neighborhood or the low-income families living on Knox Road due 

to distance and intervening topography. No significant impacts are anticipated on local 

communities and the effects of the project on minority and/or low-income populations 

would be expected to be the same as those on non-minority and/or non-low-income 

populations. 

The two closest neighborhoods with predominantly minority populations, based on 

discussions with local officials, include a neighborhood located approximately 2 miles 

north of downtown Rossville off SR-194 and a neighborhood located approximately 1.5 

miles east of downtown Rossville off Mt. Pleasant Drive. The minority neighborhoods 

are approximately 5.2 miles and 4.0 miles from the proposed Memphis Regional IMF 

and no significant impacts to these neighborhoods are anticipated.

Based on the lack of low-income and minority populations in the project area, Build 

Alternative 1 will not have a significant impact to environmental justice.

4.5 Displacements

Build Alternative 1 will not cause any business or residential relocations or 

displacements. 

4.6 Economic

The Memphis Regional IMF would be operated by approximately 140 employees, 65% 

of whom are expected to be shift workers. Additional short-term jobs would be created 

both on- and off-site during construction and site development. At this time, it is 

anticipated that most employees would be from Fayette, Shelby and Marshall Counties 

as well as the surrounding region. Build Alterative 1 is located in an area characterized 

by average weekly wages and median household incomes that are higher than the 

statewide average. This creation of employment would result in additional personal 

income for the purchase of goods and services within the region.

The benefits attributable to the Memphis Regional IMF when it is fully operational, are 

expected to have a cumulative economic impact of $2.7 billion and 6,186 new, saved, or 

benefited jobs by 2020 in the Memphis Area. In this context, a benefited job is one at a 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 27

company that uses intermodal transportation to reduce costs and consequently is more 

profitable such that the job is more secure.

Another economic impact of Build Alternative 1 is the potential taxes payable by NSR 

and others related to the construction and operation of the Memphis Regional IMF and 

the development it is projected to attract, which will increase the funds available to 

support government activities.

Build Alternative 1 will have positive impacts to economic development in the Memphis 

area.

4.7 Air Quality

4.7.1 Conformity 

A portion of Fayette County near Rossville, Tennessee, remains under a maintenance 

plan until 2015 to ensure that air quality remains in attainment of the Lead (Pb) National 

Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). However, the project site is located outside 

the maintenance plan coverage. Fayette County, Tennessee, and Marshall County, 

Mississippi, are in attainment for all of the Transportation Conformity regulated criteria 

pollutants. 

As noted above, Fayette County is designated in attainment for all NAAQS. A portion of 

the county near Rossville, however, was historically designated as nonattainment for Pb 

in 1993, and then re-designated as attainment in 1995. This area, therefore, remains 

under a maintenance plan until 2015 to ensure that air quality remains in attainment of 

the Pb NAAQS. 

No substantial emissions of Pb are anticipated with the construction and operation of 

the proposed IMF, consequently the General Conformity emission thresholds will not be 

exceeded and no significant impacts to air quality are anticipated. 

4.7.2 Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

An analysis of Build Alternative 1, indicated that an additional 5,838 vehicle-miles 

traveled (VMT) per day are estimated in association with the proposed Memphis 

Regional IMF.15

The increase in truck VMT and rail activity associated with Build Alternative 1 would 

lead to higher MSAT emissions (particularly diesel particulate matter) in the vicinity of 

the intermodal facility. The higher emissions would be offset somewhat by two factors: 

1) the decrease in regional truck traffic due to increased use of rail for inbound and 

 However, the diversion of these units and their associated VMT would 

produce significant reductions in: highway hours of travel (over 3 million hours); fuel 

consumption (nearly 24 million gallons); and CO2 emissions (over 265,000 tons). In 

2015, the Memphis Regional IMF is projected to handle 186,798 loaded units 

(containers and trailers) of traffic to and from Northeastern US points that currently 

move on the highway. Diverting this number of units from truck to rail would save more 

than 185 million miles of truck VMT, because the average length of the diverted truck 

trips is around 1,000 miles each. 

 15 AMEC Earth & Environmental, “Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility, Air Quality Technical Report,” December 2009, On file 

with TDOT (Nashville, TN: AMEC).
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 28

outbound freight; and 2) increased speeds on area highways due to the decrease in 

truck traffic. The extent to which these emissions decreases would offset intermodal 

center-related emissions increases is not known. However, NSR is committed to the 

use of ultra low-sulfur transportation grade diesel fuel (0.0015 percent sulfur) for NSR 

container and trailer handling equipment. In addition, NSR will use Tier 4 technology in 

the overhead lift cranes at the proposed Memphis Regional IMF.

The maximum expected increase in truck traffic at the proposed facility is 834 trucks per 

typical weekday (less on weekends) (1668 round trips), which is less than 1.5 percent of 

EPA’s guidance for total annual average daily traffic (AADT) for particulate matter and 

less than 1.2 percent of FHWA’s guidance for total AADT for MSATs. The particulate 

emissions from rail activity as estimated for the Memphis Regional IMF are not large 

enough to make up the remaining 98.5 percent of emissions associated with “air quality 

projects of concern.” This evaluation supports the identification of the proposed 

Memphis Regional IMF as a Level 2 project that requires a qualitative analysis of 

MSATs due to the low potential MSAT effects.

The qualitative analysis of MSAT emissions for the Memphis Regional IMF indicates 

that the increase in MSAT emissions, which would be experienced only locally and 

offset by the removal of 186 million vehicle miles per year of loaded truck travel, 

amounts to a less than 1.4 tons per year (tpy) being emitted in Fayette County and less 

than 0.02 tpy in Marshall County. Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) emissions 

associated with the proposed IMF are estimated at less than 8 tpy in Fayette County

and less than 0.1 tpy in Marshall County. These projections utilized Tier 3 technology 

emissions, not Tier 4, which NSR will phase in for the facility as a mitigation measure, 

and does not include the future reductions in MSATs anticipated by EPA’s mandated 

vehicle and fuel regulations, which project a significant decrease in MSATs – a 72% 

reduction by 2050 even if vehicle miles traveled increased by 145%. Constructionrelated MSAT emissions are not anticipated to be significant for this project as 

construction is not planned to occur over an extended building period. However, 

construction activity may generate temporary increases in MSAT emissions in the 

project area.

Accordingly, MSAT emissions resulting from the Memphis Regional IMF will not have a 

significant impact on air quality.

4.8 Noise

To predict future noise levels caused by the proposed Memphis Regional IMF, sound 

levels associated with construction, roadways, trains, and operation of cranes, loaders, 

and other equipment inside the yard area were determined separately. NSR developed 

rail and roadway traffic projections, as well as facility operation schedules, for the 

project for the design year 2032. TDOT/NSR completed highway traffic noise modeling 

of the project area for the existing scenario using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) 

Version 2.5 computer program.16

 16 AMEC Earth & Environmental, “Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility, Noise Analysis,” December 2009, On file with TDOT 

(Nashville, TN: AMEC).

 Following TDOT guidance on how to model the 

sound levels from the Memphis Regional IMF operating yard resulted in a conservative 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 29

approach whereby all IMF noise sources were assumed to be at the closest edge of the 

IMF operational area (where the cranes and packers would operate) relative to the 

receiver rather than at actual locations across the operating area(s). Six of the 17 

receiver locations are located very near the state line or are in Marshall County, 

Mississippi. Accordingly, these land uses were also evaluated in accordance with 

MDOT’s Highway Traffic Noise Policy.

Two receivers representing 21 residences located on and situated very close to US Hwy 

72, currently exceed the Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) of 67 Decibel (A-Weight) 

(dBA) due to existing traffic volumes on US Hwy 72. Both receivers are also expected 

to exceed the MDOT/FHWA noise abatement criteria in the Build 2032 scenario. 

Energy-Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) values for these receivers are predicted to be 

approximately 1 to 2 dBA higher than the existing conditions. This condition would exist 

even with increases in traffic volume associated with vehicles entering and leaving the 

proposed facility. These increases are defined as ’minor‘ in accordance with FHWA’s 

impact criteria and MDOT policy, and are not considered to be impacts caused by the 

project because the difference between the Build and No-Build scenarios is less than 3 

dBA.

One existing receiver, which represents three Parnell Road residences in the vicinity of 

the AGS area, would experience traffic noise impacts according to FHWA/TDOT noise

impact criteria. Future receiver noise levels in this area are predicted to be 12 dBA 

higher than existing sound levels due to the proposed Memphis Regional IMF without 

mitigation. It is anticipated the mitigation berms would achieve noise reductions of 

approximately 5 to 7 dBA at the receiver, reducing the impact category from ‘severe’ to 

‘moderate’ impact at a Day-Night Sound Level (Ldn) of 6 dBA above existing Ldn. 

Moderate noise impacts are considered less than significant according to FHWA/TDOT

noise impact criteria.

Due to public concerns identified during the NEPA process, proximity of certain 

residences, and potential future land uses in vicinity, NSR will construct noise barriers 

(earthen berms) on the proposed facility as follows: 1) along portions of eastern and 

western boundaries of the IMF facility and AGS area and 2) along portions of the

western side of lead tracks (Neville Road area).

Noise reduction methodologies also include:

 Elimination of grade crossings from the project design by creating an 

overpass at SR-57. This will eliminate train horn blowing that is otherwise 

required at such crossings. Horn blowing may still occur within the facility 

for emergency warning purposes. 

 Construct rail lines using continuous welded rail (non-jointed) track with 

radius of rail curvatures ranging between 6° (Radius 955.37’) and 8°30’ 

(Radius 674.69’) with the majority of the rail curves consisting of an 8° 

(Radius 716.78’) to minimize transient rail noises.

 Construct lead tracks with horizontal and vertical alignments by mainline 

elevations, topography and facility design considerations for the selected 

alternate. The facility grading plan, combined with natural topographic 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 30

features of the project vicinity, provide inherent noise reductions for many of 

the area residents. 

 Operate rail and truck operations in the vicinity of the proposed facility at 

low speeds, thereby keeping speed-related noise emissions to a minimum.

Based on the planned mitigation and operational procedures, Build Alternative 1 will 

have less than a significant impact to noise.

4.9 Cultural Resources

4.9.1 Architectural/Historic

Pursuant to the guidelines for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 

(NHPA), as outlined in 36 C.F.R. Part 800, TDOT conducted studies to determine if any 

cultural resources exist in the project’s Area of Potential Effect (APE) that are listed in or 

eligible for listing on the NRHP.17

Based on consultation with the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on 

August 27, 2009, TDOT conducted a records search at the Tennessee Historical 

Commission (THC) and the Mississippi Department of Archives And History (MDAH) to 

identify any historic sites listed or eligible for listing on the NRHP in the Area of Potential 

Effect (APE) for Build Alternative 1. The search revealed that no properties in the APE 

had been previously surveyed and no resources were listed in or previously determined 

eligible for the NRHP. In fact, no structures exist on the property except for a modern 

storage shed, which is less than 50 years old.

 

The field survey conducted determined that no architectural or historical features would 

be impacted by Build Alternative 1.

4.9.2 Archaeological Sites

TDOT conducted a records search to identify archaeological resources within the APE 

that would meet the Criteria of Eligibility for the NRHP set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.4.18

TDOT and FRA coordinated with local government and Native American (American 

Indian) tribes. On September 29, 2009, letters were sent to City of Rossville and 

Fayette County Mayors. On October 13, 2009 and June 30, 2010, letters were sent to 

tribal representatives. No tribes expressed any specific concerns regarding the project 

site though the Chickasaw Nation asked to be informed should any discoveries occur 

during construction, describing the area surrounding the project site as aboriginal 

homelands of the Chickasaw and an area important to them.

 

No listed or eligible archaeological resources were identified within the archaeological 

APE. Ten archaeological sites were identified within a 1.25 mile (2 km) record search 

buffer around the APE. These archaeological sites included 8 prehistoric sites (3 with 

historic components) and 2 historic sites. No determination of eligibility for the NRHP 

had been conducted for any of these 10 sites.

 17 AMEC Earth & Environmental, “Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility, Viewshed Survey,” 17 November 2009.

18 AMEC Earth & Environmental, “Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility, Phase 1- Archeological Report,” December 2009.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 31

A field survey during May through July 2009 recorded two previously undocumented 

archaeological sites (40FY456 and 40FY457) within the APE. Site 40FY456 is a 

historic site in an open pasture. Site 40FY457 is a historic archaeological site on a rise 

east of a stream that crosses the project site. All artifacts from both 40FY456 and 

40FY457 were recovered from the upper soil layers (approximately down to 20 inches) 

(plowzone of former agricultural fields) and no evidence of intact cultural deposits at 

deeper depths was noted. Due to the lack of intact subsurface archaeological deposits 

or foundation remnants, the degree of plowzone disturbance in the site areas, and the 

gaps in the archival record, Sites 40FY456 and 40FY457 were not recommended as 

eligible for inclusion on the NRHP and no further archaeological investigations were 

recommended. The field survey conducted determined that no archaeological features 

would be impacted by Build Alternative 1.

4.10 Recreational Resources

No outdoor recreational land and water areas or facilities were identified as being 

established from grants-in-aid from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in 

the project area for Build Alternative 1. 

4.11 Section 4(f)

No Public Park, recreation land, or wildlife refuge are within the project area for Build 

Alternative 1. 

4.12 Natural Resources

TDOT prepared an ecology study for Build Alternate 1.19

4.12.1 Water Quality and Aquatic Resources 

 The results are outlined 

below.

Several streams and ponds occur on-site, which likely provide habitat for various small 

fish as well as crayfish and aquatic insects. However, no essential fish habitat or 

fisheries of special concern occur on-site. No trout streams occur on-site. Short-term 

impacts to the area’s habitat would consist of dust, noise and changes in land use. 

Long-term impacts would consist of permanent loss of open and small wooded tracts as 

a result of the additional right-of-way (ROW) needed. Based on the planned open 

space and percentage of open or wooded areas within Fayette and Marshall Counties, 

Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant impact to terrestrial resources.

Within the Wolf River watershed, the site is dissected by numerous wet weather 

conveyances (WWCs) and small intermittent streams, which eventually flow into one of 

two unnamed tributaries of the Wolf River. Build Alternative 1 will impact a total of 

5,352 linear feet of streams. NSR will mitigate the impacts mitigated to a less than 

significant level off-site by making a comparable payment to Tennessee’s in-lieu-fee 

program (Tennessee Stream Mitigation Program [TSMP]).

Several farm ponds were identified on or immediately adjacent to subject property. 

These impoundments range in size from less than one acre to 18 acres. Build 

 

19 AMEC Earth & Environmental, “Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility, Ecology Report,” 8 January 2010.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 32

Alternative 1 will impact a total of six ponds approximately ten acres; however, three

ponds (totaling 5.6 acres) are non-jurisdictional waters of the U.S. The impacted 

lengths to jurisdictional ponds are included as stream impacts, mitigated to a less than 

significant level off-site through the TSMP. 

NSR is designing the project to avoid and minimize wetland and stream impacts where 

practicable. NSR minimized impacts to on-site aquatic resources while achieving the 

basic project purpose. Design features that allow for avoidance and/or minimization of 

wetland and stream impacts include the following: 

 After determining minimum sizing of facility structures, site features were overlaid 

on topographic and wetland mapping to avoid impacting streams and wetlands, 

where possible.

 Avoid re-channelization during bridge construction. 

 Design stream crossings at or near 90 degree angles, where practicable, to 

minimize stream impacts.

 Design stream crossings to avoid meanders to reduce stream length impacts.

 Maintain natural bottom of streams at crossings, where practicable.

 Utilize rock drains to allow natural groundwater flows to continue to feed 

undisturbed downgradient segments of streams.

 Use retaining walls to avoid placing fill in stream channels and/or stream 

relocations.

 Minimize rechannelization when using culverts.

NSR located the project to avoid streams and wetlands to the extent possible. Within 

the limits of geotechnical concerns, slopes were steepened to reduce the footprint of the 

facility on floodplains. Native material from other areas of the site and/or clean fill will

be used as fill material in wetland areas.

4.12.2 Wetlands

Approximately 7.5 acres of confirmed wetlands at 11 sites were identified within or near 

the anticipated project limits. Build Alternative 1 will impact a total of 9 wetlands with 

7.31 acres. NSR will mitigate the impacts to a less than significant level off-site by 

purchasing wetland credits from Wolf River Mitigation Bank, LLC within the same 8-digit 

Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watershed as the project.

4.12.3 Floodplains

Areas of Fayette County are subject to periodic inundation from flooding and are 

regulated by the Fayette County Flood Damage Reduction District. Because the 

Memphis Regional IMF is partially located with a flood prone area, the design will take 

into account the Fayette County Regulations. The project includes 32 acres of Zone A 

and 4 acres of Zone AE. The project will impact less than 1 acre of floodplain. A no 

rise certification will be issued for project as part of the design. 

The Memphis Regional IMF area is less than 1.5% of the 12-digit HUC Wolf River 

Subwatershed (43,204 acres) with the project draining into the Unnamed Tributary to 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 33

Wolf River (TN08010210004–0400). The less pervious areas of the IMF, approximately 

233 acres of paved surface and 76 acres of track, is less than 2% of the portion of the 

0301 subwatershed south of the Wolf River between Piperton and Rossville 

(approximately 15,500 acres). The general hydrology of Industrial road is a mixture 

between the Wolf River Watershed (08010210) and the Nonconnah Creek Watershed. 

The Nonconnah Creek Watershed (08010211) drains 281 square miles across 

Tennessee and Mississippi.20

In accordance with EO 11988, the analysis of floodplain impacts includes provisions of 

the Clean Water Act, the National Flood Insurance Act, the Flood Disaster Protection 

Act, and other applicable provisions relating to floodplain impacts. For the project, NSR 

will adopt all construction and maintenance practices in Fayette County’s floodplain 

management regulations and obtain the appropriate zoning authorizations from Fayette 

County for this project. While NSR plans to voluntarily comply with such local criteria 

whenever possible, there may be instances where those criteria are incompatible with 

rail operations.

 The Nonconnah Creek empties into the Mississippi River 

Watershed (08010100). 

21

NSR will design the water crossings to convey floodwaters so that there is no major risk 

of property damage or loss of life due to the encroachment in the floodplains. Impacts

to the floodplain or floodplain encroachment will be supported by analysis of design 

alternatives with consideration given to: capital costs and risks; and economic, social 

and environmental concerns. Based on the proposed design features, the Memphis 

Regional IMF will not have a significant impact on the floodplain including riparian 

habitat and local residences/businesses. The floodplain will not change significantly 

due to the project.

 For the project, NSR has incorporated all construction and 

maintenance practices, aside from the permitting and approval requirements, in Fayette 

County’s floodplain management regulations. 

4.12.4 Aquifer/Groundwater

The Memphis Sand aquifer is part of a sequence of water bearing aquifer units that 

forms the Mississippi Embayment and underlies a vast area including parts of Kentucky, 

Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Recharge to the 

Memphis Sand aquifer is, in part, from precipitation on the outcrop, which is located 

along the eastern edge of the formation in proximity to Build Alternative 1. In the 

outcrop-recharge belt, the Memphis Sand aquifer is considered to be under water-table 

conditions (unconfined). In this area, the potentiometric surface is complex and 

 20 TDEC, Nonconnah Creek Watershed (08010211) of the Mississippi River Basin, Water Quality Management Plan, November 9, 

2000.

21 As noted in Section 3.1 of the EA, in recognition of the importance of rail transportation in interstate commerce, Congress has 

enacted legislation providing that federally regulated railroads operating in interstate commerce are not subject to otherwise 

applicable local and state laws. See Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 ("ICCTA"), 49 U.S.C. § 10501 and 

the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 ("FRSA"), 49 U.S.C. § 20101 et seq. In accordance with these and other similar federal 

laws, most state and local regulation of railroads is preempted in order to ensure barriers to interstate commerce are not created. 

This includes local planning, zoning and similar laws and ordinances. However, as discussed in this section, NSR will adopt local 

floodplain impact practices for this project. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 34

generally conforms to the topography.22 The recharge area covers over 2,200 square 

miles in west Tennessee alone.23

The planned facility will impact a surface area of less than 0.03% within the potential 

recharge area in West Tennessee. A large percentage of aquifer recharge occurs along 

exposures within the bottoms of streams and rivers where a relative constant or 

consistent source of water is present to infiltrate the sandy material. These features will 

remain largely intact at the project area although Build Alternative 1 will eliminate, cross 

or encapsulate some of the smaller streams. As such, recharge via such features 

should be preserved. NSR will develop a stormwater control and management system 

that will mimic pre-development site hydrology. In doing so, peak discharges to streams 

following rainfall events will not exceed pre-development flows. Likewise, postdevelopment flows in the streams should be similar to pre-development flows. NSR will 

design the stormwater detention system so that post-construction flows do not exceed 

pre-construction flows (designed for the 100-year event).

 

The groundwater in the Memphis area generally flows towards the west and 

northwest.24 A number of residential water wells are present around the project site 

along Knox Road, Neville Road, and SR-57. As reported by TDEC Ground Water 

Management Section, these wells are relatively shallow on the order of 90-150 feet 

deep.25 Based on topographic relief in the area and on the planned elevation of the 

facility, most of the screened well intervals should be 80 to 150 feet below the planned 

IMF elevation. The Town of Rossville, located northeast of the project, obtains its water 

from three groundwater wells ranging from 90-102 feet deep.26 City of Piperton obtains 

its water from Town of Collierville. Collierville is located northwest of the project area. 

Collierville draws its drinking water from eleven deep wells pumping from 350 foot and 

600 foot sands.27

A Geotechnical investigation of the site included the completion of 79 borings.

 Rossville and Collierville both have a Well-Head Protection Program 

and Well-Head Protection Plan. The maximum Wellhead Protection zone per TN Public 

Water Supply Rule (1200-5-1-.34) is 750 feet, which does not extend into the footprint 

of the proposed IMF. 

28

 22 W.S. Parks and J.K. Carmichael, “Geology and Ground-Water Resources of the Memphis Sand in Western Tennessee,” WaterResources investigation Report 88-4182, (U.S. Geological Survey,) 1990.

Based 

on the borings and the planned elevation of the IMF, the soil type representative of 

Memphis Sand aquifer may be exposed in two locations: at pad tracks 5/6 and the 

maintenance building. Construction techniques will provide protective layer over any 

exposed portions of the aquifer. Based on available data and studies, most recharge 

occurs in the streams. The facility will be developed primarily in the upland area. 

Consequently, the relatively small footprint combined with its upland location should not 

affect the overall recharge in the area. Over 40% of project area will be left undisturbed. 

23 Water-Resources investigation Report 88-4182, “Geology and Ground-Water Resources of the Memphis Sand in Western 

Tennessee”, U.S. Geological Survey, 1990, by W.S. Parks and J.K. Carmichael.

24 Schrader, T.P. 2008, Potentiometric Surface in the Sparta-Memphis Aquifer of the Mississippi Embayment, Spring 2007.

25 TDEC 2009, Ground Water Management Section, Database Information on Commercial and Residential Wells in Fayette County.

26 Town of Rossville, Rossville Waterworks, 2007 Water Quality Report.

27 Collierville Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.colliervillechamber.com/economic/utilities.htm#Water.

28 Burns Cooley Dennis, Inc., June 3, 2010, Geotechnical Investigation. Proposed Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility, Rossville, 

Tennessee.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 35

Based on the planned construction techniques and percentage of undisturbed area, 

Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant impact to groundwater.

4.12.5 Stormwater

NSR will develop and implement a stormwater control system that will provide storage 

to allow discharges to mimic pre-development hydrology and minimize initial flows 

following rain events and also decrease resultant peak flows. To prevent excessive 

runoff from entering the receiving streams during and following rainfall events, NSR will 

design and implement a stormwater detention system that will operate during both 

construction and operation of the facility. NSR will design the stormwater detention 

system so that post-construction flows do not exceed pre-construction flows (designed 

for the 100-year event). 

For transportation facilities like the Memphis Regional IMF, EPA regulates postconstruction stormwater discharges from vehicle maintenance and equipment cleaning 

operations, and specifies that only those portions of a rail transportation facility that are 

involved in such operations constitutes regulated stormwater from industrial facilities.29

The stormwater management system also serves a dual function. The drainage system 

for the facility will include valves at the outlets to the stormwater management system to 

allow the detention basin outfalls to be closed under certain circumstances. NSR will 

include these valve closures to allow the on-site detention to serve a secondary function 

for spill control in the unlikely event that a release of materials occurs that exceeds the 

containment capacity of the on-site concrete pad. NSR has installed similar detention 

valves at other facilities and their use was rare.

 

The stormwater management system receives runoff from the pads and track areas, 

which do not constitute industrial stormwater. The detention facilities will provide 

stormwater treatment above and beyond the requirements of the Tennessee MultiSector General Permit for the Discharge of Storm Water from an Industrial Activity

(TMSP) No. TNR050000 and the discharge will meet water quality standards 

established by the State of Tennessee for the receiving water bodies. 

NSR will line the basins with at least a 12-inch thick layer of compacted clayey soil to 

reduce infiltration. NSR will use appropriate BMPs for construction stormwater 

management in accordance with TDEC and EPA guidelines to protect local

waterbodies. Thus, Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant impact to stormwater 

discharge.

4.12.6 Federally Threatened or Endangered Species

Based on correspondence with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Tennessee 

Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Mississippi Department of 

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), no federally-listed species protected under the 

Endangered Species Act (ESA) have been documented as occurring in Fayette County, 

Tennessee. Moreover, no federally-listed species have been documented within one 

mile of the project area. 

 29 TDEC, Tennessee Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activities No., TNR050000 (NPDES), 40 C.F.R. § 

122.26(b)(14)(viii).
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 36

4.12.7 State-Listed Species 

No state-listed species have been documented within one mile of project area. Three

state-listed species have been documented within four miles of the project area, but 

were not seen on-site during preliminary field surveys in April and June of 2009.

4.12.8 Invasive Species

NSR will adhere to the Guidelines of EO 13112 while constructing and maintaining the 

project in an attempt to control and prevent spread of invasive exotic species to project 

site. NSR will use invasive-free seed mixtures and native plant species to re-vegetate 

areas disturbed during contraction.

4.12.9 Wild & Scenic Rivers

No watercourses or rivers within the project site are listed on National Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System (NWSRS) or in Nationwide Inventory of Rivers for potential inclusion in 

NWSRS within project area. No watercourses or rivers within the project site are listed 

as an Exceptional Tennessee Waters (ETW) or Outstanding National Resource Waters 

(ONRW).

4.12.10 Permits

NSR will apply for and obtain the following state and Federal environmental permits for 

the Build Alternative 1: 

(1) USACE Individual or Nationwide Permit for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. 

(including wetlands and aquatic resources).

(2) ARAP (TDEC) for Construction and Removal of Minor Road Crossings. 

(3) ARAP (TDEC) General Permit for Minor Alterations to Wetlands.

(4) NPDES Stormwater Individual Permit for Construction.

4.13 Visual

There are no areas of high visual quality or visually sensitive resources in the Build 

Alternative 1 project area. The visual setting along SR-57 is already disrupted by 

commercial and industrial facilities. Therefore, introducing the commercial facility, 

railroad track, and SR-57 overpass into the viewshed will have no visual affect. The 

facility lighting would be shielded directional lighting on 70’ tall poles vs. NSR standard 

100’ tall poles. The average light levels for majority of facility would be less than 2 foot 

candles. The earthen berms along parts of western and east sides of facility along with 

section on west side of lead tracks will reduce visual impacts. NSR will plant grasses, 

native flora, and evergreen trees in the area outside of facility.

Based on the planned vegetation/berms, the existing contaminated viewshed, and the 

directional lighting, Build Alternative 1 will not have significant impact to visual 

resources.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 37

4.14 Energy

Energy consumption will result from activities related to site preparation and 

construction of the facility, lead tracks, SR-57 overpass, the loop track, and Industrial 

Road. It is anticipated that the main energy source for these activities will be diesel 

fuel. These impacts are temporary and are not considered significant. 

Energy consumption will occur related to the manufacturing and transport of the 

construction components and by the heavy equipment used for the facility. Operations 

will require diesel fuel and electricity. The implementation of energy conservation 

measures and use of energy efficient technologies will reduce the operational energy 

impacts. To increase energy efficiency, the administrative building is being designed 

for submission as a LEED Green Building Rating System certified building.

Freight trains, switch engines, and trucks use diesel fuel as their energy source. The 

fuel savings will be realized in the long term due to higher efficiencies in the movement 

of freight on rail versus highway trucks. Nationwide, 23.8 million gallons of fuel are 

estimated to be saved on an annual basis from the projected conversion of 187,000 

truckloads from highway to rail between the new Memphis Regional IMF and 

Northeastern regions of the U.S.

Based on the transportation efficiencies inherent with rail versus road transportation, 

Build Alternative 1 will not have a significant impact to energy consumption.

4.15 Hazardous Materials

4.15.1 No Hazardous Material Sites

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was conducted for the project site in 2009 in 

general accordance with Guidance Document E-1527-05 per the American Society for 

Testing and Materials International (ASTM), Standards on Environmental Site 

Assessments for Commercial Real Estate. The resulting Environmental Data Report 

did not identify any potential hazardous materials or petroleum contamination sites 

within the proposed project corridor that are listed in Federal or State databases. 

One National Priorities List (NPL) site, Ross Metals, was identified approximately 0.8 

miles east-northeast of the Memphis Regional IMF site. It received spent lead acid 

batteries, lead oxide, scrap metal, and other lead waste and material. EPA conducted a 

removal option at the site. The Ross Metals property is not anticipated to have caused 

a recognized environmental condition on Build Alternative 1 site due to its distance 

away and the anticipated groundwater flow direction away from the Ross Metals site 

toward the Wolf River.

4.15.2 Potential Hazardous Material 

Examples of commodities in the container and trailer shipments transferred between 

trucks and trains at the IMFs include: electronics, mail, toys, paper products, clothes, 

appliances, textiles, and auto parts. Only 3 to 4 percent of the intermodal shipments 

currently transported by NSR contain commodities that are considered hazardous 

materials. Certain commodities are prohibited from being transported through an IMF, 

such as toxic inhalation hazards (e.g., chlorine gas), radioactive materials, asbestos and 

explosive materials.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 38

During the period 2004 through 2009, NSR intermodal transported 16,070,989 

intermodal units. During that same time there were 25 spills from intermodal units 

inside IMFs or 0.000156% for each shipment. Of these 25 spills, 17 were one gallon or 

less in size and only one spill was over 25 gallons. NSR owns and operates 27 different 

intermodal facilities.

IMF personnel are trained and will take immediate action upon noticing a spill and have 

contact information to bring in specialized vendors to contain and remove any leaked 

material. NSR will design the IMF with a shutoff valve in the drainage system to ensure 

that any leaked material does not leave the facility. 

The operation of the Memphis Regional IMF will utilize small amounts of materials 

considered hazardous, primarily fueling and lubrication materials for on-site equipment. 

Maintenance and fueling activities from IMF equipment will occur within the 

maintenance pad area. Seven (7) above ground storage tanks (ASTs) ranging in size 

from 300 to 3,000 gallons will be included in this area. In accordance with the Spill 

Prevention, Control and Countermeasures Program (SPCCP) developed by EPA, 

facility drainage is designed to capture and contain any releases. Additionally, the 

stormwater from the maintenance pad will be treated with an oil-water separator. The 

pollutants will be disposed of through the Rossville sewer system. The remaining 

stormwater will discharge into a Bio-Treatment Pond.

Based on the facility design and intermodal operational restrictions, Build Alternative 1 

will not have a significant impact to hazardous materials.

4.16 Pedestrian and Bicycle 

No bicycle paths or sidewalks are within the Build Alternative 1 project area.

4.17 Construction 

Construction of the Memphis Regional IMF is expected to have some impacts, though 

not significant ones, including: utility relocations, construction-related traffic, access to 

roads and properties, noise, and air quality. These impacts will generally be temporary 

in nature but could affect local residents, businesses and travelers. Proper planning 

and implementation of BMPs should help alleviate these impacts or minimize air/noise 

and sedimentation/ erosion impacts.

Based on the temporary nature of these impacts, environmental permits, and the 

planned BMPs, Build Alternative 1 will have less than significant impact to the 

environment during construction. 

4.18 Primary Benefits and Impacts

The primary beneficial effects of Build Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) include:

 Meets the current and future demand for intermodal (rail/truck) transportation in 

the Memphis region through expanded capacity, consistent with the project’s 

purpose and need.

 Improves efficiency in transporting freight by slowing the increase in truck traffic 

and associated congestion and emissions between the eastern U.S. and 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 39

Memphis by diverting an estimated 186 million loaded truck vehicle miles per year 

from highways between Memphis and the Northeast.30

 Creates approximately 140 new full-time jobs directly associated with the 

operation of the IMF plus temporary construction jobs to build the IMF.

 Produces cumulative economic impact of $2.7 billion and 6,186 new, saved, or 

benefited jobs by 2020 in the Memphis Area.31

 Leads to an estimated annual savings of up to 23.8 million gallons of fuel due to 

intermodal transportation mode.32

 Produces additional annual benefits, including reduction of costs for pavement 

maintenance ($16.1 million); for highway delays ($81.4 million); from fuel 

consumption and emissions ($20.9 million); and for highway crashes and 

fatalities ($20.7 million).33

The primary impacts of Preferred Alternative include:

 

 As a direct impact of the project, traffic is expected to increase in the vicinity of 

the IMF’s entrance on US Hwy 72. However, MDOT plans to widen US Hwy 72 

to a four-lane highway for its length in Mississippi starting in 2012.34 The level of 

service for the current 2-lane section of US Hwy 72 would be LOS D without this 

widening. With the MDOT planned widening of US Hwy 72, this would improve 

to LOS C, an acceptable Level of Service (LOS).35

 Based on the analysis completed, only a minor increase in emissions of criteria 

pollutants and Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) are expected. They are within 

the EPA limits.

In order to address the 

expected operational impacts of the Memphis Regional IMF and provide safe 

traffic operations, changes are needed to the configuration of the planned 4-lane 

US Hwy 72 at Industrial Road. The private Developer will make these projectrequired improvements in conjunction with a MDOT HOP.

 Minor noise impacts predicted for 1 affected site with 3 residents.

 Converting land use from agricultural to industrial within Rossville Urban Growth 

Boundary in an area zoned industrial within the project area.

 Maximum predicted stream and wetland impacts include: 5,352 linear feet of 

streams, 10 acres of ponds, and 7.31 acres of wetlands. NSR will minimize 

these impacts during design and mitigate as required by regulatory agencies. 

The impacts will not result in aggregate significant impacts to wetlands or water 

resources within the project area.

 30 Analysis of Truck to Rail Diversion Benefits – Memphis, Cambridge Systematics, Inc., January 20, 2010.

31 Proposed Intermodal Facilities, Fayette County, TN, Twelve-Year Impact Analysis: Analysis of Economic, Employment and Tax 

Revenue Impacts 2009-02020, Insight Research Corporation, May 27, 2009.

32 Analysis of Truck to Rail Diversion Benefits – Memphis, Cambridge Systematics, Inc., January 20, 2010.

33 Cambridge Systematics, Inc., January 20, 2010.

34 MDOT Planning Division, “Vision 21 map,” 2002 

http://www.gomdot.com/Divisions/IntermodalPlanning/Resources/Maps/pdf/Vision21.pdf.

35 Conference call with TDOT, MDOT, TN FHWA, NSR Consultants on Monday, April 12, 2010.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 40

5 Public and Agency Involvement

5.1 Agency Involvement 

5.1.1 NEPA Participating Agencies 

TDOT distributed a Coordination Package to agencies, organizations and interested 

parties on September 11, 2009. Agencies and organizations receiving the coordination 

package are listed below. Agencies or organizations with a (C) and/or (P) by their 

names indicate whether the group is a cooperating (C) or participating (P) organization 

in the NEPA process for the project. Agencies without a designation by their names did 

not elect to participate in the NEPA process.

Federal Agencies

 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (C) (P)

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (C) (P)

 Water Resources Division, U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) (P)

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (P)

 Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (P)

 Wetland Reserve Program Coordinator, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (P)

 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) (P)

 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 (P)

 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

 Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance, DOI 

 U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS), DOI

 Office of Surface Mining, DOI

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce 

(DOC)

 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Memphis Airport District Office

State Agencies

 Mississippi Department of Transportation (C) (P)

 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) (P)

 Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) (P)

 Tennessee Department of Agriculture (P)

 Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

 Tennessee Department of Education

 Mississippi State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Local Agencies

 Department of Economic & Community Development, Local Planning Assistance Office, West 

Tennessee Region (P)
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 41

 West Tennessee Regional Planning Office (RPO) (P)

 Regional Planning Office (RPO) Southwest Tennessee Development District (P)

 RPO, Memphis Area Association of Governments (P)

 Memphis Metropolitan Planning Office (MPO), Memphis-Shelby County Department of Regional 

Services (P)

 Fayette County (P)

 Fayette County Planning and Development Office (P)

 Fayette County Chamber of Commerce (P)

 Town of Rossville (P)

 City of Piperton (P)

 Town of Collierville (P) 

• Organizations:

 Tennessee Trails Association

 Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club

 Chickasaw Group, Sierra Club (Memphis Area)

 The Nature Conservancy

 Tennessee Wildlife Federation

 Tennessee Environmental Council

 Southeast Rivers and Streams Projects, World Wildlife Fund

Section 106 Consulting Parties: 

 Town of Rossville 

 Fayette County

 Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town 

 The Chickasaw Nation 

 Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 

 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

 Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma 

 Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

 Kialegee Tribal Town 

 Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

 Muscogee (Creek) Nation 

 Poarch Band of Creek Indians

 Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma 

 Shawnee Tribe 

 Thlopthlocco Tribal Town 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 42

 Tunica-Biloxi Indians of Louisiana, Inc

 United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians 

Table 4-1 of the July 8 EA summarizes comments received from the agencies before 

starting the Tennessee Environmental Streamlining Agreement (TESA) Process. 

5.1.2 TESA Process

The Tennessee Environmental Streamlining Agreement (TESA) is a cooperative 

agreement between TDOT, FHWA, various resource and regulatory agencies, and 

Metropolitan Planning Organizations within the State of Tennessee. TESA sets forth 

the responsibilities of the signatory agencies relative to the priority review of 

transportation projects. TESA has the goal of achieving timely planning, development, 

design and implementation of adequate, safe and economical transportation 

improvements while also assuring such planning, development, design and 

implementation is sensitive to the protection and improvement of the resources for 

which each agency is responsible under Federal or state statute and regulation. TESA 

establishes "one decision-making process" to identify and address agency issues at four 

(4) key points, termed concurrence points, during the planning and NEPA process for 

transportation projects.

5.1.2.1 TESA Concurrence Point #1/#2

TDOT distributed the combined TESA Concurrence Point #1 (Purpose & Need) and 

TESA Concurrence Point #2 (Proposed Actions & Alternatives) package to all TESAparticipating/cooperating agencies with the lead agencies (FHWA/TDOT) requesting 

formal concurrence for the Memphis Regional IMF. All participating and cooperating 

TESA agencies concurred with the combined TESA Concurrence Point #1 (Purpose & 

Need) and TESA Concurrence Point #2 (Proposed Action and Alternatives) sections of 

the draft EA. A copy of agency correspondence and a summary of comments received 

from the reviewing agencies are included in the Summary of Comments for 

Concurrence Point #1 and #2 document, dated January 2010, included as Appendix A 

to this FONSI.

5.1.2.2 TESA Concurrence Point #3

TDOT distributed the TESA Concurrence Point #3 (Preliminary EA package) to the 

TESA agencies and other NEPA participating and cooperating agencies listed in 

Appendix B, with a request for formal concurrence by March 25, 2010. A summary of 

comments received from the reviewing agencies is included in the Summary of 

Comment for Concurrence Point #3 document, dated May 2010, included as Appendix 

B to this FONSI. 

5.1.2.3 TESA Concurrence Point #4

TDOT distributed the TESA Concurrence Point #4 (Preferred Alternative and 

Preliminary Mitigation) to the TESA agencies listed in Appendix C. A courtesy copy was 

provided to Environmental Division Administrator, Mississippi Department of 

Transportation (MDOT).
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 43

All agencies concurred on TESA Concurrence Point #4 (Preferred Alternative and 

Preliminary Mitigation) for the Memphis Regional IMF. MDOT provided an email 

response and EPA provided advisory comments with their concurrence signature page. 

A summary of comments received from the reviewing agencies is included in the 

Summary of Comment for Concurrence Point #4 document, dated October 2010, 

included as Appendix C to this FONSI. 

5.1.3 Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment

Outside of the TESA process, the only comments received from an agency on the July 

8 EA were from the EPA. The EPA letter dated August 20, 2010, indicated that they 

remain concerned regarding the project's possible impacts to air quality, groundwater, 

and floodplain hydrology. EPA, along with other participating agencies, was furnished 

the July 8 EA electronically on July 9, 2010. In addition, EPA, along with the 

coordinating agencies, was provided an opportunity to review the April 2010 version of 

the draft EA. Several of the comments in EPA’s August 20, 2010 letter appeared not to 

have been updated from their previous reviews of the February 2010 version of the draft 

EA. The July 8 EA fully addressed the items raised by the EPA in their March 11 

Concurrence Point #3 letter, May 6 email, and August 2010 letter. In the August letter, 

EPA highlighted concerns about the mobile source air toxics (MSATs), the Memphis 

Sand Aquifer, and uncertainty as to whether NSR will comply with state and local 

floodplain laws and ordinances. These comments are recorded in Table 5 with the 

responses. A copy of the comment letter and Table 5 are included as Appendix D to 

this FONSI. As part of the TESA process, EPA concurred with all four concurrence 

points. EPA’s final comments are included in the Summary of Comment for Concurrence 

Point #4 document, dated October 2010, included as Appendix C to this FONSI. 

5.2 Circulation of the Environmental Assessment

The EA was approved on July 8, 2010 by the FRA. Notices of Availability were 

published in three (3) newspapers covering the region in the project vicinity: The 

Commercial Appeal with Memphis area distribution, The Fayette Falcon with Fayette 

County TN distribution and The Southern Reporter with Marshall County MS 

distribution. Local agencies were provided with hard copies of the July 8 EA. An 

electronic link to the July 8 EA was sent to all TESA and participating/cooperating 

agencies. The location of the July 8 EA was mailed to everyone who attended the 

public meeting, requested information about the project, and lived in the local area.

Copies of the July 8 EA were available for inspection at:

 TDOT, Environmental Division, Nashville, TN 

 MDOT District 2, Batesville, MS 

 MDOT District 2, Holly Springs Project Office, Holly Springs, MS 

 Collierville Public Library, Collierville, TN 

 Ruth B. French Library, Byhalia, MS 

 Rossville City Hall, Rossville, TN 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 44

5.3 Public Involvement

5.3.1 Public Informational Meeting

To provide information regarding the proposed Memphis Regional IMF and solicit public 

input, TDOT held a public informational meeting in Piperton, Fayette County, 

Tennessee, on October 22, 2009, in the project area. During the meeting, TDOT and

NSR made formal presentations; TDOT solicited comments during the question-andanswer period following the presentations; and NSR provided informational displays and 

staff to answer questions before and after the presentation. TDOT encouraged meeting 

attendees to record their comments with the court reporter present at the meeting, 

and/or to provide written comments using a comment-form either at the meeting or 

within twenty-one days following the meeting. Fifty-eight citizens signed in at the public 

informational meeting. A total of fifty-one comments were provided by twenty-seven 

individuals and one comment card was signed by eleven citizens living on Neville Road. 

A consolidated summary of the public comments received and responses is in the July 

8 EA section 4.3. 

5.3.2 Public Hearing

To obtain public input on the Memphis Regional IMF project and the July 8 EA, TDOT 

held a public hearing in Collierville, Tennessee, on August 2, 2010. During the hearing, 

TDOT and NSR made formal presentations and TDOT solicited comments during the 

question-and-answer period following the presentations. TDOT encouraged hearing 

attendees to record their comments with the court reporter present at the hearing, 

and/or to provide written comments using a comment card either at the hearing or within 

twenty-one days following the hearing. Ninety-one citizens signed in at the public 

hearing. Thirty-four different individuals or groups provided a total of forty-two 

comments. The notice of the public hearing, correspondence relating to the public 

hearing and availability of the July 8 EA, materials provided at the public hearing, 

including the presentation materials and displays, as well as copies of the comment 

cards, a transcript of the public hearing and a summary of the public comments 

received and responses are included as Appendix E to this FONSI. 

5.3.3 Summary of Public Hearing Comments

Of the fourteen individuals who spoke at the public hearing, eleven expressed concerns 

or asked questions about the project and three expressed support of the project. On 

the comment cards, seventeen of the nineteen noted what they liked or disliked about 

the No-Build Alternative and/or Build Alternative 1, eleven participants commented in 

favor of the No-Build Alternative and four commented in favor of Build Alternative 1, 

while one provided both pros and cons for each alternative, one commented on Build 

Alternative 1 without indicating they were in favor of that alternative, and two did not 

comment in this section.

Below is a summary of comments received at the public hearing:

• Support Build Alternative 1.

• Requests for Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) vs. Environmental 

Assessment (EA).
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 45

• Concerns about NSR’s knowledge of and method for protecting the aquifer.

• Concerns about traffic both directly related to the IMF and related to future 

development.

• Concerns about hazardous materials transported through the facility. 

On the comment cards, participants were asked if there were any issues or concerns 

not addressed in the July 8 EA and if so, what was not addressed. The comments that 

were received mirrored the areas of concern expressed at the public hearing. All 

comments received are categorized in Table 4 below and summarized in Table 6 in 

Appendix E of this FONSI. 

Table 4 groups the various public comments into general categories aligned with the 

July 8 EA topics.

Table 4: Public Comments Grouped by July 8 EA Topics

Applicable July 8 EA 

Section Comment Category Number of Comments Made

1 Operations 1

2 Alternatives* 20

3.1 Land use 7

3.2 Farmland 2

3.3 Traffic 32

3.4 Social** 15

3.6 Economy 1

3.7 Air 9

3.8 Noise 8

3.9 Cultural/Historic 1

3.12 Natural Resources*** 45

3.13 Soils 1

3.14 Visual 4

3.16 Hazardous Material 20

3.18 Indirect/Cumulative 8

3.19 Construction 8

4 Public Involvement 2

NA NEPA Evaluation 11

NA Other 7

TOTAL 202
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 46

Table 4: Public Comments Grouped by July 8 EA Topics

Applicable July 8 EA 

Section Comment Category Number of Comments Made

Notes:

* Under 2 Alternatives, comments were:

11 in favor of No-Build Alternative

9 in favor of Build Alternative 1

** Under 3.4 Social, comments were: 

9 about property values/community impacts

6 about taxes and/or taxpayer services 

*** Under 3.12 Natural Resources,

3.12 – General: 1

3.12.2 – Water Quality: 5

3.12.3 – Wetland: 1

3.12.6 – Aquifer: 31

Comments were further broken down to :

3.12.7 – Stormwater: 3

3.12.8 – Threatened and Endangered Species: 1

3.12.12 – Environmental Permit: 3

6 Revisions to Environmental Assessment

Numerous changes were made to the draft EA based on the agency comments 

received (Appendices A and B of this FONSI) before the document was signed by FRA. 

Based on comments received after the document was signed, the following revisions 

are made to the July 8 EA:

 The July 8 EA incorrectly stated the number of planned above ground storage 

tanks (AST). 

• On page 3-107: Included in this area would be seven (7) ASTs ranging in size 

from 300 to 3,000 gallons.

• On Page 3-133: Included in this area would be seven (7) ASTs ranging in size 

from 300 to 3,000 gallons. The larger AST would be for storage of diesel fuel. 

The other six (6) ASTs would hold gasoline, 40W motor oil, anti freeze, 

transmission oil, used oil, and hydraulic oil.

 At a follow-up meeting on July 27, 2010, the Ground Water Institute (GWI) stated 

that it could not verify the estimated percentage of aquifer recharge along the 

streams and therefore, the specific figure needed to be removed from the text.

• On Page 3-108: According to the University of Memphis, Groundwater 

Institute, a majority of the recharge of the aquifer occurs through the area’s 

streams.

7 Basis for Finding of No Significant Impact 

Based upon a detailed study of the proposed project as documented in the July 8 EA, 

comments received from Federal, state, and local agencies, and public comments, it is 

the finding of the FHWA and the FRA that this project will not have a significant adverse 

impact upon the human or natural environment. 

The construction and operation of the Memphis Regional IMF will increase freight 

transportation capacity in the Memphis, Tennessee, region and meet current and future 

demands for intermodal (rail/truck) transportation in the Memphis region through 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page 47

expanded capacity. Completion of the project will improve efficiency in transporting 

freight by slowing the increase in truck traffic and associated congestion and emissions 

between the eastern U.S. and Memphis reducing pavement maintenance, highway 

delays, fuel consumption and emissions, and highway crashes and fatalities.36

As outlined in Section 4, no significant impacts to natural, ecological, cultural, or scenic 

resources are anticipated. The project will result in the conversion of farmland to 

industrial use. There will be minor impacts from noise and emissions. The project will 

be designed to minimize impacts to floodplains, stormwater, and aquifer/groundwater. 

The project will have impacts to wetlands and streams, which NSR will minimize and 

mitigate as described in the Project Commitments Section at the beginning of this 

FONSI. As detailed above and in the July 8 EA, potential adverse impacts have been 

avoided and/or minimized using avoidance, minimization, and mitigation techniques, 

and multiple modifications to the design of the Memphis Regional IMF. 

In 

addition, the project will create, save, and benefit area jobs. 

In consideration of the above evaluation, it was determined that a FONSI is appropriate 

for this proposed project. Therefore, neither an EIS nor further environmental analysis 

is required.

 36 Analysis of Truck to Rail Diversion Benefits – Memphis, Cambridge Systematics, Inc., January 20, 2010 and the EA, Section 3.6 

Economic Impact.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page A-1

Appendix A - Summary of Comments for Concurrence Points #1 and #2
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page B-1

Appendix B - Summary of Comment for Concurrence Point #3
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page C-1

Appendix C - Summary of Comment for Concurrence Point #4
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-1

Appendix D – Agency Comments to July 8 EA
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-2

Table 5 lists the comments provide by EPA on August 20, 2010 and the responses to the 

comments.

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

1. NEPA Level of Analysis: As stated in previous advisory comments (Concurrence Point 1, 2 & 

3, dated October 23, 2009), EPA remains concerned regarding the level of analysis of the NEPA 

document. Given the mounting public opposition (reference public comments) to this project and 

the likelihood of impacts to the groundwater, floodplain, wetlands, and air quality, TDOT/FRA 

should thoughtfully consider the significance of environmental and socioeconomic impacts related 

to this project. The scope and size of the proposed project should be commensurate with the 

level of NEPA analysis.

FRA, FHWA, and TDOT disagree that there is mounting public opposition to the project. Based 

upon public meetings and the amount and nature of public comment, public opposition has 

actually diminished. Approximately 58 citizens attended the Public Meeting held on October 22, 

2009. Twenty-seven individuals provided comments to the project including 4 in support of the 

project. During the Public Hearing held August 2, 2010, approximately 91 citizens attended. 

Thirty-four citizens or groups provided comments to the project, including 7 citizens or groups 

providing comments in support of the project. TDOT, FHWA, and FRA have thoroughly 

considered the potential impacts to the environment from the proposed project.

FRA, FHWA, and TDOT agree that the level of analysis should be commensurate with the level of 

impact and here the Environmental Assessment (EA) level of analysis is appropriate. Based 

upon FRA, FHWA, and TDOT’s preliminary assessment of impact, applying criteria from the 

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), EPA, FHWA and FRA regulations and guidance and 

including recent environmental assessment documents prepared by these Federal agencies as 

well as applicable legal criteria, TDOT, FRA and FHWA have determined an EA is the 

appropriate documentation for the Memphis Regional IMF. The analysis contained in Section 3 

of the July 8, 2010 EA clearly demonstrates that the project will not have significant effects and 

complies with all applicable EPA requirements. In determining that an EA is appropriate, the 

agencies conducted a direct, indirect, and cumulative impact analysis in accordance with 

regulations and guidance to ensure a hard look at project impacts was included. We note also 

that development of an EA for this project is not only consistent with regulations, guidance, and 

case law, but is consistent with NEPA documentation level applied to other project of similar 

scope and impact nationally and within this region. In accordance with the Executive Branch 

guidance with respect to projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), 

full NEPA analysis and provisions were applied. The assessment is based upon substantial 

governmental and public review and comment As noted below, a conclusion that there is 

significant impact cannot be supported, and several mitigation measures have been proposed for 

the impacts identified the EA. Accordingly, an EIS is not required or appropriate.

2. Areas of Controversy and Unresolved Issues: On page iv, TDOT states, "There are no 

major areas of controversy or any substantial unresolved issues related to the proposed Memphis 

Regional IMF project." EPA disagrees with this assertion due to the public's concerns regarding 

the possible impacts of this project as well as concerns outlined in the Town of Collierville's 

October 29, 2009 letter and numerous negative comments from the public during the October 22, 

2009 public meeting. EPA recommends that TDOT recognize and address the publics and Town 

of Collierville's concerns within this section.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The July 8, 2010 EA 

included revisions to address a substantially similar comment in EPA’s March 24, 2010 

Comments. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-3

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

FRA and TDOT recognized and addressed the public’s and Collierville’s concerns throughout the 

July 8, 2010 signed EA. In addition, a meeting was held with the Town of Collierville on March 

17, 2010 and both the Town of Collierville and the public comments were addressed in 

Concurrence Point #3. As noted below, public opposition has decreased as the studies and 

information regarding impacts have been developed and disseminated to the public and 

governmental agencies. The nature of the issues raised in recent public meetings and level of 

comment indicates lessening concern regarding this project.

As part of the TESA process, the agency comments were addressed. There is public concern 

about protection of the Memphis Sand aquifer which outcrops in Fayette County and the 

additional traffic that will be placed on US Hwy 72. These issues are adequately addressed in 

various sections of the Draft EA in Chapter 3. As part of addressing comments, additional 

discussion was added to the Executive Summary on page iv to mention the public and agency 

concerns.

3. Hydrological Impacts: TDOT/NSR estimates that land impacts would include 76 acres for the 

lead tracks; 232 acres for concrete pavement, which would be placed over the re-charge area for 

the Memphis Sands Aquifer. 3-8 acres of wetlands would be impacted as well as 5,000 linear feet 

of stream. Also, the project footprint would cover at least 1 acre of floodplains. The scale and 

scope of the proposed project is not commensurate with the hydrological studies within the EA. 

Clearly, the entire hydrologic regime of this area will be impacted. These impacts could 

exacerbate flooding, affect groundwater re-charge and impact private wells. The current analysis 

lacks sufficient hydrologic studies to predict possible impacts to the hydrology of the local 

community and natural habitat. EPA recommends that TDOT/NSR conduct a more 

comprehensive hydrological study of the effects of this project on the hydrological regime of the 

local area.

The July 8, 2010 EA analyzes hydrologic impacts, impacts to floodplains, wetlands, and the 

Memphis Sand Aquifer. As stated in Table 3-23, with respect to floodplains, “Zone A – 32 acres 

within project boundary; less than 1 acre of impact to be minimized in design. Zone AE – 4 acres 

within project boundary; 0 acre of impact.” The project was specifically designed to minimize and 

avoid impacts to floodplains, wetlands and other sensitive aquatic areas such as streams and as 

EPA is aware the project has received a provisional Clean Water Act Section 404 permit, which 

includes mitigation in accordance with EPA and Corps mitigation regulations. Impacts to 

floodplains are specifically included in the Corps permitting procedures and review. Section 3.12 

of the July 8, 2010 EA states: “For encroachment in Zones AE or A, a professional engineer 

would certify that these encroachments would not increase the water surface elevation of the 

base flood more than one foot at any point within the community.“ As the design has progressed, 

a No Rise certification has been issued for the proposed project. Accordingly, floodplains impacts 

are minor, if any, and have been addressed by applicable permitting entities.

Water wells and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12 and 3.18. The IMF will not 

affect area water wells or quality of drinking water. Residential water wells are present around the 

project site along Knox Road, Neville Road, and SR-57. As reported by TDEC Ground Water 

Management Section, these wells are relatively shallow on the order of 90-150’ deep. Based on 

topographic relief in the area and on the planned elevation of the facility, the screened well 

intervals should be 80 to 150’ below the planned IMF elevation. 

The Town of Rossville obtains its water from three groundwater wells ranging from 90-102’ deep. 

The Town of Collierville’s water supply is taken from eleven deep wells pumping from 350’ and 

600’. Piperton obtains its water from Collierville. Rossville and Collierville both have a Well-Head 

Protection Program and Well-Head Protection Plan. The maximum Wellhead Protection zone per 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-4

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

TN Public Water Supply Rule (1200-5-1-.34) is 750’, which does not extend into the footprint of 

the proposed IMF. 

As discussed in additional detail in Section 3.12.6 and Section 3.13, NSR has proposed 

construction techniques that would provide protection to the underground water sources during 

construction and operation of the facility. Federal hazardous materials transportation laws and 

regulations limit freight that can and cannot be shipped through intermodal service. As discussed 

in additional detail in Section 3.16, NSR has an extensive site specific spill prevention program and 

its record of intermodal shipment spills demonstrate that such spills are extremely rare and 

typically involve very small quantities.

4. Flood Plain Impacts, 

a. Direct Impacts

1. On page 3-70, 3.12.5 Floodplain Impacts TDOT states that the, "NSR sited the facility 

outside of the Wolf River floodplain ... ". Although the facility might not be in the floodplain, 

how will the storm water discharge affect the hydrology of the flood plain?

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The language 

referenced above is now part of 3.12.5 and included on page 3-99. The July 8, 2010 EA included 

revisions to address the identical comment in EPA’s March 24, 2010 Comments, as well as other 

comments received from agencies and the public. Sections 3.12.5 and 3.12.7 were revised to 

incorporate additional information regarding potential effects of the site on flood plain hydrology 

such as the percentage of the site within drainage area and the post-construction stormwater 

discharge rate, as well as information related to the proposed stormwater control system that 

would provide storage to allow discharges to mimic predevelopment hydrology, minimize initial 

flows following rain events and decrease resultant peak flows. 

#4. Flood Plain Impacts, a. Direct Impacts

2. Also, on page 3-71, TDOT states, "NSR will voluntarily comply with Fayette County 

floodplain management regulations and EO 11988, as long as such regulations and the EO 

do not prove to unduly burdensome or unreasonably interfere with timely construction." 

TDOT is implying that NSR might not comply with local and applicable flood plain 

management laws. During the recent floods in metro Atlanta, the NSR Austell Georgia 

facility has been harshly criticized by the public and local government for possibly 

contributing to the flooding of local homes. Given the large impervious surface footprint of 

this facility and recent controversy associated the NSR Austell, Georgia facility, EPA 

recommends that NSR and TDOT fully comply with all applicable (state and local) flood plain 

regulations.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The July 8, 2010 EA 

included revisions to address the identical comment in EPA’s March 24, 2010 Comments. 

Consistent with local ordinances, the facility has been designed to ensure that pre- and posthydrology, including stormwater discharge, will not change significantly due to the project. NSR 

has incorporated the construction and maintenance practices outlined in the local floodplain 

practices, to the extent practicable, and do not anticipate floodplain impacts. For this project, NSR 

has incorporated all construction and maintenance practices, aside from the permitting and 

approval requirements, in Fayette County’s floodplain management regulations. 

The recent flooding in metro Atlanta was part of a 500-year flood event. Interstate 285 was 

underwater at some locations and flooding in response to this exceptionally rare level of rainfall 

was rampant across metro Atlanta. During the flooding, water from the local area back-flowed 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-5

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

onto the Austell Facility. There is no indication that the design of the facility or compliance with 

floodplain management regulations resulted in the flooding of local homes, but rather local 

flooding was the result of the 500-year storm event.

#4, Flood Plain Impacts, a. Direct Impacts

3. The flood plain analysis within the Draft EA isn't commensurate with the scale and scope 

of the proposed project. EPA recommends that TDOT conduct further analysis to ensure 

that the facility will not negatively impact the flood plain habitat and local residents and 

businesses.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The July 8, 2010 EA 

included revisions to address the identical comment in EPA’s March 24, 2010 Comments, as well 

as other comments received from agencies and the public. Sections 3.12.5, 3.12.7, 3.18.6.2 and 

3.18.7.2 were revised to incorporate additional floodplain analysis. In addition, as part of the 

design process, NSR will complete a review of the hydraulic and hydraulic analysis of the affect of 

the project on the floodplain and the local areas. 

#4, Flood Plain Impacts

b. Indirect and Cumulative Impacts to Floodplain: On page 3-183 there is a discussion 

regarding the indirect and cumulative impacts of the floodplain. On page 3-100, NSR states, 

"NSR has adopted the construction and maintenance practices outlined in the local floodplain 

practices, to the extent practicable, and do not anticipate floodplain impacts." NSR goes on to 

state, "While NSR plans to voluntarily comply with such local criteria whenever possible, there 

may be instances where those criteria are incompatible with rail operations." In the footnotes 

on page 3-100, NSR notes "... in recognition of the importance of rail transportation in 

interstate commerce, Congress has enacted legislation providing that federally regulate 

railroads operating in the interstate commerce are not subject to otherwise applicable local 

and state laws .... This includes local planning, zoning and similar laws and ordinances. 

However, as discussed in this section NSR will adopt local floodplain impact practices for this 

project." NSR is ambiguous as to whether or not they intend to adopt local floodplain 

ordinances. NSR has implied that they would disregard Fayette County's floodplain 

ordnances and Executive Order 11988 should the ordnance or EO interfere in meeting rail 

operations. What would be the cumulative impact of TDOT and NSR disregarding the local 

ordinances and EO? Also, the discussion doesn't include other proposed industrial 

developments (Industrial Road and Chickasaw Industrial Park) that will increase impervious 

surfaces, which could lead to more stormwater run-off and possible increases in flooding. In 

metro Atlanta, the NSR Austell IMF is currently being criticized by the local community and 

political officials for increasing the flooding of the local community. EPA recommends that 

TDOT and NSR conduct a more thorough engineering analysis regarding the indirect and 

cumulative impacts of the floodplain hydrology. Also, since this is a federally funded project, 

EPA recommends that TDOT and NSR fully comply with all Federal, State and local 

ordinances.

As discussed in response to comment 4.a.2 above, the discussion of floodplain impacts in the 

July 8, 2010 EA was revised. NSR will comply with all applicable Federal, state and local 

regulations. Section 3.18.7 of the July 8, 2010 EA includes analysis of the potential indirect and 

cumulative floodplain impacts associated with the Memphis Regional IMF, including referencing 

the local floodplain ordinances and covenants associated with development at Chickasaw Trails 

Industrial Park on page 3-184. In addition, as provided in response to comment 2 above, the 

flooding in Atlanta in 2009 was due to a 500-year flood event. The U.S. Geological Survey 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-6

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

measured the greatest flow ever recorded (31,500 cubic feet per second) on Sweetwater Creek 

near Austell, Georgia. During the flooding, water from the local area back-flowed onto the Austell 

Facility. There is no indication that the design of the facility or compliance with floodplain 

management regulations resulted in the flooding of local homes, but rather local flooding was the 

result of the 500-year storm event.

5. Traffic Analysis: In Section 3.3.3.2 Background Conditions (page 3-16), TDOT/NSR assumes 

that MDOT's proposed improvements to SR 72 (improving road from a 2 lane to a 4 lane) will be 

funded and constructed. What would the level of service be without the construction of this 4 lane 

road? TDOT and NSR needs to fully evaluate the Level of Service of SR 72 without the 

construction of a 4-lane road and integrate the existing 2 lane facility within the background and 

future conditions traffic analysis. EPA recommends that TDOT/NSR include the existing 2 lane 

traffic data within the Background Section (on page 3-6), within Table 3-3: Level of Service 

Background Conditions (2015 and 2032) (add another column), within Section 3.3.3.3 Future 

Conditions (on page 3-18 (and Table 3-5: Level of Service - Future Conditions (2015 and 2032)).

The Traffic Impact Study includes both 2-lane and 4-lane analysis of US Hwy 72. Based on 

MDOT’s commitment to widen US Hwy 72, the 4-lane section of US Hwy 72 was discussed in the 

EA for year 2032. Traffic volumes on US Hwy 72 in the vicinity of the project site have decreased 

at a rate of approximately 1% per year over the past 5 years.37 Nevertheless, the existing traffic 

volumes at the study intersections were increased initially by 1% per year to simulate the 

background growth.38 The rate of increase was changed to 2.5% per year growth (as requested 

by MDOT).39

MDOT plans to widen US Hwy 72 are discussed in the EA Section 3.18.2. Construction of US 

Hwy 72 from MS 302 to the TN State Line was programmed in the MS Statewide Transportation 

Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2012.

 Table 3-3 and Table 3-5 of the July 8, 2010 EA include both a 1% and a 2.5% 

background growth rate and analyze US Hwy 72 as a 2-lane road in 2009 and 2015 and as a 4-

lane road in 2032. Based on the analysis provided in the Traffic Impact Study and Section 3.3.2 

of the July 8, 2010 signed EA, US Hwy 72 would be at Level of Service (LOS) D in 2015 with a 

2.5% background growth rate at 2-lanes. If the 1% growth rate is used, US Hwy 72 would be at 

LOS C in 2015 and LOS D in 2032. Since MDOT expressed that LOS D would be unacceptable, 

US Hwy 72 should be widened by MDOT prior to US Hwy 72 reaching LOS D, consistent with the 

Mississippi Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2012. Existing traffic date for 

US Hwy 72 as a 2-lane road was utilized as part of the background traffic, in addition to being 

utilized to project the 1% and 2.5% growth rates.

40

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3, in anticipation of the planned widening of US Hwy 72 to four 

lanes in the vicinity of the project area, MDOT has requested that the design and construction of 

the proposed intersection of Industrial Road and US Hwy 72 include widening US Hwy 72 to fourlanes, with stub-outs to the east and west. Based on the Traffic Impact Study (on file with TDOT 

and MDOT) and as illustrated in the EA Figure 3-11, show what improvements are warranted at 

US Hwy 72 and Industrial Road. These improvements could be made by the private Developer in 

conjunction with the MDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP): turn lane for right and turn lane for 

 MDOT is in the process of updating its environmental 

documentation for widening their last section of US Hwy 72. 

 37 AADT volumes from two TDOT and two MDOT count stations.

38 November 2009 AECOM Traffic Study

39 During a phone call between AMEC and MDOT on April 13, 2010, MDOT said their normal planning growth rate for NEPA studies 

was 2.5% growth compounded annually.

40 Mississippi DOT 2010-2013 STIP, US 72 from FR 302 to Tennessee State Line, NEED 10 4752.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-7

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

left turning vehicles from Industrial Road; eastbound left turn lane on US Hwy 72; locate the 

intersection to provide adequate sight distance to the west and east; and acceleration and 

deceleration lanes on the westbound section of US Hwy 72.

6. Indirect and Cumulative Impacts to Social and Community Resources:

a. There is very little discussion regarding the IMF impacts on the local communities within 

Mississippi. Mount Pleasant, MS, is the closest community to the IMF freight truck 

entrance, but there is no mention of this community and the direct, indirect or cumulative 

impacts to this community. EPA recommends that TDOT and NSR better evaluate the 

impacts to Mississippi communities especially Mount Pleasant.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The July 8, 2010 EA 

included revisions to address the identical comment in EPA’s March 24, 2010 Comments. 

Section 3.18.4 was revised to incorporate discussion of potential indirect and cumulative impacts 

to Mt. Pleasant. Additionally, Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.18.3 and 3.18.4 of the July 8, 2010 EA 

discuss potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to the social and community resources to 

areas in both Tennessee and Mississippi. 

Additional information was added to the EA Section 3.18.4 Economic Impacts starting on page 3-

166 to discuss potential impacts of the IMF to the closest community in MS, which is Mt. Pleasant. 

#6. Indirect and Cumulative Impacts to Social and Community Resources:

b. TDOT does not discuss the impacts of the IMF on property value. EPA recommends that 

TDOT discuss the possible impacts of the IMF on property value in both nearby 

communities in Mississippi and Tennessee.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The July 8, 2010 EA 

included discussion of the impacts of the IMF on property value in Table 4-3, in response to 

public comments regarding property value. 

7. Public Outreach and Coordination in Mississippi. All of the public meetings are being held 

in Tennessee despite the fact that the sole freight truck entrance point is in Mississippi. The 

citizens of Mississippi will have the burden of dealing with increased truck traffic and congestion. 

What has NSR or TDOT done to coordinate and solicit input from the local residents in 

Mississippi? Specifically, has TDOT and NSR coordinated with the community leaders within 

Mount Pleasant, MS, which is located just outside of the IMF entrance? EPA recommends that 

TDOT conduct a public meeting in Mississippi and solicit input from residents and community 

leaders in Mount Pleasant.

Notice of the Public Hearing was published in both the Marshall County (Mississippi) and Fayette 

Co (Tennessee) local newspapers along with the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Individual copies 

of the notice were sent to surrounding residents, as well as citizens in both Tennessee and 

Mississippi expressing an interest in the project. The July 8, 2010 EA was available for public 

review in both Tennessee and Mississippi, including copies placed at the Byhalia, Mississippi 

public library and at the Batesville and Holly Springs MDOT offices. To ensure the input of 

nearby communities were considered, NSR met with officials from Marshall County on April 9, 

2010 and conducted follow-up conference calls on April 12 and July 23, 2010 to discuss the 

project. In addition, both NSR and TDOT had meetings, conference calls and correspondence 

with MDOT to discuss the project and potential impacts in Mississippi. 

Of the 91 people who signed in at the Public Hearing, 69 noted their address as being in 

Tennessee, 20 as being in Mississippi and two as from outside of the area (Georgia and Texas). 

Of the 19 comment cards, 12 indicated that they work, live, or farm in Tennessee, 3 indicated that 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-8

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

they work, live, or farm in Mississippi, and 4 indicated they work, live, or farm in a mixture of 

Tennessee and Mississippi. 

As an outreach to MS residents potentially impacted by the project, the Public Meeting notice was 

published in both the Marshall County (MS) and Fayette Co (TN) local newspapers along with the 

Memphis Commercial Appeal. Additionally mailers were sent out to surrounding residences. 

A similar process occurred for announcement of the Public Hearing. The EA was made available 

for public review in the Byhalia (MS) and Collierville (TN) Public Libraries, Batesville and (location 

to be provided) MDOT offices, and Rossville (TN) City Hall. 

Additional discussion was added to the EA Section 4.3 Public Involvement on page 4-12 to 14 to 

separate participation at the public meeting by MS vs.TN residences.

The public participation process is outlined in EA Section 4 and in the Coordination Plan on file 

with TDOT and distributed to local, state and Federal agencies with authority or responsibility over 

potentially impacted resources. In addition to the NEPA Public Information Meeting, local and 

governmental meetings were held to discuss the project. As identified in the EA Section 4, MDOT 

is a cooperating agency in the development of the EA. Due to scheduling conflicts MDOT and 

other agencies involved in the development of the assessment could not attend the Public 

Hearing; however, it is uncommon and often not feasible for each involved agency to attend all 

public meetings for a project. MDOT was at the Public Meeting in October 2009 and provided 

comments to the Draft EA as well as providing substantive guidance regarding the affect on MS 

resources including transportation.

8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

a. In Section 3.7.31 Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs), page 3-48, TDOT/NSR notes there 

are currently 55 residences within ~ mile of the project limits, and another 5 within ~ mile of 

the Industrial Road. TDOT/NSR goes on to state, "The operation of the Memphis Regional 

IMF will result in an overall reduction in air emissions on a large scale regional and national 

basis by significantly reducing highway congestion and truck traffic between the Memphis 

area and the northeast United States and other markets." Attempting to justify increases in 

local emissions based on reductions of MSATs regionally or nationally seems to miss the 

point that MSATs are a local phenomenon. MSATs have local impacts which are the 

reason that modeling the concentrations at nearby locations is important. Also, within the 

Air Quality Technical Report on page 27, TDOT/NSR states that, "the operation of the 

proposed Memphis Regional IMF would result in minor increase in MSAT emissions in 

Fayette County and Marshall County, and would correspond to a concurrent decrease in 

MSAT emissions...". For a project of this magnitude, the air toxics analysis should include 

a quantitative inventory of emissions by location; dispersion modeling to estimate air toxics 

concentrations in areas along and outside the footprint of the project; and a screening level 

risk assessment of the potential impacts of the emissions on nearby groups.

In response to agency and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to Section 

3.7.3.1 to incorporate FHWA guidance language on MSAT and to clarify that the air analysis for 

Memphis Regional IMF was completed in compliance with the FHWA guidance, which requires 

qualitative analysis, does not require dispersion modeling and does not require screening level 

risk assessment. Air analysis for the Memphis Regional IMF included a quantitative inventory of 

emissions for the proposed facility and included the conservative estimation of MSATs for 

nonroad sources, e.g., yard equipment and locomotive based on the ratio of VOC emissions from 

on-road mobile sources to the nonroad sources. This ratio was then applied to the individual 

MSAT emissions for the mobile sources to allow for an estimation of emissions for the nonroad 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-9

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

equipment and locomotives. 

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

b. Diesel exhaust is of particular importance at an intermodal facility. Diesel exhaust is a 

complex mixture of hundreds of constituents in gaseous and particulate form. The 

particulate matter present in diesel exhaust consists primarily of fine particles, whose small 

size allows them to reach deeply into the lungs. EPA's 2002 final "Health Assessment 

Document for Diesel Engine Exhaust" classified exposure to diesel exhaust as likely to be

carcinogenic to humans at environmental exposures. Recent studies continue to show 

that populations living near large diesel emissions sources are likely to experience greater 

diesel exhaust levels than the overall U.S. population, potentially placing them at greater 

health risk. (For example, see the diesel risk studies performed by the California Air 

Research Board at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California's rail yards, and 

West Oakland. Rail yard study at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/dieselldocuments/rrstudy.htm 

Oakland Community diesel risk evaluation at: 

http://www.arb.ca.gov/chicommunities/ralwestoakland/documents/draftsummary031908.pdf 

Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach studies at: 

http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/marine2005/portstudy0406.pdf) Emissions associated with an 

intermodal facility involve not only those from line-haul and switching locomotives and 

cranes at the facility itself, but also emissions from many other sources such as trucks 

along the feeder routes to the IMF and at distribution centers serviced by the IMF.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. In response to agency 

and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to Sections 3.7, 3.18, and 3.19 to 

provide additional information and analysis of potential impacts on air associated with the 

Memphis Regional IMF, including additional discussion of MSAT emissions, including diesel 

exhaust, in Section 3.7.3.1. 

All the referenced studies are associated with rail yards, IMFs, ports and air analysis in California. 

As evidenced by California’s unique environmental status as the only state with a waiver from EPA 

to enact stricter air pollution standards for motor vehicles than the Federal government’s, 

comparisons to air analysis and practices in California are not relevant to analysis of the Memphis 

Regional IMF, which is being located in an area in attainment for all NAAQs. See California State 

Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air Act 

Preemption for California’s 2009 and Subsequent Model Year Greenhouse Gas Emission 

Standards for New Motor Vehicles, 74 FR 32744 (July 8, 2009). 

Additionally, most of the studies referenced are distinguishable from the Memphis Regional IMF 

because the analysis is focused on rail yards, ports or a collection of multiple facilities, rather than 

individual IMFs. 

Further, even the studies related to IMFs are distinguishable from the Memphis Regional IMF 

based on the size of the facilities (often much larger than the Memphis Regional IMF), location of 

the facilities (all the IMFs are located in California with California’s unique environmental 

characteristics and air quality as well as differing state regulations and local concerns), and the 

age of the facility (often older that the Memphis Regional IMF, which is a new facility, committed to 

utilizing new technologies, such as Tier 4-engines on the overhead lift cranes). The EA Sections 

3.7, 3.18, and 3.19 provide analysis of potential impacts on air associated with the Memphis 

Regional IMF.

#8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-10

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

c. For modeling impacts of this project, EPA recommends that TDOT/NSR use AERMOD 

Sections 3.7, 3.18, and 3.19 of the July 8, 2010 EA include analysis of potential impacts on air 

associated with the Memphis Regional IMF. Section 3.7.3.1 includes discussion of modeling 

methodologies utilized, which included MOBILE6.2 and NONROAD. 

As discussed in the Draft EA Section 3.7.3 starting on page 3-43, the Memphis Regional IMF, and

Industrial Road used to access the facility, are located in Fayette County, Tennessee and 

Marshall County, Mississippi. Both of these counties are in attainment for all applicable air 

pollutants. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the emission and subsequent dispersion of air 

pollutants was not required and neither AERMOD nor other available air dispersion models were 

used. As discussed in the Draft EA Section 3.7.3.1 starting on page 3-45 some air quality 

analysis was still undertaken to evaluate impacts using MOBILE6.2 and NONROAD.

#8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs), c

1. Identify other large sources of air toxics in the area, and other air toxics sources in the 

area whose emissions are likely to increase or decrease if the project moves forward (e.g. 

is the new facility likely to foster residential or business development that might be affected 

by emissions from the site or its support roads; will there be additional or expanded 

roadways or railways related to the IMF and distribution facilities, e.g., the Industrial Road, 

US Highway 72 in Mississippi, SR 385 in Tennessee, roads to nearby existing or 

anticipated distribution facilities, links to the existing Memphis area intermodal facility and 

port operations, etc.). The impact of these facilities and infrastructure, whose existence 

and/or size is related to the planned IMF, should be evaluated just as the proposed 

Memphis IMF itself. The evaluation should also cite existing relevant air monitoring data.

Sections 3.7, 3.18, and 3.19 of the July 8, 2010 EA include analysis of potential impacts on air 

associated with the Memphis Regional IMF, including evaluations of existing air quality and 

potential future development in the vicinity of the proposed facility. 

As discussed in the EA Section 3.7.2 starting on page 3-41 a comprehensive analysis was 

performed to quantify the facility’s air emissions at maximum design capacity and to predict the 

impact of those emissions on ambient air quality in the vicinity of the facility. Under current 

conditions, there are no large sources of air toxics in the immediate vicinity of the proposed 

facility. Figure 3-14, shows the locations of nearby sensitive receptors, confirming the current 

lack of nearby development and/or receptors. 

In Section 3.18.12 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts for Air starting on page 3-193, the analysis of 

any impacts associated with the potential future development in the vicinity of the proposed 

facility is discussed. 

The EPA’s AirData Database only identified countywide emissions with no relevant air monitoring 

data. No known monitoring stations have been identified in Fayette County, Tennessee.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-11

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

#8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs), c

2. Evaluate the potential impact of emissions on nearby individuals and groups including 

sensitive populations such as those at schools, hospitals, day care facilities, nursing 

homes, etc. How many people live in the area, and are any nearby communities medically 

underserved or environmental justice communities? Are there populations with currently 

high rates of adverse health conditions that might be exacerbated by the air toxics 

emissions?

Sections 3.7, 3.18, and 3.19 of the July 8, 2010 EA include analysis of potential impacts on air 

associated with the Memphis Regional IMF, including identifying locations of nearby sensitive 

receptors in Figure 3-14. 

The proposed location of the facility is rural with only approximately 55 residences located within 

1⁄2 mile of the project limits and 20 residences located within 1⁄2 mile of the Industrial Road. As 

shown on Figure 3-14 on page 3-45, there are no sensitive populations (e.g. schools, hospitals, 

day care facilities, nursing homes, etc.) near the proposed facility. 

As concluded in the Section 3.4.2 starting on page 3-33, no adverse impacts to a minority or low 

income population have been identified as a result of the Memphis Regional IMF. 

The No-Build Alternative is in mid-town Memphis having a dense population with lower-income 

and large minority population.

#8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

d. At present, the NEPA documents doesn't 1) inform the public as to all reasonably 

foreseeable, adverse impacts resulting from the project, or 2) identify differences in impacts 

among the alternatives, 3) identify possible mitigation measures, including actions that may be 

outside the jurisdiction of the lead agency, including possible changes to the project design.

Section 3 of the July 8, 2010 EA includes discussion of all reasonably foreseeable direct, indirect 

and cumulative impacts of the Memphis Regional IMF. Section 2 of the July 8, 2010 EA includes 

discussion of 6 build alternatives and the no build alternative, including identifying differences in 

impacts throughout Section 2 and as summarized in Table 2-2. Section 3 of the July 8, 2010 EA 

identifies potential mitigation measures and project design considerations including but not limited 

to discussions of noise mitigation measures in Section 3.8, stream mitigation measures in Section 

3.12.2, wetland mitigation measures in Section 3.12.3, Memphis Sand mitigation measures in 

Section 3.12.6, and stormwater mitigation measures in Section 3.12.7. In addition, the 

Environmental Commitments section beginning on page xi of the July 8, 2010 EA describes the 

measures that NSR will utilize to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts to the human and 

natural environment associated with construction and implementation of Memphis Regional IMF, 

including detailed design modifications. Concurrence Point #4, Preferred Alternative and 

Preliminary Mitigation Package includes further summary of the alternatives analysis and 

mitigation measures associated with the Memphis Regional IMF.

#8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

e. A screening-level analysis was done for EPA's 2008 locomotive and marine rule which 

addressed the local impacts of ports and rail yards on minority and low income populations as 

well as children. A summary of the analysis is found in Section 2.4.1 of the Regulatory Impact 

Analysis (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/nonroad/420r08001a.pdf). The analysis includes two 

rail yards in Tennessee.

Sections 3.7, 3.18, and 3.19 of the July 8, 2010 EA include analysis of potential impacts on air 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-12

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

associated with the Memphis Regional IMF. The Memphis Regional IMF would have different 

impacts than the large rail yards identified in EPA’s 2008 rule. Section 3.4.2 of signed EA 

analyzes potential impacts to minority or low-income population and determines there will be no 

adverse impacts to minority and/or low-income populations. 

The rail yards referenced in EPA’s Screening Level Analysis are different than the Memphis 

Regional IMF. The primary function of IMFs is the loading and unloading of containers/trailers to 

and from stationary rail cars - an IMF consists principally of tracks where the loading and 

unloading takes place, large temporary parking areas for containers and trailers, and support 

tracks. The primary function of a traditional rail yard is the sorting of individual rail cars into 

complete trains – a traditional rail yard consists principally of a large number of tracks where the 

sorting takes place. Even with the different uses and impacts of traditional rail yards versus IMFs, 

both of the traditional rail yards analyzed are old facilities set in urbanized locations.

#8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs), e

1. Prepare an estimate of maximum impacts anticipated in the area around the proposed 

facilities, including an assessment of the potential impacts of both the construction and 

operation of each alternative considered.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. In response to agency 

and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to add a general qualitative 

evaluation of the alternatives in Section 3.7.3.1 at page 3-50.

Each alternative considered in Section 2 of the EA was analyzed as to whether or not the 

alternative met the purpose and need of the project and the minimum operational requirements. 

One alternative was determined to meet the need and purpose of the project, the Build 

Alternative. To meet the purpose and need for an intermodal facility, it must perform 327,000 lifts 

per year. The air quality technical report specifically addresses the one alternative carried forward 

into the Draft EA, the Build Alternative, including assessment of potential impacts. 

Emissions from any alternative would be comparable to the Build Alternative performing 327,000 

lifts per year. The only difference between the alternatives is location. Of the alternatives not 

considered viable, two were in Shelby County in a non-attainment area while the other four were 

in Fayette County in an attainment area. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-13

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs), e

2. Identify alternatives to avoid or minimize the impacts of the proposed project. For 

example:

a. A ban on open burning during construction- all materials that would normally be burned 

should be recycled to the extent feasible to avoid health and visibility impacts.

b. Minimizing dust and debris generated during construction.

c. Construction limited to the smallest footprint feasible to avoid environmental degradation 

and reduce the amount of dust generated during construction.

d. Maintenance of the maximum amount of trees feasible to reduce footprint, noise and dust 

dispersion during construction.

e. Installation of the latest air pollution control devices on all construction equipment (see 

EPA's Verified Technologies List for diesel engines at 

http://www.epa.gov/otag/retrofit/verif-Iist.htm).

f. Use of ultra low sulfur fuel exclusively for construction equipment/trucks/locomotives, etc.

g. Restriction on the time that engines may be left to idle.

Sections 3.7 and 3.19 of the July 8, 2010 signed EA, as well as the Environmental Commitments 

section beginning on page xi, identify multiple areas in which NSR has committed to reduce or 

minimize potential impacts on air, including the use of Tier 4 engines on the overhead lift cranes, 

use of ultra low sulfur fuel, to the extent that it is available, and adoption of Best Management 

Practices (BMPs) to minimize dust and debris associated with construction.

Although there is no requirement to do so, NSR has already committed to reducing its emissions 

by using Tier 4-engines for the overhead lift cranes at the proposed facility. The equipment 

operating at the site will also be using Ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, to the extent that it is 

available, which (as noted) should be the case following EPA’s June 2010 fuel standard schedule. 

Also as noted by EPA, the ULSD fuel standard commences in 2010, providing for reduced sulfur 

content. Other mitigation measures are being considered as part of the environmental review 

process. 

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

f. On page 50, last paragraph states, "EPA's vehicle and fuel regulations, coupled with fleet 

turnover, would cause substantial reductions over time that in almost all cases the MSAT 

levels in the future will be significantly lower than today." It is important to note that projected 

emission reductions do not absolve the sponsor and FHWA from the responsibility to protect 

public health from emissions associated with this project by using appropriate mitigation 

measures.

Sections 3.7 and 3.19 of the July 8, 2010 signed EA, as well as the Environmental Commitments 

section beginning on page xi, identify multiple areas in which NSR has committed to reduce or 

minimize potential impacts on air, including the use of Tier 4 engines on the overhead lift cranes, 

use of ultra low sulfur fuel, to the extent that it is available, and adoption of Best Management 

Practices (BMPs) to minimize dust and debris associated with construction.

A discussion of the air quality analysis methodology, results, and conclusions is provided in 

Sections 3.7, 3.18 and 3.19 of the Draft EA. The proposed location of the facility is rural with only 

approximately 55 residences located within 1⁄2 mile of the project limits and with another 20

residences located within 1⁄2 mile of the Industrial Road. Within this radius as shown on Figure 3-

14 on page 3-45, there are no sensitive populations. Section 3.4 discusses the lack of adverse 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-14

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

impacts to a minority or low income populations associated with the Memphis Regional IMF.

The No-Build Alternative is in mid-town Memphis having a dense population with lower-income 

and large minority populations. Construction and operation of the proposed facility will actually 

decrease emissions of criteria pollutants and MSATs at the Memphis location through the shift of a 

portion of the domestic intermodal shipments to the new facility. Although there is no requirement 

to do so, NSR has already committed to reducing its emissions by using only Tier 4-engines on

the overhead lift cranes) at the proposed facility. The equipment operating at the site will also be 

using ULSD fuel, to the extent that it is available. Other mitigation measures are being considered 

as part of the environmental review process.

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

g. Identify alternatives to avoid or minimize the impacts of the proposed project. For example:

1. A ban on open burning during construction- all materials that would normally be burned 

should be recycled to the extent feasible to avoid health and visibility impacts.

2. Minimizing dust and debris generated during construction.

3. Construction limited to the smallest footprint feasible to avoid environmental degradation 

and reduce the amount of dust generated during construction.

4. Maintenance of the maximum amount of trees feasible to reduce footprint, noise and dust 

dispersion during construction.

5. Installation of the latest air pollution control devices on all construction equipment (see 

EPA's Verified Technologies List for diesel engines at 

http://www.epa.gov/otag/retrofit/verif-list.htm).

6. Use of ultra low sulfur fuel exclusively for construction equipment, trucks, locomotives, 

etc.

7. Restriction on the time that engines may be left to idle.

8. Etc.

It appears that this comment is a duplicate of comment 8.e.2 above. Please see response 

provided above to comment 8.e.2. 

EPA Comment #8, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

h. The FHWA's September 30, 2009, Interim Guidance Update on Mobile Source Air Toxic 

Analysis in NEPA Documents addresses the level of analysis that is warranted by different 

types of transportation projects. The guidance identifies three levels or tiers of analysis. The 

most rigorous level is tier 3 which includes, according to the guidance: (3) Projects with Higher 

Potential MSAT Effects

This category includes projects that have the potential for meaningful differences in MSAT 

emissions among project alternatives. We expect a limited number of projects to meet this twopronged test. To fall into this category, a project must:

•Create or significantly alter a major intermodal freight facility that has the potential to 

concentrate high levels of diesel particulate matter in a single location; or 

•Create new or add significant capacity to urban highways such as interstates, urban arterials, 

or urban collector-distributor routes with traffic volumes where the AADT is projected to be 

in the range of 140,000 to 150,000 or greater by the design year.

And also

•Proposed to be located in proximity to populated areas
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-15

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

In response to agency and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to Section 

3.7.3.1 to incorporate FHWA guidance language on MSAT and to clarify that the air analysis for 

Memphis Regional IMF was completed in compliance with the FHWA guidance, which supports 

the identification of the Memphis Regional IMF as a Level 2 project requiring qualitative analysis.

The maximum expected increase in truck traffic at the proposed facility is 834 trucks per typical 

weekday (less on weekends) (1668 round trips), which is less than 1.5 percent of EPA’s guidance 

for total AADT for particulate matter and less than 1.2 percent of FHWA’s guidance for total AADT 

for MSATs. The emissions from rail activity as estimated for the Memphis Regional IMF are not 

large enough to make up the remaining 98.5 percent of emissions associated with “air quality 

projects of concern.” The completed evaluations support the identification of the proposed 

Memphis Regional IMF as a Level 2 project that requires a qualitative analysis of MSATs due to 

the low potential MSAT effects. 

In addition, the proposed location of the facility is rural with only approximately 55 residences 

located within 1⁄2 mile of the project limits and 20 residences located within 1⁄2 mile of the Industrial 

Road. Within this radius as shown on Figure 3-14 on page 3-45, there are no sensitive 

populations (e.g., schools, hospitals, day care facilities, nursing homes, etc.). Therefore, the 

proposed project does not fulfill the second prong of the two-prong test which requires that the 

project be located in proximity to populated areas.

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

i. The Memphis Regional Intermodal Facility project is among the types specifically identified in 

this guidance from the FHWA, i.e., a new major intermodal freight facility that will involve heavy 

truck, train, and support equipment operations, and that is in a populated area. The September 

30, 2009, guidance states that for these level 3 projects there should be "Quantitative analysis 

to differentiate alternatives for projects with higher potential MSAT effects." Is there a 

quantitative analysis that compares the different alternatives from an air toxics perspective?

In response to agency and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to add a 

general qualitative evaluation of the alternatives in Section 3.7.3.1 at page 3-50.

An initial quantitative analysis of MSAT emissions was completed for the proposed project. An 

analysis that compares different alternatives from an air toxics perspective was not needed as 

only one alternative, the Build Alternative, meets the purpose and need for an intermodal facility 

including the ability to perform 327,000 lifts per year. Therefore, emissions from any alternative

meeting the need and purpose would be comparable to the Build Alternative performing 327,000 

lifts per year

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

j. On page 3-58, second paragraph, TDOT/NSR states, "Because of the limitations in the 

methodologies for forecasting health impacts described, any predicted difference in health 

impacts between alternatives is likely to be much smaller than the uncertainties associated with 

predicting impacts. Consequently, the results of such assessment would not be useful to 

decision makers, who would need to with this information against project benefits...". It should 

be noted that a screening level analysis using existing models and available toxicity 

information, can be conducted to compare the potential impacts of different alternatives. EPA 

published the Air Toxics Reference Library in order to assist in the screening evaluation of air 

toxics exposures for health impacts. That library is available at 

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/fera/risk_atra_main.htm. Additionally, disclosure of health impacts 

within a NEPA document is not only to assist decision makers, but is to also inform and 

educate the public on potential impacts.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-16

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

In response to agency and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to Section 

3.7.3.1 to incorporate FHWA guidance language on MSAT and to clarify that the air analysis for 

Memphis Regional IMF was completed in compliance with the FHWA guidance. The language 

quoted by EPA above comes directly from FHWA’s guidance language on MSAT in Appendix CPrototype Language for Compliance with 40 CFR 1502.22.

The No-Build Alternative is located in mid-town Memphis having a dense population with lowerincome and large minority populations. 

Construction and operation of the proposed facility will actually decrease emissions of criteria 

pollutants and MSATs at the Memphis location through the shift of a portion of the domestic 

intermodal shipments to the new facility. 

Only one build alternative which met the purpose and need for an intermodal facility was carried 

forward into the EA, the Build Alternative. This and any alternative meeting the purpose and need 

would perform 327,000 lifts per year. Therefore, emissions from any alternative would be 

comparable to the Build Alternative performing 327,000 lifts per year. 

#8. Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)

k. The EA notes that the project will result in rail traffic and is expected to increase truck traffic 

up to 1668 round trips on a typical weekday, the EA should discuss the literature concerning 

near-roadway health impacts. There is a large and growing body of studies on the topic.

It appears that this comment is based on the previous version of the EA. The July 8, 2010 EA 

included revisions to address a substantially similar comment in EPA’s March 24, 2010 

Comments. Section 3.7.3.1, page 3-49 to 3-50, of the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to 

incorporate discussion of near-roadway health studies. 

9. Groundwater Impacts:

a. On page 3-108, the maintenance pad will handle maintenance and fueling activities and 

have 5 above ground tanks (ASTs) ranging in size from 300 - 3,000 gallons. The ASTs will be 

required to have secondary containment. The stormwater from the maintenance pad will be 

treated by an oil- water separator and the pollutants discharged to the Rossville separate 

sewer system. Are there any considerations of requiring the City of Rossville, WWTP to 

require pre-treatment conditions prior to allowing this discharge into the separate sewer 

system from the maintenance pad area oil-water separator? There is no indication of how 

large the maintenance pad area is, but a large storm event could trigger more water for the 

Rossville WWTP to handle, prior to discharge into a stream. According to the University of 

Memphis, Groundwater Institute, 95% of the recharge of the aquifer occurs through the areas 

streams.

The maintenance pad area is approximately 8,900 square feet with the drainage area into the biotreatment pond being 0.6 acre. As stated on page 3-108 of the June 8, 2010 signed EA, “The 

stormwater from the maintenance pad would be treated via an oil-water separator. The pollutants 

would be disposed of through the Rossville separate sewer system. The remaining stormwater 

would be discharged into a bio-treatment pond. The bio-treatment pond is not lined to allow for 

vegetation and natural processes to function as designed. Effluent from the bio-treatment pond 

would pass through a lined stormwater detention basin” and ultimately into Stream 6. In other 

words, any process water created on the maintenance pad will be sent through the City of 

Rossville’s collection system for final treatment at their waste water treatment plant (WWTP) after 

passing through the site’s oil-water separator.

NSR has been in contact with Rossville regarding sewer and water demands from the proposed 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-17

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

project starting on October 5, 2010. Based on the projected facility demands, the water for the 

project will be provided by Piperton, while the sewer is provided by Rossville. The sewer system 

design for the site will be consistent with the capabilities and requirements of the Town of 

Rossville. While the water system design for the site will be consistent with the capacity and 

requirements for the City of Piperton. 

#9. Groundwater Impacts:

b. On page 3-108, the construction of the paved concrete container and trailer transfer and 

parking area within the operating yard and maintenance pad area would eliminate direct 

recharge in this 233 acre section of the IMF. Of the 650 acre project area, 270 acres outside of 

the 380 acre facility would be either left natural or restored to open or green space, which 

would allow for continued recharge. The majority of the stormwater collected on the paved 

operating yard would discharge into Stream 6 after passing through the stormwater basins, 

which fundamentally matches the pre-construction drainage pattern. The stormwater directed 

to Streams 5 and 6 would allow recharge to occur through the Unnamed Tributary of Wolf 

River. The large paved area has eliminated direct recharge to the groundwater. It is 

mentioned that only 4 spills have occurred at Norfolk Southern Railroad in the last 2 years 

(2008-2009) with the largest spill of 25 gallons. It would be good to get more information on the 

spills and whether or not the spilled product actually reached a surface water in a recharge 

area like this. No comment is made on whether the Stormwater BMPs are adequate enough to 

protect the recharge areas, but some type of clay material will be compacted in the bottom of 

the stormwater basins. EPA recommends that TDOT further discuss the stormwater BMPs 

protective relationship to the recharge area.

NSR has applied for an individual construction permit with TDEC, which includes a site specific 

SWPPP and detailed stormwater BMPs. TDEC held a joint individual ARAP and individual 

construction permit hearing on August 3, 2010. Based on the plans provided by NSR and the 

comments received, TDEC plans on issuing their statement of determination and the permits on 

or before October 30, 2010. During the TDEC individual construction permit, NSR worked closely 

with TDEC to respond to public and agency comments regarding stormwater and the utilization of 

BMPs. 

NSR has met with the University of Memphis Ground Water Institute (GWI) on March 16 and July 

27, 2010, to discuss the potential impacts of the Memphis Regional IMF on the Memphis Sand 

and its recharge area, including stormwater impacts. In a letter to TDEC from the GWI dated 

August 17, 2010, the GWI stated: “After our two meetings, I am convinced that the personnel 

from AMEC and Norfolk Southern Corporation are more than aware of the value of the Memphis 

Sand as a drinking water aquifer. The Build Alternative 1 would disturb approximately 440 acres 

of the 650 acres of the property. Within the 380 acres facility on the property, 233 acres would be 

paved. These 233 acres would virtually shut off any recharge to the Memphis Sand immediately 

below. However, the GWI does not view this as a significant impact to the Memphis Sand as a 

whole.”

More specifically, the GWI addressed construction practices related to the Memphis Sand and 

noted that “During construction, Norfolk Southern has plans in place to immediately respond to 

sand exposed as a result of grading of their facility and provide a 12-inch compacted clay cap 

over any exposures that might exist after the finished grade is reached. If sufficient clay is not 

available locally, then the required volume would be brought in to provide the required coverage. 

Norfolk Southern also has an emergency response plan to deal with any petroleum spills or other 

contaminants that might occur during construction or operation of the facility. Since the tonnage 

is containerized, overt spillage is not likely to pose a problem.” 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-18

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

None of the 4 spills referenced above reached a surface water in a recharge area similar to the 

Memphis Sand and as noted by GWI above, NSR has an emergency response plan and spill is 

not likely to pose a problem. 

#9, Groundwater Impacts:

c. EPA recommends that prior to construction, some type of monitoring well sampling should 

be investigated using current groundwater wells or newly installed groundwater wells. 

Monitoring well sampling is needed since the City of Collierville is located to the Northwest of 

this proposed facility and currently uses groundwater from eleven deep wells. The City of 

Rossville has a few shallow groundwater wells to the Northeast of the proposed Memphis 

Regional IMF. Regional groundwater flow appears to be to the West and Northwest and 

shallow groundwater flow appears to be to the North and Northwest toward the Wolf River.

As discussed above, NSR has applied for an individual construction permit with TDEC, which 

includes a site specific SWPPP and monitoring plan. TDEC does not have a requirement to 

conduct monitoring well sampling. 

In response to agency and public comments, the July 8, 2010 EA included revisions to Sections 

3.12.6 and 3.18.6 to incorporate additional analysis of potential impacts on wells associated with 

the Memphis Regional IMF. As stated in the July 8, 2010 EA Section 3.12.6, Collierville’s water 

supply is taken from eleven deep wells pumping from 350 foot and 600 foot sands, substantially 

below the finished elevation of the facility. 

Residential water wells are present around the project site along Knox Road, Neville Road, and 

SR-57. As reported by TDEC Ground Water Management Section, these wells are relatively 

shallow on the order of 90-150’ deep. Based on topographic relief in the area and on the planned 

elevation of the facility, the screened well intervals should be 80 to 150’ below the planned IMF 

elevation. 

The Town of Rossville obtains its water from three groundwater wells ranging from 90-102’ deep. 

The Town of Collierville’s water supply is taken from eleven deep wells pumping from 350’ and 

600’. Piperton obtains its water from Collierville. Rossville and Collierville both have a Well-Head 

Protection Program and Well-Head Protection Plan. The maximum Wellhead Protection zone per 

TN Public Water Supply Rule (1200-5-1-.34) is 750’, which does not extend into the footprint of 

the proposed IMF. 

As discussed in additional detail in Section 3.12.6 and Section 3.13, NSR has proposed 

construction techniques that would provide protection to the underground water sources during 

construction and operation of the facility. Federal hazardous materials transportation laws and 

regulations limit freight that can and cannot be shipped through intermodal service. As discussed 

in additional detail in Section 3.16, NSR has an extensive site specific spill prevention program 

and its record of intermodal shipment spills demonstrate that such spills are extremely rare and 

typically involve very small quantities.

EPA Comment #9, Groundwater Impacts:

d. Additionally, some type of removal action was initiated by EPA Region 4 at the Rossville 

Metals facility during 1998, after some contaminants were found in the soil and groundwater. 

EPA recommends that TDOT/NSR further investigate and discuss this removal action in the 

Final EA.

Ross Metal, located at 100 North Rail Road Street in Rossville, was identified in the Phase I ESA 

and is discussed in the in the July 8, 2010 EA in Section 3.16: “From 1978 to 1992, Ross Metals 

operated a secondary lead smelter at the site. It received spent lead acid batteries, lead oxide, 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page D-19

Table 5: EPA’s Comments to July 8 EA / Responses

scrap metal, and other lead waste and material. Blast furnace slag was managed on site in a 

landfill. Wastewater and runoff was collected in the northeast corner of the Ross Metals facility 

and discharged into a wetland area. The EPA conducted a removal option at the site. The Ross 

Metals property is not anticipated to have caused a recognized environmental condition on the 

Build Alternative 1 site due to its distance away and the anticipated groundwater flow direction 

away from the Ross Metals site toward the Wolf River.” 

10. Sustainability. EPA encourages TDOT and NSR to continue to work collaboratively with 

TDEC, MDEQ, MDOT, USACE, other resource agencies, public and other stakeholders to 

construct an environmentally sustainable facility. NSR has the opportunity to construct a "Green" 

facility and to set an example and standard for future IMF design.

As part of the TESA process, TDOT has and will continue to coordinate with the TESA agencies 

(USACE, EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, TDEC, and 

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) and the coordinating agencies (MDOT and USACE). In 

addition, TDOT has further addressed comments during the Public Hearing comment period in 

Concurrence Point #4. 

As noted in Section 3.15.2 of the July 8, 2010 signed EA, NSR was the first large railroad in the 

nation to join the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington based nonprofit dedicated to 

promoting cost-efficient and energy-saving buildings. The administrative building for the 

Memphis Regional IMF is being designed for submission as a LEED Green Building Rating 

System certified building.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-1

Appendix E – Public Hearing Materials, Public Comments and Responses
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-2

Table 6 summarizes the consolidation of public comments received and provides a response. 

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

1 

Operation

Freight revenues all over the country are 

declining dramatically.

The purpose and need of the IMF is addressed in EA Section 1. The long-term trend and 

projection is for the intermodal mode of transportation to increase. The Memphis Regional 

IMF would flatten the increase in demand for long-haul trucks from the highway system by 

transferring their containers or trailers to IMF trains. The project would improve 

transportation efficiencies regionally and nationally. Domestic IMF traffic planned for the 

proposed IMF is growing dramatically in 2010. Year to date (first 7 months of 2010) NSR 

domestic traffic has increased over 28% when compared to same timeframe in 2009 or 

over 25% when compared to the same timeframe in 2008. The multi-year trend of dramatic 

growth in domestic intermodal traffic is the impetus for developing the Memphis Regional 

IMF. These figures support increased freight demand as set forth in the EA Section 1.0 

Purpose and Need and the studies cited in the EA.

Additionally, based on the analysis contained in the American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) July 2010 Report, Transportation Reboot: 

Restarting America’s Most Essential Operating System – The Case for Capacity: To 

Unlock Gridlock, Generate Jobs, Deliver Freight, and Connect Communities, Part 2 of the 

Series, Unlocking Freight noted increased freight demand despite economic issues in 

2008 and pointed out the need for transportation infrastructure including intermodal to 

support national transportation and economic needs.

2.2 

Alternative – NoBuild

Prefer the No-Build Alternative. It is 

environmentally safer, less urban sprawl 

and suburb disturbance. Best solution from 

a business, environmental, and tax payer 

perspective.

The purpose and need is addressed in EA Section 1 and the alternative selection criteria 

are addressed in EA Section 2. The No-Build alternative does not meet the need and 

purpose of the project. The No-Build alternative would cause an increase in long-distance 

highway truck traffic rather than an increase in environmentally preferable rail-truck 

intermodal service, hamper economic growth in the Memphis Region, and eliminate the 

public benefits of intermodal transportation by decreasing transportation and energy 

efficiency and increasing emissions. 

NSR's existing Forrest IMF in an urbanized area of Memphis is operating at or above its 

original design capacity and is currently using less effective methodologies to handle the 

volume of freight moving through the facility. It cannot be expanded due to physical space 

limitations (surrounded by streets and houses). The projected requirement for intermodal 

freight is approximately 2-1⁄2 times the Forrest IMF capacity.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-3

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

2.2

Other Alternatives

An IMF should not be built in the aquifer 

recharge zone. A location outside of the 

recharge zone should be selected. 

The purpose and need of the IMF is addressed in EA Section 1 and the alternative 

selection criteria are addressed in EA Section 2. A location outside the footprint of the 

Memphis Sand aquifer (which underlies a vast area including parts of KY, TN, AL, AR, MS, 

LA, and TX) does not meet the project’s purpose and/or meet the screening criteria 

defined in the EA Section 2.1. The Rossville area fits well with the warehousing growth 

trends (EA Figure 1-9), proximity to highway infrastructure, proximity to NSR’s mainline 

(EA Figure 2-2), and locations with sufficient space for an IMF. 

2.3 

Build Alternative

Strongly support IMF coming to Fayette 

County. Support the project. There is no 

way the current facility can handle any 

growth. We (Tennessee) need the 

economic development that it will bring. 

Prefer rail transport of materials to trucks 

on highway.

The purpose and need is addressed in EA Section 1 and the alternative evaluation criteria 

are addressed in EA Section 2. Build Alternative 1 best meets the defined criteria and is 

the only build alternative brought forward into the EA. 

3.1 

Land Use

How the land is zoned has no impact on 

what makes the land environmentally 

appropriate. The project would cause urban 

sprawl at its ugliest. There are options in 

Memphis metro area already built that are 

vacant or underutilized. Completely bad 

idea that in the long run ruins a lovely 

farming and residential area.

The alternatives, potential land use and social impacts are addressed in the EA Sections 

2.0, 3.1, 3.4 and 3.18 and in the Air, Ecology and Noise Technical Reports (on file with 

TDOT). As discussed in the EA Section 2, between 2003 and 2009, six alternatives were 

evaluated for the Memphis Regional IMF project. As noted in the EA Section 3, the project 

is not expected to have substantial land use or social impacts. The project will obtain and 

comply with applicable permits. Impacts to natural environment will be avoided, minimized 

or mitigated during project design. 

Fayette County's urban growth plan, Rossville planning and zoning regulations, and 

Marshall County's zoning regulations, provide for industrial development at this location as 

shown in EA Figure 3-2. 

3.3

Overpass

Concerned about the overpass. The way I 

understand it out there it's going to end 

about a hundred feet east of Neville Road, 

and it's going to be a high incline. What 

safety precautions are they going to put at 

the end of Neville Road to access the 

highway without getting run over?

The indirect impacts of the overpass construction are discussed in the EA Section 3.18 

and 3.19. The proposed SR-57 overpass geometry meets TDOT design guidelines for 

sight distance for traffic accessing Neville Road at SR-57 and entering SR-57 from Neville 

Road.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-4

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.3 

Traffic

Rush Hour

The added traffic at rush hour was not 

sufficiently addressed. Just because the 

peak use is during mid-day doesn’t mean 

there will not be a problem. What are the 

road conditions going to be like with all of 

these additional trucks on the road during 

so-called rush hour?

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3 and the Traffic Impact Studies (on file with TDOT and 

MDOT), AM and PM rush hours were reviewed as maximum traffic volume times when 

evaluating warrant requirements and determining LOS. These are the volumes used to 

design the recommended improvements to the intersection of US Hwy 72 and Industrial 

Road. The peak traffic time for the proposed IMF (between noon and 2 p.m.) is predicted 

to occur at a different time of day than US Hwy 72 current rush hours (6 - 8 a.m. and 4 - 6 

p.m.). 

3.3 

Widening 

US 72

US 72 is a two-lane highway. The widening 

of US 72 to 4-lanes needs to be completed 

before the access road for the IMF is 

allowed to connect to US 72.

MDOT is nowhere close to widening US 72.

MDOT plans to widen US Hwy 72 are discussed in the EA Section 3.18.2. Construction of 

US Hwy 72 from MS 302 to the TN State Line was programmed in the MS Statewide 

Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2012.41

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3, in anticipation of the planned widening of US Hwy 72 

to four lanes in the vicinity of the project area, MDOT has requested that the design and 

construction of the proposed intersection of Industrial Road and US Hwy 72 include 

widening US Hwy 72 to four-lanes, with stub-outs to the east and west.

MDOT is in the process of updating

its environmental documentation for widening their last section of US Hwy 72.

42

 41 Mississippi DOT 2010-2013 STIP, US 72 from FR 302 to Tennessee State Line, NEED ID 4752.

The Traffic 

Impact Study (on file with TDOT and MDOT) and the EA Figure 3-11 show what 

improvements are warranted at US Hwy 72 and Industrial Road. These improvements will 

be made by the private Developer in conjunction with the MDOT Highway Occupancy 

Permit (HOP): turn lane for right and turn lane for left turning vehicles from Industrial Road; 

eastbound left turn lane on US Hwy 72; locate the intersection to provide adequate sight 

distance to the west and east; and acceleration and deceleration lanes on the westbound 

section of US Hwy 72.

42 Meeting with MDOT, NSR, AECOM, AMEC, and Developer in Batesville on October 22, 2009.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-5

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.3 

Traffic

Volume

Three trucks per minute is too much for 

other drivers to deal with. US 72 is already 

overloaded. Estimating a slight increase in 

truck traffic on US 72 with a thousand 

trucks or more projected a day, where we 

currently have hundreds a day, is not slight. 

We now can't handle the traffic that's going 

through there at this time. If you're going to 

add all of these additional trucks on the 

road during the course of the day, how are 

you going to handle it and what are the 

road conditions going to be like? 

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3 and the Traffic Impact Studies (on file with TDOT and 

MDOT), the 2009 Level of Service (LOS) for the 2-lane section of US Hwy 72 near the 

proposed location of Industrial Road is LOS C, which is considered acceptable. The 

access point to the IMF and the nearby commercial development is onto US Hwy 72. Near 

the proposed location of Industrial Road, the 2009 traffic on US Hwy 72 is 20% heavy 

vehicle traffic. 

Even though traffic volumes have been decreasing on US Hwy 72 for the past 5 years, the 

background traffic volume was assumed for study purpose to increase by 2.5% per year, 

as requested by MDOT. In 2015, less than 13% of the predicted traffic on US Hwy 72 

would be from the IMF. By 2032, the IMF traffic is predicted to be only 10% of the traffic on 

US Hwy 72. Based on the predicted background increase in traffic and the predicted 

volume of IMF traffic in 2015 and 2032, the LOS for the proposed 4-lane section of US 

Hwy 7243

 43 MDOT has the widening of US Hwy 72 programmed to start construction in 2012.

would be LOS C. If US Hwy 72 remains 2-lane with a 1% growth rate, the LOS 

would remain LOS C in 2015. If the 2.5% growth rate requested by MDOT is used, the 

assumed traffic would be at the lower end of the LOS D threshold range. The Highway 

Capacity Manual (HCM) states “most design or planning efforts typically use service flow 

rates at LOS C or D to ensure an acceptable operating service for facility users.”
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-6

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.3 

Traffic

SR-57/SR-196

What will be the impact from the traffic on 

SR-57/ SR-196? Are SR-57/ SR-196 

adequate to handle increased traffic 

generated by the IMF?

There will be absurd amounts of traffic 

added to SR-57. 

No study of increased traffic on HWY 57 

that is only 2 lanes inconsequence to 

vehicles avoiding increased traffic on HWY 

72.

There is no LOS for SR-57 and US-72 in 

Collierville in the EA. Traffic with a 

destination in Collierville, Cordova, or 

Germantown may find it more convenient to 

travel on SR-57 in Collierville, thus making 

the intersection of US-72 and SR-57 and 

traffic on SR-57 more crowded. 

Consideration needs to be made of the 

impact of trucks and workers that will use 

SR-196 as a shortcut to SR-57 regardless 

of the availability of I-69 and SR-196. It is 

doubtful that many drivers (truck, 

construction, employees of the IMF) 

needing to go East on SR-57 to Rossville, 

Moscow, Somerville, etc. will use any route

other than north on SR-196. SR-196 is a 

minor arterial road with 2 large turns near 

Old State Line Road and no traffic light at 

the intersection of SR-57 and SR-196. 

The impact of future traffic NB on SR-196 

was not addressed nor was the impact of 

increased traffic at the intersections of SR196/SR-57 or SR-57/US 72.

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3 and the Traffic Impact Studies (on file with TDOT and 

MDOT), the IMF would not increase truck traffic on SR-57, because the facility access is 

via US Hwy 72 The major movements are expected to be on US Hwy 72, SR-385, I69/269, I-240, I-55, and US Hwy 78 to the likely warehouse locations shown on the EA 

Figure 1-9 in Olive Branch, Capleville, Southaven, Jago, and Memphis. 

As discussed in the EA Section 1, the IMF is expected to initially have 140 employees. The 

personnel vehicles from the IMF employees were taken into account in the Traffic Impact 

Studies (on file with TDOT and MDOT).

According to MDOT Traffic Impact Guidelines (approved by TDOT), only the access points, 

arterials, and intersections where the traffic generated by the facility would be greater than 

5% of the access point, arterial, and intersection capacity are required to be studied. 

Therefore, US Hwy 72 between Red Bank Road and SR-196 along with intersections of 

Red Bank Road, Industrial Road, Cayce Road and SR-196 were studied. The other 

intersections / arterials were not studied because the IMF traffic is predicted to be less 

than 5% of their capacity.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-7

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.3 

Safety

There will be safety issues with more trucks 

driving along the road where I live. There 

have been such a high number of accidents 

in this section. The roads are not even 

marked properly for passing lanes or 

anything else in that section.

As discussed in the EA Section 3.18.2, the MS Strategic Highway Safety Plan44

As discussed in the Traffic Impact Study (on file with TDOT and MDOT), the crash data

outlines 

MS’s mission, vision, and goal for prioritizing and coordinating safety initiatives to allow 

available funding to produce the greatest results in reducing traffic injuries and fatalities. 

45

3.3 

was used in the warrant evaluations for determining the recommended improvements to 

US Hwy 72 at the intersection of Industrial Road. These improvements for 2015 include: 

turn lane for right and turn lane for left turning vehicles from Industrial Road; eastbound left 

turn lane on US Hwy 72; locate the intersection to provide adequate sight distance to the 

west and east; and acceleration and deceleration lanes on the westbound section of US 

Hwy 72. These improvements could be made by the private Developer in conjunction with 

the MDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP).

Traffic

SR-385

The extensive use of SR-385 trucks by 

entering US 72 was not adequately 

addressed. 

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3 and the Traffic Studies (on file with TDOT and MDOT), 

the traffic generated by the Memphis Regional IMF would comprise less than 5% of the 

capacity of the SR-385/US Hwy 72 interchange. Because the IMF traffic is less than 5% of 

the intersection capacity, according to MDOT Traffic Impact Guidelines (approved by 

TDOT), the intersection was not required to be studied.

As discussed in the EA Section 3.18, SR-385 is a fully controlled 4-lane median divided 

freeway that currently provides a connection from I-240 in Memphis to SR-57 in Piperton. 

Construction of SR-385 from SR-57 to I-40 is currently underway and is expected to be 

completed by 2012.

 44 MDOT, Mississippi Strategic Highway Safety Plan, January 2007.

45 Provided by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-8

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.3 

Traffic

Beyond US 72

The studies do not address where the 

trucks will go past US 72. Shouldn’t the 

study show percentage of trucks that would 

access SR-385 E/W, I-269 to I-40 E/W, 

MS-302, and US 78? The studies do not 

address how trucks would make a left hand 

turn from the access road onto US 72. Will 

there be an overpass or traffic light on US 

72? Graphs concerning increased traffic on 

US 72 were inadequate without supporting 

numbers. The studies do not say how they 

weighted tractor trailers differently than car. 

Obviously, tractor trailers would cause 

higher impact to traffic and road conditions. 

The studies do not provide breakdown of 

vehicle numbers now vs. vehicle numbers 

when project done, nor does it show the 

potential increases number of trucks from 

the project. 

As discussed in the EA Section 3.3 and the Traffic Studies (on file with TDOT and MDOT), 

the traffic generated by the Memphis Regional IMF would comprise less than 5% of the 

capacity of the SR-385/US Hwy 72 interchange, I-269/69, MS 302 and US Hwy 78. 

Because the IMF traffic is less than 5% of their capacity, according to MDOT Traffic Impact 

Guidelines (approved by TDOT), the arterials and intersections were not required to be 

studied. The Traffic Impact Study (on file with TDOT and MDOT) and its Figures 4A/4B 

shows the assumption that 20% of the trucks and 10% of the cars leaving the IMF will turn 

left heading east on US Hwy 72 with the balance turning right to go west on US Hwy 72. 

The Traffic Impact Study Figures 5A/B shows the predicted vehicle numbers in 2015.

The analysis recommended these improvements for 2015: one each turn lanes for right 

and left turning vehicles from Industrial Road; eastbound left turn lane on US Hwy 72; 

locate the intersection to provide adequate sight distance to the west and east; and 

acceleration and deceleration lanes on the westbound section of US Hwy 72. Based on the 

predicted traffic volumes, a traffic signal was not warranted at the proposed intersection of 

US Hwy 72 and Industrial Road. All capacity analysis and calculations utilized the 

appropriate truck percentages and the significant presence of trucks was accounted for in 

the acceleration/deceleration recommendations and sight distance analysis. These 

improvements could be made by the private Developer in conjunction with the MDOT 

Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP).

3.4

Taxes/ Services

The existing infrastructure is far too small, it 

is too costly, to accommodate what will be 

needed to enlarge it with our current tax 

base we have. Property taxes will be going 

up to support this private project. 

Cost to local tax payer for road upkeep. 

Fayette County does not have money to 

support road maintenance/ improvements 

for the additional trucks. They do not have 

adequate fire dept for spills or hazardous 

materials. There will be a need for extra 

police force. 

Cayce VFD never contacted. They will 

have primary responsibility for all traffic 

exiting facility in Marshall County.

The social and local community and potential impacts are addressed in the EA Sections 

3.4 and 3.18. The IMF will not be paid for by property taxes. To the extent that additional 

expenditures are required for police, fire and emergency services that might occur as an

indirect result of the IMF, the indirect economic growth with the associated increase in tax 

base would offset these costs. 

The Traffic Impact Studies (on file with TDOT and MDOT) do not show any requirements 

for road improvements in Fayette County. As discussed in the EA Section 3.16, the 

likelihood of hazardous material shipment spills is remote. From 2004 to 2009, the spill 

ratio for all such shipments handled by NSR was 0.00000156 per container or trailer 

handled.

After the public hearing, the Cayce Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) was contacted for 

any additional comments/discussion. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-9

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.4 

Property Value

IMF will have negative impact on 

neighborhood and property values.

The potential land use and social impacts are addressed in the EA Sections 3.1 and 3.4. 

The indirect and cumulative impacts of the IMF are discussed in the EA Section 3.18. 

Based on the experience from other IMFs, the property values of existing residential 

homes may initially decrease during construction; though over the long-term, property 

value increases. 

3.4

Utilities

What type of sewer system will the IMF 

use?

The sewer connection is addressed in the EA Section 3.12 and 3.16. The IMF restrooms 

and the material captured during maintenance activities in the oil-water separator from the 

maintenance pad area of the facility would be disposed of through the Rossville separate 

sewer system. 

3.6 

Economic

Tremendously negative impact on the tax 

base.

The economic benefits from the proposed IMF are in the EA Sections 3.6 and 3.18.4. 

Based on a regional study, the Memphis Regional IMF would contribute to a projected 

cumulative economic impact of $2.7 billion by 2020 and to employment growth of 6,186 

new, saved, or benefited jobs in the same period. The potential increase in developments 

drawn to the area could increase the Fayette, Shelby, and Marshall Counties’ tax base. 

The IMF is not expected to result in any negative impacts to the tax base.

3.7 

Air

Noxious fumes, poor air quality would result 

from the proposed use.

Concerned about air pollution impacts on 

area. Jeopardize air quality. 

There would be an increase in air pollution 

with traffic congestion at site and on 

highways of surrounding areas.

Air quality and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.7, 3.18, and 3.19. EPA 

has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards for criteria air pollutants, i.e., lead, 

NOx, CO, SOx, ozone, and particulate matter and the facility is designed to comply with 

applicable requirements to maintain these standards in Fayette County. The Air Quality 

Technical Report on file with TDOT presents the results of the analysis of potential air 

emissions and air quality impacts from facility construction and operation. The report 

indicates the facility would have minimal adverse effect on air quality in the site area, with 

only minor increases in emission of criteria pollutants and Mobile Source Air Toxics 

(MSATs) expected. Mitigation would not be required. 

3.8 

Noise

The noise will impact more than three 

people. Concerned about noise pollution 

impacts on a rural area.

What about back-up alarms?

Noise and potential impacts from the facility construction and operation are addressed in 

EA Sections 3.8, 3.18, and 3.19. The Noise Technical Report (on file with TDOT) indicates 

that the potential impacts from the facility affect three residences, according to FRA and 

FHWA criteria. The noise study was based in part on results of actual noise monitoring 

conducted at the NSR IMF in Austell, GA. Although not required by the noise analysis, the 

Memphis Regional IMF design includes berms along the western edge of the facility and 

between a section of the lead tracks and Neville Road to reduce noise impacts. Noise 

modeling in the assessment considered all aspects of equipment noise emissions, 

including standard back-up alarms. NSR has been testing alternative back-up warning 

technology to replace the normal beeping type warning system with a more localized type 

warning system. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-10

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.9

Historical

No studies have been done at existing sites 

(in regard to archeological resources).

From May 27 to June 3 and from July 21 to July 24, 2009, archaeologists conducted a 

Phase I Archaeological Survey for the proposed development. The archaeological survey 

covered approximately 772.8 acres and consisted of background research, pedestrian field 

reconnaissance, subsurface testing of the project area, analysis of the materials 

recovered, and a report of findings. The survey area encompasses large stretches of 

pastureland, wooded hill slopes, and drainages. The survey area is near or bordered by 

Parnell Road to the west, the NSR railroad line north of SR-57 to the north, Knox Road to 

the east and the TN/MS State line, less than 3,000’ to the south.

3.12

Natural Resources

There has been insufficient assessment of 

impacts on stream water quality and 

wildlife. The proposed land 

use/development project will likely impair 

ground water quantity and quality.

The natural resources, potential impacts, and efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigate these 

impacts including habitat are addressed in the EA Sections 3.12, 3.18, and 3.19 and the 

Ecology Report on file with TDOT. The IMF property is 650 acres with 380 acres to be 

developed, which constitutes a very small percentage of land currently in forest or 

agricultural use within Fayette County. The project will obtain and comply with applicable 

permits which protect environmental resources and water quality. 

3.12.5

Floodplain

The EA indicates that the area is a "flood 

hazard area". With the recent flooding 

events in mind, what does that mean?

Floodplain/stormwater and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12, 3.18, and 

3.19. The IMF is located outside of the mapped flood hazard area. Pre- and postconstruction hydrology will not change substantially due to the project. Impacts to the Zone 

A floodplain will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated during project design. A No-Rise 

Certification was provided for the project in the Zone A floodplain.

3.12.6

Aquifer 

(Lead Tracks)

The Lead Tracks between NSR mainline 

and IMF are going to be within 500’ of my 

house, approximately 45’ in ground. Are 

they going to pad it with clay like they are 

the facility? Since sand is approximately 

10’ below surface.

The majority of the lead tracks are being placed on compacted fill material. Based on the 

borings taken in the area, the Memphis Sands are not expected to be exposed in this area. 

If exposed, the lead track areas would be treated the same as the rest of the facility (as 

detailed in the comment response below and in the EA Section 3.12.6). 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-11

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.12.6

Aquifer

Damage to the Memphis Sand Aquifer will 

directly affect residents of Fayette County. 

Twin Hill Ranch serves as an important 

recharge area for the region’s drinking 

water source. Proposed site sits upon a 

delicate water recharge area for the 

Memphis Sands Aquifer, the regions only 

source of drinking water. 

Scientific research clearly demonstrates 

land uses most harmful to aquifers include 

paving over land surface (which impedes 

rainfall recharge).

The Memphis Sand aquifer and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12 and 

3.18. The aquifer underlies a vast area including parts of KY, TN, AL, AR, MS, LA, and TX.

The recharge area underlies over 2,200 square miles in west TN alone. The IMF overlays 

less than 0.03% of the west TN recharge area. In addition, the IMF will occupy 

approximately 58% of the entire project area with 42% fallow. The proposed IMF is 

expected to have no significant impact on the aquifer. Based on available data and study, 

most recharge occurs in the streams. The facility will be developed primarily in the upland 

area. Consequently, the relatively small footprint combined with its upland location should 

not affect the overall recharge in the area. 

NSR is following all applicable Federal, state, and local regulations for construction and 

operation of the IMF within the outcrop area. NSR is taking a proactive approach to protect 

the aquifer by installing a compacted clayey soil layer atop exposures of the sand aquifer 

that are revealed during grading. NSR would install compacted clay liners in the detention 

basins to impede infiltration. In the container/trailer parking area, a concrete pad acts as an 

additional protective barrier for any underlying groundwater resources. The concrete pad 

and/or clay layer is designed to prevent infiltration in the rare event of a spill. 

3.12.6 

Aquifer Regulation

You didn't say to absolutely protect it. I 

don't know of any standards saying what 

the correct thing is to protect the aquifer.

There are numerous programs specifically directed toward protection of underground 

aquifers from contamination. These include the Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA) and its 

wellhead protection programs; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and its 

comprehensive and stringent regulation of hazardous wastes; Comprehensive 

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and its Superfund 

Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) reporting requirements; Clean Water Act spill 

prevention, control and countermeasures (SPCC) program; DOT Pipeline and Hazardous 

Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) hazardous materials transport and response 

regulations; and Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) and its 

hazardous substance inventory and reporting requirements. The SWDA, RCRA, and 

CERCLA regulates activities, which may affect groundwater, and the PHMSA, SPCC, 

SARA and EPCRA establishes prevention and reporting programs, which prevent spills 

from reaching groundwater and require reporting of spills whether or not they have 

potential to reach groundwater. These regulatory programs provide a robust and 

comprehensive groundwater protection. The proposed IMF will be in compliance with the 

applicable environmental laws. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-12

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.12.6 

Aquifer

Location

Main concern is water in the aquifer. What 

is the depth/location of the aquifer in this 

particular area? What's the probability of it 

being exposed? 

If they can't figure out where the aquifer is, 

I'll tell them it's 35 or 40 feet below the 

surface. Memphis Sand aquifer touches the 

surface in numerous places on the Twin Hill 

Ranch; the site for the proposed IMF sits 

atop the Memphis Sand.

The breach protection areas (of the 

Memphis Sand aquifer) would be modeled 

after the existing wellhead protection areas, 

a designated area within whose boundaries 

no potential sources of contamination could 

be located.

Memphis Sand and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12, 3.18, and 3.19.

The potential impacts to soils are addressed in the EA Section 3.13 and 3.19. The 

Memphis Sand underlies the entire site at variable depth. Lenses or “fingers” of the sands 

outcrop or reach the ground surface in locations within the site. A Geotechnical 

investigation of the site included the completion of 79 borings. Based on the borings and 

the planned elevation of the IMF, the soil type considered representative of Memphis Sand 

aquifer may be exposed in two locations; at pad tracks 5/6 and the maintenance building. 

The investigation and construction techniques were shared with Ground Water Institute 

(GWI) at University of Memphis and TDEC Memphis Environmental Field Office (EFO). 

Any areas where site grading work exposes the Memphis Sand would be over excavated 

and covered with 12” thick compacted layer of clayey soil to cap the exposure before 

continuing with facility construction. The large concrete parking pad on top of any capped 

exposures would be another protective barrier for any underlying groundwater resource. A 

spill would have to traverse the paved area into the storm drains and escape from claylined basins with shut off valves in order to enter the environment, which is extremely 

unlikely to happen. These multiple layers are designed to prevent infiltration while NSR 

performs clean-up of undesirable material in the rare event of a spill. 

The project will obtain and comply with applicable NPDES permits to insure stormwater 

discharges meet water quality standards. Appropriate BMPs would be used to prevent 

erosion, control sediment movement, and stabilize disturbed soil. 

3.12.6

Wells

We don't want it at the risk of hundreds of 

thousands of people's drinking water. Will 

the project affect area shallow drinking 

water wells (Rossville, Knox Road)? Local 

residents on shallow well water will be most 

affected by water degradation. The issue of 

protecting the water supply was not 

adequately addressed. Potential water 

pollution (let's get pro-active, not reactive).

Water wells and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12 and 3.18. The IMF 

will not affect area water wells or the quality of drinking water. Residential water wells are 

present around the project site along Knox Road, Neville Road, and SR-57. As reported by 

TDEC Ground Water Management Section, these wells are relatively shallow on the order 

of 90-150’ deep. Based on topographic relief in the area and on the planned elevation of 

the facility, the screened well intervals should be 80 to 150’ below the planned IMF 

elevation. 

The Town of Rossville obtains its water from three groundwater wells ranging from 90-102’ 

deep. The Town of Collierville’s water supply is taken from eleven deep wells pumping 

from 350’ and 600’. Piperton obtains its water from Collierville. Rossville and Collierville 

both have a Well-Head Protection Program and Well-Head Protection Plan. The maximum 

Wellhead Protection zone per TN Public Water Supply Rule (1200-5-1-.34) is 750’, which 

does not extend into the footprint of the proposed IMF. 

As discussed in additional detail in Section 3.12.6 and Section 3.13, NSR has proposed 

construction techniques that would provide protection to the underground water sources 

during construction and operation of the facility. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-13

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.12.7 

Stormwater

Basins used to capture the water should 

have extra capacity for flash floods and 

hurricane type weather. We cannot predict 

rain volume. The paving over and making 

impervious the land surface will inhibit 

recharge to the aquifer and will dramatically 

alter-surface water drainage.

Floodplain/stormwater and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12, 3.18, and 

3.19. Pre- and post-hydrology would not change significantly due to the project. Permanent 

basins are designed for a 100-year storm, which exceeds local regulation of 25-year 

design storm. Temporary basins are designed for a 2-year, 24-hour storm in accordance 

with TDEC requirements. 

3.12.8

Endangered 

Species

The EA identifies 3 State Listed Species 

within 4 miles of the IMF project site with 

“no known at this time" When will it be 

known if some of these species are 

present? The website for the TN Natural 

Heritage Program for Rare Species has 3 

invertebrate animal species listed, 7 

vascular plant species listed, and 6 

vertebrate animal species listed in Fayette 

County yet only 3 are identified in the EA. 

Is it not possible that Aimophila aestivalis, 

Bachman's Sparrow, which nests on the 

ground in dense cover, is in the area? What 

about the Sorex longirostris, Southeastern 

Shrew or Zapus hudson jus, Meadow 

Jumping Mouse? Why were they left off the 

EA's list? If they are present, will they be 

lost by the IMF project? Why does the EA 

state "No Adverse Effects" for State Listed 

species and shows for Federally 

Threatened or Endangered Species "None 

On-site". How was this determined? How 

can this kind of blanket statement be 

made? 

Threatened and endangered species and potential impacts are addressed in EA Section 

3.12. TDEC, TWRA, and FWS reviewed and concurred with the finding of the EA that 

there are no anticipated impacts to threatened or endangered species. Project impacts on 

state-listed (and Federally listed) species would not be expected to extend beyond the 

facility footprint with possible exceptions as noted in the EA. As noted in Section 3.12, 

based on input from the TDEC Natural Heritage Program on June 24, 2009, the site was 

evaluated for state-listed and Federally-listed species known to occur within the area in the 

vicinity project, utilizing the Tennessee Natural Heritage Program Rare Species 

Observations for Fayette County. The EA Section 3.12.8.1 describes these species and 

the survey information for these species. With respect to state listed and Federally listed 

species, presence of the Sorex longirostris, Zapus hudsonius, and Aimophila aestivalis 

were not observed and therefore are not known to be present at the site. As the project 

site is similar in nature to surrounding areas and does not contain specifically unique 

habitats, it is not expected that these species’ populations would be adversely impacted. 

Some loss of wildlife would be expected to occur during construction and operation of the 

project. Based on available habitat, site reconnaissance, and FWS correspondence, no 

Federally-listed species would be expected to be found on-site. Therefore, it was 

determined that there are no adverse effects to Federally-listed threatened and 

endangered species. As recommended by TDEC Natural Heritage Program, NSR will 

minimize the potential effects to flora and fauna by maintaining riparian buffers along 

streams, where practicable, and implementing a stormwater management system during 

both construction and operation of the facility. To further enhance habitats within the 

facility, NSR will use appropriate revegetation techniques to stabilize slopes and to help 

prevent the establishment of invasive exotic plants, as listed by the TN Exotic Pest Plant 

Council.

3.12.12

Permits

There is no proven precedent that the 

mitigation plan of debiting at a 2:1 ratio 

would keep our water quality from 

degradation.

The impacts and proposed mitigation are addressed in EA Sections 3.12, in Concurrence 

Point #4, Section 5, and in the TDEC and USACE permit applications. Impacts to wetlands 

and streams will be mitigated as required by the USACE and TDEC through the permitting 

process. The proposed stream mitigation is based on ratios outlined in “Stream Mitigation 

Guidelines for the State of Tennessee” (July 1, 2004). The proposed wetland mitigation is 

through a wetland bank in the same watershed. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-14

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.14

Visual

Concerned about visual impacts on 

area/aesthetics. 

Visual/lighting and potential impacts from the facility operation and construction are 

addressed in EA Sections 3.14, 3.18, and 3.19. Visual impacts off the IMF site from 

lighting will be avoided, minimized or mitigated during project design. Light poles and 

fixtures will be required within the container and trailer loading areas and at rail switches 

along the lead tracks. Lights within the yard area will be on 70-foot tall poles as opposed to 

the standard 100-foot tall poles. Lights outside the yard area will be on standard 40-foot tall 

street poles. The fixtures will direct light downward. The downward directing lights would 

create illumination of less than 0.5 foot candle along the IMF boundary; average light level 

within the facility ranges from 2-5 foot candles, EA, Figure 3-20. 

3.14

Scenic

How will the project affect the scenic 

designation of SR-57?

The project will not affect the scenic designation of SR-57. The scenic designation limits 

new outdoor advertising such as billboards. The Memphis Regional IMF will not be 

constructing advertising signage along SR-57 and therefore, will not be affecting its scenic 

designation. 

3.16 

Hazardous 

Materials

(Amount)

About two million deliveries a year will be 

made, and that only a minimal of like three 

or four percent would carry hazard 

materials. If you do the math, that's 60 or 

70 or 80 thousand deliveries of hazardous 

materials. To me, that is not a minimal 

amount of hazardous material.

Hazardous materials and potential impacts are addressed in the EA Sections 3.16 and 

3.18. The Memphis Regional IMF is projected to handle 327,000 lifts per year. Between 3-

4% of the containers and/or trailers transported by NSR through its intermodal facility 

contain materials that are considered hazardous. Department of Transportation’s (DOTs) 

list of materials considered hazardous includes items such as paint, liquids that are 

flammable or corrosive, batteries, materials under pressure such as gases and fire 

extinguishing equipment, and some auto parts including air bags. Many of these materials 

classified as hazardous are consumer products that require additional protective 

packaging for transportation under DOT PHMSA requirements. NSR does not transport 

the following items intermodally: toxic inhalation hazards, asbestos, and certain types of 

explosives, radioactive materials, and spontaneously combustible materials. 

During the period 2004 through 2009, NSR intermodal transported 16,070,989 intermodal 

units. The spill ratio for shipments was 0.00000156 per container or trailer handled (25 

spills in 5 years with 17 of the spills being less than 1 gallon). Accordingly, spills involving 

intermodal shipments are extremely rare and typically involve small volumes. NSR has 

emergency response personnel on call at all times to respond to spills or releases and 

accordingly the risk of a spill affecting groundwater or off-site areas is extremely low.

3.16 

Hazardous 

Materials

(Inspections)

How frequent and accurate are cargo 

inspections to ensure that there are no 

hazardous materials in the containers that 

the trains will carry and the trucks will 

deliver.

Before freight is accepted for transport, shippers of hazardous materials are required by 

Federal law to classify the material, describe the material in shipping papers, meet DOT 

packaging requirements, ensure the freight is marked and labeled as required, and ensure 

that the freight is in proper condition for transportation. Federal regulations specify 

packaging and container requirements. 

The DOT has a comprehensive program for shipment of hazardous material which 

includes inspection requirements and strict enforcement.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-15

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.16 

Hazardous 

Materials

(Warning)

Will there be an alarm system installed to 

warn area residents when a spill occurs?

What about NSR’s past history in major 

spills requiring evacuations, i.e. Graniteville 

SC spill?

Hazardous materials are addressed in the EA Sections 3.16 and 3.18. The types of 

materials that could require evacuation of the surrounding area are forbidden by NSR from 

being shipped in intermodal containers and trailers. These forbidden items include toxic 

inhalation hazards, asbestos, and certain types of explosives, radioactive materials, and 

spontaneously combustible materials. NSR will have a spill response plan for the facility 

and will coordinate that plan with local emergency responders, as appropriate, but, an 

audible warning system is not planned.

Any spills of hazardous substances in quantities deemed to be harmful and exceed a 

reportable quantity are required to be reported immediately to local emergency planning 

committee, state emergency response commission, and National Emergency Response 

Center by law. These authorities immediately invoke local, state, and national emergency 

response measures and resources appropriate to a particular spill situation. 

The Graniteville, SC, spill did not involve intermodal shipments and did not occur in an 

IMF.

3.16 

Hazardous 

Materials

(Spills)

Potential ground water contamination in the 

event of a spill. No emergency spill plan. If 

poison is spilled, it will eventually permeate, 

it will go through clay, it will go through 

concrete and make its way to the aquifer. 

The truck and train traffic, plus contents of 

containers, pose contamination sources 

that would directly reach the Memphis 

Sands aquifer.

Hazardous materials and potential impacts are addressed in the EA Sections 3.16 and 

3.18. Only a very small percentage of the commodities moved through the IMF will be 

classified “hazardous” and spills of material are expected to be rare and small. If a spill 

occurred, it would most likely be contained and cleaned on the paved areas within the 

facility. Spills would be reported as required. If not contained on an impervious surface, the 

spill would be collected in the storm drains, which are collected within permanent basins. 

The basins would be clay-lined with shut-off structures, which can be closed as needed. In 

addition, the facility would have a site specific Spill Prevention Control and 

Countermeasure Plan (SPCCP) as required by the Clean Water Act. 

On an annual basis, NSR typically transports approximately 2.2 to 2.7 million shipments or 

containers through their existing IMFs across the eastern United States, of which only 3 to 

4 percent contain hazardous materials. During the period 2004 through 2009, NSR 

intermodal transported 16,070,989 intermodal units. During that same time there were 25 

spills from intermodal units inside IMFs, or 0.00000156 per container or trailer handled. 

Additionally, the trend has been toward fewer spills each year (2004-10, 2005-5, 2006-2, 

2007-4, 2008-1 and 2009-3). Of these 25 spills, 17 were one gallon or less in size and only 

one spill was over 25 gallons. Accordingly, spills involving intermodal shipments are 

extremely rare and typically involve small volumes.

3.16 

Hazardous 

Materials

(Chemicals)

Did the study address every single 

chemical that will be transported through 

the yard? If not, then the study is 

incomplete. All hazardous materials are not 

in tanks.

The DOT hazardous material regulations comprehensively regulate hazardous material 

shipments and classify all chemicals transported by rail into categories of hazardous 

materials. These categories are addressed in the EA Section 3.16. The IMF will comply 

with all applicable DOT regulations pertaining to hazardous materials. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-16

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.16 

Hazardous 

Materials

(Equipment)

What about maintaining IMF equipment 

and the spill associated with these 

activities? 

What about leaks from truck and/or trains 

parked or idling in the facility? 

Stormwater and Hazardous Materials and their potential impacts are addressed in the EA 

Sections 3.12, 3.16, and 3.18. Maintenance and fueling activities from IMF equipment 

would occur within the maintenance pad area. This area includes 7 above ground storage 

tanks (ASTs) ranging in size from 300 to 3,000 gallons.46

EPA considered regulation of stormwater from transportation facilities, which includes 

IMFs. Their review indicated that level of pollutants from areas not involved with vehicle 

maintenance and vehicle cleaning (or airport deicing) did not warrant pollutant control 

measures under the NPDES permit program. Therefore, the trucks or trains parked or 

idling in an IMF do not require pollutant control measures under the NPDES program as 

they do not present contamination risk. Releases of oil or hazardous substances in 

amounts that may be harmful are required to be reported and appropriate response 

measures taken. Trucks picking up or dropping off containers/trailers at the IMF would be 

processing thru the IMF in an average of 25 minutes. Accordingly, the likelihood of leaks 

from trucks parked or idling in the facility is minimal. 

The larger AST would store 

diesel fuel with the other 6 holding gasoline, motor oil, anti-freeze, transmission oil, used 

oil, and hydraulic oil. Material captured from the maintenance pad area during 

maintenance activities would be collected in the oil-water separator and discharged

through the Rossville sewer system. In the unlikely event of a spill from these activities, 

emergency protocols in the site specific spill prevention control and countermeasure 

(SPCC) plan for response and recovery would go into immediate effect. A variety of 

emergency response resources also would be available as necessary, including facility 

personnel, local, state and Federal emergency responders as well as emergency response 

contractor resources. 

3.18

Indirect / 

Cumulative

How is the potential construction of 

distribution building, truck stops, etc. going 

to affect the area? 

Land zoned residential estate around the 

site. The IMF will hinder high end 

development. The IMF will kill any future 

urban and housing development.

Is Memphis and surrounding area going to 

become one large RR yard?

The cumulative impacts of the IMF are discussed in the EA Section 3.18, including some 

of the potential activities of the Developer and the anticipated growth of the Chickasaw 

Trails Industrial Park and other areas. Development is controlled through the local 

governments. Fayette County has an urban growth plan and a zoning board for planning

and growth regulations. The Towns of Rossville, Piperton, and Collierville have defined 

urban growth boundary (UGB) and zoning boards for planning and growth regulations. 

Marshall County has zoning regulations. The property to be used for Build Alternative 1 is 

within the Rossville UGB and zoned industrial, Figure 3-1 and the Developer’s property in 

Marshall County has been zoned commercial/industrial as part of the Chickasaw Trails 

Industrial Park. 

 46 Per 40 C.F.R. Part 112, ASTs must have secondary containment adequate to contain full amount of the tank contents, applicable inspection, testing and spill detection measures.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-17

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.18 

Indirect Traffic

Has anyone considered or done any 

transportation studies as to whether 

secondary growth would be around the 

facility and what the impact around 

transportation would be? No mention of 

highways other than US 72, no mention of 

congestion on Byhalia Road, Knox Road, 

SR-196, or SR-385. I-269 maybe not 

finished before project done.

The TDOT website has no completion date 

listed for section 9 of I-69 (through northern 

MS and Western TN specifically Shelby 

and Fayette Counties). How soon after the 

IMF is completed and operational will I-69 

be able to relieve the traffic load on the 

already crowded TN interstate system? The 

section of SR-385 from SR-57 to N SR-193 

is scheduled to be completed in 2013, 

according to the TDOT website. Will this be 

before or after the completion and 

beginning of operations of the IMF? 

The indirect and cumulative impacts of the IMF are discussed in the EA Section 3.18. An 

assessment of indirect transportation effects related to the IMF was conducted and is 

documented in the Analysis of Projected Traffic and Impacts in the Vicinity of the 

Intersection of U.S. Highway 72 and Industrial Road (on file with TDOT and MDOT). This 

traffic assessment includes impacts on Knox Road and SR-196. Byhalia Road and SR-385 

were considered outside the study area because the IMF traffic is less than 5% of their 

capacity, according to MDOT Traffic Impact Guidelines (approved by TDOT), the arterials 

and intersections were not required to be studied.

The EA Figure 3-23 shows the segment information for SR-385. The last segment of SR385 was in the TDOT September 2009 letting with an estimated completion date of 

September 2012. The IMF is not expected to directly increase traffic on SR-57, due to no 

direct access. TDOT is sponsoring a study of traffic impacts on the broader highway 

network, including an assessment of other improvement projects already scheduled. 

Figure 3-24 shows the proposed location of I-269. Neither MDOT nor TDOT has released 

a construction schedule for I-269, respectively. MDOT has programmed the widening of 

US 72 for construction to begin in 2012.

3.19

Construction

Will the construction of the IMF cause 

delays on the already busy SR-57?

The indirect impacts of the overpass construction are discussed in the EA Section 3.18 

and 3.19. A temporary bypass would be established to allow traffic to move along SR-57 

during construction of the overpass. The construction of the IMF would have only 

temporary effects on traffic on SR-57 as the majority of equipment and materials moved by 

truck will enter the facility from US Hwy 72. Any materials supplied by train would enter the 

facility by crossing SR-57 temporary bypass at grade.

3.19 

Construction 

What agency is going to verify that any 

exposed Memphis Sand is capped? Who's 

the inspection authority? Or is it just selfinspected? How you will determine that you 

have, in fact, penetrated into an outcrop 

area? Who will make that decision?

The potential construction impacts of the IMF are discussed in the EA Section 3.19. NSR 

has made commitments to use special construction techniques to protect any exposures of 

Memphis Sand that occurs during site grading and NSR will have personnel on site during 

construction who are familiar with the Memphis Sands. The personnel will identify and 

assure appropriate actions are taken to address any potential exposures.

The project would be required to obtain an Individual NPDES Construction Permit from 

TDEC. The permit requirements and provisions will be followed. 
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-18

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

3.19 

Construction

Water, which drains from the site, is not 

captured or tested. Testing should be done 

by independent testers.

Floodplain/stormwater and potential impacts are addressed in EA Sections 3.12, 3.18, and 

3.19. Both temporary and permanent basins will be used on site to collect and treat 

stormwater from the site. The project would be required to obtain an Individual NPDES 

Construction Permit. As part of the individual permitting process, the site specific SWPPP 

would be developed including a detailed monitoring plan with quality control and reporting 

requirements. The permit requirements and provisions will be followed to meet water 

quality standards. Under the Federal Clean Water Act, self-reporting and analysis certified 

by the appropriate entity responsible for compliance is appropriate. 

NEPA Process

Why is Norfolk Southern paying for the 

environmental study? Should an 

independent company be hired by TDOT 

and MDOT to make a study? Please 

conduct environmental studies that are 

NOT done by NSR. This is an obvious 

conflict of interest.

NSR, through its consultant, is providing technical support and assistance for information 

necessary for an EA. The EA was independently reviewed, edited, and compiled by the 

cooperating and participating agencies, as well as the FRA and FHWA. Use of a 

consultant to assist in preparation of technical documentation is common practice under 

NEPA and consistent with CEQ guidance and regulations. Reviews by all cooperating and 

participating agencies along with the public should provide a fair EA of the project and any 

final determinations made regarding the NEPA documentation or projects are the purview 

of the lead agencies.

NEPA Process

Request an Environmental Impact 

Statement (EIS) be completed instead of 

an Environmental Assessment (EA).

In the NEPA process, a review moves from an EA into an EIS if the analysis determines 

there is a significant environmental impact. For this EA, the following technical studies 

were completed: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Traffic Impact Study, Phase I 

Archeological Survey, Architectural Historic Survey, Ecology Report, Noise Report, 

Geotechnical Investigation, Air Quality Technical Report, and Analysis of Projected Traffic 

and Impacts in the Vicinity of the Intersection of U.S. Highway 72 and Industrial Road. 

Based on the analysis, there were no significant impacts. 

NEPA Process

Because the project is receiving ARRA 

TIGER funding, an EIS is required if a 

private entity uses Federal authorization or 

funding.

As discussed in the EA Summary and Section 1.0, in February 2010, Tennessee was 

selected to receive funds to support the development of this project from the U.S. 

Department of Transportation (DOT), Transportation Investment Generating Economic 

Recovery (TIGER) Program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 

(ARRA) of 2009. As a result of this Federal funding, the proposed Memphis IMF project is 

subject to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The 

EA has been prepared to meet those NEPA requirements.47

 47 FRA NEPA requirements at 64 Fed. Reg. 28545 (May 26, 1999); FHWA NEPA requirements at 23 C.F.R. 771.
Finding of No Significant Impact

NSR Memphis Regional IMF Page E-19

Table 6: Consolidated Public Comments and Response

Applicable EA 

Section / 

Category

Consolidation of Public Comments Responses

4 

Agency 

Involvement

MS people did not come, TN people said 

they could not discuss. MS representatives 

were no show.

The public participation process is outlined in EA Section 4 and in the Coordination Plan 

on file with TDOT and distributed to local, state and Federal agencies with authority or 

responsibility over potentially impacted resources. In addition to the NEPA Public 

Information Meeting, local and governmental meetings were held to discuss the project. As 

identified in the EA Section 4, MDOT is a cooperating agency in the development of the 

EA. Due to scheduling conflicts MDOT and other agencies involved in the development of 

the assessment could not attend the Public Hearing; however, it is uncommon and often 

not feasible for each involved agency to attend all public meetings for a project. MDOT 

was at the Public Meeting in October 2009 and provided comments to the Draft EA as well 

as providing substantive guidance regarding the effect on MS resources including 

transportation.

Funding

Taxpayers should not have to pay for this 

infrastructure of the SR-57 overpass that 

will only benefit a privately traded company.

The project is not fully funded, who will pay 

shortfall and over budget costs.

Concerned about the government 

facilitating this project with tax dollars.

Various governmental agencies recognize that the facility will bring substantial public 

benefits in the form of local jobs and economic growth, and by transferring more long 

distance freight from highway to rail. NSR is contributing a significant (~36%) share of the 

project cost, but cannot alone financially justify the entire project. Using public funds to 

develop infrastructure to move freight is not a new concept as highways and roadways 

used by trucks across the nation are funded from tax receipts.

In addition to NSR funds, due to the employment, economic, and other public benefits the 

project will bring, the construction of the IMF has been awarded economic stimulus funding 

from the Federal government. The potential increase in development drawn to the area 

could increase the effective tax bases in Fayette and Shelby Counties, Tennessee, and 

Marshall County, Mississippi and as noted in the EA Section 3.6, would promote economic 

development in the region. The long-haul trucks removed from state highways will reduce 

state highway maintenance and construction costs. 

Funding to pay for the entire cost of the project has been identified to the DOT. In the 

event of cost overruns, NS will either contribute more funding or reduce the initial size of 

the Memphis Regional IMF.