U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

FRA finds the Project will not result in any significant secondary or cumulative impacts because

no substantial cumulative impacts were identified.

Public Comments on the Environmental Assessment: IDOT began coordination efforts in the early
stages of the Project and were designed to maintain consistent communication with residents, public
officials, businesses, property owners, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies during the environmental
process. On August 10, 2015, FRA and IDOT released the EA for 30-day public review and the
comment period which ended on September 9, 2015. The document was on display on the IDOT
website. On August 27, 2015, IDOT held an open house in Wilmington, Illinois, where the public was
invited to attend the meeting to review the document, provide comments, and ask questions of the
Project team. IDOT held a local officials meeting on the same day to discuss the Project. Forty people
attended the public meeting and eight comment forms were submitted by members of the public and
local government officials. Comments and responses related to the Project impacts, particularly at the
Kankakee Street grade crossing, include suggestions for a grade separation; the creation of ice jams at
Kankakee River bridge piers; and pedestrian safety at the Kankakee River crossing. Original comment
correspondence is included in Appendix C (Public and Agency Comments on August 2015 EA).

Public Comments on the Supplemental Environmental Assessment: On April 20, 2016, FRA and

IDOT released the Supplemental EA for 30-day public review and the comment period which ended on
May 20, 2016. The document was on display on the IDOT website. On May 5, 2016, IDOT held a second
open house in Wilmington, Illinois, where the public was invited to attend the meeting to review the
supplemental document, provide comments and ask questions of the Project team. IDOT received one
agency comment from the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and one public comment
during the comment period. The USEPA recommended continued coordination on the Project during
the Section 404 process and inclusion of specific construction emission measures in the construction
contracts. The public comment primarily asked questions related to concerns about other rail Projects.
The comments and associated responses are presented in Appendix F (Response to Agency and Public
Comments on the May 2016 Supplemental EA).

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 20
Kankakee River Bridge and Track improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois
June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

The FRA finds there will be no significant impact to surface water habitat with implementation
of BMPs.

Threatened and Endangered Species: FRA completed threatened and endangered species

consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. FRA submitted the final informal
Biological Assessment (BA) to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for all listed species in Will
County on February 3, 2016. The effects determination resulted in a “may affect, not likely to
adversely affect” determination for two species: Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and
sheepnose mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus) and a “no effect” determination for all other listed species in
Will County. On February 4, 2016, the USFWS concurred with these findings, which concluded the

informal consultation.

Agreement has been reached on reasonable and prudent measures to minimize the potential for
a take of the Northern long-eared bat and sheepnose mussel. No protected species critical habitat is in
the Project study area. The reasonable and prudent measures are summarized as follows:

* Sheepnose Mussel: Prior to construction, all state and federally listed mussels will be moved out
of the impact area in the Kankakee River. Sheepnose mussel were not found within the project
limits. If sheepnose mussels are found during the pre-construction surveys, prior to the
relocation efforts, malacologists would work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) and USFWS to develop protocols in the handling, transport, and relocation of any living
sheepnose mussels.

* Northern Long-Eared Bat: Mitigation measures for the northern long-eared bat will include
preservation of approximately 9 acres of riparian forested habitat along Forked Creek. High
quality habitat would be preserved at a greater than 2:1 ratio. In addition, IDOT will perform
two years of northern long-eared bat monitoring, in years 1 and 3. Monitoring will take place
two nights with two nets for a total of four mist net nights. Mist nets would be set up across
Forked Creek if possible, otherwise IDOT will locate a suitable netting site within or as close to

the mitigation site as possible.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 4
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


12,

13.

14.

@ U.S. Department of Transportation
‘ey Federal Railroad Administration

suitable habitat, preferably upstream of the construction area. Prior to the relocation efforts,
malacologists would work with IDNR and USFWS to develop protocols in the handling,

transport, and relocation of any living sheepnose mussels, if found.

UPRR Commitment. BMPs also would be implemented by UPRR and its contractors in
proximity to the bridge over the Kankakee River, as well as in proximity to tributaries of the
Kankakee River, to minimize impacts to water quality. In-stream work in the Kankakee River
would be performed in accordance with USACE, Chicago District - Regulatory Branch
Requirements for In-stream Construction Activities. To the extent practicable, this may include
the use of non-erodible cofferdams, filtering of dewatering operations, timber/work mats and

low ground-pressure equipment for work in wetlands.

IDOT and UPRR Commitment. To minimize impacts to the northern long-eared bat habitat,
efforts would be made to reduce the number of roost trees removed, as well as conducting tree
removal activities between October 15 and March 31 from areas of potential summer bat
habitat. Additional surveys to determine if bats are present would occur if tree removal is
required outside of this time frame. Impacts to trees would be quantified and mitigated by
IDOT and this information coordinated with IDOT Bureau of Design and Environment and

USFWS prior to construction.

IDOT commitment. Nine acres of preservation of habitat for the northern long-eared bat will
be used as northern long-eared bat mitigation. A site in the Wilmington area is under
consideration. IDOT will coordinate the preservation site with the USFWS. The site will be
secured via acquisition or through conservation easement on land that will continue to be
privately held and for which IDOT will be responsible for identifying the owning/managing
entity. Land that is used for mitigation will be protected in perpetuity. IDOT will perform a
two year northern long-eared bat monitoring program at the mitigation site in years 1 and 3.

Monitoring will take place two nights with two nets for a total of four mist net nights. Mist nets

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 24
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project
Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, IHinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Legend
Pt Union Pacific Railroad

Figure 1. Project Location Map

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project
Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, [linois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Commitments and Mitigation Measures: IDOT as the Project sponsor will be required to comply with
all applicable federal, state, and local permitting requirements during the implementation of the
Project, which include:

e Public Law 95-217, Clean Water Act of 1977, 33 USC § 1251-1376
* Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 54 USC § 306108
¢ Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (CWA), 33 USC § 1344

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

42 USC § 4601 et seq.
¢ Executive Order (E.O.) 11990, Protection of Wetlands
e E.O. 11988 Floodplain Management
¢ Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC Chapter 126, and 47 USC Chapter 5)

IDOT will assure compliance with the following environmental commitments and mitigation measures

in association with the design, construction, and/or operation of the Build Alternative:
Air Quality

1. UPRR Commitment. The project construction would follow applicable State and local
regulations regarding dust control and other air quality emission reduction control measures,
including reducing Greenhouse gas emissions, by following energy saving strategies. In
addition, BMPs would be utilized prior to, during, and after construction for dust suppression.

Control measures would be specified in contractor contracts.

Noise and Vibration

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 21
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


US. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

potential contaminants.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project
Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, [linois

June 2016

27


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

IDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (adopted 01-01-2012) or
equivalent UPRR specifications.

Wetlands and Waters of the U.S.

8. IDOT and UPRR Commitment. IDOT and UPRR would work to first avoid and minimize
impacts to wetland locations during final design development to the extent practicable.
Unavoidable adverse wetland impacts would be subject to the applicable replacement ratios
specified in 17 LAC Part 1090.50 (c)(8). The replacement ratio for unavoidable adverse impacts
to wetlands with a Mean C value of four or above would be 5.5:1.0. A bank site to be

determined is proposed as the compensation site for impacts requiring mitigation.
Water Quality and Water Resources

9. UPRR Commitment. Appropriate BMPs would be utilized prior to, during, and after
construction as part of the soil erosion and sediment control plan for the Build Alternative

included in the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP).

10. UPRR Commitment. In the event that an unknown or undocumented well is encountered
during construction, the water well(s) identified would be properly capped and abandoned. If
the associated dwelling would remain after construction is completed, the water well would be
replaced or other suitable alternative would be provided. The replacement water well, if
necessary, would be constructed such that susceptibility to surficial contamination is

minimized, for example, by constructing the well in a deeper aquifer.
Threatened and Endangered Species

11. UPRR Commitment. To minimize direct effects to the protected sheepnose mussel, all living
sheepnose mussel specimens found during a pre-construction mussel survey would be
removed from the impacted area and relocated. Live individuals would be relocated into

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 23
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Hlinois
June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

existing UPRR ROW.

Special waste issues that may arise in the construction phase would be managed in accordance
with “IDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and Supplemental
Specifications and Recurring Special Provisions” and UPRR Hazardous Material Procedures. Prior to
earthwork operations, a decision will be made by UPRR, in accordance with their Hazardous
Materials Procedures, on how specifically to address the potential contamination at the 14 sites. It
would be either disposal/handling by risk management, or by environmental testing and

development of a disposal/handling program based on testing results.

Accidental spills of hazardous materials and wastes during construction or operation of the
transportation system require special response measures. Occurrences would be handled in
accordance with local government response procedures of the City of Wilmington and Wilmington
Fire Protection District. Refueling, storage of fuels, or maintenance of construction equipment would
not be allowed within 100 feet of wetlands or water bodies to avoid accidental spills impacting these
resource. The UPRR has and the contractor would have an Emergency Response Plan that would be

used during Project construction.

Pre-demolition building surveys would be conducted prior to the building demolition to ensure

proper abatement of asbestos containing material and lead-based paint.

The FRA finds there will be no significant impacts related to hazardous materials and waste

given the management and response strategies that will be in place during construction and operation.

Construction Impacts: Construction of the Build Alternative would involve potential temporary
traffic and rail operation, air quality, noise and vibration, water quality, and threatened and
endangered species impacts, as well as a risk of inducing invasive species. Customary procedures for
minimizing these impacts would be followed. These would include: coordinating the timing of public
crossing closures with local official and emergency services; sequencing construction to minimize
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 18
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Hlinois
June 2016


U.S, Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

implementing a quiet zone for the City of Wilmington would result in train noise levels with the Build
Alternative that are 7 dB(A) and 10 dB(A) less than with existing conditions.

The general ground-borne vibration analysis preformed for the Project indicated vibration
impacts would potentially occur with the Build Alternative at the two residential receptors analyzed
because predicted vibration levels would exceed the FRA vibration criteria and because vibration levels
would increase between 4 and 5 velocity decibels (VdB) over the existing vibration levels. The vibration
impacts would be generally associated with the passenger rail speed increases. Track and vehicle
maintenance procedures are used by the rail industry to minimize vibration impacts, including the

UPRR and, in the case of vehicle-related procedures, Amtrak.

The FRA finds there will be no noise and vibration significant impacts associated with the

project because:

¢ The potential increase in noise levels would be small (3 db(A)) and affect a small number of
receptors.

¢ The project’s grade crossing improvements create an opportunity for the City of Wilmington to
implement a quiet zone that would result in train noise levels less than existing conditions.

© Vibration impact is limited to two residences and maintenance procedures used by the rail

industry to minimize vibration will continue to be used.

Aesthetic Environment and Scenic Resources: The addition of a second track to the west of the
existing track would require removal of most of the trees/shrubs that at this time substantially shield
from homes views of the UPRR and views of homes from Amtrak passengers. The new second track
would be closer to homes than the current single track. New ROW fence also would be in view from
adjacent homes. Trees/shrubs on the east side of the UPRR also would be removed during construction
in association with moving the current track to the east. These changes would introduce views of the
UPRR tracks, trains, and the industry on the east side of the tracks, including buildings and semi-truck

trailer parking, to residential views. In other areas, visual change would be minor or negligible.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 10
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


U.S, Department of Transportation:
Federal Railroad Administration

Selected Alternative: IDOT and the FRA have selected the Build Alternative for the Project. The major
components of the Build Alternative are the replacement of three bridges, the improvements to the
North Kankakee Street approach and grade crossings, and the construction of the second mainline
between East Kankakee River Drive and North 1* Street.

The No-Build Alternative was not selected because it would not meet the purpose and need of
the Project. The No-Build Alternative would not contribute to the Chicago to St. Louis HSR Program’s
enhancement of the passenger transportation network by improving high speed rail service, resulting
in a more balanced use of travel modes through diverting trips made by automobile and air to rail.
Constraints on train frequency, travel speed, and reductions in passenger rail travel time would
remain. Additionally, improvement or replacement of deteriorating or functionally obsolete

components and improvements to the North Kankakee Street approach would not occur.

Benefits _of the Selected Alternative: Implementation of the Build Alternative will benefit rail

passenger and freight services using the line by providing additional operational flexibility in the
Wilmington area and operational efficiency during maintenance activities. It also will contribute to the
operational and capacity benefits of the Chicago to St. Louis HSR Program. The improvements to the
Kankakee River Bridge, the Forked Creek Bridge, and the Water Street Bridge will meet current
railroad bridge standards, replacing bridges built in the 1880s. Grade crossing protection and the North
Kankakee Street crossing approach improvements will increase the safety of motorists crossing the

railroad tracks.

Environmental Consequences: Based upon the EA and Supplemental EA, (which along with
associated appendices are incorporated by reference in this FONSI), the FRA has concluded the
Selected Alternative, including the identified mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts, will have

no foreseeable significant impact on the quality of the natural and human environment.

The FRA finds the Selected Alternative is best able to achieve the Project purpose and need

without significant environmental impacts and by minimizing Project costs.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 7
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Hlinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

»

Legend
——+ Union Pacific Railroad

Project Study Area
——— Proposed Track
——— Proposed ROW
——— Proposed Easement
Proposed Fencing

ssrenes Proposed Access Road

~eyoedd

Culvert Removal
MP 51.04

Zo 7
East Kankakee River Dr |_|
Roadway Improvements
a 4 Quad Gates

New Culvert
MP $1.94

Z +
: 1
New Culvert i
MP 51.96 }

"ayequen

Water Street Bridge
MP 52.66
New Bridge

New Culvert
MP 52.92

4 North 1st Street

' <1 Roadway Improvements
: 4 Quad Gates
é i Te
Culvert Removal eg
MP 53.13 i i
3 St
Is WA

Forked Creek Bridge
MP 52.47
New Bridge

Private Crossing

MP 52.42
“y Closed

Forked Cregg

\ oA North Kankakee Street ;
o MP 52.54
_) Roadway Improvements
: 4 Quad Gates
) Retaining Walls
Kankakee River Bridge :
MP 62.70
New Double Track Bridge
%
SS
oO.

“1

Figure 2. Build Alternative Features

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project
Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, [linois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

impacts to rail operations; dust control and other air quality emission reduction controls;
communication with local official regarding minimizing nighttime noise and vibration impacts at
sensitive receptors; appropriate BMPs as part of the soil erosion and sediment control plan; fulfilling
threatened and endangered species mitigation agreements; and meeting requirements of Executive

Order 13112 to combat the introduction and spread of invasive plant species during construction.

FRA finds the construction impacts and the construction traffic will cease following completion
of the Project and will not result in significant impacts to the environment given the customary BMPs

that will be followed to minimize construction impacts.

Secondary and Cumulative Impacts: The Build Alternative would not induce changes in

development patterns or new development that would result in secondary impacts to community,

cultural, and natural resources.

The Build Alternative in combination with the balance of the Chicago to St. Louis HSR Program
would offer the cumulative benefits described in the Statement of Purpose and Need for this Project.
The combined projects would contribute to improving modal balance in the corridor and for passenger
rail would reduce travel times, improve service reliability, increase frequency of trips, and increase

track capacity.

The cumulative impacts of the Build Alternative in association with the balance of the Chicago
to St. Louis HSR Program are addressed in the 2012 Tier 1 FES. The cumulative impact assessment
included in Section 5.19 of the FEIS concluded the HSR Program would generate negligible cumulative
impacts. The secondary and cumulative impact assessment included in the August 2015 EA and the
April 2016 Supplemental EA addressed impacts of the Build Alternative in combination with other
past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future actions in the Project study area. No substantial adverse

cumulative impacts were identified.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 19
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Ilinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

more than 0.10 foot and an increase in flood limits is unlikely in either floodplain. In addition, the 100-
year event would not cause overtopping of the railway. No significant adverse impacts on the natural
and beneficial floodplain values would be expected; no increase in flood height is predicted that
would result in any significant change in flood risks or damage; and no increase in flood height is
predicted that would have significant potential for interruption or termination of emergency service

or emergency evacuation routes.

The proposed Kankakee River Bridge would have a minimum water clearance of 9.9 feet, 5.4
feet higher than the current Kankakee River Bridge and 2.7 feet higher than the bridge over IL-53. The
existing Kankakee River Bridge has four piers, 10 feet wide for a total width of 40 feet. The proposed
bridge would have eight piers, 4 feet wide for a total width of 32 feet. The existing Kankakee River
Bridge has an opening of 10,480 square feet, while the proposed bridge would have an opening of
13,770 square feet, an increase of 31 percent. Therefore, the proposed Kankakee River Bridge is
expected to have less potential for ice jams than the current Kankakee River Bridge.

The FRA finds there will be no significant impacts to floodplains and regulatory floodways in

the Project study area for the reasons presented above.

Noise and Vibration: Increased passenger train speeds and the additional passenger train volume
associated with the Build Alternative improvements would increase passenger train rolling stock noise
levels by an average of 3 weighted decibels (dB(A)). Freight train noise also would increase by an
average of 3 dB(A). Considering the noise from passenger and freight trains, the impact is considered
severe by FRA criteria at five of seven receptors analyzed. When considering the change in noise from
passenger trains only, the impact would be considered moderate by FRA criteria at five of seven
receptors analyzed. The main cause of the classification of severe and moderate given that increases are
estimated to be an average of 3 weighted dB(A) are high existing noise levels resulting from horn noise,
which greatly limits the increase in noise allowed under FRA criteria before the increase is considered

an impact. Train horn noise is the dominant noise source in the Project study area. However,

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 9
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Ilinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

would be set up across Forked Creek if possible, otherwise IDOT will locate a suitable netting
site within or as close to the mitigation site as possible. IDOT will provide the monitoring plan
for USFWS review and approval. Reports will be provided to the USFWS following years 1 and
3 during the monitoring period for the habitat preservation site documenting conditions and
results of the northern long-eared bat surveys. Monitoring details will be coordinated with the

USEWS.

15. UPRR and IDOT commitment. Mitigation related to the purple wartyback, black sandshell,
pallid shiner, western sand darter, and river redhorse is subject to the completion of on-going
Incidental Take Authorization. To minimize direct impacts to listed mussels, all living
specimens found would be removed prior to construction. Appropriate BMPs, including
cofferdams and silt curtains, would be used to minimize impacts to these species. Turbidity
monitoring will occur during certain construction activities during the fish spawning period of
March 15 to July 15 to reduce impacts to state-listed fish. Worker awareness training will be

provided by a qualified environmental professional contracted by UPRR to help minimize and

avoid impacts.
Community and Land Use / Public Health and Safety

16. IDOT and UPRR Commitment. During the construction period, coordination would occur
between UPRR and its and wayside industries, the City of Wilmington, the Wilmington Fire
Protection District, and school officials, to minimize construction period transportation
impacts, such as access restrictions or detours during improvement of at-grade crossings and
modifications to the industrial spur line. The Chicago to St. Louis HSR Program website and
other appropriate measures would be used to announce to the public at-grade railroad

crossing closures during the construction period.

Hazardous Materials and Waste

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 25
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Ilinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Railroad Administration

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Wilmington, Illinois (MP 51.88 to MP 53.19)
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvements Project

Will County, Illinois

June 2016

Introduction: The [linois Department of Transportation (IDOT) proposes to undertake construction of
a second track along the mainline service of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) from north of East
Kankakee River Drive (MP 51.88) to south of North 1+ Street (MP 53.19) in the City of Wilmington, Will
County, Illinois. The Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project would improve a 1.31-
mile mainline section of the UPRR, including track upgrades, existing track shifts, a second mainline
track, two railroad over river bridge replacements (Kankakee River Bridge and Forked Creek Bridge),
one railroad over local street bridge replacement (Water Street Bridge), improvements to the North
Kankakee Street grade crossing approach, and signalization, culvert and fencing work, and
construction of maintenance access roads (the Project). The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and

IDOT evaluated the Project in an Environmental Assessment (EA) (August 2015) and a Supplemental


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

with none having a floristic quality index (FQI) value greater than 18.0. The FQI is an indicator of
vegetative quality. Generally, an FQI of 20 or more indicates high vegetative quality with native

characteristics.

WOUS would be affected by the placement of bridge piers within the Kankakee River and
Forked Creek and by temporary construction activities associated with bridge construction and
removal of existing piers. Bridge construction would use temporary cofferdams and work bridges
where possible for placing piles and heavy equipment access, respectively, to minimize temporary
impacts the WOUS. The total net permanent impact would be 0.05 acre at the Kankakee River and 0.03
acre at Forked Creek. The total temporary impact would be 0.72 acre at the Kankakee River and 0.20
acre at Forked Creek.

Avoiding and minimizing impacts to wetland resources may be constrained by other critical
resources or local issues. Objectives for mitigation would be established in consultation with regulatory

and resource agencies.

The wetland sites and WOUS come under jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This includes, but is not limited to the Section 404 permit from the
USACE, Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(IEPA), or other permits that may be required. Prior to construction and as part of the wetland
permitting process, the UPRR would coordinate with IDOT and USACE to secure the necessary
wetland permits and mitigation as required for the Section 404 Permit and in compliance with the
Iinois Wetland Policy Act (IWPA) of 1989.

The layout for the Project has been designed to avoid wetland impacts to the extent feasible.
IDOT would work to first avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands locations during final design
development to the extent practicable. Unavoidable adverse wetland impacts would be subject to the
applicable replacement ratios specified in 17 IAC Part 1090.50 (c)(8). The replacement ratio for

unavoidable adverse impacts to wetlands with a Mean C value of four or more would be 5.5:1.0, and

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 2
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Additionally, a visual change would occur at the one residence on North Kankakee Street
where a retaining wall would be introduced to views from the front of the home. A retaining wall in
front of Milltown Market along North Kankakee Street would reduce the visibility of the customer

entrance.

During the completion of construction plans and specifications, the UPRR’s Real Estate team.
will continue to coordinate with City of Wilmington representatives and landowners on measures to
mitigate visual impacts at North Kankakee Street, particularly as it relates to the exposed surface of

retaining walls and replacement landscaping.

Although visual changes will occur, FRA finds there will be no significant long-term impacts to
the visual setting of the Project area because of the Project’s adjacency to the mainline track and its

location within an urbanized land use setting.

Vegetation and Habitat: The Build Alternative would impact 2.99 acres of forested area. Because
of the small area of impact combined with the limited ability of the small (less than 20 acres) forested
areas in the Project study area to provide suitable habitat for migratory birds, the FRA finds that the
Build Alternative will not have a significant impact on wildlife habitat including migratory and forest

interior avian species. There are no prairies within the Project study area.

Wetlands and Waters of the U.S.: The Build Alternative would require Section 10 of the Rivers and

Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) permits for impacts to wetlands
and “Waters of the U.S.” (WOUS). Wetland impacts associated with the Build Alternative could
include vegetation removal, discharge of clean fill material, and changes to hydrology. Wetland
impacts would result from construction and the placement of fill material to construct additional track,
and from grading for culverts and bridges. Approximately 0.17 acre of jurisdictional wetlands and 0.24
acre of likely non-jurisdictional wetlands (0.41 acre total) would be permanently impacted by the Build
Alternative. Approximately 0.18 acre of jurisdictional wetlands and 0.0 acre of likely non-jurisdictional

wetlands would be temporarily impacted. The affected wetlands have low to moderate floristic quality

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT re
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Tlinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

The FONSI focuses only on those resources that have a reasonable likelihood to be adversely
affected by the Project. The following potential impact areas are not located within the Project's study
area or will otherwise not be significantly affected by the Project, and are not addressed in this FONSI:
air quality related to train operations, energy, agricultural resources, groundwater, certain special lands
(Section 6(f) resources and Illinois Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development land), Section 4(f)
resources, environmental justice, barriers and accessibility, and cultural resources. These resource areas

are referenced in the EA and Supplemental EA.
The potential environmental impacts of the Project are summarized in the following sections.

Floodplains and Regulatory Floodways: According to the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), there are two floodplains associated with Forked
Creek and the Kankakee River within the Project study area. No adverse impacts to floodplains or
regulatory floodways are expected for the Forked Creek and Kankakee River floodplains.

An increase of 0.10 foot flood height is considered an impact. The two elements of the Project
impacting floodplains and floodways — the Forked Creek bridge replacement and the Kankakee River
bridge replacement — are not anticipated to result in an increase of more than 0.10 foot or an increase
in flood limits. The Forked Creek replacement bridge would include 2,500 cubic yards of fill to the
Forked Creek floodplain and floodway; however equivalent fill would be removed from the
floodplain and floodway due to the replacement. Therefore, only a minimal increase in the fill volume
in the floodplain at Forked Creek is anticipated. The Kankakee River replacement bridge would
include an estimated 0.80 acre-feet volume of fill in the Kankakee River floodplain which would have

only minor impacts to the floodway.

Given that the replacement bridges would continue to span the floodplain and floodway, the
changes in the capacity of the bridge openings to carry floodwaters are expected to be minimal, and
changes in the capacity of the floodplain to store water are expected to be confined to the additional

bridge piers associated with the replacement Kankakee River Bridge; an increase in the flood height of

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 8
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Iinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

2. FRA Commitment. If the City of Wilmington wishes to establish a quiet zone in the Project
study area after completion of the Build Alternative’s grade crossing improvements, FRA
would work with the City of Wilmington, while also coordinating with the UPRR and Amtrak,

to provide assistance with the quiet zone process.

3. UPRR and Amtrak Commitment. To minimize vibration impacts in the Build Alternative,
UPRR and Amtrak would use maintenance procedures such as regularly scheduled rail
grinding, wheel truing programs, vehicle reconditioning programs, and use of wheel flat

detectors.
Aesthetic Environment and Scenic Resources

4, UPRR Commitment. The UPRR ROW would be re-vegetated with a ground cover at the end of
construction, including the east and west sides of the UPRR ROW from East Kankakee River
Drive to Stewart Street.

5. UPRR Commitment. For the North Kankakee Street crossing approach road improvements,
during the completion of construction plans and specifications, the UPRR’s Real Estate team
would continue to coordinate with City of Wilmington representatives and landowners on
measures to mitigate visual impacts, particularly as it relates to the exposed surface of

retaining walls and replacement landscaping.
Vegetation and Habitat

6. UPRR Commitment. Temporary impacts would be mitigated by restoring the ground surface

to the pre-construction contour and planting exposed areas of soils with a cover crop.

7. UPRR Commitment. Areas of temporary impact would be graded back to the original contour
and then seeded with modified IDOT Class 4 Native Grass mix. Perennial ryegrass will not be
included in the Class 4 mix. Seed will be planted according to Articles 250.05 and 250.06 of the

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 22
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, linois
June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Conclusion: FRA finds the Project, as presented and assessed in the attached 2015 EA and 2016
Supplemental EA, satisfies the requirements of FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental
Impacts (64 FR 28545, May 26, 1999) and NEPA (42 USC § 4321 et seq.), and the Project will have no
foreseeable significant impact on the quality of the human or natural environment provided it is
implemented in accordance with the commitments identified in this FONSI. As the Project sponsor,
IDOT is responsible for ensuring all environmental commitments identified in this FONSI are fully
implemented. The EA and Supplemental EA provide sufficient evidence and analysis for FRA to

determine that an environmental impact statement is not required for the Project as presented.

octet & (>4\d0\y

Sarah E. Feinberg Date
Administrator
Federal Railroad Administration

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 28
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Ilinois

June 2016


.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

receive routine maintenance with no additional track construction or upgrades. Existing at-grade

roadway crossings, culverts, bridge structures, and track signal equipment would remain unimproved

and the rail line would remain single track.

The Build Alternative would improve a 1.31-mile mainline section of the UPRR in two phases.
The first phase would include track upgrades, existing track shifts, two railroad over river bridge
replacements, one railroad over local street bridge replacement, construction of maintenance access
roads, culvert and fencing work, signal work, and improvements at existing grade crossings. These
improvements would support the addition of a second mainline track, which would occur in the
second phase, and allow for double track operation from north of East Kankakee River Drive to south
of North 1st Street. This second phase would occur in conjunction with the independent Elwood to

Braidwood Track Construction project. The features of the Build Alternative are shown in Figure 2.

To construct the Build Alternative, approximately 4.35 acres of new railroad right-of-way
(ROW) and 1.08 acres of temporary construction easements would be required. In some locations,
constructing the second mainline track and the access roadway would extend the fill and cut sections
beyond the existing ROW and additional ROW and access easements would be needed for grading and
re-establishing ditch flow-lines. Additionally, the Project would require the purchase of 8.97 acres of
private, residential property that would be isolated by the closing of a private crossing at Albany Street.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 4
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Ilinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Also, efforts would be made to reduce the number of potential roost trees removed, as well as
conducting tree removal activities between October 15 and March 31 from areas of potential
summer bat habitat. Additional surveys to determine if bats are present would occur if tree

removal is required outside of this time-frame.

¢ The state threatened species purple wartyback mussel (Cyclonaias tuberculate), the black
sandshell mussel (Ligumia recta), the river redhorse fish (Moxostoma carinatum), and state
endangered pallid shiner fish (Hybopsis amnis), and western sand darter fish (Ammocrypta
clarum) habitat is in the Project study area. To minimize direct effects, the relocation program
described above in the sheepnose mussel discussion will be applied to these state threatened

and endangered species. To minimize impacts to state listed fish, BMPs would be utilized.

The FRA finds no significant impact to threatened or endangered species will occur as a result
of the Project considering the coordination with the Illinois state agencies and the conclusions of the

Section 7 consultation with USFWS and planned mitigation.

Special Lands: The Kankakee River is an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) site and is
classified as a Category II site having specific suitable habitat for state-listed species or state-listed
species relocations. The placement of bridge piers within the Kankakee River and temporary
construction activities associated with bridge construction and removal of existing piers would impact
the Kankakee River INAI site. As mitigation, all living federal and state-listed mussel specimens would
be relocated from the impact area prior to construction. Appropriate BMPs would be used to minimize
impacts to state-listed fish. The Wilmington Geological Area INAI site is along Forked Creek in
Wilmington and it is classified as a Category IV site with outstanding geological features. This INAI

site is downstream from the Project study area and outside its area of effect.

The FRA finds the Project will not result in significant impact to Special Lands with

implementation of planned mitigation and BMPs.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 15
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

vehicular movement across the tracks. Mitigation, in the form of detours, would be provided when at-
grade crossings are closed during construction. Implementation of the Build Alternative would be
compatible with the City of Wilmington’s land use planning goals and redevelopment plans. Visual
impacts would be mitigated as described in the “Aesthetic Environment and Scenic Resources”

discussion above.

The FRA finds the Project will not result in significant impact to the community since the Build
Alternative is compatible with the city’s planning and redevelopment goals and the Project increases

safety in the community.

Public Health and Safety: Three aspects of the Project would have a positive safety impact:
installation of four-quadrant gates, a Positive Train Control signal system, and fencing along the
tracks in the adjacent communities. Because the number of passenger trains operating along the rail
line would increase, the Build Alternative would increase crossing gate down periods from 10 per day
to 16 per day. For the high-speed passenger trains, crossing gates would activate 80 seconds before a
train reaches the crossing rather than the current 20 to 30 seconds. The reconstruction of the North
Kankakee Street crossing and any associated partial or full temporary closures would be coordinated
with the Wilmington Fire Protection District because it is their primary route to the north side of
town. As a part of the Chicago to St. Louis HSR Program, overall traveler and rail operational safety in
the Chicago to St. Louis corridor would increase with the Build Alternative.

The FRA finds the Project will not result in significant impacts to public health and safety but

will have a positive safety impact.

Hazardous Materials and Waste: Within or adjacent to the Project study area, the Preliminary
Environmental Site Assessment (PESA) identified 14 locations with recognized environmental
conditions (RECS). Five sites were identified as having potential contamination risk to the UPRR within
proposed ROW; six sites were identified as having potential contamination risk to the UPRR within

both the proposed ROW and construction easement, and three sites were identified as RECs within the

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Vv
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

51.88 to MP 53.19. Separately, the Project's purpose is to improve and replace deteriorating or
functionally obsolete components.

Need: The need for the HSR Program is based on the following: The current single track
configuration from Chicago to St. Louis, including the segment in the Project area, reduces operational
flexibility along the line, often relegating Amtrak trains to wait on passing sidings while freight trains
pass. This affects the reliability of Amtrak service, delaying rail passengers and hindering on-time
performance. In addition, the single track configuration constrains train frequency and travel speeds.
The condition of existing track, switches, and signals, as well as the characteristics of the at-grade
crossing protection systems, limits train speeds, which in turn affects travel times. Because of this
inadequate rail capacity and these deficiencies in the existing rail infrastructure, there is currently a

model imbalance within the corridor.

Additionally, there is a need to improve or replace deteriorating or functionally obsolete
components within the Project area, to eliminate substandard stopping sight distances, to provide a
safe pedestrian sidewalk at the North Kankakee Street grade crossing, and to improve grade crossing

protection systems at all grade crossings.

Study Area: The Project study area consists of a 1.31 mile portion of the Chicago to St. Louis HSR
Program corridor in Will County along the UPRR mainline alignment between MP 51.88 to MP 53.19,
in the City of Wilmington, Will County, Ilinois. The City of Wilmington is in the Kankakee River
Valley, 52 miles south of Chicago and 15 miles south of Joliet. The Kankakee River is the most notable
feature in the City of Wilmington with an island in the Kankakee River, occupied as a city park. The
Project study area is illustrated in Figure 1.

Alternatives: FRA and IDOT evaluated two alternatives for the Project in the EA and Supplemental
EA: 1) the No-Build Alternative; and 2) the Build Alternative. The No-Build Alternative does not
include any additional rail improvement beyond those associated with past improvement projects. The

existing single mainline track between MP 51.88 and MP 53.19 would remain unchanged and would

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 3
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Iinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

17. UPRR Commitment. Special waste issues that may arise in the construction phase would be
managed in accordance with “IDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction
and Supplemental Specifications and Recurring Special Provisions” and UPRR Hazardous
Material Procedures. Prior to the start of earthwork operations, UPRR will decide , in
accordance with its Hazardous Materials Procedures, how specifically to address the potential
contamination at the 14 sites identified in the Hazardous Materials and Waste section above. It
would be either through disposal/handling by risk management or by environmental testing

and development of a disposal/handling program based on testing results.

18. UPRR Commitment. Accidental spills of hazardous materials and wastes during construction
or operation of the transportation system require special response measures. Occurrences
would be handled in accordance with local government response procedures. Refueling,
storage of fuels, or maintenance of construction equipment would not be allowed within 100
feet of wetlands or water bodies to avoid accidental spills impacting these resource. The UPRR
has and the contractor would have an Emergency Response Plan that would be used during

Project construction.

19. UPRR Commitment. Pre-demolition building surveys will be conducted prior to building
demolition associated with the Project to ensure proper abatement of asbestos-containing
materials and lead-based paint is completed, and to help limit the volume of materials that

would need to be removed and placed in permitted landfills.

20. UPRR Commitment. To ensure worker and environmental safety during construction, UPRR
will communicate known site hazards and/or risk management procedures with construction
contractors during pre-construction meetings. The communication would include emergency
notifications to make and contacts in the event that an unforeseen environmental condition is
encountered. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines will be followed for

Personal Protective Equipment. Dust control BMPs will be followed to reduce the exposure to

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 26
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Hlinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

EA (April 2016), both prepared by IDOT in consultation with the FRA. The EA and Supplemental EA

analyze and document whether the Project would have significant effects on the environment.

The 2015 EA and 2016 Supplemental EA are a Tier 2 analysis for one component of the Chicago
to St. Louis High-Speed Rail Program (HSR Program) that was assessed in a Tier 1 Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS) and approved by a Record of Decision (ROD) in 2012. The Tier 1 FEIS assessed
the change of the existing rail line from one track to two tracks and associated improvements. The
program assessed in the 2012 Tier 1 FEIS/ROD is a separate rail improvement program from that
associated with the 2004 Record of Decision for the Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail Project and the
2011 EA/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the UPRR’s Track Improvement Project from

Joliet to Dwight, IL; those improvements are currently in the process of being constructed.

FRA must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 USC § 4321
et seq.), as amended, as the Federal agency providing grant funding for the Project. FRA and IDOT
prepared the EA and Supplemental EA to comply with NEPA, FRA’s Procedures for Considering
Environmental Impacts (64 FR 28545, May 6, 1999), and other related laws. FRA has made this FONSI
based on the information included in the EA and Supplemental EA.

Statement _of Purpose and Need: The identification of the purpose and need is significant in

determining the reasonable range of alternatives to consider for the Project. The need defines the key
problems to be addressed and explains their underlying causes. The purpose states clearly why the
project is being proposed and identifies potential anticipated outcomes. The Project is an important
component of the HSR Program assessed in the 2012 Tier 1 FEIS/ROD.

Purpose: The purpose of the HSR Program assessed in the 2012 Tier 1 FEIS/ROD was to enhance
the passenger transportation network by improving high speed rail service, resulting in a more
balanced use of travel modes by diverting trips made by automobile and air to rail. The Project

contributes to meeting the purpose of the HSR Program by improving rail components between MP

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 2
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

FRA’s Office of Railroad Policy and Development, with assistance from FRA’s Office of Chief Counsel,
prepared this document in June 2016 in accordance with FRA’s Procedures for Considering

Environmental Impacts and NEPA For further information regarding this document contact:

Andréa E. Martin

Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Railroad Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

Phone: (202) 493-6201

The following organization assisted the Office of Railroad Policy and Development in preparing the
attached EA and Supplemental EA:

IDOT Bureau of High Speed and Passenger Rail
James R. Thompson Center

100 West Randolph Street, Suite 6-600

Chicago, IL 60601

Attachments:

¢ Tier 2 Environmental Assessment Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvements (MP 51.88 to
MP 53.19); August 2015 including Appendices A and B
¢ Tier 2 Environmental Assessment Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvements (MP 51.88 to
MP 53.19); April 2016 SUPPLEMENTAL including:
Appendix C ~ Public and Agency Comments on August 2015 EA
Appendix D — Response to Public and Agency Comments on August 2015 EA
Appendix E —- USFWS Concurrence Letter
Appendix F-Response to Agency and Public Comments on the May 2016 Supplemental EA

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 29
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Ilinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

would apply to four of the impacted wetlands. Impacts to wetlands with a Mean C value less than 4
would be determined based upon the location of the wetland compensation site. Compensation for
wetland impacts will be provided through purchase of credits in an approved wetland mitigation bank.
A bank site to be determined is proposed as the compensation site. If mitigation banking is required,
these sites would be identified during Section 404 permitting. If an approved wetland mitigation bank
is not available at the time of permitting, then mitigation will occur by conversion of non-wetland areas
into wetlands. Monitoring will occur for wetlands greater than 0.25 acres and will be monitored

according to IDOT’s Wetland Action Plan and any conditions stipulated by the USACE.

The FRA finds no significant impacts to wetlands and WOUS will occur due to the proposed
wetlands mitigation measures and compliance with permitting requirements in coordination with the

USACE and Illinois state agencies.

Surface Water Habitat: With the Build Alternative, the placement of bridge piers within the
Kankakee River and Forked Creek and temporary construction activities associated with bridge
construction and removal of existing piers would impact both the Kankakee River and Forked Creek.
The permanent impact to the Kankakee River bed would be 0.10 acre, which would include 0.03 acre of
preferred mussel habitat. Temporary impact to the river bed would be 0.72 acre, which would include
0.23 acre of preferred mussel habitat. While new bridge piers would affect 0.10 acre of river bottom,
0.05 acre of existing bridge piers also would be removed. The permanent impact to the Forked Creek
river bed would be 0.03 acre. Temporary impact to the river bed would be 0.20 acre. Temporary
cofferdams used during construction would not impact the aspects of the Kankakee River that make it
a Biologically Signification Stream. The navigability of the river would not be impeded. A partial
causeway is planned at Forked Creek during construction. The partial causeway would be temporary
and would not reduce the diversity of aquatic organisms within the creek. Construction impacts would
be minimized and mitigated using Best Management Practices (BMPs), if needed. Mitigation and
BMPs, if needed, would be finalized during Section 404 permitting.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT B
Kankakee River Bridge and Track improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Transportation: The Build Alternative would contribute to the benefits of the Chicago to St. Louis
HSR Program, including improving passenger rail ridership, freight operational efficiency, and grade
crossing and wayside safety. The Build Alternative would have permanent benefits to local vehicular
traffic by improving safety elements at grade crossings and approach sight distances at North
Kankakee Street. Four to six parking spaces would be removed at North Kankakee Street and one
driveway access would be removed. The driveway access on North Kankakee Street would be replaced
by the access point along Canal Street. No accommodations for bicycles or pedestrians would be

impacted. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will be added at North Kankakee Street.

The FRA finds the Project will not result in significant impacts to transportation and would

have overall beneficial effects.

Community: The Build Alternative would involve the acquisition of approximately 4.35 acres of
additional ROW, 1.08 acres of easements, and 8.97 acres isolated by the closure of the Albany Street
grade crossing. One residential and no business relocations would occur with the Build Alternative.
The one residential relocation would occur with the Build Alternative as a result of the Albany Street
crossing closure. The residential property served by the crossing would no longer have access to a
public road and the entire property would be acquired. One self-storage shed associated with a
business containing five storage units along North Kankakee Street would be displaced and direct
driveway access would be removed. There would be no displacement or other direct impacts to City of
Wilmington community services or facilities with the Build Alternative. At the North Kankakee Street
grade crossing approach, views of the existing roadway would be altered to include views of new
retaining walls along the street. Businesses and a single residence would be affected. On the west side
of North Kankakee Street, a raised North Kankakee Street would be approximately 6.5 feet high at the

business entrance. The customer entrance would be obscured from drive-by view.

During construction, at times temporary diversion of traffic to adjacent crossings would be

required, affecting emergency services, schools, businesses, and other local activities requiring

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 16
Kankakee River Bridge and Track Improvement Project

Milepost (MP) 51.88 to 53.19, Will County, Illinois

June 2016