Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail i Tier 1 Final EIS 

Volume I Table of Contents 

S.0 SUMMARY....................................................................................................................S‐1

S.1 Background...........................................................................................................S‐1

S.2 Purpose and Need ...............................................................................................S‐3

S.3 Alternatives Considered ....................................................................................S‐3

S.3.1 No‐Build Alternative .............................................................................. S‐3

S.3.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................... S‐3

S.3.3 Tier 1 Preferred Alternative ................................................................... S‐4

S.4 Summary of Impacts...........................................................................................S‐8

S.4.1 Land Use/Socioeconomic Impacts ........................................................ S‐9

S.4.2 Energy....................................................................................................... S‐9

S.4.3 Agriculture ................................................................................................ 10

S.4.4 Cultural Resources ................................................................................... 10

S.4.5 Natural Resources ................................................................................. S‐11

S.4.6 Air Quality ............................................................................................. S‐13

S.4.7 Noise and Vibration.............................................................................. S‐13

S.4.8 Water Quality......................................................................................... S‐13

S.4.9 Wetlands................................................................................................. S‐14

S.4.1S Utilities.................................................................................................... S‐15

S.4.11 Visual and Aesthetic Quality Impacts................................................ S‐15

S.4.12 Special Waste ......................................................................................... S‐15

S.4.13 Section 4(f)/6(f) and Parklands ............................................................ S‐15

S.4.14 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts ....................................................... S‐17

S.4.15 Travel Benefits ....................................................................................... S‐18

S.4.16 Transportation Impacts ........................................................................ S‐20

S.5 Summary of Potential Mitigation Measures................................................S‐23

S.6 Implementation Plan........................................................................................S‐26

S.7 Comments and Coordination..........................................................................S‐28

S.8 Tier 2 Environmental Evaluation: Springfield Rail Improvements Project

(Volume II) Summary ................................................................................................S‐29

S.8.1 Springfield Background ....................................................................... S‐29

S.8.2 Springfield Purpose and Need............................................................ S‐29

S.8.3 Springfield Alternatives Considered.................................................. S‐31

S.8.4 Summary of Springfield Impacts ........................................................ S‐32

S.8.5 Springfield Preferred Alternative ....................................................... S‐35

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1‐1

1.1 Tiering Process..................................................................................................... 1‐1

1.2 Anticipated Decisions ........................................................................................ 1‐2
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail ii Tier 1 Final EIS 

2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION..................................................................... 2‐1

2.1 Background........................................................................................................... 2‐1

2.1.1 History ...................................................................................................... 2‐1

2.1.2 Midwest, Statewide, and Regional Planning Context........................ 2‐3

2.1.3 Existing and Future Conditions ............................................................ 2‐4

2.2 Purpose.................................................................................................................. 2‐7

2.3 Need....................................................................................................................... 2‐7

2.3.1 Travel Time, Frequency, and Reliability.............................................. 2‐8

2.3.2 Safety....................................................................................................... 2‐11

2.3.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................. 2‐11

2.4 Major Authorizing Laws and Regulations ................................................... 2‐13

2.4.1 Permits, Licenses, and other Regulatory Requirements .................. 2‐13

3.0 ALTERNATIVES.......................................................................................................... 3‐1

3.1 Tier 1 Alternatives Screening Process ............................................................. 3‐2

3.1.1 Alternatives Screening and Selection Process ..................................... 3‐2

3.1.2 Tier 1 Screening Objectives and Criteria.............................................. 3‐2

3.2 No‐Build Alternative ........................................................................................ 3‐11

3.2.1 Passenger Rail Service under the No‐Build Alternative.................. 3‐12

3.2.2 Annual Ridership Estimates ................................................................ 3‐16

3.2.3 Purpose and Need Assessment of the No‐Build Alternative.......... 3‐17

3.3 Build Alternatives ............................................................................................. 3‐18

3.3.1 Program Elements for the Proposed High Speed Rail Corridor .... 3‐18

3.3.2 Annual Ridership Estimates ................................................................ 3‐20

3.3.3 Purpose and Need Assessment of the Build Alternatives............... 3‐21

3.3.4 Alternative Route Screening for Chicago to Joliet............................ 3‐22

3.3.5 Alternative Route Screening for Springfield ..................................... 3‐38

3.3.6 Alternative Route Screening for Alton to St. Louis .......................... 3‐45

3.3.7 Tier 1 Build Alternatives from Chicago to St. Louis......................... 3‐52

3.4 Costs..................................................................................................................... 3‐59

3.4.1 Capital Costs .......................................................................................... 3‐59

3.4.2 Maintenance Costs ................................................................................ 3‐63

3.5 Preferred Alternatives ...................................................................................... 3‐63

3.5.1 Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly ................................................................... 3‐63

3.5.2 Operational............................................................................................. 3‐64

3.5.3 Cost.......................................................................................................... 3‐64

3.5.4 Public Policy........................................................................................... 3‐64

3.5.5 Summary ................................................................................................ 3‐64

4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................... 4‐1

4.1 Existing Land Use................................................................................................ 4‐1

4.1.1 Development Patterns ............................................................................ 4‐1
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail iii Tier 1 Final EIS 

4.1.2 Existing Land Use Description by County .......................................... 4‐2

4.2 Socioeconomic and Environmental Justice Community Characteristics.. 4‐7

4.2.1 Demographics.......................................................................................... 4‐7

4.2.2 Economics................................................................................................. 4‐7

4.2.3 Environmental Justice........................................................................... 4‐10

4.2.4 Community Services and Facilities..................................................... 4‐11

4.3 Energy.................................................................................................................. 4‐12

4.4 Agriculture.......................................................................................................... 4‐13

4.5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 4‐14

4.5.1 Historic Architectural Resources ........................................................ 4‐18

4.5.2 Archaeological Resources .................................................................... 4‐21

4.6 Natural Resources ............................................................................................. 4‐21

4.6.1 Geology and Soils.................................................................................. 4‐21

4.6.2 Ecological Resources............................................................................. 4‐24

4.6.3 Threatened and Endangered Species ................................................. 4‐38

4.6.4 Natural Areas......................................................................................... 4‐41

4.7 Air Quality.......................................................................................................... 4‐42

4.7.1 Existing Conditions............................................................................... 4‐43

4.7.2 Ambient Air Quality............................................................................. 4‐46

4.8 Noise and Vibration.......................................................................................... 4‐49

4.8.1 Noise Descriptors .................................................................................. 4‐49

4.8.2 Vibration Descriptors............................................................................ 4‐49

4.8.3 Existing Setting...................................................................................... 4‐51

4.9 Water Quality/Resources ................................................................................. 4‐53

4.9.1 Surface Water......................................................................................... 4‐53

4.9.2 Drainage Basins ..................................................................................... 4‐54

4.9.3 Water Quality......................................................................................... 4‐58

4.9.4 Special Status Streams .......................................................................... 4‐61

4.9.5 Groundwater.......................................................................................... 4‐68

4.10 Floodplains ......................................................................................................... 4‐72

4.11 Wetlands ............................................................................................................. 4‐76

4.12 Utilities................................................................................................................ 4‐80

4.13 Visual and Aesthetic Quality.......................................................................... 4‐80

4.13.1 Guidance................................................................................................. 4‐80

4.13.2 Application of FHWA Guidance......................................................... 4‐80

4.13.3 Visual Quality of the Study Area........................................................ 4‐81

4.14 Special Waste ..................................................................................................... 4‐85

4.15 Section 4(f)/6(f) and Parklands ....................................................................... 4‐89

4.16 Safety and Security ........................................................................................... 4‐93
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail iv Tier 1 Final EIS 

4.16.1 Rail Operations Safety and Security ................................................... 4‐93

4.16.2 Crossing Safety ...................................................................................... 4‐94

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES................................................................. 5‐1

5.1 Land Use Impacts ................................................................................................ 5‐1

5.1.1 No‐Build Alternative .............................................................................. 5‐1

5.1.2 Alternative A............................................................................................ 5‐1

5.1.3 Alternative B ............................................................................................ 5‐5

5.1.4 Preferred Alternative C .......................................................................... 5‐6

5.1.5 Preferred Alternative D.......................................................................... 5‐7

5.1.6 Summary of Land Use Impacts ............................................................. 5‐8

5.1.7 Mitigation ................................................................................................. 5‐9

5.2 Socioeconomic and Environmental Justice Community Impacts.............. 5‐9

5.2.1 Methods for Evaluating Impacts........................................................... 5‐9

5.2.2 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐10

5.2.3 Alternative A.......................................................................................... 5‐10

5.2.4 Alternative B .......................................................................................... 5‐12

5.2.5 Preferred Alternative C ........................................................................ 5‐13

5.2.6 Preferred Alternative D........................................................................ 5‐14

5.2.7 Summary of Socioeconomic and Community Impacts ................... 5‐15

5.3 Energy.................................................................................................................. 5‐16

5.3.1 Energy Consumption during Construction....................................... 5‐16

5.3.2 Energy Consumption during Operation............................................ 5‐17

5.4 Agriculture.......................................................................................................... 5‐18

5.4.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐18

5.4.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐18

5.5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 5‐20

5.5.1 Historic Architectural Resources ........................................................ 5‐21

5.5.2 Archaeological Resources .................................................................... 5‐32

5.6 Natural Resources ............................................................................................. 5‐32

5.6.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐32

5.6.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐32

5.7 Air Quality.......................................................................................................... 5‐36

5.7.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐36

5.7.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐36

5.7.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................. 5‐44

5.8 Noise and Vibration.......................................................................................... 5‐44

5.8.1 Operation Noise Impact Criteria......................................................... 5‐44

5.8.2 Operation Vibration Impact Criteria .................................................. 5‐47

5.8.3 Noise Impacts during Operation ........................................................ 5‐49

5.8.4 Vibration Impacts during Operation.................................................. 5‐51

5.8.5 Noise Impacts during Construction ................................................... 5‐52

5.8.6 Vibration Impacts during Construction............................................. 5‐53
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail v Tier 1 Final EIS 

5.8.7 Mitigation during Construction.......................................................... 5‐54

5.8.8 Mitigation during Operation............................................................... 5‐56

5.9 Water Quality/Resources ................................................................................. 5‐59

5.9.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐59

5.9.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐59

5.10 Floodplains ......................................................................................................... 5‐64

5.10.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐64

5.10.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐64

5.11 Wetlands ............................................................................................................. 5‐65

5.11.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐65

5.11.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐65

5.12 Utilities................................................................................................................ 5‐67

5.12.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐67

5.12.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐68

5.13 Visual and Aesthetic Quality Impacts........................................................... 5‐68

5.13.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐69

5.13.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐69

5.14 Special Waste ..................................................................................................... 5‐71

5.14.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐71

5.14.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐71

5.15 Section 4(f)/6(f) and Parklands ....................................................................... 5‐73

5.15.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐73

5.15.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐73

5.16 Safety and Security ........................................................................................... 5‐95

5.16.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐95

5.16.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐95

5.17 Permits................................................................................................................. 5‐98

5.18 Construction Impacts........................................................................................ 5‐99

5.18.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 5‐99

5.18.2 Build Alternatives ................................................................................. 5‐99

5.19 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts................................................................. 5‐100

5.19.1 No‐Build Alternative .......................................................................... 5‐100

5.19.2 Build Alternatives ............................................................................... 5‐100

5.20 The Relationship between Local Short‐Term Uses and Man’s

Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long‐Term

Productivity................................................................................................................ 5‐103

5.21 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources..................... 5‐104

5.22 Summary of Impacts and Costs .................................................................... 5‐105

5.23 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5‐106
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail vi Tier 1 Final EIS 

6.0 TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS .............................................................................. 6‐1

6.1 Service Development Plan ................................................................................ 6‐1

6.1.1 Intercity Travel Options ......................................................................... 6‐1

6.1.2 Service Levels and Frequency ............................................................... 6‐7

6.1.3 Capital Costs .......................................................................................... 6‐32

6.1.4 Ridership and Revenue Forecast......................................................... 6‐36

6.2 Travel Benefits ................................................................................................... 6‐44

6.2.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐44

6.2.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐45

6.3 Impacts to Freight Rail Service....................................................................... 6‐46

6.3.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐46

6.3.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐46

6.4 Impacts to Commuter Rail Service................................................................. 6‐47

6.4.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐47

6.4.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐49

6.5 Impacts to Rail Service During Construction.............................................. 6‐50

6.5.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐50

6.5.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐50

6.6 Impacts at Highway‐Rail Grade Crossings .................................................. 6‐50

6.6.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐50

6.6.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐51

6.7 Impacts to Vehicular Traffic During Construction..................................... 6‐51

6.7.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐51

6.7.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐51

6.8 Station Access and Parking ............................................................................. 6‐52

6.8.1 No‐Build Alternative ............................................................................ 6‐52

6.8.2 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and Preferred Alternatives

C and D)............................................................................................................... 6‐52

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN....................................................................................... 7‐1

7.1 Continuation of Current Investment............................................................... 7‐1

7.2 Development of Staged Improvements .......................................................... 7‐2

7.2.1 Process ...................................................................................................... 7‐2

7.2.2 Staged Improvements – Additional Service........................................ 7‐3

7.2.3 Staged Improvements – Additional Infrastructure ............................ 7‐5

7.2.4 Staged Improvements – Environmental Documentation.................. 7‐6
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail vii Tier 1 Final EIS 

8.0 COMMENTS AND COORDINATION................................................................... 8‐1

8.1 Agency Coordination.......................................................................................... 8‐1

8.1.1 Federal Agency Coordination ............................................................... 8‐1

8.1.2 State Agency Coordination.................................................................... 8‐3

8.1.3 Additional Coordination........................................................................ 8‐4

8.1.4 Agency Coordination Meetings ............................................................ 8‐5

8.2 Public Coordination............................................................................................ 8‐7

8.2.1 Public Open Houses................................................................................ 8‐8

8.2.2 Public Hearings Summary ................................................................... 8‐11

9.0 LIST OF PREPARERS.................................................................................................. 9‐1

10.0 DISTRIBUTION OF THE TIER 1 FINAL EIS....................................................... 10‐1

11.0 REFERENCES.............................................................................................................. 11‐1

APPENDICES

Appendix A.  Alternative Exhibits

Appendix B.  Prime Farmland Soils

Appendix C.  Threatened and Endangered Species

Appendix D.  Special Waste

Appendix E.  Potential Grade Separation Crossings and Protection Measures

Appendix F.  Agency Coordination

Early Coordination

Tier 1 Draft EIS

Appendix G.  Federal Register Notice of Intent

Appendix H.  Tier 1 Draft EIS Public Hearings Summary

Federal Register Notice of Availability

Resource Agency and Public Comment Disposition Table
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail viii Tier 1 Final EIS 

List of Exhibits 

Exhibit S.0‐1. Program Location ................................................................................................. 2

Exhibit S.3‐1.  Build Alternative Alignment Sections between Chicago and St. Louis....... 5

Exhibit S.6‐1.  Staged Improvements ....................................................................................... 27

Exhibit S.8‐1.  Existing Railroad Corridors ............................................................................. 30

Exhibit 2.0‐1.  Program Location ............................................................................................. 2‐2

Exhibit 2.1‐1.  Existing Track Configurations ........................................................................ 2‐6

Exhibit 3.1‐1.  Map of Overall Study Corridor for the Alternatives Screening................. 3‐4

Exhibit 3.3‐1.  Initial Range of Chicago to Joliet Alternatives (Alternatives 1, 2, and 3)3‐23

Exhibit 3.3‐2.  Initial Range of Chicago to Joliet Alternatives (Alternatives 4A – 4E) ... 3‐24

Exhibit 3.3‐3.  Initial Range of Chicago to Joliet Alternatives (Alternatives 5A – 5D)... 3‐25

Exhibit 3.3‐4.  Initial Range of Chicago to Joliet Alternatives (Alternatives 6A – 6D)... 3‐26

Exhibit 3.3‐5.  Initial Range of Springfield Alternatives (Alternative 1).......................... 3‐39

Exhibit 3.3‐6.  Initial Range of Springfield Alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3).............. 3‐40

Exhibit 3.3‐7.  Initial Range of Springfield Alternatives (Alternatives 4 and 5).............. 3‐41

Exhibit 3.3‐8.  Initial Range of St. Louis Alternatives (Alternatives 1 and 2).................. 3‐46

Exhibit 3.3‐9.  Initial Range of St. Louis Alternatives (Alternatives 3 and 4).................. 3‐47

Exhibit 3.3‐10.  Build Alternative Alignment Sections between Chicago and St. Louis 3‐54

Exhibit 4.2‐1.  Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Areas ........................................................... 4‐8

Exhibit 4.4‐1.  Prime Farmland Soils (1 of 3)........................................................................ 4‐15

Exhibit 4.4‐2.  Prime Farmland Soils (2 of 3)........................................................................ 4‐16

Exhibit 4.4‐3.  Prime Farmland Soils (3 of 3)........................................................................ 4‐17

Exhibit 4.5‐1.  NRHP and NRHP‐Eligible Resources within 250 Feet of Alignments ... 4‐20

Exhibit 4.6‐1.  Physiographic Units ....................................................................................... 4‐22

Exhibit 4.6‐2.  Ecoregions (1 of 3) .......................................................................................... 4‐25

Exhibit 4.6‐3.  Ecoregions (2 of 3) .......................................................................................... 4‐26

Exhibit 4.6‐4.  Ecoregions (3 of 3) .......................................................................................... 4‐27

Exhibit 4.6‐5.  Ecological Provinces (1 of 3).......................................................................... 4‐29

Exhibit 4.6‐6.  Ecological Provinces (2 of 3).......................................................................... 4‐30

Exhibit 4.6‐7.  Ecological Provinces (3 of 3).......................................................................... 4‐31

Exhibit 4.6‐8.  Nature Preserves and Prairie Remnants ..................................................... 4‐33

Exhibit 4.6‐9.  Nature Preserves and Prairie Remnants ..................................................... 4‐34

Exhibit 4.6‐10.  Nature Preserves and Prairie Remnants ................................................... 4‐35

Exhibit 4.6‐11.  Hines Emerald Dragonfly............................................................................ 4‐40

Exhibit 4.8‐1.  Typical A‐Weighted Sound Levels .............................................................. 4‐50

Exhibit 4.8‐2.  Typical Levels of Ground‐Borne Vibration................................................. 4‐52

Exhibit 4.9‐1.  Drainage Basins (1 of 3) ................................................................................. 4‐55

Exhibit 4.9‐2.  Drainage Basins (2 of 3) ................................................................................. 4‐56

Exhibit 4.9‐3.  Drainage Basins (3 of 3) ................................................................................. 4‐57

Exhibit 4.9‐4.  Outstanding Resource Value Streams ......................................................... 4‐63

Exhibit 4.9‐5.  Biologically Significant Streams ................................................................... 4‐64

Exhibit 4.9‐6.  Aquatic Features (1 of 3)................................................................................ 4‐65

Exhibit 4.9‐7.  Aquatic Features (2 of 3)................................................................................ 4‐66

Exhibit 4.9‐8.  Aquatic Features (3 of 3)................................................................................ 4‐67
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail ix Tier 1 Final EIS 

Exhibit 4.9‐9.  Water Supply Resources (1 of 3)................................................................... 4‐69

Exhibit 4.9‐10.  Water Supply Resources (2 of 3)................................................................. 4‐70

Exhibit 4.9‐11.  Water Supply Resources (3 of 3)................................................................. 4‐71

Exhibit 4.10‐1.  100 Year Floodplain Crossings (1 of 3) ...................................................... 4‐73

Exhibit 4.10‐2.  100 Year Floodplain Crossings (2 of 3) ...................................................... 4‐74

Exhibit 4.10‐3.  100 Year Floodplain Crossings (3 of 3) ...................................................... 4‐75

Exhibit 4.11‐1.  National Wetland Inventory Crossings (1 of 3)........................................ 4‐77

Exhibit 4.11‐2.  National Wetland Inventory Crossings (2 of 3)........................................ 4‐78

Exhibit 4.11‐3.  National Wetland Inventory Crossings (3 of 3)........................................ 4‐79

Exhibit 4.13‐1.  Illinois Scenic Byways .................................................................................. 4‐84

Exhibit 4.14‐1.  Special Waste (1 of 3) ................................................................................... 4‐86

Exhibit 4.14‐2.  Special Waste (2 of 3) ................................................................................... 4‐87

Exhibit 4.14‐3.  Special Waste (3 of 3) ................................................................................... 4‐88

Exhibit 4.15‐1.  Section 4(f) Resources................................................................................... 4‐92

Exhibit 5.5‐1.  Potential Impacts to the Lockport Historic DistrictExhibit ...................... 5‐23

Exhibit 5.5‐2.  Potential Impacts to Joliet Steel Works........................................................ 5‐24

Exhibit 5.5‐3.  Potential Impacts to Hamilton Park............................................................. 5‐25

Exhibit 5.5‐4.  Potential Impacts to Dwight Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot........... 5‐27

Exhibit 5.5‐5.  Potential Impacts to Bridge over Market Street ......................................... 5‐28

Exhibit 5.5‐6. Potential Impacts to Lincoln Courthouse Square Historic District .......... 5‐29

Exhibit 5.5‐7.  Potential Impacts to Susan Lawrence Dana House ................................... 5‐30

Exhibit 5.5‐8.  Potential Impacts to Route 66, Girard to Nilwood .................................... 5‐31

Exhibit 5.6‐1. Endangered Species (1 of 3) ........................................................................... 5‐37

Exhibit 5.6‐2. Endangered Species (2 of 3) ........................................................................... 5‐38

Exhibit 5.6‐3. Endangered Species (3 of 3) ........................................................................... 5‐39

Exhibit 5.8‐1.  Noise Impact Criteria for High Speed Rail Programs ............................... 5‐46

Exhibit 5.8‐2.  Increase in Cumulative Noise Levels Allowed by Criteria ...................... 5‐48

Exhibit 5.15‐1.  Potential Impacts to Hoyne Park................................................................ 5‐76

Exhibit 5.15‐2.  Potential Impacts to Summit Park.............................................................. 5‐77

Exhibit 5.15‐3.  Potential Impacts to Centennial Trail/I&M Canal Trail .......................... 5‐79

Exhibit 5.15‐4.  Potential Impacts to Ping Tom Memorial Park ........................................ 5‐80

Exhibit 5.15‐5.  Potential Impacts to Hamilton Park........................................................... 5‐81

Exhibit 5.15‐6.  Potential Impacts to Lyle Park.................................................................... 5‐82

Exhibit 5.15‐7.  Potential Impacts to Vogt Woods Park...................................................... 5‐83

Exhibit 5.15‐8.  Potential Impacts to Midlothian Meadows............................................... 5‐85

Exhibit 5.15‐9.  Potential Impacts to St. Mihiel Reservation.............................................. 5‐86

Exhibit 5.15‐10.  Potential Impacts to Pilcher Park ............................................................. 5‐87

Exhibit 5.15‐11.  Potential Impacts to Hickory Creek Preserve......................................... 5‐88

Exhibit 5.15‐12.  Potential Impacts to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie..................... 5‐89

Exhibit 5.15‐13.  Potential Impacts to Funks Grove/Stubblefield Nature Preserve........ 5‐91

Exhibit 5.15‐14.  Potential Impacts‐Edward R. Madigan State Park/Railsplitter Park... 5‐92

Exhibit 5.15‐15.  Potential Impacts to the Unnamed Park (Sherman).............................. 5‐93

Exhibit 5.15‐16.  Potential Impacts to the Interurban Trail................................................ 5‐94

Exhibit 5.15‐17.  Potential Impacts to the Denby Prairie Nature Preserve ...................... 5‐96

Exhibit 6.1‐1.  Rail to Rail Crossings – Chicago to Joliet (Build Alternative Section 1) . 6‐11

Exhibit 6.1‐2.  Rail to Rail Crossings – Chicago to Joliet (Build Alternative Section 2) . 6‐12
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail x Tier 1 Final EIS 

Exhibit 6.1‐3.  Rail to Rail Crossings – Chicago to Joliet (Build Alternative Section 2) . 6‐14

Exhibit 6.1‐4. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives A and B ‐ AM)........ 6‐21

Exhibit 6.1‐5. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives A and B ‐ PM)......... 6‐21

Exhibit 6.1‐6. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives C and D ‐ AM)........ 6‐23

Exhibit 6.1‐7. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Alternatives C and D ‐ PM) ........ 6‐23

Exhibit 6.1‐8. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Joliet to Bloomington).................. 6‐24

Exhibit 6.1‐9. Build Alternative Stringline Diagram (Bloomington to East St. Louis)...... 26

Exhibit 6.1‐10. St. Louis Area Intercity Passenger Routes ................................................. 6‐27

Exhibit 6.1‐11 Railroads in the St. Louis Area ..................................................................... 6‐28

Exhibit 7.2‐1.  Staged Improvements ...................................................................................... 7‐7

List of Tables 

Table S.4‐1.  Summary of Impacts and Costs............................................................................ 8

Table S.4‐2.  Comparison of Land Use and Environmental Justice Impacts between Build

Alternatives........................................................................................................... 9

Table S.4‐3.  Annual Energy Consumption (billions of BTUs)............................................... 9

Table S.4‐4.  Prime Farmland Soil Impacts by Alternative ................................................... 10

Table S.4‐5.  Summary of Potentially Impacted Historic Architectural Resources ........... 11

Table S.4‐6.  Acreage of Impact to Natural Resources by Alternative ................................ 12

Table S.4‐7 Noise and Vibration Impacts (Number of Sensitive Receptors)...................... 13

Table S.4‐8.  100‐Year Floodplain Impact by Alternative ..................................................... 14

Table S.4‐9.  Special Waste Sites by Alternative..................................................................... 15

Table S.4‐10.  Visual Resource Impact Summary................................................................... 16

Table S.4‐11.  Potential Number of Section 4(f) Resources Impacted.................................. 17

Table S.5‐1.  Potential Mitigation Measures............................................................................ 23

Table S.8‐1.  Environmental Impact Summary of Alternatives 2A and 2B ........................ 32

Table S.8‐2.  Mitigation .............................................................................................................. 36

Table 2.1‐1:  Chicago to St. Louis HSR Corridor – Existing Track Configuration............ 2‐5

Table 2.3‐1.  U.S. Transportation Accident Rates for Land‐Based Modes (2006) ............. 2‐9

Table 2.3‐2:  Fatality Rates by Mode (2006).......................................................................... 2‐11

Table 3.1‐1. Design Elements of the Program Alternatives ................................................. 3‐3

Table 3.1‐2. Tier 1 Objectives and Screening Criteria ........................................................... 3‐5

Table 3.2‐1. Summary of Approved and/or Completed Rail Design Elements, Features,

and/or Improvements Considered Part of the No‐Build Alternative...... 3‐13

Table 3.2‐2. Travel Times by Transportation Mode between Chicago and St. Louis .... 3‐16

Table 3.2‐3.  Annual Ridership Data for Each Mode of Transportation between Chicago

and St. Louis under the Existing and No‐Build Alternative Conditions 3‐16

Table 3.3‐1. Travel Times by Transportation Mode between Chicago and St. Louis .... 3‐20

Table 3.3‐2.  Annual Ridership Data for Each Mode of Transportation between Chicago

and St. Louis .................................................................................................... 3‐21

Table 3.3‐3. Summary of Chicago to Joliet Tier 1 Screening.............................................. 3‐36

Table 3.3‐4. Summary of Springfield Tier 1 Screening.......................................................... 43

Table 3.3‐5. Summary of Alton to St. Louis Tier 1 Screening............................................ 3‐50
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xi Tier 1 Final EIS 

Table 3.3‐6. Proposed New Right‐of‐Way for each Build Alternative by Section.......... 3‐57

Table 3.3‐7. Summary of Station Improvements................................................................. 3‐58

Table 3.4‐1.  Capital Cost for each Build Alternative Section............................................ 3‐62

Table 3.4‐2.  Capital Cost for each Build Alternative Section............................................ 3‐62

Table 4.2‐1.  Environmental Justice Populations................................................................. 4‐11

Table 4.2‐2.  Community Facilities ........................................................................................ 4‐12

Table 4.3‐1.  Existing Annual Passenger‐Miles of Travel and Energy Consumption.... 4‐13

Table 4.5‐1.  NRHP and NRHP‐Eligible Resources within 250 Feet of Alignments ...... 4‐18

Table 4.5‐2.  Previously‐Identified NRHP‐listed Archaeological Sites ............................ 4‐21

Table 4.6‐1.  INPC Protected Areas within Study Corridor .............................................. 4‐42

Table 4.7‐1.  National Ambient Air Quality Standards ...................................................... 4‐44

Table 4.7‐2.  Attainment Status1............................................................................................. 4‐45

Table 4.7‐3.  Criteria Air Pollutant Monitoring Data.......................................................... 4‐47

Table 4.8‐1 Existing Noise Levels .......................................................................................... 4‐53

Table 4.8‐2 Existing Vibration Levels ................................................................................... 4‐53

Table 4.9‐1.  Drainage Basins*................................................................................................ 4‐54

Table 4.9‐2.  303(d) Listed Impaired Waters in the Study Corridor................................. 4‐59

Table 4.10‐1.  Major 100‐year Floodplain Streams within Study Corridor...................... 4‐72

Table 4.11‐1.  Acreage of NWI Wetland Types within the Study Corridor..................... 4‐76

Table 4.13‐1.  Landscape Regions, Units, and Visual Survey Locations.......................... 4‐82

Table 4.14‐1.  Environmental Databases............................................................................... 4‐85

Table 4.14‐2.  NPL Sites........................................................................................................... 4‐89

Table 4.15‐1.  Potential Section 4(f) Properties within 250 Feet of Alignments .............. 4‐90

Table 4.15‐2.  Potential Section 6(f) Properties within 250 Feet of Alignments .............. 4‐93

Table 4.16‐1.  At‐Grade Rail‐Rail Crossings......................................................................... 4‐95

Table 4.16‐2.  Summary of Highway‐Rail Crossings.......................................................... 4‐97

Table 5.1‐1.  Buildings Potentially Displaced by Alternative A.......................................... 5‐4

Table 5.1‐2.  Buildings Potentially Displaced by Alternative B .......................................... 5‐6

Table 5.1‐3.  Buildings Potentially Displaced by Preferred Alternative C ........................ 5‐7

Table 5.1‐4.  Buildings Potentially Displaced by Preferred Alternative D ........................ 5‐8

Table 5.1‐5.  Comparison of Land Use Impacts between Alternatives .............................. 5‐9

Table 5.2‐1.  Alternative A Geographic Distribution of Low‐income and Minority

Populations ...................................................................................................... 5‐12

Table 5.2‐2.  Alternative B Geographic Distribution of Low‐income and Minority

Populations ...................................................................................................... 5‐13

Table 5.2‐3.  Preferred Alternative C Geographic Distribution of Low‐income and

Minority Populations...................................................................................... 5‐14

Table 5.2‐4.  Preferred Alternative D Geographic Distribution of Low‐income and

Minority Populations...................................................................................... 5‐15

Table 5.2‐5.  Comparison of Socioeconomic and Community Impacts between Build

Alternatives and Sections............................................................................... 5‐16

Table 5.3‐1.  Annual Passenger‐Miles of Travel (millions)................................................ 5‐17

Table 5.3‐2.  Annual Energy Consumption (billions of BTUs).......................................... 5‐18

Table 5.4‐1.  Prime Farmland Soil Impacts by Section ....................................................... 5‐19

Table 5.4‐2.  Prime Farmland Soil Impacts by Alternative ................................................ 5‐20

Table 5.5‐1.  Potentially Impacted Historic Architectural Resources............................... 5‐21
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xii Tier 1 Final EIS 

Table 5.5‐2.  Summary of Potentially Impacted Historic Architectural Resources ........ 5‐22

Table 5.6‐1.  Acreage of Impact to Natural Resources by Section .................................... 5‐33

Table 5.6‐2.  Acreage of Impact to Natural Resources by Alternative ............................. 5‐34

Table 5.6‐3.  State Threatened and Endangered Species Recorded within the Existing and

Proposed ROW................................................................................................ 5‐35

Table 5.7‐1.  Estimated Annual Operational Emissions of Key Criteria Air Pollutants in

Nonattainment Areas1 .................................................................................... 5‐41

Table 5.7‐2.  Predicted CO2 Emissions for Key Alternative Transportation Modes within

the Study Corridor.......................................................................................... 5‐44

Table 5.8‐1.  Land Use Categories and Metrics for High Speed Rail Noise Impact Criteria

........................................................................................................................... 5‐45

Table 5.8‐2.  Ground‐Borne Vibration Impact Criteria for Human Annoyance............. 5‐49

Table 5.8‐3 Noise Impacts1,2 (Number of Sensitive Receptors) ......................................... 5‐50

Table 5.8‐4.  Comparison of Ground Vibration Impact Curves........................................ 5‐51

Table 5.8‐5 Vibration Impacts1,2 (Number of Sensitive Receptors)................................... 5‐52

Table 5.8‐6.  Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment................................. 5‐53

Table 5.8‐7.  Construction Equipment Vibration Impact Distances ................................. 5‐54

Table 5.9‐1.  Summary of Surface Water Crossings by Section......................................... 5‐59

Table 5.9‐2.  Summary of Surface Water Crossings by Alternative.................................. 5‐60

Table 5.9‐3.  Special Status Stream Impacts by Section ...................................................... 5‐61

Table 5.9‐4.  Special Status Stream Impacts by Alternative............................................... 5‐62

Table 5.9‐5.  Well Crossings by Alternative......................................................................... 5‐63

Table 5.10‐1.  100‐Year Floodplain Impacts by Section ...................................................... 5‐64

Table 5.10‐2.  100‐Year Floodplain Impacts by Alternative............................................... 5‐65

Table 5.11‐1.  NWI Wetland Impacts by Section................................................................. 5‐66

Table 5.11‐2.  NWI Wetland Impact by Alternative ........................................................... 5‐66

Table 5.13‐1.  Visual Resource Impact Summary................................................................ 5‐68

Table 5.14‐1.  Special Waste Sites by Section ....................................................................... 5‐72

Table 5.14‐2.  Special Waste Sites by Alternative ................................................................ 5‐72

Table 5.15‐1.  Potential Section 4(f) Resource Uses by Section.......................................... 5‐74

Table 5.15‐2.  Potential Number of Uses of Section 4(f) Resources by............................. 5‐75

Section and Alternative .......................................................................................................... 5‐75

Table 5.16‐1.  Rail‐Rail Crossings to be Modified ............................................................... 5‐98

Table 5.22‐1.  Summary of Impacts and Costs................................................................... 5‐105

Table 5.23‐1.  Potential Mitigation Measures..................................................................... 5‐106

Table 6.1‐1.  Travel Times and Costs by Mode of Transportation...................................... 6‐2

Table 6.1‐2.  Chicago–St. Louis Intercity Passenger Rail Service Representative Travel

Times – Southbound......................................................................................... 6‐8

Table 6.1‐3.  Trains per Day ‐ Chicago to Joliet (Section 1)................................................ 6‐10

Table 6.1‐4.  Trains per Day ‐ Chicago to Joliet (Section 2)................................................ 6‐13

Table 6.1‐5.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP Joliet Subdivision (Joliet to

Bloomington)................................................................................................... 6‐15

Table 6.1‐6.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP‐Springfield Subdivision

(Bloomington to Ridgley)............................................................................... 6‐16

Table 6.1‐7.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP‐Springfield Subdivision

(Ridgley to Godfrey)....................................................................................... 6‐16
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xiii Tier 1 Final EIS 

Table 6.1‐8.  Chicago‐St. Louis Train Operations on the UP‐Springfield Subdivision

(Godfrey to WR Tower).................................................................................. 6‐17

Table 6.1‐9.  Chicago to St. Louis Passenger Vehicles ........................................................ 6‐33

Table 6.1‐10.  Annual Ridership – Existing (2010) .............................................................. 6‐38

Table 6.1‐11.  Annual Ridership – 2030 No‐Build Alternative .......................................... 6‐39

Table 6.1‐12.  Annual Ridership – 2030 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and

Preferred Alternatives C and D) – Existing (100%) Fare ........................... 6‐40

Table 6.1‐13.  Annual Ridership – 2030 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and

Preferred Alternatives C and D) – 150% Fare ............................................. 6‐41

Table 6.1‐14.  Annual Ridership – 2030 Build Alternatives (Alternatives A and B and

Preferred Alternatives C and D) – 200% Fare ............................................. 6‐42

Table 6.1‐15.  Ticket Revenue Forecasts (in 2010 dollars) .................................................. 6‐44

Table 7.1‐1.  Expected Timetable after Completion of Current Program .......................... 7‐2

Table 7.2‐1.  Expected Timetable after 303/304 Upgrade ..................................................... 7‐4

Table 8.2‐1.  Areas of Concern ................................................................................................. 8‐9

Table 8.2‐2.  Alternative Evaluation Criteria ....................................................................... 8‐10
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xiv Tier 1 Final EIS

Volume II Table of Contents 

S.1      Tier 2 Evaluation: Springfield Rail Improvements Project (Volume II)  

Summary ....................................................................................................................................S‐1

            S.1.1 Springfield Background ....................................................................................S‐1  

            S.1.2 Springfield Purpose and Need.........................................................................S‐1

            S.1.3 Springfield Alternatives Considered ..............................................................S‐4

            S.1.4 Summary of Springfield Impacts.....................................................................S‐4

            S.1.5 Environmental Justice ........................................................................................S‐6

            S.1.6 Springfield Preferred Alternative....................................................................S‐8

            S.1.7 Summary of Mitigation......................................................................................S‐9

1.0      INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1‐1

1.1 Tiering Process..................................................................................................... 1‐1

1.2 Tier 1 Alternatives in Springfield.................................................................... 1‐1

1.3 Springfield Rail Improvement Alternatives .................................................. 1‐2

1.4 Anticipated Decisions ........................................................................................ 1‐4

2.0      PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE SPRINGFIELD RAIL IMPROVEMENTS        

PROJECT.................................................................................................................................... 2‐1

2.1 Project Background............................................................................................. 2‐1

2.1.1     Springfield Rail Improvements Project................................................ 2‐1

2.2 Purpose.................................................................................................................. 2‐5

2.2.1     Chicago to St. Louis High‐Speed Rail .................................................. 2‐5

2.2.2     Springfield Rail Improvements Project................................................ 2‐5

2.3 Need....................................................................................................................... 2‐5

2.3.1     Chicago to St. Louis High‐Speed Rail Program Need ....................... 2‐5

2.3.2     Springfield Rail Improvements Project Need ..................................... 2‐8

2.3.3     Goals and Objectives............................................................................. 2‐16

2.4 Major Authorizing Laws and Regulations ................................................... 2‐17

2.5 Scoping................................................................................................................ 2‐17

3.0      ALTERNATIVES........................................................................................................... 3‐1

3.1 Tier 2 Alternatives Screening Process ............................................................. 3‐1

3.1.1 Alternatives Screening and Selection Process ..................................... 3‐1

3.2 No‐Build Alternative .......................................................................................... 3‐4
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xv Tier 1 Final EIS

3.3 Build Alternatives ............................................................................................... 3‐4

3.3.1 Alternative 1............................................................................................. 3‐5

3.3.2 Alternative 2........................................................................................... 3‐13

3.4 Springfield Tier 2 Screening of Alternatives............................................... 3‐13

3.4.1 Safety....................................................................................................... 3‐13

3.4.2 Congestion.............................................................................................. 3‐17

3.4.3 Livability and Commercial Activity................................................... 3‐18

3.4.4 Present Value and Capital Costs ......................................................... 3‐19

3.4.5 Operational Issues................................................................................. 3‐23

3.4.6 Right‐of‐Way Required ........................................................................ 3‐23

3.4.7 Impacts to Social and Economic Resources ....................................... 3‐24

3.4.8 Tier 2 Screening Results........................................................................ 3‐25

3.5 Alternatives Carried Forward for Detailed Study ...................................... 3‐25

3.6 Preferred Alternative ........................................................................................ 3‐26

4.0      AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................... 4‐1

4.1 Existing Land Use................................................................................................ 4‐1

4.2 Socio‐economic and Environmental Justice Population Characteristics .. 4‐3

4.2.1 Population and Population Distribution ............................................. 4‐3

4.2.2 Demographics.......................................................................................... 4‐3

4.2.3 Economics and Employment................................................................. 4‐4

4.2.4 Income and Wages .................................................................................. 4‐7

4.2.5 Environmental Justice and Title VI....................................................... 4‐7

4.2.6 Transportation Network ...................................................................... 4‐17

4.2.7 Communities, Facilities, and Services ................................................ 4‐17

4.3 Energy.................................................................................................................. 4‐25

4.4 Agriculture.......................................................................................................... 4‐25

4.5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 4‐25

4.5.1 Historic Resources in the Area of Potential Effect............................ 4‐29

4.5.2 Archaeological Resources .................................................................... 4‐32

4.6 Natural Resources ............................................................................................. 4‐33

4.6.1 Ecological Resources............................................................................. 4‐33

4.6.2 Threatened and Endangered Species ................................................. 4‐35

4.6.3 Natural Areas......................................................................................... 4‐38

4.7 Air Quality.......................................................................................................... 4‐38

4.7.1 Air Quality Conformity........................................................................ 4‐38

4.7.2 Mobile Source Air Toxics ..................................................................... 4‐39

4.7.3 Ambient Air Quality............................................................................. 4‐39

4.8 Noise/Vibration ................................................................................................. 4‐40

4.8.1 Noise and Vibration Impact Criteria .................................................. 4‐40
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xvi Tier 1 Final EIS

4.8.2 Existing Conditions............................................................................... 4‐45

4.9 Water Quality/Resources ................................................................................. 4‐51

4.9.1 Surface Water Resources ...................................................................... 4‐51

4.9.2 Water Quality......................................................................................... 4‐53

4.9.3 Groundwater.......................................................................................... 4‐53

4.10 Floodplains ......................................................................................................... 4‐53

4.11 Wetlands ............................................................................................................. 4‐54

4.12 Utilities................................................................................................................ 4‐54

4.13 Visual and Aesthetic Quality.......................................................................... 4‐56

4.14 Special Waste ..................................................................................................... 4‐56

4.15 Section 4(f)/6(f) and Parklands ....................................................................... 4‐59

4.15.1 Section 4(f) Resources ........................................................................... 4‐59

4.15.2 Section 6(f) Lands .................................................................................. 4‐62

4.16 Safety and Security ........................................................................................... 4‐62

4.16.1 Rail Operations Safety and Security ................................................... 4‐62

4.16.2 Crossing Safety ...................................................................................... 4‐63

5.0      ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES.................................................................. 5‐1

5.1 Land Use Impacts ................................................................................................ 5‐2

5.1.1 No‐Build Alternative .............................................................................. 5‐2

5.1.2 The Preferred Alternative and Alternative 2B .................................... 5‐2

5.2 Socio‐economics, Environmental Justice, and Community Impacts......... 5‐3

5.2.1 Relocation................................................................................................. 5‐3

5.2.2 Environmental Justice and Title VI....................................................... 5‐8

5.2.3 Public Services/Facilities ...................................................................... 5‐13

5.2.4 Community Impacts ............................................................................. 5‐14

5.2.5 Economic Benefits and Impacts........................................................... 5‐27

5.3 Energy.................................................................................................................. 5‐28

5.4 Agriculture.......................................................................................................... 5‐29

5.5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 5‐29

5.5.1 Archaeological Resources .................................................................... 5‐33

5.6 Natural Resources ............................................................................................. 5‐34

5.6.1 Threatened and Endangered Species ................................................. 5‐34

5.6.2       Natural Areas....................................................................................... 5‐34

5.7 Air Quality.......................................................................................................... 5‐34

5.7.1 Conformity ............................................................................................. 5‐34

5.7.2 Mobile Source Air Toxics ..................................................................... 5‐35

5.7.3 Local Air Quality................................................................................... 5‐35
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xvii Tier 1 Final EIS

5.7.4 Construction Impacts............................................................................ 5‐37

5.8 Noise/Vibration ................................................................................................. 5‐37

5.8.1 Noise and Vibration Projections ......................................................... 5‐37

5.8.2 Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment........................................... 5‐41

5.8.3 Construction Noise Impact Assessment ............................................ 5‐45

5.8.4 Noise and Vibration Mitigation .......................................................... 5‐46

5.9 Water Quality/Resources ................................................................................. 5‐48

5.9.1 Surface Water Impacts.......................................................................... 5‐48

5.9.2 Groundwater.......................................................................................... 5‐49

5.10 Floodplains ......................................................................................................... 5‐49

5.11 Wetlands ............................................................................................................. 5‐50

5.12 Utilities................................................................................................................ 5‐50

5.13 Visual and Aesthetic Quality.......................................................................... 5‐50

5.14 Special Waste ..................................................................................................... 5‐50

5.15 Section 4(f)/6(f) and Parklands ....................................................................... 5‐50

5.16 Safety and Security ........................................................................................... 5‐50

5.17 Permits................................................................................................................. 5‐54

5.18 Construction Impacts........................................................................................ 5‐54

5.19 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts................................................................... 5‐55

5.19.1 Indirect Impacts..................................................................................... 5‐55

5.19.2 Cumulative Impacts.............................................................................. 5‐56

5.20 Other Impacts..................................................................................................... 5‐57

5.20.1 Railroad Operations.............................................................................. 5‐57

5.20.2 Reduce Train Horn Blowing................................................................ 5‐58

5.21 The Relationship Between Local Short‐Term Uses and Man’s

Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long‐Term

Productivity........................................................................................................ 5‐59

5.22 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources....................... 5‐59

5.23 Transportation Impacts .................................................................................... 5‐60

5.23.1 Service Development Plan ................................................................... 5‐60

5.23.2 Capital Cost............................................................................................ 5‐60

5.23.3 Travel Benefits ....................................................................................... 5‐60

5.23.4 Additional Impacts to Rail, Air and Bus Service .............................. 5‐61

5.24 Mitigation Actions ............................................................................................ 5‐61

6.0      COMMENTS AND COORDINATION.................................................................... 6‐1

6.1 Agency Coordination.......................................................................................... 6‐1
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xviii Tier 1 Final EIS

6.1.1 Federal Agency Coordination ............................................................... 6‐1

6.1.2 State Agency Coordination.................................................................... 6‐2

6.1.3 Local Governments ................................................................................. 6‐2

6.2 Technical Committee.......................................................................................... 6‐3

6.3 Public Involvement Activities .......................................................................... 6‐3

6.3.1 Stakeholder Interviews........................................................................... 6‐3

6.3.2 Stakeholder Advisory Groups............................................................... 6‐3

6.3.3 Communications, Outreach, and Engagement................................... 6‐4

6.3.4 Public Open Houses Prior to Draft EIS ................................................ 6‐6

6.3.5 Springfield Public Hearing .................................................................. 6‐11

6.3.6 Comments on the Tier 2 Draft EIS ...................................................... 6‐12

7.0      LIST OF PREPARERS................................................................................................... 7‐1

8.0      DISTRIBUTION OF THE FINAL EIS....................................................................... 8‐1

9.0      REFERENCES................................................................................................................. 9‐1

APPENDICES

Appendix A Correspondence

Appendix B Alternatives 2A and 2B Exhibits

Appendix C Environmental Justice Analysis Technical Report

Appendix D Special Waste

Appendix E Public Involvement

Appendix F Public Hearing Documentation
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xix Tier 1 Final EIS

Exhibits 

Exhibit S.1‐1.  Existing Railroad Corridors ............................................................................ S‐3

Exhibit 2‐1A.  Project Location ................................................................................................ 2‐2

Exhibit 2‐1B.  Project Area Location........................................................................................ 2‐3

Exhibit 2‐2.  Existing Railroad Corridors ............................................................................... 2‐7

Exhibit 2‐3.  Existing Tracks on 3rd Street............................................................................. 2‐11

Exhibit 2‐4.  Location and Magnitude of Crossing Delays ................................................ 2‐13

Exhibit 2‐5.  Springfield’s Medical District .......................................................................... 2‐15

Exhibit 3‐1.  Alternative 1A...................................................................................................... 3‐8

Exhibit 3‐2.  Alternative 1B....................................................................................................... 3‐9

Exhibit 3‐3.  Alternative 1C .................................................................................................... 3‐10

Exhibit 3‐4.  Passenger Station on 3rd Street......................................................................... 3‐12

Exhibit 3‐5.  Alternative 2A.................................................................................................... 3‐14

Exhibit 3‐6.  Alternative 2B..................................................................................................... 3‐15

Exhibit 3‐7.  Passenger Station on 10th Street ....................................................................... 3‐16

Exhibit 4‐1.  Existing Land Use................................................................................................ 4‐2

Exhibit 4‐2.  Economic Activity Centers................................................................................. 4‐6

Exhibit 4‐3.  Racial Minority Percentages by Census Block............................................... 4‐12

Exhibit 4‐4.  Black Population percentages by Census Block............................................ 4‐13

Exhibit 4‐5.  Racial Minority other than Black Percentages by Census Block................. 4‐14

Exhibit 4‐6.  Hispanic or Latino Minority Percentages by Census Block ........................ 4‐15

Exhibit 4‐7.  Low‐Income Percentages by Census Block.................................................... 4‐16

Exhibit 4‐8.  Roadways ........................................................................................................... 4‐18

Exhibit 4‐9.  Bus Routes .......................................................................................................... 4‐22

Exhibit 4‐10.  Neighborhood Associations........................................................................... 4‐23

Exhibit 4‐11.  Community Facilities ...................................................................................... 4‐24

Exhibit 4‐12.  Bike Trails ......................................................................................................... 4‐26

Exhibit 4‐13.  National Register Sites within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) ........... 4‐28

Exhibit 4‐14. Noise and Vibration Locations ....................................................................... 4‐46

Exhibit 4‐15. Watersheds ........................................................................................................ 4‐51

Exhibit 4‐16. Streams and Floodplains ................................................................................. 4‐52

Exhibit 4‐17. NWI Mapped Wetlands................................................................................... 4‐55

Exhibit 4‐18.  Section 4/6(f) Parks and Recreational Facilities ........................................... 4‐61

Exhibit 5‐1A. Adverse Travel Preferred Alternative .......................................................... 5‐15

Exhibit 5‐1B. Adverse Travel Preferred Alternative........................................................... 5‐16

Exhibit 5‐1C. Adverse Travel Preferred Alternative .......................................................... 5‐17

Exhibit 5‐2A. Adverse Travel Alternative 2B ...................................................................... 5‐18

Exhibit 5‐2B. Adverse Travel Alternative 2B....................................................................... 5‐19

Exhibit 5‐2C. Adverse Travel Alternative 2B....................................................................... 5‐20

Exhibit 5‐3.  Underpass – 10th Street...................................................................................... 5‐23

Exhibit 5‐4.  Underpass Separation – 19th Street.................................................................. 5‐24
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xx Tier 1 Final EIS

Tables 

Table S.1‐1. Environmental Impact Summary of Alternatives 2A and 2B ........................ S‐4

Table S.1‐2. Mitigation .............................................................................................................. S‐9

Table 1‐1. Summary of Springfield Tier 1 Screening............................................................ 1‐3

Table 2‐1. Number of Trains Through Springfield............................................................... 2‐8

Table 2‐2. Springfield At‐Grade Crossings and Grade Separations................................... 2‐9

Table 2‐3. Springfield Illinois ICC Accident Data for all Years (1955‐2010)...................... 2‐9

Table 2‐4. Springfield Illinois ICC Trespassing Incidents, 2000‐2010 ................................ 2‐9

Table 2‐5. Community Buildings Along 3rd Street and 10th Street Corridors .................. 2‐15

Table 3‐1. Tier 2 Objectives and Screening Criteria .............................................................. 3‐2

Table 3‐2.  Tier 2 Alternatives .................................................................................................. 3‐7

Table 3‐3. Predicted Crashes .................................................................................................. 3‐17

Table 3‐4. Vehicle Delays........................................................................................................ 3‐17

Table 3‐5. Horn Blowing......................................................................................................... 3‐18

Table 3‐6. Annual and Rehabilitation Cost Assumptions.................................................. 3‐19

Table 3‐7. Present Value of Annual and Rehabilitation Costs (Millions) ........................ 3‐21

Table 3‐8.  Capital Cost for Each Alternative....................................................................... 3‐21

Table 3‐9.  Number of At‐Grade Street Crossings and New Grade Separations............ 3‐23

Table 3‐10. Additional Right‐of‐Way.................................................................................... 3‐24

Table 3‐11. Displacements and Access Changes ................................................................. 3‐24

Table 3‐12. Summary of Springfield Tier 2 Screening........................................................ 3‐28

Table 4‐1.  Land Uses Within the Project Area...................................................................... 4‐1

Table 4‐2.  Populations and Households................................................................................ 4‐3

Table 4‐3.  Population by Racial Composition (2010)........................................................... 4‐4

Table 4‐4. Labor Force Estimates for 2010.............................................................................. 4‐4

Table 4‐5. Employment by Industry Category for Sangamon County for 2009 ............... 4‐5

Table 4‐6. Major Employers in Sangamon County (November 2009)................................ 4‐5

Table 4‐7. Median Household Income.................................................................................... 4‐7

Table 4‐8. Race and Ethnic Characteristics in 2010 by Percent ......................................... 4‐10

Table 4‐9. Median Household Income and Poverty Status in 2010.................................. 4‐10

Table 4‐10.  Racial and Ethnic Minorities, and Low‐Income Populations....................... 4‐11

Table 4‐11.  Streets Crossed by Rail Corridor...................................................................... 4‐19

Table 4‐12.  NHRP and NHRP‐Eligible Resources within the APE ‐ 10th Street          

Corridor (1) ..........................................................................................................  4‐30

Table 4‐13.  Air Quality Monitor Data for Springfield, Illinois (2007‐2009).................... 4‐39

Table 4‐14.  FTA Land Use Categories.................................................................................. 4‐41

Table 4‐15.  FTA Ground‐Borne Vibration and Ground‐Borne Noise Impact Criteria . 4‐44

Table 4‐16.  Ground‐Borne Vibration and Noise Impact Criteria for Special Buildings4‐44

Table 4‐17.  FTA Construction Noise Criteria ..................................................................... 4‐45

Table 4‐18.  Summary of Existing Ambient Noise Measurement Results....................... 4‐47

Table 4‐19.  Existing Vibration Measurements Locations (1) .............................................. 4‐50

Table 4‐20.  CERCLIS Sites within the Project Area ........................................................... 4‐58
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xxi Tier 1 Final EIS

Table 4‐21.  Hazardous Materials Sites within Project Area (10th Street Corridor)........ 4‐58

Table 5‐1. Environmental Impact Summary of the Preferred Alternative and    

Alternative 2B........................................................................................................... 5‐1

Table 5‐2.  Residential and Commercial Displacements ...................................................... 5‐3

Table 5‐3. Environmental Justice Analysis Summary ........................................................ 5‐10

Table 5‐4. Miles of Rail Corridor Through Residential Neighborhoods ......................... 5‐21

Table 5‐5. Grade Separations ................................................................................................. 5‐22

Table 5‐6. Maximum Adverse Travel for Enterprise Street............................................... 5‐25

Table 5‐7. Properties of Architectural Significance within the Area of Potential Effect‐ 

10th Street Corridor (1)............................................................................................. 5‐32

Table 5‐8.  Summary of Noise Impact Results..................................................................... 5‐42

Table 5‐9.  The Preferred Alternative and Alternative 2B Land Use Category 2 Vibration

Impact Summary ................................................................................................... 5‐43

Table 5‐10.  The Preferred Alternative and Alternative 2B Land Use Category 3 Vibration

Impact Summary ................................................................................................... 5‐44

Table 5‐11.  Potential Resources Not Qualifying for Protection Under Section 4(f) ...... 5‐53

Table 5‐12.  Predicted Crashes ............................................................................................... 5‐53

Table 5‐13.  Number of At‐Grade Street Crossing for each Alternative .......................... 5‐58

Table 5‐14.  Horn Blowing  ..................................................................................................... 5‐58

Table 5‐15.  Capital Cost for each Alternative ..................................................................... 5‐60

Table 5‐16.  Mitigation Commitments .................................................................................. 5‐62

Table 6‐1.  Community Presentations..................................................................................... 6‐5

Table 6‐2.  Public Response Summary ‐ Alternative Which Best Addresses

Accommodating Increasing Rail Traffic............................................................... 6‐9

Table 6‐3.  Public Response Summary ‐ Factors Considered in Alternative Selection.. 6‐10
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xxii Tier 1 Final EIS

Charts 

Chart 4‐1.  FTA Project Noise Impact Criteria..................................................................... 4‐42

Chart 4‐2.  Increase in Cumulative Noise Exposure Allowed by FTA Criteria.............. 4‐43
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xxiii Tier 1 Final EIS 

Acronyms 

AAR    Association of American Railroads

ADT    Average Daily Traffic

AREMA American Railway Engineering and Maintenance‐of‐Way Association

ARRA    America Recovery and Reinvestment Act

ASLRRA American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

BCS    Biological Stream Characterization

CERCLIS Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability  

    Information System

CEQ    Council on Environmental Quality

CFR    Code of Federal Regulations

CMAP   Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

CN    Canadian National Railroad

COSIM   Carbon Monoxide Screen for Signalized Intersections

CTA    Chicago Transit Authority

CWS    Community Water Supplies

dBA    Decibels (A‐weighting)

DEIS    Draft Environmental Impact Statement

EA    Environmental Assessment

EDR    Environmental Data Resources

EIS    Environmental Impact Statement

EJ    Environmental Justice

EJ&E    Elgin, Joliet, & Eastern Railway

EO    Executive Order

ESA    Endangered Species Act

FEIS    Final Environmental Impact Statement

FEMA    Federal Emergency Management Agency

FHWA   Federal Highway Administration

FONSI   Finding of No Significant Impact

FRA    Federal Railroad Administration

GHG    Greenhouse Gas

GIS    Geographical Information System

HC    Heritage Corridor

HSR    High‐Speed Rail

ICC    Illinois Commerce Commission

IDOA    Illinois Department of Agriculture

IDOT    Illinois Department of Transportation

IEPA    Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

IHPA    Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

INAI    Illinois Natural Areas Inventory

INHS    Illinois Natural History Survey
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xxiv Tier 1 Final EIS 

INPC    Illinois Nature Preserves Commission

IPCB    Illinois Pollution Control Board

ISTP    Illinois State Transportation Plan

KCS    Kansas City Southern Railroad

LOS    Level of Service

LWCF    Land and Water Conservation Fund

MWRRI Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

MOA    Memorandum of Agreement

MOU    Memorandum of Understanding

MP    Milepost

MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NAJPTC North American Joint Positive Train Control Program

NEPA    National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA   National Historic Preservation Act

NIRC    Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad

NS    Norfolk Southern Railroad

NOx    Nitrogen Oxides

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NPS    National Park Service

NRHP   National Register of Historic Places

NRCS    Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRI    Nationwide Rivers Inventory

NWI    National Wetlands Inventory

OMP    O’Hare Modernization Program

Pb    Lead

PEM    Palustrine Emergent

PM    Particulate Matter

PPV    Peak Particle Velocity

PSS/PFO Palustrine Scrub‐Shrub Forested

PTC    Positive Train Control

PUB    Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom

R    Riverine

RCRA    Resource and Conservation Recovery Act

RID    Rock Island District

RMS    Root Mean Square

ROD    Record of Decision

ROW    Right‐of‐Way

SCAL    St. Charles Air Line

SIU    Section of Independent Utility

SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

TR    Township Range

TRRA    Terminal Railroad Association
Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail xxv Tier 1 Final EIS 

UP    Union Pacific Railroad

USC    United States Code

USDOT United States Department of Transportation

USEPA US Environmental Protection Agency

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

VHT    Vehicles‐Hours Traveled

VMT    Vehicle‐Miles Traveled

VOC    Volatile Organic Compounds