Source: https://www.stb.gov/decisions/readingroom.nsf/9855c1fb354da09b85257f1f000b5f79/b81675037964558c852580f1004f4993?OpenDocument
Timestamp: 2018-11-21 14:58:57
Document Index: 559176819

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1152', '§ 10903', '§ 1105', '§ 800', '§ 800', '§ 800']

45716 - Decision
DECISION DETERMINED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROCESS IS UNNECESSARY AND INVITED THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT.
45716.pdf
Maps (AB 290-389X).pdf
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45716 SERVICE DATE – MARCH 28, 2017
Norfolk Southern Railway Company – Abandonment Exemption – in Roanoke, Va.
In this proceeding, Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) filed a notice of exemption under 49 C.F.R. § 1152.50 seeking exemption from the requirements of 49 U.S.C. § 10903 to abandon approximately .5 miles of rail line in Roanoke, Va. The .5 miles of rail line proposed for abandonment extend from milepost R 4.0 to milepost R 4.5 (the Line). A map depicting the Line in relationship to the area served is appended to this EA. If the notice becomes effective, the railroad will be able to salvage track, ties and other railroad appurtenances and to dispose of the right-of-way.
NSR states that the Line is part of a rail line extending from Roanoke to Winston-Salem that was built in 1891 by the Roanoke and Southern Railway Company and came under NSR’s control through various mergers. According to NSR, it will convey the remaining right-of-way to the City of Roanoke for its continued development of the City’s Comprehensive Vision 2001-2020 plan. NSR also indicates that the right-of-way width ranges from 50 to 100 feet along the main track centerline.
According to NSR, no local traffic has moved over the Line for at least two years, and there is no overhead traffic to be rerouted. Accordingly, the proposed abandonment would not adversely impact the development, use and transportation of energy resources or recyclable commodities; transportation of ozone-depleting materials; or result in the diversion of rail traffic to truck traffic that could result in significant impacts to air quality or the local transportation network.
The City of Roanoke (the City) commented that the proposed abandonment is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Vision 2001-2020 Plan, the Norwich Neighborhood Plan, and the Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan 2007. The City stated that all of these documents encourage and support projects that provide access to and recreational opportunities near the Roanoke River.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service commented that no prime farmland would be affected by the proposed abandonment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Ecological Services Field Office (USFWS) submitted comments stating that one federally listed threatened or endangered species, the Roanoke logperch, might be located in the area of the proposed abandonment. Accordingly, we recommend that a condition be imposed upon any decision granting abandonment authority requiring NSR to consult with USFWS to determine whether any further review is necessary under the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District (the Corps) commented that the proposed abandonment would not require a Section 404 permit. The Corps also suggested that NSR consult with the Wilmington District, Flood Risk Management Program for the Upper Roanoke River. Accordingly, we recommend a condition be imposed upon any decision granting abandonment authority requiring NSR to consult with the Corps’ Wilmington District, Flood Risk Management Program for the Upper Roanoke River.
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) commented that no geodetic survey markers are located within the area of the proposed abandonment. Therefore, no further consultation with NGS is necessary.
Based on all information available to date, OEA does not believe that salvage activities would cause significant environmental impacts. In addition to the parties on the Board’s service list for this proceeding, OEA is providing a copy of this EA to USFWS and the Corps for their review and comment.
NSR served the historic report on the Virginia State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 1105.8(c). SHPO submitted comments stating that no historic resources would be affected by the proposed abandonment. OEA has reviewed the available information and concurs with the SHPO’s comments. Accordingly, pursuant to the Section 106 regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act at 36 C.F.R. § 800.4(d)(1), and following consultation with the SHPO and the public, we have determined that the proposed abandonment would not affect historic properties listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register. The documentation for this finding, as specified at 36 C.F.R. § 800.11(d), consists of the railroad’s Historic Report, all relevant correspondence, and this EA, which have been provided to the SHPO and made available to the public through posting on the Board’s website at www.stb.gov.
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 800.2, OEA conducted a search of the National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Online Native American Consultation Database and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Tribal Directory Assessment Tool,[2] to identify federally-recognized tribes which may have ancestral connections to the project area. The search indicated that the Catawba Indian Nation and the Delaware Nation may have knowledge regarding properties of traditional religious and cultural significance within the right-of-way (the APE) of the proposed abandonment. Accordingly, OEA is sending a copy of this EA to these tribes for their review and comment.
1. Prior to commencement of any salvage activities, Norfolk Southern Railway Company shall consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Ecological Services Field Office, to determine if any further review is necessary under the Endangered Species Act.
2. Prior to commencement of any salvage activities, Norfolk Southern Railway Company shall consult with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, Flood Risk Management Program for the Upper Roanoke River.
The Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance (OPAGAC) responds to questions regarding interim trail use, public use, and other reuse alternatives. You may contact OPAGAC directly at (202) 245-0238, or mail inquiries to Surface Transportation Board, Office of Public Services, Washington, DC 20423.
If you wish to file comments regarding this Environmental Assessment, send an original and two copies to Surface Transportation Board, Case Control Unit, Washington, DC 20423, to the attention of Danielle Gosselin, who prepared this Environmental Assessment. Environmental comments may also be filed electronically on the Board’s web site, www.stb.gov, by clicking on the “E-FILING” link. Please refer to Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 389X) in all correspondence, including e-filings, addressed to the Board. If you have any questions regarding this Environmental Assessment, please contact Danielle Gosselin, the environmental contact for this case, by phone at (202) 245-0300, fax at (202) 245-0454, or e-mail at danielle.gosselin@stb.gov.
Date made available to the public: March 28, 2017.
Comment due date: April 11, 2017.
[1] The railroad’s environmental and historic reports are available for viewing on the Board’s website at www.stb.gov by going to “E-Library,” selecting “Filings,” and then conducting a search for AB 290 (Sub-No. 389X).
[2] U.S. National NAGPRA Program (https://grantsdev.cr.nps.gov/Nagpra/NACD/); U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (https://egis.hud.gov/tdat/Tribal.aspx).