Opinion ID: 72034
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether the Effects Analysis Rendered the Decision Arbitrary and Capricious

Text: MCEAA also contends that the respondents' analysis of the effects and cumulative effects of the proposed rail and Phase One on listed species and karst formations was so inadequate as to render the Decision arbitrary and capricious. [21] MCEAA first complains that the portions of the EIS documents that considered the environmental effects of noise and vibration from the construction and operation of the rail, and the cumulative impact of noise and vibration from the quarry, were conclusory in nature and did not specifically assess what effect these would have on listed species. MCEAA also argues that the EIS documents should have assessed the effect that lighting from the quarry's projected round-the-clock operation would have on listed species. [22] The respondents counter that the analysis was thorough and that the absence of analysis specific to listed species does not render the Decision arbitrary and capricious. We agree. The noise and vibration analysis, far from being conclusory, is detailed and methodical, projecting decibel and vibration levels for each of the proposed actions, assessing which residences and other structures would be affected, and proposing extensive mitigation measures. As for the absence of analysis specific to listed species, all of the survey evidence available to the STB and FWS showed that no listed species were present in the areas where the noise and vibrations were to occur rendering analysis of effects of noise, vibration, and light on those species superfluous, if not impossible. Furthermore, the STB found, and MCEAA does not dispute, that whatever adverse noise and vibration effects the proposed rail posed, the effects from the no-action alternative would be worse. Even if the STB could have done more analysisand the record does not show that more was required MCEAA has not shown that the noise and vibration analysis rendered the Decision arbitrary and capricious. See Sw. Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Forest Serv., 100 F.3d 1443, 1448 (9th Cir.1996) (deferring to agency judgment despite gaps and imperfections in the administrative record). MCEAA also argues that the STB's analysis of the proposed action's effects on listed karst invertebrates was inadequate. According to MCEAA, despite the fact that karst features were identified on the quarry property, these features were not surveyed, and the STB has conclude[d] without any analysis that Vulcan's proposed mitigation will be sufficient. Neither of these criticisms is supported by the record. As MCEAA has acknowledged in other parts of its briefing, Vulcan produced detailed surveys and maps of the karst features on the entire tract as part of its WPAP. The STB found, after conducting a biological analysis of the proposed rail and Phase One areas, that the mitigation measures required by the TCEQ as a condition of approval of the WPAP would adequately address any danger that these activities might pose to groundwater and karst features, or to the listed karst invertebrates that rely on them. In addition, one mandatory condition of the Decision was that SGR consult with a karst feature specialist and implement appropriate mitigation measures if it discovered any additional karst features during rail construction. MCEAA's critique of the STB's analysis of the effects on karst invertebrates lacks support in the record and does not show that the Decision was arbitrary and capricious. Finally, MCEAA argues that the STB and FWS improperly premised their approvals of the proposed action on two mitigation measures that MCEAA contends are unenforceable and insufficient to mitigate the effects of the proposed action. The first such measure is Vulcan's commitment to maintaining a 200-foot-wide vegetated buffer along the perimeter of the site. The second is Vulcan's commitment to clear land only outside the golden-cheeked warblers' breeding season. MCEAA's criticisms of these measures lack merit. The 200-foot-wide vegetated buffer is mandatory and enforceable as part of Vulcan's commitments to the TCEQ under the WPAP. And although Vulcan's commitment only to clear land outside the warblers' breeding season is part of Vulcan's voluntary program of cooperation with the FWS to avoid violating § 9, the possible penalties and threat of citizen suits give Vulcan every incentive to adhere to this commitment. The STB's and FWS's conclusions that these mitigating measures would provide meaningful protection to listed species are the type of technical determinations to which we accord particular deference. See Marsh, 490 U.S. at 376-77, 109 S.Ct. 1851. MCEAA has not shown that the respondents' reliance on these mitigation measures in support of their conclusions as to jeopardy rendered the Decision arbitrary and capricious.