Army corps of Engineers approves BNSF intermodal facility permit

Written by jrood

The Kansas City District Corps of Engineers with cooperation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, has concluded review of the proposed BNSF Railway Company's Intermodal Facility in Johnson County, Kansas. The Corps determined that the project is in the public interest, is the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative and will not significantly impact the human environment.

All
applicable Federal and state regulations and guidelines were followed in
determining that the project plus associated mitigation will not have a
significant impact on any resource of concern, including local and regional air
quality. Therefore, the Corps has issued a Section 404 permit to the BNSF
Railway Company to construct the Intermodal Facility in waters of the United
States.  The Permit Document, final
Environmental Assessment, Decision Document, and all associated documentation
can be found at http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/regulatory/BNSF/BNSFMainPage.htm

In a prepared statement,
the railroad said: "BNSF is pleased this important environmental review
process on the intermodal project has been successfully completed. The detailed
information contained in this Environmental Assessment has been thoroughly
prepared and studied for the past 2 and 1/2 years by the Corps of Engineers
with significant review and guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency
and numerous agencies from the State of Kansas, local communities and the
public. The Environmental Assessment shows the project will not have a significant
adverse effect on the environment. BNSF looks forward to working with the State
of Kansas, Edgerton, and Johnson County to deliver this project’s significant
economic, environmental and energy benefits to the Kansas City region for
decades to come."

Construction of the facility
was postponed earlier this year due to reduced freight volumes. However, the railroad
has said construction could begin in 2010 if an application for $50 million in
stimulus funds is approved and al permits are granted.

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