(The following appeared on the Suburban Chicago News website on February 8.)
CHICAGO — The Surface Transportation Board has extended the deadline for public comment on the Canadian National’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway.
The board’s Section of Environmental Analysis said it is extending to Feb. 15 the deadline for the public to submit comments on the proposed scope of the environmental impact statement being prepared in connection with an application.
The merger is expected to increase the number of trains running on EJ&E tracks and potentially create traffic backups on roads from Mundelein through Lake Zurich.
The board has prepared and published a Draft Scope of Study for the Environmental Impact Statement, which is available on the board’s Web site ( www.stb.dot.gov ) under “Environmental Matters,” “Key Cases” and “Canadian National Railway-EJ&E Railway,” and is also available in English and Spanish by calling (800) 347-0689.
Comments on the Draft Scope can be submitted in any of three ways:
— Via mail: Surface Transportation Board, Attn. Phillis Johnson-Ball, Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20423. Comments must be postmarked by Feb. 15, 2008.
— Via Internet: www.stb.dot.gov . Click on “E-FILING” link, click on “Environmental Comments,” type in “FD 35087,” select “Phillis Johnson-Ball” in the drop down list under “Attention Of,” complete the form by adding your name, address, phone and e-mail address. Click “Submit.”
— Via telephone: Dial 1-800-347-0689 and leave comments after the tone.
This is the first opportunity to submit comments during the environmental review process. The board then will prepare a draft environmental impact statement and distribute it for public review and comment.