41876                                    SERVICE DATE – OCTOBER 6, 2011

DO

 

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

 

DECISION

 

Docket No. AB 32 (Sub-No. 103X)

 

BOSTON AND MAINE CORPORATION–ABANDONMENT EXEMPTION–MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASS.

 

Decided:  October 5, 2011

 

Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) and Springfield Terminal Railway Company (ST) (collectively, applicants) jointly filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 C.F.R. § 1152 Subpart F–Exempt Abandonments and Discontinuances of Service for B&M to abandon and ST to discontinue service over a 1.72-mile line of railroad known as the Waterloo Branch extending from milepost 4.28 to milepost 6.0 in Middlesex County, Mass.  Notice of the exemption was served and published in the Federal Register on September 6, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 55,161-62).[1]  The exemption is scheduled to become effective on October 6, 2011.

 

            The Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) served an environmental assessment (EA) in this proceeding on September 9, 2011.  In the EA, OEA stated that the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has identified 5 geodetic station markers that could be affected by the proposed abandonment.  Accordingly, OEA recommends that a condition be imposed requiring BNSF to consult with NGS and notify NGS at least 90 days prior to beginning salvage activities that will disturb or destroy any geodetic station marker.

 

            Comments to the EA were due by September 26, 2011, but none were received.  Accordingly, the condition recommended by OEA will be imposed.

 

            Based on OEA’s recommendation, the proposed abandonment, if implemented as conditioned, will not significantly affect either the quality of the human environment or the conservation of energy resources.

 

            It is ordered:

 

            1.  This proceeding is reopened.

 

            2.  Upon reconsideration, the exemption of the abandonment of the rail line described above is subject to the condition that BNSF shall consult with NGS and notify NGS at least 90 days prior to beginning salvage activities that will disturb or destroy any geodetic station marker.

 

            3.  This decision is effective on its date of service.

 

            By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings.