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One of the best ways to decrease harbor congestion and air pollution is to use trains rather than trucks to move cargo. That is why we support the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) proposal to build a rail terminal a short hop from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
- Long Beach Press-Telegram editorial
May 10, 2007
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Why does BNSF want to construct a new facility at the Port of Los Angeles?
Currently, much of the cargo transported from the port to other destinations by rail must travel by truck to rail yards in downtown Los Angeles 15 to 20 miles away. A new intermodal facility within five miles of the ports will allow trucks loaded with cargo containers from ships to travel just a short distance before transferring the containers to rail cars that would then travel through the Alameda Corridor and on to destinations in the Midwest, Southeast and beyond.
Where will the facility be located?
SCIG would be located between the Terminal Island Freeway, Sepulveda Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway in a heavily industrialized area with direct access to the Alameda Corridor.
What are the benefits of this project?
By transferring cargo to rail closer to the port complex, the new facility will eliminate millions of truck miles annually from the 710 freeway, reducing congestion, improving air quality and accident rates while allowing truck drivers to make shorter and more frequent trips. SCIG will also use the latest, proven state-of-the-art and environmentally-friendly technology available, including electric cranes, alternative-fueled engines, and LNG-fueled hostling tractors and yard equipment.
What impact will this project have on the environment?
The environmental review process will evaluate what impacts, if any, the project will have on the environment. This process is guided by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). CEQA is a legislative statute passed in 1970 to identify the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible, before final approval. It requires that each project undergo a rigorous process to prove that it meets strict local and state guidelines to protect the well-being of the surrounding community. The draft environmental impact report is currently being prepared and is expected to be completed in 2007.
How will the project affect traffic?
A traffic study will be undertaken during the environmental review. However, the proposed intermodal facility will eliminate millions of truck miles annually from the 710 freeway.
How will the project affect air quality?
An air quality analysis will be undertaken during the environmental review, but trains are now two to three times less polluting than trucks handling equivalent loads. For each gallon of fuel used, trains move the same ton of freight two to four times as far as trucks.
Will these be old diesel trucks traveling to SCIG?
No, 100% of the fleet servicing SCIG will be 2007 or newer trucks upon facility opening – exceeding San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) compliance.
Will the trucks serving the facility travel in my neighborhood?
BNSF will require trucks serving SCIG to travel on specified non-residential truck routes and be equipped with global positioning satellite (GPS) devices to monitor and enforce compliance.
How will the project affect noise in the surrounding area?
A noise analysis will be undertaken during the environmental review. At that time, BNSF will work with the community to identify and evaluate any potential noise from the project.
When will the facility be completed?
The facility is still in the process of environmental review, but the facility could be operational in 2010.
What is the process from this point?
In September 2005, the Port of Los Angeles issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the environmental impact report (EIR) for the project. After conducting public scoping meetings, the public review period for the NOP ended in December 2005. The Draft EIR is currently being prepared and will have to be approved before construction can begin.
Why can't BNSF develop an on-dock rail facility?
BNSF has worked closely with the port to find a suitable location for the proposed SCIG facility. The proposed location is within five miles of the ports and provides immediate access to the Alameda Corridor. In the meantime, BNSF has increased its on-dock volume 198% since 2002.
Will this new facility eliminate the need for your existing intermodal facility in Commerce?
No. SCIG will accommodate port growth and allow cargo to be transferred to rail closer to the ports.
Who can I talk to if I have other questions or concerns?
Please contact Lena Kent, our Regional Director of Public Affairs at (909) 386-4140 or via email at Lena.Kent@bnsf.com.
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