Environmental Impacts of Possible Freight Reroute Laid Out

An Environmental Assessment Worksheet, or EAW, was released Friday for the proposed freight rail reroute through St. Louis Park—an important step in the controversial plan possibly going forward.

The document outlines a number of potential environmental impacts the project could have, including safety concerns near and potentially adverse effects on property values near the track. The document also paints a picture of how long the work might take—a projected two “construction seasons”—and how many trains from Minneapolis’ Kenilworth Corridor would likely be headed to the MN&S railway in St. Louis Park—one daily train consisting of about 50 carloads per train, plus several other less regular trains.

The document does not, however, signify an approval of the plan, which is being considered because the Kenilworth Corridor is the preferred destination for a proposed southwest light rail route that could bump freight from the area. Starting Monday, a 30-day public comment period will open up for anyone who wants to provide feedback on the EAW. At the end of that period, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will determine if an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, is necessary. An EIS is an in-depth analysis used for major development projects that will significantly change the environment.

It is less clear when a reroute plan will get chosen, or who specifically will make the decision, as there are a number of stakeholders involved, including the city, the state, Hennepin County and the affected rail companies. The other option that appears to be on the table is to simply leave freight trains in the Kenilworth Corridor and build the light rail alongside them, though federal regulators generally don’t like to see passenger and commercial railways so close together for safety reasons.

A number of St. Louis Park residents have protested the reroute idea. The City Council has also stated, by way of resolution last summer, that it would only accept the rerouted trains if all other options were shown to be not viable. City leaders have acknowledged that they likely have little sway in the project, but the council is planning on issuing an updated freight resolution at the end of the month.

To see the full EAW, click on the attached PDF above and to the right.

For more on how to submit a comment on the EAW, visit the MN&S rail study website.