FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The proposed McCalla Intermodal Facility

Site Selection

Q. Why does Norfolk Southern (NS) want to place their new intermodal facility (IMF) in McCalla?

A. In order to satisfy the purpose and need for the project, the location of a new IMF must meet several essential criteria. These criteria for the Birmingham Regional IMF (BRIMF) include the following: location on the NS New Orleans mainline to the west of Irondale, proximity to customers, nearby access to a major highway; and available land that is flat and the size and shape that meets design requirements for an IMF. Additional criteria are also very important. These additional criteria include minimizing impact to the following: wetlands or sensitive surface water bodies, cultural, archeological, or historic resources, at-grade rail/highway crossings affecting local traffic flow, and the impact to residential areas, recreational areas, schools, and other public use areas.

The McCalla location meets all of the essential criteria for the BRIMF and most of the additional criteria. Therefore it appears at this time to be the most suitable site. However, additional site evaluations are still underway, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to confirm that no other site will meet these criteria and result in fewer environmental impacts. This will be detailed in the Environmental Assessment (EA).

Q. Where are the other sites that NS considered during their site selection process?

A. These sites include the following alternatives: Vance, Ensley, Irondale and two other locations near McCalla. In response to comments submitted at the public meeting on August 18, 2009, an alternative location in Bibb County, near Woodstock has been evaluated. At present, NS believes each of these alternatives have negative factors under the criteria described in the above Q & A. However, we welcome additional input on all sites before a final decision is made. This will be further detailed and evaluated in the EA.

Noise

Q. Have noise studies been performed?

A. Noise surveys have been conducted to provide baseline sound measurements for the proposed BRIMF site. The results of these studies have not been finalized, but they will be included in the EA document.

Q. Will the noise created by the BRIMF impact students at McAdory Elementary School?

A. Initial results from the noise monitoring and modeling studies indicate the school will not experience sounds greater than current background conditions.

Q. How will the noise from trucks entering/exiting the facility each day be minimized to reduce impacts to adjacent neighborhoods?

A. The noise monitoring studies will include an assessment of the sound emanating from the trucks on the proposed access road. The noise studies to date do not indicate the need for noise barriers under the ALDOT Noise Policy. However, current plans include barriers or earthen berms, which will provide a variety of mitigation benefits including aesthetic improvements, security, and noise suppression, along much of the access road and around part of the Automatic Gate System (AGS) area. These barriers or landscaped berms, combined with existing vegetation and the distance between the road and residents in the area are expected to reduce sounds from the trucks to near ambient levels for those residents.

Air Quality

Q. What are the anticipated levels of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) from the BRIMF?
 

A. Comprehensive studies and analyses of the BRIMF’s predicted impact on air emissions (PM2.5, NOx, CO, VOC, and SO2) levels have demonstrated that the impact on ambient air quality will be very small and within all applicable laws. Specifically, the BRIMF will not change or worsen the local area’s nonattainment status for PM2.5 under federal air laws. Similar to the ambient air quality standards for all regulated pollutants, the federal standards for PM2.5 are established to be protective of the public health, including children and sensitive groups such as asthmatics and the elderly. The PM2.5 standard was most recently updated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2006. The studies to date indicate compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Community

Q. Will siting the BRIMF near the McAdory Elementary School pose additional risks to the health and safety of students and/or faculty?

A. The studies and analyses conducted to date show no increased risks to the students or faculty at McAdory Elementary School caused by the BRIMF. These studies include air quality, noise and traffic. Air quality impacts (including existing background) will not exceed the ambient air quality standards established by the government. These air quality standards are conservative levels calculated to protect children and others in poor or fragile health. In addition, there will be multiple barriers placed between the school and the BRIMF to prevent children at the school from gaining access to the intermodal facility. This will include 8-foot fencing outside the existing tree line, a 15-foot earthen berm, and an additional 9-foot fence along the boundary of the BRIMF. Preliminary results from noise studies have shown that noise levels at the school will not increase due to the BRIMF.

Q. Will NS propose an emergency evacuation plan for McAdory Elementary School in the event of an incident at the BRIMF?

A. Emergency evacuation plans for the school are the responsibility of the local emergency management agency or school district. NS will cooperate with local emergency management agencies in appropriate emergency planning.

Q. Exactly how far will the BRIMF operations occur from the school?

A. The closest operations will be 250 feet from school property and 330 feet from the school building. However, most operations will take place much further away from the school.

Q. Is NS relying on the right of eminent domain to acquire land for the siting of the BRIMF?

A. While NS has the authority to use the power of eminent domain, it does not plan to use it in this instance.

Q. Is NS required to abide by county zoning ordinances?

A. While the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act (ICCTA) preempts the BRIMF from local permitting and land use approvals, NS nevertheless plans to work closely with the appropriate local, county or state entities to secure full input on the project.

Q. Will NS buy my house and pay for my relocation if I live within a minimum distance from the BRIMF?

A. There is no plan to relocate home owners adjacent to the BRIMF.

Q. What actions are being taken by NS to preserve the way of life in the McCalla community?

A. The BRIMF is expected to create or benefit jobs and promote economic development. NS is open to suggestions for other ways the BRIMF can enhance or help preserve the way of life in the McCalla community.

Lighting

Q. Will the lighting utilized at the BRIMF affect nearby residents?

A. The lighting to be used at the BRIMF will have fixtures with shading to direct the lighting downward. There is expected to be minimal or no stray lighting that will affect nearby residential areas.

Environment

Q. If spills occur at the BRIMF, how will they be addressed?

A. If a leak or spill does occur on site, trained terminal staff will quickly respond to contain the spill, manage its recovery and clean it up. NS’s experience at its other intermodal facilities is that spills are very rare and minor when they occur.

Q. Has NS performed environmental studies within the area proposed for placement of the BRIMF?

A. Yes, and some studies are still being conducted. The substantially completed studies include aquatic biology studies in nearby surface waters, wetlands surveys, cultural resource surveys, noise surveys, and additional data collection and modeling for air quality, socioeconomics, geology, soils, environmental justice, and other resources. After the conceptual designs of the facility have been completed, additional site-specific studies may be required.

Q. What is an Environmental Assessment (EA)?

A. An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a document prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). All EAs include discussion of the need for the proposal, alternatives, and include public participation and input. The EA for the BRIMF will contain an evaluation of alternative sites, as well as studies of the potential for the facility to impact local air quality, nearby waterways and wetlands. Noise and traffic impacts will also be closely assessed and addressed in the EA.

Q. Will an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be developed for the BRIMF?
 

A. The final decision on whether an EIS is required will be based on agency and public review of the EA. This decision will take into account not only environmental factors but also economic considerations and other factors.

Q. What is the anticipated schedule for submittal of the EA? Where will the EA be placed so that the public can review and comment?

A. The draft EA is expected to be available to the public in spring 2010. The document will be made available at public locations, which may include libraries, schools, government buildings, and other locations in the vicinity of McCalla. The EA also may be made available through the internet or other electronic media.

Q. What measures will be taken to prevent pollution of surface water and groundwater as a result of storm water runoff?

A. The facility design will carefully consider the location of surface water management areas (detention ponds). One or more of these ponds will be located and designed to ensure that the facility complies with applicable water quality standards.

Q. What environmental permits or standards will the facility be required to abide by?

A. The facility will meet, or exceed, the requirements of all applicable regulations and standards that may affect the natural and human environment. Those applicable environmental requirements include: the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Clean Air Act.

Q. Where is the detention pond going to be placed?

A. The current conceptual plan for the BRIMF places the detention pond in the middle of the facility. This location will provide the best use of available space and optimize the function of the pond. Other locations are still under evaluation and the proposed location and design will be included in the EA.

Traffic

Q. Will trucks entering and/or exiting the facility use Eastern Valley Road as a route to the main highways?

A. Trucks entering and exiting the BRIMF trucks will use the segment of McAshan Drive between the BRIMF access road and Interstates 20/59. The design of the access road and signage will direct all trucks leaving the site to make a left turn. There will be no reason for trucks coming to and from the BRIMF to use Eastern Valley Road. Additionally, the Jefferson County Commission has passed an ordinance banning the use of Eastern Valley Road by through semi-trucks.

Q. Will McAshan Drive accommodate the trucks that will travel to and from the BRIMF?

A. The traffic study conducted for this project included extensive surveys of current traffic conditions on McAshan Drive followed by modeling of the added traffic that will be associated with the operation of the facility. The data from these surveys indicates that McAshan Drive will accommodate the added traffic without reducing service levels. The pavement structure is also being evaluated to assure it can handle the BRIMF truck traffic.

Q. Will the bridge on McAshan Drive handle the truck traffic for the BRIMF?

A. Yes, the evaluations indicate that the bridge is adequate.

Q. Will NS or the Alabama Department of Transportation install traffic lights at the I-59/I-20 intersection of McAshanDrive?

A. The traffic studies that have been conducted for this project do not indicate a current need for a traffic light at that intersection; however other traffic control measures may be planned.

Safety and Security

Q. What will the security be for the BRIMF?

A. NS has a railroad police department, and routinely coordinates with local law enforcement agencies. NS also uses security cameras and other measures as required to ensure security and theft prevention of shipments in intermodal terminals. The facility will also be secured with fencing and gates.

Q. If illegal substances are discovered or suspected within any container, what steps will NS take to prevent these items from harming or reaching local residents and/or children?

A. If illegal materials or substances are found, access to these shipments will be controlled by pre-planned security measures, and local law enforcement agencies will be promptly notified.

Q. Will NS plan an emergency exit from the BRIMF to Eastern Valley Road?

A. The BRIMF will include an emergency access road likely connecting to Eastern Valley Road, but the location of this emergency access road has not been finalized. The emergency access road will have a locked gate, and will not be used in the normal operation of the BRIMF.

Q. Will NS coordinate an Emergency Response Plan with community and county services?

A. NS has made initial contact with local emergency responders to discuss the BRIMF. This coordination will continue as the BRIMF is designed, as well as once it is in operation. Coordination may include training exercises or drills.

Q. What is NS’s safety record?

A. NS has an exemplary safety record. NS’s safety record is consistently the highest among all major US railroads. In addition, for each of the past 20 years NS has won the Harriman Gold Medal for the U.S. railroad with the best employee safety record.

Q. Does NS transport hazardous material in intermodal service?

A. NS does allow certain items considered hazardous by U.S.DOT to be transported in intermodal service. These shipments comprise a small percentage (currently 3.5% or less) of all intermodal shipments. Toxic Inhalation Hazards such as chlorine gas are prohibited from intermodal shipment.

Employment

Q. How many employees will be hired to operate the BRIMF? Where will they be hired from?

A. Until the regulatory process is complete for the BRIMF, hiring at the new facility cannot be planned or predicted. However, if the BRIMF is built, the facility is expected to create many construction jobs and permanent operations jobs, and will help attract or retain many other jobs in Jefferson County and the surrounding six counties. Construction of the facility is anticipated to take approximately 18 months and to generate several hundred job opportunities for local construction workers. More than 200 new jobs directly related to the operation of the BRIMF are expected to be created, consisting of permanent positions with NS and the contactor it selects to operate the facility, along with local trucking firms. These 200 direct operations jobs are expected to lead to the creation of 200 additional jobs in local service and support industries. Most importantly, the BRIMF will be a significant economic development tool for Jefferson County and the surrounding six counties. It is projected that within nine years’ of the opening of the BRIMF, directly and indirectly more than 8,000 permanent jobs will be created, retained, or enhanced by companies it serves. NS will work with our project partners to ensure that residents of Jefferson County have full opportunities to be considered for jobs at the BRIMF. Additional information will be made available once a firm date for construction is determined, including at NS’s website.

Q. Will the presence of the BRIMF stimulate more industrial and/or commercial development in the local area?

A. An economic benefits study done in connection with the development of the BRIMF projects that it will create or benefit 8,600 jobs by 2020. The study also projects a cumulative economic impact to the Birmingham region of $4.1 billion by 2020.

Miscellaneous

Q. What is the “life span” of an IMF?

A. The BRIMF is anticipated to have a life span of many decades.

Q. Are there comparable IMFs that have been in operation for at least 15 years, so that an economic comparison can be made?

A. There are many IMFs throughout the U.S. that have been in place for 15 years or longer. The Virginia Inland Port (VIP) near Front Royal, VA, is a good example of the economic benefits an IMF brings due to the relatively undeveloped area where it was built. Since opening in 1989, the VIP has helped attract investments of over $600 million and over 7,000 jobs.

Q. How many trucks per day are expected to use the BRIMF?

A. The design of the BRIMF will be able to accommodate approximately 400 trucks per day entering the facility. It is expected that initial truck traffic will be below this level.

Q. What is the purpose of the 15-foot berms?

A. In addition to being a visual barrier, the earthen berms will provide noise reductions and security benefits.

Q. When transferring containers, are those containers full or empty?

A. The facility will move both loaded and empty containers and trailers as needed to meet customer needs and traffic demand.

Click here for Fact Sheet about IMFs and the McCalla site.