HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11042008 - D.2 z
TO: Board of Supervisors 8
Contra
FROM: Transportation,Water and Infrastructure Committee �- Costa
(Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema, Chair)
u County
DATE: September 29, 2008
SUBJECT: Resumption of freight train service on Union Pacific "Mococo" line
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
ACCEPT report on plans for resumption of freight service on the "Mococo" rail line in East
County and AUTHORIZE the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter to the County's
congressional delegation (see Exhibit A), as recommended by the Transportation, Water and
Infrastructure Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT
NONE from the recommended action. If the freight rail service planned by Union Pacific Railroad
creates safety issues or congestion issues in unincorporated areas, the County may need to
devote future resources to grade separations or other improvements. The need for such
mitigations is not known at this time.
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
The Union Pacific Railroad (UP)recently confirmed that it plans to restart freight train service on
its "Mococo" line, which is the portion of the UP system between Martinez and Tracy in San
Joaquin County. From Martinez heading east,the Mococo line goes through the Concord Naval
Weapons Station, Bay Point, Pittsburg,Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood and Byron,then continues
southeast alongside the Byron Highway into San Joaquin County.
UP has not used this line for freight service in about 20 years, during which time the railroad has
only used the line for storing empty freight cars. A significant amount of residential and retail
development also has occurred in East County along the railroad line during those 20 years
without active freight train operations (see Exhibit B - "East County train back on track").
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR X RECOMMENION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE S ervisor eayle B. Uilkema �,� Xisorhary N. Pie ho
ACTION OF BOARD ON I flo APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED ,?c- OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THEDATESHOWN.
Contact: John Greitzer (925/335-1201) ATTESTED
cc: Department of Conservation and Dev. (DCD) DAVID TWA, CLERK OF
M. Carlson, PWD THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
M. Kent, HSD PD COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY , DEPUTY
G:\Transportation\Committees\TWIG\2008\Board Orders\november 4 mococo freight trains.doc
i
MOCOCO FREIGHT RAIL LINE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
Page 2
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued)
UP officials attended the September 22 meeting of the Transportation,Water and Infrastructure
Committee to discuss their plans. They indicated freight service on the Mococo line is needed to
relieve congestion on their two main lines, neither of which goes through East County.The main
lines are the Martinez Subdivision, which goes from the Port of Oakland to Martinez, then
crosses a railroad bridge over the Carquinez Strait and heads northeast to Sacramento and
beyond; and the Niles Canyon/Altamont Pass Subdivision,which does not come through Contra
Costa County at all.
Exhibit C includes a map provided by Union Pacific that shows the location of their two main
lines and the Mococo line.
Several years ago the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and BART attempted to purchase
a portion of the Mococo line(from Pittsburg to Tracy)for the planned eBART commuter rail line,,
but were unable to reach agreement on a price with UP. Subsequently, UP said it needed the
line for freight purposes and will not sell it.
UP expects to start running freight trains on the Mococo line in the next two to five years. A
spokesman said they don't yei:have a more specific time frame because the plan will depend on
how quickly the freight market recovers from the current economic slump. Most of the freight
trains that use the Mococo link;will be trains that serve the Port of Oakland. Demand for freight
through the Port is down from its peak of several years ago. In the long run, however, most
freight industry analysts foresee a significant increase in freight railroad traffic.
UP does not need any regulatory approval to resume freight service on the Mococo line,according
to the California Public Utilities,Commission, which regulates railroad safety in California.
The Board previously discussed anotherfreight railroad project that impacts the County, namely
the Port of Oakland's Martinez.Subdivision Project which will build two additional railroad tracks
in the UP system between the Port of Oakland and Richmond. This will double UP's freight
capacity on that segment and will enable the Port to handle more freight trains each day. The
Board has written to the Port oi`Oakland expressing concerns about the local impacts that would
occur from any significant increase in the number and length of freight trains coming through
County neighborhoods. These impacts include noise, traffic congestion at crossings, safety,
diesel emissions from the locomotive engines, and community disruption.
Impacts of Mococo freight service on local communities
The impacts to adjacent comrhunities along the Mococo line,from Martinez to Byron, will include
noise, diesel emissions, safety at street crossings and along the tracks, traffic congestion at the
intersections where the railroad crosses streets, and the potential damage from derailments. If
derailments.occur and the freight cars are carrying hazardous'materials, there also is the risk of
..,accidental,release of hazardc)us .materials, although recent federal regulations are aimed at
` re'ducing' uch''risks. '
The problems of noise, safety and congestion will be obvious immediately to communities along
the route,once the Mococo line is reactivated.The potential health impacts from diesel emissions
may not be as immediately obvious but studies at the state and local level have documented the
health risks posed by such emissions. According to the California Air Resources Board, diesel
engines emit a complex mixture of air pollutants including over 40 known cancer-causing
substances.These substances can attach themselves to the particulate matter in diesel exhaust.
This particulate matter is microscopic and can become difficult to expel from the lungs after being
inhaled. Exposure to diesel exhaust also causes inflammation in the lungs,which may aggravate
chronic respiratory symptoms and increase the frequency or intensity.of asthma attacks. Those
most vulnerable are children whose lungs are still developing and the elderly who may have other
serious health problems. Each year in California, diesel particulate matter contributes to 2,000
premature deaths and thousands of hospital admissions, asthma attacks and other respiratory
symptoms, and'lost"workdays. Trucks, trains, and other diesel-powered vehicles are among the
sources of diesel emissions.
For these reasons, the California Air Resources Board has developed land use guidelines that
recommend-a 500-foot buffer between freeways and new development, and a 1,00046ot buffer
between rail yards and new development.
MOCOCO FREIGHT RAIL LINE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
Page 3
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued)
Traffic congestion will result from vehicles queuing on local streets while a freight train passes
through. The duration of the traffic delay will depend on the length of the freight train and the
speed at which it travels. Freight trains serving the Port of Oakland can be a mile long, and the
Port has plans to increase freight train length to a mile and a half and ultimately two miles in the
longer term, to accommodate growing cargo volumes in the years ahead.
The Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee made the following recommendations
and comments on the Mococo issue:
1. The Board should authorize a letter to our Congressional delegation, expressing concern
about UP's plans with specific issues mentioned in the letter.
2. UP should have ongoing consultations with affected neighborhoods along the route to get
public input on its plans.
3. UP should schedule the freight trains to pass by at times of day when impacts will be the least
(for example, avoid the area during peak commute times to minimize traffic disruption, and
avoid late night or early morning runs so the noise from trains and train whistles don't wake up
nearby residents).
4. Although residential growth has slowed in East County like everywhere else, longer-term
forecasts call for more growth in the years ahead. Further population growth will make freight
train operations even more problematic in the future.
5. Since the Mococo line crosses Marsh Creek Road near where it accesses the new State
Route 4 Bypass, the freight trains could impact traffic on the Bypass, which has already
become a key link in East County's commuter route network.
6. The Port of Oakland should consider moving more freight inland using river barges instead of
trucks or trains.
7. UP staff should return in six months(March 2009)to provide the County with an update on the
status of its Mococo plans.
In regard to point#2, UP officials at the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee meeting
said they will continue to meet with local jurisdictions including the County periodically to keep us
informed on the status of their plans.
Regarding point#3; the UP officials said they would consider time-of-day issues.
Regarding point#6, Port of Oakland officials told the Committee they are examining the potential for
shipping by river to offload some of the burden from their rail and highway operations.
On the following page is a table which summarizes the likely impacts that Mococo freight service
will have on communities along the route.
After the table on the next page, the following exhibits are attached.
Exhibit A —draft letter for signature by the Chair
Exhibit B — Contra Costa Times newspaper article on the Union Pacific plan
Exhibit C — rail system maps provided by the Union Pacific Railroad
Exhibit D—map showing railroad/street crossings, prepared by the Department of Conservation
and Development
Exhibit E — map showing schools located within 1,000 feet of railroads in Contra Costa County
including the UP Mococo line, also prepared by the Department of Conservation and
Development.
MOCOCO FREIGHT RAIL LINE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
Page 4
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued)
Summary table: potential impacts of railroad service on local communities
Impact Comments
Noise Horn noise:Federal regulations require train horns to be sounded
four times starting 15 to 20 seconds before the train reaches each
street crossing. Local jurisdictions may create "Quiet.Zones"
where horns may not be sounded except in certain emergencies.
The City of Richmond has established several Quiet Zones.
Train noise: Purdue University data indicate freight trains can
produce 83 decibels of noise at 100 feet. Federal standards
identify 80 decibels as harmful when people are exposed to it for
several hours uninterrupted.
Diesel emissions California Air Resources Board has agreements with both Union
Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe in which the railroads
will accelerate their conversion to cleaner fuels and engines,
eliminate unnecessary engine idling,and ensure that locomotives
with excessive smoke are quickly repaired.
CARB land use guidelines cite 1,000 feet as the area at most risk
from emissions around rail yards, and 500 feet from freeways.
Safety at crossings Regulated by the California Public Utility Commission, which
inspects crossings to ensure safety standards are met.
Grade separations (bridging the street over the railroad or vice
versa) are effective in reducing accidents but are costly and
require a lot of space, which isn't always available in existing
neighborhoods.
Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide non-profit providing education
for children and adults on safety at crossings and along railroad
tracks.
Safety along the route Railroad tracks usually are not fenced off or secured from
trespassers.
Congestion at crossings UP estimates the trains will travel at speeds from 25 to 65 miles
per hour. A mile-long freight train traveling 25 miles per hour
would block a street crossing for about 2.4 minutes. Traveling at
65 miles per hour,the street would be blocked for about 1 minute.
Hazmat leak or spill (it is not New federal regulations require stronger tank cars, and also
known if the Mococo trains require railroads to analyze safer routes every year.
will carry hazardous
materials) Hazardous material leaks or spills are first reported to the railroad
dispatch office, who then notifies the Governor's Office of
Emergency Services, who then notifies the County Office of
Emergency Services, who then will notify the County's HazMat
! Team.
When requested the railroads provide information on the
hazardous materials shipped through Contra Costa County for
the previous year.
ADDENDUM
November 4, 2008, Agenda Item D.2
On this day, the Board of Supervisors considered accepting a report on Union Pacific's plans to
restart freight train operations on its "Mococo" railroad line and authorizing the Chair, Board of
Supervisors, to sign letter addressed to County congressional and senate delegation seeking
assistance to review and consider changes to existing federal railroad legislation to allow more
local jurisdiction input, as requested by the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee
(TWIC).
Supervisor Uilkema, TWIC Chair, introduced the item.
John Greitzer, Department of Conservation and Development, also provided background as
stated in the Board Order.
Supervisor Gioia suggested adding to the letter the County's support of the container fee bill that
passed the legislature but that the Governor vetoed, as those fees could be used to pay for
mitigation of the effects of increased rail activity. He asked that the Board also consider adding
that to the County's legislative platform.
Supervisor Bonilla said she wasn't sure about using the word"mitigation,"but said that if the
Board wants to present its position on the container fee bill this letter might be a good vehicle for
that. She suggested copying the County's state legislators on the letter.
Supervisor Piepho suggested adding to the letter anticipated benefits to the economy.
Supervisor Uilkema said she did not want the County to moot its efforts here and said she would
rather release the County's position on the container fee bill in a separate letter.
Supervisor Gioia commented that the fee is related to the subject of the letter being considered.
The Chair called for public comment and the following person spoke:
Lara Delaney, City of Martinez Councilmember, said that increased rail activity would impact
the City of Martinez and she suggested forwarding the letter to affected cities, who may want to
subsequently send out their own letters.
By a unanimous vote with none absent, the Board of Supervisors took the following action:
ACCEPTED report on Union Pacific's plans to restart freight train.operations on its "Mococo"
railroad line; AUTHORIZED the Chair, Board of Supervisors, to sign a letter addressed to
County congressional and senate delegation seeking assistance to review and consider changes to
existing federal railroad legislation to allow more local jurisdiction input; DIRECTED the letter
be revised to incorporate language opening the idea of future funding for mitigation and add the
County's cities and the Mayor's Conference to the list of cc'-s.
• EXHIBIT A r��A"�'�
JI
The Board of Supervisors Contra � �David Twa
County Administration Building Costa Clerk of the Board
651 Pine Sheet,Room 106 and
Martinez,California 94553 County County Administrator
J (925)335-1900
John Gioia, I"District
Gayle B.Uilkema,2""District
Mary N.Piepho,3`1 District
Susan A.Bonilla,4°i District ;;
Federal D.Glover,50'District
November 4, 2008
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein The Honorable Ellen Ta scher
United States Senate 2459 Rayburn HOB
331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 515
Washington DC 20510
The Honorable Barbara Boxer The Honora e Jerry McNerney
112 Hart Senate Office Building 312 Cann House Office Building
Washington DC 20510 Washi on DC .20515
The Honorable George Miller
2205 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors w'shes to provide you with our thoughts on potential
conununity impacts that could result fromreactivat' n of the Union Pacific Railroad's "Mococo" railroad line
in Contra Costa County. We are eager to work wit your office and our cities in addressing our shared concerns
and formulating next steps.
The Union Pacific Railroad recently confi ed it plans to resume freight train service on this raif line between
Martinez and Tracy that hasn't been use to run trains for at least 20 years. During those 20 years, UP has
concentrated its freight trains on other tr eks, and a significant amount of residential and retail development has
occurred in eastern Contra Costa Cou near the tracks that will now be restarted for freight service. t
Most of the freight trains on this ne will be going to and from the Port of Oakland. The pros pect•of active
freight service along this rail lin poses several significant concerns for the Board of Supervisors, and we know
our concerns are shared by the sties along the route.
We are troubled by thefactat the railroad can start freight train operations on this line without seeking public
input or recommendation from the local jurisdictions along the route relating to hours of operation, safety
measures, or other issue of local concern. It is our understanding that Union Pacific can start freight operations
on this line without an regulatory approval from-any agency, and without any public input or consultation.
This new freight s ice could have significant impacts on the communities of Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch,
Oakley, Brentwo d, and Byron. New rail freight operations on this line will expose neighborhoods in these
communities to ublic health risks from the locomotives' diesel emissions, excessive noise from the trains and
the train whis es (potentially late at night or early in the morning, depending on schedules), and potential safety
problems i ere is a derailment of a train .that is carrying hazardous materials. Beyond these neighborhoods,
many East County cornmuters could be faced with traffic congestion at the railroad's numerous street crossings,
The Board of Supervisors would like your assistance to review federal railroad law and consider changes that
would allow local jurisdictions some opportunity for consultation and input into railroad operations that directly
affect their communities. By allowing for local input, this would bring railroad regulation more into line with
Measure T Growth Mana ement Program
{ Octo�lien'28;200$
Page 2 of 2
that of aviation, which is subject to local regulation on matters su as the hours in which airports can operate
and airport approach routes.
Freight trains serving the Port of Oakland are typically abou a mile long. The Port hopes to extend its trains to a
nule and a half in length and ultimately to two
11
in l gth, and it also plans to run more freight trains each
day as the economy recovers and demand grows in th ears ahead. This will only exacerbate the problems we
have noted. For the past two years we have been i iscussions with the Port, the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission and several cities on the Port's ex ansion plans, which may be funded in part by the State's
Proposition lB Trade CO1Tidor lnpi-ovement F d. _
Given the long history .of local disruptio and safety issues from freight train operations in Contra Costa
County, the Board of Supervisors does t wish to see these problems spread to new parts of the County. Our
efforts to work with the railroads to - solve these issues have had limited success due to a general lack of
responsiveness by the railroads.
Contra Costa County has taken t initiative in recent months in offering comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation on proposed ne regulations for routing of hazardous materials shipments and railroad tank car
strength. We offered our inpu to U.S. DOT ori these issues because of our ongoing concerns about the shipment
of hazardous materials on t ins that pass through dense urban areas that have homes, schools, parks, Head Start
centers and senior centers n close proximity to the railroad lines.
We would appreciate our consideration of changes to railroad regulations to allow for local input into new
railroad operations. e.understand the need to work in partnership with your office and with our neighboring
jurisdictions to ad ess this emerging issue and welcome your leadership. We will continue to share with your
office any infor tion we learn on UP's proposal and community concerns. Please contact County staff(John
Gretizer, 925-3 5-1201, jgrei(cbcd.cccounIy.0s) if you have any.questions on the facts we have learned or any
assistance we an provide your office on this issue.
Sincere
Fed . Glover, Chair
Contra Costa County
Board of Supervisors
FDG\JG
G:\Ti-atisportation\Coiiiinittees\TWIC\2008\Boat-d Orders\noventber 4 mococo freight trains exhibit A.doc
c: Members,Board of Supervisors
Members,TRANSPLAN Committee ,
Mayors of Martinez,Pittsburg,Antioch,Oakley and Brentwood '
'e
D.Twa,County Administrator
City Managers of Martinez,Pittsburg,Antioch,Oakley and Brentwood
I Bueren,Public Works Director ,
C.Kutsuris,Director of Conservation and Development
I Cunningham,TRANSPLAN staff
M.Davis-Port of Oakland
D.Hudson,Chair,Contra Costa Transportation Authority
•W.Lujan,Union Pacific Railroad
R.McCleary,Executive Director,Contra Costa Transportation Authority
R. Sawyer,Director,Health Services Dept.Hazardous Materials Program
Area school districts
EXHIBIT B
East County train back on track
By Paul Burgarino
East County Times
Article Launched:08/18/2008 05:26:38 PM PDT
When the Kirkebys bought their Oakley.home six years ago, they were aware of the rail
line behind their house. They also knew the line hadn't been used by trains in decades.
So it came as a shock when they heard that Union Pacific Railroad intends to again move
freight from the Port of Oakland to the Sacramento area using the Mococo rail line,
which connects Martinez to Tracy.
"I just couldn't believe it," said Heather Kirkeby inside her home on Gold Run Court last
week. "It's very frustrating; there's going to be the equivalent of an earthquake rumbling
my house every hour or so."
The Mococo rail line was last used for carrying freight cargo through the area in 1990.
Since then, housing developments,have sprung up along the tracks in rapid-growing East
County cities.
The unused railway line sat dormant, retained in case it was ever needed again. The line
was used to store empty boxcars.
Union Pacific officials estimate anywhere from five to 40 trains could run daily,
depending on business. The likely scenario is about 10 to 15 trains—up to two miles
long—will use the tracks each day, Union Pacific spokeswoman Zoe Richmond said,
adding the number is still "nebulous."
Plans are "in their infancy," Richmond said. Significant track improvements and
community outreach must be done before trains start running, she said. Starting up the
line will cause significant noise, traffic and safety issues, affecting quality of life for
residentsand derailing some long-term plans, say city officials in Antioch, Oakley,
Brentwood and Tracy.
No clear answers ,
Thus far, Union Pacific has talked with city officials, but most say the railroad's answers '
have been vague. Union Pacific officials have not given specific details on how trains
will use the track or what times of day they would run.
"We don't really know much other than they plan to use the line in the next 18 to 24
months," said Paul Eldredge, Brentwood's assistant director of public works.
Last year, Union Pacific executives decided to expand operations to capitalize on a
resurgence in overseas companies using rail instead of trucks to ship goods from the Port_
of Oakland because it is cheaper given rising fuel prices.
The preferred rail routes fi-om Oakland to Roseville have too many commuter trains
because of the Amtrak Capitol Corridor line to the north and Altamont Commuter
Express trains to the south and west. Federal regulations say only a certain number of
trains can run at one time and the railroad could not swap out corn nuter trains to run
freight, Richmond said.
It unfortunate to the people who live around the(Mococo) line, but it's a business
decision that had to be made," she said.
Union Pacific is taking inventory of the rail line,mostly where it "interacts with the
public at crossings," Richmond said during a tour of the rail line last week. Trestle
bridges, track and old powerIines must also be fixed.
Leaders in Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley are worried about effects on traffic, public
safety and noise from train whistles and rumbling freight cars. East County officials plan
to form a united front for mitigation efforts and in cormnunicating with Union Pacific.
"There is really nothing positive about this at all," said Antioch City Manager Jim,lake].
Effect on communities
.The trains will likely travel 25 to 65 miles per how-, depending on track and
neighborhood conditions, :Richmond said.
The Mococo line crosses several major streets in each city. In Brentwood, the track runs
on the edge of subdivisions that weren't a glint in a developer's eye when trains stopped
running.
"It doesn't bisect the city completely in the middle, but it's pretty close," Eldredge said.
Brentwood residents Lorenzo and Michelle Zesati said their developer told them that it
would be 10 to 15 years before any trains ran on the tracks that lie about 100 feet from
their door.
But the couple, who bought their two-story house in the Rose Garden subdivision almost
two years ago, admit they took the developer's word for it, and didn't consult their
disclosure papers.
News that the rail could open sooner-frustrates them. For Lorenzo Zesati, it brings fears
that the trains could increase crime locally, as it did in the Los Angeles neighborhood
where he grew up.
"Oh, I hate it," Michelle Zesati said.
People.will "be fuming over the issue," Antioch Mayor Donald Freitas said,particularly .
over the incessant train noise fi-om both the Mococo and Burlington Noithern Santa Fe .
lines. Train whistles range from 85 to 100 decibels, roughly as loud as a jackhammer:
"It will exacerbate a nuisance that a lot of people want to see stopped entirely,"he said.
Solutions for noise and traffic include building overpasses or installing quiet zones, .
where horns at intersections warn of oncoming trains. Both would cost millions of dollars
and take years to.implement.
Leaders are frustrated Union Pacific doesn't have to study environmental impacts, given
how the area has changed. It's an existing line so a study isn't necessary, Richmond said.
"Even though they aren't obligated, it doesn't mean they shouldn't do the right thing.
They're going to make a lot of money, they should address community issues," Oakley
City Manager Bryan Montgomery said.
Oakley leaders have concerns about safety in rural areas where children can walk along
the tracks. Adding fences around the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line.downtown
reduced.the number of accidents on the line, but the Mococo line has no fencing,
Montgomery said.
The effects for Pittsburg will be less than other East County cities. The track crosses only
at Loveridge Road. The other major roads have overpasses. Trains will still rumble
through older city neighborhoods in Pittsburg and Bay Point.
Martinez shouldn't see much of an effect because the Mococo line runs near industrial
Iand where there is "little, if any" development, Mayor Rob Schroder said.
Staff writer Hilary Costa contributed to this story. Reach Paul Burgarino at 925-779-7164
or pbur arinoAbayareanews roup.coin.
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110Q � 04
The Board of Supervisors Contra
David Twa
County Administration Building Costa Clerk of the.Board
651 Pine Street,Room 106 and
Martinez,California 94553 County County Administrator
(925)335-1900
John Gioia, 1"District sE^
Gavle B.Uilkema,2id District
Mary N.Piepho,3"District
Susan A.Bonilla,4°i District
Federal D.Glover,5°i District
November 4, 2008
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein The Honorable Ellen Tauscher
United States Senate 2459 Rayburn HOB
331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20515
Washington DC 20510
The Honorable Barbara Boxer The Honorable Jerry McNerney
112 Hart Senate Office Building 312 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20510' Washington DC 20515
The Honorable George Miller
2205 Rayburn House Office Building .
Washington DC 20515
The Contra Costa County.Board of Supervisors wishes to provide you with our thoughts on potential community impacts
that could result from reactivation of the Union Pacific Railroad's"Mococo"railroad line in eastem Contra Costa County.
We are eager to work with your office and our cities in addressing our shared concerns and formulating next steps.
The Union Pacific Railroad recently confirmed it plans to resume freight train service on this rail line between
Martinez and Tracy that hasn't been used to run trains for at least 20 years. During those 20 years, UP has
concentrated its.freight trains on other tracks, and a significant amount of residential and retail development has
occurred in eastern Contra Costa County near the tracks that will now be restarted for freight service.
It is our understanding that most of the freight trains on this line will be going to and from the Port of Oakland. We
regard the Port as a key component in our region's economy and we are.generally supportive of economic expansion
related to the Port. However,the prospect of active freight service along the Mococo rail line poses several significant
concerns for the Board of Supervisors, and we know our concerns are shared by the cities along the route.
We are troubled by the fact that the railroad can start freight train operations on this line without seeking public
input or recommendations from the local jurisdictions along the route relating to hours of operation, safety
measures, or other issues of local concern. A Union Pacific official has met with Contra Costa County and some
of our cities, and promised to keep us informed about the railroad's plans, which we appreciate. It is our
understanding, however, that Union Pacific can start freight operations on this line without any regulatory
approval from any agency, and without any public input or consultation.
This new freight service could have significant impacts on the communities of Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley,
Brentwood, and Byron. New rail freight operations on this line will expose neighborhoods in these communities to
public health risks from the locomotives' diesel emissions, excessive noise from the trains and the train whistles
(potentially late at night or early in the morning, depending on schedules), and potential safety problems if there is a
derailment of a train that is carrying hazardous materials. Many East County commuters could be faced with traffic
congestion at the railroad's numerous street crossings in the cities and unincorporated areas.
The Board of Supervisors would like your assistance to review federal railroad law and consider changes that would allow
local jurisdictions some opportunity for consultation and input into railroad operations that directly affect their communities.
We request this because it is likely that new or expanded freight rail service will require mitigations at the local level to deal
with the impacts, but we lack funding to provide such mitigations. To avoid serious problems that we cannot afford to
Mococo freight rail
November 4, 2008
Page 2 of 2
mitigate,it would help to allow local input so the railroad can plan the new service in the least disruptive way. By allowing
for local input, this would bring railroad regulation more into line with that of aviation, which is subject to local input on
matters such as the hours in which airports can operate and airport approach routes.
Freight trains serving the Port of Oakland are typically about a mile long. The Port hopes to extend its trains to a mile and a
half in length and ultimately to two miles in length, and it also plans to run more freight trains each day as the economy
recovers and demand grows in the years ahead.This will only exacerbate the problems we have noted. For the past two years
we have been in discussions with the Port, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and several cities in regard to the
Port's expansion plans,which may be fiuhded in part by the State's Proposition 1 B Trade Corridor Improvement Fund.
Given the long history of local disruption and safety issues from freight.train operations in Contra Costa County, the
Board of Supervisors does not wish to see these problems spread to new parts of the County. Our efforts to work with the
railroads to resolve these issues have had limited success due to a general lack of responsiveness by the railroads.
Contra Costa County.has taken the initiative in recent months in offering conhments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation on proposed new regulations for routing of hazardous materials shipments and stronger railroad freight cars
that can better withstand collisions and derailments,without leaking or rupturing.We offered our input to U.S.DOT on these
issues because of our ongoing concerns about the shipment of hazardous materials on trains that pass through dense urban
areas that have homes,schools,parks,Head Start centers and senior centers in close proximity to the railroad lines.
We would appreciate your consideration of changes to railroad regulations to allow for local input into new railroad
operations.We understand the need to work in partnership with your office and with our neighboring jurisdictions to address
this emerging issue and welcome your leadership. We will continue to share with your office any information we learn on
UP's proposal and community concerns.Please contact County staff(John Gretizer,925-335-1201,jI_n-ei(tcd.cccounty.us)if
you have any questions on the facts we have learned or any assistance we can provide your office on this issue.
cerel y,
deral D. Glover,.Chair
Contra Costa County'
Board of Supervisors
FDGUG
G:\Transpoiiation\Committees\TWIC\2008\Board Orders\november 4 mococo freight trains letter rev.doc
c: Members,Board of Supervisors
Members,TRANSPLAN Committee
The Hon. Tom Torlakson
The Hon.Mark DeSaulnier
The Hon. Guy Houston
Mayors of.Martinez,Pittsburg,Antioch,Oakley and Brentwood
D. Twa,County Administrator
City Managers of Martinez, Pittsburg,Antioch,Oakley and Brentwood
J.Bueren,Public Works Director
C. Kutsuris,Director of Conservation and Development
J. Cunningham,TRANSPLAN staff
M.Davis,Port of Oakland
D. Hudson,Chair,Contra Costa Transportation Authority
W. Lujan,Union Pacific Railroad
R.McCleary,Executive Director,Contra Costa Transportation Authority
R. Sawyer,Director,Health Services Dept.Hazardous Materials Program
S. Rainey,Chair,Contra Costa Mayors' Conference
Area school districts