tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55299780780739986542024-03-04T21:33:05.928-08:00Lafayette Connector CommentsThis blog seeks to collect, archive, and make available public comments on the I-49 Lafayette Connector project which might otherwise be overlooked. The goal of this blog is to establish a dialog about the I-49 Connector project.
Note that this is NOT the site for official comment on the Lafayette Connector project.
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site http://ConnectorComments.org email info@ConnectorComments.org Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-16998726280522970562023-01-24T17:30:00.007-08:002023-01-25T08:58:00.260-08:00I-49 Connector Civil Right Violation Complaint Accepted for Investigation<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B9UWLqRmW_Ce9wl8iSaNepYw79zQMrF2RZuwt1ZYfGo9QkmD9qT9qHudmhwj4qsHvF5RaIS_HZH-eUn781mule0o4c4fgieeU8xg4a1lXvQ7xb7sdlSz6-G8CVuHRaNQ8R_WrU3KHRSzo6MSBaP6SLlJEjiOeTXskxbZuBteXvShwRwO0UqUuA/s262/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="262" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B9UWLqRmW_Ce9wl8iSaNepYw79zQMrF2RZuwt1ZYfGo9QkmD9qT9qHudmhwj4qsHvF5RaIS_HZH-eUn781mule0o4c4fgieeU8xg4a1lXvQ7xb7sdlSz6-G8CVuHRaNQ8R_WrU3KHRSzo6MSBaP6SLlJEjiOeTXskxbZuBteXvShwRwO0UqUuA/w224-h112/image001.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/programs/title_vi/" target="_blank">FWHA Civil Rights Title VI</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Connector Comments readers may recall that in November 2021 Lafayette resident Ann Burruss wrote a <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2021/11/secretary-pete-put-immediate-stop-to-i.html" target="_blank">letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg</a> opposing the plan for the Lafayette I-49 Connector. A staff member assigned to respond to her letter told Ann that her letter appeared to be a civil rights complaint. With Ann's consent, her letter was then processed as a complaint. Ann followed up on this complaint providing evidence that the Connector's corridor was indeed selected to follow the historic line of racial segregation in our city. With Ann's permission, her letter submitting this evidence is reprinted below. </p><p>On January 18, 2023, Ann received a letter via email saying "that the FHWA Office of Civil Rights has accepted for investigation your complaint of discrimination." The investigation will focus on "Whether the Lafayette I-49 Connector Project creates potential disparate, adverse impacts to residents based on race, color, or national origin." Readers may wish to send their own letters supporting this complaint or providing additional evidence. Comments or supplemental evidence should reference complaint number DOT# 2022-0093 and should be submitted to:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Erik Lacayo</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Title VI Program Analyst</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Federal Highway Administration</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Office of Civil Rights</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>(202) 913-3926</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>erik.lacayo@dot.gov</div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>If you do send a comment or document, please let us know about it in the comments section at the bottom of this article. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">________________________________________</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Federal Highway Administration March 31, 2022</div><div>Office of Civil Rights (Attention: Erik Lacayo)</div><div>1200 New Jersey Ave., SE</div><div>Washington, DC 20590</div><div><br /></div><div>Reference: HCR-20</div><div>DOT# 2022-0093</div><div><br /></div><div>Subject: Complaint #2022-0093</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Mr. Lacayo,</div><div>Enclosed are documents that I hope you will find useful.</div></div><div><ul><li>Ordinance No. 127, City of Lafayette Louisiana, enacted October 22, 1923, 4 pages</li><li>1928 Sanborn Fire Map close up, 1923 segregation areas in blue</li><li>1928 Sanborn Fire Map reference</li><li>1928 Sanborn Fire Map blow up, segregation areas in blue (can piece together and tape) 8 pages</li><li>I-49 Connector Alignment, overview</li><li>I-49 Connector Alignment folded map, streets in 1923 segregation area identified for cross reference</li><li>1928 Sanborn Fire Map folded map, 1923 segregation area in orange, I-49 Connector alignment in pink</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, I thank you and the department for investigating the I-49 Connector project for Civil Rights violations. To me, who has very little idea of how a Civil Rights violation is determined, the documents are a clear illustration that the 1-49 project as proposed is inherently unjust and in violation.</div><div><br /></div><div>If there is any additional information I can provide, I will do my best. At this point this is what I have regarding the racially unjust impacts of the project. The path of this project follows a clearly defined racial segregation line from the past. Establishing that line in 1923 was all that was needed to etch in stone an economic and racial divide that exists in this city on these streets to this day. The ordinance was subsequently repealed because, I've been told, that white people lived within the zones designated as "negro communities" and did not want to move. Of course subsequent jurisprudence and federal law disallowed such ordinances, however, the damage was done. If this project is built through the center of our city this racist past will carry its racist impacts into our future.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Sincerely,</div><div><br /></div><div>Ann Burruss</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-48063116144195754092022-02-15T10:36:00.000-08:002022-02-15T10:36:57.224-08:00Data confirms (again) high concentrations of toxic railyard contaminants<p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Newly released measurements of contaminants in soil and groundwater samples taken from Lafayette’s abandoned downtown railyard again confirm railyard contamination and further add to our concerns (Bray, 2021; Goodell, 2022). These measurements show that: </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-023dd0a8-7fff-e1f2-2adb-7ee8292ebd8f"><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are high concentrations of toxic contaminants in the soil and water beneath the downtown Lafayette abandoned railyard. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contamination has spread down into the Chicot aquifer.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">High contaminant concentrations were measured up to the railyard property boundary.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is reasonable to assume that during the past century contamination has flowed past the railyard boundary and is impacting neighbors’ health and reducing the uses and value of their property.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These new measurements clearly show that renewed action by state LDEQ and US EPA is not only justified, but essential to limit further damage to the Chicot drinking water aquifer, to limit damage to property bordering the railyard, and to protect citizens on property near the railyard from exposure to toxic contaminants. Sampling has never been performed under neighboring homes, businesses, and public places just beyond the railyard property boundary.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The newly available measurements of railyard toxic contaminants were made available in a </span><a href="https://www.katc.com/news/lafayette-parish/plaintiffs-provide-update-on-lawsuit-claiming-chicot-aquifer-contamination" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">live update</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, press release, and court filing on January 4, 2022, by attorney Bill Goodell (2022), and in a related report by consulting geologist Brent Bray (2021). Goodell is prosecuting a public environmental lawsuit to force the Union Pacific Railroad Company to conduct a comprehensive vertical and horizontal assessment and to remediate soil and groundwater so that the site meets all regulatory cleanup standards in lieu of state and federal agencies who have failed to exercise their authority to do so despite actual notice of the site contaminant levels and conditions. This new groundwater sampling was initiated by the Louisiana DOTD as they performed a decades-late site assessment on land proposed for the Lafayette I-49 Connector. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conclusions listed above are clear from the data despite the very limited sampling that was performed. The sampling was limited to a very small number of test borings, the sampling sites were spread over only a portion of the abandoned railyard, and no samples were drawn outside of the historic railroad property boundary. Additionally, only a limited number of contaminants were tested for. Despite these limitations, Bray’s report was able to estimate the horizontal spread of total petroleum hydrocarbons, TPH, over a portion of the former railyard property (Figure 1).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contamination of the railyard property occurred over more than six decades. Our old railyard in downtown Lafayette serviced trains on the heavily trafficked line from Houston to New Orleans from the 1890’s until it was abandoned in the 1960’s. In 1880, before the rail line came to Lafayette, Lafayette’s population was 817; by 1900 an influx of rail workers and their families along with families of workers in associated businesses swelled the population to 3000. For decades the railyard was our major employer. This facility provided many rail services beyond switching railcars. Lafayette was the divisional rail office. The railyard included a roundhouse, engine repair shop, boiler cleaning shed, machine shop, railcar repair shop, brake shop, lumber building with outdoor lumber piles, auto and truck repair shops, grease house, laundry, hotel, passenger and freight terminals, dynamite shed, blacksmith shop, and a power house. There was also at least one gasoline storage tank in the yard, and coal storage. Stock pens held animals for shipment. An oil/water separator and crude oil storage tank were provided for oil awaiting shipment. Fuel tanks stored heavy bottom oil for the original steam trains, and later there were tanks for the diesel fuel as engines transitioned to this newer technology. Both steam and diesel engines were fueled through overhead fuel lines that ran along the tracks. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is not surprising that our railyard, like many others around the world, was contaminated with spilled and leaked fuels, spilled and dumped machine cleaning solvents, and wood preservative. As at other old rail sites like ours, we have soil contamination from asbestos (from steam train boilers), and heavy metals including arsenic (herbicide/pesticide), mercury (steam manometers), and lead (batteries). In many other former railyards </span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/05_railfields.pdf" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">these hazards have been or are now being cleaned-up</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or extensively mitigated - but not ours. This is not acceptable. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To sum up, newly available information confirms what was already known, that Lafayette’s abandoned railyard downtown is heavily contaminated. Measurements found contamination at levels far exceeding relevant LDEQ criteria. This contamination has flowed into our underlying drinking water aquifer, and has probably spread under neighboring residential, commercial, and public properties.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, </span><a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/03/citizens-seek-action-to-protect-our.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we ask again</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that our local, state, and federal leaders act to safeguard the health and property of our citizens. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information: </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Follow </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSACjitT_n1XwOGzvt7VyXsXDJAJpVpR/view?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this link</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to attorney Bill Goodell’s January 4, 2022, press release. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Geologist Brent Bray’s report dated March 18, 2021, which was cited in that press release is included in the amending petition filed January 4, 2022. Mr. Bray’s report may be requested by emailing Erika Boehmer, Burns Charest LLP, eboehmer@burnscharest.com. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p></li></ul><br /></span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcZ_vCyeXDEI5CLjMG2fI3udSZQaL7RLPBCXfAXn8mWOXKHjOEbXoPgLtyBGi2oF0tiJjgSace2WC0neUIM5JTRO9xefBf6BB1eJJnj6qLaGRrJPBNE-K9Dvm_cqpkCmkGWhFRq6IetLv398ESDZ-Zia3BATe0PGTLQpJ76JcsG5f7o7VLWsgSwA=s416" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="361" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcZ_vCyeXDEI5CLjMG2fI3udSZQaL7RLPBCXfAXn8mWOXKHjOEbXoPgLtyBGi2oF0tiJjgSace2WC0neUIM5JTRO9xefBf6BB1eJJnj6qLaGRrJPBNE-K9Dvm_cqpkCmkGWhFRq6IetLv398ESDZ-Zia3BATe0PGTLQpJ76JcsG5f7o7VLWsgSwA=w348-h400" width="348" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d75f8a72-7fff-175b-8b58-923c666a4955"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Figure 1</b>: Inside the white border, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) spread is estimated from the new measurements. This is overlaid on an aerial view of the surrounding community.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Lafayette, LA, USA30.2240897 -92.01984271.9138558638211549 -127.1760927 58.534323536178846 -56.8635927tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-47670593256882345792021-11-30T10:55:00.001-08:002021-11-30T10:55:48.565-08:00Secretary Pete: Put an immediate stop to the I-49 Lafayette Connector<p><span style="font-family: times;">Lafayette resident Ann Burruss sent the following letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg with copies to our Louisiana Governor, Lafayette Mayor, and Louisiana Transportation Secretary. The photos in this letter were taken by Ann earlier this month at the <a href="https://lafayetteconnector.com/event/open-house-public-meeting-nov-2021/" target="_blank">DOTD I-49 Open House</a> poster presentation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">If you feel strongly about the Lafayette I-49 Connector, you too can voice your opinion to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation by sending a letter to: The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590. You may also email the secretary at </span> <a href="Mailto:DOTExecSec@dot.gov" target="_blank">DOTExecSec@dot.gov</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________</p><div style="text-align: left;">Louisiana State Project No: H.004273.5<br />Federal Aid Project No.: H004273<br />Secretary Buttigieg,<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>November 17, 2021</div><p style="text-align: left;">Congratulations to you and to the Biden administration for passing the infrastructure bill. In my volunteer work for Second Harvest Food Bank in Louisiana, I drive on substandard roads in rural parishes and I know what this bill can mean for struggling workers who commute on bad roads and bridges. Thank you for putting the needs of working people first.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I am writing today to ask that you put an immediate stop to the federal highway project called the I-49 Lafayette Connector in Louisiana. While promoting the infrastructure bill the administration talks about racial justice and equity as driving factors in projects. Extending I-49 through the center of the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, is the exact opposite of that goal. The planned route replaces a surface road with an elevated interstate. It’s like the 1960s and 70s all over again! As if we have learned nothing about the damage -- the permanent dismemberment -- that an interstate highway does to a city. The I-49 Connector is racially unjust. It cements a redline through our city. It divides historically black communities from the prosperous downtown. We know better than we did in the 60s and 70s. We must do better.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Louisiana Department of Transportation and their consultants held a series of sparsely attended open houses here recently. They never ask the public ‘Do you want this interstate? Do you need this interstate? If you need an interstate, where do you want it routed?’ It's always, ‘Do you like this lighting feature or that lighting feature? Do you want your children to be able to bike under this fabulous interstate, or do you want them to play basketball?’ I say “Neither.”</p><p style="text-align: left;">I and many informed citizens want this interstate to Not Be Built Here. Instead, we want to see the LRX (Lafayette Regional Xpressway) built. The LRX will provide the first half of a loop highway around our city. If this western loop portion proves useful and well-traveled, then an eastern portion could be built as an interstate through St. Martin Parish where they are willing and even eager to have a highway there. The LDOT will say that an eastern highway ‘on the Teche Ridge’ can’t be built because of wetland impact - and they are correct that wetlands mustn't be harmed because of their flood storage capacity and natural value. However, the Teche Ridge isn’t the only possible eastern route. Wetlands can be avoided. Please investigate and authorize these routes in lieu of the I-49 connector.</p><p style="text-align: left;">US Census data shows that from 2010 to 2020, the population of the parishes that the I-49 Connector is supposed to serve has dropped by 15%. The cost-benefit study for the I-49 Connector is very suspicious. How could it possibly have shown a positive cost for a highway to a rapidly depopulating area, an area that is losing its economic engine which is oil and gas production from which we must rapidly decarbonize? Accelerating coastal land loss will cause roads and highways south of Lafayette to face the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the elevated route of this highway goes through a contaminated railyard and over our drinking water aquifer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There is no reason to continue work on running I-49 through our city. Please quickly authorize more affordable and supportable projects to the east or west of the beautiful city of Lafayette, Louisiana, my home. Thank you.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><div style="text-align: left;">Ann Burruss<br />110 Seville Blvd<br />Lafayette, LA 70503<br /><br />cc:<br />Governor Edwards, by email<br />Secretary Wilson, by email<br />Mayor Guillory, by email</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQQj1YKnXFsIVsrF1EUPyqgmpgimNbdtfkWATdz3TcefdkjIPLmFM5KD1wl35hLwic4CoRswTMzm5FikzmxyrS3qV9pJtcEFeYbGO_aQCBypUFPRw8Lomo_yFxQQgCRavgaIFxVj6uQ/s1999/Fig-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1999" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQQj1YKnXFsIVsrF1EUPyqgmpgimNbdtfkWATdz3TcefdkjIPLmFM5KD1wl35hLwic4CoRswTMzm5FikzmxyrS3qV9pJtcEFeYbGO_aQCBypUFPRw8Lomo_yFxQQgCRavgaIFxVj6uQ/w400-h300/Fig-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to asking what kind of lights we like, the LDOT renderings add in new buildings along the route, as if prime real estate and good jobs appear right alongside interstates. They don’t. At best you get gas stations and storage unit facilities. Please consider promulgating rules to prevent fanciful projections in renderings. All transportation departments should show only exactly what they propose to build.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI-ZthL9qT6j3aPm3ESOjHCu3u9lvbpRg0bt8DGOxhxvffi1yhyZuWArjhvMAt-r5r-TFSpNBHXwL2RQMNjWuYUCiaBwx_rGH2fsDE0_oHf1ScfkMOFNaGMpsueryo82MthIj05YbkA/s1999/Fig-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1999" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI-ZthL9qT6j3aPm3ESOjHCu3u9lvbpRg0bt8DGOxhxvffi1yhyZuWArjhvMAt-r5r-TFSpNBHXwL2RQMNjWuYUCiaBwx_rGH2fsDE0_oHf1ScfkMOFNaGMpsueryo82MthIj05YbkA/w300-h400/Fig-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you want your children to walk, play or bike under an interstate highway? I have never seen these activities happen under interstates anywhere in our country because parents know better. Under an interstate is air pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution and danger from falling objects. Diseases like asthma, chronic stress and depression from sleep disturbance will develop in nearby populations. Please don't visit these traumas on more of our people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxkawZyBFCVb7mMQDpDzmdkYNGpCUl39qN3tc8OZg38EvR1hKwvMI57_dfOTfz6WioX9-OXK2Sr5oH_JhjbTCmgPONPPdo93Ird-Oxw71MjVccIPZmtxEjXaOGjfr4V7q-x6i7rXcyQ/s1999/Fig-3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1999" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxkawZyBFCVb7mMQDpDzmdkYNGpCUl39qN3tc8OZg38EvR1hKwvMI57_dfOTfz6WioX9-OXK2Sr5oH_JhjbTCmgPONPPdo93Ird-Oxw71MjVccIPZmtxEjXaOGjfr4V7q-x6i7rXcyQ/w300-h400/Fig-3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Photographs from posters presented by LDOT and consultants at the November 2021 open house series in Lafayette, Louisiana.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-30869721566929560172021-11-15T21:11:00.001-08:002021-11-15T21:11:38.860-08:00Comment: The Lafayette Connector project has failed to meet federal requirements for public involvement and environmental justice<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="message" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td><span><b><br /><br />From: </b>Mike Waldon </span></td><td align="right"><span>Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 3:56 PM</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding-bottom: 4px;"><span class="recipient"><div><b>To:</b> comment@lafayetteconnector.com</div><div><b>Cc:</b> Josh Guillory, Charles Bolinger, Shawn Wilson, Monique Boulet, Tim Nickel, Col. Greg Ellison, Andy Naquin, Glenn Lazard, Liz Hebert, Nanette Cook, Patrick Lewis, Abraham Rubin Jr., Bryan Tabor, John J. Guilbeau, Joshua Carlson, Kevin Naquin<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqVZhhHYwykzXCuMJQ7dbRMLZuXmQOdfiZ4ZBJu_WNW9HAkmVxRi1AxGJIy-kD-s3a4a8TSSTrHhLtycgT_bjIyQF4ZoZHg5hT-W_pob3RnoalgD82po-nXXmtpJum8AS_LcMxfCAJg/s436/openhouse-2021-11-04-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="DOTD I-49 Open House" border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="436" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqVZhhHYwykzXCuMJQ7dbRMLZuXmQOdfiZ4ZBJu_WNW9HAkmVxRi1AxGJIy-kD-s3a4a8TSSTrHhLtycgT_bjIyQF4ZoZHg5hT-W_pob3RnoalgD82po-nXXmtpJum8AS_LcMxfCAJg/w200-h106/openhouse-2021-11-04-crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="gmail_default"><b>Subject:</b> Comment for November 4, 2021 event transcript - Failure to address contamination and environmental justice</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">This is my public comment following the event that was called a "public meeting" held on November 4, 2021. I ask that my comment be included in its entirety in the public meeting transcript and the record of Lafayette I-49 Connector project comments.</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">It is misleading for the meeting transcript to call this a public meeting. As with your previous meetings, the public was given no opportunity to openly provide comments or feedback. Simply providing an email address and comment cards is not adequate. This event would more accurately be called a poster session. </div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">This and other meetings held by the Lafayette Connector project fails to meet state open meeting law requirements (see <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kTDsjmw1Ss8Kxm8o4tD1KqOpngxw357v8qL6aqCZ4i4/edit?usp%3Dsharing&source=gmail&ust=1637107706089000&usg=AOvVaw0gVoGNdkEp-ZT3cc890cUJ" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kTDsjmw1Ss8Kxm8o4tD1KqOpngxw357v8qL6aqCZ4i4/edit?usp=sharing" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">my comment submitted October 19, 2017</a>), and federal requirements for public involvement (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/public_involvement/orders/%23a9&source=gmail&ust=1637107706089000&usg=AOvVaw3TQ6vLgeN3WnC9D0epVP9g" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/public_involvement/orders/#a9" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/<wbr></wbr>planning/public_involvement/<wbr></wbr>orders/#a9</a>).In the future, I urge the Lafayette Connector management team to follow not only the statutory and regulatory requirements for public involvement, but to also sincerely follow the spirit of open involvement on which these requirements were based.</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">This proposed state/federal urban interstate project completely ignores the issues of social justice, environmental justice, risk of severe health impacts on the predominantly disadvantaged community, and damage to property caused by spreading of toxic contaminants. This is in clear violation of federal requirements for public involvement. This project is in violation of <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/pdf/12898.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1637107706089000&usg=AOvVaw3BoiBY5bLYsr-rj06XrHVM" href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/pdf/12898.pdf" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Executive Order 12898</a>, and the federal FHWA's <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/public_involvement/orders/%23a12&source=gmail&ust=1637107706089000&usg=AOvVaw2amxHz2uYtuaj-ZtZeR0pB" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/public_involvement/orders/#a12" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">published public involvement requirement</a> to "assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects relating to any proposed project on any Federal-aid system have been fully considered."</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">Specifically, a large part of the proposed corridor of this project is heavily contaminated or likely to have contamination of soil and groundwater. This fact has been established in past court proceedings. However, the full spatial extent of contamination has never been publicly disclosed, and is likely unknown. Data and reports in possession of the Louisiana DOTD have been declared confidential by DOTD leaving the public ignorant of potential health risks that DOTD already knows about, or should know about after more than 30 years of floundering through design after design of this anachronistic project while avoiding knowledge of the risk and cost. </div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">Long ago when I was studying to be an environmental engineer, I recall learning that the first thing to do when considering working with a contaminated site is to determine the spatial extent of the contamination. After decades, the Connector project planners either have not made the determination of spatial toxic extent in the project corridor, or are not disclosing it to the at-risk public. In either case, this failure clearly violates federal policy including environmental justice requirements</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">We, the public, do have enough information about toxic contamination in the project corridor to know that it is an extremely serious risk. Indeed, neighbors of the railyard have sued seeking cleanup. We know that operating construction machinery over land contaminated with asbestos, arsenic, and lead risks spreading toxic dust through neighboring homes and businesses. If you want to give us poster sessions on your plans, show us how you will work in this toxic environment without further exposing us to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals through air, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water.</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">Likely, for over a century, contaminants have been eroded and followed drainage along Evangeline Throughway contaminating much of the surface soil in the corridor. Other contaminants have surely moved through the surficial aquifer under surrounding homes and businesses. It is known that the contaminants from the railyard migrated through groundwater off-site because Lafayette city/parish workers found and reported visible contamination off site near the railyard. </div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">We do not know the extent of migration of the contaminants from the contaminated railyard and other contaminated sites along the proposed route. However, we do know that in Houston a similar railyard has had significant off-property migration. Further, the State of Texas has confirmed that this contamination is coincident with cancer clusters in neighboring communities. </div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">The impact of the Lafayette Connector project on air and water toxic migration is vitally important to our community. The impact of toxic migration on design and construction of the Connector is vitally important to taxpayers who are paying for this project. A cleanup plan must be proposed for this project and must be disclosed to the at-risk public for public review and comment. This is not only a regulatory requirement, it is a moral and ethical requirement for those promoting this project. <br /></div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">Finally, I address the engineers working on this project. How can you propose a project while remaining willfully ignorant of environmental consequences of your proposed actions on the surrounding community and construction workers? Every engineer is ethically required to give protection of human life and property the highest priority. Doesn't the sequencing and planning of the I-49 Lafayette Connector project to-date breach your professional engineering ethical boundaries?</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">I am submitting these comments via email to <a href="mailto:comment@lafayetteconnector.com" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">comment@lafayetteconnector.<wbr></wbr>com</a>. I am also copying some interested members of the community, members of the I-49 Connector <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://lafayetteconnector.com/download/executive-committee-roster-11-1-2021/&source=gmail&ust=1637107706089000&usg=AOvVaw3G964QeHYY47NPrT6SXAXn" href="https://lafayetteconnector.com/download/executive-committee-roster-11-1-2021/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Executive Committee</a>, and our City and Parish Council members. I will also send these comments in a separate message to US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg<span class="gmail_default">.</span></div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">Thank you for considering my comments.<br /></div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="ltr">Michael G. Waldon, Ph.D.<br />110 Seville Blvd <br />Lafayette, LA 70503 <br />337-852-3668, email: <a href="mailto:mike@mwaldon.com" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">mike@mwaldon.com</a></div></div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default">November 15, 2021</div></div></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Lafayette, LA, USA30.2240897 -92.01984271.9138558638211549 -127.1760927 58.534323536178846 -56.8635927tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-26552322000488952652021-10-28T10:24:00.001-07:002021-10-28T15:50:47.119-07:00Restoring NEPA procedures to protect the public and taxpayers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpU3CcTHlVIfTsO1NzDfL9smcgkcqvoOtE3ZCRvz0OeuvmBXksuGOrCEBYDzq2bb8wh8udCdfkYdjH99NFyxcCphfqFUzaJp4xg-uh2YlPx2wL3gmqP8Lzo8AHSex2rdUHBLAfCPwcQ/s462/nepa-circle_DOI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="462" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpU3CcTHlVIfTsO1NzDfL9smcgkcqvoOtE3ZCRvz0OeuvmBXksuGOrCEBYDzq2bb8wh8udCdfkYdjH99NFyxcCphfqFUzaJp4xg-uh2YlPx2wL3gmqP8Lzo8AHSex2rdUHBLAfCPwcQ/w200-h157/nepa-circle_DOI.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the law that ensures that you can have a voice in federal decisions. During the previous administration, changes were made to the way NEPA is implemented. These changes were intended to streamline the process and allow federal projects to be approved more quickly. Although a goal of speeding up federal bureaucracy is laudable, the streamlining was at the expense of public scrutiny rather than streamlining the internal working of government agencies and contractors. Currently, there is a <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/CEQ-2021-0002-0002" target="_blank">Phase I proposal</a> that would begin to restore the right of the public to be involved. This proposed rulemaking is <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/CEQ-2021-0002-0002" target="_blank">available for public comment</a> until November 22, 2021. Yesterday, I submitted the following comments.<p></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations Revisions</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Public Comment</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Agency name: Council on Environmental Quality</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Docket number, CEQ-2021-0002</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Commenter: Michael G. Waldon, Lafayette, Louisiana</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">NEPA is not just an environmental law, it is a GOOD GOVERNMENT law. NEPA requires that federal agencies think before they act and allow the public to critically review proposed actions. I am submitting this comment to support CEQ’s proposed phase 1 rules. Furthermore, I ask that CEQ quickly initiate phase 2 rulemaking with robust public involvement so that NEPA is fully restored. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Public review and comment are essential safeguards against wasteful, harmful, and ill-conceived large government projects. For years, NEPA protected public health and the environment. But, that is not all. By allowing the public to examine proposed plans and designs, citizens have exposed deficiencies and errors before they became costly mistakes. NEPA has saved government agencies from making huge costly blunders.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am commenting as an individual, but I am a member of my local Sierra Club and the Y-49 group in Lafayette who oppose construction of a new urban section of I-49 through the heart of our city. Additionally, I participate in the Louisiana Four Corners Coalition which is seeking reform of Louisiana transportation decision-making through increased public scrutiny and input. Here, I illustrate the importance of NEPA with two examples from these citizen groups and my own experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My first example shows how NEPA procedures can raise awareness of risks associated with proposed projects. As a retired environmental engineer, I first became alarmed about the public health and financial risks of the proposed Lafayette I-49 urban interstate project. This project has been opposed for decades by local citizens and citizen groups. As part of a developing supplemental environmental impact statement, the Louisiana DOTD contractors revised the design and proposed constructing an elevated interstate over a federally recognized and un-remediated hazardous chemical site that is just over a thousand feet from Lafayette municipal drinking water wells. The elevated roadway would be supported on pilings that extend deep into our city’s drinking water aquifer. This project not only endangers our drinking water source, but could also move financial liability from the potentially responsible party to the taxpayers. We continue to oppose this dangerous and ill-conceived plan through NEPA mandated public input.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My second example involves an apparent design error that came to light during NEPA mandated public review. While reviewing the I-49 proposed urban interstate plan I became alarmed by the roadway design which proposed constructing an elevated overpass interchange with University Avenue flying over I-49 at the edge of our Lafayette airport. This tall structure was going to be positioned just past the end of one of our city’s runways. The EIS wanted to fill an area of wetland and shift the runway a few hundred feet east in order to meet FAA safety requirements. This small shift just didn’t seem sufficiently safe to me, so I did my own calculation using FAA guidance to see how far the runway needed to move. My calculation showed that a much larger shift was needed to meet FAA regulations. I submitted my calculation as a comment for the developing SEIS, and also wrote a blog post (ConnectorComments.org) detailing my calculation. I never even received a confirmation from DOTD that they received my comment. However, I can only assume that DOTD and their contractors agreed with my analysis because after I submitted that comment the plan was changed to tunnel University Avenue under the interstate rather than flying over it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">What would the environmental and financial consequences have been for residents of Lafayette if the NEPA process had been abbreviated? How much has NEPA’s required public involvement reduced the risk to our city’s drinking water and public health? How much waste would have happened before correction of the intersection design at the end of our airport runway? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">In summary, NEPA safeguards both taxpayers and the general public. Circumventing full NEPA consideration of projects increases the likelihood of wasteful government spending, environmental damage, and damage to public health. I therefore support the CEQ proposed rules.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-29752192040338025562021-09-09T11:26:00.002-07:002021-09-09T21:53:10.783-07:00Another letter to the US Secretary of Transportation opposing the I-49 Connector<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ_eWOL4W7NI5RW9Lp2xsfB1GN1UpITNPMEgbatH9W7uKjP-aMdh3XQ_D0pWCZVUx9YAXFQfKYuSFpoOY7b7-nPrDLcXQQ8sdIxLy_uGjL6krNayuqArhPwCzH5ckXAGB62RkjqGw0A/s1528/Stamped-2021-09-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1528" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ_eWOL4W7NI5RW9Lp2xsfB1GN1UpITNPMEgbatH9W7uKjP-aMdh3XQ_D0pWCZVUx9YAXFQfKYuSFpoOY7b7-nPrDLcXQQ8sdIxLy_uGjL6krNayuqArhPwCzH5ckXAGB62RkjqGw0A/w200-h129/Stamped-2021-09-09.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />9th September 2021</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 16pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Honorable Pete Buttigieg</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">U.S. Department of Transportation </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1200 New Jersey Ave., SE </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Washington, DC 20590</span></p><p><b id="docs-internal-guid-b2faeb92-7fff-56f0-236d-0f7677fa2bb8" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RE: Opposition to the proposed Lafayette Louisiana I-49 Connector</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1)</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Mr. Secretary:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for publicly recognizing the disproportionate impact of urban interstates on minority populations. I was thrilled when you made the statement (2)</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that “</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Biden-Harris administration, we will make righting these wrongs an imperative</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.” This is a welcome change.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am writing to you concerning the proposed Lafayette Louisiana I-49 Connector which is planning to plow 5.5 miles of new interstate through the heart of my city. I could use many adjectives to describe the proposed Lafayette I-49 Connector. A few are: unjust, wasteful, ill-conceived, high risk, anachronistic, and racist. </span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am asking you to use all of the power and influence of your office to either stop and deauthorize the Lafayette Connector project, or relocate the project’s corridor to the planned Lafayette bypass, the LRX </span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(3)</span><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Lafayette, there has been articulate bi-partisan and multi-racial opposition to routing I-49 through our city center. Opposition has delayed this project for more than two decades. However, the lure of authorized federal project funds with a low level of local match has led to the expenditure of many tens (maybe hundreds) of millions of federal tax dollars for continuing plan revision within the central city corridor. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some among us believe that this project is a long-dead “zombie” surviving only on free federal planning and design dollars. Others fear that one day the project may actually move to a construction phase. In either case, the specter of the so-called Connector has caused neighborhood property value to fall and neighborhood business to flee. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The injustice and environmental risk of building along this urban corridor has long been recognized. In their scoping comment on the 1998 DEIS, the USEPA Region 6 pointed out the requirement of Executive Order 12898-Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. They stated that Federal agencies are ordered to analyze (4)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "the environmental effects, including human health, economic and social effects, of federal actions"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite many millions of tax dollars spent over more than two decades, these federal requirements identified by EPA in 1998 have never been seriously addressed. I believe that this is because there is no answer. The selected routing of the project corridor was unjust by design. </span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your consideration of my request.</span></p><p><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael G. Waldon</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">Footnotes:</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Louisiana State Project No. H.004273</li><li>Twitter @PeteButtigieg Dec 20, 2020</li><li>Lafayette Regional eXpressway, <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/">http://www.lrxpressway.com/</a></li><li>Final Environmental Impact Statement, I-49 Connector, Lafayette Louisiana, August 2002, Volume 2, Appendix C, Page C-29</li></ol><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This letter is also available in pdf format <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Hw8rX81Bd85kojaF5NzhcO1znN9C36b/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">through this link</a>.</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-75169442981058402552021-04-22T21:31:00.003-07:002021-04-23T08:19:45.361-07:00Notes from the Lafayette Connector Neighborhood Meeting April 21, 2021<p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rosa Parks Transportation Center, 4:30 pm, April 21, 2021</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-44e32659-7fff-aed9-cb3c-173a1da189ad"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeting Notes</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In attendance there were 3 other citizens present in the meeting room (4 total including myself). Other citizens may have attended online but if they did they never commented or questioned. That makes me think that the online Zoom participants were all government employees or others who were just observing.</span></p></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Piling Alternatives" height="233" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/owwwnyOTfhnVH4weAr6GMeHZFMxzSo4e02IoHfrzeC9zlCqW60mekAaxZeL_yq-55nvpqB21IEStb1h5JPZSeQgEjaq-CCcjqs5z3SjoxxR4iy0oVBqPz5FHd13JfvI0ffR-e0M=w400-h233" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" title="This figure is from the LCAG meeting Sept. 9, 2020. It is similar to the one shown during this meeting" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alternative pilings*</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-8b2a7191-7fff-d038-da2b-8b46ea0c1e25"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />As in prior meetings, the meeting was organized around a set of questions about the project design. We were offered 4 different piling designs (see figure</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">), one with art. We were asked which piling design we preferred. Then different girder designs were offered, and we were asked to choose from the pictures. I commented that I prefer as few pilings as possible, that pilings should not go deep enough to get past the clay layer, and I suggested earthen berms instead of piers under the bridge where there is contamination. I and another participant also noted that picking a selected pier or girder does not mean we approve of the project.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another neighborhood concern is toxic construction dust and runoff. I commented that the preferred design should disturb the contaminated soil as little as possible. Much of the soil in the right-of-way is contaminated with arsenic, lead, asbestos, and other toxics. I believe that decades ago the railyard soil was perhaps covered with a thin layer of cleaner soil as remediation. Any digging or use of heavy machinery may therefore require workers to wear protective masks and clothing (moon suits), and the site will need to have a dust and runoff control plan. It may also need continuous dust monitoring at the fence line testing for the known toxic contaminants released from the disturbed soil. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One question was whether we prefer a roadway elevation that allows 17 feet of clearance, or 22 feet of clearance. This led to questions about how this decision affects the noise level and area of noise impact. Noise was a big concern. We asked “What is the impact of roadway height on noise? We were told that we will not know how much noise to expect or how the design impacts noise until after the design is selected. Then they will model the noise levels from the selected design. We pointed out that the height of the elevated roadway may impact the noise level. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also commented on train noise. With the planned elevated roadway next to the railway, the project is likely to focus noise from trains and train whistle blasts into the surrounding community. With only my intuition to guide me, I am guessing the train whistle could actually cause hearing damage if it blasts next to people standing under the highway. I am also guessing the project would mean that the train whistle will be a lot louder in people’s homes if the Connector is ever constructed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It seems clear that for those who will be living in the vicinity of the highway, noise and contamination, and health risks are very high priority concerns. However, as I understand from this meeting, DOTD will only publicly consider and evaluate these priority issues after the final design is selected and approved. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Concerning noise barriers, we learned tonight that a new policy concerning storm evacuation routes allows sound walls on the roadway structure to be 14 feet high rather than the previous maximum of 10 feet. That is good news, but it does not mean DOTD will necessarily approve building sound walls or how high they will build them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the topic of connectivity, we learned that there is a </span><a href="https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/publications/what-are-complete-streets/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Complete Streets policy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I had not heard of that before. It sounds like a very good thing. However, it also sounds like the policy is more of a vision statement and not strictly a requirement.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were asked about alternative designs for gateway markers at one or both ends of the project. We were shown alternative pictures of lighted ornamental metal structures that would communicate some abstract message about our city. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There seemed to be little interest in gateway ornaments, but this question did lead us into talking about the loss of our Lafayette visitor center. It seems reasonable that the new visitor information center should be located at one of the gateways. I commented that my understanding is that replacement of the visitor center is a local expense that must somehow come from local sources rather than federal or state highway funds.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The final question was what use do we prefer for the space under the elevated roadway. We were shown pictures of parks and playgrounds. Another participant immediately pointed out that this question amounts to pure propaganda for the project because none of these uses would be funded by DOTD. We were then told that indeed, DOTD will not build a park or even a single basketball goal. I believe they said that this question is simply aspirational. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was also pointed out by another citizen that much of the land under the bridge is classed by DEQ as being only for industrial use. I pointed out that DOTD could choose to clean up the site to residential standards, and that railyards in other places have been cleaned up to that level. However, DOTD plans to do only the minimal clean up required to complete the project. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were also told that DOTD does not intend to buy or take the entire railyard site, and any part outside the right-of-way will receive no remediation by DOTD. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The meeting ended at about 6:00 pm. This meeting was for neighborhood input. I attended because my church is in the neighborhood, and I tried to limit comments to neighborhood issues. We were assured that there are upcoming meetings that will include the entire community and provide more details on the new design proposals.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael Waldon, PhD</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">*The figure is copied from the LCAG meeting Sept. 9, 2020. It is similar to the one shown during this meeting.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This post was updated to correct the date of the meeting. Sorry!</span>. --mike</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-80911886604464861522020-08-19T20:16:00.000-07:002020-08-19T20:16:32.720-07:00Letters: So many reasons to forsake I-49 project, so why would we risk this?<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><i> The following Letter to the Editor appeared in the <a href="https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_e01e76ec-db17-11ea-a4e5-6742be0577df.html" target="_blank">The Advocate</a> on August 11, 2020.</i></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; text-align: left;"><b>So many reasons to forsake I-49 project, so why would we risk this?</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">Once again, the Department of Transportation and Development is attempting to move forward with the Lafayette Interstate 49 Connector project. The Connector is unlikely to ever become a reality for the following reasons:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">The project lacks public support and has been opposed for over 30 years by hundreds of citizens and the victims who will lose their homes, jobs, businesses, churches and other community assets. This opposition has been well-voiced in public hearings, meetings and lawsuits.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">It has an overabundance of prohibitively expensive problems due to its proximity to the railroad, downtown Lafayette and the airport. These issues bring the price to at least $300 million to 400 million per mile, which far exceeds the normal funding for interstate highways.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">The path of this highway takes it through the abandoned, highly contaminated Union Pacific rail yard. It has been declared so by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Quality and federal courts. Litigation seeks to hold Union Pacific accountable for the cleanup. This suit and the clean-up must be completed before the connector can be built.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">Its cost could be as much as $2 billion and could take decades to complete. Louisiana DOTD attorneys declared in the federal citizens’ suit against the project that the proposed pathway for the connector is the only feasible route, which was upheld by the court’s ruling. This creates a Catch-22 whereby more cost-effective routes are not considered.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">The footprint of the proposed connector lies above the Chicot aquifer, Lafayette’s water source. Contamination has already been observed in our aquifer. Driving elevated roadway pilings through the rail yard and into our aquifer without a thorough cleanup would endanger our precious water supply.</p><div class="tncms-region hidden-print" id="tncms-region-article_instory_middle" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "open sans", "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">The 20-year-old Environmental Impact Study required by federal law is significantly outdated, far exceeding the three-year life of an EIS. The attempt to supplement this outdated EIS is a waste of time and money. A new EIS is required because of passage of time, new significant environmental information and major changes in the Record of Decision, all of which apply to this project.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;"></p><div class="tnt-ads-container text-center" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans", "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; min-height: 0px; text-align: center;"><div class="tnt-ads dfp-smart-ad" data-google-query-id="COWLwankqOsCFTgfswAdvAwKAA" id="tnt-smart-ad-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; margin: 50px 0px;"></div></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 649.891px; word-spacing: 0px;">We are outraged that the DOTD continues to spend millions in taxpayer money on a project that is too expensive, destroys community, jobs, homes and businesses, reduces property tax revenue, increases traffic on city streets, and endangers drinking water, air quality and Bayou Vermilion. The public has been wise in opposing this project for the past 30 years.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;">When confronted with public opposition, engineering obstacles and high cost, other states have revised planned interstate corridors and created urban bypasses. Why not in Lafayette?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">HAROLD SCHOEFFLER</strong></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">chairman, Acadian Group, Sierra Club</em></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: lora, "libre baskerville", georgia, serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 35px; margin: auto auto 24px; width: 649.891px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lafayette</em></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-18725073987815163142020-07-25T22:22:00.000-07:002020-07-25T22:22:40.928-07:00Meetings Announced by DOTD Will Again Suggest Design RevisionsFor over two decades LaDOTD has been revising designs for their "I-49 Connector" in Lafayette. Each new design that has been presented has fallen to design flaws, impracticality, legal challenge, and/or extreme public opposition. Once again, the LaDOTD Lafayette I-49 Connector is returning to make renewed plans for building their urban interstate through the heart of Lafayette. Two online meetings of the LCAG (I believe this is the Lafayette Connector Advisory Group) are planned:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: An Introduction to Bridge Design and Construction. Focus will be on the Mainline Structural Viaduct Type Alternatives, the Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process conducted to date, and other opportunities to improve structural components with the <a href="https://lafayetteconnector.com/the-project/completing-the-functional-plan/about-css/" target="_blank">CSS (Context Sensitive Solutions) process</a>. </li><li>Thursday, July 30, 2020, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Working Session utilizing breakout Focus Groups and a summary round table to further discuss structural concepts and alternatives introduced in the Tuesday LCAG Meeting. The breakout Focus Groups will discuss the Mainline Structural Viaduct Types and their detailed characteristics including such things as scale, constructibility, cost, and long-term operations and maintenance; and other CSS Structural Considerations such as abutment walls, piers, retaining walls, and railings.These focus groups will report back the results of their discussion, evaluation,and preferences. Consensus will be developed on LCAG conclusions/preferences for report out to the Partner Agency and Executive Committee, at future meetings.</li></ul><div>The Louisiana Open Meeting Law requires that the public be given a reasonable opportunity to speak at advisory committee meetings. However, <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/12/public-comment-to-dotd-louisiana-dotd.html" target="_blank">as with past LaDOTD sponsored I-49 Connector committee meetings</a>, no public input will be allowed. The I-49 Connector website states:</div></div><blockquote><div>This is a committee working meeting, but if members of the public would like to attend in a listen-only manner, please email <a href="mailto:info@lafayetteconnector.com">info@lafayetteconnector.com</a> to request the Online Meeting access information.</div></blockquote><div>Although I will have no opportunity to comment, I do plan to view the meeting. As described above, I have emailed my request for this meeting information, and I urge all interested citizens to also make this request and observe the meeting.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_0Oiz2YwqKjujoDinjD1VLE8llgltHW1jsZN8wT1G8LWj5wCEaryvBv-pGdRxMa-I5f7nUXObzWJl9TLkjyHLHV3rNY2JcJcp8-7U0sf55G1zdQhCkYqC_fA2tcIQ0pQC7vNr_QyTw/s2200/CSS+Map+I-49+Lafayette+Connector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CSS Project Map" border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="2200" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_0Oiz2YwqKjujoDinjD1VLE8llgltHW1jsZN8wT1G8LWj5wCEaryvBv-pGdRxMa-I5f7nUXObzWJl9TLkjyHLHV3rNY2JcJcp8-7U0sf55G1zdQhCkYqC_fA2tcIQ0pQC7vNr_QyTw/w640-h494/CSS+Map+I-49+Lafayette+Connector.jpg" title="CSS Project Map" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lafayetteconnector.com/download/flexability-in-highway-design/" target="_blank">CSS Map I-49 Lafayette Connector</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-59099484368195067802020-06-22T13:40:00.000-07:002020-06-22T13:40:26.862-07:00Ozone and the I-49 Connector: Why should we care?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoRjw7FMybYZXRSRwV75mOtGyK4HLP4zdianoS0gjs5V_l2faW2u1EVpZKRtX2NmKmXn5PBQhSQjJOtm0-mrSFARV93lA2l5nyqhZaRwiElJWba87kc3BV7FsKqpb56am0WTmdckHrQ/s3400/Selected+Alternative+Map+I-49+Lafayette+Connector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="2200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoRjw7FMybYZXRSRwV75mOtGyK4HLP4zdianoS0gjs5V_l2faW2u1EVpZKRtX2NmKmXn5PBQhSQjJOtm0-mrSFARV93lA2l5nyqhZaRwiElJWba87kc3BV7FsKqpb56am0WTmdckHrQ/w208-h320/Selected+Alternative+Map+I-49+Lafayette+Connector.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">DOTD I-49 Urban Route.</span></td></tr>
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Recent local news articles on <a href="https://www.katc.com/news/covering-louisiana/ldeq-issues-ozone-action-day-advisory-for-lafayette-baton-rouge-and-new-orleans" target="_blank">KATC</a> and in <a href="https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/weather_traffic/article_f5bfd814-b232-11ea-befa-6bcfa3d4932e.html" target="_blank">The Acadiana Advocate</a> reported an LDEQ warning that on June 19 Lafayette would have high levels of ozone. LDEQ declared an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_Action_Day" target="_blank">Ozone Action Day</a> for Lafayette. <i>Why should we care about ozone?</i><br />
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<i>First</i>, high ozone levels are a risk to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_Action_Day#Public_Health_and_Ground_Ozone" target="_blank">health</a>, particularly among our most vulnerable citizens. Those who work or exercise outdoors are also at risk. </div>
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<i>Second</i>, Lafayette has in the past been close to non-attainment for ozone, while Baton Rouge has been out of compliance. Currently all of Louisiana is considered to be in compliance with the federal standard of 70 parts-per-billion for ozone. <a href="http://www.stateoftheair.org/city-rankings/states/louisiana/lafayette-parish.html">Lafayette air pollution has improved</a>, but there are <a href="https://wtop.com/maryland/2020/06/md-other-states-push-epa-to-force-stricter-pollution-standards-for-pa-power-plants/" target="_blank">continuing calls to make the ozone standard more protective</a>. Non-attainment matters to Lafayette's future economic growth which could be impacted by restrictions and new requirements placed on any industry wanting to locate here. Beyond that, the most sought after companies looking for a new location are far less likely to choose a city with recognized poor air quality. Bottom line: our current good air quality is a plus for Lafayette to recruit new economic development. </div>
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<i>Finally</i>, what has ozone got to do with the I-49 Connector? If you listen to Louisiana DOTD and their consultants who are writing the I-49 <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/p/lafayette-connector-eis.html" target="_blank">Environmental Impact Statement</a> you might think ozone and air pollution have nothing to do with their plan. But, our biggest source of ozone in Lafayette is from cars. Common sense tells us that the proposed elevated interstate through the heart of our city is going to concentrate heavy traffic on city streets that lead to and from the interstate. Further, much local traffic will avoid using the elevated highway because of its limited points of access and exit. Those cars and trucks will be forced to sit in traffic on city streets. And, if the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-specter-of-tolls-on-i-49-connector.html" target="_blank">Connector has tolls</a>, expect even more traffic forced down to city streets. Expect troubling increases in ground level ozone.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgWc-IvT4tcqI-rCbiIa_uCpO1q0sFDSOuU2n0OtG8wqgWuIuoZ5vEC6LxarlnS5xo5kK7YaAgV3z_9VDEBlboNwxJmozLQYLh7EWhXSNRxMHN333VX1u7bJYcwbwMjl6p8FAdLHoKA/s540/LRX-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgWc-IvT4tcqI-rCbiIa_uCpO1q0sFDSOuU2n0OtG8wqgWuIuoZ5vEC6LxarlnS5xo5kK7YaAgV3z_9VDEBlboNwxJmozLQYLh7EWhXSNRxMHN333VX1u7bJYcwbwMjl6p8FAdLHoKA/w256-h192/LRX-map.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">LRX Bypass Corridor Options (DOTD)</span></td></tr>
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<i>This doesn't have to happen!</i> The proposed <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/search?q=lrx" target="_blank">Lafayette Metro eXpressway (LRX)</a> would allow through traffic and hazardous cargo to bypass the central city. For almost two decades we the taxpayers have funded planning for the LRX bypass. It is time to act and choose this alternative. The LRX would draw traffic away from easily congested urban streets and save local tax monies as city street expansions are no longer needed. The LRX would improve rather than worsen ozone pollution in Lafayette. If the I-49 Connector is built, we will be stuck with its induced traffic congestion and resulting bad air in our city for decades. <i>Let's just not go there! </i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-51304119151799468592019-03-15T14:14:00.001-07:002019-03-15T14:46:46.004-07:00February 2019 LRX Public Meeting Comments <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The comments below were submitted on March 15, 2019. The February public meeting that solicited these comments presented the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study for the Lafayette western bypass termed the Lafayette Regional Xpressway or simply the LRX. Learn more about the meeting and the LRX by reading the recent Connector Comments meeting announcement. It is available by clicking <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2019/02/louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The period for public comments closes on March 18, so you may still have time to submit your statement of support, concerns, or questions. Although the attached comment is quite detailed, short comments simply stating support and/or concerns are of great value and provide evidence of public interest. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The meeting slide show included this information on how to </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">provide written comments after the meeting:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Send comments to: HNTB Corporation,10000 Perkins Rowe, Suite 604, Baton Rouge LA 70810,</li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or, Email comments to <a href="mailto:kbprejean@hntb.com" target="_blank">kbprejean@hntb.com</a></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comments received or postmarked by March 18, 2019 will become a part of the record.
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If you have submitted or do submit comments through one of these methods, please consider sharing your comments with us by pasting then in the comments section at the end of this article. However, do be aware that comments on this Connector Comments site are not official, so be sure to submit official comments as described in the bullets above.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Comments of Michael G. Waldon, PhD</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Following LRX Public Meeting February 28, 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;">The following comments are my comments submitted in response to the request for public
comments at the Public Hearing held in Lafayette on February 28, 2019.</span></span></div>
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I have divided my comments into the following topic-related sections.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Statement of appreciation</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Relationship to other projects and needed model scenarios</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Where is the Eastern Corridor?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Arkansas example - phased funding and completion</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Flooding</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Preferred corridor selection</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Public information and participation</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Public support</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2005 Study Corridor Map</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<h1>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-size: small;">Statement of appreciation</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;">I first sincerely thank the LMEC for holding this hearing and giving the public an opportunity to
share our support and concerns. Thanks is also due to the visionary citizens of Lafayette who
saw almost two decades ago that the only viable path forward for a north-south interstate
connecting I-49 segments was a bypass. At that time, the so-called I-49 Connector, the “Con,”
was seen to be effectively dead; killed by fierce public opposition, environmental infeasibility,
and legal challenges. And rightfully so.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h1>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Relationship to other projects and needed model scenarios<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If we cannot call the LRX an alternative to
the I-49 Con, then at least allow us to call it a substitute.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although our Louisiana DOTD continues to waste
many tens of millions of federal tax dollars on planning the I-49 Con, it is
even less viable today than in the early 2000s when it was effectively
abandoned. Today’s advancements in geochemical science provide an even better
understanding of the environmental risk of further contamination of the Chicot
aquifer, and there is a renewed concern for flooding since the 2016 regional
flood disaster. Additionally, the massive negative impact of urban interstates,
particularly on poor and minority communities has become even more apparent
than it was decades ago. The Con is
today quite simply inviable (i.e. dead). For years the LRX plans were stalled
in order to not “distract” the public with the promise of a substitute for the
locally opposed Con. Let us delay no longer. The LRX is our most advanced
proposed substitute for the failed Con, and I urge our professional, political,
and civic leaders to now give its development their enthusiastic support.
Lafayette does urgently need the LRX project. Although completion of the LRX
may be far in the future, every distraction coming from the Con, and every other
delay simply moves LRX completion further into that future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If ever built, the I-49 Con is almost certain
to be partially toll funded
(https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-specter-of-tolls-on-i-49-connector.html).
Former Secretary of Transportation Dr. Kam Movassaghi was quoted (The
Independent, April 14, 2009) saying that tolls must be considered for funding
I-49 construction. An expert speaking to a meeting sponsored by our Chamber of
Commerce affiliate One Acadiana (The Advocate, October 22, 2015) suggested that
a toll of $0.19 per mile might be used to fund I-49 completion, and an Advocate
article (September 22, 2014) reported that a state funded feasibility study
looked at $0.18 per mile for I-49 funding. Former State Senator and then I-49
South Coalition Director, Mike Michot, was quoted in that same article saying
about I-49 South "It seems unlikely a project of that magnitude will be
built without the help of toll dollars."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The infeasibility of building the I-49 Con
project is highly relevant in planning for the LRX, as is the prospect of the
Con also having tolls. Additional model scenarios need to be considered for LRX
planning. First, the scenario that the I-49 Con will never be constructed needs
to be considered as a scenario because this is in fact most likely. Second, the
scenario that the I-49 Con is built but has tolls must be considered. Adding
tolls to the I-49 Con in modeling will increase traffic flow and toll revenue
of the LRX. Failure to include these added scenarios related to the future I-49
Con seriously impairs planning for LRX traffic and toll revenue. Failure to
consider these scenarios could negatively impact Louisiana's financial
negotiations in dealing with the private PPP project partner for the LRX. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems relevant to mention here that despite
the tens of millions of dollars already spent on I-49 Con planning, to-date the
DOTD has refused to include an I-49 toll
scenario, or to incorporate the LRX in any I-49 Con traffic models. To members
of the public this appears to be a blatant attempt to inflate traffic
projection to thus justify the Con project. This concern is relevant here
because I hope that such manipulation of planning results is not a part of the
LRX project. A refusal to run the added scenarios listed here would lead to a
similar but opposite appearance. It would lead the public to think that the
LMEC and DOTD are purposefully failing to consider scenarios in order to “put
their finger on the scale” giving preference to the Con relative to the LRX
substitute.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In summary of my concerns stated in this
section, I am asking that two LRX planning scenarios (model runs) be added for
projection of traffic and toll revenue. First, projections are needed for the
most likely future in which the I-49 Con project is abandoned and never built.
Second, The scenario that the I-49 Con is constructed as a toll funded project
is additionally required. Planning for the LRX that does not consider these possible
futures would have little credibility in the eyes of the public. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_yoy9o3s5mco"></a><span lang="EN">Where is the Eastern Corridor?<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Earlier LMEC documents map an eastern corridor
extending from I-49 north of Carencro to I-10 west of Breaux Bridge. Documents
include “TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 4: ENVIRONMENTAL RECONNAISSANCE” dated February
2005, “LAFAYETTE METROPOLITAN EXPRESSWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN” dated June 2005.
Figure 4-1, “Study Corridor Map,” from the 2005 Technical Memorandum 4 is
appended to the end of these comments for the reader’s convenience. I have seen
no published planning or engineering study, or any rationale for dropping the
eastern segment. Was a decision made to drop this option? Does any
documentation of the decision exist and was the public invited to comment on
the decision? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For many years local citizens have supported
an eastern route bypassing Lafayette following the high ground of the Teche
Ridge. Here are a few of the links demonstrating this long-term support
information on this proposed roadway:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Kelly Roberts Caldwell
spokesperson comments for Lafayette citizen groups in the I-49 Connector FEIS,
Volume II, page 299 dated April 30, 2001
<a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/public-comment-from-16-years-ago.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/public-comment-from-16-years-ago.html</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Daily Iberian, February 17, 2016,
“Teche Ridge I-49 proposal gets traction in St. Martin” <a href="https://www.iberianet.com/news/teche-ridge-i--proposal-gets-traction-in-st-martin/article_8568414e-d593-11e5-8443-1b20b9abbe76.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.iberianet.com/news/teche-ridge-i--proposal-gets-traction-in-st-martin/article_8568414e-d593-11e5-8443-1b20b9abbe76.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Connector Comments blog, May 27,
2016, “The I-49 Lafayette Bypass Option: Teche Ridge” <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-i-49-lafayette-bypass-option-teche.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-i-49-lafayette-bypass-option-teche.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">I-49 Teche Ridge Bypass Facebook
page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/I-49-Teche-Ridge-Bypass-191859984503529/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.facebook.com/I-49-Teche-Ridge-Bypass-191859984503529/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Harold Schoeffler’s presentation
to the St. Martin Parish Council on February 16, 2016 <a href="https://soundcloud.com/mike-waldon-906517104/hschoeffler-stmartinparish-2016-02-16"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://soundcloud.com/mike-waldon-906517104/hschoeffler-stmartinparish-2016-02-16</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some have suggested that such a roadway might
begin as a two lane expressway and expand where needed to four lanes. Combined
tith the LRX, the Teche Ridge eastern bypass would provide Lafayette with a
full loop. This would improve traffic, efficiency of travel, and attract
desirable economic development to communities in both Lafayette and St. Martin
Parishes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This comment is directly relevant to the LRX
plan because it appears that the proposed eastern corridor was aligned to
connect with the eastern Teche Ridge bypass which has been so long supported by
citizens here. While I understand that the LMEC desires, as far as possible, to
keep roadway development within Lafayette Parish, it seems arbitrary and
wasteful to drop the eastern corridor from all consideration. I ask that future
planning include this eastern corridor as a potential future extension. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_qgf8bis8l4sk"></a><span lang="EN">Arkansas example - phased funding
and completion<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bella Vista Bypass (Arkansas Hwy 549) is
being constructed in Arkansas as a part of their I-49 completion. I believe
this is a good example of a state (Arkansas) listening to public concerns and
developing a bypass rather than running the interstate through the heart of a
community. The Bella Vista bypass has been designed and is being and
constructed by ARDOT. It is being constructed one segment at a time as funding
becomes available. While in Lafayette we are mired in I-49 planning that will
likely never lead construction, Arkansas is building a highway. The Bella Vista
Bypass is initially being constructed as a two-lane expressway which will be
expanded to four lanes as funding permits. Arkansas has been able to design a
viable project which will likely be completed long before we even begin
construction. I urge the LMEC and Louisiana DOTD to consider using a similar
incremental approach for the LRX. You can learn more about the Bella Vista
Bypass from the Wikipedia article titled “Arkansas Highway 549,” by Googling
news articles, and by downloading ARDOT project documents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_k403uizcxpg2"></a><span lang="EN">Flooding<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In an urban setting such as the I-49 Con,
finding hundreds of acres outside the flood zone for runoff retention is
at-best expensive and at-worst impossible. However, in the rural setting of the
LRX this is less of a problem and may actually be viewed as a project benefit.
I urge the LMEC to make flood impacts from the LRX project an integrated part
of planning. In other projects the Louisiana DOTD has been accused of failing
to adequately consider flood impacts of their projects. My understanding is
that, as a state agency, DOTD is not required to follow local ordinances
requiring runoff retention or other flood impact analyses or mitigations. In
spite of this I ask that the LMEC pledge to integrate runoff management
planning into every level of LRX design including the plan development for
roadway routing. In the rural setting of much of the LRX, retention ponds can
actually be an aesthetic feature while possibly providing needed fill for
roadway elevation. Landowners may also welcome retention ponds as neighboring
features which improve property values and provide alternative drainage for
development. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_xglsk0y1c0re"></a><span lang="EN">Preferred corridor selection<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I agree with the selection of the preferred
corridor identified in the meeting handout. Not only does this selection best
meet the criteria in the selection matrix, It is the alternative which may most
quickly be constructed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_jy7mryow1dgx"></a><span lang="EN">Public information and
participation<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the public hearing I voiced my concern that
the LRX web site (www.lrxpressway.com), was not being maintained, and
information on the site appeared to be years out-of-date. I also noted that
information from the 2017 public hearing had not been posted to the site as had
been promised to me at that meeting. Following the 2017 meeting, I did try on
multiple occasions to contact anyone from the LMEC about this, but was unable
to do so using the outdated information then available on the web site. If I
had expended more effort I could have likely made contact, but such a level of
effort should not be required for a member of the public to simply get
information.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have additionally tried to find the schedule
for the quarterly LMEC meetings, meeting agendas, and meeting minutes. As a
public body in Louisiana, there are requirements that these be available on the
web site. However, such information was not on the LRX web site. Following the
February public meeting, I was told that some of this information is actually
on the LEDA web site. However, I have not found this information on either the
LEDA web site or the LRX site. The LRX website has an LMEC meeting page which
is reached from a link on the “about LMEC” page: www.lrxpressway.com/lmec-meetings/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However this page refers to the schedule of
the 2011 meetings, and even that information is incomplete.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please post on the LRX website all documents
required by law and publish timely announcements of the quarterly LMEC
meetings. At a minimum LMEC must meet the requirements of the Louisiana open
meeting law, but I hope LMEC will exceed these requirements by actively seeking
public involvement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the February 2019 meeting, I do see that
LRX public meeting materials have been added to the LRX web site for 2019, and
prior public meetings including the 2017 public meeting. These posted documents
have been useful and I thank the LMEC for providing them. However, I am unable
to locate agendas, calendars, or minutes for the legally required quarterly
meetings of the LMEC. I request that these either be provided on the LRX site,
or that a link be placed on the LRX web site to wherever these documents are
archived. I also ask that LMEC meeting announcements be prominently posted on
the LRX website along with the agendas for upcoming meetings so that the public
and media may attend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gt6kni7dkji"></a><span lang="EN">Public support<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a clear demonstration of the
public’s interest in the LRX project shown by the standing-room only crowd at
the February public hearing. Although I did hear mild concern from a few
potentially impacted property owners, I did not hear a single person comment
that they were opposed to this project. This stands in stark contrast to the
near unanimous public opposition concerning the I-49 Con voiced at every public
meeting held over more than two decades by DOTD and others. The public is not
timid in voicing opposition, and I felt that the lack of any expression of
opposition toward the LRX, as well as the many positive voices of strong
support, together give an indication that the LRX project can be successful.
The LRX can be a valuable addition to our region’s transportation
infrastructure. I support its development. Thank you again for this opportunity
to comment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_ldw4jpt3l06x"></a></span><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2005 Study Corridor Map</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><img height="351" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/R6pr89oQNXwVsQOZ1Q0nIgydWD5HRdzWLAc5N-Sfg-KtWqBXh_TczxazQC4OyMG7-Jvu8nt-sS9x3LR9UR_ptuBNTqaxdelqOi_0ZeDfh-CH9Udx5hGWAx_kOqFPxdNuTmjJjt0" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">February 2005 “Study Corridor Map” from Figure
4-1 in the report “Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway, Technical Memorandum 4,
Environmental Reconnaissance.” The black circle was added to the figure to
indicate the segment termed the eastern corridor in these comments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Michael G. Waldon, PhD</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Resident of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">March 15, 2019</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-9002486748519009952019-02-26T10:36:00.002-08:002019-02-26T10:48:52.808-08:00Louisiana wants your opinion on a Lafayette Interstate 49 bypass, the LRX<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #434343; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
Thursday, February 28, 2019, at the Lafayette Parish <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Fa8jEPETphK2?link_id=0&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">South Regional Library,</a> the State of Louisiana will host a public hearing on their plans to build a western bypass around the City of Lafayette. The meeting will continue from 5:30 to until 7:30 pm.</div>
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Meeting Agenda:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #434343; float: none; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;">
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; float: none; font: inherit; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;">5:30-6:00 pm<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"></span> -View exhibits and speak with the project team</li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; float: none; font: inherit; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;">6:00-6:15 pm - formal presentation</li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; float: none; font: inherit; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;">6:45-7:30 - public invited to provide comments in a moderated and recorded forum</li>
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The host agency for the meeting is the <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/about-the-lmec/?link_id=1&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission</a> or LMEC. Beginning almost twenty years ago, efforts and support of Lafayette civic leaders led to the creation of the LMEC by our Louisiana Legislature in 2003. The LMEC provides oversight for construction planning and financial planning for a proposed Lafayette limited access interstate bypass. They call their proposed bypass the LRX or Lafayette Regional Xpressway.</div>
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After years of work, plans have progressed, and the LMEC is seeking your comments on their Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which evaluates potential alternative highway corridors. The plan is for the LRX to be partially funded by tolls as part of a public-private partnership (PPP). As such, this project might be funded and built long before the costly I-49 connector (I-49 Con) project moves a shovel of dirt. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "open sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">The state will not say that the LRX is an </span><u><b>alternative</b></u><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> to the widely-opposed and costly I-49 Connector. I assume this is necessary to avoid loosing federal planning funds. However, the choice is clear - </span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">the LRX eliminate</span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">s the reasons for building the I-49 Connector.</span><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> If it is not an alternative then let's call it a </span><u><b>substitute</b></u><span style="font-weight: inherit;">. If well managed and designed, the LRX substitute is financially a better deal for taxpayers. The LRX should have little or no flood impact, unlike the I-49 Con it will not cross a massive abandoned toxic site or impact our drinking water, and it will reduce traffic congestion in the city while giving rural residents new travel options. </span></span></em></div>
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You can learn more about the LRX plan through the LMEC website <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/?link_id=2&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://www.lrxpressway.com/</a>Their meeting announcement is available by clicking <a href="http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/890630/28078666/1549999776780/2018_02_05_LRX+public+hearing+ad.pdf?token=+x/rQUUojPeASb8XEfpuCAlj7ho=&link_id=3&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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DevelopingLafayette.com published an excellent article titled "<a href="https://developinglafayette.com/wp/lafayette-metro-expressway-lafayette-loop-planning-continues/?link_id=4&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Lafayette Metro Expressway “Lafayette Loop” Planning Continues</a>.". And Claire Taylor published an article in The Advocate titled "<a href="https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/article_25906b16-2f04-11e9-bd5a-875316b0fbad.html?link_id=5&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Public can weigh in on Lafayette toll loop during Feb. 28 meeting.</a>" Click on the titles to read these articles.</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">Your comments to the LMEC and state DOTD</span> will be accepted at the meeting. If you are unable to attend, or just want to give additional comments, you can submit your comments via their Web site (<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/emails/louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass/www.lrxpressway.com?link_id=6&can_id=b6bb092035f68f17f024caa220a294c0&source=email-louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass&email_referrer=&email_subject=louisiana-wants-your-opinion-on-a-lafayette-interstate-49-bypass" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #cd3a18; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.lrxpressway.com</a>), or by U.S. mail to LRX Project Team, HNTB Corporation, 10000 Perkins Rowe, Ste. 640, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. Any written comments received by or postmarked on or before March 11, 2019 or 45 days following publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register, whichever is later, will become a part of the record.</div>
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After the February 28 meeting I will publish an article here in Connector Comments detailing new LRX developments and comments I hear from other participants. </div>
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I urge you to support the LRX and help save our city and parish from the disaster that is the I-49 Con. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwGr2756YeLayqjCCdvR65CROMv0mVM63P4owyTr9Y2EPXCujikh4PjwgsQTzAtMDg3QbMvrIgZ0IwzRpR3jFet0MDDSuXZzbCILcrQwM9TmkqeLq_kXEtkpOI11aiTghxApKI7hCpw/s1600/LRX-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwGr2756YeLayqjCCdvR65CROMv0mVM63P4owyTr9Y2EPXCujikh4PjwgsQTzAtMDg3QbMvrIgZ0IwzRpR3jFet0MDDSuXZzbCILcrQwM9TmkqeLq_kXEtkpOI11aiTghxApKI7hCpw/s320/LRX-map.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternative LRX corridor map from 2017 public meeting.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-84662495380424301942018-10-23T21:39:00.000-07:002018-10-24T15:14:36.589-07:00The I-49 BoondogglesWhat is a <i>BOONDOGGLE</i>? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boondoggle" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> tells us it refers to<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">projects involving large numbers of people and usually heavy expenditure, where at some point, the key operators, having realized that the project will never work, are still reluctant to bring this to the attention of their superiors. </span></blockquote>
Public opposition to routing I-49 through the heart of our city <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/public-comment-from-16-years-ago.html" target="_blank">goes back at least to 1992</a>, and for years now, Lafayette residents have recognized that the government project now being called the Lafayette I-49 Connector (we call it the I-49 Con) is a prime example of a wasteful government boondoggle (for an example of public comment read "<a href="https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/27/voices-why--49-connector-wont-work/85026866/" target="_blank">Why the I-49 connector won't work</a>" published May 27, 2016 in the Daily Advertiser). The public has been assured many times that if there is significant public opposition to the project it will never be built. Yet, the I-49 Con continues spending tens of millions of tax dollars on studies and design that will never be used for a footprint through the heart of the Lafayette.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqsodj0eKvFDE1fnoIgDly9nU7Ek41x6TNQbKB4VoFA34hFP0z4N9i4ONuMSOsJEkXdp_dIvzHpcmr2QKGq0pnUYwimYFvBROsqTlt2BWKhyMvBLAQRSs-7fJgrGdk6eI13foOf7i_g/s1600/512px-Palin_Nowhere_99901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sarah Palin holding Nowhere Alaska t-shirt" border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="512" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqsodj0eKvFDE1fnoIgDly9nU7Ek41x6TNQbKB4VoFA34hFP0z4N9i4ONuMSOsJEkXdp_dIvzHpcmr2QKGq0pnUYwimYFvBROsqTlt2BWKhyMvBLAQRSs-7fJgrGdk6eI13foOf7i_g/s320/512px-Palin_Nowhere_99901.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Palin holding a T-shirt related to the Gravina Island Bridge.<br />
Credit: Bob Weinstein via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palin_Nowhere_99901.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Regardless of how wasteful the project, politicians from both sides of the aisle often find it hard to oppose tax funded boondoggles. Perhaps this is because of the inevitable cycling back of a percentage of the money into campaign contributions. Even some of the most conservative politicians seem unable to pass up wasteful government boondoggle projects. Do you recall the support of Sarah Palin for federal funding of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravina_Island_Bridge" target="_blank">Gravina Island Bridge</a> commonly referred to as the iconic "<i>Bridge to Nowhere</i>?"<br />
<br />
<br />
The national <a href="https://uspirg.org/reports/usp/highway-boondoggles-4" target="_blank">Public Interest Research Group</a> (USPIRG) published their 2018 list of US interstate highway boondoggle projects. If built as proposed, these boondoggles would waste tens of billions of our federal transportation tax dollars. And, even if these boondoggles are <i>never</i> built, billions will be spent on their planning and design before public pressure and simple rationality end their useless authorizations.<br />
<br />
Although our own local boondoggle, the I-49 Con, did not make the USPIRG list this year, its sister project in Shreveport, the Shreveport <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2018/07/03/highway-boondoggles-i-49-inner-city-connection-in-shreveport-louisiana/" target="_blank">I-49 Inner City Connection</a> did make 2018's national <a href="https://www.planetizen.com/news/2018/07/99418-nine-highway-expansions-identified-worst-boondoggles-2018" target="_blank">list of worst boondoggles</a>. Better luck next year to our own I-49 Con! If USPIRG accepts nominations in 2019 the I-49 Con will have my vote.<br />
<br />
It is important that our political representatives hear from their voters about stopping these federal transportation boondoggles. If we don't speak up the only voices our leaders hear come from paid lobbyists representing the corporations and contractors who are hoping to continue getting design and construction contracts.<br />
<br />
We do know that at least some of our leaders are hearing us. On October 17, 2018, One Acadiana hosted a 3rd Congressional District <a href="https://www.oneacadiana.org/news/201810/watch-full-video-3rd-congressional-district-forum-hosted-by-One-Acadiana" target="_blank">Candidate Forum</a>. All seven remaining <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Louisiana%27s_3rd_Congressional_District_election,_2018" target="_blank">congressional candidates</a> running in the November 6 general election participated in the forum:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.robjonanderson.com/" target="_blank">Rob Anderson</a>, </li>
<li><a href="http://www.andrus4congress.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Andrus</a>, </li>
<li><a href="http://www.votejosh2018.com/" target="_blank">Josh Guillory</a>, </li>
<li><a href="https://votemimi.org/" target="_blank">Mimi Methvin</a>, </li>
<li><a href="https://www.larryraderforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Larry Rader</a>, </li>
<li><a href="http://thomasishonest.com/" target="_blank">Vernone Thomas</a>, and </li>
<li><a href="http://captainhiggins.com/" target="_blank">Clay Higgins</a> (incumbent). </li>
</ul>
<br />
Several of the candidates spoke to the forum in general terms about our need for improved infrastructure and the need to eliminate wasteful federal spending. However, two candidates spoke directly about problems with routing I-49 through the center of Lafayette. <a href="https://youtu.be/Ita1qGDa9ik?t=1458" target="_blank">Congressman Clay Higgins</a> noted that routing the interstate footprint through the central city would displace or impact a large number of private property owners. He concluded that an actual footprint for the project still needs to be selected. <a href="https://youtu.be/Ita1qGDa9ik?t=1523" target="_blank">Candidate Mimi Methvin</a> cited further problems with the central city route including its planned passage through the highly contaminated former railyard site. Furthermore, she noted that today urban experts and planners recognize urban blight in many US cities has been caused by the past construction of inner-city interstates.<br />
<br />
Do you agree that the Lafayette I-49 Con is one more federal boondoggle currently wasting many tens of millions of tax dollars on design of a route through the heart of our city? Do you agree that, as now planned, the I-49 Con should never and likely will never be built?<br />
<br />
If your answer is yes, I urge you to contact your chosen 3rd district candidate. Tell him/her of your opposition to the currently proposed central I-49 route. Ask your candidate to support planning for one of the much less costly and less damaging alternatives bypassing Lafayette to the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-i-49-lafayette-bypass-option-teche.html" target="_blank">east along the Teche Ridge</a> or west following the plan for the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-i-49-lafayette-western-bypass.html" target="_blank">Lafayette Regional eXpressway (LRX)</a>. In addition to saving federal and state taxes, either alternative also involves much lower cost to our local governments, reduces risks to property and health, and eliminates most impacts to flooding and traffic congestion inherent in the I-49 Con planned route through the heart our city.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mike Waldon, PhD<br />October 23, 2018 </span></i></blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-33379980423942188832018-06-07T19:48:00.001-07:002018-06-09T10:17:41.657-07:00What percent of known railyard contaminants are monitored by LUS in our well water?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In their <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/03/citizens-seek-action-to-protect-our.html" target="_blank">letter delivered in March 22, 2017 to our City/Parish Council and Mayor/President</a> , the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AcadianSierraClub/" target="_blank">Acadian Group of the Sierra Club</a> and <a href="http://watermarkalliance.org/" target="_blank">WaterMark Alliance</a> made ten recommendations describing actions which are needed to protect the public's health and property. To date, our city "leaders" have not even shown the courtesy of acknowledging receipt of that letter, and have given no public indication that they are considering any of the recommended actions to protect their constituencies.</div>
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In that letter, recommended action #3 was to (emphasis added):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Intensify sampling of well water <b>by increasing the frequency of sampling and adding contaminants for analysis</b> to include all known or suspected contaminants present on the surface or in the surficial aquifer (groundwater just below the surface)."</blockquote>
Why was increased water well monitoring by LUS recommended? Consider these facts that undergird the rationale for improving LUS's water well monitoring and highlight the urgency :<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Lafayette's abandoned railyard, a site of known contamination, is a little more than 1000 feet from a number of our LUS drinking water wells.</li>
<li>Additional sources of potential contamination (such as the site of a <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/a-manufactured-gas-plant-in-lafayette.html" target="_blank">1926 manufactured gas plant</a>) exist near our water wells.</li>
<li>Near surface contamination at the abandoned railyard has likely spread laterally off-site over the past century.</li>
<li><a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2018/04/more-evidence-of-contamination-is.html" target="_blank">Contamination known to exist in the railyard has been monitored in the upper Chicot Aquifer</a> under the railyard. </li>
<li><a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/contamination-of-our-chicot-aquifer.html" target="_blank">LUS has detected surface contaminants in some of our drinking water wells</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
You might have assumed that our LUS well water is already being frequently tested for all contaminants that reasonably might get into our drinking water. You would be wrong in that assumption! Currently, LUS monitors and reports only a generic list of contaminants at a frequency of once every three years in each of our municipal drinking water wells.<br />
<br />
To estimate just what fraction of known organic contaminants from nearby contaminated sites are monitored and reported by LUS, I searched through the supporting exhibits filed in court by the complainants in their <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/11/an-update-on-railyard-lawsuit.html" target="_blank">lawsuit against the Union Pacific railroad</a>.<br />
<br />
From the lawsuit exhibits, I compiled a list of all named organic contaminants that were detected and documented in samples from the railyard site (Tables 1-2). That list of railyard contaminants is based on only a few samples and is quite unlikely to include all of the organic contaminants that will eventually be discovered at the railyard site. However, the list does give us a basis to estimate what fraction of railyard contaminants are monitored from our drinking water wells. If you have an interest in seeing a separate list of specific chemical names, you can <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y64etKfQi1ut8mFJdEvJvPL7xTsmk7Zp/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">view the list of contaminants by clicking here</a>.<br />
<br />
<u><i>Results</i></u> - In the railyard lawsuit exhibits, a total of 49 organic contaminants were reported as being detected. Of these, only 15 (31%) are currently monitored and reported by LUS (<b>Figure 1, and Tables 1-2</b>).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8Uyp2odkEnInWx4MBxHelhGMC23bDz_1nO6tZ8wCzjs2AAXFZ03jjrMaeWMTpBTypboDO8Do1LWfXRGWWDlkw3VZetwADeSsiKz-ZyPjPBGeGR8V3q7zViKOVJTThAt-z-oc-aAFDA/s1600/DetectedContaminantsPie.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8Uyp2odkEnInWx4MBxHelhGMC23bDz_1nO6tZ8wCzjs2AAXFZ03jjrMaeWMTpBTypboDO8Do1LWfXRGWWDlkw3VZetwADeSsiKz-ZyPjPBGeGR8V3q7zViKOVJTThAt-z-oc-aAFDA/s400/DetectedContaminantsPie.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1. Only 15 of the 49 organic contaminants detected at the abandoned railyard are monitored and reported water from the LUS drinking water wells.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br />So, returning to the question in the title: "<i>What percent of known railyard contaminants are monitored by LUS in our well water?</i>" The answer: <b>About 31%, less than one third of known contaminants are monitored in our drinking water wells and publicly reported by LUS!</b><br />
<br />
Furthermore, even for the 15 monitored contaminants, each well is sampled at the astonishingly low frequency once every three years. This fact led to the other requested action in the citizens' letter - to increase frequency of sampling. Implementing increased monitoring frequency is particularly important for the LUS water wells which already have had a detection of a surface contaminant. As with the other citizen recommendations, there is no indication that LUS and our city's "leaders" have ever considered this recommended action.<br />
<br />
And, one last word - Note that in Lafayette LUS has reported detection of contamination that must have originated from near the ground surface, but, to the author's knowledge LUS has never detected any organic contaminants in untreated Lafayette well water that exceeds EPA maximum contaminant limits for protection of human health (MCLs). The concern being raised here and in the recommendation letter is that the observation of any surface contaminants in our well water is evidence of contaminant <a href="http://hydrogeologistswithoutborders.org/wordpress/1979-english/chapter-9/" target="_blank">breakthrough</a>. That is, we are seeing the beginning of surface contamination reaching our water supply.<br />
<br />
The increased monitoring requested in recommendation #3 is just one of the actions needed to better safeguard our citizens and ratepayers. LUS management under the guidance of our local political leadership <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysNFZvbGpGSEc3OEwtY1dxWUxIMFdBbjM1V1Y0/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">have the constitutional duty</a> to safeguard public health, and to ensure protection of LUS ratepayers by ensuring that the parties responsible for the contamination pay all costs of additional monitoring, remediation, and any/all added costs of treatment.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
____________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Table 1.</b> This table lists the 15 contaminants known to be present at the abandoned railyard and monitored/reported by LUS in untreated well water samples taken once every 3 years. Of these monitored contaminants only 1,4-Dichlorobenzene has to-date been detected in LUS well water.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CAS No.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contaminant</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">100-41-4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ethyl Benzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">100-42-5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Styrene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">106-46-7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,4-Dichlorobenzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">107-06-2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,2-Dichloroethane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">108-88-3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toluene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">127-18-4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tetrachloroethene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">156-60-5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">50-32-8 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benzo(a)pyrene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">71-43-2 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">71-55-6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,1,1-Trichloroethane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">75-09-2 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Methylene Chloride</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">79-01-6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trichloroethene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">95-50-1 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,2-Dichlorobenzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">74-95-3 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dibromomethane</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">N/A</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M, P-Xylenes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<b>Table 2.</b> This table lists the 34 contaminants known to be present at the abandoned railyard and not monitored/reported by LUS in untreated well water samples taken once every 3 years.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CAS No.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contaminant</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">103-65-1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">n-Propylbenzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">104-51-8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">n-Butylbezene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">108-67-8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,3,5-Trimethyl-Benzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">120-12-7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anthracene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">129-00-0</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pyrene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">193-39-5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">205-99-2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benzo(b)fluoranthene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">206-44-0</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fluoranthene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">207-08-9</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benzo(k)Fluoranthene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">208-96-8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acenaphthylene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">218-01-9</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chrysene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">541-73-1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,3-Dlchlorobenzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">56-55-3 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benzo(a)anthracene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">594-20-7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2,2-Dichloropropane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">67-64-1 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acetone</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">67-66-3 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chloroform</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">74-97-5 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bromochloromethane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">75-15-0 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carbon disulfide</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">75-34-3 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,1-Dichloroethane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">79-69-4 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trichlorofluoromethane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">83-32-9 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acenaphthene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">85-01-8 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phenanthrene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">86-73-7 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fluorene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">91-105-134</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alkyl benzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">95-47-6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">0-Xylene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">95-49-8 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2-Chlorotoluene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">95-63-6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">95-63-6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">98-82-8 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isopropytbenzene (Cumene)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">540-59-0</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1,2-Dichloroethene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">91-57-6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2-Methylnaphthalene</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">N/A</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">CIS-1,2-Dichloroethane</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-35891943192986478192018-04-17T09:04:00.000-07:002018-04-17T09:04:07.747-07:00More evidence of the contamination is discovered: News Conference, April 11, 2018<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXOXkMmBLkz7cyrhdKZRJCURDuFrjGER8g73h5vUxYC-HNhIqxSKc9Lvcy9mNjWtsPBqgoPUt_Bxa-UEBmSA-BQbLrogrW9Kq0TatNkf0fnOARkahg5OWybaEfx4S7DUx6GbeExHg2w/s1600/BillGoodell.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="769" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXOXkMmBLkz7cyrhdKZRJCURDuFrjGER8g73h5vUxYC-HNhIqxSKc9Lvcy9mNjWtsPBqgoPUt_Bxa-UEBmSA-BQbLrogrW9Kq0TatNkf0fnOARkahg5OWybaEfx4S7DUx6GbeExHg2w/s200/BillGoodell.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1. Attorney Bill Goodell pictured <br />
here at an earlier <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/11/an-update-on-railyard-lawsuit.html" target="_blank">meeting in 2017</a>.</td></tr>
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On April 11, 2018, attorney Bill Goodell addressed a press conference in downtown Lafayette to inform citizens and our civic leaders of the discovery of additional data showing that contamination has not only entered our drinking water aquifer below the now abandoned railyard downtown, but that this contamination has been flowing into our aquifer for at least a quarter century. Mr. Goodell is the the plaintiff's attorney in a <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/11/an-update-on-railyard-lawsuit.html" target="_blank">lawsuit against the Union Pacific Railroad</a> seeking cleanup of this site. In his press release, Mr. Goodell stated </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Recently discovered reports in LDEQ public records require amendment of the existing petitions to formally incorporate newly discovered facts. ... October 1993 Chicot Aquifer testing done by Union Pacific’s own environmental experts ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller and filed with LDEQ on January 12, 1994 proves that hazardous/toxic benzene has leaked from the Facility into the Chicot Aquifer and fouled the City of Lafayette’s drinking water source in violation of a slew of state environmental laws and prohibitions. Union Pacific should have but did not discuss this benzene in the Chicot with the LDEQ," </blockquote>
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You can read the full press release by clicking <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysanFhM1hCaTd0YVhsQ2tEekFVZ0wyX3lGNjRZ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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The press conference was reported by at least 3 of our local news media outlets:</div>
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<li><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Daily Advertiser by Claire Taylor, </span><a href="https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/04/11/attorney-test-shows-chemicals-aquifer-but-not-lus-water/506901002" target="_blank">Attorney: Test shows benzene in aquifer, not in LUS water</a></div>
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<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-07ed9b6d-c20e-83b2-785e-59b7508e5b39"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KLFY by Lester Duhé, </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.klfy.com/news/local/attorney-wants-city-to-conduct-testing-on-water-system-after-contaminants-found-lus-says-water-safe/1116791580" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Attorney wants city to conduct testing on water system after contaminants found; LUS says water safe</a></span></div>
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KADN by Alex Worstell, <a href="https://kadn.com/salvation-army-vs-union-pacific-update/" target="_blank">Salvation Army Vs Union Pacific Update</a></div>
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In these reports, our LUS leadership replied that our Lafayette drinking water meets current human health maximum contaminant criteria. This fact, however, was never mentioned or disputed by Mr. Goodell. The now well documented fact that <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/contamination-of-our-chicot-aquifer.html" target="_blank">our water source is being contaminated by the railyard</a> is never mentioned by LUS or local government leaders. Once again our government's representatives have resorted to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man" target="_blank">straw man fallacy</a> in an apparent attempt to deflect the public's outrage at their inaction. </div>
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I have never heard the attorney for the plaintiffs, Mr. Bill Goodell, say that LUS drinking water is currently unsafe; that is not yet the issue. The issue is that the source of our drinking water for our city and parish, the Chicot Aquifer, is contaminated just a short distance from our downtown water well intakes, and that contamination is almost certainly being slowly drawn toward the inflow our water well intakes. </div>
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For more than a century the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/07/drinking-water-supply-in-lafayette.html" target="_blank">Chicot Aquifer has been a source of plentiful high-quality water</a> for our residents. The spread of contamination in the vicinity of our wells must be stopped. Man-made substances have already been detected in some of our downtown wells. Action is needed now! If we wait until the contaminant concentrations at our wells violate health limits it will be practically impossible to restore the aquifer.<br />
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We need to begin planning now for remediation of the contaminated aquifer and require the responsible party to pay for this cleanup. We need testing to determine the extent of contamination. Why would our city/parish officials oppose this?<br />
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Over a year ago, the Sierra Club and Water Mark Alliance sent a letter to our elected parish leaders expressing concern about the railyard and asking that ten specific actions be taken. To date, these citizens have not even received the courtesy of an acknowledgement. Why are our government's elected officials stonewalling the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/03/citizens-seek-action-to-protect-our.html" target="_blank">public's call for action</a>?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zp7TjY8t4T8UAB-IvdYaYXWjXBuQ01v1cHNgue3CqujGu7_F2yp4PV413S9M9A026mmBCxe1JoUT1-hw76f6N9ZoC9qX3d0IATwry9MWp-XilLI7SOQj8eqceN1ggbFTPhzyh-DahQ/s1600/ActivelyContaminatedMapImage-zoomin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zp7TjY8t4T8UAB-IvdYaYXWjXBuQ01v1cHNgue3CqujGu7_F2yp4PV413S9M9A026mmBCxe1JoUT1-hw76f6N9ZoC9qX3d0IATwry9MWp-XilLI7SOQj8eqceN1ggbFTPhzyh-DahQ/s400/ActivelyContaminatedMapImage-zoomin.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2. T<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">he</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> abandoned railyard is designated here by shading. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">LUS's </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">drinking water wells are </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">a few blocks beyond this map's northern border.</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-45702048236351466282018-03-26T09:09:00.000-07:002018-03-29T10:28:56.387-07:00Evangeline Corridor Initiative - Your comments are due March 29, 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/OgHxlLMHWGsyTlQwyEKo32pRf_56pQUH3QKFnp4HeL5WJtF0hXN-vDDYdZu1uVGKs_KjuNFE-tsiKPZcM3EfxBKbZ6wiblCRNeB0pYhtvGxrQoHPQAVDqrVRwPptqiuc4_kUMLE" style="border: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="327" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From page 14, ECI Final Report, March 9, 2018.</td></tr>
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The Evangeline Corridor Initiative or ECI (formerly called the TIGER grant initiative) began over 2 years ago when the Lafayette government received a planning grant from the Federal government of $300,000, and matched this with an even larger local tax match. This planning effort is <a href="https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/03/12/evangeline-thruway-corridor-plan-ready-public-comment/417484002/https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/03/12/evangeline-thruway-corridor-plan-ready-public-comment/417484002/" target="_blank">deeply intertwined with the Lafayette I-49 Connector's</a> own tens of millions of tax dollars spent for planning. The ECI is now coming to an end, and it is time for the citizens to examine and comment on what we the taxpayers and residents got for our money.<br />
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The Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team (ETRT) at its March 12 meeting, accepted a draft Final ECI Plan and recommended the plan be made available for public comment. <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov/presidents/pages/view-newsrelease.aspx?id=539" target="_blank">Two public "open house" style meetings</a> (that is, public meetings where the public informed but is not invited to publicly speak) were held on March 21 and 22 to provide the public with information about the Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team (ETRT) plans for our community in the area surrounding the proposed I-49 Connector. You can read more about the ECI through their web site which redirects you to their Lafayette Parish government page: <a href="http://www.evangelinecorridor.com/">www.evangelinecorridor.com</a><br />
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At these March open house meetings, representatives from Lafayette Consolidated Government, the ECI's professional consulting team, and the ETRT were on hand and were available to answer questions from citizens one-on-one. The 175 page ECI draft Final Report/Action Plan is available in print at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center at 101 Jefferson Blvd. To download the Report to your device <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov/ComprehensivePlan/Documents/DRAFT%20ECI%20Report%203-12-18.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>. Public comments on the report are <b>due Thursday, March 29, 2018 at noon</b>. I urge every Lafayette citizen to examine this draft report and other materials from the ECI web site and submit their own comments on the draft plan. You may also comment on other relevant issues that should have been addressed in the study. In order to comment, you may<br />
<ol>
<li>Have left a written comment at the meeting (see the image of the ECI comment card below).</li>
<li>Fill out and mail or hand-deliver the ECI comment card which is available in pdf format by <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov/ComprehensivePlan/Documents/ECI%20CommentCard_openHouse2018.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</li>
<li>Or, simply email comments to <a href="mailto:ETRT@lafayettela.gov">ETRT@lafayettela.gov</a></li>
</ol>
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Don't forget, <b>the deadline for comments on the draft final report is noon on Thursday, March 29</b>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNPRo0uFF7RFEBWpYQ_bGyAWXiMSJodOKg4K8xm8nwPsSDTZIhrPLmYWehskweCzgk8KUqbO4xuT5dZ6lF0XLK7n1Uob64pF8_VxIAHZnc3k6poXnD_FOVHHdpJtMyIrCaKKp4OLcdQ/s1600/ECI-CommentCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNPRo0uFF7RFEBWpYQ_bGyAWXiMSJodOKg4K8xm8nwPsSDTZIhrPLmYWehskweCzgk8KUqbO4xuT5dZ6lF0XLK7n1Uob64pF8_VxIAHZnc3k6poXnD_FOVHHdpJtMyIrCaKKp4OLcdQ/s320/ECI-CommentCard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After submitting my own comments to the ECI, I will publicly share them through an update or comment added to this post. After <i>you</i> submit <i>your</i> comments, you may also publicly share your ECI comments by copying them as a comment at the bottom of this blog post.<br />
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Thanks to all who provide their input on this plan.<br />
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----------------------------------- COMMENTS BY M. WALDON -----------------------------------<br />
<i>Note to readers - because I included a photo in my comments I must add them here as a blog update rather than simply making them a blog comment. To view other reader comments click on the word "comments" at the end of this post.</i><br />
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These comments related to the March 2018 ECI Open House Meetings and the Draft Final ECI Report. They are submitted by Dr. Michael G. Waldon, 110 Seville Blvd, Lafayette. I live in City/Parish District 3. I do wish to thank the ECI team for consideration of my concerns.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">GENERAL COMMENTS</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Relationship to I-49 Connector</span></span></div>
<span style="text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial;">A relationship between this TIGER Grant and the Lafayette I-49 Connector project clearly exists, but is unclear. I do see in provided documentation that this TIGER project, now termed the ECI, is considered a mitigation for the damage to the Corridor from the I-49 Connector project. I submit this comment addressing the ECI draft final report in the larger context of the I-49 Connector itself.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></b>
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</span>There is very strong opposition to the I-49 Connector throughout Lafayette Parish, and this opposition is particularly intense within the ECI corridor. There have been hundreds of citizens who have attended meetings to voice their opposition to this project. Opposition has been intense for a very long time, at least since the first EIS was presented almost two decades ago. Now, the ECI planned projects are presented as a carrot in a final desperate attempt to lure opponents into grudging support. This strategy will not work!<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
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The public is not so foolish that they will believe that suddenly a district that has seen neglect for a century will suddenly become a target for local expenditures. The truth is that nothing in this plan is funded, and no funding mechanism has been identified. We see that the local government can’t be bothered to even maintain the property they already have within the Corridor. Why should we believe that the parish will suddenly have funds for new playgrounds in pocket parks, or even have money to keep the grass cut. Put simply, we are on our own. The I-49 spector reduces property values for Corridor homeowners today, and if it ever is funded for construction, it will destroy these communities and turn them into urban deserts. </div>
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</span>In supporting Lafayette’s application for additional millions of dollars of federal grant funds for continuation of the TIGER project, one councilman responded to our opposition to continuation of the TIGER funding at a Parish Council meeting. To paraphrase, he said that if we don’t spend the federal money someone else will. This hardly seems to be the prudent way we, the taxpayers, hope our elected representatives will spend our money. I urge all who are given the responsibility to allocate our tax dollars will use good judgement and spend our taxes as prudently as if spending their own money. Simply spending for the sake of spending? I say no! </div>
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We have been assured that if there is strong local opposition the I-49 Connector (we call it the I-49 Con) will never get federal construction funds. If that is the truth, then the Con will never be built. </div>
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Therefore, I conclude, the first thing to decide is - Will the I-49 Connector really be built? If yes, then drop all of these projects in the draft final report because there will be no community left to use them. And, if no - the I-49 Con will never be built - then we do not need the ECI. The Evangeline Corridor will bloom with renewed life if this spector of future destruction is removed. Property values will increase, private investment will return, and - note to our Council - tax revenues will grow. Let us hope that we stop spending federal money just for spending sake, and pursue alternative like the LRX, the planned Lafayette western bypass. </div>
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My recommendation for the Final Report is to state early and clearly that the ECI report does not endorse the I-49 Connector, and that funding, construction, and maintenance of these projects is in no way dependent on the Con. Alternatively, state clearly that these projects are being proposed to mitigate the tragic destruction of our communities that will result from building the urban interstate through our city’s heart. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pedestrian friendly</span></div>
</span>Throughout the draft final report I see the words “pedestrian” and “pedestrian friendly.” Sidewalks were not built so that utilities would have a place to put their poles! Before we pursue other pedestrian friendly ideas, we need to set a Parish-wide policy that new utility poles will never again be placed in our sidewalks or placed such that pedestrians or handicapped individuals in wheelchairs need to move into traffic to avoid the pole. Placing poles or other obstacles in our sidewalks is not only a safety issue, but also is a statement that pedestrians are valued far less than cars in our community. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Hurricane Evacuation Capacity is Essential</span></span></div>
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</span>Before, during construction, or after the vaporous I-49 Connector project is realized, the current capacity for hurricane evacuation must at a minimum be maintained on the Evangeline Thruway itself. If ever funded and constructed, the elevated roadway will provide limited resilience in the face of heavy rain and wind. As residents of Louisiana we know that elevated roads get blocked easily. High winds and rain preceding the storm may even force closure of the interstate to high profile vehicles like trucks. Hurricane evacuees often cannot buy gasoline because of long lines or loss of power. On a surface road, out-of-gas cars can more easily be move out of traffic. However, experience shows that long bridges are often blocked by out-of-gas cars. </div>
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</span>This is very relevant to any ECI plans along the Thruway. Until the surface level western bypass, the Lafayette Regional Xpressway or LRX, or other bypass is built I would not support any changes that “calm traffic” or reduce roadway capacity on the current Evangeline Thruway. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">City property</span></span></div>
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</span>I commend the City/Parish leaders for showing an interest in the Evangeline Corridor area of our city. The neglect that this area has experienced in the past is clear. A recurring comment by residents at meeting that I attended was the lack of simple maintenance of city-owned and LUS property in the Corridor. The city seems unable to regularly mow the grass and keep up the appearance of their property in this area. This not only contributes to a blighted appearance, but also, right or wrong, makes us think that the residents of this area of Lafayette are less important to the powerful interests in charge of the city. Only now, when a plan to further destroy these communities with a six lane urban interstate through its heart do we hear of highway administration funds giving us unfunded plans for new projects. If you can not cut the grass and paint your fences, why should the public believe any of these dreams will ever be a priority? </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Here are examples of properties which are not properly maintained: </span></span></div>
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<li>LUS Water Well #10 on Moss St at Park is no longer in production and has been described as abandoned (see attached photo).</li>
<li>The abandoned Grant Street Power Plant is unsightly and a public hazard from contamination.</li>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>At the meetings, residents gave a number other examples with which I was not familiar. In summary, the ECI draft final plan seems hypocritical when we see the apparent neglect received for care of City properties within the corridor. </div>
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LUS Well 10 at Moss St at Park is abandoned and clearly looks the part! The photo is also available at the link <a href="https://goo.gl/f21aZn">https://goo.gl/f21aZn</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-size: 11pt; transform: rotate(0rad); white-space: pre;"><img height="424" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/9949E75lW5LYT7NEI_m7UDni3ojBQ3AwEWhQdwOMyU58kh72MhiMG152JEnbYx01MDWs2lXNNk-dp0arHI7doUWeUVSo8BnjYBB5ppszhN5Dk0m18KY67K_boiZueAwj9naeSCs" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="565" /></span></span></span></div>
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</span>Throughout the I-49 Connector discussions and resident protests, we have heard of plans to build an ill-described bridge to signify the progressive nature of Lafayette. This seems to have moved forward and influenced the proposal for a Gateway Feature (project Gateway B). First, this is an idea that is ripe for ridicule. It is hard to see why the LCG and DOTD would provide such an opening in a community that can’t even fund a school tax. Tax opponents will use this as a hammer to destroy the whole ECI and Con programs. Second, we already have a beautiful gateway structure, our visitor center. We need a gateway that embodies Cajun and Creole culture, not a steel bridge or weird art. Those are fine for other places, but people visit us for the culture, and the current visitor center represents us very well. I am deeply saddened that DOTD plans to destroy the current center, and have been told that replacement will need to be at Parish taxpayer expense because we should have known better than to build it at its current location! In summary, rebuild the visitor center if the I-49 Con is ever built, and otherwise no iconic structure is needed.. </div>
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</span>We have noticed that you plan to put a new park (project Gateway E) at what I believe is the old Clay quarry near the historic Lafayette brickyard and clay quarry (see The Attakapas Country: A History of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana by H. L. Griffin, p 52 and further) . This site is historically important in Lafayette. It is my understanding that most of the bricks for the old buildings in Lafayette came from this site. After the quarry was abandoned, it became a swimming hole for many of the young people in the city of Lafayette. The cool water that flowing freely from the now unconfined artesian aquifer must have provided cool recreation on hot days for many youth. However after two children drowned the council decided to fill the quarry. I am told that any fill materials that were available were used in filling the quarry including waste, trash and garbage - any sorts of materials that were no longer wanted. Today it is likely that this site not only provides contamination to the underlying aquifer and our water wells, but also may be a health hazard to nearby residents. Caution should be exercised in building a park at this location. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pedestrian bridge near Surrey Street</span></span></div>
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</span>A pedestrian bridge near Surrey Street over the Vermilion is needed, and I am in firm support of the bridge proposed in the draft final report (project Vermilion E). I cannot recall ever crossing a less bicycle and pedestrian friendly bridge than the Surrey Street Bridge. Crossing on foot, I look up and down the road, then run as fast as I can to get across (tough job for an old man like me). There is absolutely no room for a pedestrian on this bridge if there are large vehicles passing at the same time. Do children attending the nearby Paul Breaux Middle School have to cross this bridge? I was thrilled to see the idea of a pedestrian bridge near this site suggested in the ECI report. I strongly support this idea. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
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Again, I thank the ECI team for the opportunity to provide public comment. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-58615873735461813082017-12-06T13:05:00.001-08:002017-12-06T15:28:00.760-08:00Public Comment to DOTD: Louisiana DOTD has failed both the letter and the spirit of our Open Meeting Law<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Following below are the written comments that I submitted to DOTD after their October 19, 2017, "<a href="http://lafayetteconnector.com/event/open-house-public-meeting-moderated-session/" target="_blank">Open House</a>" meeting at the Progressive Baptist Church in Lafayette. As I publish my written comments here, the meeting handout and DOTD's presentation materials are available online, but I do not believe any meeting speaker list, transcript of oral comments, or compilation of written comments has appeared on DOTD's <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YbHCwLRvBjG9ExdiF9MlYUtWPQogw8mHmu4nf2E4rl4/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">official meeting site</a>. It does appear that some of my comments have been deeply buried as deconstructed anonymous individual sentences in the <a href="http://lafayetteconnector.com/public-comments/" target="_blank">View Public Comments</a> page on the DOTD's Con web site. If you submitted comments, I welcome you to also add your comments here in the comments section at the end of this <a href="http://connectorcomments.org/">ConnectorComments.org</a> post. And of course, all other relevant comments are also welcome here - I promise that I will not strip off your name and atomize your comments.</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 9pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These comments are submitted in conjunction with the I-49 Lafayette Connector Open House held on Thursday, October 19, 2017, Lafayette, LA. I request that these comments be included in the official Public Meeting Transcript.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-9d27d694-cbdc-963b-cdd1-e1f383b50f56" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Louisiana DOTD has failed both the letter and the spirit of our Open Meeting Law</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since relaunching the I-49 Lafayette Connector project in October, 2015, open public comment has not been permitted at DOTD sponsored committee meetings. This action is in clear defiance of the spirit of open government. In the case of committee meetings which are convened to make recommendations or decisions, it is clearly illegal. In his defense, State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson has noted that the public is allowed one-on-one access to DOTD employees and contractors, and further, can provide written comments in a process similar to a collective project suggestion box. While both of these actions by the DOTD may be considered laudable, the fact remains that the public is not allowed public communication with committees which are assigned advisory and decision-making roles. The “Public Meeting” convened by DOTD on October 19, 2017 continues this policy of violation by segregating comments away from committees that make recommendations or decisions concerning this project.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phase I reports are commonly prepared prior to land procurement by the government. These reports serve the purpose of finding potential liability for the state that is anticipated to occur if the state procures land that is contaminated. Normally, Phase I reports rely in-part on interviews with neighbors and others who may be knowledgeable of past land use and land contamination. However, the state’s contractor in this case was instructed to talk with no local people. The failure of the contractor to identify significant liabilities for the state and its taxpayers could be a direct result of this unusual decision to intentionally blind the investigators. For many months the citizens of our community have been requesting that the Connector project’s Draft Phase I Hazardous Waste study be made public, and that the public have an opportunity to comment on and suggest improvements in the plan. Why would the state NOT want to know more about liability from procuring contaminated land along the proposed I-49 right-of-way? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The “Community Working Group” committee met most recently on October 18, 2017. At this meeting, as all 14 prior meetings, the public was only allowed to observe; no time was allocated for the members of the public to directly address the CWG. At this meeting, Jan Grenfel (DOTD Environmental Compliance) stated that the Phase I Plan report will remain cloaked from public scrutiny and discussion. She said it will not be discussed, it will not be placed for public review on the I-49 Connector web page </span><a href="http://lafayetteconnector.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://lafayetteconnector.com/</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Why would the DOTD intentionally hide from public view information on toxic contamination in our community? Why would DOTD wish to move forward with land procurement and construction without knowing all available information on risks to public health, and potential damage public land and private property? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What will it take to get our State Transportation Secretary, Dr. Shawn Wilson, to follow the Public Meeting law? If this behavior is allowed to set a precedent, all future public participation in Louisiana state and local government decision-making is in jeopardy. Both the Lafayette newspapers, the Independent and the Daily Advertiser, have editorials supporting the right of the public to speak at DOTD convened committee meetings. I sincerely ask that our Governor, John Bel Edwards, intercede to rein in the arrogance of government being followed by his transportation department.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why is public's criticism so frightening to Dr. Wilson and the DOTD? Perhaps it is because </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the overwhelming public support for a bypass rather than an urban interstate through the historic heart of our city </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the DOTD's embarrassment at their failure to consider in all current and future planning any actual sampling or measurement of the toxics present in their proposed right-of-way</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of lack of any assessment of the impact of driving pilings into our sole-source water supply through toxic wastes potentially destroying our Lafayette water supply with toxic contamination </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of public health impacts from exposure to toxic construction-related dust containing asbestos, lead, and arsenic from decades of railyard activities</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of noise impacts on home values </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of noise and air pollutant impacts on our downtown parks and festivals</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of air pollution from interstate traffic falling over our downtown and surrounding neighborhoods</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of causing our city to fall into ozone non-compliance which could trigger annual auto tailpipe inspections and limits on future industrial expansion in the city </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of adding risks of drowning for motorists forced to travel in a tunnel under the interstate near the airport and the Vermilion River </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of flooding resulting from huge new paved impervious surfaces that are intended to drain to Bayou Vermilion with no attenuation </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of hazardous cargo which would travel the elevated interstate at high speed over our houses</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the danger of falling objects limiting land use under the elevated interstate</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the hundreds of small businesses that will be harmed or destroyed without compensation</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the thousands of private property owners who will lose 10% to 15% of their home values because of interstate noise and proximity</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of increased cross-city traffic on Pinhook, Johnston, University, and other streets that would be induced by this project (note that induced traffic demand has not been properly modeled)</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">what else</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? What else would our citizens bring to the attention of planning committees if they were allowed to speak?</span></div>
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</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The EIS performed by DOTD for this project nearly two decades ago was woefully inadequate and inaccurate when it was created. Further, it piecemealed impacts by breaking off the interstate construction south of the airport into a separate study. And, still worse, over the past decades this “Final” EIS has not aged gracefully. New scientific finding and changes in regulations make this document virtually irrelevant today.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could these observations be the reason Shawn Wilson wants to stifle public input and awareness? Are there other reasons that Dr. Wilson no longer supports public openness and inclusion at DOTD?</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Relevant Articles and Editorials</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Advertiser</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, April 29, 2016, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some not happy I-49 meetings don't allow public discussion</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/04/29/interstate-49-meetings-dont-allow-public-discussion/83709888/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/04/29/interstate-49-meetings-dont-allow-public-discussion/83709888/</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Advertiser</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, May 5, 2016, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Editorial: Let us reason together</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/05/04/editorial-let-us-reason-together/83930400/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/05/04/editorial-let-us-reason-together/83930400/</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Advertiser</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, May 10, 2016, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Voices: I-49 'public comment' requires large open forums</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/10/voices--49-public-comment-requires-large-open-forums/84183630/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/10/voices--49-public-comment-requires-large-open-forums/84183630/</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Advertiser</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, May11, 2016, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schoeffler: I-49 connector meetings have violated Louisiana law</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/11/schoeffler--49-connector-meetings-have-violated-louisiana-law/84233932/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/11/schoeffler--49-connector-meetings-have-violated-louisiana-law/84233932/</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Advertiser</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, May12, 2016, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Voices: Consider all options when building I-49 connector</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/12/voices-consider-all-options-when-building--49-connector/84280178/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2016/05/12/voices-consider-all-options-when-building--49-connector/84280178/</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Published resources regarding Louisiana's Open Meeting Laws</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Louisiana Attorney General provides an overview and opinion on the application of Louisiana's Open Meeting Laws</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.ag.state.la.us/Article.aspx?articleID=21&catID=0&printer=1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.ag.state.la.us/Article.aspx?articleID=21&catID=0&printer=1</span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other sources of publicly available information include -</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Louisiana Open Meeting Law is available from LSU</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/cases/la/adlaw/la-openmeetings.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/cases/la/adlaw/la-openmeetings.htm</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and at this Louisiana Legislative Auditor site</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://app.lla.state.la.us/llala.nsf/BAADB2991272084786257AB8006EE827/$FILE/Open%20Meetings%20Law%20FAQ.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://app.lla.state.la.us/llala.nsf/BAADB2991272084786257AB8006EE827/$FILE/Open%20Meetings%20Law%20FAQ.pdf</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana publishes a guide to Louisiana Open Meeting Laws</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.parlouisiana.com/s3web/1002087/docs/guidelines_for_open_meetings.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.parlouisiana.com/s3web/1002087/docs/guidelines_for_open_meetings.pdf</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A document from 2009 on the Louisiana Culture Recreation and Tourism site describes 5 things you should know about Louisiana Open Meeting Laws </span><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/Assets/OCD/hp/grants/certifiedlocalgovernment/documents-and-forms/Open_Meetings_Law.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.crt.state.la.us/Assets/OCD/hp/grants/certifiedlocalgovernment/documents-and-forms/Open_Meetings_Law.pdf</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Public Affairs Research Council in 2010 published this information on Louisiana's sunshine laws</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.nfoic.org/sites/default/files/Louisiana-Open-Meetings.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.nfoic.org/sites/default/files/Louisiana-Open-Meetings.pdf </span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Signed:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael G. Waldon, Ph.D.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">110 Seville Blvd </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lafayette, LA 70503 </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">email: mike@mwaldon.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note: I request that my name remain with my comments, and that any publication of my comments by DOTD be posted complete and unedited.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztJgUPkJVlioqzrfM1UoQU8EM316PjDt5x8r2djTMWh8syUMmTxQOmrwUlrJjYVX131av_P9s3a4bSr5C-JGV22dPxsMmB_yyAxpiz2lPP2ZlPmBhfXQoUUIIHwW_3Adk5PMUNz85GA/s1600/October+2017+Open+House_Moderated+Session+Public+Meeting+Facility+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztJgUPkJVlioqzrfM1UoQU8EM316PjDt5x8r2djTMWh8syUMmTxQOmrwUlrJjYVX131av_P9s3a4bSr5C-JGV22dPxsMmB_yyAxpiz2lPP2ZlPmBhfXQoUUIIHwW_3Adk5PMUNz85GA/s640/October+2017+Open+House_Moderated+Session+Public+Meeting+Facility+Map.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Meeting Facility Map from DOTD Handout</b></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-59520962317232178102017-11-17T12:50:00.000-08:002017-11-20T22:48:07.281-08:00An Update on the Railyard Lawsuit<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHraC-TjB7rSCtAj-W0suPMHy2kVDFXUT35JqKcm6MfeUCnVe11BXouvUVzUlaeii4rC3M7lHwAhyphenhyphenlE5Xu7cOAV2ZmJ9FUW_a_4nRiARut_buYB0Kc27pEot6wy7RWxYGrmbw7r8Jhg/s1600/BillGoodell.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="769" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHraC-TjB7rSCtAj-W0suPMHy2kVDFXUT35JqKcm6MfeUCnVe11BXouvUVzUlaeii4rC3M7lHwAhyphenhyphenlE5Xu7cOAV2ZmJ9FUW_a_4nRiARut_buYB0Kc27pEot6wy7RWxYGrmbw7r8Jhg/s200/BillGoodell.png" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attorney Bill Goodell speaks at the <br><a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/01/y-49-takes-turn-public-meeting-summary.html" target="_blank">January 2017 Y-49 public meeting</a> </td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lawsuit asking that the Union Pacific Railroad take action on its abandoned railyard in downtown Lafayette received a lot of attention in our community and the press in 2016. However, for most of 2017 little has been discussed or reported on the railyard lawsuit. It is therefore time to review the lawsuit and its present status.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-4fad8cf6-cb4e-5c56-0fbf-b32fa5e9aa4c" style="font-weight: normal;"><br></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In February of 2016, The legal team for the lawsuit plaintiffs - the Salvation Army, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>et al</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. - filed a petition with the court against defendants including - the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Southern Pacific Motor Company. The lawsuit was reported in all of the Lafayette local newspapers throughout 2016 (see the list of articles at the end of this post). In press releases in 2016, the plaintiff's attorney, William Goodell, summarized the case. Goodell's </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysUVBTdElqZWZpVmFZcGUwTXRvWlN6ZTlIbjRv/view?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">February 2016 news release</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> read in-part:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite an Environmental Impact Statement, two prior lawsuits, piecemeal testing, and decades of environmental regulatory agency “oversight”, no meaningful action has been ordered, much less taken, to require a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soil and shallow groundwater testing on file at the LDEQ confirms the presence of a toxic stew of “Superfund” hazardous substances perilously perched atop the Chicot Aquifer; yet, available LDEQ records reveal no testing or cleanup in the Chicot has ever been ordered or performed.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The documented contamination at the site constitutes an illegal, imminent, and substantial endangerment to the health and safety of Plaintiffs and the entire Lafayette community.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A comprehensive, site-wide assessment of the former rail yard is necessary to design a meaningful cleanup of the former rail yard and adjacent areas, to eliminate the threat it poses to the Chicot Aquifer, to prevent further contaminant migration, and to protect the entire Lafayette community.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The suit challenges Defendants to meet with Plaintiffs’ attorneys and experts and LDEQ to promptly:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Accept responsibility for this environmental damage;</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Develop and adopt a mutually agreeable comprehensive assessment plan that will identify and characterize all contaminants throughout the entire site;</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Define the horizontal and vertical extent of that contamination both on and off site; and</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adopt a timeline to properly and expeditiously clean up Defendants’ toxic legacy to the Lafayette community. ...</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lawsuit alleges a failure to warn the people of Lafayette of the dangers that the rail yard contamination presents, and that:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“In the past and to this very day, Defendants actively concealed and intentionally failed to disclose evidence of the ... contamination despite clear knowledge of it and its dangers to Plaintiffs and the Lafayette community.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On December 14, 2016, plaintiff's attorney William Goodell issued a </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysNFZvbGpGSEc3OEwtY1dxWUxIMFdBbjM1V1Y0/view?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">press release</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> further detailing what is known about contamination at the site, and calling for our political leaders in Lafayette government and our Louisiana state agencies to "embrace" their constitutional "responsibilities as public trustees and do the right thing." In a further </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysRUY3bm02QkRSbFlCSjNpMVNBWmdMaXY3Q1FV/view?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">press release</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on December 20, 2016, Goodell warned against continuing to pursue I-49 Connector land acquisition and construction until the Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) has responded to demands to survey and clean up their contamination. He warned specifically that</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br></b>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I-49 Connector construction will increase damage to the aquifer from UPR contamination and make public entities involved partially liable for the aquifer damage</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I-49 Connector construction will make cleanup of UPR aquifer contamination more difficult, more expensive, and more time consuming—if not impossible</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UPR rail yard cleanup as a part of the I-49 Connector construction project will make taxpayers foot the bill for UPR responsibility </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have noted public misunderstanding and some individuals stating wrong "facts" concerning the railyard lawsuit. As I have discussed this case with others in the community, or read their social media commentary, I have been surprised to hear otherwise well-informed people saying, for example, that I, Mike Waldon, sued the railroad (I did not!), that the Sierra Club sued the railroad (they did not!), and that the plaintiffs sued the city government (they did not!). Others have implied to me that this lawsuit is backed up by little evidence of any serious risk coming from the old railyard - nothing could be further from the truth!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since December, I am unaware of any media coverage of the railyard lawsuit. So, you may ask "what is the current status of the suit? For almost one year the legal fight has been over whether the proceedings should move forward in a federal or a state court. The plaintiffs initially filed in state court, but the defendants argued that it should be moved to federal court. This question has finally been answered, and a state court will hear the case. With that question resolved, we should begin seeing substantive legal progress in the coming months. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Related Lafayette News Articles</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Independent February 1, 2016, </span><a href="http://theind.com/article-22616-oil-fuel-and-cleaning-solvents-dispersed-in-a-former-rail-yard-could-threaten-the-chicot-aquifer-according-to-the-petition-filed-feb-1.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suit alleges contamination threat to Lafayette drinking water</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://theind.com/article-22616-oil-fuel-and-cleaning-solvents-dispersed-in-a-former-rail-yard-could-threaten-the-chicot-aquifer-according-to-the-petition-filed-feb-1.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oil, fuel and cleaning solvents dispersed in a former rail yard could threaten the Chicot Aquifer, according to the petition filed Feb. 1</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Daily Advertiser February 1, 2016, </span><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/02/01/breaking-lawsuit-filed-over--49-lafayette-connector/79638738/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lawsuit filed over contamination in I-49 corridor</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Advocate February 5, 2016, </span><a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/article_426b44fd-9b74-5479-8d2c-969818f180dd.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Landowners sue to get Lafayette railroad yard cleaned up, concerned about contamination of aquifer: Potential threat to Chicot Aquifer cited</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Independent December 20, 2016, </span><a href="http://theind.com/article-24387-Contamination-lawsuit-moving-forward.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contamination lawsuit moving forward</span></a></div>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-9255099511292836662017-07-08T15:38:00.001-07:002017-07-08T15:38:30.992-07:00Drinking Water Supply in Lafayette: Early history to the mid-1950's<b>The Beginning</b><br />
Some anthropologists and archaeologists believe that humans lived continuously in the region that we now call the Teche-Vermilion basin for at least five thousand years, and perhaps much longer (Cheramie, 2013). On the banks of Bayou Vermilion near Paul Breaux Middle School (originally Paul Breaux High School) there was a freshwater spring called Chargois Springs (Figure 1) which supported a large Native American settlement. Griffin (1959) reports that for a long time, students of Paul Breaux High School "turned in to the principal after every good rain arrowheads and pieces of pottery that were on the school grounds."<br />
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Findings strongly support the hypothesis that native Americans lived at the Chargois Springs in relatively large numbers for a very long time (Cheramie, 2013). The Chargois Spring was probably a Native American meeting place where trade of all kinds took place. The availability of clear cool fresh water, in combination with its location on a ridge between the Atchafalaya Basin to the east and the prairies to the west would have made this an ideal habitation site. Evidence of long-term habitation suggests that the Chargois Springs was fed by a stable free-flowing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesian_aquifer" target="_blank">artesian aquifer</a>, the Chicot Aquifer, for centuries if not millennia prior to the coming of European colonists.<br />
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The Chargois Springs were the location of many picnics reported in <a href="https://www.newspapers.com/search/#query=%22Chargois+springs%22&s_place=Lafayette%2C+Louisiana&dr_year=1800-1930" target="_blank">lafayette newspapers</a> before 1900. Soon after the 1927 flood, Chargois Spring ceased to flow, and while some attributed this to river sediment sealing the spring, it is more likely that dredging of the Vermilion River next to the spring cut through the clay confining layer which maintained pressure within the Chicot Aquifer which fed the spring. The resulting loss of pressure would have caused the formerly free-flowing spring to stop flowing. Griffin reports that in the 1950's the place still bore the name Chargois Springs and older Lafayette residents fondly recalled bathing there when the water still flowed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52poF7092pRG88EFU7yZNjqNXYzW0q9HFu8irtRS_A2_6sLMbPSioiuskNnYrwk4B5HwY8B4w3yw2HNPsBGzf9UGzJ8kS5TmFOB1vKdc2iUhFSIglV1DOWFmzUIPh8xV5vAPXfSRalA/s1600/APicnicAtChargoisSprings-1898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52poF7092pRG88EFU7yZNjqNXYzW0q9HFu8irtRS_A2_6sLMbPSioiuskNnYrwk4B5HwY8B4w3yw2HNPsBGzf9UGzJ8kS5TmFOB1vKdc2iUhFSIglV1DOWFmzUIPh8xV5vAPXfSRalA/s640/APicnicAtChargoisSprings-1898.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="text-align: start;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Figure 1. Photo from Griffin (1959): </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"A Picnic at Chargois Springs about 1898. The back row: George Bailey, (2) Anita Hohorst (Mrs. J. Franklin Mouton), (3) J. Alfred Mouton, (4) Stella Raney, (5) Neveu, (6 ) Alix Judice (Mrs. J. Alfred Mouton) with guitar, (7) Ned Mouton (brother of Vavaseur), (8) Louise Judice (sister of Alix Judice), (9) Dr. Gabriel Salles (Josette Salles' brother), (10) Frank Moss. Sitting: (1) Florian Cornay, (2) ?, (3) Albert Judice (brother of Louise and Alix Judice), (4) Martha Mouton (back), (5) Marie Revillion (front Mrs. Marsh), (6) Felix Salles (front), (7) Sidney Mouton (back), (8) Emily Moss (Mrs. George deBlanc), (9) Johnny LeBesque (end). "Souvnir offert a Stella Trahan (the daughter of Dr. Trahan) par un ami sincere et devoue, Sidney Mouton," is written on the back of this photograph."</span></i></div>
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Today, the combined impacts of pumping for irrigation and municipal uses, excavation, and dredging have reduced pressure within the aquifer from a state of positive pressure and free flow, to a negative pressure now measured as static well water elevation roughly 50 feet below surface in Lafayette (see, for example, Figure 6, <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/03/more-evidence-of-chicot-aquifer.html" target="_blank">Waldon, 2017</a>a). Chargois Spring now serves as a reminder of how failure to consider the consequences of our actions can lead to unanticipated destruction of what could have been a sustainable resource for ourselves and our children.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="147" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/FnYJuA4uSqutnNW5aGLPPAtSQkGf7WRWTW63sfhU-BQbGeYT4oXdNgr3i1GMXil1ibCA0DBtuBfsKMON3kUuR-meZ4plpj_W8_B1tBajoa4-sBcHPzBJwgrXraou66N9uc9d5MM" style="border: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Figure 2</b>. Ad from the Lafayette <br />
Advertiser, Dec. 8, 1900.</td></tr>
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Throughout most of the 19th century, Lafayette residents had to rely on either rain fed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistern" target="_blank">cisterns</a> (Figure 2), surface water, local springs, or numerous individual wells to provide for their domestic water needs. Shallow domestic wells for drinking water were associated with risks to health because of contamination from the surface, and citizens preferred drinking water from cisterns (Lafayette Advertiser, 1897). Deep wells were considered a low health risk because water was purified by "natural filtration" through soil and sand. However, deep well water was considered less desirable in taste and clarity when compared to rainwater. The development of municipal treatment that filtered and clarified deep well water contributed to the demand by citizens for city water utilities providing drinking water and municipal fire protection.<br />
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<b>1897-1954</b><br />
The city-owned public water and electricity utility was created in 1897 (LUS, 1953, 1954), and both municipal electricity and water services have been continuously provided to the residents of Lafayette by the public utility since that time. The original plant had eight artesian wells placed ten feet apart with depths ranging from 150 to 200 feet (Lafayette Gazette, 1898). The City Engineer, Mr. R. R. Zell (1898), reported to the City Council that the original municipal artesian wells could produce over a million gallons of "good water" per day which exceeded the steam powered water pump capacity. However, by the fall of 1899 only two wells were used by the utility and these two wells had "dried up." The City Council then approved boring a new replacement artesian well to a depth of 200 feet.<br />
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Despite the establishment of a municipal water system, by 1900 many of the 3000 Lafayette City residents continued to rely on domestic wells and rainwater cisterns to meet their water needs (page 59, Griffin, 1959). Additionally, deep commercial wells are known to have existed at the railyard and the refinery prior to construction of the municipal water system (Lafayette Gazette, 1895). Based on this, it is reasonable to assert that there are numerous now abandoned domestic and commercial water wells from that early era which were never plugged in a manner that would be required today. These abandoned wells are a conduit that may today be allowing surface contaminants to be drawn into our drinking water aquifer.<br />
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Municipal water systems were not only important for providing domestic and commercial water service, but also significantly contributed to the city's fire protection. In 1902, 1919, and 1928, citizens voted for bond issues which extended the water system and also funded improvements in other municipal services (Griffin, 1959). The North Water Plant building (Municipal Filtration Plant) was constructed in 1929 (Figure 3) with funding from the 1928 bond issue and property taxes. Today that original building is a part of the Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) North Water Treatment Plant facility.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1lKGZZpzFX1BDMeB1oqDyQZczY4vq4CQuQZAhqP0sGDZ2kp8o5mpadEh2HbNRlRwfftqACZpBZmebpt9bfVSy9V1ndlSMgOJxfuKWug3oQrZxhVjMDJi5-I09Zbu6QPk_XKP3aeEGg/s1600/IMG_20170325_142024205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Municipal Filtration Plant, Erected 1929, City Officials J. Gilbert St. Julien, Mayor, Trustees of Public Safety, Louis Chopin, ..." border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1lKGZZpzFX1BDMeB1oqDyQZczY4vq4CQuQZAhqP0sGDZ2kp8o5mpadEh2HbNRlRwfftqACZpBZmebpt9bfVSy9V1ndlSMgOJxfuKWug3oQrZxhVjMDJi5-I09Zbu6QPk_XKP3aeEGg/s640/IMG_20170325_142024205.jpg" title="North Water Treatment Plant Plaque" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Figure 3</b>. Plaque on the North <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Water Treatment Plant showing that </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">it was initially erected in 1929. </span></div>
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In 1949, the City of Lafayette Board of Trustees adopted a bond resolution for $7,000,000 which funded improvements and extensions to the waterworks plant and the water distribution system, as well as other utility improvement for the electric power and the sewer systems. By October 1952, numerous improvements and extensions were completed or underway (LUS, 1953). The extent of the water system owned and operated by the Utilities System at that time is shown in Figure 4. This map shows the entire water distribution system, including extensions constructed under the bond improvement program. About half of the water distribution network shown in Figure 4 was newly constructed under the 1949 bond improvement program.<br />
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Construction of a major plant expansion was started in September, 1952 . This plant extension added two open-type filters, one new <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=EldIaWt1CLEC&pg=PA248&lpg=PA248&dq=accelator+-accelerator&source=bl&ots=_VZbpin6Xc&sig=Oi2F3n3FBgYr98qyfH_OJg-apQI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit983FiYbSAhUI72MKHTDECAUQ6AEIVjAN#v=onepage&q=accelator%20-accelerator&f=false" target="_blank">Accelator clarifier</a> (Figure 7) in an existing settling basin, and a new aerator. This expansion also included an extension of the main building to the north for chemical storage and feeding for lime (Figures 5 and 6). Water plant treatment capacity was expanded by 1.5 mgd (million gallons per day) which increased the total treatment capacity of the water plant to 4.5 mgd.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG4A6RVKglb6L0-x4dpXe_Cifrqa60ipv4-pcTcRzP8TXMFH4rc1RdPaDQzDrw0MouzDbwPzWTGt-L4a-gqjiCpHo5S97wsuCgZvC7XXnixtvxg4vQmiVk5FdOk2ZcuU_lEfeBZQPKw/s1600/LafWaterSys-CER-1953b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG4A6RVKglb6L0-x4dpXe_Cifrqa60ipv4-pcTcRzP8TXMFH4rc1RdPaDQzDrw0MouzDbwPzWTGt-L4a-gqjiCpHo5S97wsuCgZvC7XXnixtvxg4vQmiVk5FdOk2ZcuU_lEfeBZQPKw/s640/LafWaterSys-CER-1953b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Figure 4.</b> The Lafayette water distribution system in 1952 is mapped in this graphic (LUS, 1953). The water treatment plant is highlighted in red. A 500,000 gallon elevated water tank is to the right of the treatment plant in this map. Fire hydrants are mapped as black dots, 12" mains are mapped as heavier black lines, 4-10" mains are the finer black lines.</td></tr>
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In the early 1950s, water supply for the City of Lafayette was obtained from a system of wells averaging 245 feet in depth in the Upper Sand of the Chicot Aquifer. Part of the wells were located on the filtration plant grounds and part on a nearby separate lot at the intersection of Simcoe and Chestnut Streets (LUS, 1953, 1954). Table 1 shows the location of the five water wells operating in 1952. Wells #1 and #2 were abandoned during that year because of unspecified "difficulties," and a new well was planned at the Simcoe & Chestnut site. <br />
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<b>Table 1.</b> LUS water wells in 1952 (LUS, 1953).<br />
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The LUS Comprehensive Engineer's Reports (CERs) tell us that the system's water wells drew water from a sand and gravel strata which requires extensive screening at the base of the wells (LUS, 1953, 1954). Operation and maintenance of the wells and pumping equipment was reported to always be somewhat of a problem. It appears that wells loosing productive capacity as the wells aged continued. It was reported that the wells were treated with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgon" target="_blank">Calgon</a> and HT<span style="font-family: inherit;">H (<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">calcium hypochlorite)</span> </span>on an experimental basis resulting in some increase of production. In 1954, wells were constructed fairly close together on the System's properties. However, it was planned that the next new wells might be built on separate property, some 2,000 feet from the treatment plant, where it was expected to have less influence from any of the other wells (this new site may have referred to the site of today's Clark Field and Hebert Golf Course). Water treatment plant expansion in the early 1950s (Figures 5-7) increased capacity from 3.0 million gallons per day (mgd) to 4.5 mgd (LUS, 1954). Difficulties with wells in the Chicot Aquifer Upper Sand, a desire to have higher production, and the recognized need to further separate the well intakes from surface contamination may all have been considerations that led to most of our present day wells being drilled deeper into the Chicot Aquifer Lower Sand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv3klC5poGzsRv_ZZMpRKA9aC9XNwxdavGgUey2QurcpEO25ywjCcooKPrfPxcBrJlskCjjK2fU2VOd0TZGjBau0Nabm3MYOktLuCxENxE1CYaFirYL2pmo7Jg0CnBmU-VPgDwriHdg/s1600/WaterPlantAddition-CER-1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv3klC5poGzsRv_ZZMpRKA9aC9XNwxdavGgUey2QurcpEO25ywjCcooKPrfPxcBrJlskCjjK2fU2VOd0TZGjBau0Nabm3MYOktLuCxENxE1CYaFirYL2pmo7Jg0CnBmU-VPgDwriHdg/s400/WaterPlantAddition-CER-1953.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Figure 5.</b> This photo from the 1953 CER shows an expansion of the water treatment </div>
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plant building <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">which expanded the original 1929 plant building.</span></div>
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<b>Figure 6.</b> The expanded water filtration plant (LUS, 1954).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHJ5Oooowd4SCFbhG3A9fpg3iEA7LQ3lPRzk1r7fd4YyDiSQdhnmuXNw6BVgOHKUXUKPWA_lyLpY6ovePFUofgYD6Nxwfgp5g8FLVrgh6pqCP2f_nyIDr5n7vVJZXYDw-oNEszd_Kbw/s1600/WaterPlantAddition-CER-1954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHJ5Oooowd4SCFbhG3A9fpg3iEA7LQ3lPRzk1r7fd4YyDiSQdhnmuXNw6BVgOHKUXUKPWA_lyLpY6ovePFUofgYD6Nxwfgp5g8FLVrgh6pqCP2f_nyIDr5n7vVJZXYDw-oNEszd_Kbw/s400/WaterPlantAddition-CER-1954.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Figure 7.</b> Clarifier constructed as a part of plant expansion (LUS, 1954).</td></tr>
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<b>Summary and Conclusions</b><br />
The Chicot Aquifer has provided a plentiful source of water for millennia, and, if protected, will continue to provide for the water needs of future generations. The Lafayette municipal water system began in the late 1800's. By 1953, Lafayette's municipal water system had expanded to serve 9,247 households and businesses and supplied 825 million gallons of water annually (LUS, 1954). This is 2.26 million gallons per day, or about 240 gallons per customer per day. At that time all of this water was being pumped from the upper sand of the Chicot Aquifer from wells located near the water treatment plant on Buchanan Street at Mudd Avenue.<br />
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When the utility began operation at the end of the 19th century, the Chicot Aquifer was a freely flowing artesian water source. This pressure within the aquifer had been protective of the quality of the groundwater from surface contamination because any connections with the surface through springs (Chargois Springs for example), sand inclusions, cracks, abandoned wells, or flow through the confining clay layer itself would flow from the aquifer toward the surface. However, pressure in the Chicot Aquifer has been falling for a century (Borrok, 2016; Borrok and Broussard, 2016).<br />
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By 1954 the artesian spring no longer flowed, and pressure had diminished from positive to negative in the Chicot Aquifer. Any hydraulic connection of the aquifer to surface water became a conduit for flow into the aquifer transporting whatever contaminants were present at the surface into our underground drinking water source. Groundwater moves very slowly, often a few feet to a few hundred feet per year. Still, this reversal of groundwater flow direction which took place many decades ago sets the stage for destruction. Recent observations of man made contaminates in Lafayette's drinking water wells (Waldon, 2017a, 2017b) serves to heighten citizens' concerns, and have led to a call for action (Waldon, 2017c).<br />
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<u><b>REFERENCES</b></u><br />
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Borrok, David M. (2016) <a href="https://youtu.be/twtIHwv8W8w" target="_blank">At Your Service: Keeping the Chicot Sustainable</a>, Interview on KPLC TV News, Lake Charles, Published on Dec 21, 2016.<br />
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Borrok, David M., and Whitney P. Broussard III (2016) <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289996983_Long-term_geochemical_evaluation_of_the_coastal_Chicot_aquifer_system_Louisiana_USA" target="_blank">Long-term geochemical evaluation of the coastal Chicot aquifer system,Louisiana, USA</a>. Journal of Hydrology 533:320-331.<br />
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Cheramie, David (2013) <a href="http://www.myneworleans.com/Acadiana-Profile/August-September-2013/The-legacy-of-Native-Acadiana/" target="_blank">The Legacy of Native Acadiana</a>. Acadiana Profile, August-September 2013.<br />
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Griffin, Harry Lewis (1959) <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=5is-IIyu5N8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=attakapas&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi3t-_IiYfSAhWDbSYKHe3EAd4Q6AEIHzAB#v=onepage&q=attakapas&f=false" target="_blank">The Attakapas Country: A History of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana</a>. <a href="http://pelicanpub.com/" target="_blank">Pelican Publishing Company</a>, Gretna, Louisiana,<br />
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Lafayette Advertiser (1897) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysWnVoTGxFNlEtbnc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Typhoid Fever and Water Supply</a>. December 18, 1897, page 2.<br />
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Lafayette Advertiser (1999) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysQmk1NG5EZHFpbTQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">New well</a>. October 20, page 1<br />
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Lafayette Gazette (1895) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysRnE0bnNpMGRIT1k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Mr. Zell's visit</a>. November 2, 1895, page 3.<br />
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Lafayette Gazette (1898) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysdTZvY1NvVmFtLXM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Water and Light: A model plant nearly completed - Everything works without a hitch</a>. March 5, 1898, page 1.<br />
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Lafayette Gazette (1899) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysMDVKcDBPUW00T1E/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">New artesian well</a>. October 21, page 1.<br />
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LUS (1953) <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-fTuOevamysTEMyeGdELVRjcFE?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Comprehensive Engineering Report as of October 31, 1952</a>. Prepared by R.W. Beck and Associates for the City of Lafayette Louisiana Utilities System.<br />
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LUS (1954) <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-fTuOevamysTEMyeGdELVRjcFE?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Comprehensive Engineering Report as of October 31, 1953</a>. Prepared by R.W. Beck and Associates for the City of Lafayette Louisiana Utilities System.<br />
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Waldon, Michael G. (2017a) <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/03/more-evidence-of-chicot-aquifer.html" target="_blank">More Evidence of Chicot Aquifer Contamination: USGS Monitoring.</a> ConnectorComments.org<br />
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Waldon, Michael G. (2017b) <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/04/contamination-of-our-chicot-aquifer.html" target="_blank">Contamination of our Chicot Aquifer. What do we know? How do we know? What should be done?</a> ConnectorComments.org<br />
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Waldon, Michael G. (2017c) <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/03/citizens-seek-action-to-protect-our.html" target="_blank">Citizens seek action to protect our health, property, and drinking water supply</a>. ConnectorComments.org<br />
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Zell, R.R. (1898) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysNmJhUmFYZWN6X3M/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Report to the City Council on completion of the Waterworks and Electric Light Plant</a>. Lafayette Gazette, April 16, 1898, page 1.<br />
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<style type="text/css"><!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--></style>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-66607085028616216982017-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:002017-07-10T13:42:57.833-07:00LFT Airport Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqwiiHWtF0991hQpS0pkdrcG-E7HBAsIJ-DxEd-MfBeLgmpT-Fn56urTvsjWVSIzez_90eJF02B7CEkd1xIepQQDvqMqatg4ZffS2Hn-f1K3awQF-nEHNrroe3Y9LuIKPgXBJ9sd4EQ/s1600/VGarrett.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqwiiHWtF0991hQpS0pkdrcG-E7HBAsIJ-DxEd-MfBeLgmpT-Fn56urTvsjWVSIzez_90eJF02B7CEkd1xIepQQDvqMqatg4ZffS2Hn-f1K3awQF-nEHNrroe3Y9LuIKPgXBJ9sd4EQ/s1600/VGarrett.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqwiiHWtF0991hQpS0pkdrcG-E7HBAsIJ-DxEd-MfBeLgmpT-Fn56urTvsjWVSIzez_90eJF02B7CEkd1xIepQQDvqMqatg4ZffS2Hn-f1K3awQF-nEHNrroe3Y9LuIKPgXBJ9sd4EQ/s1600/VGarrett.webp" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">(Why is there a <b>$200 million</b> problem looming at LFT? Be sure to read to the end to find out.)</span></i></div>
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A presentation on the current status of the Lafayette Airport (LFT) and planned airport renovations was an agenda item for the June 20, 2017 Lafayette City/Parish Council meeting. Presenters were <a href="http://lftairport.com/2016/12/19/new-officers-elected-by-lafayette-airport-commission-for-2017/" target="_blank">Valerie Garrett</a>, Chairwoman of the Lafayette Airport Commission, and <a href="http://lftairport.com/about-lft/" target="_blank">Steven Picou</a>, LFT Executive Director. Paul Guilbeau, Vice-Chairman of the Lafayette Airport Commission was also in attendance. Their summary update document provided by the Council Clerk is available <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysTFVrYjBhbDAzN1k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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View the 12 minute video of the airport update by clicking <a href="https://vimeo.com/223520478">here</a> or view it in the frame at the bottom of this post.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7HGoMTA5XXmrqrn3nwttAWQ9tqOD30eeO3BcTqRG02kKlMbDrNicM_ieSrn7pVfE3CH_fCjY21giveedlVMlB3uNWNJomX-2-6fdW_QXZ87gJk3WxY8ClMsM9qpVWtfE-Qm5fVI5Vg/s1600/Picou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7HGoMTA5XXmrqrn3nwttAWQ9tqOD30eeO3BcTqRG02kKlMbDrNicM_ieSrn7pVfE3CH_fCjY21giveedlVMlB3uNWNJomX-2-6fdW_QXZ87gJk3WxY8ClMsM9qpVWtfE-Qm5fVI5Vg/s200/Picou.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STEVEN L. PICOU<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">LFT Executive Director</span></td></tr>
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Steven Picou's update summarized these points:<br />
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<li>LFT has hired their Program Management/Construction Management (PMCM) firm</li>
<li>5000 citizens gave public input that contributed to the selection of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewLFTTerminal/" target="_blank">Journey renovation design</a></li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/small-business/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-dbe-program" target="_blank">Disadvantaged Business Enterprise</a> (DBE)program at LFT is a priority</li>
<li><a href="https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/part139_cert/what-is-part-139/" target="_blank">Part 139 inspection</a> had zero discrepancies</li>
<li>LFT is prepared for tropical storms and hurricanes</li>
<li>Past year's cargo handling of 24.6 million pounds is up from the prior year </li>
<li>The cargo handling facility is opening, UPS and Fed-X are moving in</li>
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<b><i>The I-49 Connector plan requires moving a runway at LFT -</i></b><br />
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Dr. Michael Waldon asked during public comment if the runway displacement required by the I-49 Connector project would result in any changes to the renovations. He also cited his minimum safety requirement calculation that shows that the displacement would need to be 860 feet rather than the 350 feet stated in the I-49 FEIS. This calculation was published last year in the ConnectorComments.org post titled <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2016/07/airport-angles-and-increased-risk.html" target="_blank">Airport angles and increased risk</a>. Mr. Picou replied that he had not seen the published recalculation of the displacement. Further, he said that new FAA regulations would require an additional 1000 feet of runway if it is reconstructed. Mr. Picou stated that the airport "has hired a firm to look at that information." Currently the airport is constructing an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineered_materials_arrestor_system" target="_blank">EMAS system</a> (engineered materials arrestor system) at the end of this runway. He also said that Dr. Kam Movassaghi had led a student design project that might eliminate or reduce the required displacement, but DOTD has not reported any study of such options. <br />
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District 9 Councilman Theriot asked whose responsibility would it be if the runway had to be displaced. Mr. Picou answered that FAA has taken the stance that it is not their responsibility, and it is not the airport's responsibility. He went on to say that in his opinion "It is Federal Highways responsibility." FAA takes the stance, he said, that millions of their dollars have already been spent on the airport, and it is not their responsibility.<br />
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The bombshell of the evening occurred when Councilman Theriot followed up by asking what the cost would be. Mr. Picou replied that a rough order-of-magnitude estimate is <b>$200 million dollars</b>. In part, this cost is so high because the FAA would no longer allow the use of an EMAS at this end of the runway, which results in an added runway length requirement of 1000 feet.<br />
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While there may be intergovernmental discussion of which tax dollars will fund this $200 million (or more), in the every case it is taxpayers who will pay and citizens who will suffer added flooding from the loss of flood storage currently provided to Lafayette and St. Martin Parish residents by the Cypress Island Swamp.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/223520478?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/223520478">LPC-AirpotUpdate-2017-06-20</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user25743294">Mike Waldon</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-13461603051396944372017-06-27T15:42:00.001-07:002017-06-27T16:07:09.092-07:00Citizens comment on the environment, energy, ethics, and other topics - June 20, 2017, Lafayette City/Parish Council<br />
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The Lafayette Consolidated Government Council meetings are open to the public, and citizens may make comments within the scope of each agenda item. Furthermore, <a href="http://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/06/make-your-ideas-known-through-public.html" target="_blank">5 minute comments on any subject are taken monthly at the second monthly meeting</a>. This month, June 2017, <a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213" target="_blank">eight citizens brought issues before the Council</a> (click for video of all comments) during the June open comment period.<br />
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The following is a list of speakers and the subject of their comments. Links in the list will take you directly to the start of each citizen's comment. <br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=84s" target="_blank">Simon Mahan</a> - good government, and making it easier for citizens to participate and comment</li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=537s" target="_blank">Michael Waldon</a> - the Chicot Aquifer, contamination of Lafayette's drinking water source, and contamination at Lafayette's abandoned UPRR railyard, and citizen recommendations letter</li>
<li> <a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=834s">Kim Goodell</a> - Civic duty, <a href="http://watermarkalliance.org/" target="_blank">Watermark Alliance</a>, Chicot Aquifer protection including wellhead protection, an update on the ongoing lawsuit concerning railyard contamination, and citizen recommendation letter</li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=1157s" target="_blank">Andrew Hebert</a> - the conflict of interest inherent in our city/parish council districts</li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=1579s" target="_blank">Kasandra Ford</a> - Renewable energy, Chicot Aquifer protection, drinking water testing, railyard contamination, risks from I-49 Connector plan, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IndivisibleAcadiana/" target="_blank">Indivisible Acadiana</a></li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=1878s" target="_blank">Matthew Isaac</a> - Protection of the Chicot Aquifer, drinking water testing, railyard contamination, and citizen recommendations</li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=2060s" target="_blank">Dennis Sullivan</a> - Opposition to the I-49 Connector plan, the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/search/label/Bypass%20Alternatives" target="_blank">LRX</a></li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/222969213#t=2142s" target="_blank">Lillian Espinosa-Gala</a> - Electric vehicle charging stations in Lafayette, noise and fumes from the I-49 Connector, the <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/search/label/Bypass%20Alternatives" target="_blank">LRX</a>, and hurricane evacuation from Port Fourchon to Houston</li>
</ol>
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Next month open comments should be scheduled during the July 25, 2017 meeting, and we hope that some of the issues brought forward this month will be addressed by Council members at that time. Immediately following that July 25 meeting, the Council will initiate their <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov/Council/SiteAssets/Files/2017-18-Budget-Review-Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">budget review process</a> which should lead to significant citizen comment.</div>
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Video of the entire 3 hour meeting which was recorded by the <a href="http://aocinc.org/" target="_blank">Acadiana Open Channel Community Media</a> may be viewed at <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/104993499">http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/104993499</a><br />
A pdf file of the meeting agenda is available <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysTGVHOThYdTlNMXc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0705 W University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA30.2204734 -92.0246404999999752.8746948999999979 -133.33323449999997 57.5662519 -50.716046499999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-91374382422407026042017-06-19T16:20:00.001-07:002017-06-20T16:13:51.550-07:00Make your ideas known through public comment to our Lafayette Parish Council. <h4>
Have you wanted to address our city/parish leadership about a particular concern or a great new idea or suggestion? You can! Learn how from a short video tutorial that is now available thanks to Simon Mahan and the <i>Lafayette Electrical Discussion</i>. </h4>
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Our <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov/council/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Lafayette City-Parish Council</a> has nine members, with one member representing each of nine districts. It meets twice per month at 5:30 PM in the City-Parish Council Auditorium of the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lafayette+Consolidated+Government/@30.2197979,-92.0246754,18z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1s+City-Parish+hall!3m4!1s0x86249c89084835ef:0x291f03396e36adc4!8m2!3d30.2205387!4d-92.0247539" target="_blank">City-Parish Hall at the corner of University and St. Landry</a>. Usually, meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday, but you should check the <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov/Council/SiteAssets/Files/Council_LPUA_Meeting_Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">on-line schedule</a> in case holidays or other reasons led to a rescheduling. Unrestricted public comment is accepted only at the second monthly meeting (that is, usually the third Tuesday of the month).<br />
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The Lafayette Public Utilities Authority (LPUA) is the governing authority of the Utilities Department and consists of five City-Parish Council members whose districts include 60 percent or more of persons/citizens residing within the boundaries of the city of Lafayette. The LPUA meets regularly on the first and third Tuesday of the month in City-Parish Hall at 4:30 p.m. prior to the full Council meeting.<br />
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Lafayette Council meetings and LPUA meetings are aired live on AOC 2 which is channel 16 on Cox Cable and channel 4 on LUS Fiber Cable. The meetings are also rebroadcast at later dates; check cable schedules for times.<br />
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Click here to view and download the Council's <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysajFKTG13VUJnMGc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">public comment rules and request form</a> (the Blue Card).<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-60213290659695893742017-06-12T23:15:00.000-07:002017-06-12T23:15:08.156-07:00Please comment on plans for the LRX: Interstate bypass alternatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73JmUWSkwXq0Gg9BBosOQXct_rrqfUvB7jbkZCM12Vqav2ZodOHDS3ICFONFHOvk4XCokaHwBLApsnTogp6ZzdGv14TDE_2_U8CMdQ7ZSIpAkLdEl1I6COJYaXO-FeKrsnhjbDCw7Pg/s1600/Map-2017-06-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73JmUWSkwXq0Gg9BBosOQXct_rrqfUvB7jbkZCM12Vqav2ZodOHDS3ICFONFHOvk4XCokaHwBLApsnTogp6ZzdGv14TDE_2_U8CMdQ7ZSIpAkLdEl1I6COJYaXO-FeKrsnhjbDCw7Pg/s200/Map-2017-06-Small.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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Several past posts on this blog, <a href="http://connectorcomments.org/">ConnectorComments.org</a>, have dealt with <a href="https://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/search/label/Bypass%20Alternatives" target="_blank">Lafayette bypass</a> alternatives that would compete with the proposed I-49 Connector which proposes to build an elevated urban interstate through the heart of Lafayette. Lafayette bypasses would compete with the I-49 Con for projected traffic load, and therefore funding and priority.<br />
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Last week, June 6th and 7th, the <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/community-involvement/" target="_blank">Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission (LMEC)</a> hosted open house meetings which updated information on their plans to build the Lafayette Regional Xpressway (LRX) as a partially toll-funded interstate bypass west of Lafayette.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjJg3tMyzSB4OYyrnJoi7Uisd0P65gR2EBOFL0-iLCMdYETH2F9Vo10hiiak5FO7odh6tLapvc6GFnevygnIIo7Kl-xlvmrE6KeGCUbASAO9MWTMrf1mHDn_-PdC5IzeQYODzv7zt_Q/s1600/RoadwayIllustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="960" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjJg3tMyzSB4OYyrnJoi7Uisd0P65gR2EBOFL0-iLCMdYETH2F9Vo10hiiak5FO7odh6tLapvc6GFnevygnIIo7Kl-xlvmrE6KeGCUbASAO9MWTMrf1mHDn_-PdC5IzeQYODzv7zt_Q/s320/RoadwayIllustration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The LRX bypass will allow through traffic to avoid passing through Lafayette's urban core, and should relieve the city of much of its heavy truck and hazardous cargo traffic. It would also draw traffic away from some of the heaviest traffic areas of the Parish.<br />
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The infrastructure solutions firm, <a href="http://www.hntb.com/" target="_blank">HNTB</a>, gave one-on-one presentations to the public during the LMEC open house. We were told that meeting materials would be posted on the <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/community-involvement/" target="_blank">LMEC web site</a> after the meetings. That information is not yet posted, but I have scanned the meeting handouts which are available through these links: <br />
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<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysZjh1dW1pZGc2N3M/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Handout (two pages)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysa25zZGt5WXkwZ0E/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Map of alternative routes for comment (one page)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-fTuOevamysVS1mR09CSTF1VTA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Public questionnaire and comment form (2 pages)</a></li>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Public comment on LRX planning has now been requested</b> as a part of the project's Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).</span> Completion of this EIS is anticipated at the end of this year. I urge all readers of this blog to comment, share, and ask friends to submit comments. Although our state and local politicians have financial and legal constraints that limit describing the LRX as an alternative to the I-49 Con, the obvious fact is that both would be competing parallel roadways, and funding completion of either makes it unlikely the other will ever be built! <i><b>These projects are in a competition for priority and funds. Now it is up to the public to declare their preference.</b></i><br />
The third document, the questionnaire and comment form, should be submitted to the email or postal address given at the bottom of the form. There is no set deadline for submitting public comment, but I believe it would be best to send in your comments within the next 2 weeks, and certainly by the end of June. Emailed comments should be sent to <a href="mailto:kbprejean@hntb.com" target="_blank">kbprejean@hntb.com</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-4405880716336129372017-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:002017-06-07T13:09:10.219-07:00LRX June 2017 Open House HandoutsLast night, June 6, 2017, I attended the <a href="http://connectorcomments.blogspot.com/2017/06/public-meetings-announced-on-lrx.html" target="_blank">LRX open house public meeting</a> at the East Regional Library in Youngsville. This evening from 5:30 to 7:30 there is a second meeting with the same format and materials being held at the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scott+City+Hall/@30.2395997,-92.1004057,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8624992dd2789c3f:0x9f96c51e2ac8882d!8m2!3d30.2395997!4d-92.098217" target="_blank">Scott City Hall, 109 Lions Club Road, Scott</a>. This very short post is written to give tonight's attendees a heads up about what to expect, and also gives everyone not attending a bit of information.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6qU8Oom4BpplREgU41LVyd4RfB9Edhp6GW4Au8Yr5STBIIWXkHXuSDWzp5c9IBHMWqBvtDOT94zymKNPPXZE7sWj2JU6RciC0gN7fFuxMvt1ORqkg3LW0Ny-rht8-Xe-Dpacwh1nTA/s1600/Map-2017-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6qU8Oom4BpplREgU41LVyd4RfB9Edhp6GW4Au8Yr5STBIIWXkHXuSDWzp5c9IBHMWqBvtDOT94zymKNPPXZE7sWj2JU6RciC0gN7fFuxMvt1ORqkg3LW0Ny-rht8-Xe-Dpacwh1nTA/s320/Map-2017-06.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See my <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-fTuOevamysUDVfM1RNaWt3bEk?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Drive folder</a> for this <br />and other handouts.</td></tr>
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The open house format of the meeting means you may expect to take 20 minutes to an hour looking at posters and speaking one-on-one with staff from HNTB about the project that they are contracted to lead. I learned that they are doing the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) for the project in "tiers." They plan to complete the Tier 1 EIS in December.<br />
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There were 3 handouts provided at the meeting<br />
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<li>A double sided sheet with general information</li>
<li>An LRX Project Area and Corridor Alternatives map</li>
<li>A comment sheet and questionnaire</li>
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The questionnaire/comment sheet can be turned in at the meeting, or sent later by mail or email. I plan to scan and email mine so that I keep a copy for my records. You can download copies of the handouts from <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-fTuOevamysUDVfM1RNaWt3bEk?usp=sharing" target="_blank">my Google Drive folder</a>.</div>
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No deadline was given for submitting comments, but I assume they should be sent expeditiously. </div>
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Finally, they stated that all meeting materials would be available on their web page, <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/" target="_blank">Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission</a>, after the second meeting.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529978078073998654.post-71589675556907565522017-06-06T13:35:00.002-07:002017-06-06T13:47:38.587-07:00Public meetings announced on the LRX: An alternative to the I-49 Connector?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w2KS5WaIRy7EUb7EGksC3yfQkLS8JZb5xx_uPcgFfOyUvr72nsrtWaIcK9hsCxnYMsJ7ytzuTBQZQ-RGMyv0CMwZclIMU0iuo4g8c2ZFvDZEHxDjW2JawvQYgcruwpzLv36fy_QIrw/s1600/LRX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="430" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w2KS5WaIRy7EUb7EGksC3yfQkLS8JZb5xx_uPcgFfOyUvr72nsrtWaIcK9hsCxnYMsJ7ytzuTBQZQ-RGMyv0CMwZclIMU0iuo4g8c2ZFvDZEHxDjW2JawvQYgcruwpzLv36fy_QIrw/s200/LRX.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.lrxpressway.com/</td></tr>
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The Lafayette Regional Xpressway, LRX, is a western interstate bypass planned to go west of Lafayette. The <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/" target="_blank">Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission</a> has invited you to two Public Meetings with the same open-house meeting format in two locations:<br />
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<li>June 6th, 2017, 5:30-7:30 p.m., <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lafayette+Public+Library+-+East+Regional+Library/@30.1442546,-91.998125,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x86249d57cea6bc93:0xc13b1bb507a6ddac!8m2!3d30.1442546!4d-91.9959363" target="_blank">East Regional Library, 215 La Neuville Road, Youngsville</a></li>
<li>June 7th, 2017, 5:30-7:30 p.m., City of Scott – <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scott+City+Hall/@30.2395997,-92.1004057,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8624992dd2789c3f:0x9f96c51e2ac8882d!8m2!3d30.2395997!4d-92.098217" target="_blank">City Hall, 109 Lions Club Road, Scott</a></li>
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The Daily Journal of Commerce, Louisiana and Mississippi<a href="http://www.djcgulfcoast.com/pdf/Jul05.pdf" target="_blank"> reported on July 5 last year</a> that "it's been roughly five years since any significant public discussion of the project" and "the commission had paused planning for the bypass <b>so as not to compete for attention with the proposed Interstate 49 Connector</b> (emphasis added)." Work and appropriations for the LRX have been continuing, however. In January 2016 an <a href="http://www.lrxpressway.com/storage/documents/20160112_Agency_Meeting.pdf" target="_blank">agency meeting</a> reported progress on the EIS and tentative selection of a preferred alternative route. </div>
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Finally after this long delay, the public will be allowed to see what secret progress has been made over the years on this alternative routing for I-49! As always, DOTD will tell us again that "this is not an alternative I-49 route," but I think it is abundantly clear that only one, if any, of these interstate projects will be funded over the next 50 years. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1