Regarding the proprosal by Union Pacific Railroad to increase train traffic from Rockview, MO to Dexter, MO (docket # 34672):
I strongly feel this is a "very horrible nightmare" for citizens in the city of Chaffee, MO. There already are too many trains stopping for long periods of time, closing down two sets of crossings in town. Emergency vehicles cannot cross to the other side of town, nor could a patient get to medical personnel if needed.
There is so much loud "squealing" noises on some of the trains, it is very annoying to hear such loud noise pollution. There was a refrigeration car that was very loud and annoying, setting on the tracks close to my residence until the early morning hours. The motor was so loud, it seemed like it was right outside my door. Another problem is the whistles blowing so loud at railroad crossings, with an increase in traffic flow, more peace disturbances go on. I live very close to the tracks here in Chaffee. Others have small children who could have their hearing impaired by these loud noises; heard many more times in a day if train traffic is allowed to increase.
I have personally been late for work and appointments countless times, and had to go several miles out of the way to get to the opposite side of town. Many more trains would create more aggravation for people going to work.
There used to be a fear of dangerous hobos in the past few years, but now the latest danger would be chemical odors and poisonous fumes escaping from a leaking tank car. I can remember one night in particular, that I left my windows open and was awakened by a strong smell of chemicals. After I closed my windows, shortly thereafter the train moved on and the smell was gone. I have breathing problems, and cannot tolerate breathing chemical or gaseous fumes.
I want to express my very strong opposition to this proposal, and hope you will give some very serious thought to helping me and the many other people in our community, in denying the railroad an opportunity to make our existence even more alarmingly dangerous and unsafe by increasing rail traffic through our town and this area.
Thank you for your interest and attention in this matter. |