4.3. SR 04-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Community Environment . A direct relationship exists between commuter rail stations and the communities they serve. Stations provide a link between commuters and convenient public transportation, but also provide opportunities for communities to enhance the surrounding environment. Community development and planning is an essential component to ensuring a positive influence on the commuters it serves, governments and local merchants. Land Use and Community Facilities This portion of the table briefly describes the location of each proposed station site and general characteristics of the surrounding area. Existing land use, future plans and community development issues are identified as they relate to station location and potential activity. Typically, commuter rail stations are most compatible with commercial, industrial, or mixed land uses, rather than residential areas. Overall, the proposed station sites identified in this phase of the study are located in areas conducive to supporting and benefiting from commuter rail station activity. Physical Environment Air Quality The Clean Air Act of 1990, requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The Clean Air Act established two types of national air quality standards. Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. . The Twin Cities urbanized area is currently designated moderate non-attainment for carbon monoxide (CO). The City of St. Cloud has been redesignated as an attainment area by the EP A and considered to be a maintenance area for CO. CO is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon in fuels. Transportation sources represent 77 percent of the nationwide CO emissions. Thus, the focus of CO monitoring has been on traffic oriented sites in urban areas where the main source of CO is motor vehicle exhaust. The NAAQS for CO is 9 parts per million (ppm) 8-hour non-overlapping average not to be exceeded more than once per year. Regionally, the Northstar commuter rail system will assist in decreasing the CO emissions, since persons currently driving their car will be riding commuter rail. However, there may be increased CO emissions at station sites where large park and ride lots are planned. Additionally, increased vehicular traffic accessing station sites may increase CO emissions. Commuter Rail Feasibility Study March 24, 1999 8-4 Social and Environmental Impacts .