Here is a list of our concerns. We will continue our efforts to raise public awareness:

Grassroots Engagement

   December 3, 2015

          Sierra Club

OBJECTIVE: Everyone else across the country is tearing down elevated expressways – what do we know that they don’t? EIS offered soft answers, few specifics, details and facts about lessening of impacts. Now we need HARD FACTS and DETAILS about how and when?

1. MAJOR CONTAMINATION SITES (Project Area)

A.      SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAIL YARD   (1873-1964)   (Evang Thrwy to RR Tracks/Taft to Simcoe)

·   2007 Federal Court decision found  (i) hazardous wastes throughout the entire site, (ii) present an immanent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment, (iii)must be removed, and (iv)may be polluting the Chicot Aquifer

·   Known threat to the Chicot Aquifer (our drinking water) and the Vermilion Bayou (storm water runoff). The Chicot Aquifer ranges  @ depths 40 to 80 ft below land surface of Lafayette and extends directly beneath this waste site.

·   The City should not acquire this waste site (and the cost to clean it up); construction access should be denied.

B.      LAFAYETTE POWER PLANT ( 1896-1955)   (Simcoe @ Grant)

·   Facility fueled by #6 bunker oil (known carcinogen)

·   Aerial extent and depths unknown; a full site inspection is warranted.

·   The City should not acquire this site; construction access should be denied.

·   One of Lafayette’s deepest Chicot Aquifer wells is located on lands adjacent to and between the      Rail Yard waste site and this Utility Site – a significant threat to out drinking water.

C.      LAFAYETTE LANDFILL (est.1920)  (University/General Mouton  @ Vermilion Bayou)

·   Comprehensive environmental study of this land and adjoining properties (including migration patterns) is warranted BEFORE THIS LAND IS COMMITTED TO I-49 PROJECT.

All three of these contaminated sites lie in the Project Area with the Chicot Aquifer just below posing a significant threat to our drinking water – adding to that a major construction project is a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, tons of waste generated by construction and then trucked to yet to be designated areas. Further risks inherent with redistributing contaminated soil with deep tunneling operations/construction planned for @ 4 location (Johnston, Jefferson, 2^nd, 3^rd, Simcoe). The Chicot Aquifer is a very valuable natural resource for us all and will serve generations to come IF WE PROTECT IT.

2. AIRPORT RUNWAY DISPLACEMENT/EXTENSION

A.      I-49 Pathway requires existing runway (40ft above sea-level) to be modified and extended into Cypress Island Swamp (8ft above sea-level) entering St. Martin Ph and crossing Bayou Tortue.

        B.   Tremendous Cost (est. vary)

        C.    New Runway will disrupt the natural flow of the Swamp, impact hydrology of the entire Wetland   

               Area (including Lake Martin). Flood stages in Lafayette and surrounding towns to be impacted.

        D.   The cost of the inherent downsides to be born by WHO???

                                                                        (over)

3. HURRICANE EVACUATION

A.   Disruptions with existing evacuation routes during entire construction cycle (10yrs?)

B.   Inadequate – no additional lane capacity and  underpasses flood.

       C.  Wrecks and hazardous substance spills on elevated highways compound evacuation traffic jams.

4. COSTS

A.   2001 estimated $150 million/per mile.

       B.  Many cost estimates did not include

a.    Hazardous Waste removal ($500 million up to $3 billion)

b.   Airport Runway ($200 million)

c.    Health costs increases and

d.   More environmental studies and testing as indicated

 When the total cost is tallied (a Billion Dollars??) is it worth it?  Add to it the cost to the environment and the potential for polluting our exquisite freshwater Chicot Aquifer –Is it worth it?  

A significant increase in the amount of hazardous material transported along the Corridor can be anticipated. Do we want it passing through our Urban Core, at any level (ground or elevated), and at any speed (70, 50, 35mph)?

WE ARE OBLIGATED TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRIONMENT, INCLUDING OUR VALUEABLE NATURAL RESOURCE – THE CHICOT AQUIFER.       BE INFORMED.    BE INCLUDED.   BE INVOLVED