CN Submits EIS for Milton Logistics

CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that it has submitted a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) for its proposed logistics hub to be built in Milton, Ontario.

The EIS describes measures the company plans to adopt to lessen the project’s environmental impact on the community:
• A 1.7-kilometre private road to be constructed on CN property to avoid truck queuing on public roads.

• A new underpass to be constructed for Lower Base Line to minimize the impact on commuters travelling in east and west directions past the hub.

• Raised earthen berms topped off with native Ontario vegetation and trees to reduce the effects of noise and blend into the natural environment of the area.

• Enhancements to be made to the natural habitat of Indian Creek.

• Environmentally advanced technology and design in the hub, including solar panels, rainwater capture, natural and LED lighting.

The EIS is available on CEAA’s website. The proposed C$250-million investment is expected to have significant economic benefits:

• Help CN meet the critical transportation infrastructure needs of a growing Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

• Create more inland freight capacity to better connect domestic and global supply chains linking the West and East coasts in Canada.

• Facilitate logistics development and job creation in Milton and the Halton Region.

The EIS concluded that terminal-generated traffic on neighbouring roads will increase less than three per cent of predicted volumes during peak hours. CN will continue to work with the municipalities to inform their on-going traffic planning efforts.
The EIS also concluded that there would be no significant adverse residual environmental effects during all phases of the project.

CN is committed to a full federal review of the project and to active consultation with the community.  It’s faced strong opposition in two citizens’ groups Milton Says No, and Milton Residents Affected by Intermodal Locations (Milton R.A.I.L.). CN has a website, and information center dedicated to this project.  The information Center located at: 61 James Snow Parkway Suite 202 open Tuesday-Thursday: 12pm-8pm, Friday: 12pm-5pm, and Saturday: 9am-2pm.