Submission Number: UBR-DEIS-00281 

Received: 1/11/2021 11:43:12 AM
Commenter: Dan Cox
Organization: AvoAvaz.com, llc
State: Colorado

Agency: STB
Initiative: Uinta Basin Railway EIS
Attachments: No Attachments
Submission Text
Dear Uinta Basin Railway As a 45 year oil/gas geologist, i understand the need for a company to continuously find ways to be more economic, have higher returns. I also understand how important US energy independence is. I am still working in the industry. The proposed rail serves these business desires. If Uinta basin oil is currently being refined in Salt Lake city, why not continue refining there? If the supply of oil exceeds refining capacity, why not expand current facilities? if this railway goes thru, no matter how many times the company says they will not repair and access the Minturn to Leadville to Salida to Canon City segment of the line and on the the Gulf coast refineries, we all know better. It is always about money. An oil spill will devastate the Arkansas River based tourism and agricultural, including rafting, fly fishing, kayaking, ranching, farming, for 1000's of people. we all know that an oil spill on the river WILL HAPPEN. it is just a matter of when. Due to no fault of anyone's, be it rock slides, avalanches, flooding, earthquakes, the rails will always be in jeopardy of damage, the trains will always be in danger of derailment. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME!!!! Just read the paper. ONE tanker of oil would do irreparable damage to the Arkansas river and all of the people that depend on it for a living. And to send oil through this area makes absolutely no sense in terms of distance and time to get it to refining in Texas or Louisiana. Spend time here in Chaffee County. Look at the local economy and how integral the river is to this part of Colorado. Do NOT COME THIS WAY WITH YOUR OIL TANKERS. Please continue studying alternate solutions. Truly i wish you great fortune on your project, but please use common sinse and reasoning. Sincerely, Dan Cox Certified Professional Geophysicist