LIVINGSTON — Federal regulators have released their draft study on the potential environmental impacts of increased traffic by the proposed Tongue River Railroad.
The Surface Transportation Board analyzed 11 alternatives, including the option of not taking any action.
The board found the 10 alternatives to build the railway could have minor to highly adverse impacts on transportation, climate change, noise, water and historical resources.
The proposed $403 million rail line would open the door to new mines in the Powder River Basin along the Montana-Wyoming border. The coal could be shipped to ports on the West Coast.
Public meetings and comments on the draft study will be taken through June 23.