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GEOLOGY AND SOILS TECHNICAL REPORT

PROPOSED GARDNER INTERMODAL FACILITY Johnson County, Kansas

August 2008

Proposed Gardner Intermodal Facility

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................................... 1 2.1 Gardner ............................................................................................................................... 1 2.1.1 Geology .................................................................................................................. 1 2.1.2 Topography............................................................................................................. 9 2.1.3 Soils ........................................................................................................................ 9 2.2 Wellsville North ................................................................................................................. 16 2.2.1 Geology ................................................................................................................ 16 2.2.2 Topography........................................................................................................... 20 2.2.3 Soils ...................................................................................................................... 20 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ........................................................................................ 26 3.1 Direct Effects - Gardner .................................................................................................... 26 3.1.1 Geology ................................................................................................................ 26 3.1.2 Topography........................................................................................................... 29 3.1.3 Soils ...................................................................................................................... 29 3.2 Indirect Effects Gardner ................................................................................................. 31 3.2.1 Geology ................................................................................................................ 31 3.2.2 Topography........................................................................................................... 32 3.2.3 Soils ...................................................................................................................... 32 3.3 Direct Effects Wellsville North........................................................................................ 36 3.3.1 Geology ................................................................................................................ 36 3.3.2 Topography........................................................................................................... 36 3.3.3 Soils ...................................................................................................................... 36 3.4 Indirect Effects Wellsville North ..................................................................................... 37 3.5 No Action Alternative......................................................................................................... 38 POTENTIAL MITIGATION MEASURES ....................................................................................... 38 4.1 Gardner ............................................................................................................................. 38 4.2 Wellsville North ................................................................................................................. 38 REFERENCES............................................................................................................................... 39

List of Tables Table 2-1: Geological Layers in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-2: Results of Borings in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-3: Acreage and Percentage of Soil Series Located in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-4: Location, Parent Material, and Texture of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-5: Hydrological Properties of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-6: Slope, Runoff, and Erosion of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-7: Construction Ratings of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Table 2-8: Geological Layers in the Wellsville North Project Area Table 2-9: Acreage and Percentage of Soil Series Located in the Wellsville North Project Area Table 2-10: Location, Parent Material, and Texture of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Table 2-11: Hydrological Properties of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Table 2-12: Slope, Runoff, and Erosion of Soils at the Wellsville North Alternative Table 2-13: Construction Ratings of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Table 3-1: Excavation and Depth to Bedrock in the Gardner Project Site Table 3-2: Acreage and Percentage of Soil Series Located in the Logistics Park Kansas City Development Area

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Proposed Gardner Intermodal Facility

List of Figures Figure 2-1: Vicinity Map of the Proposed Action and Wellsville North Alternative Figure 2-2: Oil Wells in the Gardner Project Area Figure 2-3: Soils Series in the Gardner Project Area Figure 2-4: Oil Wells in the Wellsville North Project Area Figure 2-5: Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Figure 3-1: Soils in the Logistics Park Kansas City Development Area

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronym or Abbreviation Definition ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials BMP best management practices CH fat clays (high plasticity soils)* CL lean clays (low to medium plasticity soils)* Gardner IMF Gardner Intermodal Facility I-35 Interstate 35 KAR Kansas Administrative Regulation KDHE Kansas Department of Health and Environment KGS Kansas Geological Survey NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System P-1 unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek RTG rubber-tired gantry SC clayey sands* SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources USDA-NRCS Conservation Service USGS U.S. Geological Survey * Designations in the Unified Soil Classification System

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this technical report is to characterize the affected environment for geology and soils and anticipated environmental consequences to this resource as a result of the Proposed Action, the Wellsville North Alternative, and the No Action Alternative. Detailed discussions of the description of the Proposed Action, the purpose of and need for the Proposed Action, and alternatives to the Proposed Action are provided in the Purpose and Need and Alternatives Analysis Technical Report (HDR, 2008a). BNSF Railway Companys (BNSF) preferred site for the proposed intermodal facility (IMF) is west of Gardner, Kansas. At the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Wellsville North Alternative has also been brought forward for analysis and comparison. 2.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Geological resources include the geological, topographical, and soil characteristics of an area. Geological characteristics include the underlying geologic materials, the tendency for seismic activity due to faulting, geological hazards in an area, and mineral resources (including wells that are accessing the resources). Topographic characteristics include elevation and slope. Soil characteristics include soil types and their physical and chemical properties. Important properties of the soil include the soil texture, the potential for wind and water erosion, hydrologic properties, drainage characteristics, and construction limitations. The locations of the Proposed Action and the Wellsville North Alternative are shown in Figure 2-1. The project area for each site includes the IMF footprint (project site) plus off-site rail and roadway improvements. 2.1 Gardner

The geology, topography, and soils in the Gardner project area are discussed in the following sections. 2.1.1 Geology

The Gardner project area lies within the Osage Cuesta division of the Osage Plains in the Central Lowlands section of the Interior Plains province. The Interior Plains province has generally low relief because the area had a long period of tectonic stability. The area within the Osage Cuesta division was formerly covered with shallow seas depositing a variety of sand, silt, and clay sediments as well as chemical precipitation (primarily calcium carbonate). Most of these depositions were subsequently lithified into layers of sedimentary rocks. Over time, streams eroded softer sediments, such as claystone and shale, and formed valleys between broad ridges of more resistant materials, such as sandstone, limestone, and chalk. These broad ridges are known as cuestas. Much of the surface of Johnson County is composed of cuestas, but there are also areas of rolling hills and flat areas dissected by intermittent and perennial streams. Sedimentary rocks of Cambrian, Ordovician, Devonian, Mississippian, Pennsylvanian, and Quaternary age overlie the Precambrian base rocks in Johnson County, with the oldest, Cambrian, immediately overlying the Precambrian rocks. The thickness of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks (from Cambrian to Pennsylvanian) ranges from about 2,150 feet near Kenneth in southeastern Johnson County to about 2,550 feet near Edgerton in southwestern Johnson County. The general thickness and character of the subsurface rocks are known through the study of drilling logs and samples of drill cuttings from wells drilled for oil and gas in the area. Southern Johnson County is underlain by a variety of sandstone, limestone, and shale strata (OConnor, 1972). Quaternary layers are not widespread in southern Johnson County, being confined to stream beds in some localized areas.

Geology and Soils Technical Report

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Proposed Gardner Intermodal Facility

Figure 2-1: Location of the Proposed Action and Wellsville North Alternative

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Proposed Gardner Intermodal Facility

Shallow geologic layers, or strata, occurring in the project area (listed from youngest layer to oldest) include localized unnamed Quaternary alluvial units, the Stranger Formation, Stanton Limestone Formation, Vilas Shale Formation, Plattsburg Limestone Formation, Bonner Springs Shale, and Wyandotte Limestone (Kansas Geological Survey [KGS], 2002a). All of the layers below the alluvium are of Pennsylvanian age; many are highly weathered. These geological layers are summarized in Table 2-1. The Stranger Formation is composed of Tonganoxie Sandstone and Weston Shale. The top layer of this formation, the Tonganoxie Sandstone, has been eroded away or was not deposited in some areas and is not known to currently occur in Johnson County. Areas of Weston Shale of greater thickness occur in upland areas with low relief. Most of this shale is weathered to highly weathered (KGS, 2002a). The thickness of the Stanton Limestone Formation members vary widely and the total range of thickness of the members are not represented in all areas. The lithologies present include thinbedded limestones and shales with lesser amounts of sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerates. The Stanton Limestone Formation includes South Bend Limestone, the Rock Lake Shale, the Stoner Limestone, Eudora Shale, and Captain Creek Limestone (KGS, 2002a).

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Proposed Gardner Intermodal Facility

Table 2-1: Geological Layers in the Gardner Project Area Formation1


Stranger Weston Shale South Bend Limestone Rock Lake Shale Stanton Limestone Stoner Limestone Eudora Shale Captain Creek Limestone Clayey shale Very fine-grained limestone Shale and sandstone
3

Members
Tonganoxie Sandstone

Stratigraphy
Sandstone 02

Thickness

Up to 80 to 100 feet 1.5 to 5 feet 2 to 14 feet 13 to 18 feet 6 to 8 feet 4.5 to 10 feet 1.5 to 5 feet 0.5 to 4 feet 2 to 2.5 feet 8 to 23 feet 0.5 to 3 feet 1 to 4 feet 15 to 25 feet 15 to 35 feet 2 to 8 feet 25 to 45 feet 2 to 5 feet 1 to 5 feet

Thin- to medium-bedded limestone with shale Shale, various textures Fine- to medium-grained limestone Calcareous shale

Vilas Shale

Vilas Shale

Fine-grained sandstone, sandy limestone Mudstone and shale

Spring Hill Limestone Plattsburg Limestone Hickory Creek Shale Merriam Limestone Bonner Springs Shale Bonner Springs Shale Farley Limestone Island Creek Shale Wyandotte Limestone Argentine Limestone Quindaro Shale Frisbie Limestone

Limestone, various textures, with shale Calcareous shale, with limestone Two beds of limestone separated by shale Sandy to clayey shale with limestone in upper layers Fine-grained limestone Clayey, silty, to sandy shale Fine- to coarse-grained limestone Shale interbedded with limestone Fine-grained limestone with shale

Sources: KGS, 2002a; OConnor, 1972. Notes: 1 Listed in descending order, youngest formation and member on top. 2 The Tonganoxie Sandstone is not known to be currently present in Johnson County; it was either eroded away or not deposited in all areas. 3 Includes some siltstone and conglomerate.

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The Vilas Shale Formation is located below the Stanton Limestone Formation and is about 8 feet thick in southwestern Johnson County (KGS, 2002a). The Vilas Shale is composed primarily of shale with lesser amounts of mudstone, sandstone, and limestone. The Plattsburg Limestone Formation, composed of Spring Hill Limestone, Hickory Creek Shale, and Merriam Limestone, ranges from 7.5 to 29 feet thick. The thickness of the members of this formation varies widely and the total range of thickness of the members is not represented in all areas. The Plattsburg Limestone Formation consists of alternating layers of thinly bedded limestone and shale (KGS, 2002a). The Bonner Springs Shale Formation includes local areas of sandstone and siltstone with minor amounts of limestone, conglomerate, and coal. The typical thickness of this layer ranges from 15 to 25 feet; local areas near the project area are as thin as 8 feet (KGS, 2002a). The Wyandotte Limestone Formation is typically between 45 and 98 feet thick in most of the project area. Members include the Farley Limestone, the Island Creek Shale, the Argentine Limestone, the Quindaro Shale, and the Frisbie Limestone. This formation includes relatively thick limestones interbedded with thinner shales. The Argentine Limestone is the most massive and prominent limestone unit ranging from 25 to 45 feet in thickness in the area (KGS, 2002a). Generally, the surface rocks in Johnson County are relatively flat and dip northwestward at an average rate of 12 feet per mile. The regional structure is modified across the central part of the county by the northeast-trending Gardner anticline, an area of uplift running from near Gardner to Shawnee, Kansas, in northeastern Johnson County. The uplift of the bedrock in this anticline is from 20 to 40 feet above the surrounding area. The project area is near the southwest end of the Gardner anticline. In the vicinity of the project area, the upper rock layers dip to the westnorthwest at 20 to 40 feet per mile (KGS, 2002a). The following sections discuss the stratigraphy of the project area based on borings taken in the project area, geological hazards, oil wells, and mineral extraction in the project area. Boring Results in the Gardner Project Area To characterize the underlying material in the Gardner project area, a total of 114 borings were completed to a variety of depths, ranging from 2.1 to 57.5 feet (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Of the 114 borings completed, 56 were completed in the Gardner project site and 58 were completed along the planned routes of the proposed south mainline track relocation adjacent to the existing north mainline track, the proposed intermodal lead tracks near the southern and northern ends of the Gardner project site, the conservation corridor, and the vicinity of the proposed Mildale Park retaining wall and proposed bridges over the unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek. Soil borings were not completed in the areas of the off-site roadway improvements. Borings at the Gardner project site indicated a 0.5 to 0.6-foot thick layer of topsoil at the surface (Kleinfelder, 2007a). A layer of clay from 1.5 to 15 feet thick underlies the topsoil. The clay was determined to be highly plastic and easily deformed when wet. The underlying bedrock is composed of alternating layers of limestone and shale with the upper layer being limestone in most areas. The mean average depth to bedrock is 6.8 feet, ranging from 2.5 feet to 15.5 feet. In general, depth to bedrock increases toward the northwest and is shallowest in eastern areas near Waverly Road. The top layer of the bedrock is weathered to highly weathered; bedrock near streams is more highly weathered. Underlying bedrock layers are generally slightly weathered or not weathered (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Bedrock was not encountered to a depth of 15 feet in four borings. Bedrock depths along the proposed south mainline track relocation range from 0.6 to 36 feet, with a mean average depth of 12.5 feet. Bedrock is predominately shale, with some limestone. Bedrock depths in the conservation corridor range from 4 to 12 feet, with a mean average depth
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of 8.6 feet. Of the five sites bored, four sites indicated limestone and one site encountered shale. Bedrock at two of the sites is highly weathered and moderately weathered at the other three sites (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Borings completed at the location of the proposed retention wall in Mildale Park along the proposed south mainline relocation indicated that the depth to bedrock ranges from 6 to 14.5 feet, with a mean average depth of 8.7 feet. Four of the borings encountered limestone and three borings encountered shale. The bedrock is highly weathered at four of the sites and moderately weathered at three sites (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Borings completed at the location of the proposed railroad bridge over the unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek near 191st Street encountered bedrock at depths ranging from 0.7 to 3.6 feet, with a mean average depth of 2.7 feet. All four of the borings encountered limestone (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Borings completed at the location of three proposed railroad bridges over the unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek for the proposed relocation of the south mainline railroad encountered bedrock at depths ranging from 2 to 11 feet, with a mean average depth of 6.7 feet. Eight of the borings encountered limestone and two encountered shale. The bedrock is highly weathered at six of the sites and moderately weathered at four sites (Kleinfelder, 2007b). The depth to and types of bedrock in the Gardner project area are summarized in Table 2-2. Table 2-2: Results of Borings in the Gardner Project Area Area
Gardner Project Site Proposed South Mainline Relocation South Intermodal Lead Track North Intermodal Lead Track Conservation Corridor Mildale Park Wall 191 Street Rail Bridge Rail Bridge Mainline
st

Range of Bedrock Depth1


2.5 to 15.5 feet 0.6 to 36.0 feet 5.0 feet 2.0 to 5.0 feet 4 to 12 feet 6 to 14.5 feet 0.7 to 3.6 feet 2 to 11 feet

Average Bedrock Depth


6.8 feet 12.4 feet 5.0 feet 4.4 feet 8.6 feet 8.7 feet 2.7 feet 6.7 feet

Number of Borings
56 26 1 5 5 7 4 10

Number of Sites and Upper Layer of Bedrock Encountered


35 limestone, 17 shale, 4 no bedrock 6 limestone, 15 shale, 5 no bedrock 1 shale 2 limestone, 2 shale, 1 sandstone 4 limestone, 1 shale 4 shale, 3 limestone 4 limestone 8 limestone, 2 shale

Sources: Kleinfelder, 2007a; Kleinfelder, 2007b. Notes: 1 All boring sites indicated a surface layer of topsoil underlain by clay, except the Wide-span Crane 18 and Storage Track 1 sites. These two sites have clay fill with no topsoil.

Based on the geological map for the area, the soil survey, and the boring results (Kleinfelder, 2007a), it appears that only remnants of the Weston Shale remain at the Gardner project site. The ridges and slopes of the project area (generally areas above 1,000 feet elevation) are underlain by the Stranger Formation. The base of the Stanton Limestone Formation occurs at about 1,000 to 1,010 feet elevation at the Gardner project site. Areas below 1,000 feet elevation, where the unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek has eroded away the Stanton Limestone, are situated within the Vilas Shale Formation and Plattsburg Limestone Formation. The area of the proposed south mainline relocation west of the Gardner project site is primarily underlain by

Geology and Soils Technical Report

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Weston Shale and the Stanton Limestone Formation. However, a small area near 199th Street and Sunflower Road includes alluvial sediments deposited by Martin Creek, a tributary to Big Bull Creek (OConnor, 1972). Near the southwest corner of the project area, in the vicinity of Four Corners Road and 191st Street, the unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek has cut into the Vilas Shale (OConnor, 1972). The proposed intermodal lead tracks would cross an area of Vilas Shale as they cross a stream valley near the west end of the project area. The areas in which the proposed south mainline track and intermodal lead tracks would be constructed are underlain by the Stranger Formation and the Stanton Limestone Formation. The areas of off-site roadway improvements are primarily underlain by Weston Shale and the Stanton Limestone Formation (OConnor, 1972). Geological Hazards Potential geological hazards in the project area include earthquakes, landslides, and karst topography. The potential for earthquakes is considered low, with a 0.5 to 1.0 percent probability of a magnitude 5.0 or greater earthquake in 25 years. The probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake is estimated at 0.0 to 0.1 percent in 25 years (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2007a). There are no active faults at or near the Gardner project area (OConnor, 1972; USGS, 2006). The risk of landslides is moderate in most of Johnson County, but low in the Gardner project area (KGS, 1999). The project area has minimal relief, with geologic layers of minimal slope, thus minimizing the potential risk of landslides. Karst topography, or areas of caverns and sinkholes that can develop through the process of water and carbon dioxide dissolving limestone, is common in southeast Johnson County, about 12 miles east of the project area (KGS, 2002a). Karst topography often results in areas of weakness and subsidence of bedrock layers. Limestone layers in southeastern Johnson County are generally 20 feet or thicker and close to the surface and are more susceptible to karst formation. Limestone layers in southwestern Johnson County are thinner and interspersed with layers of shale. The thickness of the limestone at the project area is generally less than 10 feet at depths that would be affected by construction. Four of the borings did not encounter limestone. The thickness of limestone layers was less than 10 feet at 44 boring sites, and only four sites had limestone layers greater than 10 feet (two in the wide-span crane area, one in the parking area, and one along the proposed storage tracks) (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Limestone layers along the proposed south mainline relocation and along the proposed routes of the intermodal lead tracks are 10 feet thick or less. Karst topography has not been noted in the vicinity of the project area and is not likely to occur due to the thin layers of limestone. Oil Wells Oil and gas occur naturally in Johnson County. The Gardner project area is located within portions of the Bear & Bull oil field (Section 34, Township 14 South, Range 22 East), the PaolaRantoul oil field (Section 33, Township 14 South, Range 22 East), and the Forest City Coal Gas Area (KGS, 2006). In the project area, oil and gas occur in various Pennsylvanian groups. Oil wells in the project area generally occur at depths of 920 to 950 feet, with a few wells as shallow as 890 feet and as deep as 1,150 feet (KGS, 2006). The Forest City Coal Gas Area does not currently have any gas wells in the Gardner project area (KGS, 2006). In 2006, about 145,000 barrels of oil were produced in Johnson County from 27 active fields. The Bear & Bull field, with 61 productive oil wells in Johnson County, produced about 10,000 barrels of oil in 2006. The Paola-Rantoul field, with 3,762 productive oil wells in Johnson, Miami, and Linn counties, produced about 200,000 barrels of oil in 2006 (KGS, 2006). There are 18 oil wells (Figure 2-2) and one salt water disposal well located in the Gardner project area (KGS, 2006). All of the oil wells and the salt water disposal well located in the project area have been plugged and abandoned in accordance with Kansas Administrative Regulation (KAR) 82-3-113 (2007) for plugging and abandoning wells (BNSF, 2008).

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Figure 2-2: Oil Wells Located in the Gardner Project Area

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Mineral Extraction Quarries There are no mineral extraction quarries, active or abandoned, in the Gardner project area (KGS, 2003). 2.1.2 Topography

The Gardner project area is composed of two parallel ridges that are divided by a stream valley running from northeast to southwest. The ridge to the north of the stream has been cut by two intermittent streams. The ridge to the south of the stream has been dissected by ephemeral streams, and there are ten valleys perpendicular to the main stream valley (USGS, 2007). The Gardner project site is located between the stream valley and the upper slopes of the southern ridge. Elevations at the Gardner project site range from 962 feet along the stream valley west of Four Corners Road and 191st Street to 1,036 feet about midway between 191st Street and Waverly Road along the southeastern edge of the site. Maximum relief at the Gardner project site is about 74 feet. The stream valley is generally oriented from northeast to southwest. Elevations of the stream valley range from about 1,020 feet in the northeast corner of the site to about 962 feet near the southwest corner of the site (USGS, 2007). Slopes at the Gardner project site are generally to the northwest but are variable along small ephemeral stream valleys. Slopes range from about 1.5 percent near the northeast corner to about 10 percent along some of the side slopes to the south of the stream. The off-site roadway improvements along 191st Street to Gardner Road are situated between an intermittent tributary and small valleys of ephemeral streams. Elevations vary from about 1,030 to 1,040 feet, with slopes of 2 to 5 percent. The proposed south mainline track relocation is located in an area of rolling hills dissected by several stream valleys. Elevations along the proposed route vary from about 975 to 1,060 feet. The elevation of the track increases at an average grade of 0.5 percent, with slopes of up to 15 percent extending out from the track. The proposed intermodal lead tracks would be located in topography similar to the south mainline track relocation. 2.1.3 Soils

Soils in the Gardner project area are formed from silt and clay parent materials. The depth of soil is generally 6 feet or more, but soils are shallower in areas of rock outcrops. The project area is composed of the following eight soil series, as mapped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in the Soil Survey of Johnson County, Kansas (USDA-NRCS, 2005): Clareson-rock outcrop complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes Mason silt loam, rarely flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes Sibleyville loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes Wagstaff silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes

Soils considered prime farmland are addressed in the Prime and Other Important Farmlands Technical Report (HDR, 2008b). For each soil series, the acreages and approximate percentages located in the Gardner project area are shown in Table 2-3. The majority of the project area is comprised of the Woodson, Wagstaff, and Summit soil series.

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Table 2-3: Acreage and Percentage of Soil Series Located in the Gardner Project Area Map Symbol Acres in Respective Area Percent Acreage of Respective Area

Map Unit Name

7603 8301 8302 8501 8663 8912 8955 8962 9999

Sibleyville loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded Mason silt loam, rarely flooded Clareson-rock outcrop complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Wagstaff silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes Water
Total

5.03 94.12 1.59 0.33 21.26 118.52 124.08 277.68 4.95 647.56

0.78% 14.53% 0.25% 0.05% 3.28% 18.30% 19.16% 42.88% 0.76% 100%

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005.

The location of each soil series in the project area is depicted in Figure 2-3. The most abundant soil in the project area is the Woodson silt loam. This soil series is mainly located in the eastern half of the project area although a smaller amount is also located north of 191st Street. The next most abundant soil is the Wagstaff silty clay loam, located in the southern and western portions of the project area. Summit silty clay loam is scattered throughout the project area and along the existing north mainline track west of Waverly Road. Verdigris silt loam frequently flooded is located along the unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek that crosses the project area from northeast to southwest. An area of Clareson-rock outcrop complex is located along the path of the existing south mainline track in the southwest corner of the project area. A small area of Sibleyville loam is located in the southwest corner of the project area. About 1.6 acre of Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded, is located along the existing north mainline track near Edgerton. About 0.3 acre of Mason silt loam is also located in this area. The remainder of the area along the existing north mainline track has Summit, Wagstaff, Woodson, and Sibleyville soils. Soils in the area of the off-site roadway improvements are mainly Summit silty clay loam and Woodson silt loam with small areas of Wagstaff silty clay loam and Verdigris silt loam frequently flooded. The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil are referred to as the texture class of the soils. The twelve basic texture classes, in order of increasing proportion of fine particles, are sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam, silt, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and clay. Soils in the project area are generally silt loam and silty clay loam. With the exception of the Sibleyville loam, the soils are predominately fine textured, composed of silt and clay. The average depth to bedrock in the Verdigris, Mason, Summit, and Woodson soils is greater than 60 inches. In the Sibleyville loam, Clareson-rock outcrop, and Wagstaff silty clay loam, the average depth to bedrock is generally shallow (between 1 and 3 feet). The bedrock is lithic and indurated (hard) in the Clareson and Wagstaff soils, but paralithic (highly weathered) and weakly cemented in the Sibleyville soil. For each soil series in the project area, the location, parent material, texture, and percentages of sand, silt, and clay are summarized in Table 2-4.

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Figure 2-3: Soils Series in the Gardner Project Area

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Table 2-4: Location, Parent Material, and Texture of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
7603-Sibleyville loam

Location
Slopes on uplands

Parent Material
Fine loamy residuum2 from silty or sandy shale Fine silty alluvium5

Texture Class
Loam, clay loam, channery3 loam, weathered bedrock at 20 to 40 inches Silt loam, silty clay loam to 60 inches

Texture Percent1
Sand 25 to 60 Silt 20 to 50 Clay 14 to 35 Sand 1 to 20 Silt 45 to 75 Clay 15 to 30 Sand 1 to 25 Silt 45 to 80 Clay 20 to 35 Sand 1 to 10 Silt 40 to 70 Clay 27 to 50 Sand 1 to 15 Silt 35 to 65 Clay 32 to 60 Sand 1 to 10 Silt 35 to 75 Clay 20 to 60 Sand 1 to 10 Silt 35 to 75 Clay 18 to 60

8301-Verdigris silt loam4

Floodplains in valleys Stream terraces in valleys Slopes on uplands

8302-Mason silt loam

Fine silty alluvium

Silt loam, silty clay loam to 60 inches Silty clay loam, unweathered bedrock at 20 to 40 inches Silty clay, clay, clay loam to 60 inches Silty clay loam, silt loam, slightly weathered bedrock at 20 to 40 inches Silt loam, silty clay loam to 60 inches

8663-Clareson-rock outcrop complex

Clayey residuum from limestone Silty and clayey residuum from acid shale Silty and clayey residuum from limestone and shale Silty and clayey alluvium

8912-Summit silty clay loam

Slopes on uplands

8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam

Slopes on uplands Slopes and summits on uplands

8962-Woodson silt loam

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005. Notes: 1 Percentage ranges for sand, silt, and clay for all layers of soil. 2 Residuum refers to material formed in place by weathering of bedrock. 3 Channery is soil material that has, by volume, 15 to 35 percent thin, flat fragments of sandstone, shale, slate, limestone, or schist as much as 6 inches along the longest axis. 4 Verdigris silt loam frequently flooded and occasionally flooded. 5 Alluvium is stream-deposited material.

The clays in the Summit, Wagstaff, and Woodson soils, that constitute the majority of the project area, have a high amount of smectitic clay (USDA-NRCS, 2005). Smectitic clays are fine grained and have a high cation exchange capacity, which is the ability for soil particles to attract positively charged molecules, such as metals. Smectitic clays bind heavy metals and pesticides present in the soil through adsorption slowing their movement (Schlegel et al., 1999; Singh et al., 2001). Soil organic matter further enhances the adsorption of heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds (Murray et al., 2004). A local example of smectitic clays binding heavy metals and pesticides in the vicinity of the Hillsdale reservoir, about 5 miles to the south of the project area, is provided in Evaluation of Atrazine Binding to Surface Soils (Lesan and Bhandari, 2000). The Sibleyville, Mason, Clareson, Wagstaff, and Woodson soils have a thick layer (from 7 to 20 inches) rich in organic material (USDA-NRCS, 2005). The low permeability of the clay also slows the movement of metals, organic compounds, and pesticides through the soil. The soils in the project area are moderately well drained with the exception of the Woodson silt loam, which is somewhat poorly drained, and small areas of Mason and Clareson soils, which are

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well drained. In well-drained soils, water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly, and internal free water occurrence commonly is deep or very deep. In moderately well-drained soils, water is removed from the soil somewhat slowly during some periods of the year, and internal free water occurrence commonly is moderately deep and transitory to permanent. These soils are wet for only a short time within the rooting depth during the growing season. Moderately well-drained soils commonly have a moderately low or low saturated hydraulic conductivity- the amount of water that moves vertically through saturated soil- in a layer within the upper 39 inches of the profile and periodically receive high rainfall, or both. In somewhat poorly drained soils, water is removed slowly so that the soil is wet at a shallow depth for significant periods during the growing season. The occurrence of internal free water commonly is shallow to moderately deep and transitory to permanent. Somewhat poorly drained soils commonly have one or more of the following characteristics: low or very low saturated hydraulic conductivity, a high water table, additional water from seepage, or nearly continuous rainfall. An example of a somewhat poorly drained soil is the Woodson silt loam, which typically has a seasonal high water table at a depth of 12 to 17 inches from January to May (USDA-NRCS, 2005). Saturated hydraulic conductivity is expressed in inches per hour of water movement. Saturated hydraulic conductivity is largely based on the size distribution and arrangement of pores. Large, continuous pores have a lower resistance to flow (and, thus, a higher conductivity) than small or discontinuous pores. USDA-NRCS classifies soils into one of four hydrologic groups based on saturated hydraulic conductivity and the amount of free water in the soil. Hydrologic group A has a high infiltration rate and low runoff, group B has a moderate infiltration rate and low to medium runoff, group C has a slow infiltration rate and moderately high runoff, and group D has a very slow infiltration rate and high runoff (USDA-NRCS, 2005). The depth of the saturated zone in soils varies throughout the year based on soil drainage, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and precipitation. The saturated zone remains deeper than 6 feet throughout the year in all but the Summit and Woodson soils. The Mason and Verdigris soils are also subject to flooding. The drainage, saturated hydraulic conductivity, hydrologic group, highest seasonal saturation, and flooding frequency for the soils in the project area are summarized in Table 2-5. There is a limited extent of hydric soils in the project area. Hydric soils are those that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions (in the absence of molecular oxygen) in the upper part, including those soils that developed under sufficiently wet conditions to support the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation (plant life growing in soil that is periodically deficient in oxygen due to excessive water content). Hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation are two of the three criteria for the occurrence of wetlands. Hydric soils in the project area are confined to the Osage soils, which are a minor component (comprising about 5 percent) of the Verdigris and Mason soils (USDANRCS, 2007). Generally, the soils in the project area are located on slopes of 0 to 7 percent. In limited areas near and in stream valleys, slopes range up to 10 percent. This range of slopes, combined with the aforementioned hydrologic properties of the soils, results in runoff values for these soils ranging from low to very high. Runoff is that portion of precipitation or irrigation that is discharged from the area, down slopes or through channels such as streams, instead of being infiltrated. Based on the runoff rates and other physical properties of the soils, the potential for erosion by water is generally moderate to high. The Summit silty clay loam is moderately erodible by wind; all other soils in the project area are very slightly to slightly erodible by wind. The slope, runoff amounts, and potential for erosion by water and wind for the soils in the project area are summarized in Table 2-6.

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Table 2-5: Hydrological Properties of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
7603-Sibleyville loam 8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded 8501-Mason silt loam 8663-Clareson-rock outcrop complex 8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam 8962-Woodson silt loam

Drainage
Moderately well drained Moderately well drained

Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity


Moderately high (0.60 inch/hour) Moderately high (0.60 inch/hour)

Hydrologic Group
B

Highest Seasonal Saturation


Greater than 6 feet Greater than 6 feet

Flooding Frequency
None Very brief, frequent1

Moderately well drained Well drained Well drained Moderately well drained Well drained Somewhat poorly drained

Moderately high (0.60 inch/hour) Moderately low (0.20 inch/hour) Moderately low (0.06 inch/hour) Low (less than 0.06 inch/hour) Moderately low (0.06 inch/hour) Low (less than 0.06 inch/hour)

Greater than 6 feet Greater than 6 feet Greater than 6 feet 21 to 26 inches, February to April Greater than 6 feet 12 to 17 inches, January to May

Very brief, 1 occasional Rare


1

B C C C D

None None None None

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005. Notes: 1 Subject to flooding year round.

Table 2-6: Slope, Runoff, and Erosion of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
7603-Sibleyville loam 8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded 8501-Mason silt loam 8663-Clareson-rock outcrop complex 8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam 8962-Woodson silt loam Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005.

Slope
3 to 7 percent 0 to 2 percent 0 to 2 percent 0 to 2 percent 3 to 15 percent 3 to 7 percent 3 to 7 percent 1 to 3 percent

Runoff
Medium Low Low Medium Very high Very high High Medium

Water Erosion
Low to moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate to high

Wind Erosion
Very slight Very slight Very slight Slight Not erodible Moderate Very slight Very slight

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The physical and hydrological properties of the soils in the project area affect the ease with which structures and roads are constructed. Based on the properties of the soils, as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, USDA-NRCS has estimated construction limits for the affected soils. Soils are classified by USDA-NRCS in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System. This system classifies soils according to particle-size distribution of the fraction less than 3 inches in diameter and according to plasticity index, liquid limit, and organic matter content (USDA-NRCS, 2005). A somewhat limited rating for construction indicates that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. A very limited rating for construction indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected. All of the soils in the project area, with the exception of the Sibleyville soil, are very limited for construction. One of the important factors for suitability for construction is the shrink-swell potential of a soil. The shrink-swell potential of a soil is the relative change in volume resulting from changes in soil water content (from dry to wet conditions). The extent of shrinking and swelling is influenced by the amount and type of clay in the soil and is determined by the linear extensibility of the soil the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture content is decreased from a moist to a dry state; it is an expression of the volume change between the water content of the clod. The shrinkswell potential is low if the soil has a linear extensibility of less than 3 percent, moderate if 3 to 6 percent, high if 6 to 9 percent, and very high if more than 9 percent. If the linear extensibility is more than 3 percent, shrinking and swelling can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other structures. Special design of structures and roads commonly is needed. The soils that developed from silty and clayey residuum derived from shale (Clareson-rock outcrop complex, Summit, Wagstaff, and Woodson) have a high shrink-swell potential. Soil horizons with low bulk densities (values of less than 1.4 grams per cubic centimeter for silt loam and silty clay loam) have low strength and are subject to collapse if wetted to field capacity or above. The field capacity is defined as the moisture content of a soil after the gravitational, or free, water has drained away (typically, the moisture content 2 or 3 days after a soaking rain). Low strength soils may require special designs for certain foundations. Construction ratings for the soils in the project area are summarized in Table 2-7. Nearly all of the soils in the project area are rated as very limited for construction by USDA-NRCS. Primary concerns are high to very high shrink-swell potential and low soil strength in the majority of the soil and the shallow depth to bedrock in much of the soil. A shallow seasonal water table, leading to soil wetness, is also a concern in much of the soil. An on-site soil investigation also determined that the soils are poor for construction due to high clay content, high plasticity, and high shrink-swell potential (Kleinfelder, 2007a).

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Table 2-7: Construction Ratings of Soils in the Gardner Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
7603-Sibleyville loam 8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded 8501-Mason silt loam 8663-Clareson-rock outcrop complex 8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam 8962-Woodson silt loam

Unified Soil Class1


CL, SC CL CL CL

Construction Limit2
Somewhat limited Very limited Very limited Very limited

Factors3
Moderate shrink-swell, slope, frost action Flooding, moderate shrink-swell, low strength Flooding, moderate shrink-swell, low strength Flooding, moderate shrink-swell, low strength Slope, high shrink-swell, low strength, shallow bedrock (lithic, indurated at 20 to 40 inches) Very high shrink-swell, high saturation zone Slope, very high shrink-swell, shallow bedrock (lithic, indurated at 20 to 40 inches) Very high shrink-swell, high saturation zone, low strength, too clayey

CL, CH

Very limited

CH, CL CH, CL CL, CH

Very limited Very limited Very limited

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005. Notes: 1 Unified Soil Classification System: SC = clayey sands, CL = lean clays (low to medium plasticity), CH = fat clays (high plasticity). 2 Construction limits based on soil type and properties, as estimated by USDA-NRCS. 3 Factors of each soil type that affect the suitability for construction.

2.2

Wellsville North

The geology, topography, and soils at the Wellsville North Alternative are discussed in the following sections. No soil borings were performed in the Wellsville North project area. 2.2.1 Geology

The Wellsville North Alternative lies within the Osage Cuesta division of the Osage Plains in the Central Lowlands section of the Interior Plains province. The formation of cuestas is discussed in Section 2.1.1. Much of the surface of southwest Johnson County, northwest Miami County, and northeast Franklin County is composed of cuestas, but there are also areas of rolling hills and intermittent and perennial stream valleys. Geologic layers, or strata, occurring in the Wellsville North project area (listed from youngest to oldest) include the Stranger Formation, Stanton Limestone Formation, and Vilas Shale Formation (OConnor, 1972; KGS, 2002a; KGS, 2002b; KGS, 2002c). All of these layers are highly weathered. Most of the Wellsville North project area is underlain by the Stranger Formation. Near the northeast corner of the project site, the Stranger Formation has been eroded away by an unnamed intermittent tributary of Martin Creek and its ephemeral tributaries flowing through the study area. The streams are cutting into components of the Stanton Limestone Formation. The area in which the proposed south intermodal lead track would be constructed is underlain by the Stranger Formation and younger alluvial sediments where the track crosses a stream valley (KGS, 2002b; KGS, 2002c). The north intermodal lead tracks would be constructed in an area underlain by Stanton Limestone. These geological layers are summarized in Table 2-8.

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The Stranger Formation in the Wellsville North project area is composed of the Weston Shale, ranging from 30 to 60 feet thick. Areas of Weston Shale of greater thickness occur in upland areas with low relief. Most of this shale is weathered to highly weathered (KGS, 2002a; KGS, 2002b). The overall thickness of the Stanton Limestone Formation ranges from 35 to 40 feet in the Wellsville North project area. The lithologies present include thin-bedded limestones and shales with lesser amounts of sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerates. The Stanton Limestone Formation includes the following members: South Bend Limestone, Rock Lake Shale, the Stoner Limestone, Eudora Shale, and Captain Creek Limestone (KGS, 2002a; KGS, 2002b). The Vilas Shale Formation is located below the Stanton Limestone Formation and is about 8 feet thick in southwestern Johnson County (KGS, 2002a). The Vilas Shale is about 5 feet thick in northwest Miami County (KGS, 2002b); the thickness in Franklin County varies from 1 to 23 feet (KGS, 2002c). Within the Vilas Shale, beds of siltstone and sandstone are mixed with shale. The Weston Shale and Stanton Limestone dip northwestward at an average rate of about 20 feet per mile in the Wellsville North project area (KGS, 2002a; KGS, 2002b; KGS, 2002c). Table 2-8: Geological Layers in the Wellsville North Project Area Formation1
Stranger

Members
Weston Shale South Bend Limestone Rock Lake Shale

Stratigraphy
Clayey shale Very fine-grained limestone Shale and sandstone
2

Thickness
30 to 60 feet 1.5 to 5 feet 2 to 10 feet 13 to 18 feet 6 to 8 feet 4.5 to 10 feet

Stanton Limestone

Stoner Limestone Eudora Shale Captain Creek Limestone

Thin- to medium-bedded limestone with shale Shale, various textures Fine- to medium-grained limestone Calcareous shale, fine-grained sandstone, sandy limestone, mudstone and shale

Vilas Shale

Vilas Shale

5 to 10 feet

Sources: OConnor, 1972; KGS, 2002a; KGS, 2002b; KGS, 2002c. Notes: 1 Listed from youngest layer to oldest. Stratigraphy is for the vicinity of the Wellsville North project area and does not reflect all layers in Johnson, Miami, and Franklin counties. Stratigraphy only includes upper layers. 2 Includes some siltstone and conglomerate.

Geological Hazards Potential geological hazards in the Wellsville North project area include earthquakes, landslides, and karst topography. The potential for earthquakes is considered low as was discussed for the Gardner project area in Section 2.1.1. The risk of landslides is low in the Wellsville North project area (KGS, 1999). The project area has minimal relief, with geologic layers of minimal slope, thus, minimizing the potential risk of landslides.

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Karst topography is not common in the Wellsville North project area (KGS, 2002a; KGS, 2002b). Karst topography has not been noted in the vicinity of Wellsville and is not likely to occur due to the thin layers of limestone. Oil Wells The Wellsville North project area is located near two active oil and gas fields: the Paola-Rantoul and the Thorn fields (KGS, undated-c). The Paola-Rantoul field was discussed previously in Section 2.1.1. The Thorn field, with six wells in Miami County in 1990, produced about 220 barrels in 1990, but does not currently produce any oil (KGS, undated-b). In the Wellsville area, oil and gas occur in various Pennsylvanian groups at a depth of 475 to 920 feet (KGS, undated-a; KGS, undated-b); these groups are not shown in Table 2-8 based on their excessive depth below the noted layers in the project area. There are six oil wells in the Wellsville North project area (Figure 2-4; KGS, undated-a). Four wells are in the Thorn field, one in the Paola-Rantoul field, and the field is unknown for the remaining well (KGS, undated-a). There are no records of recent production for the wells. One of the wells was plugged and abandoned; the status of the other wells is unknown (KGS, undated-a; KGS, undated-b; KGS, undated-c).

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Figure 2-4: Oil Wells in the Wellsville North Project Area

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Mineral Extraction Quarries There are no mineral extraction quarries, active or abandoned, at or near the Wellsville North project area (KGS, 2003). 2.2.2 Topography

The Wellsville North project area is composed of an upland area dissected by two stream valleys. A tributary to Rock Creek running from north to south near the western edge of the project site has created a valley in the western one-third of the site. A tributary to Martin Creek running through the northern part of the site has carved a valley in the northern half. Elevations at the Wellsville North project area range from 1,000 feet along the stream valley near the northeast corner of the site to 1,045 feet near the center of the site. Maximum relief is about 45 feet. The stream valley of the tributary of Rock Creek near the western edge of the site is generally oriented from north to south, with slopes from less than 0.5 percent to 30 percent. The stream valley of the tributary of Martin Creek near the northeast corner of the site curves from a southeastward orientation to a northeastward orientation, with slopes from less than 1 percent to 15 percent (USGS, 2007). The off-site roadway improvements along Evening Star Road, 207th Street, and Sunflower Road to the I-35/Sunflower Road interchange are situated in uplands and small valleys of intermittent streams. Elevations vary from about 1,000 to 1,040 feet, with slopes of 1 to 15 percent. The area of the interchange is gently sloped with elevations generally between 1,020 and 1,030 feet. The south intermodal lead track would cross the valley of Rock Creek. Elevations along the lead track route vary from about 1,000 to 1,050 feet. Slopes vary from about 1 to 4 percent. The north intermodal lead tracks would nearly parallel a tributary to Martin Creek. Elevations vary from less than 1 percent to about 10 percent (USGS, 2007). 2.2.3 Soils

The Wellsville North project area is composed of the following soil series, as mapped by USDANRCS in the Soil Surveys of Johnson, Miami, and Franklin counties, Kansas (USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b): Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes Leanna silt loam, occasionally flooded Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes Wagstaff silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes

Soils considered prime farmland are addressed in the Prime and Other Important Farmlands Technical Report (HDR, 2008b). For each soil series, the acreages located in the Wellsville North project area (IMF site, roadway improvements, and intermodal lead tracks) are shown in Table 2-9. The approximate percentage of each soil series in the respective area is provided.

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Table 2-9: Acreage and Percentage of Soil Series Located in the Wellsville North Project Area Percent Acres in Map Acreage of Map Unit Name Respective Symbol Respective Area Area 8160 8301 8302 8775 8912 8955 8962 Leanna silt loam, occasionally flooded Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Wagstaff silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes Total 0.28 31.23 1.79 1.70 2.02 10.47 441.54 489.03 0.06% 6.39% 0.37% 0.35% 0.41% 2.14% 90.29% 100.00%

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; and USDA-NRCS, 2008b

The location of each soil series at the Wellsville North project area is depicted in Figure 2-5. The majority of the Wellsville North project area is composed of the Woodson soil series. This soil series covers the majority of the project area. Verdigris silt loam frequently flooded soil is located along the stream channel of the tributary of Martin Creek in the northeast corner of the project area and along the proposed road improvements and intermodal lead tracks. Small areas of Wagstaff silty clay loam, Summit silty clay loam, Verdigris silt loam (occasionally flooded), Kenoma silt loam, and Leanna silt loam make up the remainder of the soils at the Wellsville North Alternative. Soils at the Wellsville North project area are generally silt loam and silty clay loam. These soils are predominately fine textured, composed of silt and clay. With the exception of Wagstaff silty clay loam, the average depth to bedrock in these soils is greater than 60 inches. In the Wagstaff silty clay loam, the average depth to bedrock is 20 to 40 inches. The bedrock is lithic and indurated in the Wagstaff soils. The location, parent material, and texture class are summarized in Table 2-10. Woodson (the dominant soil type in the project area), Kenoma, Summit, and Wagstaff soils have a high amount of smectitic clay (USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; NRCS, 2008b). As discussed in Section 2.1.3, smectitic clays are fine grained and have a high cation exchange capacity, therefore, having the capacity of binding heavy metals and pesticides present in the soil through adsorption, slowing their movement. Additionally, the low permeability of clays also slows the movement of these particles through the soil. On the other hand, soil organic matter further enhances the adsorption of heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds. The Leanna, Kenoma, Wagstaff, and Woodson soils have a layer 7- to 20-inch-thick and rich in organic material (USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b). The soils at the Wellsville North project area are somewhat poorly to moderately well drained with the exception of the Wagstaff silty clay loam, which is well drained. The Leanna, Kenoma, Summit, and Woodson soils, covering more than 90 percent of the site, have a seasonal high water table from winter to spring (USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b).

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Saturated hydraulic conductivity is low for most of the soils. The saturated zone is shallow during the winter and spring for most of the soils. The Leanna and Verdigris soils are also subject to flooding. The drainage, saturated hydraulic conductivity, hydrologic group, highest seasonal saturation depth, and flooding frequency for the soils in the Wellsville North project area are summarized in Table 2-11. Hydric soils in the Wellsville North project area are confined to minor components (comprising about 5 percent) of the Verdigris and Leanna soils (USDA-NRCS, 2007). Generally, the soils at the Wellsville North project area are located on slopes of 0 to 7 percent. In limited areas near and in stream valleys, slopes range up to 10 percent. This range of slopes combined with the aforementioned hydrologic properties of the soils result in runoff values for these soils ranging from low to very high. Based on the runoff rates and other physical properties of the soils, the potential for erosion by water is generally moderate to high. The Summit clay is moderately erodible by wind; all other soils at the Wellsville North project area are very slightly to slightly erodible by wind. The slope, runoff amounts, and potential for erosion by water and wind for the soils at the Wellsville North project area are summarized in Table 2-12.

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Figure 2-5: Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area

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Table 2-10: Location, Parent Material, and Texture of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
8160-Leanna silt loam

Location
Floodplains

Parent Material
Silty and clayey alluvium

Texture Class
Silt loam, silty clay to 78 inches Silt loam, silty clay loam to 60 inches Silt loam, silty clay loam to 60 inches Silt loam, silty clay to 60 inches Silty clay, clay, clay loam to 60 inches Silty clay loam, silt loam, slightly weathered bedrock at 20 to 40 inches Silt loam, silty clay loam to 60 inches

Texture percent1
Sand 9 Silt 70 Clay 21 Sand 9 Silt 70 Clay 21 Sand 16 Silt 61 Clay 23 Sand 7 Silt 70 Clay 23 Sand 10 Silt 60 Clay 30 Sand 4 Silt 70 Clay 26 Sand 7 Silt 70 Clay 23

8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded

Floodplains in valleys Floodplains in valleys

Fine silty alluvium

Fine silty alluvium

8775-Kenoma silt loam

Hill slopes

Silty and clayey sediment Silty and clayey residuum from acid shale Silty and clayey residuum from limestone and shale Silty and clayey alluvium

8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam

Slopes on uplands Slopes on uplands Slopes and summits on uplands

8962-Woodson silt loam

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b. Notes: 1 Percentage ranges for sand, silt, and clay for all layers of soil.

The physical and hydrological properties of the soils at the Wellsville North project area affect the ease with which structures and roads are constructed. Based on the properties of the soils, as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, USDA-NRCS has estimated construction limits for the affected soils. All of the soils in the Wellsville North project area are very limited for construction (USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b). The soils in the Wellsville North project area have a moderate to very high shrink-swell potential (see Section 2.1.3 for a discussion of shrink-swell potential). Soil volume changes from 3 to greater than 9 percent are anticipated in these soils with varying moisture conditions. Special design of structures and roads commonly would be needed to prevent damage to buildings, roads, and other structures. In addition, the majority of the soil in the project area has low strength and some of the soils have a shallow depth to bedrock. Low strength soils are subject to collapse and may require special designs for certain foundations. A shallow seasonal water table, leading to soil wetness, is also a concern in much of the soil. Construction ratings for the soils in the Wellsville North project area are summarized in Table 2-13.

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Table 2-11: Hydrological Properties of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
8160-Leanna silt loam 8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded 8775-Kenoma silt loam 8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam 8962-Woodson silt loam

Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained Moderately well drained

Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity


Low (less than 0.06 inch/hour) Moderately high (0.60 inch/hour)

Hydrologic Group
D

Highest Seasonal Saturation Depth1


12 to 17 inches, December to May Greater than 6 feet

Flooding Frequency
Brief, occasional1 Very brief, 2 frequent

Moderately well drained Moderately well drained Moderately well drained Well drained Somewhat poorly drained

Moderately high (0.60 inch/hour) Low (less than 0.06 inch/hour) Low (less than 0.06 inch/hour) Moderately low (0.06 inch/hour) Low (less than 0.06 inch/hour)

Greater than 6 feet 12 to 17 inches, November to April 21 to 26 inches, February to April Greater than 6 feet 12 to 17 inches, January to May

Very brief, 2 occasional

D C C D

None None None None

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b. Notes: 1 Depth to the upper limit of the saturated zone by month. Unless indicated, the depth is greater than 6 feet. 2 Subject to flooding year round.

Table 2-12: Slope, Runoff, and Erosion of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
8160-Leanna silt loam 8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded 8775-Kenoma silt loam 8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam 8962-Woodson silt loam

Slope
0 to 2 percent 0 to 2 percent 0 to 2 percent 1 to 3 percent 3 to 7 percent 3 to 7 percent 1 to 3 percent

Runoff
High Low Low High Very high High Medium

Water Erosion
High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate to high

Wind Erosion
Very slight Very slight Very slight Very slight Moderate Very slight Very slight

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b.

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Table 2-13: Construction Ratings of Soils in the Wellsville North Project Area Soil Series Number Soil Name
8160-Leanna silt loam 8301-Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded 8302-Verdigris silt loam, occasionally flooded 8775-Kenoma silt loam 8912-Summit silty clay loam 8955-Wagstaff silty clay loam 8962-Woodson silt loam

Unified Soil Class1


CL, CH

Construction Limit2
Very limited

Factors3
High shrink-swell, flooding, depth to saturation zone, slope, low strength

CL

Very limited

Flooding, moderate shrink-swell, low strength

CL

Very limited

Flooding, moderate shrink-swell, low strength

CL, CH

Very limited

Depth to saturation zone, high shrink-swell, low strength Very high shrink-swell, depth to saturation zone Slope, very high shrink-swell, shallow bedrock (lithic, indurated at 20 to 40 inches) Very high shrink-swell, high saturation zone, low strength, too clayey

CH, CL

Very limited

CH, CL

Very limited

CL, CH

Very limited

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005; USDA-NRCS, 2008a; USDA-NRCS, 2008b. Notes: 1 Unified Soil Classification System, CL = lean clays (low to medium plasticity), CH = fat clays (high plasticity). 2 Construction limits based on soil type and properties, as estimated by USDA-NRCS. 3 Factors of each soil type that affect the suitability for construction.

3.0

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct effects to geology, topography, and soils were determined by evaluating the anticipated effects based on construction and opening year (2010) operation of the Proposed Action and Wellsville North Alternative. To evaluate potential direct effects, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was used to overlay the Proposed Action and Wellsville North Alternative on existing geology, topography, and soils resources. Indirect effects were evaluated for each project area by considering the following: future operations of the IMF (through 2030) and development anticipated to be induced by the IMF. 3.1 Direct Effects - Gardner 3.1.1 Geology

The Gardner project area would be graded to support the development of facilities. About 417 acres would be graded for the proposed Gardner IMF and an additional 75 acres would be graded for a proposed conservation area, where approximately 9,100 feet of an existing stream would be relocated. Approximately 152 acres would be impacted by off-site roadway improvements, intermodal lead tracks, and relocation of the existing south mainline. In the northern parts of the proposed Gardner IMF, the area supporting the development of widespan cranes would be graded to construct a nearly flat surface, with a slope of about 0.3 percent.

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This would result in removal of soil layers and excavation of underlying bedrock. The bedrock in this area consists of weathered limestone and highly weathered shale. Excavation of this bedrock would likely be accomplished with standard construction equipment, such as excavators, rippers, terrain levelers, chisels, and backhoes. Areas currently lower in elevation would be filled with soil and rock material. The anticipated change in elevation and the existing depth to bedrock are summarized in Table 3-1. Deeper excavations, potentially up to 23 feet in depth based on preliminary design, would be required in southern parts of the Gardner project area. Excavation in upper layers of moderately to highly weathered bedrock would be accomplished with standard excavation equipment, but heavy-duty equipment, such as pneumatic breakers, could be necessary for deeper excavation where the bedrock is intact.

Table 3-1: Excavation and Depth to Bedrock in the Gardner Project Site Area
Northwest crane Southwest crane North midpoint crane Northeast crane Southeast crane South midpoint crane Southwest parking Southeast parking

Existing Elevation (feet)


998

Design Elevation (feet)


996

Change (feet)
-2

Depth to Bedrock (feet)1


3.5 to 10

Bedrock Excavation (feet)2


None

Bedrock Type
Weathered limestone Weathered limestone and highly weathered shale Weathered limestone Highly weathered shale Highly weathered shale and weathered limestone Weathered limestone Weathered limestone Highly weathered shale and weathered limestone

1,013

999

-14

2 to 10

4 to 12

998

1,009

+11

4.4

None

1,018

1,022

+4

9.5 to 10.5

None

1,015

1,023

+8

9.5 to 10.9

None

1,034

1,011

-23

4.5

18.5

1,017

1,012

-5

6.5 to 10

None

1,026

1,030

+4

5 to 7

None

Source: Kleinfelder, 2007a; HDR, April 2007. Notes: 1 Depth to bedrock is based on a limited number of soil borings conducted in on-site areas. 2 Based on determination from a limited number of soil borings and grading plan elevations. The need for excavation could vary in some areas.

About 924,000 cubic yards of rock material would be excavated from the project site (647,000 cubic yards of limestone and 277,000 cubic yards of shale). The excavated limestone would be crushed on site and be used as base rock (deep fill) and riprap. The shale would be broken up
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and used for site fill (HDR, 2008d). Softer, highly weathered shale could be moisture-conditioned and used as fill similar to fat clay. The usefulness of such fill would be limited since the soils at the site are primarily composed of fat clay and are highly expansive (see Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.3). Harder, less weathered shale and limestone could be used as fill material in lower parts of deep fill areas where pavement or landscaping would be constructed, but is not recommended for areas where buildings would be constructed or for areas of fill on slopes (Kleinfelder, 2007a). The use of less weathered shale and limestone for fill would require adequate compaction and mixing with finer material to fill potential void spaces. Unweathered limestone would be crushed into aggregate material. If the aggregate met specifications, it could be used for sub-base material for asphaltic concrete pavement (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Some structures, such as buildings, railroad bridges, wide-span crane rails, and light poles, could require the use of geopiers or spread footings drilled into bedrock. Structural analysis for these footings has not yet been completed, but it is anticipated that borings to construct the geopiers or footings could be up to 5 feet in diameter and 20 feet deep (Kleinfelder, 2007a). About 361,000 cubic yards of rock material would be excavated from the proposed conservation corridor (253,000 cubic yards of limestone and 108,000 cubic yards of shale). About 27,000 cubic yards of limestone would be crushed on site and used for base rock, riprap, and gabions. The remaining 334,000 cubic yards of material would be stockpiled and distributed on adjacent sites for use in future development (HDR, 2008d). Limited areas of excavation would be needed for the south mainline track relocation, especially in the vicinity of Mildale Park, and the intermodal lead tracks. Based on borings and preliminary evaluation of the bedrock completed near the proposed bridge near 191st Street and Four Corners Road, the proposed bridge could be supported on shafts drilled into the limestone (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Three proposed railroad bridges for the south mainline track relocation would also be supported on shafts drilled into the limestone (Kleinfelder, 2007a). As discussed in Section 2.1.1, the risk of seismic events, landslides, and karst topography in the project area is low. The characteristic earthquakes that occasionally occur are minor, causing only slight damage. The proposed Gardner IMF would not be significantly impacted by earthquakes. There are no known faults in the project area, and construction of the proposed facilities would not increase the probability or consequences of an earthquake. There is no significant risk of soil liquefaction or mass movement (soil slumping) at the site (Kleinfelder, 2007a). There could be a slightly increased risk of slope failure induced by pavement constructed near the periphery of the project site at the interface of limestone and shale due to stormwater potentially accumulating in limestone above the shale. If this is determined to be an issue, drainage would be constructed to prevent the build-up of water (Kleinfelder, 2007a). As site preparation is conducted, areas should be tested for voids due to karst topography, areas of caverns and sinkholes. As discussed in Section 2.1.1, the thickness of most limestone layers in the project area is less than 10 feet, and it is unlikely that substantial karst has formed. If voids in bedrock are encountered, they should be filled with crushed aggregate or stabilized soil material as part of the grading and site preparation process. Karst areas are not likely to form after construction either due to the thin layers of limestone present. As discussed in Section 2.1.1, there are 18 oil wells and one salt water disposal well in the Gardner project area. The location of on-site closed wells would be marked during construction. If wells are disturbed, they would be re-closed and abandoned following appropriate procedures. The Proposed Action would have minimal direct effects on the geology of the Gardner project area through rock excavation during construction.

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3.1.2

Topography

The local topography would be modified by the construction of the proposed Gardner IMF. Slopes would be cut, and the Gardner project site would be nearly leveled. Cuts would range up to about 23 feet and fill up to about 11 feet. The main intermittent stream valley and numerous ephemeral valleys would be leveled. Drainage would be modified to flow into a series of inlets discharging to sedimentation ponds located in the conservation corridor. About 8,200 feet of the existing stream would be relocated to the north. The potential impacts on water quality and drainage are discussed in the Water Quality Technical Report (HDR, 2008e) and the Floodplains Technical Report (HDR, 2008f), respectively. Effects to topography are considered minor. The project area would be reviewed prior to construction to determine whether any U.S. Department of Commerce, National Geodetic survey monuments would be disturbed. If any survey monuments were to be disturbed, 90-day notification would be given to the Department of Commerce. 3.1.3 Soils

As discussed in Section 3.1.1, construction activities including grading that would occur with the Proposed Action would directly affect soils in the Gardner project area. An engineering geology report, a soil engineering report, and a grading plan would be included as part of the Johnson County grading permit application. About 492 acres would be graded for the construction of the proposed Gardner IMF and the conservation easement containing the relocated unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek. An additional 152 acres would be impacted by the proposed off-site road improvements and relocation of the south mainline track. During the grading and site preparation process, the soil would be vulnerable to accelerated erosion due to lack of vegetation cover. The hazard of erosion by water is moderate to high in 98 percent of the soil area to be disturbed and low to moderate in 2 percent of the area to be disturbed. Accelerated erosion (i.e., above the rate that occurs in undisturbed areas of soil with native vegetation cover) would be minimized to the extent practical by employing measures to control water runoff. The Water Quality Technical Report (HDR, 2008e) provides additional evaluation of runoff and other water quality issues. Because the Proposed Action would impact more than 1 acre of land, a NPDES Stormwater Runoff from Construction Activities General Permit would apply. As part of the NPDES permit, stabilization or structural measures would be employed during construction and after construction to limit discharge of sediment and erosion to pre-construction levels. The permit would be terminated when the disturbed site has achieved final stabilization (i.e., revegetating areas other than structures, such as buildings, roads, and parking lots, to at least 70 percent of the natural vegetation of that area or using other stabilization devices such as rip rap, gravel, or gabions). An impervious layer would be constructed over the entire project site. Runoff from the project site would be directed to the conservation corridor, flow through the relocated unnamed tributary to Big Bull Creek, and infiltrate into groundwater. Final site stabilization would provide erosion controls equivalent to pre-existing conditions at the site in accordance with the NPDES construction permit and the grading plan submitted as part of the grading permit from Johnson County. Measures to control water erosion would include vegetative controls (primarily in the conservation corridor area), such as reestablishing and maintaining as much vegetation as possible, and structural controls, such as sediment traps and basins and ground cover, riprap, gravel, or gabions. Energy dissipation systems could be used in outfall areas to reduce runoff velocity and potential erosion of the stream channel. No substantial impacts are anticipated. In addition, best management practices (BMPs) regarding erosion control measures would be used during construction. Potential impacts on water quality from construction are further discussed in the Water Quality Technical Report (HDR, 2008e).

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The hazard of wind erosion is moderate in about 14 percent of the impacted area and very slight to slight in the remaining area. Accelerated erosion would be would be minimized to the extent practical by employing measures to control runoff exposure to the wind. Measures to control wind erosion and fugitive dust would be implemented during construction and could include daily watering or chemical stabilization of exposed surfaces, maintaining existing vegetation as much as possible and revegetating sites as soon as possible, limiting vehicle speeds or gravelling temporary roads, or using wind breaks, temporary compaction, or synthetic or natural covering, such as netting or mulching. Based on wind erosion controls being implemented, especially in vulnerable areas, effects are anticipated to be minor. As discussed in Section 2.1.3, soils in the project area, especially in the Gardner project site, are rated as very limited for construction by USDA-NRCS and in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System (Table 2-7). The poor suitability of the soils for construction is based on a very high shrink-swell potential in most of the area that would be affected and a moderate shrinkswell potential in the remaining soils of the project area. These soils deform when wet and when bearing weight. Other limitations for construction include a shallow seasonal water table (1 to 2 feet in spring) in much of the project area and bedrock at a shallow depth (2.5 to 3 feet in some areas, with an average depth of 6.7 feet for the project site). To improve the suitability for construction, soil would be modified with crushed aggregate (obtained on site from areas of rock-cutting) and fly ash to the extent needed to support the operation of construction equipment. Soil would then be further stabilized with fly ash (Kleinfelder, 2007a) to strengthen the soil, reduce shrink-swell, and optimize the moisture content of the soil. In Kansas, if fly ash is used for soil stabilization, it would meet the physical requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard D5239 and the chemical requirements of ASTM Standard C618. On-site clays could be stabilized to create low volume change material to support building foundations (Kleinfelder, 2007a). In areas of deeper soil or highly weathered bedrock, geopiers would be used to support the weight of the wide-span cranes. Geopiers are constructed by drilling shafts in the soil and ramming layers of aggregate into the shaft. This allows soil to bear heavier loads and a stronger foundation for a structure. During operation of the proposed Gardner IMF, soils at the IMF could be subject to potential contamination; however this would be unlikely for the following reasons. An impervious layer and drainage system would prevent spills and leaks of oil, diesel fuel, and lubricants from rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes and hostlers operating at the site from reaching the ground. Wide-span cranes would operate cleanly, with little risk of spills or leaks due to electric motors and only a minimal amount of lubricant required. Refueling and maintenance of RTG cranes and hostlers would be performed over a paved area draining into an oil/water separator. Potential spills of hazardous materials at the IMF would drain into the drainage system and sedimentation basins (HDR, 2008e). Based on the historical record for the existing Argentine IMF, a spill is not likely to occur. Leaking containers would be taken to a safe haven. The safe haven would be self-contained and not drain to the oil/water separator, stormwater drainage, or the sanitary sewer system. Additionally, any spill or leak of hazardous material being transported along the intermodal lead tracks would likely remain in upper layers of the soil and relatively immobile due to the high smectitic clay content in most of the soils (see Section 2.1.3). Any soil contamination would be cleaned up in accordance state regulations. The risk of soil contamination from IMF is considered to be very low due to the containerized materials handled and facility-containment features. As a result, negligible effects to soils are anticipated from the Proposed Action.

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3.2

Indirect Effects Gardner

Induced development includes a proposed logistics park, Logistics Park Kansas City, adjacent to BNSFs planned IMF at Gardner. The logistics park would be developed by The Allen Group Kansas City (TAGKC) and consist of 400,000 to 600,000 square feet of speculative freight distribution and warehouse space available for lease around the same time that BNSFs IMF opens. TAG-KC has projected that it might construct additional warehouse capacity (up to 2.86 million square feet) sometime during 2010 and 2015 depending on demand in the South Johnson County market (William Crandall Verified Statement, Crandall VS, 2008). The 2030 land use inputs to the Olathe Traffic Model (OTM) show approximately 17.8 million square feet of new industrial development (which includes warehousing), in addition to the proposed Logistics Park Kansas City, in the forecasting focus area. The local planners indicated that this development was forecasted regardless of the Proposed Action. It is not possible to quantify a specific amount of accelerated development due to the Proposed Action. However, it can be assumed that some portion of the forecasted development would be accelerated due to the Proposed Action based on the land use inputs to the OTM. To the extent that the timing of this development is influenced by the Proposed Action, this would be considered an indirect effect. Given that this industrial development is anticipated for the forecasting focus area with or without the Proposed Action, there are many other factors that influence such development, and as a result, it is speculative to quantify the location or timing of any development that might be induced by the Proposed Action. It is also possible that the Proposed Action could induce commercial land uses, such as convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants; however, currently, no information exists as to the nature and location of such development. Given the nature of the Proposed Action, it is unlikely to induce residential development beyond what is currently planned for the forecasting focus area. As discussed, it is speculative to quantify the location or timing of any other development that might be induced by the Proposed Action. To the extent that induced development would occur as a result of the Proposed Action, other indirect effects could occur from construction activities. The indirect effects associated with the reasonably foreseeable development at the Logistics Park Kansas City are described in the following sections. 3.2.1 Geology

Stratigraphy Based on geologic reports and maps for Johnson County, the stratigraphy of the area that would be affected by the reasonably foreseeable Logistics Park Kansas City development is the same as that described for the Proposed Action (see Section 2.1.1). Subsurface borings have not been completed for the area, but given the similarity in stratigraphy, the depths to bedrock would likely be similar to the Gardner project site. The Logistics Park Kansas City would be developed in an area mostly underlain by Stanton Limestone. Remnants of Weston Shale occur on ridge tops in the area, and Vilas Shale occurs in potentially impacted areas west of Four Corners Road (OConnor, 1972; KGS, 2002a). Soils would have to be graded to support the development of Logistics Park Kansas City and access roads. Site preparation could include excavation of rock in some areas. Geologic Hazards Potential geological hazards include earthquakes, landslides, and karst topography. Because the site for the Logistics Park Kansas City and the Gardner project site are adjacent and share the same geological layers, the risk of these hazards is the same as discussed in Section 2.1.1. There are no known faults in the area of the Logistics Park Kansas City. Therefore, its development would not increase the probability or consequences of an earthquake. As site preparation is conducted, areas would be tested for voids due to karst topography, (caverns and sinkholes). The thickness of most limestone layers in the area is less than 10 feet, and it is
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unlikely that substantial karst has formed. Moreover, karst areas are not likely to form after construction due to the thin layers of limestone present. Oil Wells Within the Logistics Park reasonably foreseeable development area, there are six oil wells, all of which have been plugged and abandoned. The location of all on-site oil wells should be marked during construction to avoid disturbance by grading. If wells are disturbed, they should be reclosed and abandoned following appropriate procedures. Mineral Extraction There are no mineral extraction quarries, active or abandoned, in the area of the reasonably foreseeable development of Logistics Park Kansas City (KGS, 2003). The mineral rights have been purchased to the land for the Logistics Park Kansas City. 3.2.2 Topography

The area of the Logistics Park Kansas City is located along ridges. Elevations in the northern part of the Logistics Park Kansas City site range from 965 feet along the stream valley west of Four Corners Road and 191st Street to 1,038 feet in the northeastern corner of the site near Waverly Road. Maximum relief at the site north of the proposed Gardner IMF is about 30 feet. Slopes are generally in a southerly direction at about 2 to 10 percent. Elevations in the southern part of the Logistics Park Kansas City development area range from 1,010 feet along an unnamed intermittent stream near 191st Street to 1,046 feet along a ridge south of the proposed Gardner project site. Slopes are to the northwest along the ridge and to the southeast toward a stream valley near 191st Street and Waverly Road. The local topography would be modified by the construction of Logistics Park Kansas City. Slopes would be cut, and the area in which the Logistics Park would be developed would be nearly leveled. The current drainage divide along the existing ridgeline would be maintained. The potential impacts on water quality and drainage are discussed in the Water Quality Technical Report (HDR, 2008e) and the Floodplains Technical Report (HDR, 2008f), respectively. The Logistics Park area would be reviewed prior to construction to determine whether any U.S. Department of Commerce, National Geodetic survey monuments would be disturbed. If any survey monuments would be disturbed, 90-day notification would be given to the Department of Commerce. 3.2.3 Soils

Soils in the area of the Logistics Park Kansas City reasonably foreseeable development would be impacted by construction and are formed from silt and clay parent materials. The depth of soil is generally 6 feet or more. The areas potentially affected are composed of the following five soil series, as mapped by the USDA-NRCS in the Soil Survey of Johnson County, Kansas (USDA-NRCS, 2005): Sibleyville loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Wagstaff silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes

For each soil series, the acreages located in the Logistics Park site and the approximate percentage of each soil series are shown in Table 3-2. The majority of the proposed Logistics Park site comprises the Woodson, Wagstaff, and Summit soil series. The Verdigris soil is located

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in stream valleys in the three northern areas. The other soils are distributed throughout the proposed Logistics Park development area (Figure 3-1).

Table 3-2: Acreage and Percentage of Soil Series Located in the Logistics Park Kansas City Development Area Map Symbol 7603 8301 8912 8955 8962 Acres in Respective Area 21.59 1.93 2.41 43.68 109.47 179.08 Percent Acreage of Respective Area 12.05% 1.07% 1.34% 24.39% 61.12% 100%

Map Unit Name Sibleyville loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Verdigris silt loam, frequently flooded Summit silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Wagstaff silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes Woodson silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes Total

Source: USDA-NRCS, 2005

The physical, chemical, and engineering properties of these soils are discussed in Section 2.1.3. As noted in Section 2.1.3, the use of these soils for construction of buildings and roads is very limited due to the moderate to very high shrink-swell potential, low strength, high clay content, saturation from a shallow seasonal water table, and in some areas, flooding and shallow bedrock. About 179 acres of soil would be impacted during the development of the Logistics Park Kansas City. During the grading and site preparation process, the soil would be vulnerable to accelerated erosion due to lack of vegetation cover. The hazard of erosion by water is moderate to high in most of the soil area to be disturbed. Accelerated erosion (above the rate that occurs in undisturbed areas of soil with native vegetation cover) could be substantial without measures to control water runoff (HDR, 2008e). Because the Logistics Park would impact more than 1 acre of land, a NPDES Stormwater Runoff from Construction Activities General Permit would apply, which includes the use of stabilization or structural measures during construction and after construction is completed to limit discharge of sediment and erosion to preconstruction levels. Typically, the NPDES permit is terminated when the disturbed site has achieved final stabilization (i.e., revegetating areas other than structures [buildings, roads, and parking lots] to at least 70 percent of the natural vegetation of that area or using other stabilization devices such as riprap, gravel, or gabions). Impervious areas would increase and areas adjacent to paved areas would be vulnerable to increased erosion because of increased velocity of runoff from these paved areas. Final site stabilization would provide erosion controls equivalent to preexisting conditions at the site in accordance with the NPDES Stormwater Runoff from Construction Activities General Permit, the SWPPP, and the grading plan submitted as part of the grading permit from Johnson County. Measures to control water erosion, similar to those discussed for the Proposed Action, would be implemented at the Logistics Park site. The hazard of wind erosion is moderate in about 30 percent of the impacted area and very slight to slight in the remaining area. Some erosion is anticipated in the areas of moderate hazard (i.e., Summit soils on the ridges). BMPs would be used to control runoff and exposure to the wind. Measures to control wind erosion and fugitive dust, similar to those discussed under the Proposed Action, would be implemented during construction.

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As discussed above, soils at the Logistics Park development area are rated as very limited for construction by USDA-NRCS and in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System (see Table 2-7). The poor suitability of the soils for construction is based on a very high shrink-swell potential and low strength of the soil in most of the area that would be impacted, a shallow seasonal water table in much of the impacted area, and bedrock at a shallow depth in some areas. Similar to the Proposed Action, to improve the suitability for construction, soil would be modified with crushed aggregate (obtained on site from areas of rock-cutting) and fly ash to strengthen the soil, reduce shrink-swell, and optimize the moisture content of the soil. Based on the historical record, spills at a logistics park rarely occur (HDR, 2008c), and soils would not be subject to potential contamination. Minimal impacts to soils are anticipated. Soil could be potentially contaminated by a spill or leak of hazardous material being transported along the roads near the Logistics Park. Any contamination that would reach soils would likely remain in upper layers of the soil and remain relatively immobile due to the high smectitic clay content in most of the soils, as explained in Section 2.1.3. Any soil contamination would be cleaned up in accordance with state regulations (HDR, 2008c).

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Figure 3-1: Soils in the Logistics Park Kansas City Development Area

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3.3

Direct Effects Wellsville North

The Wellsville North Alternative would cause direct effects to geological resources in a similar manner as the Proposed Action. Excavation of rock, plugging and capping of disturbed oil wells, topography modification from site leveling, and soil disturbance would occur. Approximately 420 acres would be graded. Off-site road improvements and intermodal lead tracks would also be developed and require approximately 70 acres of disturbance. 3.3.1 Geology

The IMF, lead tracks, and off-site road improvements would be constructed in an area of highly weathered, relatively flat-laying geologic strata. Bedrock excavation would be required and would involve the use of construction equipment, such as chisels and rippers to break up the bedrock for removal, and levelers and backhoes to redistribute and remove the overburden. With the exception of the relatively thick Weston Shale member (approximately 30 to 60 feet thick at the project site), most of the members that would be disturbed are thin beds of limestone and shale. The amount of bedrock to be excavated for this alternative is currently unknown. A site-specific geotechnical report would determine the specific construction requirements of the project site. Similar to the Proposed Action, excess rock material would be stored at adjacent sites for future use. Development of the Wellsville North Alternative would occur in an area of low probability for earthquakes, with no known active faults. The risk of landslides in this area is low because of the minimal relief and nearly horizontal geologic strata. Karst topography has not been documented in this area. Consequently, the risk from geologic hazards is minimal. There are six known oil wells in the Wellsville project site. Wells would be plugged and capped in accordance with state regulations. The removal from service of the active wells would have a negligible effect on oil production. No direct effects to mineral extraction operations would occur under this alternative because there are none within the project area. 3.3.2 Topography

The Wellsville North project area has minimal relief, and is dissected by two relatively shallow stream valleys. Minimal relief also exists in areas of the lead tracks and off-site road improvements. Construction activities would involve leveling of disturbed areas and require installation of culverts beneath the modified topography to handle the flow of surface water from the Rock Creek and Martin Creek tributaries. Impacts to topography would be considered minor. Prior to construction, a survey would be performed to determine if any U.S. Department of Commerce National Geodetic survey monuments would be disturbed. A 90-day notification would be provided to the Department of Commerce prior to any modification or removal of the monuments. 3.3.3 Soils

Approximately 490 acres would be affected by grading for the Wellsville North Alternative. The Woodson silt loam is the dominant soil in the project area. The remaining soils are either silt loams or silty clay loams, with relatively similar soil characteristics to the Woodson silt loam: low saturated hydraulic conductivity with medium runoff potential, moderate to high water erosion potential, very slight wind erosion potential, and a very limited construction potential given the high shrink-swell potential, high clay amounts, and low strength of the soils. Consequently, soil

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modification through the incorporation of crushed aggregate from excavated bedrock and fly ash would be required to help improve constructability of the Wellsville North Alternative. In areas of deeper soil or highly weathered bedrock, geopiers could be used to help support the weight of heavy loads and provide a strong foundation. The project site would be prepared with an impervious layer overlain by pavement or permeable materials. Runoff and drainage would be collected and directed to the two tributaries currently flowing through the area. Prior to runoff entering the tributaries, sedimentation ponds, swales, and wetlands would be used to help slow the introduction of runoff and drainage, and help filter the stormwater. A NPDES Stormwater Runoff from Construction Activities General Permit would be applicable to development of the project site, off-site road improvements, and intermodal lead tracks, and would include a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) noting measures to minimize soil erosion during construction. An engineering geology report, a soil engineering report, and a grading plan would be included as part of the Johnson County grading permit application. Grading plans would be submitted to Miami and Franklin counties as part of the site plans. Measures to minimize soil erosion would be similar to those noted in Section 3.1.3 for the Gardner project site. The project area includes some locations of existing soil contamination (see the Hazardous Material Technical Report for further information). Soil sampling and cleanup would be conducted as needed in accordance with state regulations. Spills or leaks of hazardous materials at the IMF would not contaminate the subsurface due to the impervious layer and a drainage system that would allow collection of the material. During transport along intermodal lead tracks or off-site roads, hazardous materials could reach soils, but the high smectitic clay content in most soils would help limit the spread of contamination. Direct effects to soils are considered minor. 3.4 Indirect Effects Wellsville North

The potential indirect impacts associated with the Wellsville North Alternative would be caused by excavation of rock, plugging and capping of disturbed oil wells, modification of the existing topography, and disturbance of soils. There are no current plans to develop a warehousing facility in the vicinity of the Wellsville North Alternative. However, if an IMF were sited at Wellsville North, it is likely that a certain amount of warehousing or other industrial development would be induced by the IMF operation. It is also possible that an IMF sited in the Wellsville North development area could induce commercial land use, such as convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants; however, currently, no information exists as to the nature and location of such development. Induced development around the IMF as a result of the Wellsville North Alternative could result in indirect effects to geology and soils. The amount and location of induced development in the area surrounding the Wellsville North Alternative cannot be quantified. To the extent that additional development occurs as a result of the Wellsville North Alternative, indirect effects to geology and soils could occur. These include bedrock excavation and leveling of disturbed areas, soil modification as a result of incorporation of crushed aggregates and fly ash to improve suitability for construction. Any potential soil contamination from spills or leaks would be cleaned up in accordance with state regulations. Before any development is constructed, a survey would be performed to determine if any U.S. Department of Commerce National Geodetic survey monuments would be disturbed. A 90-day notification would be provided to the Department of Commerce prior to any modification or removal of the monuments. A NPDES Stormwater Runoff from Construction Activities General Permit would be applicable and would include a SWPPP noting measures to minimize soil erosion during construction.

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3.5

No Action Alternative

Direct and indirect effects to geology and soils as a result of the No Action Alternative through farming and other activities in the project area would continue to cause soil erosion and siltation of streams. Existing soil contamination from agricultural activities, such as fertilizers, pesticides, diesel fuel, and land disposal of solid waste, would continue and likely degrade and potentially migrate. The current use of agricultural chemicals and extraction of oil from existing wells would continue under the No Action Alternative. 4.0 4.1 POTENTIAL MITIGATION MEASURES Gardner

Mitigation measures are discussed in the Mitigation Technical Report (HDR, 2008g). 4.2 Wellsville North

Mitigation measures are discussed in the Mitigation Technical Report (HDR, 2008g).

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5.0

REFERENCES

BNSF. 2008. Personal Communication, Mike Stanfill, Manager Environmental Operations. July 8, 2008. Crandall, W. 2008. Verified Statement of William Crandall, The Allen Group-Kansas City. HDR. 2007. BNSF Gardner Intermodal Site Earthwork (Map). HDR. 2008a. Purpose and Need and Alternatives Analysis Technical Report. HDR. 2008b. Prime and Other Important Farmlands Technical Report HDR. 2008c. Hazardous Materials Technical Report. HDR. 2008d. Personal communication with Bill Horner, Senior Roadway Designer. HDR. 2008e. Water Quality Technical Report. HDR. 2008f. Floodplains Technical Report. HDR. 2008g. Mitigation Technical Report. KAR 82-3-113. 2007. Kansas Administrative Regulations. Kansas Legislature Website. Retrieved on April 29, 2007. http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-kars/index.do. KAR 82-3-114. 2007. Kansas Administrative Regulations. Kansas Legislature Website. Retrieved on April 29, 2007. http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-kars/index.do. KGS. 1999. Landslides in Kansas. Kansas Geological Survey, Public Information Circular (PIC) 13. KGS, The University of Kansas Website. Retrieved on April 27, 2007. http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/pic13/pic13_1.html. KGS. 2002. Geology and Ground-water Resources of Johnson County, Northeastern Kansas. KGS, The University of Kansas Website. Retrieved on April 2, 2007. http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/Johnson/. KGS. 2002. Geology and Ground-water Resources of Miami County, Kansas. KGS, The University of Kansas Website. Retrieved on February 5, 2008. http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/Johnson/. KGS. 2002. Geology of Franklin County, Kansas. KGS, The University of Kansas Website. Retrieved on March 13, 2008. http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/Johnson/. KGS. 2003. Industrial Minerals Johnson County; Active and Abandoned Quarries. KGS, The University of Kansas Website. Retrieved on April 29, 2007. http://abyss.kgs.ku.edu/pls/abyss/minerals.pqd3.stateFile?f_stat=Both.

KGS. 2006. Interactive Oil and Gas Maps. KGS, The University of Kansas Website. Retrieved in January and April 2007. http://www.kgs.ku.edu/PRS/petroMaps.html. KGS. Undated-a. Kansas Oil and Gas Field Viewer. KGS and the State of Kansas Geographic Information Systems Policy Board, Data Access and Support Center. Retrieved on February 29, 2008. http://drysdale.kgs.ku.edu/kgs/oilgas/imageviewer/map.cfm?field_kid=1000148266&fieldmap=yes &wells=no&otherformations=no&allfields=yes.

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KGS. Undated-b. Digital Petroleum Atlas, Paola-Rantoul Field General Information. Retrieved on February 29, 2008. http://abyss.kgs.ku.edu/pls/abyss/gemini.dpa_general_pkg.build_general_web_page?sFieldKID= 1000148266. KGS. Undated-c. Digital Petroleum Atlas, Thorn Field General Information. Retrieved on February 29, 2008. http://abyss.kgs.ku.edu/pls/abyss/gemini.dpa_general_pkg.build_general_web_page?sFieldKID= 1000149899. Kleinfelder. 2007a. Final Geotechnical Engineering Report, BNSF Intermodal Facility, Gardner, Kansas Site. Kleinfelder. 2007b. Geotechnical Engineering Report, BNSF Eastbound Mainline Improvements, Gardner, Kansas. Lesan, H.M. and A. Bhandari. 2000. Evaluation of Atrazine Binding to Surface Soils. Proceedings of the 2000 Conference on Hazardous Waste Research. Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www.p2pays.org/ref/15/14713.pdf. Murray, K.S., D.T. Rogers, and M.M. Kaufman. 2004. Heavy Metals in an Urban Watershed in Southeastern Michigan. Journal of Environmental Quality. 33:163-172. Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://jeq.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/33/1/163. OConnor, H.G., [1972] 2000. Geologic Map of Johnson County, Kansas. KGS, Map M-92, scale 1:50,000; revised from Bulletin 203, plate 1. Retrieved on April 2, 2007. http://www.kgs.ku.edu/General/Geology/County/ghj/jo/gifs/johnson_half.pdf. Schlegel, M.L., A. Manceau, D. Chateigner, and L. Charlet. 1999. Sorption of Metal Ions on Clay Minerals. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 215:140158. Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www-lgit.obs.ujf-grenoble.fr/users/manceau/pdf/JCIS-CoHect-Michel-Part1.pdf. Singh, S.P., L.Q. Ma,* and W.G. Harris. 2001. Heavy Metal Interactions with Phosphatic Clay: Sorption and Desorption Behavior. Journal of Environmental Quality. http://jeq.scijournals.org/cgi/reprint/30/6/1961.pdf. USDA-NRCS. 2005. Soil Survey of Johnson County, Kansas. Retrieved on November 13, 2006. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/Manuscripts/KS091/0/Johnson_KS.pdf. USDA-NRCS. 2007. National Hydric Soils List by State. http://soils.usda.gov/use/hydric/lists/state.html. Retrieved on November 13, 2006.

USDA-NRCS, 2008a. Custom Soil Resource Report for Douglas County, Franklin County, Johnson County, and Miami County, Kansas. Retrieved on February 5, 2008. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. USDA-NRCS, 2008b. Custom Soil Resource Report for Franklin County and Miami County, Kansas. Retrieved on February 29, 2008. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. USGS. 2006. Quaternary Fault and Fold Database of the United States. Earthquake Hazards Program. Retrieved on April 30, 2007. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/qfaults/. 2007. Scanned 1:24K 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Topographic Maps. Kansas Geospatial Community Commons Website. Retrieved on April 27, 2007. http://maps.kansasgis.org/.

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