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The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Friday announced its Section of Environmental Analysis issued the final scope of study for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding Canadian National Railway Co.'s acquisition of a major portion of the Elgin, Joliet &
Eastern Railway Co. (EJ&E).

The final scope is part of the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act. The Section of Environmental Analysis now will begin to prepare an EIS. The STB plans to release a draft EIS in late summer.

CN is seeking regulatory approval to acquire a major portion of the 198-mile EJ&E, which operates a mainline that encircles Chicago and runs through Waukegan, Joliet and South Chicago, Ill., and Gary, Ind. The Class I plans to name the operations the EJ&EW West Co.

The final scope addresses environmental issues raised by the public and other parties during the scoping process. Section of Environmental Analysis officials received a total of 3,692 comments via letter or electronic message, or orally during open house meetings.

The draft EIS will include recommended mitigation measures and will be made available for public review and comments, the STB said.