A planned Union Pacific branch near Phoenix has cleared a key environmental step. Reviewers concluded the PIRATE project would have no significant impacts if mitigation recommendations are followed, as reported by Trains.

Union Pacific branch near Phoenix: PIRATE project EA complete
Photo: UP via STB

PIRATE project environmental review and the final environmental assessment

In the final environmental assessment, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis said the proposal — the PIRATE project (Pecos Industrial Rail Access Train Extension) — would not require a full environmental impact statement. Meanwhile, the project still needs full approval by the STB, according to the Surface Transportation Board.

A 6-mile Union Pacific branchline linking the Phoenix Subdivision

The plan calls for a 6-mile Union Pacific branchline connecting UP’s Phoenix Subdivision to industrial properties southeast of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Also, it would provide the planned industrial rail access train extension in the area.

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August 2023 hold and concerns about archaeological resources

The review process was paused in August 2023, when the Office of Environmental Analysis put an indefinite hold on completing the assessment after finding “significant ground disturbance and damage to archaeological resources in the area of the proposed right of way.”

Union Pacific had worked with the Office of Environmental Analysis for more than two years on environmental and historical reviews when it was discovered that construction activities by third parties had disturbed the ground around the proposed route. Separately, the railroad asked adjacent landowners to cease work on UP property and to remove equipment from the right of way. At the same time, UP hired a security service, put up no trespassing signs, staked the property boundaries, and installed fencing.

Still, the final environmental assessment is available online (PDF Version).

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