Commission accepts environmental finding for MST SURF busway; opponents raise ballast contamination concerns

Monterey Peninsula — The California Transportation Commission accepted the environmental document and approved future consideration of funding for the Monterey‑Salinas Transit (MST) SURF busway and bus rapid transit project after hearing both endorsements from local business and civic groups and objections about soil and ballast contamination.

CTC staff reported the lead agency (Monterey‑Salinas Transit District) adopted a mitigated negative declaration finding that impacts could be mitigated to less‑than‑significant levels. Staff recommended approval of the environmental acceptance and future consideration for funding, noting that recent letters and test results submitted by third parties were posted and would be part of the public record.

Supporters argued the project will reduce congestion, provide more equitable transit access and help workers who commute from inland communities to jobs on the Monterey Peninsula. Kevin Dayton, representing the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said the corridor improvements would reduce congestion for employees who currently travel to jobs on the peninsula. Rick Aldinger of the Monterey County Hospitality Association said the project would especially help lower‑income hospitality workers who live farther inland.

Opponents and environmental groups urged caution. Michael Salerno of Keep Fort Ord Wild submitted an objection letter and told the commission the Coastal Commission’s September 2024 conditions changed the alignment to sit on top of the Monterey Branch Line and that recent tests show widespread heavy‑metal contamination in the railroad ballast. “There’s a major hazmat issue of heavy metals along this entire corridor,” Salerno said, urging the commission to review testing and handling plans.

MST chief executive Carl Sidorek responded at the dais. He said MST had tested ballast in multiple locations for heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, PCBs and other contaminants and found no instances of exceedances that would prevent reuse of ballast in place as roadbed material. “We tested the ballast in multiple locations and found it suitable for in‑place reuse,” Sidorek said, and he offered to have the agency’s deputy CEO address technical questions and provide test details.

Staff noted the project’s environmental documentation already includes testing and mitigation measures for soils and ballast and that attachments to public letters are linked on the commission website. MST and staff indicated follow‑up responses and technical materials were available for commissioners’ review.

Why it matters: The project would create dedicated busway and BRT improvements intended to improve transit reliability, reduce vehicle congestion and support low‑income workers’ access to jobs on the Monterey Peninsula. The contested ballast test results raise potential remediation and handling questions that could affect construction methods and costs if mitigation or removal is required.

What’s next: The commission accepted the environmental finding and advanced the project to possible future funding consideration. MST and commission staff will continue to exchange technical materials addressing the soil and ballast test results and mitigation plans.