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Council adopts mitigated negative declaration for narrow‑gauge rail extension project
Summary
The council found the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration adequate for a proposed extension of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum track into Railroad Avenue, approving mitigation measures for biology, noise and transportation and requiring coordination with emergency services before steam operations.
Nevada City Council on Aug. 13 adopted a mitigated negative declaration (IS/MND) and the associated mitigation monitoring and reporting program for a proposed rail extension by the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.
City planner Lisa McCandless presented the document and described mitigation measures the staff incorporated following the planning commission review. "There are mitigation measures for biology, noise and transportation," McCandless said, noting measures that restrict whistle use near residences and require qualified traffic engineering for grade crossings.
Nut graf: The project would connect existing track across Gold Run Creek up to Railroad Avenue, allowing the museum to operate steam locomotives at special events. The council’s action is an environmental clearance step that allows the project to apply for grants and proceed to design; it is not a final construction approval or site easement grant.
Project consultants said the rail operations would be occasional — limited to holidays and select weekend events — and that staff had designed mitigations to reduce neighborhood impacts. "The railroad museum would be able to steam up the locomotive and other rolling stock and bring it out for the public to see a few times each year on holidays and certain weekends," said consultant Andy Casano.
Key mitigation details included two transportation measures requiring crossing control design to meet the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and a requirement that the museum notify Nevada City Police, Nevada City Fire, Cal Fire Station 20 and Nevada County consolidated emergency services at least 48 hours before operating steam engines on the track to ensure emergency access. Noise mitigation restricts sounding the whistle near residences and on Railroad Avenue the operation may not require grade‑crossing whistles.
The motion to adopt the IS/MND and mitigation monitoring program passed unanimously: Fleming, Fernandez, Cece and Mayor Klein voted yes.
Next steps: The city and museum can pursue grant opportunities and final design work; the council noted that easements and specific construction approvals would follow additional design and permitting steps.
