In an envrironmental review process that requires an EIS or EIR you generally have to test a variety of scenarios or "alternatives". These run the gamut from the "No build" to an array of "possible" alternative scenario's.

This "16 trains" number comes from one of the alternatives for a "very high" scenario, and tests the likely environmental impacts. I did this kind of stuff for the other half of my career on transportation projects, both rail and highway, and you're required by law to do that. The number is "real" only for purposes of comparing impacts, identifying mitigations, taking public input, and recommending a final or preferred alternative. The final or preferred alternative will have a final range and identify impacts and mitigation. It is this final or preferred that is adopted or modified by appropriate elected representatives (not mobs), and a project is then allowed to go forward, or not.

These alternative scenario numbers and "impacts" are also frequently used to debate the merits of alternatives. These numbers are also used, out of context, by various factions ("It's in the Environental document.....") to scare the general public who are often ignorant of the environmental processes, with wild tales of woe. This is used to influence the public process, and has often been effective both for ill.

It has been my experience that good environmental arguments stop bad projects, so you don't have to resort to that kind of hype and hysteria. The opponents of projects often pick and choose the numbers they wish to use, and usually omit the things that don't favor their point of view. The real extremists and demogouges don't even care if these are actually in the preferred or likely scenario, its about getting their way, for their faction (or in some cases their clients?).

This issue is going to a vote, work is underway on some parts of the line, and it looks like things will certainly get more shrill from the train haters. I think the majority and hopefully a 2/3 majority will come to a sensible decision on this one.