The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) is seeking public input to decide whether a federal environmental assessment is necessary for the proposed North Thompson Rail Terminal Development project in Kamloops, British Columbia.

North Thompson Rail Terminals Inc. is proposing to build and operate a rail yard in Kamloops that would connect to a CN mainline. The 67-acre yard would include 41 tracks totaling 9 miles, and facilities for rail-car loading, switching, storage and repair operations.

The CEAA is seeking comments from the public and indigenous groups on the project and its potential environmental effects. Comments must be submitted by Jan. 23.

The CEAA then will post a decision on its website stating whether an environmental assessment is required. If one is called for, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on the assessment, agency officials said in a press release.