RD77 - Annual Report on Measures to Reduce Emissions from Coal-Carrying Railroad Cars


Executive Summary:
Summary of Key Accomplishments in 2006

• Norfolk Southern's Performance Monitoring Plan remains fully implemented.

• The Trackside Monitor in Altavista, VA continues to monitor trains headed for the Tidewater area providing timely and valuable feedback to the mines participating in Norfolk Southern's coal dust reduction program.

• The 1-800 dusting report line continues to be available to record any complaints from persons and businesses located in the rail corridors through which Norfolk Southern transports coal. In 2006, there was only one complaint logged from Virginia.

• Monitoring of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) and very fine particulate (PM-10) near Lamberts Point in Norfolk, VA continues to demonstrate compliance with DEQ ambient air quality standards.

• Norfolk Southern provides timely feedback to the coal mines served, including the relative success or failure of their preventive measures to reduce fugitive emissions.

• Norfolk Southern continues to work with those mines that continue to be identified as not meeting the Performance Monitoring Plan's dust control standards by conducting periodic audits of the mines to ensure optimal performance.

• Norfolk Southern is using the "Six-Sigma" Continuous Improvement Process for evaluating its current mitigation program. Process mapping of its mitigation techniques and gauge evaluation studies were continued in 2006 to ensure the best use of the available dust prevention resources.

In accordance with the 1997 Virginia Senate Joint Resolution No. 257, Norfolk Southern (NS) summarizes the efforts to identify and mitigate fugitive coal dust emissions from its rail corridors and facilities in the Commonwealth during the calendar year 2006. This report illustrates Norfolk Southern's compliance with the resolution and its commitment to protect the environment.