RD98 - Annual Report to the Joint Subcommittee Studying Measures to Reduce Emissions from Coal-Carrying Railroad Cars per Senate Resolution No. 257, February 2016


Executive Summary:
In accordance with the 1997 Virginia Senate Joint Resolution No. 257, Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) summarizes the efforts to identify and mitigate fugitive coal dust emissions from its rail corridors and facilities in the Commonwealth during the calendar year 2015. This report illustrates Norfolk Southern’s compliance with the resolution and our commitment to protect the environment.

Summary of Key Accomplishments in 2015

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

• The Trackside Monitor in Altavista, VA has been upgraded with a new rain gauge and anemometer, and 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. Norfolk Southern did not receive any complaints from the 1-800 line in 2015, but did receive several calls and emails regarding coal dust from operations at Lamberts Point in Norfolk, VA.

• Monitoring of particulate matter (PM10) near Lamberts Point in Norfolk, VA continues to demonstrate compliance with the national ambient air quality standards. Two new PM10 monitors were installed in August replacing one older monitor at the nearby Hampton Roads Sanitary Department’s (HRSD) wastewater treatment facility and adding a new monitor at the Lamberts Point property boundary. Further, Norfolk Southern voluntarily submitted a Quality Assurance Project Plan to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in 2015 and will submit monitoring results to DEQ each quarter.