RD94 - Annual Report to the Joint Subcommittee Studying Measures to Reduce Emissions from Coal-Carrying Railroad Cars per Senate Resolution No. 257, February 2017


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 2016. This report illustrates Norfolk Southern’s compliance with the resolution and our commitment to protect the environment.

Summary of Key Accomplishments in 2016

• 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 grading system for characterizing the dust emissions has been upgraded to be consistent with the grading system being used by other US railroads.

• 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 Virginia complaints from the 1-800 line in 2016.

• Monitoring of particulate matter (PM10) near Lamberts Point in Norfolk, VA continues to demonstrate compliance with the national ambient air quality standards. Norfolk Southern successfully completed a voluntary data Quality Assurance Project Plan as submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in 2015.