Feb. 7,
2014
Communities and
coastal river benefit from Norfolk Southern stormwater project
NORFOLK,
VA. – Communities around Norfolk and the Elizabeth River, a tributary of the
ecologically important Chesapeake Bay, have benefitted from Norfolk Southern’s
innovative stormwater management system at the railroad’s Lamberts Point coal
transload facility.
When
it rains, the multimillion-dollar recycling system collects, filters, and treats
stormwater from the 425-acre export coal facility. The water is reused to
suppress dust and clean equipment at Pier 6, where oceangoing colliers are
loaded with metallurgical and steam coal used to produce steel and electricity
worldwide. In addition to enhancing the health of the river’s ecosystem by
reducing stormwater runoff, the project conserves water and lowers the company’s
water bill. Since the recycling system began operating in March 2013, the coal
pier has reduced its use of municipal water by approximately 1.5 million gallons
a month, annually saving about 18 million gallons.
The
railroad’s efforts have earned recognition from the Elizabeth River Project, a
nonprofit conservation organization whose goal is to restore the river’s water
quality. The ERP in January presented Norfolk Southern with a 2013 “Sustained
Distinguished Performance” award for the stormwater project, the second
consecutive year the railroad has achieved the award. The railroad is a “Model
Level” partner in the ERP’s River Star Business program, the highest level for
businesses.
“It
really is an impressive project,” said Pamela Boatwright, the ERP’s deputy
director administration and River Star program manager. “Through its efforts at
Lamberts Point, Norfolk Southern has shown its commitment to environmental
stewardship and is contributing to our long-term goal to make the Elizabeth
River safe again for swimming and fishing.”
Blair
Wimbush, NS vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer,
said the stormwater project demonstrates the railroad’s commitment to corporate
responsibility.
“Our
investment supports a healthier environment while also benefitting the company’s
bottom line, results that are good for the communities the railroad serves as
well as employees and shareholders,” Wimbush said. “This is the kind of
sustainability project that we love to do. It was voluntary, goes beyond
governmental compliance, and has ecological and economical efficiencies. It
reflects our underlying commitment to innovate, reduce our environmental
footprint, and improve our economic well-being at the same time.”
Norfolk
Southern constructed stormwater retention ponds at the Lamberts Point facility
in 2000. The latest upgrade, an approximately $5-million investment, added a
10,000-gallon holding tank, a “Hydroclone” filtration system to remove fine coal
particles, and a carbon and ultraviolet light treatment system that neutralizes
microorganisms and other potential pollutants. The water then is ready for use
in the coal pier’s operating processes.
“A
lot of people think that big industry doesn’t care about the environment until
somebody forces their hand, but that has not been my experience at Norfolk
Southern,” said Ray Jones, director piers and facilities. Jones, a 33-year
employee of the company, helped oversee the stormwater system upgrade. “Norfolk
Southern has done many other projects across our 22-state system that show we do
care about the environment and are taking care of the land and waterways around
us.”
To
learn more about how Norfolk Southern contributes to a cleaner environment, a
healthy economy, and safer communities, visit
www.nssustainability.com.
Norfolk
Southern Corporation
(NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk
Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route
miles
in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in
the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail
carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the
East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial
products.
###
Norfolk Southern
contacts: