Railroad Fueling System Upgrade
Rail operators face unique challenges in planning, operating, and maintaining railroad systems. With deep regulatory knowledge and experience navigating environmental challenges faced by the rail industry, Pinnacle Engineering helps clients identify efficiencies and discover innovative ways to overcome obstacles affecting their projects. From site analysis and regulatory representation to incident investigation and remediation, we act as a partner in helping you oversee your day-to-day operations.
Environmental Challenge
Pinnacle Engineering was retained by a rail client to ensure that the railroad’s fueling operations conformed to governmental regulations, more specifically, the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations.
The fueling operations experienced fuel drips and minor fuel spillages, which were captured by a concrete pad and directed to a buried tank. The operations were uncovered, and precipitation events resulted in stormwater filling the tank. When full, the tank would be pumped and the liquids deposited in the facility’s oil water separator, which was located a significant distance from the fueling operations. The client needed an improved collection system with a pump and piping system connected to the oil water separator.
Environmental Regulatory Compliance Services
Pinnacle explored alternatives to pumping contaminated stormwater and designed an upgrade to the client’s in-yard fueling facility that allows year-round fuel loading and meets SPCC requirements. Our team implemented a design that included the installation of a new fuel spill collection system, an expanded fueling pad area, and a piping system connecting the collection tank to the oil water separator.
Analysis & Results
Pinnacle’s foresight into the project allowed us to utilize the current structure in the upgrade system, reducing the total project costs for the client.
Directional drilling was used to install the pipeline rather than open trenching through the rail yard. This resulted in less disruption to the client’s operations and reduced the amount of potentially contaminated soil encountered, limiting both worker exposure and soil treatment/handling costs. As a result of these improvements, the client now operates a year-round, SPCC-compliant fueling facility that automatically pumps rainwater as needed and shuts down in the event of a spill.
Our goal is to continue to build upon our reputation of delivering high-quality services, maintaining open and responsive communications, and providing cost-effective solutions that consistently meet our clients’ needs.
Comprehensive Solutions for the Railroad Industry
No challenge is too great when you have a trusted partner guiding you every step of the way. We serve the railroad industry with services that address your needs for compliance, data collection, engineering and permitting, inspection and analysis, and emergency response. Acting as an extension of your team, we support your operations and help you navigate local, state, and federal regulatory requirements for successful results.
Pinnacle’s approach is not like most consultants; they work with our company’s best interests in mind and propose cost and time-effective remedies over remedies that are more financially beneficial to themselves. This has also built a tremendous level of trust that makes working together that much easier.
Environmental Engineer - Oil & Gas Client
Pinnacle is very responsive to requests. They have not missed a deadline on any service thus far. They seem willing to go the extra mile when asked for input on potential projects.
Environmental Manager - Oil & Gas Client
Pinnacle is local and able to respond quickly. In addition to being a subject matter experts, they can take the lead with little input needed from me to do so. Pinnacle is professional, knowledgeable, and customer service oriented. They are dependable and are respected and known within the local regulatory world.
Environmental Response Manager - Oil & Gas Client
Pinnacle is key to our company’s operations in my area of responsibility. Honestly, there is not another professional contractor that works any harder for us than the staff at Pinnacle Eng. If they can’t do it in-house, they know someone that can. They are “Problem Solvers” at the highest level.
Manager, Midwest Operations - Oil & Gas Client
I worked closely with Pinnacle at a previous role and then incorporated their services when I moved companies. I am a huge fan of the company. They are down to earth and incredible to work with. Their portfolio is extensive and the staff they have are all amazing to work with. I am grateful to partner with them in each of my roles.
Environmental Manager - Aerospace Manufacturing
I work with Pinnacle daily over the last few years. The top impression is that they deliver. They follow through and do what they say they are going to do. They are professional and keep us out of trouble.
VP of Engineering & Construction - Renewable Energy Client
Pinnacle is always there for us. Their broad range of expertise from environmental response to environmental permitting to their vast subcontractor network makes them an invaluable resource to our organization. I call them for everything from routine projects to largescale rail-based incidents. I’m thankful to have them as a partner.
Manager of Environmental Remediation - Class I Railroad
Environmental Engineering Solutions for a Better Tomorrow
At Pinnacle Engineering, we understand the importance of collaboration and being responsible stewards of the environment. We act as partners, working closely with you to understand your project or emergency situation, identify challenges, and help you determine the best path forward.
