Railway Hydraulic Analysis
The rail industry faces unique challenges due to the remote locations of mainline tracks. Inclement weather and catastrophic events not only disrupt rail operations but create potential environmental dangers. In these situations, it is important to act quickly and provide a resolution to get operations back on schedule.
Pinnacle Engineering has decades of experience partnering with rail operators to provide environmental engineering services and local regulatory representation. With extensive regulatory knowledge, comprehensive service, and longstanding partnerships with government agencies, we help clients successfully navigate emergencies in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Environmental Challenge
A railway client contacted Pinnacle Engineering to perform a hydraulic analysis of an area that flooded following extreme rainfall. Heavy rains, combined with overtopping of an area reservoir, flooded the client’s mainline track and caused a washout and subsequent train derailment adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge.
Site Analysis & Response Services
After environmental clean-up and restoration work concluded, Pinnacle surveyed the area and prepared a hydraulic analysis of various alternatives to prevent future washouts and derailments. To accomplish this, our team provided hydraulic analysis, survey, civil design environmental assessment, regulatory representation, and permitting services.
Analysis & Results
Ultimately, Pinnacle engineers designed a channel that bypasses the existing serpentine channel during major water flow events. Though this was not the easiest or least expensive method of approaching this challenge, the solution has successfully continued to resolve the issue for nearly a decade.
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 through every step. We act as a consultant and local regulatory representative, providing rail industry permitting and emergency response services to support your internal engineering and operations teams.
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.
