Rail Facility Compliance

Rail Facility Compliance

With deep expertise in the environmental challenges faced by the rail industry and industrial clients dependent on rail service, Pinnacle Engineering helps clients identify efficiencies and discover innovative ways to overcome regulatory obstacles affecting their projects.

Environmental Challenge

Pinnacle Engineering assisted a client with environmental issues related to an existing four-track facility. The transloading activities on the four-track facility were slow, cumbersome, and prone to small spills of product. Additionally, the process of assembling a unit train by the railroad was time-consuming, causing traffic delays on a neighboring county road.

Pinnacle prepared a feasibility study for a loop track transloading facility, which, along with tank storage and a high-speed load-out building, enabled the client to drastically reduce loading and shipping costs. These studies provided the client with the information needed to authorize the preparation of plans and specifications for a complete rail loop transloading facility.

Technology & Engineering Solutions

As lead engineer for the client’s project team, Pinnacle provided the civil engineering design for the approximately 200-acre facility. We also assisted with environmental due diligence, air permitting, wetland fill permitting, construction stormwater permitting, and industrial stormwater permitting. Additionally, our team completed an SPCC plan, FRP, construction SWPPP, and industrial SWPPP.

Pinnacle designed secondary containment systems for the storage tank farm (three 90,000 barrel tanks), the rail loadout building, and the truck unloading area to meet federal SPCC and FRP requirements. Working with the mechanical engineering project team, we helped integrate several measures for the collection and containment of spills in the approximately 650-foot-long loadout building.

During the construction of the facility, Pinnacle provided construction oversight, documentation, and contractor management. We also managed the materials testing program and provided ongoing engineering design changes in a design/build capacity to address the evolving operational goals of the facility.

Analysis & Results

The Pinnacle team continues to provide the client with engineering and consulting services to ensure compliance standards are met.

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 client’s 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.

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, identify potential challenges, and help you determine the best path forward.