S.C. Public Railways Recognized
S.C. Public Railways Recognized for Efforts to Voluntarily Reduce Diesel Emissions;
Partnership with DHEC will Further Improve Air Quality with Upgrades to Locomotive Engines
Public Railways and SCSPA continue to take voluntary actions to improve air quality
CHARLESTON, S.C. – June 1, 2010 – South Carolina Public Railways (SCPR), a division of the Department of Commerce, was recognized today for its efforts to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality. Joined by officials from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), SCPR announced it has partnered with DHEC to replace current locomotive engine components with new clean, low-emitting diesel components. The upgrades will decrease the amount of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter being dispersed from the locomotive engine in the form of exhaust gases.
“DHEC is excited to partner with SCPR in this project to reduce diesel emissions and improve public health. The commitment of SCPR to use cleaner fuels and engines demonstrates the leadership needed to meet our goals of clean air for everyone in South Carolina,” said Myra Reece, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality.
SCPR was awarded a $105,622 sub-grant by DHEC for the purpose of repowering two locomotives with cleaner engines. SCPR will provide a funding match.
“These upgrades reaffirm South Carolina Public Railways’ commitment to be a good neighbor. By taking proactive steps to improve air quality, we are improving the quality of life for residents in the areas we serve and furthering our commitment to support the port’s clean air initiatives. We appreciate the support we have received from DHEC and the EPA to make this possible,” said Jeff McWhorter, president and CEO of SCPR.
“South Carolina Public Railways continues to be a critical partner in our economic development efforts by supporting activity at the Port. SCPR and Commerce join the State Ports Authority in furthering the state’s commitment to voluntarily reduce air emissions and improve air quality. That is why SCPR made the early switch to cleaner-burning fuel and will now upgrade to cleaner-burning engines,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“The State Ports Authority applauds SCPR in its efforts to improve air quality while performing its critical function of moving freight and assisting in increased activity at our ports,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA.
SCPR and SCSPA have made voluntary efforts to improve air quality while performing core functions and helping to support the growth of the state’s economy.
SCPR took the early initiative to utilize cleaner-burning ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in 2007, announcing then that all locomotives would begin using ULSD well ahead of the mandated date. Federal law requires the use of ULSD by 2012.
The Division of Public Railways uses an estimated 26,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually. The locomotives operated within the Columbus Street, Union Pier and Veteran’s Terminals are 1,000 horsepower. The locomotives utilized at the North Charleston Terminal are 1,750 horsepower. Ultra-low sulfur fuel must meet a standard of 15 parts per million.
In March, SCSPA and DHEC extended a voluntary agreement that has successfully reduced port-related air emissions. SCSPA has worked together with DHEC over the past three years to implement programs that cut emissions associated with the port’s existing and future facilities and improve air quality in the Charleston region.
Since the partnership started in March 2007, the SCSPA and DHEC have brought on various emissions reductions that impact both current and future facilities. Specific actions either accomplished or underway include:
Completed a baseline Port Air Emissions Inventory – 1st in the Southeast.
Reducing emissions from 57 cargo-handling machines, 110 trucks, four tugs and a dredge. Accomplished by installing cleaner engines, cleaner fuels, filters and idle-reduction and fuel saving technologies.
Switched all on-terminal diesel equipment, including port-owned and tenant-owned, to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
Included contractor guidelines in construction bid documents to minimize air impacts.
Additionally, the work associated with the more than $5 million in federal grants and local matching funds is reducing more than 2,500 tons of pollutants from both port-owned and privately-owned diesel equipment. The public-private partners in the projects include the SCSPA, DHEC and 23 private companies and associations.
About the South Carolina State Ports Authority
The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $62 billion annually and receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year.
About South Carolina Public Railways
South Carolina Public Railways operates three common carrier railroads. Two switching railroads are located in Charleston County. The Port Utilities Commission of Charleston (PUCC) and the Port Terminal Railroad (PTR) provide switching services to the terminals of the State Ports Authority, and CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern. The East Cooper and Berkeley Railroad (ECBR), a short line railroad, located in southern Berkeley County serves BP and Nucor Steel. South Carolina Public Railways also provides technical assistance and consulting service in railroad matters to state, local and municipal governments. South Carolina Public Railways operates from revenues generated from its operations and is a division of the state Department of Commerce.
