Beyond the Elizabeth River is the retention pond that holds stormwater recycled for coal dust suppression at Lamberts Point.
Beyond the Elizabeth River is the retention pond that holds stormwater recycled for coal dust suppression at Lamberts Point.

Stormwater recycling at Lamberts Point: Good for business and the environment

Norfolk Southern has taken significant steps to control dust during operations at Lamberts Point.

In the early 1990s, NS voluntarily installed a sprinkler system at the terminal’s tandem rotary dumpers. The sprinklers spray hopper cars with water and a dust suppression agent as coal is dumped onto a conveyor belt for loading on ships at Pier 6.

Ray Jones stands on the shore of the stormwater retention pond at Lamberts Point.
Ray Jones stands on the shore of the stormwater retention pond at Lamberts Point.

"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. This company has undertaken many voluntary projects across our network that show we are taking care of the land and waterways around us."

Ray Jones, NS director piers and facilities, based at Lamberts Point.

In 2013, NS advanced that effort by voluntarily constructing a stormwater management system that recycles stormwater for the sprinkler system. A Hydrocyclone filtration system removes up to 95 percent of the smallest coal particles from rain runoff before the water is pumped into a retention pond and reused to suppress dust, clean equipment, and for other work processes.

An approximate $3 million investment by NS, the innovative system conserves municipal water supplies and supports community efforts to enhance the Elizabeth River’s water quality. By reusing stormwater, NS saves the city an average of 1 million to 1.5 million gallons of water each month. Before use, NS runs the stormwater through an eco-friendly treatment featuring carbon filtration and ultraviolet light to remove organic material and neutralize bacteria. 

NS undertook this initiative as part of ongoing efforts to incorporate sustainable business practices into daily operations. The stormwater recycling system is a model for balancing business imperatives with social commitments: The return on investment is good for the bottom line and for the environment.

 

Norfolk Southern: A “River Star” Business

Norfolk Southern aims to minimize the environmental impacts of its business operations at Lamberts Point Coal Terminal, which is located on the Elizabeth River.

As a user, NS is committed to protecting the river’s water quality. As a corporate leader, NS has joined other businesses to partner with the nonprofit conservation group Elizabeth River Project to improve the health of the heavily industrialized river.

Based on NS’ investments and volunteer efforts, the Elizabeth River Project recognizes the railroad as a Model Level “River Star” business, the highest level a business member can achieve.

"Through its efforts at Lamberts Point, Norfolk Southern has shown its commitment to environmental stewardship and is contributing to our long-term goal of a cleaner Elizabeth River.”"

Pamela Boatwright, deputy director administration and River Star program manager at the nonprofit Elizabeth River Project.

On the waterfront at Lamberts Point: Moving coal and raising oysters

Bobby Carlow inspects a tray for oysters at Lamberts Point. NS now uses submerged cages to raise the baby spat along the waterfront near Pier 6.
Bobby Carlow inspects a tray of oysters at Lamberts Point. NS now uses submerged cages to raise the baby spat along the waterfront near Pier 6.

Nearly a decade ago, NS Thoroughbred Volunteers, the company’s formal volunteer program, joined a community project to restore the Elizabeth River. The plan: to repopulate the river with oysters, a marine bivalve known for their ability to filter pollutants from water.

Since then, Bobby Carlow, general foreman of the rail car shop at Lamberts Point, has been chief caretaker of young mollusks that NS purchases and raises at the waterfront near Pier 6. Carlow served on the volunteer council when NS joined the oyster-growing program, which is supported by the Elizabeth River Project, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Virginia Oyster Restoration Center.

Every year, NS takes delivery of several hundred oyster “spat,” each the size of a pencil eraser. Carlow and other NS helpers place them into cages at the river’s edge a short walk from Pier 6, where colliers are loaded with export coal. When the oysters reach the size of silver dollars, they are transplanted onto artificial reefs elsewhere in the river, where each oyster filters pollutants from more than 40 gallons of water daily.

“I like the idea that Norfolk Southern is participating in an active way,” Carlow said. “This is a good place for us to show our commitment to provide a cleaner river environment for the region and for future generations.”

NS helps conserve nature

Supported by employee volunteers, Norfolk Southern strives to be a good corporate neighbor. In addition to supporting oysters in the Elizabeth River, following are other local examples of its commitment to social responsibility:

  • NS donated land for the Elizabeth River Trail, used by walkers and bikers adjacent to Lamberts Point.
  • NS donated land for the Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary, also adjacent to the terminal.
  • NS creates wetlands and restores native plants with the Elizabeth River Project.
  • NS employees participate annually in Clean the Bay Day.

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