Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

NS has committed to this proactive effort with its CMA customers to improve the safe transportation
of chemicals and hazardous materials. NS would continue to transport all hazardous materials in
compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Hazardous Materials
Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, 178, 179, 180, and 185).
NS’ environmental policy requires employees to understand and comply with environmental
requirements. To assure that NS employees are aware of individual and corporate responsibilities for
protection of the environment, NS implemented environmental awareness training for all employees.
NS regularly provides hazardous materials training for all employees with duties related to hazardous
materials transportation. NS is involved with local communities in providing training for fire, police
and emergency response departments. NS is also involved in community outreach programs. NS has
received numerous safety and service awards, including the Harriman Gold Safety Award, the highest
safety honor for railroads, for the last eight years.
3.4.2.2 Carrier’s Safety Record Regarding Hazardous Materials
Currently, 5.6 percent of NS’ systemwide traffic consists of hazardous materials, representing a total
of about 255,000 carloads in 1996. During the same year, NS had a company record low total of 90
DOT F 5800.1 reportable incidents, mostly minor in nature. Over 99.96 percent of the hazardous
materials shipments arrived at their destination without incident.
These hazardous material shipments were moved primarily on routes designated as key routes (NS
defines these as routes with annual hazardous materials traffic exceeding 9,000 carloads. This
definition is more restrictive than the Inter-Industry Task Force Recommendations). In 1995, NS key
routes consisted of 6,423 miles.
The north/south-oriented NS rail line through the City of Bucyrus is a NS key route transporting
between 10,000 to 20,000 loads of hazardous materials annually. The east/west-oriented Conrail rail
line through the City of Bucyrus is a Conrail key route transporting over 10,000 loads of hazardous
materials annually.
3.4.2.3 Emergency Action Plans
NS developed and maintains corporate and divisional Emergency Action Plans based on the principles
of Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Remediation. In the event of a hazardous material incident,
NS implements its Emergency Action Plans.
Prevention
Prevention of incidents is NS’ primary challenge, with a goal of zero incidents. Prevention efforts
include: hazardous materials training of employees; compliance with regulations, operating rules, safety
rules and industry recommended operating practices; maintenance of the railroad's infrastructure and
equipment; and risk assessment to target and prioritize opportunities to improve performance.
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