Amtrak 2010 Annual Report Download - page 8

Gauging Our EHS Sustainability Performance
Amtrak EHS Annual Report 2010 | 7
 A project was developed to reduce the risk associated with deteriorating
track substructure by removing or reducing the amount of water and fine
particles fouling the ballast. Localized high-risk substructure locations were
identified using Amtrak’s existing aligned track geometry data. The project
focused on testing those areas of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor with ongoing
substructure studies including the use of existing ground-penetrating radar
data. Probability models were developed that consider the movements of
track as a quantifiable hazard as determined by geometric car
measurements. Risk was evaluated by using a probabilistic hazard analysis
linking the cost of maintenance or failure.
The effectiveness of a new substructure maintenance method using low
viscosity urethane grout to treat localized high-risk track locations was also
tested.
 A Phase II grant was obtained for Cross-Functional Risk Reduction Teams.
This project will involve the use of teams comprised of representatives of
both management and labor, employing structured risk reduction protocols
to identify methods to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards. The objective
of the Phase II grant is to expand the number of CFTs to additional
organizations in Amtrak.
EPA DERA Grant
Amtrak received preliminary notice of an U.S. EPA grant of $900,000 to re-power
a switch engine used in Washington, D.C. terminal operations. The switch engine
will be rebuilt to be a Genset locomotive, which should reduce emissions and fuel
use by approximately 50 percent. The project manager for the grant is the Council
of Governments, a consortium of the states of Maryland and Virginia and the
District of Columbia. The grant is funded through the EPA’s Diesel Emissions
Reduction Act (DERA) program. The Brother of Locomotive Engineers and
Trainmen (BLET) was a key application contributor and supporter for the grant.
Biodiesel Test Grant
Amtrak received a $274,000 FRA grant to carry out an applied research project
with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to test a cleaner and renewable
biodiesel fuel blend on the daily Heartland Flyer route operated by Amtrak between
Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, TX. The Texas DOT is also a partner.
In previously conducted stationary locomotive engine testing, the biodiesel blend—
known as B20, with 20 percent pure biofuel and 80 percent diesel— reduced
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by 10 percent each; particulates by 15
percent; and sulfates by 20 percent.