Spills and accidental discharges during railway transport can create long term environmental contamination. The US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees and regulates the transport of hazardous materials by railroad. PHMSA regulates railway prevention and response to an incident during transport. Testing to meet incident response requirements can include oil, diesel, gas, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), and heavy metals.
Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, petrochemical industries are required to meet specific testing criteria for discharging into US waters. Authorities use this data to determine if pollutants are present and if effluent limits are needed in the discharge permit. A monitoring program may be implemented to reduce risk and meet periodic testing requirements.
Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, railways are required to meet specific testing criteria for discharging into US waters. Testing may be required for permit application and compliance monitoring. Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems used for storing fuel are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). Railyards with USTs are required to perform periodic detection monitoring to ensure any leaks or discharges are immediately addressed. Remediation programs for accidental spills or legacy contamination may also require periodic monitoring. AAI provides site specific testing services for NPDES, RCRA, and remedial compliance and monitoring programs.
Under PHMSA, spills and accidental discharges require immediate response. Time is a critical factor when it comes to characterizing the presence and extent of contamination. AAI expedites the process for incident response from rushing sample kits to the site, to expedited sample analysis and data delivery so our clients have the information they need to quickly and accurately make the right decisions right away.
