BNSF and UP Railroad MOU Settlement
Contact
BNSF and UP Railroad MOU Case Settles for $ 4,800
During February 2010, SEIES received settlements from UP and BNSF in two separate enforcement actions. A total of twelve Notices of Violation (NOV) were issued during the Fall 2009 inspection cycle. All twelve violations involved locomotives that were idling excessively. UP paid $1,200 and BNSF paid $3,600. Railroad environmental management responded promptly to resolve all issues that were documented in the NOVs. Considering that 1,520 locomotives were evaluated by SEIES staff last Fall, the compliance rate is very high. SEIES staff conduct inspections at rail yards located throughout California to verify compliance with the ARB/Railroad Statewide Agreement, which is also known as the “Railroad MOU.” MOU provides for bi-annual inspections of rail yards at most BNSF and UP facilities in the State. Staff identifies locomotives that are idling excessively, producing excess visible emissions, or using diesel fuel that does not meet standards. The entire SEIES unit assists with MOU inspections. The Spring round of inspections will begin in April 2010.