Issues Affecting Contaminated Soils Management: The Railroad Industry Perspective

The railroad industry has a keen interest in research aimed at understanding the behavior of diesel fuel spilled into the soil. We are looking for cost-effective ways to eliminate any health and environmental hazards associated with these fuel residues. About 35 years ago, the railroad industry adopted diesel-powered locomotives as their primary means of motive power. Since then, the industry has used some 85 billion gallons of diesel fuel. Some of that fuel has leaked from storage, distribution, and dispensing systems, and some has spilled in derailments. The fuel crises of the 1970s put a stop to most of the leaks, but derailments continue to occur. As a result, the soil at many fueling facilities and accident sites has been contaminated.