Remaining On Track
Summary
Rail transportation is a significant part of day-to-day operations for most of the ethanol industry, says Kelly Davis, vice president of technical and regulatory affairs for the Renewable Fuels Association, which also offers rail-related training. “The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is definitely visiting our plant sites routinely to assure that our shippers are following these very strict regulations,” she says. In visits to places that load flammable liquids, including but not limited to the ethanol industry, the company has observed plenty of issues. “A 60 mile an hour wind can move a rail car,” he said, adding that the resulting accident has the potential to cause a lot of damage. Ethanol plants that had brand new tracks installed when the facility was built now face the challenge of aging infrastructure, including rail lines.