CONFERENCE RECAP

RTA Celebrates 100 Years Serving Tie Industry RTA members gathered at the Hyatt the RTA Business Session followed by On Thursday, Regency Resort in Bonita Springs, Fla., keynote addresses. The Economic Session the morning just outside Fort Myers, Oct. 22-25 for offered insights on the impact of the rail kicked off with RTA’s milestone 100th Annual Conference supply industries to the U.S. economy. This the Research & Technical Symposium. was followed by the Procurement Session, Session, where Before getting down to business, RTA where a panel composed of mem- attendees learned members and guests enjoyed the Annual bers enlightened on concerns such as trade, about stormwater Golf Tournament, always a lighthearted yet supply and labor. The luncheon keynote permitting guide- competitive networking event that brings speaker addressed global market issues. lines, creosote old friends back together and invites new The Class I Engineering and Environmental re-registration, new developments in borate friends to get to know the group. A fan boat Forum highlighted major capital investment treatments and more. This session was tour was also a popular event, giving the projects the railroads are undertaking to followed by an update from the Association group the chance to experience the beauty of keep the rail strong, improve of American Railroads and information on the Everglades. service and keep products on the move. The biochar as a tie disposal and energy recovery The Annual President’s Reception was Annual Awards Banquet followed and was strategy. The always-popular Railroad held in the exhibit booth area and spilled highlighted not only by the announcement Purchasing Forum was the final session outside onto a patio where everyone enjoyed of RTA’s award and scholarship winners but before the RTA presidency changed hands hors d’oeuvres, music and a chance to talk also by a champagne toast acknowledging from Koppers Inc.’s Tim Ries to Gross & with colleagues and friends. RTA’s 100th year in service to the wood tie Janes’s Bill Behan, who will also serve a The next morning kicked off early with industry. two-year term. 

Annual Golf Tournament The Annual Golf Tournament is always fun to kick off the conference events, with old friends reconnecting and new ones meeting everyone.

Kenny Dailey looks like Tony Nichols, Gene Dodson, Glenn he is ready for a good Rick Gibson (left) with Mike Floresca and Robert Guinan take time round of golf. Mancione out to pose. Dave Barry (left) and Jeff Brim are on the road again.

Will Long watches as Gabriel Elizondo looks Wade Ostrander, Stacy and Geno Huenink, Richard Carney, Jim Frank Wilson is definitely Looks like our own George to see if he will sink the Ryan Borkofsky, with George Hansen and Mike Luvin. “representing!” Caric is happy with his shot. putt. Caric.

John Giallonardo is Jeff and Sandy Miller with Robert Pearce and Chuck Shaw, Chuck Kraynik, Joe Reardon John Heller and Ted Woerle with Mary pretty happy to be on a Marshall Allen. with Broad Axe winner John McGinley. and Tim Ries. winning team.

CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 13 CONFERENCE RECAP

Glass Blowing Experience A glass blowing experience was a hit with this small group of participants. The artist took time to share the history of the art of glass blowing and everyone Glass artist Conrad RTA First Lady Mary Ries shows off the Williams shows Betsy beautiful glass ornament she made came away with their own Beal how to fire her during the exclusive glass blowing masterpiece. ornament. The group listens intently to the artist. workshop. Fan Boat Tour The Fan Boat Tour was a great way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Everglades.

Jeff and Kathleen Broadfoot enjoyed their Everglades tour. A fun group!

The President’s Reception is a lighthearted networking event staged near the President’s Reception exhibit booths. Everyone enjoys catching up during this reception.

Mike and Susan Goldston’s grandson, Abel Faith, a.k.a. “Little Brewco,” gets the prize for being Tony Helms is glad to be at the RTA President and First Lady Tim the youngest attendee at the President’s Reception. and Mary Ries alongside Dave Koch. Blake and Krystal Tucker conference.

Sue and Ken Peirson with Kathy Laughlin John and Sue McGinley Mike Goldston, left, with Kevin Kirkland Ted Woerle with Laurrie Nemeck

Tony Hatch, left, with Fritz and Cathy Horn with Kristine Storm with First Laura and Kirk Bastyr with Jim Kessler Daryl Mesch Lady Mary Ries Jim Raines Joe and Christen Conway

14 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 ķolar ĴowereD 100% SuSTAINABLE & RENEWABLE

Here comes the sun. Forests soak in solar energy and act as a carbon trap for greenhouse gases to produce the foundation for our railroads — hard-working wood crossties. And when those ties’ useful lives in are over, they give their all one final time — as biomass fuel in energy cogeneration plants across the land. From the power of the sun to alternative fuel. Carbon-positive wood ties — what could be more replenishing than that?

Contact the Railway Tie Association www.rta.org to learn more about solar-Powered Crossties.

Celebrating 100 Years in Service to the Wood Crosstie Industry and Railroads

115 Commerce Drive, Suite C Fayetteville, GA 30214 voice: (770) 460–5553 | Fax: (770) 460–5573 [email protected] | www.rta.org

© 2019 The Railway Tie Association

RATA-0088-2019-Solar-Ad-8.75x11-Final.indd 1 12/18/18 11:30 AM CONFERENCE RECAP

First Lady Mary Ries, posing with George Caric, gives the Chuck Kraynik with Luke Galan Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers with Stacey John and Leigh Reaves with Susan President’s Reception a and Leigh Reaves and David Hatfield Gauntt thumbs-up.

Barry Black with Skipper Beal and Marshall Allen Ken Peirson with Mike and Liz Russell and Doug Mellott Sue Peirson with Patrick and Andrea Kirkham

The President’s Reception had a great turnout, and the John Heller with Gene Dodson and weather was perfect! Howard Tomlinson Kristine Storm with Tod Echler Sally and George Caric

The first day of sessions starts early with RTA business Wednesday Morning Sessions followed by information focused on economics, procurement, engineering projects and more.

Nicole Brewin of FRA Administrator Tony Hatch graciously Brent McLendon from the Railway Supply Kristen Storm kicks off Ron Batory headlined presented again for Chuck Baker of the National Wooden Institute finished up the morning session the first day as the attendees the first NRC followed with his Pallet & Container the Economic Impact with a Safety Briefing keynote speaker. morning. presentation. Association. Session.

Derek Douthit of Douthit Dana Cole moder- Tie & Lumber and the Philip Fischer of Maley Paul Gaines of Madison ated the Procurement Larry Jones of RTA Silver Saw Award & Wertz Hardwood County Wood Session. IndusTree winner Lumber

16 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 CONFERENCE RECAP

Wednesday Business Luncheon Attendees heard from Jonathan Mackay of Schroders on market issues affecting the industry now and into the future.

Stan Thomas had the honor of providing the Jon Mackay of Schroders addresses the luncheon Incoming RTA President Bill Behan shakes hands with Resolutions Report again this year. group. outgoing President Tim Ries. Wednesday Afternoon Sessions On tap for Wednesday afternoon was an address from the AREMA president as well as engineering executives from Class I railroads.

Jim Kessler of North Carolina Railroad and Mike Goldston, presi- AREMA president gave dent of Brewco, gave Mike Singelyn of CN Rachel Beck of Union Tod Echler of CSX the annual AREMA Matt Hammond of BNSF one of two vendor- closed out the very full Pacific Transportation update. mercials. day of presentations.

Annual Awards Banquet The Annual Awards Banquet was a Centennial Celebration gala where RTA awarded worthy students with scholarships and longtime industry executives with awards honoring their accomplishments. Celebratory group portrait of the Koppers Inc., team in full formal attire.

Connie Frey was the lucky winner Becky Mellott and Susan Tomlinson are The banquet crowd enjoyed of the $200 AMEX Gift Card dressed to the nines. comedian Rocky LaPorte. Kim and John Giallondardo sponsored by Encore Rail.

Group photo of the President and First Lady with some of the RTA Team. Colleen and John Bosshart Rhonda and Kenny Dailey Susan and Jim Gauntt

CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 17 CONFERENCE RECAP

Incoming RTA President Bill Behan with 2019 Rosalie and Cambria and Elaine and Glenn Becky and Doug Mellott Rick Embry with April First Lady Rhema Behan and Doyle Morgan Stan Thomas David Woodard Floresca

Chuck and Annette Amalia and Susan and Genette and Tony Frey and Richard and Ludwig with Henry Gary Ginther Howard Tomlinson David Whitted Kristine Storm Melissa Carney Brandhorst

Roberta and Misty and Stephanie Pierce with Colette and Candise and Maureen Hodson Butch Bernhardt Brad Crawford Shaunda Hite Gord Gilmet Jason Dallas

Bill Moss, center, pictured with his wife, Jane, accepts the first-ever Supplier of John Bosshart, BNSF retired, the Year Award, which will be named accepts the Branding Hammer Gene Dodson (left) and Jeff Thomson Silver Saw Award winner, Derek (right) escort Broad Axe award winner, Douthit (center), alongside his dad, the William T. Moss Supplier Award Award from RTA President Tim from this point forward. Ries. John McGinley. David (left), accepts the award.

18 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 CONFERENCE RECAP

Thursday Sessions Thursday’s sessions focused on a variety of research initiatives undertaken by rail industry suppliers as well as the always-popular Class I Railroad Purchasing Forum.

The morning started Patrick Stark of Stella- Tony Chambers of ABC Bob Fronczak of AAR Henry Brandhorst of with Maureen Hodson Jones spoke on behalf Dr. Jeff Lloyd of Nisus Tie Tech International of EHS Support. of the Creosote Council. gave an update CHZ Technologies

Senior Research Scientist Glenn Larkin Outgoing Executive of Michigan Technical Committee member University addressed Nate Irby from UP Erin Carson of CSX Cory Thomas from and past RTA President the group on his wood wants YOU! Transportation BNSF Chuck Hegberg and Kenny Dailey accepts protection research Mike McGolden gave an award of thanks for initiatives. a joint presentation his long service to the regarding biochar. committee and RTA.

With the rap of the RTA’s Barbara Stacey Newly installed RTA official gavel by awarded the $100 gift President Bill Behan President Bill Behan Wade Ostrander of card for the highest gives the Award of came the end of the Canadian Pacific score on the confer- Esteem plaque to 100th RTA Conference Bill Blaise of Kansas Hamza Founane from closed out the session ence game to the win- outgoing RTA President Symposium and City Southern Canadian National and the day! ner, Jeff Broadfoot. Tim Ries. Technical Conference.

RTA Conference Exhibitors The 100th RTA Conference & Technical Symposium would not have been possible without the support of the vendors and sponsors.

Alan Cox with Cahaba Pressure April Morgan and Rick Embry of Embry Kirk Bastyr of Progressive Tim Carey at the Lonza booth Treated Forest Products Automation and Controls Railroading

CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 19 CONFERENCE RECAP

Mark Bear of the National Dave Berry, Tim Austin and George Apostolou at Jim Renfroe at the Wood Care Maureen Hodson of EHS Support Hardwood Lumber Association the Lewis Bolt & Nut Co. exhibit. Systems exhibit table.

Mike Goldston of Brewco with David Hatfield and Canon McDonald, Linde Mills, Jim Gorman and Ken Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers Wheeler Lumber’s Dave Koch at his exhibit. Laughlin with the Nisus display.

Barry Black talks with Buddy Downey Nate Irby, Jeff Broadfoot, Shane Kitchens Jeff Brim at the National Salvage & Lisa Roberts and Jeff Peterson about his company, Taylor Machine and Marshall Allen looking over information Service Corp. exhibit. behind the Omaha Track table. Works. from Genics Inc. Thank you to all of the businesses that helped make the 100th Annual Conference a success!

CONFERENCE TOP SPONSORS: KOPPERS INC. • NISUS CORP. • STELLA-JONES INC.

SPONSORS ALL CONFERENCE SPONSORS Herzog North American Tie & Timber LLC Wood Care Systems Acme Wood Preserving Koppers Inc. NRC Appalachian Timber Services LLC JH Baxter Omaha Track GOLF TOURNAMENT Arkansas Steel Lewis Nut & Bolt Company SPONSORS Asphalt & Fuel Supply LLC Lone Star Specialties Progressive Railroading Acme Wood Preserving Inc. Brewco Inc. Lonza Wood Protection RailWorks Corp. Appalachian Timber Services Canadian Pacific Railway McCreary County Hardwoods Ruetgers-Canada Inc. Encore Rail Encore Rail Mellott Wood Preserving Co. Somerville Companies Gemini Forest Products Gemini Forest Products Missouri Tie Stella-Jones Inc. North American Tie & Timber LLC Georgetown Rail Equipment MiTek Industries Inc. Tank Fab Pandrol Company National Salvage & Service Corp. Taylor Machine Works Progressive Railroading Gross & Janes Co. Nisus Corp. Wheeler Lumber LLC Stella-Jones Inc. TABLETOP EXHIBITS

Brewco Inc. Lewis Bolt & Nut Co. Omaha Track Cahaba Pressure Treated Forest Products Lonza Wood Protection Progressive Railroading EHS Support National Hardwood Lumber Association Taylor Machine Works Embry Automation National Salvage & Service Corp. Wheeler Lumber LLC Genics Nisus Corp. Wood Care Systems

20 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 Thank you to all of the businesses that helped make the 100th Annual Conference a success!

CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 21 CONFERENCE RECAP

New RTA President Reports On Major RTA Initiatives For 2019

Bill Behan, president of Gross & Janes new 100 years of partnership in Co., was installed as the Railway Tie the industry. Association’s new president during the recent 100th Annual RTA Conference Please address RTA’s 2019 & Technical Symposium. legislative priorities. Behan began his two-year term at the There will be no change in our exciting changes in the presentation of our conclusion of the conference and in the focus from a legislative perspective. We important data reporting coming soon. Q&A article that follows graciously shared participate in supporting the railroads, highlights from the conference, insight on wood protection and our hardwood base The Procurement Session at upcoming RTA initiatives and plans, and with fly-in days to D.C. whenever they the conference is always information on the 2019 conference slated happen. Railroad Day on the Hill will enlightening. What were some for Tucson, Ariz. be in May this year, and we expect the of the key points learned from Hardwood Federation fly-in day to occur the sawmiller panelists? The 2018 conference celebrated again in September. With any luck the Most USA hardwood crosstie production RTA’s 100th year of operation, 45G Tax Credit for short lines, supporting comes from independent operators, not an important milestone for the extra annual tie demand of nearly a million large public companies as seen in softwood association and the wood tie ties, will be permanent by the time people production. As such, these face industry. Please share some of the read this. If not, that will be task No. 1 in many business challenges that require their highlights of this year’s 2019. Opposing larger trucks and weights direct, “hands-on” action. Many hardwood annual conference. continues to be a major focus as does sawmill owners face international tariff The Centennial Celebration of the RTA fixing the NHSM rule for end-of-life ties. issues, labor shortages, trucking constraints was a huge success. I cannot express A host of hardwood issues will also be in and rising raw material costs. These issues enough the importance of this milestone the crosshairs. are enough to intimidate any business, yet for our industry. The industrial, technology sawmills continue to thrive through tough and communication developments Are there plans for RTA to periods. We have lost sawmills through over the past 100 years are the greatest participate in any major research attrition, yet production enhancements advancements in human history. To say projects? and new yield technology continue to that the Railway Tie Association has This year RTA participated in the most meet demand. Much like the 100-year maintained its relevance and importance research projects in its history, including survival and relevance of RTA to the rail to the industry during this period is an the continuation of the RTA-AWPRP industry, the sawmill industry has morphed amazing accomplishment. The railway alternative research to survive and provide the necessary industry continues to depend upon the project and, of course, work done on four products. core competencies of RTA’s professional separate cooperative economic impact loggers, sawmills and wood treaters to studies, which we will discuss more in Will RTA leadership and staff maintain their single largest capital asset: 2019 and were watershed moments for continue its efforts to meet with track infrastructure. The entire U.S. RTA. We expect no more further work railroad groups? economic business model is dependent on economic impact studies in 2019, I have 100 percent confidence that upon its existence. The RTA’s focus of but the wood protection research will RTA will continue to be “The Industry education, safety and product development continue as will all the economic work we Resource” for all railroads, contractors continues to add value to the railway are beginning to highlight with the new and railway suppliers. One hundred years industry. We are excited to enter into a format of the production report. There are of dedication and service to the industry

22 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 CONFERENCE RECAP

do not happen by accident or by good luck. RTA’s headquarters team makes great efforts to provide important and timely production, inventory and economic data and supports ongoing product research and development to benefit all stakeholders. Legislative matters and their required action by our membership would be impossible without RTA’s direct input. These are just a few initiatives that assure RTA’s continued importance for the industry.

What do you see as some of the greatest opportunities for members of the wood tie industry in 2019? The 2019 crosstie procurement plans for nearly all Class I customers will be stronger than the previous two years, though the road may appear rocky at first glance. Low inventory levels that resulted from previous Class I buying practices will assure opportunities for crosstie producers. Once producers know there will be sustained purchase volume, they have greater comfort in investing in their own operations. This includes long-term raw material procurement and capital investments at their sawmill. Like any entrepreneur, sawmill owners seek sustained periods of certainty when taking measured risks and investing in their own businesses. The strong U.S. economy, tax incentives and positive rail car movements all equate to strong immediate and future crosstie demand.

With next year’s conference being a continuation of RTA’s centennial celebration, could you share any anticipated highlights? The RTA Executive Committee is committed to planning our future through innovation and gathering new information for the benefit of our membership. This includes planning not only for an eventual transition (see page 7) of executive leadership but also gearing up for a superb 101st annual conference in Tucson, Ariz., next year at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. We will continue to recharge the event with new ideas and, of course, plan a theme worthy of the next steps in RTA’s centennial. I also look forward to engaging even more producer members at the sawmill level not only at the conference but also throughout the year. 

CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 23 CONFERENCE RECAP

Presenters Share Knowledge & Expertise With RTA Conference Attendees Experts from all facets of the railroad and Your data, your support was absolutely Larry Jones, IndusTree wood tie industries served as presenters crucial in development of this report. We’re getting ready to build a brand new at RTA’s 2019 Conference and Technical mill and tear down an old one. We’re Symposium, held recently in Bonita Brent McLendon, National Wooden going to employ optimization Springs, Fla. Presenters shared their insights Pallet & Container Association and efficiencies and cut and knowledge about challenges and The wood packaging industry is worth the workforce in half. The opportunities within the industry and offered $31 billion to the U.S. economy, directly problem is that you’ve got to thoughts on upcoming developments. Below employing and supporting more have enough scale to justify the cost of all are excerpts from their presentations. than 173,000 jobs. Every day, those optimizations and electronics. There close to 2 billion pallets are used are a lot of guys like us trying to make a KEYNOTE SPEAKERS in the alone. More difference and be as efficient as we can. Ronald Batory, than 90 percent of all products move around Federal Railroad Administration the U.S. on wooden pallets. The wood pallet Paul Gaines, Madison Safety and innovation must be coupled and industries are absolutely County Wood Products together. Other transformative technologies connected, and we need an open forum at Issues we are facing include the lack of await us. Each day is an our meetings where we can address issues. available workforce, few residual markets, opportunity to embrace competition for timber resource, technology to reduce risk. Each Nicole Brewin, and limited capacity for of you has a unique opportunity Railway Supply Institute logging. Retention is another in that what you do today will determine We commissioned the Railway Supply issue. We have to look hard to success for tomorrow. It is a must that we Economic Impact Study to track the power advertise and find good people. Residuals strive to make a positive difference in safety. of rail supply. It’s the first-ever are another concern. We have one customer comprehensive look at railway for hardwood chips, and we’re creating over Anthony Hatch, ABH Consulting supply industry economic 100 tons a day. If we lose that customer, The health of the railroads is tied to impact across the country. we would have to find another market. big capital spending, and we will see Each year, rail suppliers contribute $74 spending go up in 2018, billion to the U.S. GDP, support 650,000 Derek Douthit, with ROI exceeding the cost jobs across the country, and account for Douthit Tie & Lumber of capital. Investors and nearly $17 billion in federal and state We’re doing whatever we can to survive. shippers and government taxes The sawmills and wood preservation Whatever we can do to make money. If it’s need to understand capital spend is sector employs nearly 3,700 workers to selling crossties, whatever it necessary. If ROI exceeds the cost of directly support the railway industry. is, you’ve got to have options. capital, rewarding capital spending, you Our biggest problem we face is see the development of a stronger physical PROCUREMENT SESSION labor. We are also concerned plant with more and better equipment Dana Cole, Hardwood Federation about costs of logs coming in and the sale and faster and more reliable service. Trade has been a fascinating issue for us of sawdust and chips and bark. The last this year. It’s something that hadn’t been couple of years, we have spent money just ECONOMIC IMPACT SESSION a problem before in our industry. We to get rid of the residuals. It’s just sitting Chuck Baker, export about 80 percent of there, and continues to be a problem. Log National Railroad our hardwood products, about prices in our area are another concern. & Maintenance Association 60 percent of which is grade Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) reported lumber. The destination for Philip Fischer, Maley & that 478,000 employees are directly the vast majority of our products has been Wertz Hardwood Lumber dependent on good short line China. The new NAFTA agreement looks I feel one of the biggest issues we have over- railroad service. There was like it will be moving forward to bring some looked that will have an impact on this asso- $56 million in value add to stability back into the markets there. Our ciation for generations to come the economy because of short mills have had a terrible time keeping their is log exports. The Chinese are lines. Railway tie purchases have increased orders going. There’s real concern that if this relentless. They will come back since the enactment of 45G by 6.3 percent downward trajectory continues there could at us. This association must take (PwC verified data presented by RTA). be repercussions throughout the industry. the lead and get affiliated groups together

24 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 CONFERENCE RECAP

to fight this. When log prices come down ment as part of our inspection fleet of the profit, FIFRA joint data so low they will pass the sawmills and go future. development and product straight to the loggers. stewardship organization Matt Hammond, BNSF composed of all five North LUNCHEON KEYNOTE BNSF’s infrastructure in the best shape American producers/importers of Jon Mackay, Schroders ever. Capital investment continues to be creosote registered in the United States. This is likely to become the longest expan- strong. More than ever, we con- During the past 30 years, the council sion on record for the United States. A tinue to use data and technology has developed worker safety and other handoff is taking place from to make sure we are putting data required by the US EPA for U.S.-led growth to more syn- capital dollars where they will continued registration of creosote as chronous global growth. This make the most impact in driving efficien- a wood preservative. One of the data should lead to a weakening cies. Our partnerships with suppliers, con- requirements was to provide EPA with U.S. dollar and more equal performance for sultants, and researchers drive innovation.. information on worker exposure to global assets. China and the United States creosote in wood pressure treating plant will eventually reach a deal. Volatility will Tod Echler, CSX operations. The first Worker Exposure rise as Central Bank balance sheets shrink. We expect to install 2.8 million ties in 2018. Study was completed and submitted to The extra innings won’t be easy. China We do struggle to get some of them in. EPA in 1999 as part of the Reregistration and the U.S. will eventually reach a deal. We’re still doing about 24,000 Review (1986-2011). The second study The deal will be marginally better than it bridge ties and plan to do that was started in 2016 and completed and was before. again next year. The Virginia submitted to EPA in January 2018. Creosote Avenue tunnel reconstruction Council believes the dermal and inhalation CLASS I ENGINEERING & project, by the end of this month we will be results, when compared in the two studies, ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM 99.9 percent done with the entire project. indicate the positive effect of engineering Jim Kessler, North Carolina It’s a good project coming to an end. controls and PPE required by the Creosote Railroad Company & AREMA Wood Preservative Registration Eligibility The 2019 AREMA Annual Conference Michael Singelyn, Decision (RED) issued by EPA in 2008, in conjunction with Railway Interchange Canadian National Railway thus reducing exposure to workers with the (AREMA, RSI, REMSA We (CN) are seeking more cradle to new requirements under the RED. and RSSI) will be held in grave, cradle-to-cradle and innovative non- Minneapolis, Minn., Sept. landfill disposal solutions like Jeff Lloyd, Nisus Corp. 22-25, 2019. The 2020 biochar, pyrolysis and creosote In the sawmill pre-dip three-step borate pro- AREMA Annual Conference & Expo will extraction for scrap tie disposal. cess, ties are treated again but right up front. be held Sept. 13-16, 2020, at the Hilton We are trying to figure out if When they very first cut the tie Anatole in Dallas, Texas. Web-based railroad ties can be turned into biochar. It and before it’s processed, they’ll courses and seminars on bridge inspection has many different uses. We’re exploring dip their ties in a 10 percent and other professional topics are among supply chain disposal options with new tie borate loading. They are trying AREMA’s 2019 initiatives. We are excited vendors so we can strategically be getting to fully protect the ties during storage while about growth in student involvement. rid of scrap ties. waiting on transportation and especially AREMA has 24 student chapters across protect the tie during rail transportation. North America, and student involvement at RESEARCH SESSION This new pre-dip process is suggested for AREMA Annual Conferences has grown Maureen Hodson, EHS Support green ties that ship on rail. There is always tremendously. The current regulatory scheme of industrial a better mousetrap. stormwater permitting is accomplished Rachel Beck, Union Pacific through EPA or state-issued Tony Chambers, We currently use Ground Penetrating general permits. Monitoring ABC Tie Tech International Radar installed on UP geometry of stormwater is typically Our research shows that with borate rods cars to required for arsenic, copper and that are 96 percent concentrated borate collect data on subgrade and TSS with established benchmark values. applied in ties with well over ballast degradation at high Benchmark values for TSS are difficult to 50 percent moisture content, speeds. We are working to develop an meet. A proactive approach to managing you get good diffusion. You do autonomous inspection strategy. These cars and controlling stormwater will limit future not lose borate during Bolton are programmed to run track by themselves business risks to the industry. conditioning. There is the potential to and give the same amount of data as the reduce porthole depth. No special tools are traditional geometry car. We would like to Patrick Stark, Creosote Council required. Borate rods can be applied at the have both manned and autonomous equip- Creosote Council III is a national, non- treating plant or out in the field.

CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 25 CONFERENCE RECAP

AAR UPDATE & BIOCHAR RAILROAD PURCHASING FORUM targets, so our purchasing should start nor- RESEARCH FOR TIES Kristine Storm, malizing now. CSX has historically been Bob Fronczak, AAR Genesee & Wyoming and will continue to be a wood tie railroad. EPA has concluded that the burning of rail- Our 2018 Engineering and Mechanical spend road ties for energy recovery is legitimate. allocation is approximately 40 percent ties. Bill Blaise, Treated wood is a renewable fuel For 2019, our crosstie program will be 97 Kansas City Southern that increases overall efficiency percent hardwood, 3 percent softwood, 80 Our overall spending for 2018 will of cogeneration. If substantial percent grade and 20 percent probably be down from $10 million to numbers of ties are excluded industrial grade. Our 2019 $30 million, which is related from the scope of what can be burned for forecast calls for 850,000 EA to some prior projects that energy generation, the result will be an wood crossties, 750,000 BF are non-recurring, such as increased use of non-renewable fuels and switch timbers, 1 million BF bridge tim- slowing down on PTC and increased greenhouse gas emissions. If ties bers and 100,000 BF of crossing timbers. some other major investments. Our focus are not allowed to be burned for cogenera- next year will be on capital with regard tion they will be landfilled instead. Degraded Cory Thomas, BNSF to infrastructure. Half of our capital spend ties will produce methane. EPA should Our 2019 tie replacement program is look- is maintenance, and we feel it’s important encourage the widespread use of railroad ing like it’s down about a half a million to stay current with that. Our five-year ties as fuel, rather than restricting that use. ties from 2018. From about 2.8 to about wood tie program looks like this: in 2018, 2.3 million. Basically, from my perspec- 554,000; 2019, 656,000; 2020, 661,000; Henry Brandhorst, tive, that’s a good news story. 2021, 665,000; and 2022, 655,000. CHZ Technologies BNSF’s infrastructure is in We have a big problem with scrap railroad as good a condition as it has Hamza Founane, ties. In 2016, 18,430,000 crossties were ever been. We expect a little Canadian National replaced, with 98 percent of ties treated bit of a bounce back going forward, but Our long-term focus is continuous with creosote or creosote/oil we’re in really good shape for next year. improvement. Our concerns are the increase blends. Other approved stand- of green tie pricing for the ardized preservatives include Nate Irby, Union Pacific last 12 months, security of copper naphthenate, borate and Union Pacific is planning a robust capital supply, absence of major !""#$#%&'()*#&+ pentachlorophenol. Currently, these items plan of about $3.3 billion, with infrastructure innovations and cost reduction are simply accumulating with no means of replacement representing 60 percent. initiatives in the wood tie industry, and !"#$%&'"#$%(")*+'",% safe disposal, i.e., incineration emissions Safety is a top priority for the railroad, shorter life cycle in some deterioration are dangerous. We believe there’s a bet- with reportable injuries per zones. We are using some concrete ties for !"#$%&'()!#(*+'%$,-.)!'%-$/! ter way. U.S. wastes can replace electric- 200,000 employee hours down new construction projects and composite " !"#$%&'()0-,$/!#$%#!#&%'()*&#!+,#$*-#!./,'0!*1/&2+,3#$4 ity from coal and gas. The Thermolyzer 54 percent. Our future estimated ties in higher deterioration zones. " 5/672)*+/&/3!1,(/(')(-.,-(/4 process is a technology that has broad tie demand is 4 million ties, " 23")451#%0',6)6""'(#/!8/%'!'*'2(#*)!)&*3-9#,*'4 applicability. It’s continuous, self powered, including 400,000 concrete ties. We’ve Wade Ostrander, Canadian Pacific " :.,6,#;!#*!+#(*+'%$()7#%1()8)9):)$,(/!%#!#$/!(%8/!#,8/ indirect heating, oxygen free, low pressure, had a tough year so far, and we are going The goal is to source and install 1.2 <'*!'//3!#*!(/)%&%#/=4 destroys all toxic compounds, and clean to need help from the people in this room. million new ties annually. The challenge " ;4%-.()',-()/,1()1,<(-/,"-!,'!%!8%##/&!*7!8,'-#/(4 emissions and synthesis gas are generated In the past you’ve been able to respond, is to maintain service and exceed " >$%'0/!)&/2)6%#/!)6%'!+,#$!-")1"3-$,<(!<(%8/!.%(/=4 that can be used directly in gas turbines. and we very much appreciate that. customer expectations. " >$%'0/!#,/!)6%#/!)6%'!<.%(/!(,?/=!3,$4,-)=>)<,-0$(/4 The plan is to engage our "• >&*((Crosstie2#,/!)&/ pre-plate2)6%#/!%))%&%#-( apparatus USA!@%#/'#!A*4 Patent No.!B5! 8,844,786CCDDECF!GH Charles Hegberg/Mike McGolden, Erin Carson, CSX Transportation operations and vendors. Canadian Patent No. 2,782,321 Biochar Consultant/CoalTec Energy For 2018, we planned for 2.9 million ties In 2018, we are on target • As environmental regulations become but will end year with 2.7 million. For 2019, to have more than 1 million scrap ties tighter, everyone is looking for ways at a minimum, we’re going to purchase removed. We are transporting scrap ties ?$4(#)@(#A,6(/) to dispose of their residuals. It’s not a 2.8 million crossties—80/20 mainline/ on 90 dedicated gondolas. Our scrap ties " I%,6&*%3!#,/!&/8*1%6!J!3,()*(%6 railway tie problem, it’s not branchline. 2018 was quite an create electricity, help municipalities " K'2$*-(/!)&/2)6%#/!9&*((#,/( a U.S. problem; managing interesting year for CSX. At reduce garbage in landfills, make valued " @%'/6,?/!#&%9L nutrients and residuals is a the end of 2017, about a month chemicals and generate energy for " I/6%;!I%,6&*%3!M,/!J!I/6%;!I%,6!5%6/(! tremendous problem for the after I came into this role, we steel production. We areworking with " @-'9$!#,/!)6%#/( world. Biochar is sequestering switched from a green tie program to a a facility near Hamilton to utilize our " >&-($/3!>*'9&/#/!N!OPM!:))&*1/3!I/96%,8/3!Q%#/&,%6 carbon permanently. Biochar is black tie program, and I got to dive into the scrap ties as a renewable supplement in taking a former waste stream industry really quickly. Throughout 2018 their coke production process. It’s a and upcycling it to produce we were also working through a large inven- successful program that we plan to @(()"0#)!"#$%&'()B%,'#"%1)2,()!#(*!'%$()!'%-$),-)%6$,"-)%$) something of value for yourself or others. tory. However, we have met our inventory grow. 

26 CROSSTIES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 333CD%/$;"%/$B%,'#"%1@(#A,6(/C6"< 8=)E#.(-,")F#,A(G!A/+!R,'3(*&S!AT!!UHVVW!!"!