High-Speed Rail Utilizes Clean Construction Practices
Celebrates Earth Day By Going Green
Fresno, Calif. –The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is committed to building the high-speed rail system in a manner that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. The use of clean and green construction practices will continue to be utilized as activities in the Central Valley increase. To date, the Authority has implemented many environmentally-friendly practices, such as recycling materials during demolition and the using Tier 4 construction equipment.
“The Authority is building California’s high-speed rail system in an environmentally responsible manner,” said CEO Jeff Morales. “In the Central Valley, we’re using clean equipment that will significantly reduce GHG emissions during construction.”
The Authority is committed to recycling 100 percent of all usable concrete and steel resulting from the demolition of buildings and structures along the alignment. To date, Construction Package 1 design-build contractor, Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons (TPZP), has met this goal by recycling 100 percent of the steel and concrete and 86 percent of all other recyclable materials. So far, approximately 10,000 tons of materials have been recycled.
Fresno-based small business Color Me Green is using a biodegradable product called EarthGuard for dust control, soil erosion and storm water quality management within Construction Package 1. Supplied by Terra Novo of Bakersfield, this product is applied on vacant land after demolition activities have occurred to hold soils in place. It also prevents dirt and harmful chemicals that may be in the soil from fouling the Valley’s water and air.
Construction equipment being used on high-speed rail is rated Tier 4, which is the most stringent EPA engine standard for non-road heavy-duty diesel engines. A Tier 4 designation is achieved via different methods such as clean and efficient exhaust systems, electronically controlled engines, and selective catalytic reductions to significantly reduce the levels of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). This equipment is currently being used for storm water utility relocation work in downtown Fresno.
#####
About California High-Speed Rail Authority
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is responsible for planning, designing, building and operation of the first high-speed rail system in the nation. California high-speed rail will connect the mega-regions of the state, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs and preserve agricultural and protected lands. By 2029, the system will run from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours at speeds capable of over 200 miles per hour. The system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 800 miles with up to 24 stations. In addition, the Authority is working with regional partners to implement a statewide rail modernization plan that will invest billions of dollars in local and regional rail lines to meet the state’s 21st century transportation needs. To learn more visit the Authority’s website at http://www.hsr.ca.gov and join us on facebook.com/CaliforniaHighSpeedRail and follow us at twitter.com/cahsra
California High-Speed Rail Authority
770 L Street, Suite 1160, Sacramento, CA, 95814
[email protected]
(916) 324-1541