Railyard - St. Louis, Missouri

Project Description
In 2008-2009, the ground shifted around a primary storm water culvert leading from a Major Rail Carrier’s railyard to a nearby river.  This ground shift resulted in the concrete culvert breaking, and subsequent rainfalls yielded river bank erosion and put the Hub Center Ramp at risk.  The Rail Carrier responded by attempting to repair the culvert with internal forces.  However, they realized the culvert repair was significantly more involved than originally estimated.

The Major Rail Carrier contacted Environmental Works, Inc. (EWI) to assist with the project engineering and subsequent construction management.  Immediately, EWI recognized any excavation on the river bank would require a Corp of Engineers 404 permit.  EWI also recognized the local Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) maintained authority over all construction of piping leading to this river.

To complicate the project, EWI also recognized this particular facility was under a consent order from Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for possible soil contamination.  For this project, EWI provided the following services:

  • Coordinated all engineering through an MSD approved engineering company and to MSD approved engineering standards
  • Completed all appropriate MSD permitting
  • Completed Corp of Engineers 404 permitting
  • Provided a certified Drain Layer per MSD requirements
  • Worked in tandem with the client’s forces to complete construction of the culvert and restore a portion of the damaged Hub center ramp
  • Handled excavated soils in conjunction with an existing MDNR consent order

Project Accomplishments
For this project, EWI was able to work along side their client and augment their client’s capabilities with expert consulting and construction management.  Specific accomplishments include:

  • Successful negotiation with MSD regarding culvert repair
  • Prevention of accidental excavation without appropriate Corps of Engineers permit
  • Ensured excavated soils were handled in accordance with the MDNR consent order
  • Completed project prior to onset of winter weather