I am collecting information for a feasibility study regarding the conversion of an existing engine maintenance/fueling yard, and roundhouse into an railroad museum. Since there are many projects across the country that have or are currently redeveloping such historic rail facilities, I am looking to correspond with individuals who have dealt with mitigating environmental hazards that often accompany these projects. I am looking for any data relating to environmental unit or total costs, as well as, any procedural information relating to developing these sites. Any information relating to the fiscal benefits or procedures of brownfield redevelopment would also be helpful. Thank you.

gus@psearchs.com

As a resident of Spartanburg, SC, which once was a convergence of several railroads in the early 20th century including the Southern, Charleston and Western Carolina, Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio, and the Piedmont and Northern it is my hope that something can be done to save the complex which has been for the most part, with the exception of a small bulk loading operation, empty since NS closed the shops around 1993 or 94. At one time it was a major passenger rebuilding opertion and built components for the SR's 1927 replica of the Best Friend Of Charleston. I know that it may not be as significant of a place as the old DL&W site in Scranton, or Spencer Shops, but it would be a shame to see everything go to the wrecking ball, as it is now the place is overgrowing in weeds, with the only evidence of its SR heritage being a tall water tower alongside US highway 176 "Asheville Highway." About 5 years ago in July of 1996, the remaining portion of the Spartanburg Southern Railway station on Magnolia street in downtown was very heavily damaged and for a while it's future was uncertain, until a local high school student began efforts to restore the station. The city of Spartanburg purchased the depot from Norfolk Southern and renovated it and it now houses the Spartanburg Visitors Center. They also removed the pavement to reveal the bricks that lined the ground in its heyday. It is my hope that somehow Hayne will meet a rescue as well.

stiggy_26@hotmail.com

One such project is the California State Railroad Museum's "Railroad Technology Museum at the Historic Southern Pacific Sacramento Shops."

California State Railroad Museum may have information available. You are probably going to have to contacct them direct.

I understand that State Parks has entered into a long term lease with the Union Pacific for the land and buildings involved. The railroad prior to this agreement has had a number of mitigation projects involving excavation and water extraction. It is heard that the UP chose to lease the land because of different mitigation requirments if it sold or deeded the land.

One problem at railroad shops is how old oil and cleaning solvents were handled in earlier generations.



bnorden@gateway.net

What kind of clean up was required of the grounds of Spencer& Savanna? Being that these were large shop complexes, did you have to remove a certain amount of "top soil", and recap? What about underground "plumbing", for things such as oil seperators and fuel lines? How were these issues delt with at the time of "land purchase" with the Railroads?

Thanks,

Dave Brown

smokebox1@home.com

See the link below for the Brownfields Assessment information for the Evanston, Wyoming roundhouse. I believe they got some federal money for this. Keep in mind that razing a roundhouse does not eliminate the need to clean the site environmentally - the same proceedures must be followed whether the building is torn down or saved, despite the incorrect views of many naysayers within our field.

> I am collecting information for a
> feasibility study regarding the conversion
> of an existing engine maintenance/fueling
> yard, and roundhouse into an railroad
> museum. Since there are many projects across
> the country that have or are currently
> redeveloping such historic rail facilities,
> I am looking to correspond with individuals
> who have dealt with mitigating environmental
> hazards that often accompany these projects.
> I am looking for any data relating to
> environmental unit or total costs, as well
> as, any procedural information relating to
> developing these sites. Any information
> relating to the fiscal benefits or
> procedures of brownfield redevelopment would
> also be helpful. Thank you.


Evanston Brownfields Assessment
bobyar2001@yahoo.com