A move of low-sulfur Powder River Basin coal by Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific Railway helped a major energy producer reduce sulfur dioxide emissions in an environmentally sensitive area of coastal New Jersey.

Conectiv Energy's B.L. England plant, near Atlantic City, N.J, sits on the shores of Great Egg Harbor Bay near a resort town and a residential area.

"Conectiv wanted to make sure it was reducing emissions in the most cost-effective way at one of the two units at England station while complying with state standards," said Frank DiGregorio, Conectiv's manager fuel supply. "Introducing coal from the Powder River Basin was the answer."

NS and UP coordinated the coal movement from Wyoming to the New Jersey coast - a distance of more than 2,600 miles.

"We believe this is the longest west-to-east coal movement in the United States," Said Doug Evans, NS director utility coal north.

By blending Powder River Basin coal with Pittsburgh Seam coal, which originates on NS' Monongahela Railway south of Pittsburgh, Conectiv was able to reduce emissions in a cost-effective way that ensures reliable plant operation.

Bill Patterson, manger utility coal north, worked closely with UP and Conectiv staff engineer Frank Costanzo to negotiate a new joint-line transportation contract. Patterson also was active in coordinating rail delivery of sufficient quantities of the two coals for blending at the plant.

"We worked with our customer to provide consistent, reliable transportation and a cost-effective solution to meet their goals," Patterson said.

"We were very pleased with the transportation plan NS and UP proposed," DiGregorio said. "We were able to bring the right coal blend together to provide our customers with the power they need."