What is an intermodal facility?
At an intermodal facility, containerized freight is moved between various transportation modes — in this case trains and trucks — to move goods domestically and internationally. Intermodal rail offers shippers advantages in terms of cost savings, cargo capacity, and environmental efficiency.
What is the Navy Base Intermodal Facility?
The Navy Base Intermodal Facility (NBIF) will provide a hub for the transfer and shipment of goods located in North Charleston, SC. The NBIF will support the South Carolina Ports Authority to facilitate the movement of goods and commerce over rail, stimulating economic development within the region and providing connections to key regional infrastructure.
Why is Palmetto Railways developing this facility?
As a Division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Palmetto Railways is developing the NBIF to provide added fluidity and capacity to support the continued growth of the South Carolina Ports Authority.
Where is the Navy Base Intermodal Facility project site?
Palmetto Railways is developing the Navy Base Intermodal Facility on a 118-acre site on the former Charleston Naval Complex. The project site is located adjacent to North Hobson Avenue. A map of the project site is available on the homepage.
Why was this location chosen?
The former Charleston Naval Complex location was chosen for its close proximity to available transportation infrastructure in the region. The site is situated near the South Carolina Ports Authority and major transportation arteries, and it also provides equal access to both of the State’s Class I rail carriers, CSX and Norfolk Southern.
What construction activities will take place during the construction of the facility?
There are several construction activities that will take place during the NBIF construction. Those activities include, but are not limited to, mass grading, stormwater improvements, concrete and asphalt paving, electrical infrastructure, and off-site road and bridge construction. Our project elements map on the homepage provides a breakdown of each of the developments.
Can you tell me about the Third Party Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process?
The EIS is a document prepared to describe the effects for proposed activities on the environment, including the natural and physical environment, and the relationship of people with that environment.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is required to identify and analyze the potential environmental impacts of this project. The USACE is also required to make sure that environmental impacts are made available to public officials and the citizens before project decisions are made or actions are taken. Upon completion of the EIS, the USACE will decide whether to permit or not permit the project as the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative.
- Palmetto Railways was the project owner and applicant in the NEPA process and is responsible for funding the EIS.
- The USACE was the lead federal agency responsible for the development of the EIS and decision on whether to permit or not permit the project.
- Palmetto Railways contracted a third party, Atkins, to provide an objective and unbiased EIS under the direction of the USACE for the project.
In September 2018, Palmetto Railways reached a monumental milestone in the development of the Navy Base Intermodal Facility project as the USACE approved the Department of Army permit application. The Record of Decision (ROD) details the USACE's decision to issue a Section 404 Permit of the Clean Water Act to construct and operate the Navy Base Intermodal Facility on the former Charleston Naval Complex.
For more information about the Final EIS, visit the Environmental Study page.
What immediate benefits does the Navy Base Intermodal Facility bring to the region?
Construction of the Navy Base Intermodal Facility will have immediate short and long-term benefits for the community. It is estimated that over 3,000 jobs will be supported by the construction of the facility and related infrastructure. The increase in total economic activity in the region is estimated to be $450 million during construction. Other benefits include economic development, supporting infrastructure demands, and sustaining our environmental responsibility.
How can I get more information about the project?
Send us an email at info@palmettorailwaysintermodal.com.
Leave a message on our project hotline: (843) 303-9162.
Who can I speak with to address train concerns, complaints, or incidents?
Train concerns, complaints, or incidents located on rail properties in the area not managed by Palmetto Railways should be addressed to either CSX or Norfolk Southern:
- CSX: Report non-emergency issues to 1-800-232-0144 or visit the CSX Contact US page.
- Norfolk Southern: Report non-emergency issues to 1-855-667-3655 or visit the Norfolk Southern Contact Us page.
