Norfolk Southern's coastal conservation makes history

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Norfolk Southern’s shoreline restoration at Lamberts Point is protecting the land from further erosion, while producing environmental benefits so large the work just set a record in the state of Virginia.

What’s the big deal?

For over 30 years, the shoreline at Lamberts Point, a vital marine terminal serving Norfolk Southern’s railroad operations, has been steadily eroding, threatening land, wildlife, and water quality. Now, thanks to an innovative approach to sustainability, Norfolk Southern set a new benchmark for corporate environmental stewardship.

Instead of relying on traditional stone barriers, Norfolk Southern built a living shoreline, using native plants, oysters, and sustainable grading techniques to stabilize the coast. This eco-friendly design strengthens natural habitats, improves water quality, and protects the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem while benefiting local communities and industries.

In Virginia and other states, this work generates nutrient credits. The Lamberts Point restoration is so large that NS recently generated the largest deposit in Virginia’s history, and quite possibly, the U.S.

How credits work

• Our voluntary restoration efforts reduce nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from entering the river, earning nutrient credits.
• Companies and municipalities that need to offset their own environmental impact from water discharge can purchase these credits.
• This process funds further restoration, protects waterways, and supports sustainability efforts across Virginia.

Major impact

• 1,500 feet of shoreline restored, protecting the land from further erosion
• Generated over 10,000 pounds of nitrogen, 2,000 pounds of phosphorus, and 3.5 million pounds of sediment credits

The project has already secured several contracts with Virginia-based entities, contributing to long-term environmental protection and economic growth. Over the next decade, Norfolk Southern expects a 4–5-time financial return through selling the credits — proving that caring for the environment can also drive business success.

ACRE (Advanced Carbon Restored Ecosystem) Investment's Conservation Plus company and Eco-Cap worked with Norfolk Southern to manage and sell the credits. 

"Norfolk Southern is a longtime leader in corporate sustainability and we are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with them on the groundbreaking Lamberts Point project," said ACRE Co-Founder and Manager Chandler Van Voorhis. "Our long-term partnership continues to make a tangible difference in rural communities as we build resiliency and drive climate and restoration projects throughout the eastern U.S."

Norfolk Southern is already exploring additional Virginia properties to extend the impact of this work.

Learn more: Read about the Living Shoreline’s recent award recognition, including by the Elizabeth River Project and the International Union of Railways.

After decades of erosion, Lamberts Point’s restoration through native plants, oysters, and sustainable grading techniques has stabilized the coast. The work is benefitting plants, animals and business that relies on the land and water. The image at the top of this story shows the coast in the fall of 2024, after several years of restoration work.