Watco-managed terminal to expand rail service in Utah

Superior Silica Sands LLC has signed an agreement with Price River Terminal LLC (PRT) to use its existing multi-commodity terminal in Wellington, Utah, for frac sand handling.

Operated by Watco Supply Chain Services, the terminal handles crude oil and other bulk commodities across 6 miles of existing rail track. Additional track will be built as part of the new agreement, according to a press release issued by Emerge Energy Services LP, the parent of Superior Silica.

Emerge Energy works with Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway Co. to ship sand for its existing operations, and the new relationship will now extend to the PRT facility served directly by both Class Is, Emerge Energy officials said.

The track construction will be completed in November; however, Emerge Energy will begin shipping in September, they added.

"We are excited about gaining a logistical advantage in the Uinta Basin," said Emerge Energy Chief Executive Officer Rick Shearer. "This market is a promising and growing outlet for northern white sand. We are well into sales contract discussions with current and new customers who are expanding or moving into the basin."

Including the Wellington facility, Emerge Energy has 13 active terminals across North America.