The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on October 27 awarded the 2009 Environmental Excellence Award to CSX Transportation (CSXT) employee Paul Kurzanski. Kurzanski, a 30-year veteran of the railroad industry, currently serves as manager of environmental remediation with CSXT in Jacksonville, Fla. The award, which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding performance in environmental awareness and responsibility during the year, was presented at the annual Railroad Environmental Conference at University of Illinois, Urbana.
"Railroads have a great environmental story to tell, and it's the efforts of employees like Paul that make it possible," said AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger. "His pursuit of excellence and depth of experience has benefited not only his railroad, but also our entire industry through his active participation in our environmental activities over the years."
Kurzanski manages approximately 125 environmental remediation projects annually in six states and two Canadian provinces. He was instrumental in developing and implementing CSX's Leased Property Review Program, Lab Management Program and Safety Observation Program. Kurzanki has received the company's Chairman's Award of Excellence. His work with environmental consultant teams is credited with savving CSX over $4 million through innovative remedial methods, skillful negotiations, and a focus on project closures. He is also a frequent presenter at AAR's Environmental Conference and the author of documents on environmental management.
Five other individuals were nominated for the award:
- Tami Calderon, environmental coordinator in Amtrak's Mechanical Department in Los Angeles.
- Dillon Magers, manager of environmental operations for BNSF Railway in Springfield, Mo.
- Devin Sprinkle, regional manager in the Environment Department for CN Railway in Homewood, Ill.
- Pat Student, director-hazardous materials management with Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha.
- LeeAnn Thomas, manager, U.S. environmental accrual, with Canadian Pacific Railway's U.S. subsidiary, the Soo Line, in Minneapolis.