CN takes great measures to prevent environmental incidents from occurring in the operation of our railroad. However, when incidents do occur, the company has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and procedures in place to deal diligently with the situation.

CN follows an Environmental Incident Reporting and Communication Procedure which is integrated into an incident command system. The Procedure aims to ensure every incident with an environmental impact is immediately reported to government authorities and that the impact is contained to a minimum. The safety of the public and of workers is a top priority.

The Procedure is fully documented in CN's general Emergency Response Plan. The procedure includes information to assist CN employees in responding to a broad range of environmental emergencies and outlines the responsibilities for spill response, clean-up and reporting. Read more about CN's handling of Dangerous Goods.

Environment team support

Incidents are managed by CN's internal environmental specialists who have access to a network of materials and specialized equipment suppliers and contractors to assist with a response. When necessary, the CN team also has access to CN freight containers filled with emergency response equipment, such as pumps, generators, containment booms, etc. CN works closely with government environmental officials during and after an incident to ensure sites are restored to government standards.

CN employees, as well as contractors, tenants and lessees on company property, are required to follow all federal, state and provincial regulations requiring notification when pollutants are released into the environment as a result of an incident.

Ongoing recovery efforts

When environmental incidents do occur, CN strives to mitigate the impact to the environment. The following are ongoing recovery efforts:

Remediation of Lake Wabamun

Cheakamus Ecosystem Recovery Plan

Charette, Québec, derailment

Kegley, Illinois, derailment