As part of our role as an environmental steward, CN is committed to systematically assessing and managing sites contaminated by historical railroad activities or accidental spills and releases in accordance with CN Environmental Policy (PDF 38KB) and applicable regulations.

Site assessment process

CN may also use Risk-based Corrective Action (RBCA) methods to determine if an environmental impact can be monitored and managed. The company has developed specific Terms of Reference for the performance of the environmental activity and has pre-selected our contractors in order to ensure quality and consistency of the work. CN's site assessment process, combined with capital improvements, is enabling it to effectively manage environmental issues on its properties.

In 2009, CN spent approximately CDN $15 Million on site assessments and remediation in Canada and the US and carried out work on approximately 180 sites.  We have been tracking our liability performance since 1995.  By proactively managing our risks, we have reduced our environmental risk by approximately 14% in the last 10 years.

Performance Tracking

We have been tracking our environmental liability performance since 1995. By proactively managing our risks, we have reduced our environmental risk by 34% in the last 10 years.

Sustainable solutions

Because conventional approaches to remediate or assess the impacts from contamination may be limited, in 2007 CN invested over C$2 million in research and development of other approaches in Canada:

• The testing and installation of biofilters, made from natural materials, to reduce chemical concentrations in effluents generated by diesel fuel recovery systems. At CN, the use of biofilters at one site reduced by 83 per cent the amount of hydrocarbons contained in water effluents.
• The testing and installation of remote solar-powered systems to maximize the recovery of diesel fuel from ground water due to historical activity at a site in CN's Southern Region.
• The development of a sustainability screening tool in 2007 for the company's site remediation planning. The tool enables' CN to systematically evaluate the short and long-term environment, social and economic impacts of remedial options.