JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Association of American Railroads granted its top award for environmental professionals, the 2007 North American Environmental Employee Excellence Award, to Keith A. Brinker, manager of environmental remediation at CSX Transportation.
Brinker received the award during an annual railroad environmental conference. A 28-year railroad veteran, Brinker’s accomplishments include: helping to establish CSXT’s first Environmental Operations Department; devising numerous standard operating procedures for the use of chemicals and cleaners; and organizing CSXT’s internal Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU), which ensures compliance with government and company regulations.
“Perhaps [the railroad industry’s] most important environmental advantage comes from dedicated employees like Keith, who work continuously to further reduce the industry’s environmental footprint,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger.
While serving as chief chemist at CSXT’s terminal in Waycross, Ga, Brinker developed a process to reduce his company’s consumption of chemicals and cleaners by 75 percent. His efforts led to the use of products with lower concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals, simultaneously reducing employee exposures and generating cost efficiencies.
Brinker was one of five railroad industry individuals nominated for the award.
— Special to Railfanning.org News Wire
