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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has named CSX Transportation Manager of Environmental Remediation Paul Kurzanski the recipient of the 2009 Environmental Excellence Award.

Presented yesterday at the annual Railroad Environmental Conference at the University of Illinois-Urbana, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated “outstanding performance in environmental awareness and responsibility” during the year, according to the AAR.

A 30-year rail industry veteran stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., Kurzanski manages about 125 environmental remediation projects annually in six states and two Canadian provinces. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with communities and regulators to provide amicable solutions to environmental challenges, the AAR said.

Kurzanski was instrumental in developing and implementing CSXT's leased property review, lab management and safety observation programs. He also has authored 19 environmental management system documents, and his work with environmental consultant teams has helped CSXT save more than $4 million “through innovative remedial methods, skillful negotiations and a focus on project closures,” the AAR said

The five other award nominees were Tami Calderon, an environmental coordinator in Amtrak's Los Angeles mechanical department; Dillon Magers, manager of environmental operations for BNSF Railway Co. in Springfield, Mo.; Devin Sprinkle, regional manager in CN’s environment department in Homewood, Ill.; Pat Student, director of hazardous materials management for Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Neb.; and LeeAnn Thomas, manager-U.S. environmental accrual for Canadian Pacific’s Soo Line subsidiary in Minneapolis.