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This week, the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) recognized four railroads’ efforts to improve the environment and safety.

The association awarded the freight environmental award to Canadian Pacific Railway for its new facility designed to re-spray coal cars near Salmon Arm, British Columbia — the only coal spray station located between a mine and a train’s final destination. Typically, unit trains are sprayed prior to departure to minimize dusting, but the dust has become an issue for residents living near the tracks, RAC said. CPR uses trackside pans to collect over-spray, rainwater and snow to reduce the amount of fresh water needed to spray trains.

CPR also received an employee category award for rewriting its safety rulebook. Each book includes general and function-specific rules and recommended practices.

Meanwhile, RAC recognized short line Mackenzie Northern Railway for a safety initiative conducted in Great Slave Lake, Alberta. Railroad workers participated in an Operation Lifesaver program at four local schools. Mackenzie Northern also created an informational brochure on railway safety and delivered it to each residence and business.

Finally, the association presented an environment award to VIA Rail Canada Inc. for its textile recycling and recovery initiative. The commuter railroad sold its old uniforms and other clothing, linen and footwear to raise funds for needy families, or sent them to third-world countries.

Québec North Shore and Labrador Railway received special mention for developing a hi-rail garbage truck that can travel via road or track in remote areas and collect refuse.