CSX employee earns AAR environmental award

The Association of American Railroads has awarded Matthew T. Williamson, a CSX environmental field services and industrial hygiene manager, the 2017 North American Environmental Employee Excellence Award, described as “the highest honor for [railway] industry environmental professionals.”

Over the course of seven years at CSX, Williamson has designed processes and protocols for a variety of environmental stewardship initiatives. His accomplishments include:

• Conducting a lighting survey that resulted in a transition from metal halide bulbs and fluorescents to LEDs and the implementation of motion-operated lights, enabling energy savings and increased lighting levels in work areas.

• Developing cost-effective solutions to environmental issues, including plans for oil recycling, paint and paint thinner reduction (generating 70% reductions), and accountability for the inspection of trains carrying solid waste to landfills.

• Implementing a solution to improve efficiency in the pretreatment process at wastewater treatment plants, a cost-saving solution that “could easily be replicated across the railroad’s system.”

• Serving as the Environmental Safety and Health Liaison between CSX and other rail companies to ensure compliance with environmental and health and safety regulations, plans and permits.

“Matthew embodies a dedication to environmental compliance and innovative, results-oriented thinking,” said CSX Vice President of Public Safety, Health and Environment Bryan Rhode. “He fills a vital role coordinating environmental, health and safety-related initiatives that generate considerable cost savings for CSX, while also promoting sustainability and responsible behavior.”

AAR’s North American Environmental Employee Excellence Award recognizes leading contributions to environmental responsibility and excellence in the industry. Williamson is the eighth CSX employee to receive this honor in the past 16 years.

Williamson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Safety Technology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Marshall University. He is based in Huntington, W.Va., where he started his career with CSX as an industrial hygienist.