CSX, an international rail company, celebrated Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, with informational displays, animal exhibits and a 1.5-mile cleanup around its Selkirk facility.
We really work hard to be good stewards of the
environment, said Bob Sullivan, a spokesman for CSX. `We’re an important part of the community, and we enjoy being here.`
Trains operated by CSX service 23 states and 21,000 route-miles, according to Sullivan.
The day began with dozens of CSX employees viewing informational displays about local bodies of water, wildlife and ways to preserve the environment. Information about the Onesquethaw Creek was also available.
Supervisor of Environmental Field Services Paul Watson said the creek is one of the places CSX discharges, and it is useful to learn how the creek is affected by CSX.
Michele Segerberg, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, was on hand with several great horned owls, which she said are the most populous owl in New York and can be seen in several areas around Bethlehem. She was able to provide information to CSX workers about wildlife in the area and answered several questions about the animals’ characteristics.
Watson then led the volunteers on a cleanup of a portion of the perimeter of the 3.25-by-3.5-mile property. Watson said debris that has blown onto the site along one of the public roads is unsightly, and the volunteers regularly keep an eye on it.
`Every year we try to police it and keep it clean,` Watson said.
The events at Selkirk were part of a larger Earth Day initiative, in which employees from facilities all around the country participated, according to CSX.
`While CSX and its 30,000 employees respect the environment every day, Earth Day offers us an annual opportunity to acknowledge our accomplishments, learn something new and renew our commitment to continually increasing our role and responsibility as an environmental steward,` said Skip Elliott, CSX vice president for public safety and environment.
Sullivan and Watson also both pointed out that exercise from the walk also plays into the company’s wellness initiative and its emphasis on good health.
The group planted three trees near the facility’s wastewater treatment plant on the cleanup walk.
`It’s a combination of health and wellness and cleaning up the environment,` Sullivan said of the day’s efforts. “