30 May 2008
Canadian Pacific Grain Hopper Cars Get a Clean Sweep
Canadian Pacific today announced that it is taking further steps
to clean the exterior end sills of 3,000 Canadian grain hopper cars. This is an additional component of a comprehensive program aimed
at enhancing quality control and promoting environmental stewardship among all CP partners in the grain supply chain.
"This initiative, in conjunction with the previously announced gate refurbishment program and increased grain vacuum truck
operations are solid examples that CP, in collaboration with our customers, is a responsible steward of the environment, respecting the
needs of communities, including the National Parks, through which our trains travel," said Fred Green, Canadian Pacific's
President and CEO.
The cars are being cleaned to remove grain left on the end sills by shippers during the loading process. The cleaning program includes
a communications plan, endorsed by Parks Canada and aimed at educating customers about the benefits to the environment and wildlife
protection.
"This is a meaningful action that will help protect these magnificent animals and Banff National Park for future
generations," said Ron Hallman, Executive Director Mountain Parks, Parks Canada. "Parks Canada welcomes Canadian Pacific's
initiative in working to reduce the presence of animal attractants such as grain along their tracks."
"As Canada's leading agribusiness, representing up to 45% of the country's grain shipments, Viterra is pleased to support this
initiative. It demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of wildlife." said Fran Malecha, Chief
Operating Officer, Viterra.
Further, new tariffs are being introduced to customers as part of the end sill cleaning program to encourage participation and
compliance. Customers who identify and clean debris covered end sills will benefit from an incentive based tariff, while those
identified as leaving spilled grain face punitive charges. Both tariffs will come into effect on 7 Jul 2008.
More than 2,000 cars have been cleaned to date with the remainder of the cleaning planned in Calgary, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw between
now and September 2008. Canadian Pacific will spend $125,000 to complete this work.
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