Media centre

Wednesday 28 Apr 2004

NETWORK RAIL ‘GRABS’ GREEN INITIATIVE

Region & Route:

| Southern

 Network Rail has issued its operations staff with over 50 new ‘grab’ spill packs to prevent pollution incidents and deliver a cleaner, greener railway. As part of a new initiative, maintenance staff and Mobile Operations Managers have been issued with the packs to respond quickly and responsibly to potential pollution incidents, such as oil spills. The new packs will help to prevent land contamination and watercourse pollution from diesel, oil and chemical leaks and spills. The packs, issued across the railway in Hampshire and Surrey and parts of Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and South London, contain vital equipment for reducing the spread of pollution and will make a real difference in preventing future contamination.  The equipment, carried in portable bags, contains materials to temporarily absorb spills before specialist cleaners attend the scene. They will be used in both maintenance depots and alongside the tracks to help protect the environment.  Network Rail’s Regional Director, Robin Gisby said: “We work hard to preserve and enhance lineside habitats. These packs will significantly reduce the impact of pollution incidents and will protect the local environment.”