In addition to rail's inherent safety standards, the transportation of freight by rail is at least three times more efficient than road freight and produces less than one third of the greenhouse gas emissions per tonne kilometre.
This inherent efficiency of rail forms the cornerstone of ARG's commitment to managing its environmental impacts. Through a range of monitoring programs and improvement initiatives, ARG's operations meet the highest standard of environmental management ensuring the protection of soil, air and water.
ARG audits on a regular basis its operational depots where operational and maintenance activities have the potential to impact the local environment. Issues monitored include solid and liquid waste management and storage practices, tradewaste, energy and water efficiency, refuelling facilities, dust and spill management.
ARG's ongoing monitoring program includes its wastewater treatment plants ensuring pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons and irregular pH levels do not enter neighbouring waterways and environments.
ARG understands that rail noise can sometimes cause significant concern to neighbouring properties. ARG investigates all noise complaints and wherever possible manages its operations in such a way to minimise impacts on the community.
Carbon Emissions
ARG is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through ongoing operational efficiency improvements. This includes the monitoring of high emission activities and assessment of new and innovative practices that could further reduce our emissions.
Having already reported its emissions voluntarily through the Australian Government's National Pollutant Inventory and Greenhouse Challenge Plus programs, ARG is now preparing its monitoring reporting regimes to meet the pending Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) due to commence in 2010.