1. Environmental Management Systems Awareness Training January 24, 2008 Mr. Earl Griffin Safety, Health and Env. Manager Ms. Beth Anderson Environmental Protection Specialist South Atlantic Area Dr. Darrell Cole Area Director South Atlantic Area Mr. Joon Park Deputy Area Director South Atlantic Area Dr. Karl Narang Associate Area Director South Atlantic Area

2. 2 Objectives Understanding of Executive Order (EO) 13423. Able to explain what an EMS is and its benefits. Why an EMS is important to what you do.

3. 3 South Atlantic Area “ Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management” Executive Order 13423 was signed by President Bush on January 26, 2007. Consolidated five previous executive orders and two Memoranda of Understanding into one order, 85 pages down to 7 plus instructions. Provides a holistic approach to integrating energy, environment and human health considerations into mission implementation. Updated and set more aggressive goals for – energy efficiency – renewable energy – water conservation – pollution prevention/recycling – high performance buildings – fleet management and – electronics stewardship.

4. 4 South Atlantic Area What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)? An EMS is: –A set of procedures to reduce our environmental footprint in our day-to-day activities. –An overall management system which includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, procedures, resources and people to help address environmental issues. –Important EMS elements include continual improvement, management commitment, formalization, and awareness of a systems based approach.

5. 5 South Atlantic Area Purpose of an EMS? An EMS brings together the people, policies, plans and procedures used to manage environmental issues at a facility

6. 6 South Atlantic Area Benefits of an EMS Reduce operating costs Integrate environmental programs Increase employee involvement Reduce environmental impacts Helps maintain compliance

7. 7 South Atlantic Area EMS Components Environmental Policy Planning Implementation and Operation Checking and Corrective Action Management Review

8. 8 South Atlantic Area EMS Components

9. 9 South Atlantic Area Plan, Do, Check, Act Plan Planning, identifying environmental aspects and establishing goals Do Implementing, includes training and operational controls Check Checking, includes monitoring and corrective action Act Reviewing, includes progress reviews and acting to make needed changes

10. 10 South Atlantic Area Environmental Policy EMS Committee is required to develop and maintain an EMS policy statement that includes: –Continual improvement –Pollution prevention –Environmental compliance Environmental Policy is: –Signed by Location Senior Management Official –Communicated to location personnel and the public –Reviewed annually and updated as necessary –Framework for setting environmental goals, objectives, and targets

11. 11 South Atlantic Area Planning EMS Committee responsible for: –Identifying aspects and impacts from location's activities, products and services –Set objectives and targets –Specific statements of measurable results that are to be accomplished within a specific time period (plan of action with milestones) Significant environmental impacts associated with the facility and research-related operations Regulatory issues Pollution prevention and conservation initiatives

12. 12 South Atlantic Area Implementation and Operation Location EMS Committee shall: –Define roles and responsibilities to carry out annual goals and objectives –Implement EMS training –Develop internal and external communication –Documentation control Policy, objectives and targets Legible and retrievable Maintained for a minimum of 30 years –Establish operational controls Standard Operating Procedures –Emergency Preparedness and Response Business Recovery Plans for Fire, Chemical Spills, etc.

13. 13 South Atlantic Area Checking and Corrective Action Conduct periodic monitoring of environmental performance –EMS committee conducts meetings at least quarterly –Document accomplishments and progress of annual goals Identify root causes of findings and conduct corrective and preventive actions Maintain environmental records

14. 14 South Atlantic Area Management Review Senior management review of EMS –At least annually, recommend 2 to 3 times per year –EMS Coordinator reviews the following with senior management Significant environmental aspects Progress towards achievement of objectives and targets Corrective and preventative actions –Senior Management Acknowledges EMS accomplishments Champions EMS Certifies Progress

15. 15 South Atlantic Area So what is my EMS role and responsibility? You are responsible for knowing: –Understand basic EMS principles –Know what the environmental policy is or at least where to find it –Know what the aspects, objectives/targets are of the location –How your job impacts the environment –How to minimize or eliminate negative impacts –Legal and other requirements of your job

16. 16 South Atlantic Area Examples of Aspects and Impacts Aspect: Office use of electronic equipment –Impact: Generation of recyclable waste (paper, batteries, toner cartridges) Aspect: Use of solvents, oil, fluorescent lamps –Impact: Land contamination (landfill) Aspect: Air emissions from buildings –Impact: Air pollution Aspect: Motor vehicle operations (oil, antifreeze, tires, batteries) –Impact: Hazardous waste generation and air pollution Aspect: Custodial Operations (cleaning products, paper, water) –Impact: Depletion of natural resources and solid waste

17. 17 South Atlantic Area EMS Review The Basics

18. 18 South Atlantic Area So what is my EMS role and responsibility? Participate in the EMS –Let EMS Coordinator/Committee know of: Energy conservation efforts (efficient lighting upgrades, low flow toilets, etc) Less harmful chemicals being substituted Any activity that reduces the location’s environmental footprint WHY? –Maintains an effective EMS –Communication (reporting, awards, etc)

19. 19 South Atlantic Area Summary An EMS is the combination of people, policies, procedures, review, and plans to help address environmental issues. Can you answer these questions? –What is EO 13423? –What is an EMS? –What is your EMS role and responsibility?

20. 20 South Atlantic Area Location Specific Information ARS Tifton IS a recycling facility. We recycle our…. –Office Products –Plastics –Glassware –Steel, Tin, or Aluminum cans –All Batteries –Electronic Equipment –Cardboard

21. 21 South Atlantic Area Location Specific Information Universal waste regulations streamline collection requirements for certain hazardous wastes into the following categories: * Batteries - Lead acid but we collect ALL types * Pesticides - Collect then dispose of through Georgia Clean Day * Mercury - Containing thermostats/thermometers * Lamps - All except tungsten (i.e. halogen, neon, fluorescent)

22. 22 South Atlantic Area Location Specific Information e-CYCLE: RECYCLE ELECTRONICS Items that can be e-cycled: Computers, hard-drives, keyboards, printers, televisions, VCR/DVD players, cell phones, telephones, radios, pagers, digital equipment, scanners, copiers, scientific equipment, and much, much more……. DO: Save old, broken, or unused electronic equipment for recycling! DON’T: Throw any electronic equipment in the dumpster!

23. 23 South Atlantic Area Location Specific Information WHO DO I CALL? For information about hazardous waste, universal waste, or e-cycling (electronic equipment), contact: –Tom Hendricks, Collateral Duty Safety Officer, (229) 387-2392. For information about general recycling procedures, water/energy conservation or other EMS policies please contact: –Tamara Snipes, Collateral Duty EMS Coordinator, (229) 387-2344. –Any member of the EMS Committee.

24. 24 South Atlantic Area Questions? Beth Anderson Environmental Protection Specialist South Atlantic Area 706-546-3613 Beth.Anderson@ars.usda.gov