Environmental Management Systems EMS

1
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

• A Smart Choice for Wastewater Utilities
• Jim Horne
• U.S. EPA
• May 5, 2005

2
What Exactly is an EMS?

• Simply a set of procedures and management
  practices designed to help you manage all your
  environmental issues
• EMSs use a proven Plan-Do-Check-Act
• methodology used all over the world
• EMS gives you a flexible, performance-based
  approach
• EMSs can also help integrate other programs like
  Asset Management

3
EMSs Provide Real Benefits!

• Wastewater Utilities with EMSs/Associated
  Benefits
• -- Eugene, Ore. EMS led to national
  recognition from EPA and reduced inspections
• -- Albany, Ore EMS helped pave the way for
  needed rate increases
• -- Charleston, S.C. EMS helped with adoption
  of CMOM program

4
EPA Is Working with Others to Increase EMS
Adoption

• National training program 32 agencies since
  1997, including several utilities
• National clearinghouse of information for local
  governmentswww.peercenter.net
• 11 PEER Centers around the country to help
  agencies adopt EMSs
• Valuable tools like EMS Handbook for Wastewater
  Utilities

5
Partnerships are the Key

• Working closely with WEF, APWA, ICMA and others
  to reach out to agencies
• WEF and AMSA helped greatly with EMS Wastewater
  Handbook
• WEF sponsoring a full day training workshop at
  WEFTEC 2005
• Considering more training workshops led by
  utilities at their locations

6
EMS and AM Should Work Hand in Hand!

• EMS gives you the structure and focus on
  measurement, monitoring, and results
• AM focuses in more detail on activities with
  major environmental impacts
• EMSs for utilities must also address asset
  management
• We need to guard against stovepiping between
  EMS and AM devotees!

7
Where to Get More Information

• www.peercenter.net is a great source of
  information
• Includes case studies, guides, lists of peers,
  etc.
• Also includes a new section devoted to wastewater