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Implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in Public Entities

Since August 1997, 23 public entities have benefited from environmental management system (EMS) implementation thanks to their participation in two "EMS for Local Government Entities" initiatives. The initiatives were made possible through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Offices of Water, Air and Radiation, Compliance, Solid Waste, and regional offices and the Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF).  Both initiatives tested the applicability and benefit of an EMS on environmental performance, pollution prevention, and stakeholder involvement in government operations. 

Due to the success of these pilot projects, a third EMS initiative has been recently launched.  Nine local government participants have been chosen from another large pool of outstanding applicants to receive EMS training and technical assistance over a two-year implementation period.  The rigorous application process examined top management involvement, organizational support, and the ability of participants to share experiences with similar entities and affiliated organizations. The diverse group of participants includes the following nine organizations: 

Metro Waste Authority – Des Moines, IA

Kent County Department of Public Works –Dover, DE

City of Charlottesville Department of Public Works - Charlottesville, VA

Clark County Department of Public Works –Vancouver, WA

City of Kansas City Department of Environmental Management

Rivanna Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Authorities –Charlottesville, VA

Orange County Convention Center –Orlando, FL

Sacramento Municipal Utility District - Sacramento, CA

Oakland County Drain Commission –Waterford, MI

 

An EMS is a set of management processes and procedures that allows an organization to analyze, control and reduce the environmental impact of its activities, products and services and operate with greater efficiency and control. Benefits from EMS include improved overall environmental performance (including areas not currently regulated), expanded pollution prevention opportunities, improved compliance and enhanced operational control and efficiency. This project is in line with EPA's overall policy to actively promote adoption of EMSs in key sectors.
 
Benefits of EMS: Direct Program Benefits
  • Improved ability to meet compliance requirements                                               
  • Increased efficiency, reduced costs and greater operational consistency                                               
  • Improved environmental awareness, involvement and competency throughout the organization                                                
  • Better communication about environmental issues inside and outside the organization                                               
  • Better relationships with regulators

    Jim Horne, National Project Manager for EPA's Office of Water said, "The EPA team was extremely gratified by the level of interest shown by local governments in this project and the level of sophistication shown in the applications. It is clear that public sector organizations are rapidly becoming aware of the value of implementing EMSs and the value of working with EPA. We are delighted with the diverse range of organizations that were selected and expect great things from each of them."

    The participants are being guided through the EMS development and implementation process over four phases. As with the first and second initiatives, U.S. EPA and the Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) are working together to provide training, materials and technical assistance to help the participants complete the milestones of each of the project phases.  

    For further information on the project, please contact Jim Horne, U.S. EPA Office of Water at (202) 564-0571 or Nick Martin, GETF at (703) 379-2713.

    For additional information on the 1st and/or 2nd EMS Initiatives, please contact:
    Faith Leavitt
    GETF
    fleavitt@earthvision.net    		Nick Martin
    GETF
    nmartin@getf.org  

    Additional information on Local Government EMSs can be found below:


    EPA Federal Register Notice 

    "Designation and Support for Local Resource Centers to Assist Public Entities Develop Environmental Management Systems (EMS)"-- Click here for a copy 

    Final Report: Second EMS Initiative for Government Entities (2000-2002)

  • Click here for a copy of the final report - PDF Format 

  • Click here for a copy of the final report - Microsoft Word 

    Final Report: EMS Initiative for Government Entities (1997-1999)

  • Click here for a copy of the final report - PDF Format 
                                                   
  • Click here for a copy of the final report - Microsoft Word

    • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Local Government and Environmental Management Systems                                            
  • Questions about EMS

    • Case Studies

  • ISO 14001 Implementation Initiative with Local Governments

    • Information Sheets

  • 3rd EMS Initiative for Public Entities (2003-2005)    
  • 2nd EMS Initiative for Government Entities (2000-2002)                                                
  • 1st EMS Initiative for Government Entities (1997-1999)                                               
  • The Public Entity EMS Resource Center (PEER Center)

    • Articles 

  • Making Progress, Building Momentum: EMS Initiative for Government Entities (1/02)
  • Participants in the EMS Intiative for Government Entities Keep Marching On! (11/00)
  • Local Governments Rally Round EMSs (6/00)
  • Municipalities Wrap Up EMS Pilot (7/99)          
  • Municipalities Reap Benefits of EMS (2/99)


    For more information on EMS, please visit the  

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