Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
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City's Wastewater Division Becomes State Forerunner with Environmental Management Certification - ISO 14001:2004 Certified
This internationally recognized, ISO 14001:2004 Certification achievement is in addition to the City's commitment of $160 million to wastewater treatment improvements and $4.6 million for the soon-to-be-complete Tram Road Reuse Facility, which will provide reclaimed water for public irrigation purposes in the SouthWood area. The Environmental Management System, program is a proven methodology to evaluate how wastewater operations affect the environment, and implement timely improvements on a priority basis. The voluntary certification, based on the rigorous international standard known as ISO 14001:2004, marks the culmination of two years of work to enhance environmental stewardship, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and bolster environmental awareness among staff, vendors and contractors.
The elements of the ISO standard are designed around three main concepts: pollution prevention; regulatory compliance; and continual improvement. The standard provides for the critical analysis of all aspects of facility operations, from communications to training and emergency planning. Results have included the development of procedures that ensure that employees know and consistently use only approved standard operating procedures in the performance of their daily duties. In addition, the system has enhanced communication with vendors and contractors, to ensure they also adhere to the same strict operational standards designed to protect the environment.
"While the city has always been a forerunner in the wastewater treatment industry, this allows us to be even more proactive in our approach to being conscientious stewards and protectors of the environment," said Water Utility General Manager Jim Oskowis. "It not only reduces potential impacts from our operations but it increases safety and furthers the City's important Go Green efforts, such as energy and water conservation."
"We applaud the City of Tallahassee on reaching this milestone. By achieving the ISO certification of its Environmental Management System, the City's Wastewater Treatment Division serves as an excellent example and challenges other wastewater utilities throughout Florida to adopt similar practices of continuous improvement that go beyond environmental compliance," said Elsa Potts, Administrator of the FDEP Office of Wastewater Management.
With a structured and systemic approach, this innovative system will reduce environmental effects and ensure the highest of industry standards. It also establishes safety measures, accountability and protocols for contractors, staff and others using facilities.
The City is committed to the "Go Green Tallahassee" initiative and to Environmental Management Systems (EMS), programs that demonstrate the role we can all play in the protection of our natural environment.
More on Environmental Management Systems
- U S Environmental Protection Agency
- ISO - International Organization for Standardization
- Download the EMS Brochure (PDF)
- Download the Environmental Policy Statement (PDF)
- Download article on EMS from the 2007 Water Quality Report (PDF)
- Download the ISO Certificate (PDF)
What is the Environmental Management System (EMS)?
The EMS program is a way to determine how operations affect the environment, and to prioritize improvements. It is also:
- Proactive
- Internationally Recognized
- Structured
- Systematic
- Flexible
- Dynamic
- Continual
- Innovative
- Far-Reaching
- Effective
Environmental Management System (EMS) Benefits
- Improvements in overall environmental awareness, performance and compliance.
- Increased efficiency, predictability and consistency in managing environmental obligations.
- More effective targeting of environmental management resources.