Environmental, Health and Safety Management System
Waste Commission of Scott County (Commission) was one of six solid waste agencies in Iowa chosen to participate in the state’s Environmental Management System (EMS) pilot program. This pilot program is an outcome of 2008 legislation, House File 2570. The legislation establishes a program and process that allows solid waste agencies to be designated as an EMS by demonstrating compliance and a commitment to continuous improvement in six areas: yard waste management, household hazardous materials management, water quality improvement, greenhouse gas reduction, recycling services and environmental education. Furthermore, it moves landfills beyond the measurement of diversion goals to a new focus on environmental resource management.
The six pilot agencies include: Waste Commission of Scott County, Metro Waste Authority of Des Moines, Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency, Cedar Rapids-Linn County Landfill Service Area, Cass County Environmental Control Agency and Rathbun Area Solid Waste Management Commission.
Since November of 2009, Waste Commission of Scott County has selected an internal core team and environmental management representative, developed a fenceline statement, conducted a GAP analysis, developed and adopted an Environmental, Health and Safety Policy, identified the significant impacts its activities have on the environment, developed objectives and targets related to the six component areas, implemented Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) procedures and trained and communicated the EHSMS to its employees. In December of 2010 the Commission evaluated its progress on the 2010 Objectives and Targets and submitted an Annual Report to Iowa DNR. At the same time, the Commission established its 2011 Objectives and Targets with its staff members. A team of three from Iowa DNR conducted an External Audit at Waste Commission facilities in January. In February, the Commission was notified that it had graduated the EMS Pilot Program and is now considered a Tier 2 Environmental Management System participant.
Do you have a question, comment, concern, suggestion or compliment related to the Commission’s EHSMS? Fill out this form and someone from our Core Team will respond to you using the e-mail address you provide.
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