Waste Commission hosts EMS Workshop
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2010
Contact: Erin Robinson
Communication Coordinator
Waste Commission of Scott County
563-386-9575
erobinson@wastecom.com
WASTE COMMISSION HOSTS IOWA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
PILOT PROGRAM TRAINING WORKSHOP TUESDAY
BUFFALO, IA—Waste Commission of Scott County (Commission) was one of six solid waste agencies in Iowa chosen to participate in the state’s new Environmental Management System (EMS) pilot program. On Tuesday, January 26, the Commission is hosting a training workshop for the six pilot agencies and representatives from Iowa DNR from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Avenue, Davenport. Gresham Smith & Partners of Dallas, TX, the consultant hired by Iowa DNR, will be facilitating the training.
“We are honored to be among the first six solid waste agencies in the state working on an Environmental Management System. We truly believe this system will revolutionize the way we think about waste in Iowa,” said Kathy Morris, director of Waste Commission of Scott County.
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, Waste Commission of Scott County has attended a two-day training in Des Moines, 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, and developed objectives and targets related to the six areas.
The training on the 26th will review pilots’ objectives and targets, discuss action plans, key resources, environmental activities & significant impacts and legal & other requirements.
“We are excited to learn more at this workshop and to move forward with implementing our objectives. We are extremely fortunate the state has dedicated both staff and financial resources to this pilot program to ensure its success and eventual implementation across the state,” said Morris.
For more information about the Commission’s EMS click here. For more information about the state EMS pilot program visit: www.iowadnr.gov/waste/sw/swapac.html.
Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission visit www.wastecom.com or call 563-381-1300.
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