An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a management tool used by organizations around the world to improve environmental compliance. An EMS is usually built on four common principles; Plan, Do, Check, and Act. When properly applied to the business processes of an organization, these principles form the core of an EMS and lead to a process of continued improvement. In WSDOT's case, these core principles are defined accordingly:
PLAN
- Legal and other requirements
are clearly outlined and include all environmental laws, regulations and agreements that apply to WSDOT operations.
Written procedures instruct WSDOT staff and contractors on how to conduct work activities in compliance with our legal and other requirements.
DO
- Training provides an informed environment for those that conduct activities for WSDOT, ensuring their knowledge of how to do the work in a compliant manner.
- Roles and duties ensure WSDOT staff and contractors know what they are supposed to do under the EMS.
CHECK
- Inspection/monitoring/corrective action provides a mechanism to check WSDOT’s work for compliance with applicable legal and other requirements and correct any problems that arise.
ACT
- Measure performance against pre-determined targets for management review and reporting to the public.
WSDOT is applying these core EMS principles in relation to Construction, Maintenance and Operations, the WSDOT Materials Laboratory, and modal programs such as Washington State Ferries. These areas already have a solid EMS foundation (the Erosion and Sediment Control Program for Construction, Maintenance Endangered Species Act Program Guidelines, Materials Laboratory Health and Safety Manual), but WSDOT continues to seek better performance.
Why is WSDOT developing an EMS?
WSDOT is a large organization that benefits from the structure and consistency that an EMS provides. WSDOT reviewed the approach of several different organizations, including other state transportation departments, and determined an EMS represents the best practice to follow.
What approach has WSDOT taken?
WSDOT follows the general EMS requirements identified in the International Organization for Standardization 14001 Standard. WSDOT is emphasizing elements of the Standard that relate most closely with day-to-day environmental compliance. These include an Environmental Policy Statement, the WSDOT Environmental Procedures Manual, an Environmental Training Program, and various Environmental Management Programs. However, WSDOT does not currently intend to register to the ISO 14001 Standard. Agency executives believe the majority of benefits of EMS implementation are gained without the added cost and burden of registration.
What are Environmental Management Programs?
Environmental Management Programs (EMPs) are key building blocks of WSDOT's EMS. EMPs apply to a specific organizational unit or activity. WSDOT completed EMPs for Construction, Maintenance and Operations, and the Tumwater Materials Laboratory. WSDOT completed the documentation for its' maintenance facilities, largely based on the Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, and will be implementing it soon.
The Washington State Ferries EMP will augment the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, which is required for all international marine operations.
How will WSDOT keep track of its Environmental Commitments?
WSDOT is using a database (the Commitment Tracking System) to track environmental commitments from their inception (in project development) through design, construction to their completion or pass off for long-term maintenance. A key element of WSDOT's EMS is to be able to know precisely what we committed to do, ensure we do it, document we did it, look for ways to do it better next time and if applicable ensure we maintain it.
What Environmental Training is provided?
Key to the environmental performance of an organization is the delivery of appropriate environmental training to the right staff when they need it. As part of its EMS development effort, WSDOT has developed an Environmental Training Program focused on various parts of the project delivery cycle.
Where can WSDOT's EMS documents be found?
This site will serve as the documentation center for WSDOT's EMS. The EMS Documentation Table contains the six core elements and the supporting components (policies/procedures) of our EMS and will be updated regularly.
Where can EMS Progress Reports be found?
WSDOT reports annually on its EMS activities in the December issue of the Gray Notebook. These reports cover compliance status and EMS program development efforts.
Who can I contact regarding the EMS?
The EMS Coordinator is Scott Carey at (360) 705-7432 or careys@wsdot.wa.gov.