Environmental Management Systems, ISO 14000 and Environmental Auditing

Representative Projects









Environmental Management Systems and ISO 14000

Environmental Auditing

International EMS and Environmental Auditing Projects

Environmental Management Systems and ISO 14000

 

EMS Support for the West Coast Garrison (provisional), California

Assisting the US Army Reserves West Coast Garrison (provisional) (WCG) with the planning and implementation of an EMS that meets the requirements of Executive Order (EO) 13148. Conducted numerous interviews throughout two installations and reviewed documents to identify environmental aspects and impacts of activities at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA) and Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL) installations. Parks RFTA and FHL are part of the newly formed WCG that provides a variety of training areas for military units and hosts numerous tenant activities. Documenting the aspects and impacts so that the installation can identify priorities that warrant immediate attention. In addition, identifying all environmental, legal and other requirements applicable to the installations. Providing continuing support and training to the WCG as they develop and implement an EMS according to EO 13148 and US Army mandates.*top

EMS Planning and Development for Universal Electronics Inc.

Assisted Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) with the planning and development of an EMS in conformance with Sony’s Green Partner Environmental Quality Approval Program (Green Partner Program). Developed procedures that were specific to UEI’s business situation and met the specifications of Sony’s Green Partner Program. This program requires suppliers and third-party manufacturers to institute a progressive system to achieve positive environmental results including the reduction or elimination of the use of certain hazardous substances. Completed the project within the client’s extremely short time-frame. Maintained near constant communication with the client to ensure the system was appropriate, would be effective upon implementation and was completed by the client’s deadline.*top

EMS Training for Federal Facilities, Western U.S.

For the Federal Network of Sustainability and US EPA, providing EMS training to federal employees regarding all aspects of their responsibilities under various environmental statutes, regulations and Executive Order 13148. Attendees of the course include members of several federal government agencies, such as Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. The goal of these sessions is to provide training that results in changes in behavior towards environmental issues and a reduction in facility violations. Training covers environmental policy development, planning for aspects and impacts analysis, objectives and targets development, management programs development, and compliance. *top

EMS Implementation Support for Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey

The Environmental Technology Division (formerly the Industrial Ecology Center) at the Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), located at Picatinny, NJ, contracted with EI to provide Quick Reaction Engineering Services/Environmental Management System-ISO 14001 Implementation support. In addition to EMS/ISO 14001 support, other quick reaction engineering services under this contract include the following core areas: Environmental Management and Monitoring Systems, Environmental Compliance Systems, Greening Munitions development, Chemical Homeland Security needs and solutions identification, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) detection and identification, intelligent system development and demonstration, and corrosion prevention and detection demonstration technologies. The contract is available for the Army and DOD to utilize for the purpose of EMS implementation under Executive Order (EO) 13148 at its installations (including tenants PMs, PEOs, acquisition community and Garrison-type organizations) and to provide other environmental engineering services included in the contract.*top

EMS Development for US Navy, Portsmouth, Virginia

EI is currently working with the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) and NAVFACENGCOM to develop and implement an EMS for this large Navy hospital. Assisting with all aspects of EMS development, pursuant to Executive Order 13148. The project includes formulating an environmental policy, identifying and ranking environmental aspects, developing manuals, procedures and other materials, and providing training to BUMED personnel.*top

Environmental Management Review, Alaska

Participated on a team conducting an environmental management review at the US Coast Guard Integrated Support Command (ISC) in Kodiak, Alaska. The team conducted a management system level audit including identification of defects in process, resources and other aspects of the management system that create barriers to sustainable environmental compliance at present and are likely to be barriers in the future; identification of desirable performance objectives of environmental management beyond simple compliance; evaluation of organization and manpower requirements; specification of different ways the existing management system could be modified to overcome the current defects; and recommendation of priorities for change. *top

EMS Gap Analyses and Implementation Guidance Manual

EI is currently visiting five different naval facilities to audit the state of EMS development. Reviewing existing documentation and performing gap analyses to determine what remains to be developed to fully implement an EMS in each facility type. Producing summary reports for each facility outlining the conclusions of the study. Also developing a customized guidance manual for implementing EMSs at each facility type. Manuals will include step-by-step guidance, helpful hints, customized information, worksheets and checklists. *top

US EPA EMS Auditor and General Awareness Training Courses, Washington, DC

Developed a two-day EMS auditor training course and a half-day course on EMS general awareness for US EPA. Presented courses across the US at EPA facilities. The goal of the auditor training was to educate US EPA staff to become EMS auditors so they can conduct effective audits and provide support on EMSs to the agency. The general awareness course provides US EPA's senior mangers and staff with an adequate understanding of EMSs and how they are relevant to US EPA's day-to-day activities. Courses included an analysis of the similarities and differences between various EMS programs and their specific requirements. Programs covered included ISO 14001, the Environmental Management and Accountability System, Performance Track, Code of Environmental Management Principles, Environmental Management Review and Compliance-focused EMS. *top

ISO 14001 Performance Evaluation for Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Idaho

Worked with a semiconductor manufacturing company to determine their conformance with ISO 14001. Interviewed relevant personnel and reviewed EMS documentation. Evaluated the incorporation of activities leading to improved environmental performance and activities that represented efforts to move beyond regulatory compliance. Assessed and provided input on both internal and external risk communication efforts. *top

EMS Development and Auditing Training, Illinois

Conducted a course on EMS development and audits for US EPA Region 5. The goal of this project was to educate EPA staff so that they could conduct effective audits and provide support on EMSs to the agency. The course focused on practical lessons gained from the trainers' own EMS development and auditing experience and examined the entire life cycle of an EMS from policy and planning to implementation and review. The course also included an analysis of the similarities and differences between various EMS programs and their specific requirements. Created training materials for all participants. *top

EMS Performance Analysis, Oregon

Worked with a municipal hydroelectric utility to determine their conformance with ISO 14001. Evaluation was based on facility tour, interviews with relevant personnel and review of EMS documentation. Analysis focused on determining the parts of the facility's systems that are most relevant to the EMS and identifying the points at which the facility makes decisions critical to pollution prevention and improvement of overall environmental performance. Assessed internal and external communication efforts. Provided advice for process improvements. *top

ISO 14001 Performance Review, Oregon

Worked with a semiconductor manufacturing facility to review its EMS based on the ISO 14001 standard. Participated in on-site facility tour, interviewed personnel and reviewed EMS documentation to determine conformance with the standard. Reviewed risk communication efforts and provided suggestions for improvement. Identified measurable improvements in environmental performance. *top

Alaska Environmental Leadership Program Pilots, Anchorage, Alaska

Assisted the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) in piloting its “Alaska Environmental Leadership Program” (AELP) with facilities from three industries. The project was designed to move AELP from its conceptual stage to becoming a fully operational program, and was built around a series of facility teams. During the course of the project, provided assistance to the teams in profiling the facilities’ core business needs and major regulatory obligations and developing measures to assess environmental outcomes. Helped facilities implement EMSs, developed procedures for self and third party certification of EMS implementation and identified regulatory incentives ADEC can offer to the facilities. *top

Third Party Verification and Oversight of EMS, Virginia

Provided assistance to National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) in designing and implementing a system of independent third-party verification for facilities that develop an EMS for approval by the NBP. The project required an understanding of wastewater solids and biosolids management practices as well as EMSs and their components. *top

Environmental Management Training Course, Virginia

For the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), developed and conducted a two-day EMS implementation and evaluation training course. VDEQ created the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) that promotes the use of an EMS and pollution prevention activities as a means of achieving greater environmental quality and improved organizational performance. VEEP's EMS structure is similar to that of ISO 14001. The course provided VDEQ personnel with a clear understanding of EMSs and the process for review of an organization's EMS for acceptance into VEEP. VDEQ personnel throughout Virginia attended this course. *top

EMS Development, Training and Implementation for a Semiconductor Company, Washington

Assisted a semiconductor manufacturing company plan and implement an ISO 14001-conforming EMS. Activities included performing a gap analysis and helping facility management identify environmental aspects and refine objectives and targets. Implementation and operation included determining roles and responsibilities, developing training for all employees, creating communication strategies, developing documentation and document control procedures and creating standard operating procedures. Assisted the client in developing a corrective action plan, including procedures related to monitoring and measuring, nonconformance and corrective action, record keeping and internal audits. Provided training for internal auditors at the facility. Also assisted in developing management review processes and strategic environmental management plans. The client recently had its ISO certification audit and was recommended for certification with the fewest number of action requests the auditors had ever experienced. *top

ISO 14001 EMS Development and Implementation, Washington

Assisting an energy company in the planning, documentation, implementation and operation of an ISO 14001-conforming EMS for its headquarters and offsite facilities. Planning activities include introducing the EMS concept to employees and helping facility management identify environmental aspects and develop objectives and targets. Additional assistance includes training, development of procedures, and implementation of the system. *top

ISO 14001 EMS Assistance and Manual Development, Washington

Provided guidance in the development of an ISO 14001-conforming EMS for the largest marine transportation company on the West Coast. Worked with facility staff to identify environmental aspects and impacts associated with transportation in remote and harsh environments. Developed an EMS manual for the company. Synthesized existing management structures into a single system with full documentation in a very short timeframe. Produced a professional manual for use at client's headquarters and offsite facilities. Additional assistance included development of procedures, management tools and performance evaluation systems in accordance with ISO 14001 standards. *top

City of Seattle Compliance Assessments and EMS Development, Washington

Assisted the City of Seattle's Executive Services Department (ESD) in performing compliance audits and developing, implementing and maintaining an EMS based on ISO 14001. Developed a customized compliance assessment methodology utilizing checklists concerning federal, state and local environmental regulations that may be applicable to ESD facilities. Coordinated the implementation of the environmental compliance assessments. Performed a gap analysis to review existing ESD environmental procedures and proposed a methodology for ESD to determine significant environmental aspects in conformance with ISO 14001. Adapted the City of Seattle's Environmental Policy to ESD. Based on assessment findings, determined processes that still needed to be developed and assisted in their creation. Developed an implementation plan that met the needs and characteristics of ESD facilities. *top

ISO 14001 Performance Review, Washington

For US EPA Region 10, EI developed a study designed to uncover key decisions that companies make that lead to improved environmental performance. The project determined the effectiveness of ISO 14001 in enhancing environmental performance through systematic reviews of companies that have implemented ISO 14001 in the Pacific Northwest. Companies participating in this study included both private and public entities. The project required extensive knowledge of pollution prevention and EMSs to determine level of conformance with ISO 14001 and the effectiveness of the EMS. Examined and evaluated the incorporation of pollution prevention activities, measurable improvements in environmental performance and activities representing efforts to move beyond regulatory compliance. In addition, assessed internal and external communication efforts, provided advice for environmental management improvements and developed facility reports. *top

Kalispel Reservation EMS Development and Compliance Assessment, Washington

Worked with the Kalispel tribal management to develop and implement an EMS based on the ISO 14001 framework. Approach included identifying environmental aspects and impacts, determining which ones are significant and identifying tribal objectives to address the significant environmental aspects. Developed and documented an EMS manual that describes all elements of the system. Also developed and provided training to both management and relevant employees regarding basic EMS requirements and specific operating procedures. In addition, performed a baseline assessment of "on-reservation" operations to determine compliance with environmental laws and assess conformance with the ISO 14001 standard. Assessed compliance with all major federal and state regulations, developed an assessment report that documented all noncompliances and provided suggestions regarding corrective measures. *top

EMS Performance Review for an Aluminum Smelter, Washington

Worked with management at an aluminum smelter to identify factors having the most significant influence on the facility's decision-making process during ISO 14001 EMS development. Determined the effectiveness of risk communication strategies. Assessed the current and expected performance improvements and increased pollution prevention resulting from the implementation of the EMS. *top

EMS Performance Appraisal, Washington

Reviewed the EMS at an industrial coatings, stains, and clear wood finishes manufacturer. Conducted an on-site assessment, reviewed EMS procedures and evaluated conformance with ISO 14001 standard. Provided advice for process improvements and potential risk communication efforts. *top

EMS Performance Review at a Ship Maintenance Facility, Washington

Reviewed a ship maintenance facility's operations to determine whether EMS implementation contributed to improving environmental performance and risk communication. Conducted on-site review of facility operations and interviewed key personnel. Analyzed recycling and waste minimization goals in facility's pollution prevention plan. Performed gap analysis to determine the differences between the facility's existing EMS and ISO 14001 standards and made recommendations regarding changes toward ISO 14001 compliance. *top

EMS Review at an Aircraft Maintenance Facility, Washington

Worked with management at an aircraft maintenance facility to identify variables that influence the facility's decision-making process during ISO 14001 EMS development. Assessed the current and expected performance improvements and increased pollution prevention resulting from the implementation of the EMS. Reviewed risk communication activities. *top

EMS Performance Review for Naval Station Everett, Washington

Reviewed facility operations to determine whether EMS implementation assisted the naval station in improving environmental performance and risk communication. Conducted on-site review of facility operations and interviewed key personnel. *top

 

Environmental Auditing

 

Compliance Audits, Training and Planning for the Port of Portland, Oregon

Provided compliance audits for various facilities that assessed compliance with all major federal and state regulations. Based on auditor findings, identified facility noncompliances and provided advice regarding activities required to correct noncompliances. Assisted with the planning and development of program components of a Portwide Environmental Compliance Auditing Program. Provided advice on environmental issues related to the Port. Developed and provided training to Port managers and staff on a variety of environmental issues including regulations, EMSs, procedures and compliance issues. *top

Environmental Audit Program for TSD Facility, Washington

Developed and implemented a draft corporate environmental audit program to encompass federal, state and local regulations that apply to a Washington State TSD facility. The scope of the audit program included RCRA, OSHA/WISHA training requirements, TSCA, Clean Air Act and SARA Title III regulatory programs. *top

Audit and Assessment of State and Regional EMS and Pollution Prevention Programs, Northwest US

Provided project management assistance on a project that provided US EPA Region 10 with information allowing them to integrate existing pollution prevention activities, implement regional programs that complement state program efforts in pollution prevention and prioritize pollution prevention opportunities within the divisions. The project involved interviews with regional and state representatives, development of an inventory of current pollution prevention activities, determination of gaps and overlap between the states and US EPA Region 10 and identification of opportunities to improve pollution prevention assistance. *top

USPS Facility Compliance Audits and EMS Development, Western United States

Conducted baseline environmental compliance audits at major United States Postal Service (USPS) facilities in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and other western states. The focus of these audits was regulatory and postal service compliance and the development of EMSs, measurement systems and performance evaluation systems in accordance with ISO 14001. Project included development of a template EMS based on audits performed at individual facilities and implementation of that template at different facilities. Provided training of USPS staff regarding environmental auditing and ISO 14001, development of audit teams, coordination and conduct of the audits and on-site interviews, development and reporting of findings, data-gap and life-cycle analyses and preparation of final reports. Provided assistance with environmental planning and document control. Also supported the USPS in waste management and compliance projects including air issues, storm water and waste management, risk assessment, asbestos and lead assessments, underground storage tank removal and disposal of contaminated soils. *top

 

 

International EMS and Environmental Auditing Projects

 

EMS Gap Analysis for US Army Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Contracted by the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) to assemble a team of environmental management specialists, engineers and scientists to conduct an EMS gap analysis in conformance with Executive Order 13148, which requires federal installations to develop and implement EMSs. Over a several week period reviewed USAKA documents, plans, policies, procedures and databases. Traveled to USAKA to conduct additional document review, tour installation facilities and interview a cross section of key personnel from some 35 USAKA departments. In an intensive effort reviewed documents and data and interviewed personnel from some 35 USAKA departments. During the facility inspections, site tours and personnel interviews, assessed and determined adequacy of policies, plans, procedures, sampling and collection programs, and data collection and management. Following the site visit, produced a report and briefing for USAKA that provided an assessment of gaps in EMS work with respect to EO 13148, ISO 14001 and US Army requirements and provided recommendations for corrective actions to ensure conformance with the requirements. *top

ISO 14001 EMS Implementation Seminar, Argentina

Developed and presented a seminar for medium and large Latin American companies considering implementation of an EMS. Presented potential benefits and costs of implementation and some of the key areas of focus for an EMS. Provided an overview of the ISO 14001 standard and requirements for its implementation. *top

EMS Audit and Support, Bahamas

Providing support to a rum distillery in support of its initiative to achieve ISO 14001 certification. Conducted an EMS audit to assess the company's performance in relation to the ISO 14001 standard. Toured site and reviewed production processes. Provided recommendations to revise the company's environmental procedures to conform with ISO 14001. Assisting company in revising their procedures according to recommendations. Reviewing company’s ISO 14001 implementation plan to ensure that company achieves certification by its target date. *top

Environmental Training, Costa Rica

For the National Association of State Development Agencies, developed course materials and provided training to facility managers in Costa Rica regarding ISO 14001-based EMSs. Course included the basics of an ISO 14001-conforming EMS including an analysis of environmental aspects and applicable environmental laws and conventions. *top

Environmental Manual and Training Course for the Honduran Public Ministry, Honduras

For USAID, developed and conducted environmental law course in Honduras for 50 judges, prosecutors, environmental inspectors and others as well as provided advice regarding principles of case development to the Fiscalia (Special Prosecutor’s Office). Course topics included development of strategic plans for environmental protection, coordination of efforts by various agencies, and databases that could be used to support environmental enforcement efforts. Taught principles of strategic planning in environmental protection and enforcement programs, environmental law and enforcement and made recommendations to officials of the US and Honduran governments regarding processes that could be used to develop strategic environmental protection/enforcement plans for the country. The course lectures were combined with interactive case studies centered on the practical use of various Honduran environmental laws. Reviewed with the Fiscalia the types of information that should be collected and maintained for proper case development and discussed the theories of law which can be used for these actions. *top

ISO 14001 Training Seminar and Workshop, the Philippines

For the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, developed and presented a seminar to provide pollution control officers from a variety of companies with a thorough overview of ISO 14001 (Philippines National Standard 1701). Conducted a two-day workshop consisting of lectures and hands-on exercises that guided participants through the different requirements of the ISO 14001 standard. Discussed the relevance of environmental management systems to pollution prevention and control. *top

Gap Analysis and EMS Development Assistance, Puerto Rico

Conducted a gap analysis for a television manufacturing company's EMS to identify any areas requiring strengthening and provided advice regarding what steps the company should take to ensure a successful third-party certification audit. Reviewed company's EMS for conformance with ISO 14001, including objectives and targets, identification of environmental aspects, tests of significance for environmental aspects, standard operating procedures and corrective action mechanisms. Developed and presented customized training on the ISO 14001 EMS and provided internal auditor training. *top

 

 

 


 

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