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EPA LABORATORIES IMPLEMENT EMS PROGRAM
Citation:
LUCAS, C. AND A. W. REA. EPA LABORATORIES IMPLEMENT EMS PROGRAM. EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, (March):9, (2005).
Impact/Purpose:
To provide broad-based support for the Intermediate Office of NERL and to facilitate outreach and communications with peers, stakeholders, clients, and the public.
Description:
This paper highlights the breadth and magnitude of carrying out an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) program at the U.S. EPA's research and development laboratories. Federal research laboratories have unique operating challenges compared to more centralized industrial production facilities because the variety of processes that occur in a research setting is strikingly different than a typical production line. For example, at one laboratory, the Agency conducts research in a mutli-pollutant control facility where scientists develop new flue gas cleaning technologies for nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, particulate matter and mercury in air. At another specialized facility, EPA engineers profile motor vehicle emissions, off-road and small hand held engine emissions, diesel emissions, and a variety of fuel additives. This type of research is driven by the use of fuel. In this situation, the EMS looks at better management of fuel to prevent any undesirable impacts to the environment. Although each research facility may have unique challenges, EPA's approach to their EMS has many similarities. Other examples are noted.