Each organization that has achieved third party certification to ISO 14001:2004 is required to develop an environmental policy that is the foundation of its EMS. Most organizations have no difficulty including terminology to ensure conformity to the standard. Yet how many of these organizations can demonstrate that they "walk the talk" when it comes to prevention of pollution?
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 and the EPA's 1991 Pollution Prevention Strategy make clear that prevention is our first priority within an environmental management hierarchy that includes:
1) prevention,
2) recycling,
3) treatment, and
4) disposal or release.
Pollution prevention means "source reduction," as defined under the Pollution Prevention Act, and other practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants through:
a) increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources, or
b) protection of natural resources by conservation.
The Pollution Prevention Act defines "source reduction" to mean any practice which:
a) reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment (including fugitive emissions) prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal; and
The Pollution Prevention Act defines "source reduction" to mean any practice which:
a) reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment (including fugitive emissions) prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal; and
b) reduced the
hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
Many Environmental Management Systems appear to focus on recycling, treatment or disposal and not the first priority of prevention. Companies must develop strategies that include product substitution, exploring new technologies or processes and reducing the amount of raw materials used, if it truly wishes to espouse pollution prevention.
hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
Many Environmental Management Systems appear to focus on recycling, treatment or disposal and not the first priority of prevention. Companies must develop strategies that include product substitution, exploring new technologies or processes and reducing the amount of raw materials used, if it truly wishes to espouse pollution prevention.
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