Environmental Management Systems North Carolina’s Approach

Environmental Management Systems

North Carolina’s Approach

By

Gary Hunt

DPPEA

EMS ModelPolicy

Planning

Implementation

CheckingCorrective Action

ManagementReview

Benefits

Enhanced compliance Continuous improvement Improved environmental performance Competitive/trade advantages Increased efficiency/reduced costs Enhanced employee morale Enhanced public image Enhanced image with regulators Reduced insurance rates

KMU’s Results to Date Formal EMS Project Savings

$ Solvent recovery program ($300k / year)$ Water reclamation project (50,000 gal / day)$ Solid waste reduction / recycling ($30k / year)

Employee Awareness Project Savings$ More Water Reduction Ideas ! (~5%)$ Less Waste Generation ! (undetermined)$ Electricity Savings Ideas (~ $5000 so far)

Examples of BMW’s EMS Program Results

Paint waste was reduced by 145,700 pounds, saving the company $864,000

Solvent parts washers converted to aqueous, eliminating waste stream

Environmental Projects

Reformulated paint with Xylene & Toluene reduction of 16% per 55 gallon drum.

Changed petroleum based solvent to water based solvent in parts washers.

Ultrafiltration System for oily/water separation. Reduced cost from $36,000/yr. to $200/yr.

Working with companies on styrofoam & shrinkwrap recycling

Why is NC DENR Involved?

Test the credibility of EMS Participate in public policy discussions Encourage pollution prevention Investigate leveraging of DENR resources Encourage “beyond compliance” Develop partnerships (environmental groups, trade

associations, academia)

What is NC DENR Doing?

DENR EMS Policy (8/99)Outreach to industry/state agenciesEMS Pilot projects (9)Part of Multi-State Group to measure

effectiveness of EMS Internal working group on EMS

What Other States Are Doing Multi-State Working Group SEPs EMS Incentive/Reg. Flex. Legislation

Colorado Connecticut Illinois Maine Oregon Washington Wisconsin

Basic Elements Gate Keeper

EMS, list of requirements, agreement, stake holder involvement, etc.

Regulatory Flexibility Equal to, beyond compliance or both Scope

Incentives Can be tied to level of effort (tiers) Recognition, permitting flex, reduced reporting and

inspections, tax credits, access to capital, etc Sun Set

Environmental Excellence Act Draft bill proposed by Weyerhaeuser/NCCBI Environmental Excellence Act Work Group

established (legislative research, industrial reps/trade associations, DENR, environmental groups, )

Goal to develop consensus Environmental Excellence Act

Met during last legislative session. Restart this fall

Basic ElementsGate KeeperRegulatory FlexibilityBeyond Compliance IncentivesSun Set

Beyond Compliance IncentivesProposed by DENR during negotiationsExample criteria for participation

EMS In compliance No significant non-compliance for 3 years

Beyond Compliance Incentives Incentives

Public recognition Tax credits

For cost of implementing EMS Other tax credits

Reduced reporting, monitoring and/or inspections Expedited permit processing Re-issuance of permits if no change Conditional pre-approved process changes

Beyond Compliance IncentivesOther incentives considered

plant wide emission cap consolidated reporting multi-media permits single point of contact for permit assistance priority points on state grants

Suggestions?

EPAJoint EPA/State Agreement to Pursue

Regulatory Innovation Provides process to address Federal rules

Aiming for Excellence Report of the EPA Innovations Task Force

Need Help on EMS? Division of Pollution Prevention and

Environmental Assistance Design tools Onsite Technical Assistance Training opportunities Web site (www.p2pays.org) Environmental Excellence Act e-mail list

919-715-6500 [email protected]