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August 28, 2000 |
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The Progressive Farmer
By necessity and inclination, U.S. farmers are early adapters. Here's a look at the latest in high-tech
down on the farm. |
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By CARLENE HEMPEL |
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The News & Observer |
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Systematic way of managing an organization’s
environmental affairs |
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Based on Plan-Do-Check-Act Model (PDCA) |
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Focused on Continual Improvement of System |
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Addresses immediate and long-term impact of an
organization’s products, services and processes on the environment. |
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A tool to improve environmental performance |
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Helps to identify the causes of environmental
problems. |
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better to make a product right the first time |
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cheaper to prevent a spill |
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cost effective to prevent pollution |
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Trade and competitive issues |
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marketing tool |
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Struggling to stay in compliance and keep track
of regulations/laws |
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Environmental management just one of many
responsibilities |
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Employee turnover |
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Establish a framework to move beyond compliance |
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Vehicle for positive change; improved employee
morale, enhanced public image |
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Much of an EMS may already be in place |
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Animal Waste Management Plans |
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Best Management Practices (BMPs) |
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On Farm Assessment Program (available to pork
producers) |
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EMS Templates being developed |
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Beef, poultry, dairy |
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New programs – ex. United Egg Producers Project
XL agreement |
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ISO 14001 is the only certification standard |
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Registration body examines EMS for conformity to
the ISO 14001 standard |
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Not a compliance audit, an EMS audit |
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Facility awarded registration |
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Does NOT mean that products are more
environmentally friendly |
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Does mean have a documented EMS that is fully
implemented and consistently followed |
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Establish and maintain environmental objectives
and targets. |
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Can
include commitment to: |
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reduce waste |
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reduce or eliminate release/spill of a pollutant |
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design product/operations to minimize
environmental impact in production, use, and disposal. |
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Keep objectives simple, flexible, and
measurable. |
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Be realistic. |
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Considerations: |
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legal and other requirements |
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significant env. aspects |
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technological options |
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financial requirements |
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operational requirements |
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business requirements |
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views of interested parties |
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Policy : Improve the environmental quality of
the workplace |
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Objective: Improve indoor air quality by
reducing solvent odors |
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Target : Reduce solvent odors (VOC levels) by
90% by mid 2001. |
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Set Environmental Mgmt. Program |
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Plan: Switch to water cleaning process |
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Action- Substitute water-based cleaning process
for vapor degreasing process |
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Responsibilities - Process Engineering |
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Schedule -
Bench top trials - 2 months (date)
Full scale pilot - 3 months (date)
Implementation period - 1 month (date) |
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Resources needed - 1 FTE for 4
mon. Est. Budget $12,000 |
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Structure/responsibility |
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Training, awareness, & competence |
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Communication (internal/external) |
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Env. Mgmt System Documentation and control where needed |
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Operational control (ex. maintenance) |
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Emergency preparedness |
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and response |
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Establish procedures to monitor and measure key
operations that can have a significant impact on the environment. |
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Track how well the system |
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is working |
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Analyze root causes of problems |
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Collect information to evaluate EMS |
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Review EMS to ensure its continuing effectiveness |
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Consider changes – continual improvement |
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Notes