Environmental Policy
The City of Hopewell recognizes its responsibilities to enhance and
preserve the James and Appomattox Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay
environment now and for future generations. Therefore, the City of
Hopewell is committed to environmental stewardship and leadership. To
diminish the environmental impacts of its activities, products and
services, the City will emphasize environmental stewardship and adopt
the following Green Principles:
Generate a sustainable environment for the health and benefit of its citizens by providing resources and training.
Reduce pollution, reuse and recycle resources through environmentally sound practices.
Empower employees to integrate environmental leadership in their daily lives.
Ensure and exceed compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Nurture the partnerships
between government, residential, commercial and industrial communities
to promote continual environmental management improvement.
FAQ’s
What is an "Environmental Management System (EMS)"?
An EMS is a cohesive, comprehensive set of written environmental
policies and procedures which identify an organization’s environmental
goals and objectives and defines how an organization will achieve and
maintain those goals.
Why is it important to have an EMS Program?
An EMS improves management effectiveness, prevents pollution, and
improves environmental performance. The EMS system provides order,
consistency, and organization. It allocates resources, assigns
responsibilities, and provides a mechanism for the organization to
continually evaluate its processes, procedures, and practices.
Are there legal requirements for an EMS Program?
Both federal and state governments have established laws and
regulations holding organizations responsible for protection of air,
land, and water resources from pollution. EMS programs are used to
establish and effectively implement pollution prevention programs to
reduce the impact of pollutants on natural resources.
How will the City of Hopewell benefit from establishing an EMS program?
The EMS program will help the City reduce its environmental impact,
reduce costs, increase efficiency and community satisfaction. The City
of Hopewell will also enhance its reputation and public stature as an
environmental leader.
What does pollution prevention mean?
Pollution prevention means eliminating or reducing at the source, the
use, generation or release of environmental waste. Pollution prevention
methods include equipment or technology modifications; process or
procedure modifications; substitution of raw materials; improvements in
housekeeping, maintenance, training, or inventory control; and
recycling.
What is the difference between an "aspect" and "impact"?
- Aspects refers to anything that can react with the environment.
Examples include fuel, all types of batteries, cleaning supplies,
scrap, utilities, etc.
- Impacts refers to doing "something" to the environment. For
example improperly disposing of motor oil can pollute groundwater or
effect the ecoloty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Why is the City of Hopewell implementing an EMS program?
- Manage regulatory responsibilities with confidence.
- Provide a positive public image for environmental management leadership and innovation.
- Improve relations with state and federal regulators, local industry, and surrounding governments.
- Manage important issues such as growth, brown-fields, and green-fields development.
What role do employees have in developing and maintaining the EMS program?
- Identify "aspects" associated with the activities, products, and services provided by the City.
- Determine which "aspects" are significant and prioritize.
- Integrate environmental protection procedures and safeguards into daily activities.
Are there recognition programs to identify organizations that develop EMS programs?
The Virginia Environmental Excellence Program was developed by the
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to promote the use of
environmental management systems and pollution prevention as a means of
improving environmental quality and improved organizational
performance. This voluntary program offers recognition and incentives
to encourage the adoption of environmental management systems and
pollution prevention by businesses, manufactures, government agencies
and other organizations.
There are two types of participation in the program-Environmental
Enterprise or "E2" and Exemplary Environmental Enterprise or "E3"
designations. The "E2" designation recognizes those organizations that
are interested in beginning or are in the early stages of implementing
an environment management system emphasizing pollution prevention. The
"E3" designation recognizes those organizations with fully-implemented
EMSs pollution prevention programs and demonstrated performance.
To be considered for inclusion as an Environmental Enterprise, an organization must apply and provide the following:
- Policy statement outlining the organization’s commitment to improving environmental quality;
- An evaluation of the organizations environmental needs;
- Objectives and targets for addressing significant environmental impacts; and
- Description of the organization’s pollution prevention program.
- Organizations working toward the "E3" designation must also meet ISO 14001 standards for EMS programs.
- A record of significant compliance with environmental laws and be
in significant compliance with all applicable environmental
requirements.
What goals have been established for EMS program implementation?
- Earn the "E2" designation for City of Hopewell activities.
- Earn the "E3" designation for the Hopewell Regional Water Treatment Facility.
- Promote environmental stewardship in all City activities.
- Develop EMS procedures covering all municipal government activities.
- Train all employees to consider the environmental cost associated
with doing business and select environmental friendly alternatives.