Compliance Assurance
The local government institutes support programs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and encourages setting goals beyond compliance.
Implementation of an environmental management program should be a clear signal that non- compliance with regulations and established procedures is unacceptable and injurious to the operation and reputation of the local government. Satisfaction of this performance objective requires a clear and distinct compliance management program as a component of the local government 's overall environmental management system.
A local government that fully incorporates the tenets of this principle demonstrates maintainable regulatory compliance and addresses the risk of non-compliance swiftly and efficiently. It also has established a proactive approach to compliance through tracking and early identification of regulatory trends and initiatives and maintains effective communications with both regulatory authorities and internally to coordinate responses to those initiatives. It also requires that contractors demonstrate their commitment to responsible environmental management and provides guidance to meet specified standards.
Emergency Preparedness
The local government develops and implements a program to address contingency planning and emergency response situations.
Emergency preparedness is not only required by law, it is a good practice. Properly maintained facilities and trained personnel help limit property damage, lost-time injuries, and save costs.
Commitment to this principle is demonstrated by the institution of formal emergency-response procedures (including appropriate training) and the appropriate links between health and safety programs (e.g., medical monitoring for employees performing hazardous site work).
Pollution Prevention And Resource Conservation
The local government develops a program to address pollution prevention and resource conservation issues.
A local government committed to pollution prevention has a formal program describing procedures, strategies, and goals. In connection with the formal program, the most advanced local governments have policies that encourage employees to actively identify and pursue pollution prevention and resource conservation measures, and procedures to incorporate such measures into the formal program. Resource conservation practices would address the use by the local government of energy, water, and transportation resources, among others. Pollution prevention policies and practices should follow waste management hierarchy covering source reduction; recycling; treatment; and disposal.