Setting New Goals!
Since the early 1990’s Iowa has utilized a Comprehensive Planning system of solid waste planning as laid out in Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 567-101.
Now Iowa has a new voluntary program for solid waste planning areas and permitted facility service areas called the Environmental Management System (EMS) program. EMS encourages responsible environmental management while promoting environmental stewardship and continuous improvement.
Six areas of emphasis are:
- Yard waste management
- Household hazardous waste collection
- Water quality improvement
- Greenhouse gas reduction
- Recycling services
- Environmental education.
Beyond the environmental and organizational benefits of EMS, participants are exempted from solid waste reduction goals established in Iowa Code 455D.3 and IAC 567-101. In addition, EMS designees are eligible for special Grant Funding.
To help participants fully understand and implement EMS Department of Natural Resources provides specialized training on this system over a series of several months. The training instructs participants on the Ten Elements of EMS. The training is done through webinars, group meetings and meetings at the participant’s site, engaging many levels of the organization. Once the system is in place, the Tier 1 participant goes through a Third Party Audit to determine whether they qualify as Tier 2.
Benefits of EMS:
- Improved Environmental Compliance
- Reduced Environmental Impacts
- Clarity of Responsibilities and Expectations
|
Iowa's Environmental Management System - See how local communities and the environment benefit from Iowa's new EMS.
|
- Fewer “Fire Drills” – panicked organization before a board meeting, DNR Field Office or OSHA Visit
- Cost Avoidance and Increased Efficiency
- Increased Understanding and Awareness of Environmental Requirements and Impacts by Staff
- Positive Recognition
Application for EMS Designation
Solid Waste Agencies and Permitted Facility Service Areas interested in entering the EMS program must apply. Applications are accepted on dates set by the EMS Council. Those dates will be posted on this website. Applicants are eligible for a Quick Start Grant of $20,000.
Congratulations!
Three new participants have been designated Tier 1 EMS:
Northern Plains Regional Planning Area, serving Clay, Emmet, Palo Alto and Pocahontas Counties
South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency, serving Lucas, Marion and Poweshiek Counties
Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center, serving Johnson County and the incorporated areas of Riverside and Kalona
These participants join the original six participants – formerly called “Pilots” now designated Tier 2 EMS participants:
Other Resources:
- June 15, 2011: GS&P Iowa EMS Final Report Presentation
- June 15, 2011: Intelex Handout
- June 15, 2011: EMS Application Presentation
- November 15, 2011: EMS Overview
- November 15, 2011: Fenceline
- November 15, 2011: Environmental Policy
- November 15, 2011: Gap Analysis
- November 15, 2011: Activities and Impacts
- November 15, 2011: Website
- November 15, 2011: Next Steps
SWANA WASTECON Presentation -
"Is this really the best way to the future? Iowa's Winding Journey to Move Beyond Waste Diversion"
EMS Participants - Example Documents (Coming Soon!)
- Environmental Policy Statements
- Procedures
DNR Contact
Leslie Goldsmith
515-281-8499
Leslie.Goldsmith@dnr.iowa.gov