Yellowstone National Park A Great EMS Story

GOALS of the EMS: Develop an EMS that is easy, quick and which can be implemented with the least process cost. YNP wants to retain their role as an environmental leader and implement an EMS that goes beyond what is required by E.O

EMS Approach Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

1. Start Where You Are YNP is a leader in the environmental field. They have implemented an approach to manage environmental issues in a sustainable manner. Lack environmental policy, formal integration with all programs and documentation required by E.O

Environmental policy interview process: Objective – to document the employee perspective on environmental issues so that the policy will incorporate the values and thoughts of the park’s key stakeholders.

Environmental policy interview process Employees want better communication about environmental issues and clear direction on environmental policies.

Environmental policy interview process “Who is responsible for the Environmental Program at the park?”

Environmental policy interview process “What is the most significant environmental problem in the park”

Environmental policy interview process “How would you like to receive information?”

Environmental policy interview process “What should be done to increase employee accountability to the environmental program?”

Ensuring Yellowstone’s Environment “Keeping an eye on the future” YNP is a special place – everyone is responsible to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources. As the nation’s and the world’s first national park, YNP will continue to work together to promote and advance environmental stewardship with employees, partners, concessionaires and visitors. Communicating, directing and providing support for the environmental policy is a priority for the Park Superintendent, the Leadership Team and managers. All employees must understand their role and lead by example.

2. Use What You Have EMS Team: One contact from each Division 5 meeting in 9 months Used the concessionaire’s EMS and EPA workbook to document EMS Integrate all actions into existing park system (no new work products) Asked each Division to ID what they would do

3. Do What You Can EMS Goals for 2005: Divert 80% of solid waste from the landfill by 2008: –2004 baseline –10 % increase in diversion each year –Measure total park waste, no new measures. Provide information to employees on what the park is doing to protect air quality.

Implementation of EMS Goals Resource Managers: –Add recycling bins to all office areas. –Adopt a “Pack-it-in Pack-it-out” policy for all researchers who bring chemicals into the park.

Implementation of EMS Goals Maintenance: -Glass pulverizer -Propane cylinders -Tire recycling

Implementation of EMS Goals Rangers: -Propane cylinder recycling bins in campgrounds -Add recycling information to camp talks -Add recycling bin and florescence light bulb in jail

Implementation of EMS Goals Interpretation: -Train seasonals on environmental programs -Insert “Greening Goals” into Yellowstone Today -Add environmental information to Resources and Issues handbook

Implementation of EMS Goals Landscaping: -Universal Signage for recycling bins

Implementation of EMS Goals Safety: -Green procurement and chemical management program

Implementation of EMS Goals Administration: -Notify suppliers that they must meet EMS goals – or find new supplier -Post solid waste “thermometer” in supply center to inform employees

Implementation of EMS Goals Management: -Add environmental duties to employee’s performance standards as appropriate.

Implementation of EMS Goals Concessions: -Require compliance with EMS in contracts -Concessionaires were required to identified ways to contribute to the solid waste goal

EMS Audit An audit was conducted in April, 2006 by an External Audit Team. Findings: -EMS Team fulfilled their goals -Solid waste diversion rate = 68% -Improvements needed in communication, accountability and implementation -Park staff overall EMS grade = 70%

YNP - A Great EMS Employees are involved in developing the EMS No additional work load Employees “buy-In” to system Management support: “EMS is a lifestyle for the park” Suzanne Lewis, Park Superintendent