1. Environmental Quality Program Strategy
The Army Reserve Environmental Quality Program provides Soldiers and stakeholders with environmentally compliant and sustainable resources through proactive program management in support of mission execution.
Conserve Natural and Cultural Resources Support the long-term mission through effective management of our natural and cultural resources.
Ensure Compliance
Comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure mission capability.
Prevent Pollution
Use processes, materials, or products that avoid, reduce, or control pollution in a cost effective manner.
1.1 Better integrate natural, cultural, and conservation best practices into Army Reserve-wide planning process.
1.2 Effectively manage ecosystems.
1.3 Conserve cultural resources.
1.4 Maximize integrated pest management.
2.1 Reduce Regulatory Compliance Actions & EPAS Findings.
2.2 Complete NEPA analysis on all proposed actions.
2.3 Obtain and maintain all required permits and management plans.
2.4 Train environmental officers and hazardous waste handlers on site specific requirements.
3.1 Develop and implement an AR P2 Plan and periodically review for effectiveness.
3.2 Conduct Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessments (P2OA) focused on innovative processes and solutions.
3.3 Avoid and reduce the use of hazardous materials.
3.4 Improve spill prevention & response.
Strengthen an Integrated Environmental Quality Foundation
Improve environmental management and obtain the resources necessary to execute Army Reserve priorities.
4.1 Provide policy and guidance to support informed decisions made by senior leaders.
4.2 Improve environmental communication, outreach, and training with all stakeholders in both the internal and external communities.
4.3 Staff and fund the program at a stable level necessary for environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
4.4 improve the collection, validation, and analysis of reporting metrics.

2. Human Element of Compliance
Welcome
Introduction to Panel
Panel format
Purpose
Building better communications in EPAS
Improved communication = improved compliance

3. Human Element of Compliance

4. Communication Avenues

5. Potential Communication Barriers
Poor design of document or
Poor delivery by messenger
Wrong channel, medium
Information overload

6. Example

7. Pre-Assessment

8. Pre-Assessment Communications
“the assessor will institute a highly focused and effective pre assessment coordination process” – EPAS Manual Sep 2017
Pre-Assessment builds the foundation for a good assessment.
Communication with host installations – great resource for tenant facilities
Distinguish between internal/external EPAS or SAVs
Work to foster relationships with people other than the Environmental POC (i.e. AFOS, FC, Key Control)
Set the tone with EPAS scheduling activities
Identify persons and time to participate onsite (Key control personnel)
Begins 90 days from planned visit – but this shouldn’t be the only coordination. Follow up to confirm logistics, life happens and schedules flex.
Follow up s with phone calls – more personal that s build rapport.

9. Pre-Assessment Communications
Contact Stakeholders
Begin the conversation with something non-environmental
Communicate the intent and importance
Emphasize the purpose is to assist and that you are NOT the EPA!
For EPAS - Communicate that findings are not a bad thing just a picture in time. Explain the benefits of findings – policy & resourcing needs.
Set expectations – Especially important for new POCs
What have been some of your Pre-Assessment coordination & communication issues you’ve experienced and how did you resolve them?

10. Conducting an Assessment

11. Elements of Communication
Having the right attitude can enhance communication between the assessor and persons being assessed. Take a position of information exchange rather than an expert

12. Assessment
Audit the process first – drop the clipboard and ask general questions. Tour the facility
Conduct interviews with people in multiple roles and job functions
Perhaps the most important part of the assessment
Promote honesty
Take detailed notes and photos
Conduct an informal exit brief

13. Assessment
Methods and techniques for working with different personality types
What are your communication barriers and success stories?

14. Post Assessment

15. Post Assessment Documentation in written records
QC of findings and root cause analysis
Socialization of findings
Publish EPAS report
Are findings and corrective actions written with support of EPAS and PM leads
Do we use data properly and to our advantage in the assessment details
Are we concise yet descriptive enough for leadership to understand the message BLUF

16. Post Assessment
Coordinating an SAV to close findings, provide training
What are your communication barriers and success stories?

17. Conclusion
Assessors require good 360 degree communication skills – verbal and written
Use multiple communication styles to insure common understanding
Recognize your audience and tailor your approach and style for maximum effect
Keep working on communications, they can always improve

18. Communication Avenues