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- Richmond, VA
April 23, 2003
From EarthVision Environmental News
Last week the Department of Defense announced that the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) would be the first defense facility to develop an environmental management system (EMS) as part of a new pilot program. DoD will then help other defense installations reduce and prevent pollution by creating and implementing site-specific EMS based on the experience of DSCR.
An environmental management system is a set of management procedures that allow an organization to analyze, control, and reduce the environmental impacts of its activities, procedures, and services, and to operate with greater efficiency and control. DSCR, a federal military distribution center, will work in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to develop the system. It will become a model for environmental stewardship in the defense community.
The pilot program is expected to improve overall environmental performance, expanded pollution prevention opportunities, improved compliance, enhanced operational control and efficiency, and promote more community involvement at the facility.
This project allows for organizations to work together and exchange information. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality already has an environmental management system (EMS) in place and will guide DSCR through the development and implementation of its EMS.
Many local residents were shocked to learn that the Center was selected as the pilot facility. DSCR, a known contamination site, has been cited for toxic spills in the past. It has been a dumping ground for chemicals that were stored, buried, or spilled. Many residents claim it to be the cause of their chronic pain and unexplained illnesses, although no evidence has proven their claims. The facility is one of the nation�s largest military supply facilities.
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