An Environmental Management System Troubleshooters' Guide for Local Governments

The Environmental Management System (EMS) Troubleshooters’ Guide for Local Governments has been compiled from experiences and lessons learned through various EMS Initiatives for Government Entities. The practical data and case study material has been extracted from over 23 municipal, state, and local organizations which implemented EMSs as participants in these initiatives. The document is structured to systematically lead a facility, by addressing the needs and issues that a facility might encounter, throughout the four phases of EMS implementation. The Guide has been designed to be "user-friendly" with each individual phase packaged as an individual workbook, complete with phase-specific sample documentation examples, case study materials, and troubleshooting guidance. We recommend utilizing one phase of the manual at a time, due to the breadth of information, detailed tasks, and systematic implementation structure.  As each phase is completed, the individual "workbooks" should be maintained in a centralized location, such as a three-ring binder, for future reference by your organization.

This guide is not intended to be a "stand alone" EMS implementation manual, and we encourage users of this Guide to take advantage of the additional information sources highlighted throughout this document. 

Introduction

Phase I: “Getting Ready” 

Phase II: “Plan”

Phase III: “Do”

Phase IV: “Check & Act”

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 

Appendix B: Major Task Checklist

Appendix C: Phase I Sample Documentation (PDF Version)  /  (Microsoft Word Version)

Appendix D: Phase II Sample Documentation (PDF Version)  /  (Microsoft Word Version)

Appendix E: Phase III Sample Documentation (PDF Version)  /  (Microsoft Word Version)

Appendix F: Phase IV Sample Documentation (PDF Version)  /  (Microsoft Word Version)

Appendix G: Additional Resources