[SustainableNC] Deadline for 2002 NC Environmental Stewardship Initiative

[Sharron Rogers]

    Application Deadline July 31, 2002

 

DENR Launches Initiative to Promote<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
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Superior Environmental Performance


 

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking
for environmental partners to put into practice innovative approaches that
meet or exceed regulatory requirements. On Earth Day, Secretary Bill Ross
introduced DENR's new Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) to
"encourage North Carolina organizations to move beyond compliance and toward
environmental sustainability by using a systematic approach to environmental
performance." This voluntary program offers incentives to develop and
implement programs that use pollution prevention and other resourceful
methods to produce a better environment, conserve natural resources, and
integrate environmental concerns into business decisions. Two levels of
participation exist in this program.

"Stewardship of our state's natural resources is more critical than ever.
This partnering program is an important step in improving the quality of
North Carolina's environment and our overall quality of life." 

 
-Gov. Mike Easley

The first level, Environmental Partner, is designed for a broad range of
organizations that are interested in beginning the process to develop a
systematic approach to improve environmental performance. A DENR
Environmental Partner must: 

nNot be under any environmental criminal indictment. DENR retains the right
to reject an applicant following a compliance review;

nDocument commitment to compliance; 

nSet environmental performance goals that include pollution prevention;

nCommit to developing, implementing and maintaining an environmental
management system (EMS) based on ISO 14001 or a functionally equivalent
model; and

nReport annually on progress towards environmental performance goals,
including net reductions in emissions and any reportable non-compliance
events.

 

Environmental Partners will be eligible for:

nTechnical assistance on developing an EMS, pollution prevention approaches,
environmental management and treatment technologies, and achieving and
maintaining compliance with local, state and federal regulations;

nSpecialized training and networking opportunities;

nAccess to Environmental Steward mentors;

nRecognition of program participation;

nCoverage by U.S. EPA and DENR self-reporting policies;

nSingle point of contact within DENR; and

nOther benefits as deemed appropriate by the DENR secretary based on
recommendations from the Advisory Workgroup.

 

The second level, Environmental Steward, is for organizations that have
shown a commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is
required by law. To become a DENR Environmental Steward, the applicant must
for each site:

n Set aggressive environmental performance goals;

n Have a functional EMS based on ISO 14001 or a functionally equivalent
model;

n Not have had any significant violations in the preceding two years. DENR
retains the right to reject an applicant following a compliance review;

n Report annually on progress towards environmental performance goals
including net reductions in emissions and any reportable non-compliance
events;

n Agree to be a mentor to Environmental Partner participants;

n Have a process for communicating with the local community on program
activities and progress towards performance goals; and

nDemonstrate how the EMS is integrated into its core business functions.

 

DENR Environmental Stewards will be eligible for all benefits available to
Environmental Partners in addition to:

nFormal public recognition from the governor and the secretary of DENR that
may include use of a program logo, an award ceremony, public announcements
and press releases; 

nParticipation in the Environmental Stewardship Forum chaired by the
secretary and key department policy makers.

n Established time frames for permit decisions. This does not change
existing public comment opportunities;

n Consideration for regulatory innovations.group will review applications
and make a recommendation to the Secretary regarding program participants.

 

Participant Eligibility: Any site-specific regulated organization or entity
whose activities impact the environment is eligible to participate. This
includes but is not limited to manufacturers, businesses, agribusiness,
service providers, government agencies, schools and nonprofits. 

 

Participant Selection: An advisory workgroup appointed by the secretary will
recommend acceptance into the program and review the program annually.
Workgroup membership consists of manufacturers, industry trade groups, small
businesses and environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations. This
group will review applications and make a recommendation to the Secretary
regarding program participants.

 

Program Participation: To remain in the program, Environmental Partners or
Stewards must be committed to meeting environmental performance goals,
strive for continual improvement, and demonstrate management commitment to
meet (Partner) or exceed (Steward) compliance. At the end of three years in
the program, DENR will conduct a review of each member to assess their
progress toward meeting organization and overall program goals.
Organizations are accepted as Environmental Partners and Environmental
Stewards for a period of five years after which they may apply for renewal.
Based on reports from participants, a program summary will be prepared and
presented to the governor on an annual basis.

 

Organizations are accepted as Environmental Partners and Environmental
Stewards for a period of five years after which they may apply for renewal.
Based on reports from participants, a program summary will be prepared and
presented to the governor on an annual basis.

 

 To apply or for more detailed information, visit the ESI Web site at
http://www.p2pays.org/esi or contact Beth Graves, ESI coordinator, at (919)
715-6506 or beth.graves at ncmail.net <mailto:beth.graves at ncmail.net>  .

 

 

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