ECDM Essay, Research Paper

Policy statement.

Descriptions of current waste generating processes

Descriptions of current and past practices used to eliminate or reduce the generation of toxic pollutants.

Rationale used behind each goal.

Options that have been considered, that are not economically or technically feasible.

The steps to implementing a Environmentally Conscious Management plan are as follows:

Establish a baseline

Identify Options

Evaluate Options

Implement

Continuously Improve

Establishing a Baseline

This is perhaps the most critical step, and perhaps the easiest to overlook.

The baseline consists of:

Determining the type and quantity of wastes generated at your facility.

Determining if the company is out of compliance with specific regulations.

Determining current corporate environmental policies.

It may be best to have an outside audit team (consultants) conduct the baseline investigation.

Determine current corporate environmental policies.

Examine corporate policy letters (good vs. bad)

Interview the corporate environmental staff

Interview plant employees

Investigate previous history of fines

Determine if the purchasing department has a list of chemicals not allowed into the plant.

Determine if environmental costs tracked by accounting.

Identify Options

Continuously ask why a particular waste stream is being produced.

Ask for input from the machine operators.

Query those who did the baseline.

Use outside vendors (salesmen).

Evaluate Options

Work on the most significant improvements first, not the easiest.

Ensure the option is economically feasible.

Ensure technical support is available.

Ensure the customer is aware of proposed process changes.

Choose the option that is technically feasible, economically viable, and fits with the future business plan.

Implement

Obtain funding, after documenting the return on investment.

Assemble a project team.

Outline project tasks and a schedule.

Make project assignments.

Track schedules and budgets.

Conduct pilot testing.

Complete final design and specifications

Document what has been done.

Obtain necessary permits

Obtain bids for equipment, construction, training.

Contract for equipment and services.

Prepare start-up plans.

Oversee equipment installation.

Certify & start up machinery.

Conduct training.

Complete manuals and “as-built” drawings.

Review performance of equipment, as operating vs. as promised.