POLICY STATEMENT:

The Charleston Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) is committed to the supply, treatment, and delivery of safe potable water and the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater in an environmentally sensitive and responsible manner. This policy establishes the commitment to meeting all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and statutes. In addition, it establishes the commitment, working cooperatively and openly, to meet customer and community water quality and environmental expectations. It establishes the commitment to improving cost and resource efficiencies. Further, this policy establishes the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets with the intent of preventing pollution, protecting the environment, and continually improving environmental performance for present and future generations.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Recognizing that many aspects of operations carried out at CPW can impact the environment, this policy establishes the directives for all associates. This policy shall be formally communicated and explained to all CPW associates and made available to the public. It shall be centrally maintained and updated as necessary to reflect the changing needs and goals of CPW.

The CPW Environmental Management System (EMS) established by this policy, shall pursue and measure continual improvement in performance by establishing and maintaining documented environmental objectives and targets that correspond to the mission, vision, and core values adopted by CPW. In addition, CPW shall conduct its operations to:

1. Emphasize environmental vigilance over CPW resources, processes, products, wastes, contamination and prevention of pollution.
2. Develop management and associate commitment to the protection of the environment and prevention of pollution. Set clear environmental objectives and targets with clear assignment of accountability and responsibility and implement Environmental Improvement Programs.
3. Commit to compliance with the letter and spirit of all applicable, federal, state, and local laws and regulations and other environmental requirements, standards and codes to which CPW subscribes.

4. Plan, design, develop, construct, operate, and maintain facilities to encourage resource-efficiency and the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment.
5. Encourage integration of environmental planning into the strategic business plan.
6. Establish a management process for achieving targeted environmental performance by routinely monitoring and reporting on significant environmental aspects.
7. Implement a process of continual quality improvement for environmental management with the goal of achieving and maintaining third party certification for the EMS.
8. Establish an effective environmental communication program with external environmental stakeholders such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), community groups, and other interested parties as needed.

The Environmental Management System shall undergo review by the CPW officers on an annual basis.