Environmental program emphasizes responsibility Published May 29, 2008 By 375th Civil Engineer Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE,Ill. -- Scott Air Force Base is taking a new approach toward its environmental responsibilities, which factors in the mission, the community and the environment. A key element in this methodology is the Environmental Management System. EMS is a risk-assessment tool that provides a framework for organizations to identify environmental risks and develop plans to eliminate or minimize them, said Laura Dods, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. EMS consists of a cross-functional team, made up of representatives from across the installation. The team includes administrators, shop foremen, warehouse supervisors, maintainers, engineers and safety officials, who meet about once a quarter, said Ms. Dods. The cross-functional team identifies environmental problems and offers solutions, which may be due to workers seeing how their activities affect the environment. "If there is a change or improvement that needs to be made the employees can go to their cross-functional team member," she said. The cross-functional team presents its recommendations to the Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Quarterly Committee, led by the 375th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Al Hunt. This committee reviews and authorizes the recommendations. Scott kicked off its EMS program in 2005. Ms. Dods emphasized that the Environmental Flight does not make decisions for EMS, but merely provides guidance on procedures and regulations and coordinates the meetings for the cross-functional team. The cross-functional team has set goals to improve Scott's environment. "Everybody on the installation has a voice in improving our environment and through the EMS, as a group, we are going to be able to make a bigger difference than just a few environmental professionals," she said.