Policy on Environmental Management
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Fermi Research Alliance, LLC (FRA) conducts all operations with regard for the protection of its workers, the community, and the environment, striving for continuous improvement of environmental protection and sustainable management objectives, fulfillment of compliance obligations, and the achievement of environmental justice.
This policy is not a contract and is not intended to create any obligations on FRA. This policy may be terminated or changed by FRA at any time, with or without notice.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Fermilab activities and operations carried out under the approved management systems at the Fermilab site and all leased spaces except where an equivalent local policy or procedure is noted to take precedent.
3. Applicability
This policy applies to FRA and all its employees, affiliates, subcontractors, and Fermilab users.
4. Effective Date and Date Reviewed/Updated
This policy went into effect in January of 2017 and was updated August 7, 2024.
5. Policy
High standards of environmental protection are fully consistent with the search for an understanding of the fundamental properties of nature. Fermilab maintains an Environmental Management System (EMS, FESHM 8010), which includes the establishment of a framework for determining and prioritizing environmental objectives and targets to remain in compliance with DOE guidance and local, state, and federal regulations while addressing risks and opportunities. Through the EMS, Fermilab is committed to protecting the environment in the daily conduct of experimental physics. Fermilab also remains committed to achieving environmental justice by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. Fermilab will also strive to ensure appropriate and equitable distribution of benefits the laboratory provides to surrounding communities (e.g., employment opportunity, education and research, and community representation).
Fermilab shall:
- Conduct scientific research and all other laboratory operations with strong regard for the EMS outcomes, including protection of human health and the environment, and complying with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
- Advance the goals of continual improvement for conserving, enhancing, and restoring environmental quality.
- Integrate environmental considerations into planning and decision-making processes, continually evaluate the importance of the environmental impact the laboratory has, and take reasonable measures to mitigate adverse effects.
- Avoid waste generation wherever possible, minimize pollution at the source where feasible, and aggressively pursue opportunities for material recycling.
- Employ cost-effective operational controls to minimize process emissions and effluents.
- Utilize safe, energy-efficient products where practical that contain recycled materials, are protective of the environment, and can be reused, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
- Incorporate the philosophy of sustainability into all activities to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the laboratory’s mission.
- Avoid harm to cultural resources (e.g., historic properties, archaeological resources, cemeteries, etc.), protected species, natural habitats, and ecologically sensitive areas wherever and whenever feasible, in compliance with applicable statutes.
- Utilize an active self-assessment program to continually improve systems for protecting the environment.
- Act swiftly and responsibly to correct conditions that may endanger health, safety, or the environment, and report these situations promptly to inform potentially affected parties in a timely manner.
- Educate experimenters and employees at all levels to appreciate and protect environmental resources by implementing and adhering to this policy.
6. Definitions
Environmental Management System (EMS) is the set of policies and procedures established to implement the environmental policy, achieve environmental objectives, meet compliance obligations, manage environmental aspects, and address environmental risks and opportunities.
Fermilab is the physical site and property that is Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Fermi Research Alliance, LLC is the operator and manager of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory under U.S. Department of Energy Prime Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359 Section C.4 Statement of Work and is the principal employer of personnel working at Fermilab.
7. Responsibilities
The Environment, Safety, and Health Senior Director/Chief Safety Officer (ESHSD/CSO) serves as the EMS lead and provides oversight for documenting, implementing, and maintaining this Environmental Policy. The ESHSD/CSO provides the appropriate resources to implement and to maintain the EMS and manages and directs the Environment, Safety, and Health Division.
All FRA employees, affiliates, subcontractors, and users must fully comply with all procedures, instructions, and directives contained within the Fermilab Environment Safety & Health Manual (FESHM) and the Fermilab Radiological Control Manual (FRCM), to ensure that work is being conducted within the bounds of applicable environmental regulations and requirements. These persons are responsible for identifying and mitigating hazards and incorporating environmental requirements and best management practices into work planning. They must perform all activities in a safe and environmentally sound manner and ensure proper communication and/or notification of any potential or actual environmental impacts associated with these activities. They are responsible for terminating any activity that they believe poses an imminent danger to the safety and health of individuals or to the quality of the environment.
8. Authorities
DOE O 436.1 Departmental Sustainability
Fermilab Environmental Management System (EMS, FESHM 8010)
9. Owner
The ESHSD/CSO is the owner of this policy.
10. Review Cycle
This policy shall be reviewed every three years.
11. Communication Plan
The requirements of this policy shall be communicated to all employees, subcontractors, and users. This policy shall be available online in the Fermilab policy database. The Environment, Safety, and Health Division is responsible for the communication of this policy.