1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure Fermilab conducts all operations with regard for the protection of the community and the environment, and in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
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 Fermi Research Alliance, LLC and all its employees and Fermilab users.
4. Effective Date and Date Reviewed/Updated
This policy goes into effect on September 28, 2020 and replaces the January 2017 version.
5. Policy
Fermilab should conduct scientific research, and all other lab operations, with regard for the protection of the community and the environment, and in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. High standards of environmental protection are fully consistent with the search for an understanding of the fundamental properties of nature. Through the Environmental Management System (EMS, FESHM 8010) Fermilab is committed to protecting the environment in the daily conduct of experimental physics.
Fermilab personnel shall advance the goals of continual improvement for conserving, enhancing, and restoring environmental quality, including the establishment of a framework for determining and reviewing environmental objectives and targets, while remaining in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Fermilab's policy is to:
• Integrate environmental considerations into planning and decision-making processes, evaluate the environmental impact of our actions and take all reasonable measures to mitigate adverse effects.
• Avoid waste generation wherever possible, minimizing pollution at the source where feasible and aggressively pursuing recycling opportunities.
• Employ cost-effective operational controls to minimize our emissions and effluents.
• Employ products, whenever practical, that contain recycled materials, prevent pollution, are safe, energy-efficient, and protective of the environment, and can be reused, recycled or disposed of safely.
• Incorporate the philosophy of sustainability into all activities to the maximum extent 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, and in compliance with applicable statutes.
• Utilize an active self-assessment program to continually improve programs for protecting the environment. Act swiftly and responsibly to correct conditions that may endanger health, safety, or the environment, and to report them promptly and inform potentially affected parties.
• Educate experimenters and employees at all levels to appreciate and protect environmental resources by adhering to and implementing this policy.
6. Definitions
Environmental Management System (EMS) is the set of policies and procedures established to manage, control, and mitigate the potential impacts of specific Laboratory activities with environmental impacts.
Fermilab is the physical site and property that is the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Fermi Research Alliance, LLC is the operator and manager of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory under Department of Energy Prime Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359 and is the principal employer of personnel working at Fermilab.
7. Responsibilities
The Chief Safety Officer serves as the EMS lead and provides oversight for documenting, implementing and maintaining this Environmental Policy. The CSO provides the appropriate resources to implement and maintain the EMS and manages and directs the Environment, Safety, and Health Section.
All Employees, Subcontractors, Users and Visitors 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) in order to assure work is being conducted within the bounds of applicable environmental regulations and requirements. They 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
9. Owner
The Chief Safety Officer 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. This policy shall be available online in the Fermilab policy database. The Environmental, Safety, and Health Section is responsible for the communication of this policy.