Administration > Stewardship and Compliance > Programs
The Environment Section is responsible for providing Department employees with the information and support necessary to achieve and maintain environmental compliance. In addition, the OSC provides the knowledge, programming and outreach to identify and incorporate best practices to improve the environmental stewardship of the Department overall.
Several developing, ongoing programs within the OSC Environment include:
| Multimedia Environmental Compliance Audit |
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 In accordance with an Administrative Order by Consent issued by the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) in June 2007, the Department hired a consultant firm to conduct multimedia environmental compliance audits (MECAs) at the Division of Operations’ facilities throughout the state. The primary objective of the audits was to assess the Department's compliance and identify any violations of applicable federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, including any permits issued under them, from January 1, 2005, through the audit commencement date. For any violations identified by the MECAs, the Department conducted root cause analyses, and developed and submitted corrective action plans (CAPs) to NHDES. Following NHDES approval, the CAPs were implemented. The MECAs commenced June 2008, and were concluded in October 2010. |
| Environmental Management System (EMS) |
 An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a framework for using a continuous improvement approach to develop, implement and revise the policies, procedures, and programs that address how an organization’s activities impact the natural environment. Its goal is to improve environmental performance by reducing or preventing the pollution associated with its operations and use of resources. The EMS begins by developing an environmental policy that declares the overall goals and principles. Activities that interact with the environment are identified and their impacts are ranked according to severity. Objectives and targets to reduce and eliminate the most significant potential impacts are developed and incorporated into a management plan of action. During implementation, the procedures, resources, and training necessary for carrying out the action plan are identified and responsibilities assigned. The EMS has an on-going, built-in review process to determine the effectiveness of the program and to consider and propose improvements. It also requires periodic review by top management to ensure continued suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. |
| NHDOT Recycles |
The goal of the NHDOT recycling program is to improve our environmental stewardship by increasing the percentage of waste that is recycled and also by increasing our awareness and capacity to recycle more materials. Additionally, we strive to reduce the amount of waste that the Department generates through smart business practices and reuse programs. Currently, efforts are underway to expand recycling within the JO Morton Building and the Materials and Research Building. With the enactment of House Bill 877, recycling at all state agencies throughout New Hampshire will be guided by the Interagency Recycling and Products Purchase Committee. Currently recycled materials at the Morton and Materials & Research Buildings:
Some reuse, recycling and waste reduction tips:
Recycling Documents:
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