FY 18 Annual Report

Environmental Management System (EMS) In September 2011, the City of Spencer, through its ownership of the Northern Plains Regional Landfill was accepted into the state's Environmental Management System program, administered by the DNR. The program was authorized the Iowa Legislature and participants change operational methods from the Comprehensive Planning to a system where the operations are looked at and improved through an Environmental Management System. The enabling legislation maintains focus areas that all EMS participants must set goals in to achieve better results. The six categories are as follows:

1) Water quality improvement 2) Greenhouse gas reduction 3) Yard waste management 4) Household hazardous waste collection 5) Recycling services 6) Environmental education

As part of the EMS program, participants were relieved from submitting and collecting $1.10 / ton in tipping fees that were remitted to the State. However, the City of Spencer chose to continue collecting the amount and setting that amount aside to help fund projects and programs outlined in our EMS program.

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