Overview
This section outlines the regulatory framework for federal agencies to gather environmental data from contractors and establishes requirements for contractor participation in environmental management systems and waste reduction efforts at federal sites.
Key Rules
- Information Gathering: The government must collect specific data from contractors to satisfy statutory "right-to-know" laws and pollution prevention reporting requirements.
- EMS Compliance: Contractors are required to comply with established Environmental Management Systems (EMS) when performing work for the government.
- Waste Reduction: A specific mandate is established to ensure that operations at federal facilities prioritize the reduction of waste.
Practical Implications
- Contractors operating at federal facilities should expect contract clauses requiring the reporting of hazardous material inventories or toxic chemical releases (e.g., Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requirements).
- Firms must ensure their on-site operational procedures align with the specific environmental and waste management protocols of the host federal agency.