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. ens Page 5 of 11 6'1 Many businesses and government facilities have implemented formal Environmental Management Systems to systematically manage their environmental and health safety activities. An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing, and improving the processes and actions that an organization undertakes to meet its business and environmental goals. Most Environmental Management Systems are built on what the EPA calls a "plan, do, check, act" model. This includes identifying environmental aspects and establishing goals, implementing those goals, monitoring .and taking corrective action, and reviewing to make necessary changes. The guidance is intended to increase the use of Environmental Management Systems in civil legal settlements. The guidance document also explains how these management systems will be used to address the root causes of violations of U.S. environmental laws and regulations and the risks these violations pose to communities and ecosystems. The agency is working with the U.S. Department of Justice to implement Environmental Management Systems in appropriate criminal plea agreements to achieve beneficial outcomes for the environment. The EPA has issued a memorandum to encourage and expand the use of these management systems in enforcement settlements and in community involvement. The guidance is an extension of the Environmental Protection Agency's May 2002 position statement on Environmental Management Systems, in which the agency committed to promote their use and emphasize their adoption to achieve improved environmental performance and compliance and pollution prevention through reduction of waste and hazardous materials at the source: Open Space Enhances Nearby Property Values http: // ens - news. com /ens /jun2003/2003- 06- 13- 09.asp 06/16/2003