Seattle Comptroller/Clerk Files Index

Clerk File 314030

1. PURPOSE

This policy reflects Seattle Public Utilities' commitment to protecting the environment as it provides high-quality, reliable drinking water.

2. DEFINITIONS

Environmental equity: The equitable distribution of environmental costs and benefits geographically across the service area and among various demographic groups.

Environmental Performance System: An outcome-focused management system that includes: an adopted policy with objectives, actions to achieve the objectives, an environmental audit system, supporting scientific analysis and monitoring, and data storage and results tracking for discrete elements of the system.

3. POLICY

Protect and enhance the environment affected by the utility as it carries out its responsibilities to provide drinking water.

A. Implement strategies and actions to achieve and exceed the goals and expected outcomes of environmental laws.

B. Develop and manage capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) activities, at a minimum, to first avoid and otherwise minimize negative effects to the environment. Conduct triple-bottom-line assessment and apply other asset management principles in making decisions about capital and O&M activities aimed at implementing this policy.

C. Reflect public and stakeholder interests on key environmental issues in SPU service levels and actions.

D. Revise environmental targets and objectives periodically, which include the development of proposed future conditions for important environmental assets, based on scientific learning and practical experience acquired from monitoring environmental performance.

E. Monitor SPU's environmental performance through regular evaluations and revise targets and objectives periodically, based on scientific learning and practical experience.

F. Reduce the quantity and toxicity of materials used and waste generated from SPU facilities and operations through source reduction, reuse, or recycling.

G. Promote and support the efficient use of materials and resources in all phases of a facility's life.

H. Promote environmental equity through utility operations and programs.

I. Assess and manage environmental risks as expressed in SPU's corporate risk and financial management strategies and decisionmaking processes.

J. Engage the public, key stakeholders, citizen owners, and employees in the implementation of SPU's Environmental Performance System, its products, and its improvement over time.

K. Lead and work cooperatively with other organizations to promote common regional environmental goals and objectives.