How is the EPAS program transforming to evaluate EMS conformance?
The EPAS program will transition to include conducting EMS audits that will evaluate conformance to the ISO 14001 standard, and evaluate effectiveness of the EMS programs. The number of EPAS compliance assessments will decrease as installations begin implementing ISO 14001 conforming EMSs. Beginning in FY06 installations will be assessed against the six Army metrics, at a minimum, plus any elements of the ISO 14001 standard that the installation determines to be ready for external review. Then beginning in FY10 the installation will be audited against conformance with the ISO 14001 standard. From the period FY10 through FY12 audits will be conducted at all appropriate facilities. After FY12 the facility size, complexity, and environmental aspects will determine the audit scope and frequency. The Army Self-Declaration Protocol outlines the criteria installations will be audited against during specific timeframes.
