NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST's mission is carried out primarily through the operation of facilities in two locations: Gaithersburg, Maryland (234-hectare/578-acre site) and Boulder, Colorado, (84-hectare/208-acre site). NIST employs about 3,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel. About 1,800 NIST associates complement the staff.

NIST has a history of implementing safe and effective environmental practices and innovative environmental technologies. We are committed to protecting human health and natural resources.

NIST will:

• Comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations and other requirements,



• Provide sound stewardship of our environmental resources,



• Promote the use of safe technologies and operation practices that minimize our impact to the environment,



• Respond immediately to emergencies and minimize any adverse impacts,



• Continually improve our environmental performance through procedures established in the NIST Environmental Management System (EMS),



• Set environmental objectives and target goals, and measure our progress to these goals,



• Take corrective actions following procedures established in the NIST EMS,



• Implement an effective pollution prevention program (minimize the generation of wastes, reduce and recycle materials, investigate and evaluate new practices and procedures and dispose of wastes in an environmentally responsible manner), and



• Ensure the responsible use of energy and water throughout NIST by implementing innovative practices and procedures for conservation.

It is incumbent upon all NIST personnel, associates and contractors to assess their own roles and responsibilities and fulfill the obligations set forth in this environmental policy statement to the utmost of their abilities. This policy is supported by all members of the NIST Senior Management Board. It will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

_________________________________________________

Hratch Semerjian
Deputy Director, NIST

January 11, 2006

NIST Environmental Management System: Significant Aspects 2006

Mercury Reduction

Objective:    Reduce the quantity of mercury used at the Gaithersburg and Boulder Campuses, and consequently, reduce the potential for mercury spills.

Targets:

• Develop and implement management procedures to minimize the purchase of new mercury containing equipment.
• Encourage turn in and replacement of existing mercury containing equipment.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Objective:    Reduce the discharge of sediment/pollutants into the NIST storm water conveyance systems. Meet the NIST Phase II Stormwater NPDES Permit requirements.

Targets:

• Conduct Personnel Education and Outreach Efforts regarding stormwater issues.
• Include NIST in local Public Participation events in the surrounding communities.
• Establish a program to Monitor Discharges to the NIST stormwater systems.
• Continue the current Construction Site Runoff Control Program at NIST.
• Continue the current Post-Construction Runoff Control Program for all future construction projects at NIST.
• Develop site specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for operations at NIST that have potential impacts to stormwater runoff.

Chemical Inventory

Objective:    Update and improve the comprehensive chemical inventory system throughout NIST Gaithersburg.

Targets:

• Work with Division Safety Representatives to improve the chemical inventory system at NIST.
• Minimize chemical purchases and waste disposal by improving NIST researcher’s access to the comprehensive chemical inventory at NIST Gaithersburg and encouraging the use of existing stock.