The APLC has developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) for its locust control operations. An EMS is a management tool designed to help an organisation identify its environmental risks and improve its environmental performance. It consists of a number of major processes that are broken down into a series of procedures. It is implemented through a cycle of planning, operation, checking and review.
In the planning phase the scope of the organisation's operations and the potential environmental impacts are identified. A set of objectives to manage or reduce those impacts are developed, based on the overall environmental policy.
The implementation and operation phase puts in place a set of procedures for the achievement of those objectives. These procedures include communicating and documenting the requirements of the EMS and training staff to identify and meet these requirements.
The checking and correction phase monitors the success of the EMS and implements corrective measures where protocols are not being followed or the system is in some way deficient.
Finally, the management review phase involves strategic reviews of the achievement of the objectives. This stage may involve a review of the environment policy and its appropriateness in the light of the evolving nature of the organisation and the change in environmental obligations and expectations.
The EMS involves continual review and improvement. The key documents of the APLC EMS are the Environment Policy, the Procedures Manual and the Procedures Register.
The APLC EMS has six core program areas, each with a series of operational objectives.
- Excellence in all operational areas
- Appropriate waste management
- Minimise the intensity, extent and duration of disturbance to native flora and fauna
- Contribute to the understanding of natural and managed ecosystems
- Avoid disturbance to protected sites and areas
- Ensure stakeholders are aware of all environmental obligations and that they assist APLC in achieving these
The APLC Annual Activity Statement provides a report each year on progress and activity undertaken to achieve these objectives.