Environmental management systems
Australia Post's environmental management philosophy is to go beyond compliance.
We established an Environmental Management System (EMS) in 1997 to manage our impacts and programs. The EMS serves to:
- identify legislative requirements
- identify potential environmental risks
- manage environmental impacts.
Identifying potential environmental risks
The EMS enables us to identify the aspects of our business that have an impact on the environment, such as air pollution, loss of biodiversity, pollution from wastes, resource consumption, noise and vibration, land contamination and water pollution.
We can then establish the risk associated with the activities based on such things as the frequency that the activity occurs, the severity of the actual or potential impact, and the social sensitivity of the issue. We can then identify the activities with the greatest potential impact.
Managing environmental impacts
Operating procedures have been established to make certain that the activities with the greatest potential impact are conducted in a way that will control or reduce the adverse impacts associated with them. The procedures ensure activities are carried out in accordance with our policies, objectives and legal obligations.
Considering the low risk nature of our operations, our refuelling facilities and underground fuel storage tanks pose the greatest environmental risk. We recently undertook a comprehensive assessment and upgrade of our fuel storage tanks to ensure that they meet or exceed Australian Environmental Standards as described below.
Fuel tank improvement project
In 2007, we completed a $2.5 million fuel storage and management project. This involved decommissioning fuel tanks that were no longer required for operational purposes. Tanks that were still required were replaced with new, dual skin refuelling tanks to minimise the risk of leakage.
Wherever possible, tanks were installed above ground to ensure that if any leaks did occur, they could be detected and responded to immediately.
Where tanks could not be situated above ground, modern swipe card technology and fuel monitoring programs were implemented. The fuel data is independently reviewed by Environment Protection Authority approved auditors.
Underground water monitoring wells were also installed and samples are regularly analysed to detect any leaks and provide further assurance of tank integrity.
Reviewing our EMS
The EMS is regularly reviewed to ensure that it reflects the changing operational, environmental and political climate. Specifically, we undertake an annual internal review to assess the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the system. We also commission an independent verification every four years to make certain our programs meet our policy and legal commitments.