EMS's are based on the International Organization for Standardization's environmental framework - ISO 14001: 2004. The EMS creates an overall site specific management system that addresses environmental concerns through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibilities, and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures, and processes to achieve sound environmental performance.  Each EMS is created by a site-specific team of employees and takes into account the geographic location, stakeholder and employee concerns, past uses of the site, corporate goals, and other factors when designing goals and objectives to achieve positive environmental/financial results.

Michigan DEQ has a user-friendly and affordable manual based on the ISO 14001 standard to assist with development of your EMS. To order, select the EMS Manual Order Form, download and send a check with your completed form to the MDEQ. Once your facility has an EMS in place, consider applying for the Michigan Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) designation for positive recognition and regulatory benefits. For C3, EMS or ISO 14001:2004 assistance call the Environmental Assistance Center (EAC) toll free at 1-800-662-9278.