Auditors from the American Bureau of Shipping-Quality Evaluations (ABS-QE) will perform this year’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) surveillance audit Oct. 5-7. This audit is conducted annually to assess whether Newport News Shipbuilding’s operations are compliant to the processes and best practices of the Environmental Management System.

In preparation for the audit, all shipbuilders should know NNS’ Environmental Policy, how their daily jobs affect the environment, how their procedures communicate environmental requirements in their areas and the company’s environmental objectives.

NNS is committed to maintaining a healthy environment for shipbuilders and citizens of the community. The company’s policy to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, and minimize environmental risks, emissions to the air and water, and the generation of waste.

NNS’ environmental policy is best summarized by the acronym SOAR: S – Stop Pollution, O – Obey Rules, A – Always Improve, R – Reduce Waste.

The O27 Environmental Engineering team is currently working with ABS-QE to define the audit areas.

Additional information on the company’s environmental objectives and significant environmental aspects can be found at the Environmental Management System site.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ruth Debrito (O27) at 757-688-5023.