WSF chosen for FTA’s Environmental and Sustainability Management System Training

The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has selected Washington State Ferries (WFS) as the first ferry system to take part in its Environmental Sustainability Management System (ESMS) Training and Technical Assistance Program. The FTA will assist WSF in developing and launching an environmental and sustainability management system at its facilities that meets ISO 14001 standards.

The ESMS Training and Technical Assistance provides training workshops, on-site assessments, electronic materials and resources, and consultative advice on establishing an ESMS.

Environmental benefits of implementing an ESMS include:

• Enhanced ability to analyze, control, and reduce environmental impacts, such as air emissions, and oil in wastewater
• Reduction in the number, type, and severity of compliance incidents
• More efficient and controlled operations
• Cost savings
• Improved relationships with employees, regulators, system users, and the public 
   

The ESMS aligns with WSF’s strategic plan in terms of undertaking environmental stewardship and continually improving the sustainability of the ferry system’s operations.