Environmental Management Fact Sheet

UTA takes a proactive approach to environmental management and compliance with all federal, state and local regulations through its environmental management system (EMS). The program focuses on continuous improvement of environmental performance by evaluating the impacts of activities, products and services on the community.

Environmental Commitment
UTA is committed to constructing its projects and operating and maintaining its facilities and vehicles in a manner consistent with state and federal laws and regulations. Quality public transit services are delivered in a manner that proactively protects human health and the environment within UTA’s financial limitations.

The EMS program originates from UTA’s corporate environmental protection policy. The policy affirms UTA’s commitment to an environmental management system that protects the environment, meets environmental safety objectives, develops procedures and identifies employee responsibilities in this important effort. The intent is to leave a proud legacy for future generations by committing to:

1. Comply with current federal, state and local laws and regulations;
2. Develop standards that encourage public transit use and environmental protection;
3. Train employees and raise awareness of environmental protection;
4. Ensure the design, construction and operation of UTA facilities and services consider environmental protection;
5. Practice pollution prevention and waste reduction;
6. Reduce, reuse and recycle resources;
7. Periodically review environmental procedures for effectiveness;
8. Encourage citizen awareness and involvement in UTA’s efforts to protect the environment;
9. Consider alternative and effective solutions to environmental problems.

ISO 14001
Currently, UTA is realigning its entire environmental processes according to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standards. The certification requires UTA to identify its environmental priorities and systematically address each aspect through awareness and education. UTA must verify its performance by monitoring and performance measurement. Once approved, UTA will be one of the only transit systems in the nation that is ISO 14001 accredited.

Land Recycling
Many bus and TRAX routes pass through industrial areas in the valley. These corridors are some of the most heavily traveled roads leading to residential developments, city centers and community attractions. In cooperation with city officials, UTA leads the way to cleanup and redevelop contaminated or potentially contaminated historical sites and turn them into vibrant transit centers, park and ride lots or operating divisions. UTA’s efforts have already rejuvenated more than 50 acres along the light rail right of way, with more site conversions planned along the commuter rail corridor.

Air Quality
By constantly pushing for improvements in technology, design, construction and operations, UTA makes a concerted effort to reduce negative impacts on air quality. In 2005, idling policies were revised to minimize cumulative effects of diesel exhaust emissions on the environment. These efforts also improve fuel economy, saving more than $150,000 in annual fuel costs, and reduce vehicle idling time by an average of two hours per day.

Alternative Fuels
With rising fuel costs and concern for the environmental impact, UTA strives to keep abreast of advancements in fuel technologies that apply to transit vehicle configurations at high altitude. Currently, the UTA fleet has three hybrid-electric diesel buses and five compressed natural gas coaches. The agency regularly realigns bus assignments to ensure maximum fuel-economy in the system.

Waste Management
UTA operates full-service maintenance facilities for bus and light rail. The in-house operation provides many opportunities to recycle and reuse parts and reduce waste. Some generated waste cannot be recycled and is properly managed under existing environmental laws. Extensive programs supervise the disposal of generated waste in parts cleaning, print supplies, oil and oil filers, antifreeze, industrial waste water discharge, batteries, hazardous waste, cleaners, paints and other potentially harmful areas.

Awareness and Involvement
Environmental awareness, training and competence and commitment to environmental excellence by every employee is crucial to the successful implementation of the environmental program. Employees and management who have direct influence in UTA’s environmental impact are regularly trained in policies and procedures. Compliance is regularly monitored throughout the system by both internal and external review. Employees help managers identify harmful environmental impacts of projects, services and activities and are actively involved in finding solutions for prevention. UTA employees are aware and involved in promoting environmental safety and sustainability at work and in their communities.