Valdez Principles

VALDEZ PRINCIPLES

VALDEZ PRINCIPLES

By endorsing these Principles, we publicly affirm our belief that the City of Ashland, Oregon, has a direct responsibility for the environment. We believe that we must conduct the public's business as responsible stewards of the environment and seek goals only in a manner that leaves the Earth healthy and safe. We believe that the City must not compromise the ability of future generations to sustain their needs.

We recognize this to be a long-term commitment to update our practices continually in light of advances in technology and new understandings in health and environmental science. We intend to make consistent, measurable progress toward the ideal that these principles describe, and to apply them wherever we operate, in a manner consistent with our other obligations under law.

1. Protection of the Biosphere.

We will minimize and strive to eliminate the release of any pollutant that may cause environmental damage to air, water, or earth or its inhabitants. We will safeguard habitats in creeks, ponds, wetlands, natural areas, and will minimize contributing to global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, or smog.

2. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources.

We will make sustainable use of renewable natural resources, such as water, soils and forests. We will conserve nonrenewable natural resources through efficient use and careful planning. We will protect wildlife habitat, open spaces, and wilderness, while preserving biodiversity.

3. Reduction and Disposal of Waste.

We will minimize the creation of waste, and wherever possible, recycle materials. We will dispose of all wastes through safe and responsible methods.

4. Wise Use of Energy.

We will make every effort to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources to meet our needs. We will invest in and promote energy efficiency and conservation in our operations and that of our citizens.

5. Risk Reduction.

We will minimize the environmental, health and safety risks to our employees and the communities in which we operate by employing safe technologies and operating procedures and by being constantly prepared for emergencies.

6. Safe Products and Services.

We will provide services that minimize adverse environmental impacts and that are safe for consumers. We will inform consumers of the environmental impacts of our services.

7. Damage Compensation.

We will take responsibility for any harm we cause to the environment by making every effort to fully restore the environment and to compensate those persons who are adversely affected.

8. Disclosure.

We will disclose to our employees and to the public incidents relating to our operations that cause environmental harm or pose health or safety hazards. We will disclose potential environmental, health, or safety hazards posed by our operations, and we will not take any action against employees who report any condition that creates a danger to the environment or poses health and safety hazards.

9. Environmental Directors and Managers.

At least one member of management will be a person qualified to represent environmental interests, and will commit management resources to implement these Principles.

10. Annual Assessment.

We will conduct and make public an annual self-evaluation of our progress in implementing these Principles and in complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

Endorsed by the Ashland City Council - May 15, 1990.

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