Significant Aspects and Impacts
The relationship between aspects and impacts is one of cause and effect. The term "aspects" is neutral, so keep in mind that environmental aspects could be either positive (such as making a product out of recycled materials) or negative (such as discharge of toxic materials to a stream). EPI is not expected to manage issues outside its sphere of influence. For example, while EPI has control over how much electricity it uses, it does not have control over the way in which the electricity is generated. Once the environmental aspects of an item, part, or process, have been identified, a determination is made as to their impact on the environment.
Environmental Aspect: Element of an organization’s activities, products or services that can interact with the environment.
Environmental Impact: Any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an organization’s activities, products or services.
EPI's Aspects and Impacts are as follows:
| Significant Aspects | Negative Environmental Impacts | Department(s) Oversight | Obective & Target? |
| CWS Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit | Water Pollution - Compliance | Facilities | No-Control & Monitor only |
| DEQ - NPDES non-contact Cooling Tower Permit | Water Pollution - Compliance | Facilities | No-Control & Monitor only |
| DEQ - NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permit | Water Pollution - Compliance | E&S | No-Control & Monitor only |
| Solid Waste | Water & Soil Pollution | Site (as applicable to each department or group) / Warehouse / E&S | Yes |
| Green Purchasing Activities/XRF | Air, Water, Soil Pollution | MRO Purchasing/EHS | Yes |
| C02 Reduction | Air Pollution | Facilities/EHS | Yes |