TVA Environmental Risk Management

The Office of the Inspector General evaluated the effectiveness of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) processes for identifying and managing actual and potential environmental issues and risks. TVA's Environmental Management System (EMS) program was established to manage environmental impacts of TVA operations and help fulfill commitments of TVA's Environmental Policy. Within this purpose, EMS plays a significant role in managing environmental risks across TVA and sustaining a high level of environmental compliance in TVA operations.Generally, TVA had effective processes for identifying and managing actual and potential environmental issues and risks. However, we noted areas where environmental risk management processes can be strengthened as of the end of FY2013. Specifically, we found environmental risks identified for business planning could be more comprehensive, more clearly identified, and integrated agency wide in order to help ensure their recognition and resource availability. In addition, weaknesses in environmental review processes increase TVA risks and can be strengthened to demonstrate regulatory compliance and due diligence in assessing the potential environmental impacts of proposed agency decisions.Many positive aspects of the EMS program were evident and demonstrated effectiveness of functions related to environmental risk management. However, we determined opportunities for enhancing TVA's EMS exist in communicating with regulators, coordinating planning processes, emergency response preparedness, environmental training, and sharing lessons learned.We recommended process improvements related to identifying risks and integrating environmental information sources, system enhancements to strengthen environmental reviews, and enhancements to EMS functions. By implementing our recommended actions, TVA can improve process efficiencies that will help sustain EMS effectiveness in the face of current challenges and impacts from budget constraints.