Pollution Research Paper

IMPACT OF ISO 14001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON WATER QUALITY: CASE STUDY OF SELECTED GOLD MINING COMPANIES IN GHANA

FEI-BAFFOE, B. BOTWE-KOOMSON, G. MENSA-BONSU, I.F. AND E.A. AGYAPONG

Abstract

The ISO 14001 environmental management standard has been criticized as a public relations fig leaf for polluters. Despite benefits claimed by organisations on ISO 14001 such as improved environmental performance and gaining of business advantage, there are disputes that the standard does not lead to improved environmental performance. Corporations that adopt ISO 14001 don’t really care about the environment but use it to improve the public image/reputation of the firm without significantly reducing its environmental impacts, the argument goes. This study was to investigate and establish the environmental performance of selected ISO 14001 certified gold mining companies in Ghana as well as to assess the impact of ISO 14001 certification and implementation on environmental performance. The study was based on qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis of a critical environmental performance indicator in the gold mining industry – surface water and effluent quality. Annual and monthly environmental reports of the companies were used in assessing pre- and post- certification environmental performance. These performance indicators were compared with EPA Ghana Environmental Quality Guidelines to determine the level of compliance with local regulatory standards – a critical and fundamental requirement of the EMS. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of ISO 14001 EMS by two gold mining companies enhanced their environmental performance with regard to surface and effluent water quality; and it also raised employee awareness of environmental issues. The findings also showed improved compliance with local regulatory water quality guidelines.