In 1994, the City of Kansas City, MO created the Office of Environmental Management and Waste Minimization. At that time, the office goals were to oversee, direct and manage compliance with environmental laws and regulations and recommend environmental policies to City departments, where appropriate.  The office would also oversee, direct, and manage the city's environmental initiatives, including but not limited to, pollution prevention and waste minimization strategies applicable to both city operations, municipal services, and the public. Over the next few years, the office grew to become the Department of Environmental Management, as it took on additional services such as solid waste management and running the Kansas City Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility. 

However, in 2005, a new Office of Environmental Quality was created within the City Manager’s Office to continue work on regulatory compliance and address new issues such as sustainability.

 What We Do:

• Conducts facility compliance assessments and inspections at City owned and operated properties.
• Provides compliance assistance and education to departments.
• Coordinates the internal citywide Environmental Management System.
• Assisting departments with environmental remediation activities.
• Chairs the internal Environmental Coordinating Committee (ECC).
• Provides environmental assistance with Phase I and II environmental site assessments and other special environmental projects.
• Provides assistance with the Ozone Action Plan and related emission inventories.
• Coordinates with State and Federal agencies on environmental issues.
• Maintains an environmental record database to comply with the Freedom of Information Act.  Click here to request public records.
• Networking hub for the transfer of environmental information between departments.