Georgia Army National Guard Environmental Stewardship Branch Newsletter Volume 5, Issue 4 Our Mission The Georgia Department of Defense Environmental Stewardship Branch exists to support Commanders and their Mission by reducing environmental liabilities and promoting the US Army Environmental Stewardship Program.
Our Vision Commanders maintaining readiness while acquiring the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions that protect and conserve today’s resources for tomorrow’s National Guard Soldiers and Citizens of Georgia.
Summertime Fun! ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP BRANCH STAFF Dania
Aponte
Environmental Programs Director
(678) 569-6707
dania.g.aponte.nfg@mail.mil
Eric
Andresen
Environmental Assessor - Central GA/ Deputy (678) 569-6745 HW Program Coordinator
eric.c.andresen.nfg@mail.mil
Richard
Batten
Air & Water Program Coordinator
(678) 569-3970
richard.a.batten.nfg@mail.mil
Randy
Drummond
Compliance Program Manager
(678) 569-6750
randy.m.drummond.nfg@mail.mil
Frances
Grieme
eMS Program Coordinator
(678) 569-6749
frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil
Michael
Holloway
Environmental Assessor - Cumming
(678) 569-9266
michael.holloway3.mil@mail.mil
Towanna Isaacs
Recycling Program Coordinator
(678) 569-6752
towanna.s.isaacs.mil@mail.mil
Tangy
Johnson
Environmental Assessor - Ft. Stewart
(678) 569-9267
tangy.s.johnson.nfg@mail.mil
Felicia
Nichols
NEPA & Cultural Resources Program Manager/ (678) 569-6755 CNGC Assessor
felicia.a.nichols2.nfg@mail.mil
Kathryn
Norton
Energy & Sustainability Program Manager
(678) 569-6726
kathryn.f.norton.nfg@mail.mil
Megan
Spells
Environmental Assessor – Tifton/eMS Awareness Coordinator
(678) 569-8458
megan.e.spells.nfg@mail.mil
~Clay National Guard Center- 1000 Halsey Avenue, Building 70, Marietta, GA 30060~ July 2015
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CFMO-ENV Ongoing Projects and Activities for 2015
The CFMO-Environmental team has continued to strive towards keeping the Georgia Army National Guard ready and on track with environmental stewardship! You will find some informative articles to broaden your environmental knowledge. See below for interesting updates on the developments that have taken place over the past months and what new things are coming our way. Environmental Training and Compliance: Check out the up-coming EO/UECO training classes—Pages 3 & 4 Energy Program: Read about the solar projects—Pages 5 & 6 Air & Water Program: Conserving Water—Pages 7 & 8 Natural & Culture: Snakes—Pages 9 &10 Environmental Management System (GeMS) Program: Reaching Out to the Crowds—Page 11 Earth Day: The Earth Day After — Page 12 Environmental Awards Program: The Criteria — Pages 13 & 14
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." --Phil Jackson
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Compliance Training Program
FY-15 Environmental Officer (EO)/Unit Environmental Officer (UECO) Training As all of my co-workers are fully aware, due to my incessant bragging, I’m a new Granddad to a healthy baby boy. As I was watching him in my daughter’s arms this morning, all of those sayings about passing on a better environment for our children hit home. It brings a new perspective I’ve never fully appreciated. I’m not what you might call a “tree hugger”, but there’s no doubt in my mind that we are to be good stewards of the resources available to us. Our job in the Compliance Team is to ensure we accomplish the ARNG mission while maintaining compliance with environmental rules, laws, and regulations that have been enacted to ensure good environmental stewardship. We aim for that target using the following tools:
Training ° We had good attendance at our Unit Environmental Compliance Officer (UECO) trainings in April and June. There are two more training opportunities scheduled for this year: 19-20 August 2015 at the Macon Distance Learning Center; and 3-4 November 2015 at Clay NGC. The first day of each training event is for those who need the Initial 8-hour class, and the second day is for those who have previously attended the 8-hour class, but need the Annual 4-hour refresher class. If you are a UECO at one of our facilities located on an active duty installation, you do not need to take the GaARNG UECO Courses, but you will need to complete the courses required by the host installation. ° We also commit to maintaining proficiency within the Compliance Team by ensuring that each of us attend training throughout the year on topics such as hazardous waste handling, storm water issues, and the proper manner to conduct site assessments.
Assessing ° Our Regional Environmental Assessors are professionals trained in conducting Environmental Site Audits. Their goal is to visit and assess the environmental compliance of every facility in their assigned regions at least once each quarter. ° We are also required each year to conduct an Internal Environmental Performance Assessment on 25% of our facilities. We have the assessors visit facilities assigned to others within the team in order to have a fresh look at the compliance posture of those facilities. The only year that we do not conduct the Internal Assessments are those that ARNG-ILE schedules an External Assessment conducted by an Environmental Contractor. We are scheduled for such an External Assessment next year the week of 25 April 2016.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin -
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Compliance Training Program, Cont’d
Tracking ° ARNG-ILE has led the way within the U.S. Department of Defense in providing and maintaining web-based applications that assist in documenting our compliance status based on the Internal and External Assessments. We are able to track a non-compliant issue at a facility from initial documentation, through In-progress updates, to final closure once the issue has been resolved. It also provides the ability to document positive findings for personnel or facilities who are doing an exceptional job in attaining and maintaining compliance. ° Another ARNG-ILE web-based application that is vital to tracking compliance is one that is used to submit turn-in requests to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) for disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous wastes generated at our facilities. The web application has the ability to track and identify to us a waste which is approaching the regulatory limit for pickup and disposal. It also tracks the funding required and total weights of each category of waste. This information is critical to ensuring we meet the regulatory requirements for producing, documenting, and disposing of wastes.
Assisting ° Our Regional Assessors also provide onsite assistance when needed. Most of our environmental documents and training are located on the SPORTAL. They can help with finding what you need from those documents, proper waste characterization, labeling, and a myriad of other needs. ° As the Environmental Compliance Manager, I am available at any time for technical assistance in regulatory citations, interpretations, and applicability. Please feel free to call your Regional Assessor or me if you have any questions about environmental regulations.
POC: Randy M. Drummond, Registered Environmental Manager, at randy.m.drummond.nfg@mail.mil or W: (678) 569-6750 Cell: 404-796-0781
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Energy Program
TAG Energy Security Letter and Facility Maintenance Shop (FMS) Solar Projects The Georgia Army National Guard, Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO), recently updated The Adjutant General’s Energy Security Letter from October of 2013. The updated Energy Security Letter lists mmBTUs of energy used and kGals of water used over the 2014 fiscal year, as well as adds items for personnel awareness. In particular, language was added to address energy use in GAARNG’s Readiness Center (armories) drill halls. During final inspections of energy conservation measures (ECMs) across the state, it was noted that oftentimes drill hall lighting is in an ‘all on’ status, when one bank of lights could be used for the activities at hand; or, use of drill hall lights could be eliminated altogether (minimal staff in the facility and/or no activities taking place in the drill hall). In addition to the recent update of the Energy Security Letter, the Energy & Sustainability Team and Engineering divisions of CFMO are busy on final details of (4) Facility Maintenance Shop (FMS) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) rooftop projects at Winder, Washington, Dublin, and Columbus. These projects are slated to be GAARNG’s first net-zero potential solar projects as the kilowatt (kW) size of the solar arrays were designed to generate as much or more electricity as is consumed by each facility. Were GAARNG to generate more kWh (kilowatthours) than the building consumes each billing cycle, the excess generation would be credited to our organization by the applicable public utility company as bill credits.
DID YOU KNOW? It's best to run larger appliances like washing machines or dryers before 4 p.m. and after 7 p.m. That way you'll reduce the peak electricity demand on hot afternoons.
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Energy Program (Cont’d)
GAARNG CFMO Environmental is excited about these solar projects. Not only do they have the potential to achieve net-zero energy (electricity) use but also are slated to reduce energy consumption for the GAARNG by approximately 234,500 kWh annually, representing a total energy savings of approximately $572,460 over the life of the projects.
Under the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 2005 and the Presidential Memorandum (Dec 2013), GAARNG’s target is to produce 20% of its electrical requirements through renewable technologies by 2020. Currently, GAARNG has (5) active solar arrays and is finalizing the (4) FMS solar projects listed above. Once the latest solar arrays are up and running, GAARNG should be in the neighborhood of approximately 5-7% of electric use from solar power generation, depending upon consumption over the coming years. Other renewable energy technologies such as wind, geothermal, etc. are also being explored and analyzed for potential project development.
POC: Kathy Norton, EMIT, Energy Program Manager at kathryn.f.norton2.nfg@mail.mil or (678) 569-9726.
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Air & Water Program
Getting to Know Air Pollution What comes to mind when you think of Air Pollution? The ozone layer? Greenhouse gasses? Global warming? While all of these terms play important roles in environmental air quality, health should be more in the forefront of the air pollution discussion. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “...air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. By reducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma.” In addition, “...the lower the levels of air pollution, the better the cardiovascular and respiratory health of the population will be, both long- and short-term.”
What is Air Pollution? The 1990 Clean Air Act identified six criteria pollutants of concern. Those are:
Ground Level Ozone (O3) – While ozone in the stratosphere may protect us from harmful UV Radiation, ground level ozone is quite harmful to us. Ozone is created from the reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Both VOCs and NOx are emitted as byproducts of combustion, such as refineries and automobiles. Ozone decreases lung function and causes symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – Nitrogen Dioxide is a reddish brown, highly reactive gas that is formed through oxidation of nitric oxide. NO2 plays a major role in the formation of ozone, PM, haze, acid rain, and nitrogen loading in water bodies. This pollutant forms during high temperature combustion such as that created by automobile engines and power plants. Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) – Particulate matter is actually solid or liquid particles floating in ambient air. These tiny specks of material can aggravate existing heart or lung disease; extended exposure can actually lead to the development of heart and lung disease or even premature mortality. The primary cause of PM10 and PM2.5 is from road dust and soot from combustion, such as within automobile engines. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) – Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with an irritating, pungent odor. SO2 is formed when fuel containing sulfur (mostly coal and oil) is burned. Sulfur Dioxide causes breathing impairment for asthmatics leading to wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Long term exposure can also aggravate existing cardiovascular disease.
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Air & Water Program (Cont’d)
Lead (Pb) – Lead is a heavy, ductile, gray solid that typically is emitted as a dust or particle. Lead is highly dangerous because it damages the developing nervous system, creates cardiovascular and renal effects in adults, and can cause anemia. Lead can come from the combustion of leaded fuels, as well as from ammunition/gun cleaning, and solder. Carbon Monoxide (CO) – This is a colorless, odorless gas formed when carbon in fuel is not burned to completion. Over 95% of Carbon Monoxide in cities comes from car exhaust. CO will enter the bloodstream through the lungs and reduce oxygen delivery to organs and tissue, potentially leading to asphyxiation.
So How Can I Help Reduce Air Pollution? Air pollution can come from a number of places. However, combustion of fossil based fuels such as coal, oil, and gas account for the large majority of air pollution in Georgia. Reducing the amount of fossil fuels that are burnt can go a long way in reducing air pollution at Georgia Guard Facilities. One way that this can be done is through Idle Reduction. Idling for longer periods of times, whether while waiting at work, a drive through, or for even while pulling off to make a phone call, unnecessarily burns fuel and creates excess pollution. Another way to reduce is through carpooling to work or lunch. Just doubling up on a commute can halve the number of cars coming on to base.
Overall, there are many ways to reduce the amount of air pollutants that we are exposed to. Whether we are working, exercising, or relaxing, we owe it to ourselves and others to eliminate needless air pollution. This is not only good for the environment, but for our health as well.
References: Polyak, Lisa (June 2015). The Chemistry and Toxicology of Air Pollution. Presentation by US Army Public Health Command. World Health Organization (March, 2014). Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health. Fact sheet N°313. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/ POC: Richard Batten, Air & Water Program Coordinator, at richard.a.batten.nfg@mail.mil or (678) 569-3970.
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Natural & Cultural Resources
As many of you may have noticed, snake season is well upon us. Below is helpful safety information from the University of Georgia.
42 species of snakes in South Carolina and Georgia and only 6 of them are venomous (more information in the pictures within the article). The venomous species that we do have tend to be quite secretive and are some of the least frequently encountered species. The most frequently observed of our resident snakes are black racers, rat snakes, and nonvenomous water snakes, common and important predators in our ecosystems. The true risk of venomous snakebite and death in the United States is greatly exaggerated. While there are approximately 7000 reported snakebites on an annual basis, an estimated half of these are actual envenomations and the rest are “dry bites” where the snake bites but does not inject venom. On average, there are fewer than 1900 overall animalrelated deaths in the country each year; bee and wasp stings and dog attacks account for a majority while snakes only account for 5.5 deaths each year, a 0.0008% death rate. Most of these accidents occur at home with captive pets and in backyard encounters. Further, the majority of wild bites occur when the person is attempting to harass, kill or handle the snake. White males and young adults (18-28 years old) are the most frequently bitten demographic. Certain precautions can be taken to avoid almost all snake bites, reducing the true threat of snakebite to lower than that of being struck by lightning.
WATCH YOUR STEP AND YOUR REACH
Never place your hands, arms, feet or legs where you can’t see them when outdoors. Always wear closed shoes and long pants when walking through woods or places where you won’t have clear views of where you step. Walk around logs. Use a flashlight so you can see the ground at night in areas where venomous snakes might be present.
DID YOU KNOW? You are most likely to encounter snakes: 1) When they are crossing roads 2) When they are moving through your backyard or through other transient habitats 3) During breeding season (spring or fall) when they are moving to look for mates 4) When they are basking near habitat edges (water bodies, forest lines, etc.)
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Natural & Cultural Resources (Cont’d)
REMAIN CALM IF YOU SEE ONE CLEAR DEBRIS AND WOOD FROM YOUR YARD PETS ARE CURIOUS! KEEP DOGS ON LEASHES AND CATS INDOORS DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE A SNAKE TEACH YOUR CHILDREN VENOMOUS SNAKE IDENTIFICATION EDUCATE YOURSELF DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE A SNAKE DO NOT BE SCAMMED BY SNAKE DETERRENT PRODUCTS (They don’t work!)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: More information on general snake safety: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/safety/ SnakeSafetyGeneral.pdf Identify snakes of Georgia: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/index.htm or at http://www.georgiawildlife.org/GeorgiaSnakes What to do if bitten: http://srel.uga.edu/outreach/factsheet/snake-4.htm POC: Felicia Nichols, Environmental Biologist, at felicia.a.nichols2.nfg@mail.mil or (678) 569-6755.
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Environmental Regional Assessors
Georgia Environmental Managements System (GeMS)
GeMS - Reaching Out to the Crowd Communication is a two-way process, in reaching out to others we strive to reach a mutual understanding, to create, to share meaning and purpose with those around us. The Georgia Environmental Management System or GeMS program’s success is deeply rooted in communication and training. Sharing an idea and a message can, and often does, change the way people think and act. To put our best foot forward we, in the GeMS program, have taken the required steps to communicate our policy and goals to the public. I worked two local public events, Tifton’s 2014 Veterans Day Celebration and this past April’s Month of the Military Childs event in Tifton. They were both great fun and a wonderful success. The Veteran’s Day Event was both exciting and emotional. It was my first communications related event; I had the honor of meeting and communicating our message to the public while they shared their experiences as well. We used pamphlets, coloring books, water bottles, pens, stickers and many other promotional items to support our cause and spread the word. April’s Month of the Military Child’s Event was full of energy and joy. I asked each child what they did to help the earth's environment. Overwhelmingly, the answer was "I don't litter" or "I pick up litter." With some prompting about recycling, energy and water conservation, it turns out that most do turn out the lights and television when they are not in use and some knew to shut off the water when brushing. These events were two, in what I hope to be many, successful public events to come. Communicating our message and goals to the public not only informs them that we take our responsibility towards the environment to heart; but it also ensures that the community and our children have valuable information on how to make our environment more sustainable for generations to come.
POC: Megan Spells, GeMS Awareness Coordinator, at megan.e.spells.nfg@mail.mil or 678-569-8458.
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Environmental Regional Assessors
Earth Day On April 22 2015, the Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG) CFMO-Environmental Division hosted a celebration of Earth Day’s 45th Anniversary. Environmental staff members provided bags full of goodies, a Sugar Maple seedling or an Earth Day t-shirt to the first 100 participants, and a slice of cake. The event was held at two locations on the Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, GA. During our 3 hour event, the Adjutant General, Brigadier General Joseph Jarrard, the Army Commander, COL Tom Carden and the Chief of Staff, COL Randall Simmons, showed their support to the environmental staff by being active participants of the celebration. The Public Affairs office was there to snap pictures of the smiling faces of personnel stopping by and the environmental staff. The bags contained a bandana, mini flashlight, spiral notebook/pen set, water bottle and wild flower packets. The environmental program managers created information cards on energy, stormwater and recycling that were included along with Earth Day/environmental word search puzzles and crossword puzzles. The Environmental Policy Statement, signed by the TAG, was included along with the Georgia Environmental Management System (GeMS) awareness posters and information, and fliers for Ride-Share/Van Pool programs. These were given in the spirit of Earth Day, to share a few facts that can motivate each soldier and civilian to consider their impact on the environment and to take action. The GAARNG would like to thank everyone who celebrated the event and gave us the opportunity to share important awareness and personnel contact information. When given the know-how, individuals are empowered to make a difference in our communities through actions and activities! POC: Frances Grieme, eMS Program Manager, at frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil or 678-569-6749
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Environmental Regional Assessors
Environmental Awards Program The Environmental Awards Program is the GAARNG’s way of recognizing our soldiers and civilians who have been active and involved participants in promoting the environmental ‘state of mind.’ These are individuals and units showing environmental knowledge and implementing this knowledge in the day to day activities. Below is the winning selection criteria:
INDIVIDUAL Demonstrates an enthusiastic approach to handling and managing issues pertaining to regulatory environmental compliance at designated facility. Has and shows a general knowledge of environmental management practices. Sets, meets and exceeds environmental goals established at the facility. Demonstrates a constant proactive approach to implementing and maintaining appropriate environmental protocols. Always exhibiting a ‘can-do’ attitude when environmental issues arise (e.g., prepared for spills, all HazWaste properly labeled in containers, locker is clean and neatly organized). Maintains a ‘trained’ status and solicits training when needed. Seeks advice from regional Assessor and maintains an open line of communication. Goes beyond expectations by providing input on potential solutions to environmental issues at facility (e.g., spill procedures, recommendations on alternative cleaning solutions, energy conservation tips, etc.). Exhibits, through actions taken, that there is a positive correlation between the GAARNG’s environmental management system and mission readiness. UNIT As a unit team, demonstrate ability to motivate the unit and ensure all applicable environmental compliance protocols are administered and followed by all. The unit’s assigned facility prominently displays all pertinent environmental documentation (e.g., GeMS posters, TAG Policy Statement, other environmental documentation). The unit is proactive in maintaining a trained staff by attending EO/UECO training and by keeping their regional Assessor up to date on personnel changes and environmental training needs. As a unit, setting, meeting and exceeding environmental goals established at the facility. Taking pride in keeping a clean, hazard-free environment facility. Clearly understanding that all waste should be in appropriate containers with proper labeling and documentation; unit personnel use all pertinent resources, to include constant communication with the regional Assessor. Maintain the unit’s notebook neatly organized with correct information and appropriate personnel listed. The unit understands and uses all pertinent environmental resources to tackle environmental issues at the facility. The unit demonstrates interest in conserving and maintaining a sustainable facility (e.g., through conservation of water, energy, other and by providing alternatives to existing energy use practices at the facility).
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Environmental Regional Assessors
Environmental Awards Program (Cont’d)
Awards will be presented twice a year—October and April — so, if you have personnel (Unit or Individual) that you believe deserve an award for their outstanding work in handling environmental issues at our facilities, make sure you contact your regional Environmental Assessors with the details/information (see listing of Assessors below). All the nominations (Unit or Individual) must be provided this month for the October award. Nominations for the April award must be submitted by January 15, 2016. All the nominations will then be presented to the Environmental Quality Control Committee (EQCC) subcommittee for review and selection. The winning individuals and/or units will be presented with an award at the October EQCC meetings. Winning January 2016 submissions will receive awards at the April 2016 EQCC meeting.
We look forward to hearing from you! _________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Regional Assessors North GA: Mike Holloway, 678-569-3841, or michael.holloway3.mil@mail.mil CNGC:
Felicia Nichols, 678-569-6755, or felicia.a.nichols2.nfg@mail.mil
Central GA/Metro:
Eric Andresen, 678-569-6745, or eric.c.andresen2.nfg@mail.mil
Southeast GA: Tangy Johnson, 678-569-9249, or tangy.s.johnson.nfg@mail.mil Southwest GA: Megan Spells, 678-569-8458, or megan.e.spells.nfg@mail.mil ___________________________________________________________________________ POC: Frances Grieme, eMS Program Manager, at frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil or 678-569-6749
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” —Colin Powell