NAVSUP FLC Norfolk CHRIMP program supports Fleet HAZMAT needs

ByJimKohler NAVSUP FLC

Norfolk

NAVSUPFleetLogisticsCenterNorfolk’s Consolidated Hazardous Material Reutilization and Inventory Management Program (CHRIMP) is the fundamental tool for life-cycle control and management of hazardous materials (HAZMAT), both ashore and afloat. It promotes compliance with a broad range of federal, state and localenvironmentalregulationsbymandating life-cycle management procedures to control, track, and reduce the variety and quantityofHAZMATinuseandultimately disposed.

According to NAVSUP FLC Norfolk RegionalHazardousMaterialDirectorGary McBride, there are several key benefits to theCHRIMPprogram.“Theprogramhelps ensure the safe use of (HAZMAT) through useofauthorizeduselists(AULs)”explained McBride “WealsotrackHAZMATforEPA chemicalreportingthroughtheEmergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act(EPCRA),reduceHAZWASTEthrough the reuse program where work centers can turn in excess HAZMAT for free issue to other commands, and provide safe storage of HAZMAT through our shore side HAZMAT locker assessment program and afloatCHRIMPsupport.

TheCHRIMPProgramreducesthequantityofHMordered,stockedandusedwhile effectively supporting ship’s operating requirements,meetingenvironmentalstandardsandcreatingoverallcostreduction

“Themostimportaspectsoftheprogram arethesafeuseandstorageofHAZMATand the reduction of hazardous waste through thereuseandbrokeringofexcessmaterial,” saidMcBride. IntheHamptonRoadsarea,therearetwo locations at Naval Station Norfolk. Building X-218 Reuse Center has a CHRIMP Tech team that supports 64 homeported afloat units as well as visiting units and providesfreeissuematerial LF-50Hazardous Material Center (HAZMIN Center) supports nine installations with 460 work centers On Naval Air Station Oceana the HAZMIN Center supports four installations with 185 work centers NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Hazardous Property Management Division also provides oversight and guidance for many installations in the Mid-Atlantic regions, including JEB Little Creek/ FortStory,NavalWeaponsStationYorktown Cheatham Annex, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, NNSY/St. Julien’s Creek Annex, FTC Dam Neck, NSA Northwest Annex,andNALFFentress

InthenortheastandNewEngland,installations with CHRIMP programs include Naval Submarine Base New London, Naval Station Newport, Naval Support Activity Saratoga Springs, Naval Weapons Station Earle and Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg. In the Naval District Washington area supported installations include NAS PatuxentRiver,WebsterFieldAnnex,Naval

SupportFacilityDahlgren,U.S.NavalAcademy,WashingtonNavyYard,NSWCIndian Head, Naval Base Stump Neck Annex and NSWCCarderock.

Despite its success, managing the CHRIMP program is not without its challenges “With the constant turnover of personnel at the installations keeping up awareness of the program and its requirements is one of the most challenging aspects,”explainedMcBride.

McBride has a team of 29 people who managetheHamptonRoadsareaCHRIMP program. Since its inception in 1990, CHRIMPhasresultedinsignificantreduction in HAZMAT procurement and associated hazardous waste disposal costs He is extremely proud of the work his team doeseveryday.“Themostrewardingpartof the CHRIMP program is helping the Navy maintain and improve its environmental stewardship,” said McBride.

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, commanded by Capt. Martin L. Edmonds is the largest of eight globally positioned commands that providethefullrangeofsolutionsforlogistics, business and support services to our missionpartners Themorethan1800Sailors, civilians and contractors that make up NAVSUP FLC Norfolk support operations at 37 sites across 13 states plus Washington D.C.