Environmental Considerations by Department of the Army - HTML preview

Issue

Troop  self-help  projects  result  in  state  environmental  fines  (asbestos/lead-based paint).

Discussion

State environmental regulatory departments closely scrutinize the demolition projects of  older  structures  on  installations.  Many  of  these  structures  contain  asbestos- containing materials and lead-based paint, both of which are known health hazards. Installations are required to notify the state before beginning demolition or renovation projects. All asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint must be removed by trained personnel. Several installations received NOVs for failure to comply with this requirement.  These  NOVs  were  issued  to  units  who  disturbed asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint during self-help projects. State regulators also issued an NOV for Soldiers and Marines discarding asbestos-containing materials items into trash containers.

Techniques and Procedures

Commanders and installation environmental offices must be proactive in promoting asbestos  and  lead-based  paint  awareness  not  only  to  tenant  units  but  also  those units training or conducting mobilization operations on the installation.

Unit leaders must-

•    Ensure  that  the  environmental  officer  contacts  the  supporting  environmental management offices or DPW for all self-help projects.

•    Comply with installation-specific regulations and approved self-help project plans to  prevent  the  disturbance,  mishandling,  or  improper  disposal  of  asbestos- containing materials and lead-based paint.

•    Attend  asbestos  and  lead-based  paint  awareness  classes  conducted  by  the environmental management office or DPW.

•    Supervise   Soldiers   and   Marines   conducting   self-help   projects.   Ensure   that

Soldiers and Marines comply with guidance in the self-help project work plan.

For more information on asbestos and lead-based paint, view the USAEC Web site:

<http://aec.army.mil/usaec/>.