To All Commanders at the Community of Fort Polk
The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk provides an excellent opportunity for preparing the men and women of our armed forces for rapid deployment anywhere in the world. The approximately 100,000 acres encompassed within the main installation allow large-scale field training under realistic conditions. The physical features that we notice throughout this vast acreage—heavily-wooded pine forests, rolling hills, streams and creeks, abundant wildlife—must be wisely managed and treated with respect for sustained multiple uses of these resources. The day-to-day activities that you supervise involving Fort Polk and JRTC personnel, tenants, residents, or contractors can impact these resources and Fort Polk's ability to meet federal, state, and Army requirements for protection of the environment.
The U.S. Army's vision is to be a national leader in environmental and natural resource stewardship for present and future generations as an integral part of our mission. Fort Polk supports these goals and encourages you to use this Guidebook in our efforts to understand and help meet the environmental challenges we face in implementing our mission.
Table of Contents
1.1 Overview of Installation 1-1
1.2 Objectives of Guidebook 1-3
1.3 Sanctions for Noncompliance 1-5
1.4 Environmental Excellence Award Program 1-9
1.5 Fort Polk Environmental Organization 1-10
1.5.1 Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) 1-10
1.5.2 Installation-Level Organization 1-11
2.0 Environmental Training 2-1
3.0 Garrison/Cantonment Activities 3-1
3.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization 3-6
3.1.3.1 Identification at the Point of Generation 3-13
3.1.3.2 Management at the Point of Generation 3-16
3.4 Other Compliance Programs 3-27
3.4.1 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 3-27
3.4.2 Asbestos-Containing Material 3-28
3.6 Natural and Cultural Resources 3-31
4.0 Rotating Units-Field Training Activities 4-1
4.2 Protection of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) 4-3
4.3 Solid Waste (Hazardous and Nonhazardous) 4-5
4.4 Spill Prevention and Response 4-7
4.6 Fires and Open Burning 4-8
4.7 Other Environmentally Sensitive Areas 4-9
5.0 Spill Prevention and Response 5-1
5.2 Spill Notification and Response 5-3
6.0 Public and Regulatory Agency Involvement in Installation Compliance Programs 6-1
Appendix 1 - Flowchart Showing Legislative/Regulatory Process A-1
Appendix 2 - Major Federal Environmental Protection Laws and Regulations B-1
List of Figures
1-1 U.S. Army, Fort Polk, Louisiana
1-2 Fort Polk Environmental Organization
3-1 Potential Environmental Impacts from Human Activity
3-2 Hazardous Waste Flow, Point of Generation to DRMO Turn-In
5-1 Spill Notification and Response Process
Acronyms
DOL Directorate of Logistics
DPTMS Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security
DPW Directorate of Public Works
DRMO Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office
DRMS Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service
ECAS Environmental Compliance Assessment System
ECO Environmental Compliance Officer
ENRMD Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division
EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FORSCOM Forces Command
GIS Geographic Information System
IOSC Installation On-Scene Coordinator
JRTC Joint Readiness Training Center
LDEQ Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
OC Observer/Controller
PAO Public Affairs Office
PCBs Polychlorinated Biphenyls
POL Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RCW Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
SJA Staff Judge Advocate
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
Commanders at Fort Polk are responsible for environmental awareness and compliance within their unit's or organization's activities. This Guidebook is designed to provide commanders with an overview of Fort Polk's environmental programs. The Guidebook also emphasizes the role of the Environmental Compliance Officer as your "eyes and ears" for environmental matters. Your environmental leadership as a commander will ensure that our training mission is preserved.
Fort Polk is located in west-central Louisiana, approximately 10 miles southeast of the city of Leesville in Vernon Parish. It was established in 1941. The main post consists of approximately 100,000 acres. Fort Polk is divided into two cantonment areas known as North Fort Polk and South Fort Polk. Approximately 98,000 acres of the main post is within the Kisatchie National Forest and is used by Fort Polk under an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, the headwaters and bodies of several streams are located within the installation. Figure 1-1 depicts these key environmental features of Fort Polk. Off-site lands associated with Fort Polk include the Peason Ridge Training Area, Toledo Bend Recreational Area, and the Intermediate Staging Base at England Air Park in Alexandria.
Fort Polk is a U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) installation that has housed the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) since 1993. The mission of the JRTC is to prepare units (both U.S. and international forces) for rapid deployment anywhere in the world. The JRTC provides an advanced level of joint training for Army and Air Force contingency forces under realistic conditions of low- to mid-intensity combat. Prior to 1993, Fort Polk was used for training exercises for mechanized units of the Army, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other heavy vehicles, and also for basic training for soldiers.
Operation and support of the JRTC involves units conducting training on site or residing as tenants, persons residing or working within the installation, and contractor activities and leases located on real property. Each one of these activities has the potential to affect the environment at the installation.
The objective of this Guidebook is to provide information about Fort Polk's environmental responsibilities and programs to commanders so that implementation of our mission and supervision of personnel can be conducted in a way to:
· Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, Executive Orders, and Army guidelines and policies.
· Ensure a clean and safe environment.
· Protect the natural and cultural resources at Fort Polk.
· Minimize the generation of solid (nonhazardous and hazardous) waste.
Fort Polk is subject to a complex set of environmental laws and regulations relating to waste, water, air, and toxic substances. These laws are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 6, and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). Appendix 1 contains a flowchart showing how these laws and regulations are adopted and then become applicable to Fort Polk. Appendix 2 identifies the major federal laws, rules, Executive Orders, and Army requirements for environmental protection. This Guidebook provides a basic overview and understanding of these programs and the steps that can be taken by your personnel in their day-to-day activities to ensure a successful blending of our military mission with environmental protection and compliance.
A commander who is an environmental leader encourages his/her personnel to THINK AHEAD and ANTICIPATE how they will deal with environmental issues in their daily responsibilities. Also, he/she should encourage personnel to ASK QUESTIONS of Fort Polk's Environmental Compliance Officers. Environmental compliance costs associated with your unit's or organization's activities (waste disposal, spill cleanup) are funded out of your budget, not a general installation budget. Therefore, how well you and your personnel plan for and meet environmental compliance responsibilities has a direct impact on the resources available to your unit or organization. There are many individuals within the installation available to help identify and resolve environmental issues.
1.3 Sanctions for Noncompliance
Regardless of the sanctions for noncompliance, meeting our legal responsibilities for environmental issues is just the RIGHT THING TO DO. Compliance helps preserve lands and resources for long-term use in support of our mission. It provides for a safer and more protective working atmosphere for personnel. It also enhances the natural environment for our enjoyment and recreation.
Nevertheless, the implications for noncompliance are significant. Noncompliance can create a potentially negative image in the public, local communities', and regulators' minds. Noncompliance can also result in formal civil and/or criminal sanctions that may be imposed upon the Army and/or individuals who knew or should have known of environmental responsibilities that weren't met.
Civil sanctions can be pursued by the EPA or LDEQ themselves or by the U.S. Department of Justice or Louisiana Attorney General's office. If an enforcement action is initiated, the government can seek penalties for noncompliance. They can also seek to require the installation (through the Army) to undertake a certain action (for example, close a waste management unit) or refrain from continuing an action (for example, cease and desist from allowing a certain discharge to the environment to occur).
How are fines established?
The ability to assess fines per day and per violation allows for cumulative penalties. For example, if there were 10 drums of hazardous waste that were each improperly labeled for 10 days, then the penalty amount could be calculated as 10 drums per day per $100 amount per labeling violation (example) times 10 days total = $10,000 total.
The amount of the penalty is set by each federal and Louisiana environmental statute and can range from $25,000-$50,000 per day per violation for enforcement through the judicial system, and up to $10,000 per day per violation for enforcement actions directly pursued by the regulatory agencies.
At the conclusion of the enforcement process, the regulatory agencies will issue an administrative order, a legal document which contains the required actions and fines (if imposed). The U.S. Department of Justice or Louisiana Attorney General's office may seek a judicial order that has to be approved by a court of law, and which will similarly contain requirements for action and/or fines.
Criminal sanctions can only be pursued by the U.S. Department of Justice or Louisiana Attorney General's office through the federal or state court systems, not by EPA or LDEQ directly. Criminal prosecution is typically initiated for deliberate and knowing violations of a law or regulation. However, the government takes the position that a responsible person who "knew or should have known" that his/her conduct was unlawful may also be criminally liable. The Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1992 provides that Department of Defense employees at all levels of the organization may be subject to criminal liability as an individual for environmental violations of any federal or state solid or hazardous waste law. Criminal sanctions under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (the federal hazardous waste law) include a maximum fine of $250,000 total, a jail sentence of up to 15 years, or both.
The point is not for personnel to be scared or intimidated about the potential sanctions for environmental noncompliance. The point is to emphasize within your unit or organization the need to fully integrate an awareness of, and individual responsibility for, compliance issues into day-to-day activities such that it becomes a part of the work routine.
1.4 Environmental Excellence Award Program
The cornerstone of an effective compliance program is self-evaluation of environmental requirements in each work area or activity. Fort Polk has implemented an Environmental Excellence Award program which is based on the unit's or organization's ongoing environmental inspection system. The grading system consists of 100 total points available per inspection, with a minimum of four inspections per calendar year (averaged scores). The total score is based on point values for each line or section of the inspection form. Awards for the highest scores range from:
1.5 Fort Polk Environmental Organization
Fort Polk is a leader in environmental awareness. Environmental assistance is available for support throughout the chain of command.
1.5.1 Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO)
Fort Polk pioneered the role of the ECO as the cornerstone of an effective environmental compliance program. The ECO program has been recognized by the EPA as a "success story" of environmental management. Environmental compliance is best managed at the level of individual work area or activity. Unit commanders and civilian activity supervisors appoint one primary and one alternate ECO at all levels of command through the company level or civilian equivalent. The ECO is the primary point of contact for environmental issues related to your unit or organization operations.
Each ECO is responsible for day-to-day compliance issues relating to waste and wastewater management and minimization, spill prevention and response, and inspections. They are also responsible for recordkeeping and training within the unit or organization. They are, therefore, the "first line of defense" in ensuring compliance within the unit or organization and must be supported to ensure that regulatory requirements are met. These individuals are certified through successful completion of an initial in-house, installation-specific 40-hour environmental training program, followed by annual update courses. Observers/controllers involved in JRTC training receive 16 hours of training focused on environmental considerations in the field.
1.5.2 Installation-Level Organization
At Fort Polk, the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) manages the environmental programs at the installation level. The Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division (ENRMD) is the subordinate division of DPW that, through its staff of scientists and engineers, is responsible for developing and implementing the installation's environmental programs. Figure 1-2 shows the organization of the ENRMD and the major points of contact. The function of each of the branches is as follows:
In addition, special duty soldiers provide invaluable support to the ENRMD in implementation of daily activities.
Other directorates and offices that have key environmental responsibilities are:
The environmental training programs at Fort Polk are designed to:
Some environmental training is required by law (such as training for individuals responsible for management of hazardous waste). Fort Polk's environmental training programs enhance the overall awareness of environmental issues and emphasize personal responsibility for compliance.
Fort Polk's Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) training and certification program is at the forefront of Army environmental education. Each unit and organization on the installation has a primary and alternate ECO responsible for day-to-day compliance issues. To ensure an adequate background, nominated individuals participate in a 40-hour ECO training program to get a working knowledge of federal, state, and Army laws, regulations, and policies and "how to" aspects of their environmental duties. A certification is then issued which must be updated annually. Commanders are encouraged to designate additional personnel, who may command or supervise personnel involved in environmental activities, to attend.
Specific topics included in the Environmental Management Training course for ECO certification are:
Certified ECOs are, in turn, expected to provide unit-level environmental training.
3.0 Garrison/Cantonment Activities
The environmental laws and rules applicable to Fort Polk's garrison/cantonment activities have detailed requirements relating to:
Some of these programs require a permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to authorize a certain type of equipment or activity; some require a registration. Some require compliance with operational and testing requirements, or notices and reports to the federal and state regulatory agencies. Some require an environmental assessment be undertaken prior to construction or a planned activity to ensure that environmental planning is incorporated into the Army's design and decision making for the proposed activity.
The Fort Polk Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division (ENRMD) has primary responsibility for identifying and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements. They work and coordinate with the units and organizations within the installation to ensure that they have the correct information upon which to make environmental decisions.
The key to making successful environmental decisions rests on advance knowledge of and planning for environmental factors in activities undertaken at Fort Polk. If a proposed activity, construction, or reconstruction, for example, requires an environmental permit or modification of an existing permit, the regulatory agencies must approve this change before the activity or construction begins. In many cases, this will take several months and may require public meetings. Therefore, your emphasis on ensuring that potential environmental issues are identified early to your Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) is critical to our compliance programs and to the effective implementation of our mission.
Although each of the environmental management programs is addressed separately below, it is important to understand the interrelatedness of these areas in environmental protection and the adverse impact that individual and cumulative activities can have on our land, air, and water resources.
Figure 3-1 shows a conceptual model of potential impacts from human activity on the environment. A spill or dumping of waste on the ground, for example, can affect groundwater by leaking through soils or rock below the ground surface. The impacted groundwater may be a source of drinking water for someone. The spill can result in exposures to persons breathing fumes from the spill and emissions to the ambient (outdoor) air. Spills can also contaminate streams by leaking over the ground surface into a waterbody or being picked up by rainfall runoff and carried into a stream. This then affects the plants and fish that live in that water, as well as individuals who rely on the stream as a drinking water supply. An appreciation of the interrelatedness of our environmental and natural resources in conducting unit or organization activities will help minimize adverse impacts to these resources.
Additionally, we all undertake daily actions which may appear, on their own, to affect the environment in an inconsequential way (a leak of motor oil from a car, a scrap of paper thrown on the ground). However, the cumulative, or total, impact to the environment from thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of similar events daily can be quite significant. The regulatory programs administered by EPA and the LDEQ address the total impact of activities at Fort Polk on the environment. However, we cannot have effective compliance programs without individuals recognizing that the environmental consequences of their own actions can affect the overall health of Fort Polk.
The term "solid waste" has a particular legal meaning in environmental laws and rules. First, it is not limited to items that are truly "solid" in nature. It can also include items that are semi-solid (like sludges); liquid (waste solvents or chemicals in a container); and containerized gases (aerosol cans). Secondly, there are two types of solid waste regulated by the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law dealing with waste management: nonhazardous and hazardous.
Again, these two types of solid waste have particular legal definitions. When we think of nonhazardous solid waste, we typically think of "garbage," or what we produce from our houses, offices, and buildings. Just because a waste is not designated as "hazardous" does not mean that it cannot cause harm to humans or the environment. Management of nonhazardous waste is, in fact, just as strictly controlled under federal and state laws as is hazardous waste. The penalties and sanctions for mismanagement are similar.
3.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization
The best way your unit or organization can prevent pollution is to eliminate it at its source, including the reduction or elimination of hazardous materials (product) usage and hazardous waste generation. Fort Polk's goal is to reduce the amount of waste generated within the installation by 50% by 1999 (1992 is the baseline year for measuring this reduction).
Fort Polk's recycling program expands each year. Recycled materials now include used or contaminated petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL), chemical products, scrap metal, cardboard, pallets, and aluminum cans.
It is important that your personnel understand the need for separating recyclable materials before placing them in respective containers at the installation recycling drop-off point (located on Utah Avenue behind the main PX and just down the street from the Child Development Center). Separating makes it easier for recycling personnel and equipment to pick up the materials and enhances their market value. There are special containers for cardboard, clear plastic, and clear, brown, and green glass bottles. Recyclers are asked to break down (crush and fold) cardboard so that more will fit in the container, and to rinse out liquid containers. Cardboard should not have any packing material, steel banding, or wires remaining in them when placed in the container. Metal lids should be removed from glass and plastic containers being recycled. The bins that have been placed around the post are for the collection of aluminum cans only. The recycling buyer will not accept aluminum cans if aluminum foil, pie plates, or other aluminum products are mixed in with them. The recycling drop-off point is currently not prepared to accept grass clippings, weeds, leaves, wood pallets, and other materials of this matter. Recyclers desiring more information may be referred to the Installation Recycling Office at x2924.
What can my unit or organization do to assist in pollution prevention?
In addition, Fort Polk has instituted a "Buy Recycle" initiative which supports the purchase and use of products made from recyclable waste. The goals of this program include increasing procurement of paper products (envelopes, writing paper, computer paper, plates, and the like) made from recycled waste paper by a specified percentage each year, as well as using biodegradable solvents and cleaning products. A closed-loop service contract has been established to recycle solvents used in parts cleaning machines for maintenance shops and range activities.
Fort Polk's program for managing nonhazardous waste consists of educating individuals on recycling of waste to keep it out of the disposal stream whenever possible; proper identification and management of wastes that cannot be recycled (what can and cannot be thrown into trash receptacles); collection within the installation and, for rotational units, consolidation at the Consolidated Solid Waste Collection Facility in the 8300 Block of North Fort Polk off K Avenue; and off-site disposal at a commercial landfill. Fort Polk now ships approximately 1,000 tons of nonhazardous waste off site for disposal per month.
It is also important for your unit or organization to understand what kind of nonrecyclable wastes cannot go into the trash receptacles. The landfill that accepts Fort Polk's garbage has a permit from the LDEQ that specifies what it can and cannot take. Table 1 identifies the primary types of waste that must be kept out of the garbage. Note that this list is not just limited to "hazardous waste." There are a number of nonhazardous wastes that must be managed as "special wastes" under state law and that have stricter controls than regular garbage (such as asbestos, tires, medical waste, and batteries). If in doubt as to what can be thrown away or what to do with a material that must be disposed of, your personnel should contact the ECO or Environmental Compliance Center (x2815).
What is done with POL-contaminated soils?
POL-contaminated soils (for example, JP-8, diesel) are not typically hazardous waste and can be turned in through the Pollution Prevention and Restoration Branch (Bldg. 2502, x6578) for treatment at the landfarm on Chaffee Road. If there are any questions on whether the soils are hazardous, have your ECO contact the Environmental Compliance Center (x2815) for assistance.
Table 1
Materials to Keep Out of the Nonhazardous Waste Receptacles:
This section of the Guidebook reviews the decisions and steps your ECO undertakes to ensure that your unit's or organization's hazardous wastes are properly managed.
The term "hazardous waste" is a legally-defined term under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Louisiana Hazardous Waste Control Law. It differs from "hazardous materials," which are useable products, not wastes. The term also differs from "hazardous substances," which can be either wastes or products that, when spilled or released into the environment, have to be reported to federal and state authorities.
The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Louisiana Hazardous Waste Control Law regulate the classification, storage, transport, and treatment or disposal of hazardous waste. For purposes of this Guidebook, what is important to understand is regulations on the classification of hazardous waste (how to determine whether it is hazardous when it is first produced) and how it is stored while at your unit's or organization's shop, office, or building. The responsibility for proper collection, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes is divided between the ECOs, ENRMD, and the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO). Your ECO is primarily responsible for proper identification and management of hazardous waste at each generating point. He/she cannot be effective unless there is good communication and advance notice from individuals within the organization when a waste is going to be produced.
3.1.3.1 Identification at the Point of Generation
Solid waste is defined as hazardous waste if it meets one or both of the following criteria:
1. It is specifically listed in the EPA and LDEQ rules (there are 4 identical lists within each set of rules). Deciding if a waste is on a list is based solely on reading the listing description and applying knowledge of the waste to the description. There is no requirement or need to test the waste in an analytical laboratory to determine if it is a listed hazardous waste. The most common listed hazardous wastes generated at Fort Polk are spent solvents used in degreasing activities at the motor pools and vehicle maintenance areas and off-specification or outdated materials from MEDDAC and DENTAC activities.
or
2. It exhibits one or more of four characteristics. Testing of the waste in an analytical laboratory may or may not be needed to determine whether it is characteristically hazardous. For routinely generated wastes, a decision can usually be made, through knowledge of the process that generated the waste or the Material Safety Data Sheet, that the waste is characteristically hazardous. The four characteristics are:
What about containers?
Containers that have held what would be considered hazardous waste are themselves wastes unless they have been rendered "empty." For reusable containers larger than 5 gallons (petroleum products, acids, listed or characteristically hazardous wastes), the container is to be rendered "empty" and then turned in to DRMO. To render a container as "empty" under the hazardous waste rules, all wastes must be removed by pouring, pumping, or rinsing (sometimes triple rinsing) until no more then 1 inch of residue remains in the container. Unusable containers that have held what would be considered hazardous waste can be emptied, then crushed, and turned in to DRMO for disposition as a waste.
3.1.3.2 Management at the Point of Generation
Figure 3-2 illustrates the general flow of activities for managing hazardous wastes at the point of generation, including turn-in procedures to DRMO. Each ECO is primarily responsible for:
It is important that unit or organizational personnel help the ECO in proper segregation of hazardous waste at the point of generation, in shop or work areas. Proper segregation is important because the regulatory requirements for treatment and disposal at off-site commercial facilities may vary depending on the type of hazardous waste. Proper segregation is also a safety issue because some chemicals are incompatible with others and may pose a risk of fire or explosion if stored together.
As an overview of Figure 3-2, the ECO notifies the ENRMD through Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) Form 1930 of his/her hazardous waste determination for a particular waste. This form provides physical- and chemical-identifying information for the waste. To initiate the turn-in process to DRMO, the ECO prepares DD Form 1348-1 and works with ENRMD to repackage, as necessary, the waste to facilitate transport to and storage at DRMO. Transport within the installation to the DRMO hazardous waste accumulation area (Building 4050) is directed by the ENRMD and can be done by either the unit or organization.
What about household hazardous waste?
Discarded products, such as pesticides, batteries, paints, and paint thinners, are not regulated as the rest of the installation's hazardous waste when used or generated in residential housing or barracks. That does not mean that these items cannot pose a risk to human health and the environment. Fort Polk encourages Army personnel to reduce the amount of household hazardous waste generated and to look for recycling opportunities (Installation Recycling Office, x2924) before disposing of these items in the trash.
While these turn-in procedures are pending, hazardous waste can be stored at the unit or organization at the point of generation (called a "satellite collection point") as long as the total
volume of all hazardous waste at the satellite collection point does not exceed 55 gallons. The containers used to store wastes must be in good condition, must be closed (except when pouring or adding waste), and must be labeled with the words "hazardous waste" or other words that identify the contents. If more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste are accumulated, it must be transported to DRMO within 3 days. Because DRMO only accepts hazardous waste on certain days, it is important that timely coordination of turn-in procedures be implemented so that individual generators do not exceed their volume limits for the satellite collection points.
Used oil has its own special rules under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Louisiana Hazardous Waste Control Law. Used oil is any oil refined from crude oil or synthetic oil that has been used. It includes oils used in engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and motor vehicle differentials. It does not include solvents. Used oil is one of Fort Polk's largest volume wastestreams and is primarily generated as used engine oils and gear lubricants.
Used oil is not a listed hazardous waste, but it sometimes can be characteristically hazardous for metals (like lead or barium). These metals were either present in the crude oil from which the oil was produced or they were picked up through oil use in engines or parts of vehicles or equipment. Because of the tremendous volume of used oil generated nationally, and to encourage recycling, EPA developed a special set of regulations for used oil. These rules apply whether the used oil meets the definition of a hazardous waste or not, but the distinction is still important because recycling options (and, thus, the cost to Fort Polk of used oil management) become much more limited if the used oil is hazardous or has been mixed with a hazardous waste, like solvents.
How do we identify storage containers for used oils?
DRMO ensures recycling of Fort Polk's used oil by contracting with third parties who arrange for re-refining of the used oil and/or use of the used oil as a fuel. The ability to recycle in this cost-effective manner depends on the "quality" of the used oil. The regulations identify used oil quality specifications (or criteria) that Fort Polk must meet which include certain allowable chemicals and concentrations in the used oil. The criteria are based on what is in "typical" used oil that has not been mixed with anything else. The main point is to ensure that used oil is segregated from and not mixed with other wastes, including solvents, antifreeze, contaminated fuels, and non-oil wastes. If we do not meet the used oil criteria, we may have to dispose of this wastestream by costly methods rather than recycling. That cost is borne by the unit or organization that generated the used oil.
Fort Polk is also instituting management practices for used oil filters generated by the motor pools, auto hobby shops, and individual "do it yourselfers." These filters will be collected at the motor pools or shops and then hot drained and crushed to remove as much used oil as possible. The filters can then be recycled as scrap metal.
The federal and Louisiana Clean Water Acts regulate the quality of pollutants that can be discharged to waters of the U.S. through issuance of permits to discharge wastewater. The term "pollutant" is defined very broadly to include any substance capable of causing harm to the environment. Similarly, the term "waters" is broadly defined to include (wet and dry) rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, ditches, and wetlands. A regulated discharge can occur through a permanent or temporary pipe or hose, or through the flow of wastewater in a well-defined course or path over the land.
Any liquid or solid that goes down a sink or sewer at Fort Polk from housing areas, buildings, offices, the hospital, barracks, laundries, restrooms, vehicle washing areas, and motor pools ends up at one of two permitted wastewater treatment plants on the installation (one at North Fort Polk, the other at South Fort Polk). Each of these plants contains equipment to remove solids from entering the plant; to separate oil and grease from the wastewater; to biologically treat, disinfect, and add oxygen to the wastewater; and to process sludges generated from wastewater treatment. The nonhazardous sludges are then treated at a landfarm on Chaffee Road by applying them on the land and tilling them into the soil.
Certain activities on site, such as the two Central Vehicle Wash Facilities and motor pool/vehicle maintenance washracks, generate wastewaters and solids that require pre-treatment or removal before discharge into the sewer. The discharge of dirt, grit, oil, and grease into the sewer from these facilities is minimized through equipment that screens or traps these pollutants at the washracks.
Fort Polk's federal and state wastewater discharge permits for the North and South Fort Polk wastewater treatment plants contain precise, numerical limits on the types and concentrations of specific pollutants that can be discharged. The permits also require that Fort Polk routinely collect samples of the discharged wastewater and subject the samples to analytical laboratory testing to ensure that the discharge limits of the permits are being met. These results are reported monthly to EPA and LDEQ.
Activities at the installation training ranges and out in the field can sometimes generate wastewater (washing of equipment, for example). Do we still have to be concerned about management of wastewater in areas away from sinks and sewers? Yes! The federal and Louisiana Clean Water Acts can be interpreted to prohibit pouring, releasing, or discharging of wastewater into surface waters or adjacent to such waters where the potential for runoff into surface waters is likely, unless the activity is first permitted. The special considerations associated with wastewaters generated by JRTC training are addressed in the following chapter. However, a general rule is to ensure that your personnel understand that they cannot pour or release a potentially contaminated wastewater into or on the ground surface or into or adjacent to a dry or wet stream on site without checking with the ECO or ENRMD first.
What types of liquids can and can't be put down the sink or allowed to be discharged into a sink or sewer?
Prohibited are RCRA hazardous waste, POL, solvents, used or unused chemicals, photographic or x-ray wastes, spills, medical wastes, and acids. If a new type of liquid or wastewater is being generated for the first time that may be able to be discharged into the sink or sewer, an ECO or the ENRMD should be contacted first. They will check to ensure that the wastewater treatment plant can handle this type of wastewater and that Fort Polk's permits allow receipt of the wastewater. Receipt of unauthorized wastewaters at the wastewater treatment plants can be a violation of Fort Polk's permits. It could also, in some instances, damage plant equipment or contaminate the sludge generated at the plant.
The emission of pollutants to ambient air from stationary or mobile (vehicle) sources is regulated by the federal and Louisiana Clean Air Acts. Ambient air means air outside of an enclosed building. However, equipment or activity within an enclosed building that is vented outside via a stack or chimney may be regulated under the Clean Air Act depending on the volume and nature of pollutants in the emissions that go out of the stack or chimney. Sources of air emissions at Fort Polk include mobile vehicles, open burning, paint spray booths, POL containers and tanks, generators, heating plants (boilers), print shops, and degreasers.
Fort Polk's primary responsibilities under the federal and state Clean Air Acts are to:
The main consideration in your unit's or organization's daily work activities is for personnel to notify the ECO or ENRMD prior to construction of new equipment that may emit air pollutants or prior to making changes in existing equipment and activities that have the potential to affect the types or volumes of pollutants emitted to ambient air. They can then gather the necessary information to discuss with EPA or LDEQ the regulatory status of the equipment or activity and whether a permit is needed prior to beginning the construction or modifications.
There are a number of special pollutants regulated under federal and/or state regulations that are addressed below.
3.4.1 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs are a type of organic chemical known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. Prior to 1978, they were used as insulating oils in electrical equipment, such as transformers and capacitors, because of their cooling properties and the fact that they don't readily burn. PCBs came under strict scrutiny by the EPA when laboratory studies showed the chemical's potential to cause cancer in animals. Under authority of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA banned the continued manufacture of PCBs after 1978. In addition, the agency imposed controls on existing, PCB-containing electrical equipment that were still in use or that have been removed from service for reuse or disposal.
Fort Polk has conducted an inventory of electrical equipment in use (primarily transformers) to determine the potential for presence of PCBs in oils in these units. Of the approximately 2,000 transformers that were evaluated during this study, about 50 were identified as having PCBs in concentrations that are subject to the regulations. These transformers, which are still in good condition, are not located in areas of residential or commercial operations on the installation. The EPA rules allow the continued use of this equipment, subject to certain labeling and recordkeeping requirements, until the end of their useful life. At that time, the equipment will be removed from service for proper storage and disposition under the law.
3.4.2 Asbestos-Containing Material
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fiber that was used for its heat-resistant properties (e.g., as insulation or in floor tiles) prior to 1980. Some forms of asbestos are considered to be carcinogenic to humans if inhaled or ingested. When Fort Polk undertakes demolition or reconstruction of buildings or structures on site that are known or suspected to contain asbestos, the removal is conducted by qualified personnel and in accordance with TSCA and the Clean Air Act. Asbestos-containing material that is removed must be labeled as such and disposed of as a state special waste at an authorized off-site landfill.
If building insulation or floor tiles are encountered that are suspected to contain asbestos, personnel should be advised to not disturb the material. The Army's policy, as approved by the EPA, is to control asbestos-containing material in place to minimize the threat to workers or residents on site. The ECO or the Pollution Prevention and Restoration Branch (x6578) should be contacted so that they may initiate the proper precautions.
Radon is a naturally-occurring colorless, odorless gaseous decay product of the radioactive elements uranium and radium, and is more commonly found in the western and Midwestern U.S. This carcinogenic gas typically becomes concentrated in airtight buildings and basements, and it can be inhaled into the human respiratory system. Although there are no federal regulations relating to acceptable radon levels, the EPA has issued guidance recommending mitigation measures in buildings where the radon concentration exceeds 200 picocuries per liter. The Army's action level is 4 picocuries per liter.
In 1989, Fort Polk conducted air measurement tests for radon gas in residential housing and work areas on site. No locations were found to be in excess of the EPA and Army guidance levels.
Lead was a common ingredient in paint until the early 1980s. Lead-based paint becomes a potential human health problem when it deteriorates over time since paint dust can be inhaled and paint chips eaten. Fort Polk has begun a survey of structures within the installation to determine the presence of lead-based paint. Once this survey is complete, a formal lead-based paint management plan will be developed. In general, care should be given to prevent disturbing the painted surfaces of buildings constructed prior to the 1980s. The Pollution Prevention and Restoration Branch (x6578) should be contacted prior to any demolition or renovation of these structures.
Fort Polk gets its drinking water from a system of wells that withdraws water from reserves of underground water (also called aquifers). North and South Fort Polk each have a separate system of wells, treatment facilities, and piping that distributes treated water within each cantonment area. The quality of drinking water provided by the installation is regulated under the federal and Louisiana Safe Drinking Water Acts. These laws require that Fort Polk test and monitor the quality of its drinking water, keep records, and submit test reports to the state. If a drinking water standard is not met, Fort Polk must provide notice to individuals residing and working within the installation.
The safe drinking water program at Fort Polk is primarily implemented by ENRMD and doesn't affect day-to-day activities EXCEPT for protection of the underground aquifers. Many of the environmental programs discussed in this Guidebook (waste, wastewater, spill prevention) are designed to prevent discharges of contaminants to the ground or surface because of the potential to contaminate groundwater which serves as a source of drinking water supply. Protecting the land at Fort Polk ALSO protects our drinking water.
3.6 Natural and Cultural Resources
It is Fort Polk's policy to protect and improve natural and cultural resources within the installation. The land, vegetation, and forests of Fort Polk must be managed wisely to ensure the health and welfare of the natural ecosystem and continued availability to support installation activities.
The Natural Resources Management Branch of the ENRMD manages approximately 100,000 acres of Fort Polk land, of which approximately 98,000 acres are within the Kisatchie National Forest. The majority of woodlands within the installation are pine, including the longleaf, loblolly, shortleaf, and slash species. In addition to these forest resources, wetland areas are present within the installation. Although we commonly think of "wetlands" as boggy, water-saturated areas, the term is very broad and can apply to land that does not appear "wet." Wetland areas at Fort Polk are typically created by seepage from localized, shallow groundwater and are generally found on ridge slopes. They are important for providing habitats for birds and aquatic species. They also protect streams and creeks by serving as a "filter" for sediments and pollutants.
In terms of our responsibility for protection of these natural resources, the destruction of trees and vegetation by cutting and/or vehicles should be avoided. Any land clearing required to achieve training objectives must be carried out in coordination with the ENRMD.
The potential for dangerous forest fires at Fort Polk is significant due to the extensive use of wooded areas by a large number of personnel engaged in training and by the presence of live firing ranges. Section 4.6 of this Guidebook identifies precautions to be taken during JRTC training to minimize the potential for fires. However, anyone on the installation should ensure that he/she is not causing or creating a potential for fire hazard, particularly during the critical fire hazard period (October through April).
Fort Polk contains historic and prehistoric cultural resources that reflect a 12,000-year history of human habitation. If a suspected archaeological site or other cultural artifact is discovered during any field activity, construction, or maintenance project, personnel should promptly contact the Conservation Branch of the ENRMD (x6011) and take measures to ensure that the site is not disturbed.
4.0 Rotating Units-Field Training Activities
Readiness training is the number one priority of the JRTC and Fort Polk. It is Fort Polk's policy that field training, tactical exercises, and testing be conducted in a manner which minimizes adverse impact to the environment and our natural and cultural resources. In areas where military training is conducted in the national forest, Fort Polk shall also comply with the special use permit authorization from the U.S. Forest Service.
The keys to successful environmental protection during field operations are "awareness" and "planning." Each unit officer, noncommissioned officer, and soldier should apply environmental awareness to his/her daily activities and prevent environmental damage by identifying, in advance, environmental considerations associated with unit activities. Fort Polk encourages the key staff of each battalion or brigade to visit the Environmental Compliance Center (Bldg. 2504) during D-90 training to get more details on our compliance programs.
The particular environmental considerations affecting JRTC training are discussed below. Chapter 3 of this Guidebook should be read first, however, to give you a background on the environmental programs applicable to garrison/cantonment activities.
The terrain at Fort Polk (rolling hills covered by longleaf and loblolly pine) is excellent for field training and maneuvers, but it also poses a serious environmental issue due to erosion. The repetitive maneuvering of tracked vehicles over the sandy ridgetops results in a loss of vegetative cover. Other field activities that can initiate erosion are unfilled excavations and cutting vegetation for camouflage. As it rains, disturbed soil from these activities moves down into natural drainageways and the headwaters of the many streams on the installation. The result is the loss of downslope vegetation and siltation of streams, which harms plants and aquatic life in the waterways. When erosion becomes significant, Fort Polk must close certain training areas for rehabilitation. This takes away unit training space and budget, sometimes for a period of years.
What can my battalion or brigade do to help reduce erosion from training activities?
- Do not deploy in a column formation.
- Avoid neutral steer turns or sharp turns.
- Steer clear of vegetation.
- Cross streams only at authorized sites.
4.2 Protection of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW)
The RCW is an endangered species (under federal and Louisiana law) which resides and nests in southern pines within the installation. Fort Polk's forest management program for the protection of the RCW dates back to 1980, making it the first installation to incorporate protection of this species into natural resource management planning.
What do my personnel need to look out for during field training?
RCW trees are clearly marked with 1-meter wide white bands at eye level. These trees are to be strictly avoided. A 62-meter (200 foot) buffer zone around the site of these nesting trees is identified by a single orange band on trees on the perimeter of the buffer zone. Within the buffer zone, excavations, vegetation cutting, and stringing of wire are prohibited; vehicles must stay on established roads or trails; and only transient foot traffic is allowed. Any individual observing an unmarked RCW nesting tree or a tree damaged or destroyed through natural means or as a result of military activity should immediately notify the Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division (ENRMD) at x7912.
4.3 Solid Waste (Hazardous and Nonhazardous)
Solid waste includes wastes that are hazardous and nonhazardous, as defined by federal and state rules. Hazardous wastes include those that are specifically listed by regulation and those that are characteristically hazardous (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic). Hazardous wastes are to be segregated from the regular garbage generated during training for turn-in at the 8300 Block Consolidated Solid Waste Collection Facility (see box next page).
Nonhazardous solid waste associated with field training must, like hazardous waste, be properly handled for environmental as well as human health and safety reasons. Burying of litter and trash is prohibited. Litter and trash that is generated from field training must be sorted prior to transport to the 8300 Block Consolidated Solid Waste Collection Facility to ensure that prohibited items do not become a part of the regular "garbage" that Fort Polk sends to an off-site landfill. Materials that can be recycled (pallets, cans) should be segregated for turn-in at the 8300 Block.
What types of waste must be kept from the garbage?
(Lithium batteries should be deactivated, whenever possible, prior to turn-in.) The items identified above must be segregated and stored in their own secure containers for turn-in to the 8300 Block Consolidated Solid Waste Collection Facility.
4.4 Spill Prevention and Response
Chapter 5 of this Guidebook addresses general spill prevention and response measures. Spills onto the ground or into waterways of Fort Polk can impact the environment as well as affect our drinking water supply. During training, when handling hazardous materials and POL, ensure that your personnel have proper containers and procedures to prevent or minimize releases, including drip pans for vehicles and under hose fittings when pumping fuel in the field. This also includes not storing any of these materials within 100 meters (330 feet) of any stream, creek, or waterbody or on a slope or hillside.
If a spill or release of POL (or a hazardous material) does occur:
Graywater is wastewater generated from field messing, latrines, showers, and laundry activities in the field. Graywater which totals less than 500 gallons per day can be placed in deep soakage pits. G3/Range Control (x5534) can be contacted for more information on construction of graywater management facilities. However, these pits cannot be located within 50 meters [165 feet] of a waterbody, 62 meters [200 feet] of an RCW tree, or in wetland or bog areas. Management of larger volumes must be coordinated between the OC and G3/Range Control (x5534).
Management of the forests within Fort Polk includes controlled burning of underbrush to maintain the health of the pine trees. Unplanned and accidental fires can seriously damage the ecosystem, as well as potentially pose a risk to local residents. The critical fire hazard period at Fort Polk is from October through April.
All range fires must be immediately reported to an OC (with the six-digit grid coordinate of the fire) and, if an OC is unavailable, to Range Control (x5534; radio frequency 40.95). If a fire starts during contact, an OC will separate opposing units until the responsible unit extinguishes the fire. If not in contact, personnel should extinguish the fire immediately.
Open fires, warming fires, and cooking fires are prohibited in the field at all times. Controlled open burning of excess propellants is authorized only under the direct supervision of an OC and when conducted in prescribed burn pans available from the Environmental Compliance Center, Bldg. 2503 (x2815).
4.7 Other Environmentally Sensitive Areas
There are a number of sensitive areas within the installation that are also protected. These include wetlands (bogs and marshy areas) and cultural resource areas (prehistoric and historic sites). Fort Polk and the U.S. Forest Service have developed a marking system for environmentally sensitive areas. These markings will assist your OC and battalion or brigade to identify activities that are unauthorized in these areas.
Each sensitive area has bright orange, flat stakes bordering the area with one or more markers attached advising what activities are unauthorized. The markers include:
Note that RCW habitat and buffer zones are not identified by these markers, but are identified by banding of trees with white or orange paint, as described in Section 4.2.
5.0 Spill Prevention and Response
A spill is the intentional or unintentional discharge of any substance (not just hazardous materials or hazardous wastes) to the ground, land surface (paved or not), or water. Spills can occur inside or outside of buildings. The term "spill" is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "release." The type and level of response to a spill will obviously depend on the severity of the situation. The concern about spills, no matter how large or small, is that they can threaten human health and safety. They can also threaten environmental resources (including our drinking water supply) and result in the loss of, or damage to, property.
The first goal is to prevent the occurrence of spills through adequate planning and precautions in the use of materials on site. Spill prevention is the responsibility of all military and civilian (including contractors and residents) personnel within the installation. The key is good housekeeping and attentiveness to work areas and equipment. With respect to POL in particular, Fort Polk has prepared and implemented a spill prevention, countermeasure, and contingency plan for all POL stored on site. This plan, among other things, documents the protective measures and work practices employed to prevent POL spills.
What are some of the measures my unit or organization can take in their work area or activity to minimize the potential for spills and releases?
5.2 Spill Notification and Response
The installation-wide spill contingency plan is a written document that contains information on:
The Installation On-Scene Coordinator (IOSC) has overall responsibility for implementation of the installation-wide spill contingency plan. As needed, he/she may delegate specific IOSC responsibilities to qualified individuals. In addition, each unit or organization should have its own:
Your personnel should know their responsibilities under the unit's/organization's spill plan before a spill happens. Depending on the nature and type of spill, an individual may be an initial discoverer who is responsible for notification to his/her supervisor, he/she may be part of a response team, or he/she may need to evacuate the area under the instruction of a supervisor or other authority. At all times, however, personnel should only perform those actions that they have been trained to do and can do without endangering themselves or others. Personal safety should be at the forefront of responding to any spill situation.
What types of actions may be taken initially to stop and contain a spill?
Figure 5-1 overviews the procedures for responding to a spill upon initial discovery. The initial discoverer should immediately notify his/her supervisor, and should provide the initial action to stop and contain the source of the spill, depending on the volume and nature of the released material, without undue risk of personal injury.
After initial notice to a supervisor, he/she will notify the Fire Department who will, in turn, notify the IOSC or a designated individual. The IOSC will determine whether the unit or organization can continue with response and cleanup, or whether additional resources, such as the Installation Response Team or outside agencies, need to be called in. Whenever possible, cleanup operations are conducted at the lowest level of the organization as long as personal safety is ensured (including responding to all spills of POL in volumes of less than 10 gallons). The cost of this response, cleanup, and replenishment of the spill kit is borne by the unit or organization.
The IOSC also determines when spill response and restoration activities are complete and will always be the installation point of contact for providing notices to any external agencies, such as the EPA or Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
6.0 Public and Regulatory Agency Involvement in Installation Compliance Programs
Fort Polk's objective is to ensure protection of on- and off-post individuals and the environment through well-managed compliance programs. These programs provide for involvement of the public (citizens, community officials, the media) in certain decision-making processes of the installation on environmental issues. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regularly inspect the installation to verify compliance with environmental requirements. This chapter explains responsibilities within Fort Polk for interacting with the public and regulatory agencies on environmental issues.
Public involvement in Fort Polk's environmental compliance programs primarily occurs through the permitting process, when the public has an opportunity to review the application for an environmental permit (a copy of which is typically maintained for a specified period of time in the installation library). The public can also comment on the draft and the final permit prepared by EPA or LDEQ. In addition, Fort Polk holds public meetings to provide additional information on the nature and reasons for certain environmental permits. Notices of applications, draft permits, and public meetings are typically published in the city newspapers of Leesville and Alexandria.
The Public Affairs Office (PAO), working with the Environmental and Natural Resources Management Division (ENRMD) and, as needed, the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA), is the spokesperson for the command. The PAO answers inquiries from the public and media concerning environmental activities at the installation and directorate levels and initiates and dispatches information to the external news media. The office ensures that appropriate information in support of Fort Polk's environmental programs is disseminated through both the command and public information channels.
What if a citizen or news media contacts me to comment on environmental issues at Fort Polk?
Requests for information and inquiries on environmental issues must be routed through the Public Affairs Office (x2714) so that they can coordinate with the ENRMD to gather accurate and responsive answers to the inquiry. Replying that you have "no comment" is typically inappropriate. The more productive response is to take the name and number of the caller and state that you will see that their call is promptly returned by someone from the Public Affairs Office or ENRMD.
The two regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the installation's environmental programs are primarily the EPA and LDEQ. They oversee and inspect our compliance programs. Responsibility for communication (phone, on-site visits, off-site meetings) with these agencies primarily rests with the ENRMD.
What if my personnel are involved in an agency inspection?
During a compliance inspection by EPA or LDEQ, the inspector should always be accompanied by a representative of ENRMD and, within specific work areas, by the Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO). All Fort Polk personnel are responsible for truthfully answering any questions directly posed by an inspector. If the question relates to an area or activity for which your personnel have no personal knowledge, they should not speculate or guess. It is acceptable to answer that they "don't know" and the ENRMD or ECO representative will attempt to find an answer to the inspector's question.
TC 5-400, Unit Leaders' Handbook for Environmental Stewardship (1994)
USATHAMA, Commander's Guide to Environmental Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, October 1994
U.S. Army Regulation 200-1, Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, April 1990
U.S. Army, Alaska, Environmental Handbook, August 1995
U.S. Army, Fort Hood Regulation 420-2, October 1986
Appendix 1 - Flowchart Showing Legislative/Regulatory Process
Appendix 2 - Major Federal Environmental Protection Laws and Regulations
Federal Statutes
Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended through 1990
Clean Water Act of 1982, as amended through 1990
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended through 1992
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended
Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1992
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1972
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
Noise Control Act of 1972
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended through 1992
Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended though 1986
Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976
Federal Regulations (as codified at Code of Federal Regulations [CFR])
Air quality (40 CFR Parts 50-71)
Drinking water (40 CFR Parts 141 and 143)
Emergency planning and community right-to-know (40 CFR Parts 300, 350, 355, 370, 372)
Environmental assessments (40 CFR Part 6 and Parts 1500-1508)
Hazardous waste (40 CFR Parts 260-278)
Historic, cultural, and archaeological resources (36 CFR Parts 60, 79, 800; 43 CFR Part 7)
Noise (40 CFR Parts 201-211)
Pesticides (40 CFR Parts 162, 165, 171)
POL spill prevention (40 CFR Part 112)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (40 CFR Part 761)
Superfund National Contingency Plan (40 CFR Part 300)
Underground storage tanks (40 CFR Part 280)
Used oil (40 CFR Part 279)
Wastewater (40 CFR Parts 122-140)
Executive Orders (EO)
EO 12088 - Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards
EO 12856 - Federal Compliance with Right-to-Know Laws and Pollution Prevention Requirements
U.S. Army Regulations (AR)
AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement
AR 200-2, Environmental Effects of Army Actions
AR 200-3, Natural Resources-Land, Forest and Wildlife Management
AR 420-47, Solid and Hazardous Waste
AR 420-76, Pest Management
AR 4420-40, Historic Preservation
8300 Block 3-9, 4-5, 4-6
Acids 3-17, 3-24
Aerosol cans 3-5
Air emissions 3-25
Air Force 1-3
Alexandria 1-3, 6-2
Aluminum cans 3-6, 3-7
Antifreeze 3-11, 3-21, 4-6
Aquifers 3-30
Archaeological site 3-33
Army 1-4, 1-6, 2-2, 3-1, 3-29
Asbestos 1-13, 3-10, 3-11, 3-28
Batteries 3-11, 3-14, 3-15, 3-18, 4-6
Building 4050 3-18
"Buy Recycle" initiative 3-8
Capacitors 3-27
Carbon remover 3-14
Cardboard 3-6, 3-7
Caustics 3-17
Central Vehicle Wash Facilities 3-23
Chaffee Road 3-10, 3-23
Characteristically hazardous 3-13
Charcoal gas-mask filters 3-15
Chemical products 3-6, 4-6
Citizen 6-1, 6-3
Civil sanctions 1-6
Clean Air Act 3-25, 3-26, 3-28
Clean Water Act 3-22, 3-24
Community officials 6-1
Compliance and Monitoring Branch 1-12, 1-13
Compressed gases 4-6
Concertina wire 3-11, 4-6
Conservation Branch 1-12, 1-13, 3-33
Consolidated Solid Waste
Collection Facility 3-9, 4-5, 4-6
Construction 3-2, 3-26
Containerized gases 3-11
Containers 3-11, 3-15, 4-6
Contaminated fuels 3-21
Contingency plan 5-1
Contractors 1-3, 5-1
Corrosive, corrosivity 3-14, 3-17, 4-5, 4-6
Countermeasure 5-1
Criminal sanctions 1-6, 1-8
Cultural resources 2-3, 3-31, 3-33, 4-9
Defense Reutilization and
Marketing Office (DRMO) 1-14, 2-2, 3-12, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, 3-19, 3-21
Defense Reutilization and
Marketing Service (DRMS) 3-16, 3-17
Degreasers 3-25
DENTAC 3-13
Department of Defense (DOD), 1-8, 3-17
Directorate of Logistics (DOL) 1-14
Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and
Security (G3/DPTMS) 1-14
Directorate of Public Works (DPW) 1-11, 1-12
Drinking water 3-30
Electrical equipment 3-27
Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act 1-11
Emission sources 3-26
Endangered species 2-3, 4-3
Engine oils 3-19
England Air Park 1-3
Environmental and Natural Resources
Management Division (ENRMD) 1-11, 1-12, 1-13, 1-14, 3-2, 3-12, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, 3-24, 3-25, 3-26, 3-31, 3-32, 3-33, 4-4, 4-7, 6-3, 6-4
Environmental Compliance Assessment System (ECAS) 1-13
Environmental Compliance Center (ECC) 3-10, 4-1, 4-9
Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) 1-5, 1-9, 1-10, 2-2, 2-3, 3-2, 3-10, 3-12, 3-16, 3-18, 3-24, 3-25, 3-26, 3-29, 6-4
Environmental Excellence Award 1-9
Environmental Management Training 2-2
Environmental training 2-1, 2-3
Erosion control 4-2
Excess propellants 4-9
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Range 3-14
Explosives 4-6
Federal Facilities Compliance Act 1-8
Fines 1-7
Fire Department 1-15, 5-6, 5-7
Fires 4-8
Flammable 3-17, 4-6
Forces Command (FORSCOM) 1-3
Forest management program 4-3
Fort Polk 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 1-12, 1-14, 1-15, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-6, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-14, 3-18, 3-19, 3-21, 3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 3-25, 3-26, 3-27, 3-28, 3-29, 3-30, 3-31, 3-32, 3-33, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-5, 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 5-1, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4
Fuels 4-6
Garbage 3-5, 3-10, 4-5
Garrison/cantonment 3-1, 4-3
Garrison commander 1-12
Gear lubricants 3-19
Generators 3-25
Geographical Information System (GIS) 1-13
Graywater 4-8
Hazardous materials 1-14, 3-6, 3-12, 4-7
Hazardous substances 3-12
Hazardous waste 2-1, 2-2, 3-6, 3-11, 3-12, 3-13, 3-16, 3-19, 3-24, 4-5
Heating plants (boilers) 3-25
Herbicides 4-6
Household hazardous waste 3-18
Ignitable, ignitability 3-14, 4-5, 4-6
Ignitable materials 4-6
Installation commander 1-12
Installation library 6-2
Installation Recycling Office 3-7, 3-18
Installation Response Team 5-6, 5-7
Installation-wide spill contingency plan 5-3
Insulating oils 3-27
Integrated Training Area Management 1-14
Intermediate Staging Base 1-3
Installation On-Scene Coordinator (IOSC) 5-4, 5-7
Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) 1-3, 1-11, 1-14, 3-25, 3-33, 4-1, 4-2
Kisatchie National Forest 1-1, 3-32
Landfarm 3-10, 3-23
Lead-acid batteries 4-6
Lead-based paint 1-13, 3-30
Leesville 1-1, 6-2
Listed hazardous waste 3-13
Louisiana Attorney General 1-6, 1-7
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, 3-1, 3-5, 3-10, 3-13, 3-23, 3-26, 5-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
Louisiana Hazardous Waste Control Law 3-12, 3-19
Louisiana Safe Drinking Water Act 3-30
Lubricants (POL) 3-6
Magnesium batteries 4-6
Material Safety Data Sheet 3-13, 3-17
MEDDAC 3-13
Medical waste 3-11, 3-24, 4-6
Metal pallets 4-6
Mobile sources 3-25, 3-26
Mobile vehicles 3-25
Motor pools 3-21, 3-23
Natural resources 3-31
Natural Resources Management Branch 1-12, 1-13, 3-32
News media 6-1, 6-2, 6-3
Non-oil wastes 3-21
Nonempty containers 3-11
Nonhazardous waste 3-5, 3-9, 4-5
North Fort Polk 1-1, 3-9, 3-22, 3-23, 3-30
Observer/controller (OC) 1-11, 4-7, 4-9
Oil 3-6
Oils and greases 4-6
Open burning 3-25, 4-8, 4-9
Oxidizer 3-17
Paint 3-14, 3-18, 4-6
Paint cans 4-6
Paint spray booths 3-25
Paint thinners 3-14, 3-18, 4-6
Pallets 3-6, 4-5
Paper products 3-8
Peason Ridge Training Area 1-3
Pesticides 3-18, 4-6
Petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) 1-14, 3-6, 3-8, 3-24, 4-7, 5-1, 5-3, 5-7
Photographic wastes 3-24
Point of generation 3-16
Poison 3-17
POL containers and tanks 3-25
POL-contaminated soil or dry sweep 3-10, 3-11
Pollutant 3-22
Pollution prevention 3-6
Pollution Prevention and Restoration
Branch 1-11, 1-12, 3-10, 3-29, 3-30
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 1-13, 3-27, 3-28
Print shops 3-25
Propellants 4-6
Public 6-1
Public Affairs Office (PAO) 1-15, 6-2, 6-3
Public involvement/participation 6-2
Pyrotechnics 4-6
Radioactive materials/devices 3-11, 4-6
Radon 1-13, 3-29
Range Control 4-8, 4-9
Range Division 1-14
Reactive, reactivity 3-14, 4-5
Reconstruction 3-2
Recycling program 2-3, 3-6, 4-4
Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) 1-13, 4-3, 4-10
Region 6 1-4
Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) 1-8, 1-11, 3-5, 3-12, 3-17, 3-19, 3-24
Reusable containers 3-15
Safe Drinking Water Act 3-30
Sanctions 1-5
Satellite collection point 2-3, 3-19
Saturated oily rags 3-11
Scrap metal 3-6, 3-21
Secondary containment 5-2
Sewer 3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 5-5
Simulators 4-6
Sink 3-22, 3-24
Solid waste 3-5, 4-5
Solvents 3-14, 3-19, 3-20, 3-21, 3-24
South Fort Polk 1-1, 3-22, 3-23, 3-30
Special duty soldiers 1-13
Special pollutants 3-27
Special waste 3-10, 3-28
Spills 3-3, 3-24, 4-7, 5-1
Spill cleanup materials 4-6
Spill planning 2-3, 5-4
Spill prevention 4-7, 5-1
Spill response kit 5-2, 5-4, 5-7
Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) 1-15, 6-2
Stationary 3-25
Synthetic oil 3-20
Tires 3-11, 4-6
Toledo Bend Recreational Area 1-3
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 3-27, 3-28
Toxic, toxicity 3-15, 4-5
Training devices 4-6
Transformers 3-27
U.S. Department of Justice 1-6, 1-7
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, 3-1, 3-5, 3-13, 3-23, 3-26, 3-27, 3-28, 3-29, 5-3, 5-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
U.S. Forest Service 1-1, 4-1, 4-9
U.S. Forest Service Military Liaison Officer 1-15
U.S. Geologic Survey 1-15
Underground aquifers 3-31
Underground water 3-30
Unusable containers 3-15
Used oil 3-11, 3-19, 3-20, 3-21
Used oil filters 3-21
Used or unused blanks, simulators, pyrotechnics, explosives, propellants 3-11, 4-6
Used or unused chemicals 3-24
Vernon Parish 1-1
Waste fuel 3-20
Waste minimization 3-6
Wastewater 3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 4-8
Wastewater discharge permits 3-23
Wastewater treatment plant 3-22, 3-23, 3-24
Waters 3-22
Weapons 4-6
Wetlands 2-3, 3-22, 3-32, 4-9
Wood 4-6
Wood or metal pallets 3-11, 4-6
X-ray wastes 3-24
Date Last Updated: 09/26/01