Fort Polk is located in west central Louisiana and is currently the home of the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment, the FORSCOM Redistribution Center (operated by Martin-Lockheed), and the garrison’s Warrior Brigade. Fort Polk covers 198,963 acres - 98,125 of which belong to the United States Forest Service and it makes up part of the Kisatchie National Forest.

The JRTC mission of training light infantry soldiers in low-intensity conflicts involves the addition of a brigade-sized task force to the installation each month. The aggressive training mission of the JRTC and Fort Polk presents extraordinary challenges to protecting the environment without mission impacts. Visiting and resident soldiers at the JRTC utilize a wide variety of batteries in military equipment during the rotational exercises. The Army currently spends approximately $70 million annually on the purchase of all batteries. Lieutenant General Reimer, Chief of Staff of the Army, has established a 50% reduction in the cost of battery procurement as an Army wide goal. The JRTC & Fort Polk have, in turn, established a program to help in the reduction of battery expenditures and waste disposal costs.

The use of one specific battery has increased dramatically over the last 18 months. This battery a BA 5590 is a 12-volt lithium battery, with 10 lithium cells and weighs approximately 2.5 pounds. The purchase price for these batteries is $65.00 each; the disposal cost as a hazardous waste is $9.22 each.

The BA 5590 is used to power not only communications equipment, but also to power the SAWE II MILES (Simulated Area Weapon Effect [II] Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Simulator) which locates individuals and equipment on the battlefield. Historically, the use and disposal of these batteries has been managed at the unit and soldier level. However, in 1996 and 1997, the JRTC began fielding the SAWE II MILES equipment and saw a steep increase in the numbers of used batteries being generated and processed for disposal by visiting rotational units. Due to the inherent safety issues surrounding the use and discharge of these batteries, it has been unrealistic for the visiting units to accomplish the discharging, testing, and disposal required for batteries used during their rotations. The rotational units are at Fort Polk for approximately 3 weeks, with only 5-7 days available for clean-up following the exercise. During the time period April 1997 - April 1998, the JRTC used over 24,000 lithium batteries. The increasing use of the SAWE II MILES will result in even greater numbers as the year goes on. As a result of the increased usage and the rather complex testing and disposal procedures, the environmental staff dedicated personnel to oversee the process at the North Fort Polk Consolidated Solid Waste Collection Facility. These individuals collect and process all batteries used during the rotation.

The following list of materials are being used for management of the BA 5590 lithium batteries:

• BA 5590 Lithium sulfur dioxide batteries (NSN:6135-01-36-3495) $65.00 each
• Energage LS 94 State-of-Charge-Tester (NSN: 6625-01-370-8278)
• Standard Multimeter (Voltmeter)
• Small flat tip screwdriver or similar device
• Paint pen or permanent marker
• Tracking form
• Well ventilated storage area

Batteries are first placed on the state of charge tester to determine their life span. Those batteries determined to have more than 70% of their life span remaining are stored and issued out upon request. Batteries with readings less than 70% are then further processed. Batteries (older versions) which do not have a complete discharge device (CDD) are disposed of as a hazardous waste, for ignitability (D001) and reactivity (D003). Batteries having a CDD are than activated. To activate a CDD you must remove the clear plastic strip covering the CDD then using a small flat tip screw diver or similar device, you press down on the small metal activation switch. These batteries are then dated and allowed to set for 5 days in a well-ventilated area; each battery must be separated by at least two inches on all sides. Once the 5 days have passed the batteries are again tested this time using a standard multimeter. If the voltage reading is below 4, the battery will be marked with that reading along with the initials of the individual conducting the test. The battery is then logged by serial number and is considered non-hazardous waste and can be disposed of in the installation refuge. Those batteries exceeding the 4 volts have faulty CDD’s and must be disposed of as a hazardous waste, D001 and D003.

On average, 29% of the batteries processed have greater than 70% of their life span remaining and may be re-issued. Re-issue of the BA 5590 lithium batteries has resulted in an annual cost savings to the Army of well over $280,000. Another $190,000 is saved annually (cost avoidance) with the processing of the batteries and disposal of 58% as non RCRA wastes. This left only 13% of the batteries needing to be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Disposal costs average $9.22 each (DRMO disposal, and proper packaging). Table 1 indicates the costs associated with BA 5590 battery management prior to implementing the state-of-charge testing and battery re-issue.

Table 1. Previous Monthly Lithium Battery Processing
Cost Category (Activity)	Batteries Procured	Lifecycle Cost*	Annual Cost
Miles Batteries	1500 each rotation	$74.22	$1,113,300
Singar Batteries	900 each rotation	$74.22	$667,980
320 Man Hours @ $10.00 ea.			$3,200
Totals	2400 each rotation		$1,784,480

Table 2. Current Monthly Lithium Battery Processing
Cost Category (Activity)	Batteries Procured	Lifecycle Cost*	Annual Cost
Miles Batteries	1500 each rotation	66.20	$993,000
Singar Batteries	465 each rotation	66.20	$302,976
620 Man Hours @ $10.00 ea			$6,200
Totals	1965 each rotation		$1,302,176

TABLE 3. Lithium Battery Cost Avoidance Realized Each Month at JRTC & Fort Polk
Cost Savings/Cost Avoidance Data	Dollars/month of JRTC Rotations
Battery Procurement Avoidance	$28,275
Battery Disposal Avoidance	$19,772
Increased Personnel Management Costs	($3000)
Total	$45,047