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GW Follows Strict Waste Disposal Guidelines

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091121-10
Release Date: 11/21/2009 4:13:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marcus Mince, USS George Washington (CVN 73)

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, at sea (NNS) -- With the population of a small town, USS George Washington (CVN 73) boasts all the services of one, including sanitation services provided by the ship's Engineering Department for more than 5,000 residents, collecting over 3,000 pounds of plastics a week.

Because the U.S. Navy is concerned about the environment, GW follows Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, including trash separation, when disposing of items at sea, said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) Chris Royal, Engineering's leading chief petty officer.

"Trash separation prevents the accidental dumping of plastics over the side, burning of plastics, and disposal of plastics in the pulper," said Royal.

He said to streamline the process, every department on GW separates trash based on categories: for burning, metals, for pulping and for holding until back in port.

"It is crucial that all trash is disposed of responsibly," said Royal. "It is unacceptable for plastics to be thrown into the improper receptacles and placed with other classifications of trash. This can cause great damage to the ocean and sea life."

When waste reaches the processing site, plastics are condensed using compressed melt units, metals are shredded and palpables, which is anything that can be broken down by adding water, is pumped overboard.

Plastics are shredded, compressed, and melted into manageable pucks and held on board until they can be offloaded.

Items that cannot be disposed of at sea include boots, rubber products, batteries and plastic foam. Departments are responsible for holding these items until they can be properly disposed of while in port.

GW Environmental Waste Processing Leading Petty Officer Machinist's Mate 1st Class Anthony Wilson said the ship enforces waste disposal policies by posting watches to inspect everything that is sent overboard.

"If the trash is not separated you will be turned away—no exceptions," said Wilson, explaining that ships caught violating the rules face heavy penalties from the EPA.

"The ship is ultimately responsible for following the stringent guidelines the EPA sets," said Wilson. "The guidelines we follow ensure the ship does not receive a fine for illegal dumping."

Royal said GW produces about five tons of waste per day and that it is every Sailor's responsibility to sort items for proper disposal to keep the world's oceans clean.

GW, commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG), which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. GW departed its forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 on its second fall deployment as the Navy's forward-deployed carrier presence. The GW CSG includes Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15), and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.