|
RDL Homepage |
Table of Contents |
Document Information |
Download Instructions |
LESSON 2
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
LESSON DESCRIPTION:
This lesson addresses the environmental impact of Army training and operations.
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
ACTION: |
You will learn to identify your environmental responsibilities as well as training and operations that affect the environment. |
CONDITION: |
You will be given the material contained in this lesson. You will work at your own pace and in your own selected environment with no supervision. |
STANDARD: |
You will correctly answer questions on the practice exercise at the end of the lesson. |
REFERENCES: |
The material contained in this lesson was derived from AR 200-1, AR 200-2, FM 3-100.4, TC 3-34.489, and TVT 5-56P1. |
The US Army must prepare for combat anywhere in the world and against any type of enemy. To win on the modern battlefield, the Army must practice in peacetime for the first battle of the next war. Soldiers are the Army's first line of defense in protecting the environment. They must safeguard the environment where they work and live. By making good environmental decisions, soldiers can make a difference. Leaders must practice combat techniques, and training must simulate actual battlefield conditions as much as possible. To train for combat requires large expanses of land and airspace. Conserving the limited number of training areas currently available is a major problem for the Army at all levels.
2-1. The Environment. A soldier's actions have an effect on the environment each day. If something is poured onto the ground or into a storm drain, it may pollute the drinking water. Chemicals that soak into the soil contaminate plants and eventually enter lakes, ponds, and aquifers. Once these chemicals enter primary water sources, it is only a matter of time before they contaminate the drinking water. Actions taken to prevent contamination are inherently more effective and efficient than actions taken to remedy a situation.
2-2. Soldier Actions. The Army wants soldiers to think about the environmental consequences of their actions before they act. Each time soldiers begin a task, they should ask, "How will this activity affect the environment?"
a. Answering this question begins the process of assessing the environmental risks associated with the job. Here are some common situations in which a soldier's actions affect the environment:
Vehicle maintenance.
Weapons maintenance and cleaning.
Nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) equipment and decontamination equipment maintenance.
Supply, storage, and transportation.
Vehicle refueling.
Field sanitation.
Maneuver damage control.
Field recovery.
Weapons training and demolition.
b. Beginning in the unit area, soldiers perform maintenance and training using their assigned equipment. During training or deployment, soldiers use the equipment and supplies to perform their missions in a field environment. Before redeploying or returning from training, soldiers account for equipment, supplies and waste materials. Upon returning to the unit area, soldiers clean their equipment and prepare for the next mission. In each of these situations, soldiers perform their jobs in an environmentally sound manner.
2-3. Vehicle Maintenance. During vehicle maintenance, fuels, oils, coolant, or other fluids may be spilled. Clean up spills immediately to eliminate hazards that could lead to personal injury (usually by slipping and falling). This also gives the spill less time to soak into the ground, which helps conserve water resources. Take simple precautions (place drip pans, diapers, or absorbents under vehicles) to prevent or reduce pollution. Keep a copy of the applicable material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each HM on hand in a binder in the motor pool.
a. Compliance. Disposing of products as specified in unit SOPs and installation regulations will help reduce solid waste. Maintaining and operating vehicles and other equipment, including oil-water separators, according to specifications in applicable TMs will help reduce air and noise pollution.
b. Prevention. Protect the environment by using the following guidelines:
Reduce solid waste and HW by preparing the work site with absorbents, drip pans, and rags to catch small leaks and drips. This will minimize the impact of leaks and spills. Clean up spills immediately, using just enough materials to get the job done.
Reuse rags and floor sweep. Place rags in a dirty rags container, and have them laundered. Collect used dry sweep and reuse it several times. Take leftover items, such as paint or excess parts, to the installation reissue center so that other units can use them.
Recycle HM, such as solvents and coolants, and return damaged parts and assemblies to the supply facility for rebuilding or recycling.
2-4. Weapons Maintenance. Solvents, cleaners, and lubricants used to clean weapons can be hazardous to the environment because they evaporate and contaminate the air. Keep solvent vat lids closed to minimize air pollution. Use absorbent floor sweep under solvent vats to catch leaks and spills. Used floor sweep, patches, and brushes are contaminated with harmful solvents and metal particles, so dispose of them properly to prevent them from spreading contamination to landfills. Keep a copy of the applicable MSDS for each HM on hand in a binder in the arms room
a. Compliance. Follow installation guidelines for disposing of HW (solvents) and solid waste (damaged parts) whether in the field or in a garrison environment. Collect these waste products close to the places where they are created, and dispose of them often. Also, follow the cleaning guidelines in the applicable TM.
b. Prevention. Avoid harming the environment during weapons maintenance by using the following guidelines:
Reduce the use of hazardous cleaning solvents and solutions by substituting less hazardous solvents and solutions when permitted. Use just enough solvent or lubricant to maintain the weapon to TM specifications.
Reuse cleaning equipment and lubricant containers when possible. Purchase lubricants in bulk, and refill smaller containers.
Recycle cleaning solvents as part of the installation solvent reclamation program.
2-5. Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Equipment Maintenance. NBC training presents situations that require sound environmental decisions. The used filters and cleaning materials may contribute to persistent pollution problems. Store HM, such as decontaminant solution 2 (DS2), carefully. Ensure that containers have appropriate drip pans or other forms of secondary containment under them. Keep a copy of the applicable MSDS for each HM on hand in a binder in the NBC room. During field training, collect used chemical detection equipment and dispose of it according to installation regulations.
a. Compliance. Many pieces of NBC equipment can be damaged during maintenance by not following the procedures in the applicable TM. This adds to disposal problems. Collect HM, such as used filters, decontamination materials, and cleaning solutions, at the point of generation and dispose of them properly. Be very careful with detection equipment because it may contain small amounts of radioactive isotopes. Unit NBC noncommissioned officers (NCOs) should ensure that all collected materials are properly marked and turned in.
b. Prevention. Support installation environmental goals by using the following guidelines:
Reduce the use of hazardous cleaning solvents and solutions by substituting less hazardous solvents and solutions when permitted.
Reuse mask carriers and cleaning equipment. Turn in excess repair parts so that other units may use them.
Recycle solid waste, including damaged or broken components and batteries. Many of these items contain harmful substances, such as tritium or lithium.
2-6. Supply, Storage, and Transportation. Supply and storage facilities often contain HM. Take precautions when storing and transporting these materials. Do not assume that they can be thrown into the trash or poured down a drain. Turn in excess paint, solvents, cleaners, and supplies to the installation supply point. These materials can be reissued to other units. Keep a copy of the applicable MSDS for each HM on hand in a binder in the storage area.
a. Compliance. Store materials according to manufacturers' guidelines, as stated on the MSDS. Use older items first, ensure that new items are labeled and dated, and place new items to the back of the storage area.
b. Prevention. Support installation environmental goals in supply areas by following the guidelines:
(1) Reduce the amount of solid waste and HW in the supply room by avoiding stockpiling or keeping items around "just in case they are needed." When possible, select items that have less packaging, are less hazardous, or are easily recycled. Dispose of all waste according to the unit SOP, but do not wait until a container is full before arranging for proper disposal.
(2) Reuse containers when possible. Try to purchase supplies such as cleaning solutions or lubricants in bulk, and refill smaller containers as needed. Containers should be appropriately labeled and compatible with the material stored.
(3) Recycle materials as required by the installations recycling program. Keep recycling containers free of trash and garbage. Turn in excess or damaged repair parts and tools as stated in the unit maintenance or supply SOP. These parts will be rebuilt, repaired, and returned to the maintenance system.
2-7. Refueling. Pay close attention during refueling operations because of the potential for spills and fires. Taking simple precautions prevents large pollution problems. Clean up spills immediately. During refueling, protect the environment, and dispose of contaminated soil according to installation policies and unit SOPs.
a. Compliance. Follow the unit SOP concerning the types and quantities of items to be stored at a fuel point. The unit SOP should specify to place the refueling nozzle in a drip pan and not on the ground. It should address placing drip pans or absorbent material, such as floor sweep, under vehicles being refueled to catch any overflow. Maintain a properly stocked spill kit, and ensure that it is readily available.
b. Prevention. Protect the environment by using the following guidelines:
(1) Reduce the amount of soil contaminated during refueling by not spilling fuel. Pay attention at all times when refueling; do not lock the nozzle open and walk away. When refilling or storing fuel cans, place them in a drip pan to catch any overflow or leaks.
(2) Reuse rags and absorbent material. Reuse overpack drums for transferring contaminated soil. When the rags become soaked, have them laundered and reuse them.
(3) Recycle used or contaminated petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL). Depending on state and local requirements, the unit may have accumulation containers for used fuel, oil, and other POL.
2-8. Field Sanitation/Field Mess. Field sanitation activities, including pest control, latrines, mess operations, and medical-waste disposal affect the environment. Limit the use of pesticides within training areas, bivouac sites, and ranges. Pesticides can create contamination that lasts for years. Instead, use insect repellant to ward off mosquitoes and flies. Keep a copy of the applicable MSDS on hand for each HM.
a. Compliance. The unit field SOP should instruct where and how to emplace latrines, dispose of kitchen waste, and collect medical waste. Enforce the use of field latrines instead of expedients such as "catholes." Human waste attracts additional pests, spreads disease and contaminates runoff water. Use caution when disposing of any substance in the field. In many states, even the water used in immersion heaters must be disposed of in a sanitary sewer system due to metal contamination from the garbage can.
b. Prevention. Ensure that field sanitation practices prevent harm to the environment by using the following guidelines:
(1) Reduce the spread of litter and solid waste by collecting it at the source (mess site, aid station, or issue point). Reduce the amount of spoiled materials that must be thrown away by storing perishable items properly.
(2) Reuse waste accumulation containers. Select sturdy, reusable containers, such as barrels. Ensure that they have lids to keep out weather and pests.
(3) Recycle solid waste that accumulates during the field situations. Batteries, ammunition packing, and cardboard containers can be recycled if collected properly and turned in.
2-9. Maneuver Damage Control. When training areas are stripped of vegetation, they lose valuable concealment, and erosion often prevents further use. Plan to conserve resources before going to the field. Reduce erosion risks by conducting off-road driving only in authorized areas, and cross streams only at approved crossing points. Additionally, fill in fighting positions before leaving an area to reduce erosion problems and make the area safer. Finally, use camouflage netting instead of branches and shrubs.
a. Compliance. In an area that contains historical artifacts or threatened or endangered species, assess the environmental risk before going to the field. When identifying a potential hazard, develop a plan to eliminate or control the risk. Check the driving and convoy requirements for the installation. In some states, installations may receive fines for raising too much dust when vehicles convoy to and from training sites. Maintain a properly stocked spill kit, and ensure that it is readily available.
b. Prevention. To further prevent maneuver damage problems adhere to following guidelines:
(1) Reduce the likelihood of creating a spill by securing cargo properly. Traveling with open or loose containers or driving carelessly creates a potential for spills.
(2) Reuse wire, barrier materials, and sandbags.
(3) Recycle materials that are collected at collection points (CPs), latrines, maintenance facilities, aid stations, and mess facilities.
2-10. Field Recovery. Taking care of equipment develops an important habit that helps the Army prepare for combat, and it conserves natural resources. When returning from training, account for all of the equipment and then clean it. Bring all of the trash and waste back for proper disposal. Wash the equipment at approved wash sites that have oil-water separators. Prevent pollution, and protect yourself by making sound environmental decisions during every recovery operation.
a. Compliance.
(1) Upon departing the training area, return all waste to the containment area. Do not bury any waste materials. Collect unused munitions, and turn them in. Police all brass, wire (communication, concertina, and barbed), and litter before departure.
(2) Use only approved wash racks. When washing equipment in a parking lot or a maintenance area, the runoff enters storm drains and runs into streams and rivers, causing pollution. The same is true when washing a vehicle in a lake, stream or pond.
b. Prevention. Use the following guidelines—
(1) Reduce pollution at the wash rack by using only approved solvents or detergents when washing vehicles. Using unapproved soaps, detergents, and solvents can clog the oil-water separator, causing it to back up and overflow.
(2) Reuse barbed wire, barrier material, and communication wire. When finished with these materials, turn them in to unit supply to ensure that they are available for future use and the area is safe for wildlife. Also, reuse cleaning materials such as brushes and rags.
(3) Recycle worn out or damaged equipment rather than throw it out.
2-11. Weapons Training and Demolition. Citizens living near firing ranges sometimes complain about noise from weapons training and demolition. When these complaints result in letters to local newspapers, letters to Congress or litigation, they can lead to curtailment of the soldier's ability to train realistically. Although the primary responsibility for preventing noise complaints belongs to the operations officer (Operations and Training Officer [US Army] [S3] or Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans [US Army] [G3]) and the installation master planning office, there are ways that individual soldiers can help the effort
a. Compliance. When selecting artillery-firing points close to the installation boundary, check with the range control office to ensure that there are no noise sensitive buildings nearby. When conducting air-to-ground gunnery or nap-of-the-earth flying, check with airfield operations for no-fly zones due to noise sensitive homes or livestock. When conducting night training, comply with nighttime curfews or seek an exception to policy in weight limits designated in installation range control regulations.
b. Prevention. Use the following guidelines—
(1) Maintain mufflers on vehicles and generators. When motor pools or military roads are near housing, avoid unnecessary noise from revving engines or excessive speed. If an installation has a history of noise complaints from demolition training or explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), avoid detonating under the following conditions:
Days of steady wind (8 to 16 kilometers per hour) with gusts of greater velocity in the direction of nearby residences.
Days that are clear with a layering of smoke or fog.
Mornings that are cold, hazy, or foggy.
Days following a day with extremes of temperature between day and night.
Days with high barometer readings and low temperatures.
(2) If a site for mock skirmishes with simulators and blank ammunition is within 500 meters of homes, use the forest as a buffer. Avoid open fields and water. Aim firearms away from homes.
2-12. Summary. The Army and the American people believe that soldiers have a professional responsibility to protect the environment. Soldiers can do that by making smart environmental decisions, which is not difficult to do. Performing a job in an environmentally smart manner protects the environment where people work and live.
