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U.S. Army Infantry Center — Fort Benning

Executive Summary

In 1995 Fort Benning embarked upon an aggressive project to reduce waste generation, reduce the toxicity of wastes that are generated, and increase recycling activities as well as source reduction efforts in accordance with DoD, USEPA and State policies, goals and directives.

Introduction

Fort Benning is located on over 182,000 acres near Columbus, Georgia. The post serves a total population of over 105,000 people, including 22,000 active duty military, 23,000 reservists and retirees, 51,000 dependents, and almost 7,000 civilian employees. Training on Fort Benning ranges from basic Infantry training to more advanced courses such as Airborne, Ranger, Sniper, and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer training. The Post also serves as a "power projection" platform for deployable units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 3rd Brigade/3rd Infantry division, and 36th Engineer Group. These deployable units maintain a variety of large equipment ranging from heavy armor to the Bradley fighting vehicles to motorcycles.

Pollution Prevention Program

• In 1995, Fort Benning developed a pollution prevention plan that detailed the installationís strategy for reducing its waste generation. Specifically, this plan called for a 50% reduction in waste generation over the 1994 baseline for the installation. This plan focuses on everything from enhanced procurement of materials, alternative cleaning technologies, the elimination of ozone depleting substances, increased recycling activities, to increased reuse of waste-streams where possible.
• Fort Benning operates a Qualified Recycling Program under Army regulation guidelines. The recycling center accepts paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and glass. The center provides exchange services for wooden pallets and provides a drop-off point for used oil. Recycling is mandatory for all onñpost housing residents and offices. Yard waste and wood is collected, chipped and composted on the installation for reuse in training areas as a soil additive and stabilizer. Units are expected to recover recyclables such as cardboard, steel, aluminum, brass, and other resources. These efforts have cumulatively increased the amount of material recycled from 3,000 tons in 1992 to 24,000 tons in 1997. Solid waste generation has equally been reduced from 40,000 tons in 1992 to 19,300 tons in 1997.

Specific P2 Initiatives

Fort Benning has implemented a variety of other pollution prevention activities:

• Used oil is collected and used for heating purposes at the central heating plant.
• A combination of antifreeze testing and antifreeze recycling have virtually eliminated disposal of this wastestream on the installation.
• Lead-acid batteries are recycled.
• Disposable radio batteries are being replaced with rechargeable nickel-cadmium substitutes.
• Cleaning systems that rely upon halogenated hydrocarbons are being replaced with water-based cleaning systems.
• Flammable weapons cleaning fluids that had ozone-depleting substances within them have been replaced with low-VOC, non-flammable alternatives.
• Digital photography is being used in lieu of traditional film developing systems.
• Modern photocopiers have replaced wet printing processes.
• Water-based latex paints are being used instead of flammable oil-based enamels.
• Redistribution of excess materials such as paint has further reduced waste generation.
• Over 7,000 window blinds containing lead and heavy metals have been replaced with blinds containing no heavy metals.
• Fluorescent tubes containing high level of mercury are being replaced with long-life tubes containing low levels of mercury.

Future P2 Opportunities

Fort Benning has targeted a number of different waste-generating processes for future pollution prevention efforts:

• High-tech digital imaging will replace traditional x-ray systems at Martin Army Community Hospital, eliminating silver and solvent waste.
• Rags used for anything from wiping hands to cleaning parts will be laundered, further reducing solid waste generation.
• The installation is considering bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils and even dry-sweep.
• Increased scrutiny is being placed on procurement actions to minimize chemical purchases while maximizing the procurement of recycled materials.
• Where possible, contract specifications are being amended to include requirements for the use of recycled building materials such as carpeting, plastic lumber, and alternative energy sources.

These combined efforts will allow Fort Benning to significantly save time, money, and our natural resources.

POC: John Brent 706.545.4766