Pollution Prevention at the 121st Air Refueling Wing

by Roger Jones

1. Baselining Waste-Stream Flow and Taking Actions to Reduce or Eliminate It

• The 121st ARW has implemented an aggressive waste minimization program which has resulted in a reduction of hazardous waste generated from a Baseline of over 108,000 lbs in 1993 to less than 7,000 lbs in 1999.

• The 121st ARW purchased additional Pollution Prevention Equipment in 1999 eliminating some waste streams and greatly reducing others.

• Implemented the use of closed loop recycling solvent tanks eliminating solvent waste streams.

• Closed loop paint gun cleaner recycling system eliminating Methyl Ethyl Ketone waste stream.

• Replacement of Tyvek suits (contaminated with cadmium) with cotton coveralls that are laundered for re-use and eliminating the waste stream.

• Implemented an aggressive re-use program in which over 2,500 lbs of Hazardous Material was re-used, donated or sold saving over $3,500 in disposal cost.

2. Preventing Pollution in All aspects of Installation Operations

• The 121st ARW has prepared and implemented a Pollution Prevention Plan.

• Developed and implemented the 121st ARW pollution prevention policy to maximize pollution prevention with all organizations committed to integrating pollution prevention ethics into their day to day activities.

• The 121st ARW was selected to receive the 1999 Ohio EPA Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention (evaluation included: the reduction of waste at the source, recycling or recovery of materials, cost-effectiveness, ability of the program to serve as a model for others, and effectiveness in promoting pollution prevention as the preferred long-term approach for environmental management).

• The 121st ARW not only promotes pollution prevention efforts at the 121st ARW but also provides the team leader for the Ohio/Department of Defense/Federal Facility Pollution Prevention Partnership's Opportunity Assessment team to assist other DOD facilities with pollution prevention programs.

• The 121st ARW has prepared and implemented a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and an Aircraft and Airfield Deicing/Anti-icing Operations Plan for preventing pollution from entering our waterways.

3. Reducing Use of Ozone-Depleting and Other Hazardous Chemicals

• The 121st ARW has fully implemented the Hazardous Materials Pharmacy program.

• Eliminated all purchases of Class 1 Ozone Depleting Chemicals.

• Greatly reduced the purchase of Class 2 Ozone Depleting Chemicals (less than 20 lbs per year).

• Reduced the number of line item hazardous materials from more than 2,000 separate hazardous materials to less than 700.

• Reduced the number of hazardous material manufactures/suppliers from over 2,500 to less than 1,500.

• Reduced the purchase/use of 17 chemicals targeted by US EPA (EPA 17) by approx. 50%.

4. Enhancing Pollution Prevention Awareness

• The 121st ARW provides pollution prevention training for installation personnel on an annual basis.

• The 121st ARW provides the DOD co-chair for the DOD/EPA Pollution Prevention Partnership with a mission to create a working relationship with government agencies and local communities to promote and implement pollution prevention as the preferred strategy for protecting the environment.

• The 121st ARW has also provided the co-chair for the local Ohio EPA Watershed Group with the purpose to generate public awareness and participation to protect the Walnut Creek watershed.

• The 121st ARW has provided pollution prevention assistance to Airborne Express by giving a tour/briefing of our pollution prevention programs and sending a group of 121st ARW personnel to the Airborne Express facility to provide guidance/recommendations.

• Hosted the first ANG Hazardous Material Pharmacy conference.

If you have any questions regarding the above mentioned information or would like additional information please contact Mr. Roger Jones at (614) 492-3200 or EMAIL: Roger.Jones@ohcolu.ang.af.mil.

January 2001