1. Dania Aponte Environmental Programs Director (678) 569-6707 dania.g.aponte.nfg.@mail.mil
Butch Thompson Compliance Program Manager (912) 448-4192 charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil
Felicia Nichols NEPA Program Manager (678) 569-6755 felicia.a.nichols2.nfg@mail.mil
Randy Drummond Restoration and Clean-up Manager (678) 569-6750 randy.m.drummond.nfg@mail.mil
Karen Corsetti Pest Management Program Manager (678) 569-6751 karen.a.corsetti.mil@mail.mil
Yvonne Edwards Environmental Specialist, Recycling Program (678) 569-6752 etta.y.edwards.nfg@mail.mil
Kathryn Norton Energy & Sustainability Program Manager (678) 569-6726 kathryn.f.norton.nfg@mail.mil
Frances Grieme eMS Program Manager, Technical (678) 569-6749 frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil
Michael Holloway Environmental Assessor – Cumming (678) 569-3841 michael.holloway3.mil@mail.mil
Tangy Johnson Environmental Assessor – Ft. Stewart (912) 448-4195 tangy.s.johnson.nfg@mail.mil
Paul Hansen Environmental Assessor – Macon (404)803-8578 paul.l.hansen11.nfg@mail.mil
Megan Spells Environmental Assessor – Tifton (678) 569-8458 megan.e.spells.nfg@mail.mil
Terri Allen Environmental Assessor — Atlanta (678) 569-3840 terri.allen@us.army.mil
Our Mission
Georgia Army National Guard
Environmental Stewardship
Branch Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 1
Our Vision
Our vision is one of maintaining readiness, while utilizing knowledge and
resources to make informed decisions regarding our environment. To protect
and conserve today’s resources for tomorrow’s National Guard Soldiers and
the Citizens of Georgia.
June 2013
~Clay National Guard Center- 1000 Halsey Avenue, Building 70, Marietta, GA 30060~
The Georgia Department of Defense Environmental Stewardship Branch exists
to support Commanders and their Mission by reducing environmental
liabilities and promoting the US Army Environmental Stewardship Program.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP BRANCH STAFF
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER TIME!
2. Page 2
CFMO-ENV Recent Activities and Accomplishments
*************** Welcome Terri Allen! ***************
Here is a brief bio on Terri Allen, who started with the Environmental Office this past May. She will be the
Environmental Assessor for our Metro Atlanta Area. Let’s all welcome her!
“I’m originally from Tampa, FL. I’ve been in Atlanta since 2000. I'm a 1996 graduate of Grambling State
University where I received my BS in Biology. I continued my education at Southern University and A&M
College, receiving my MS in Environmental Science in 2000. I have 15+ years of experience in the environ-
mental field ranging from environmental due diligence to hazardous waste management. I've worked in the
consulting field servicing clients in banking, government, and construction management for over 13 years.
Additionally, I had the privilege of applying my environmental background to aid the US Army Environ-
mental Command as well as the USARC 81st RSC. I'm a diehard Atlanta Falcons fan and I enjoy traveling!”
=============================================================================
Continuing Endeavors throughout 2013:
Energy Program: Exciting changes coming! See update on
page 3.
Environmental Training: EO/UECO training classes are lim-
ited in space so see the schedules on Page 5.
Compliance Program: The Environmental Division received
notification from NGB regarding the facilities to be assessed
during our External Environmental Performance Assessment
(EPAS). See the facilities, buildings and dates on page 7.
New EPA Burning Ban starts. Is your county included? See page 8.
Cleanup & Restoration: Mr. Randy Drummond has been busy with demolition and removal of our
vehicle wash areas and the associated oil and water separator (OWS) systems. Please see article on
Page 11.
GeMS: What every soldier, civilian and contractor should know and be able to answer. See page 12.
The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must
suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. — Douglas MacArthur
3. Page 3
Energy Program
The Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG),
Construction and Facilities Management Office,
Environmental Programs continues to move for-
ward with energy reduction initiatives and pro-
grams. Within the last three months, the team has
accomplished the following tasks:
►Phase II audits, LCCA/ECM generation, and the 420R submittal process are underway for 58
GAARNG facilities statewide. Audits are scheduled to wrap up in July of this year and Energy Con-
servation Management projects will be generated for all buildings.
►Utility analyses review of all support buildings for the 560th
Battlefield Surveillance Brigade
(BFSB), which included usage/costs graphs and charts. These facilities are CNGC Bldg 142, Charlie
Brown Airport RC, Oglethorpe RC, Douglasville RC, and the new Cumming RC. This analysis
should help the commanding officer better understand and manage energy and water usage at their
facilities.
►Discussions with and digitization by Georgia Power to determine all outdoor security lights held by
GAARNG at the old JFHQ location at E. Confederate Ave. After completion, some of the lights
might be discontinued to realize energy savings where security is no longer needed for GAARNG at
the complex.
►Field visits have been completed for two potential HVAC/systems renovation projects for Dobbins
ARB 554 and Oglethorpe RC, where Georgia Power would act as key account manager. Feasibility
reports are expected this month to determine vi-
ability.
►GAARNG is working with NGB’s EEDRS me-
tering program for commissioning of all advanced
energy meters at CNGC, set-up of an energy re-
porting data software tool, and completion of a
commissioning training manual for personnel.
This energy reporting tool, through a computer
access portal, will ‘communicate’ with the ad-
vanced meters at CNGC for graphical interface
and real-time management of various energy vari-
ables.
►A pre-bid meeting was held on 14MAY for
CNGC, Building 353. This scope of services
would integrate the building components with the
existing Building Automation System (BAS), in
order to monitor and control the mechanical, elec-
tronics, and lighting systems in the building.
4. Page 4
Energy Program, Contd.
►Four FY12 renovation projects have been en-
tered into the Georgia Power earthcents.com
program to received energy rebates for improve-
ments to the Augusta FMS, Douglasville RC,
Gainesville RC, and Macon-Russell RC (North
and South). This process should wrap up by the
beginning of July and rebates realized prior to
the end of FY13 in September.
►Real-time energy savings reports have been
gathered from three of the GAARNG’s active
solar projects. Since launch on 29MAR, our so-
lar PV panels at CNGC, Building 300 have gen-
erated roughly 11,244 kWh of power. At an av-
erage rate of .09/kWh, the realized savings thus
far would be approximately $1,012 in less than
three months, which would translate to about
$6,000 this year if solar generation continues at that rate. At GGTC, our large and small RTSM build-
ings have generated 7,300 kWh and 5,309 kWh respectively, since commissioning kicked off on
9MAY. At current GGTC electric utility rates, this repre-
sents an energy cost savings of roughly $50/day.
The CFMO hopes to realize additional energy savings
through our projects, as well as seeking new opportunities at
many of our FMS buildings for panel installation.
The overall goal of this program is to use less energy and
save resources, while preserving the mission readiness of the
GAARNG by providing preeminent facilities for our sol-
diers.
For more information on the GAARNG’s Energy Manage-
ment Program, please contact Kathy Norton at 678.569.6726
or kathryn.f.norton2.nfg@mail.mil.
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy,
frequency and vibration.” ― Nikola Tesla
5. Page 5
Environmental Officer (EO) and
Unit Environmental Officer (UECO)
Training 17-18JUL13
In accordance with AR 200-1 (Environmental Protection and Enhance-
ment), CFMO-ENV will provide one 8 hour block of initial training
and one 4 hour block of annual refresher training for personnel as-
signed Environmental Officer (EO)/Unit Environmental Compliance
Officer (UECO) responsibilities. The 8 hour initial training is for per-
sonnel that have not received any EO/UECO training and the 4 hour
refresher training is for personnel that have received initial training and
require annual refresher training.
Training will be conducted at GGTC, Ft. Stewart, Building Classroom
TBD, 17-18JUL13. Initial EO/UECO training will be conducted on 17JUL13 from 0800-1700 and
Refresher EO/UECO training will be conducted on 18JUL13 from 0800-1200 at GGTC, Ft. Stewart,
Building Classroom TBD. Class size is limited to 20 personnel for each class. To register send an
email to Mr. Charles "Butch" Thompson at charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil no later than
12JUL13. Ensure email contains rank, full name, and unit/facility assigned to as EO/UECO.
EO/UECO training is offered once per calendar quarter by CFMO-ENV and specifically pertains to
GAARNG environmental programs, not host installations. GAARNG units on host installations must
attend the host installations training and comply 100% with host installation environmental program
requirements. GAARNG EO/UECO training rotates between locations at GGTC, Macon, and Clay
NGC. All GAARNG units/facilities are required to have personnel assigned as EO/UECO and
trained by the cognizant training authority to manage environmental issues/concerns at the unit/
facility.
Remaining EO/UECO training courses scheduled for CY-
2013 are as follows:
16OCT13 – 8 hour Initial, DLC Macon
17OCT13 – 4 hour Refresher, DLC Macon
Soldiers should register to attend the course nearest their
home station to alleviate issues with obtaining travel or-
ders and funding. Training will be conducted on the
specified dates in accordance with AR 200-1 and FM 3-
34.5 (Environmental Considerations).
Upcoming EnvironmentalTraining
6. Page 6
External Environmental Performance Assessment (EPAS) by NGB
19-23AUG13
NGB has renotified CFMO-ENV that it will conduct the EPAS during the week of 19-23 August 2013 at the following
GaARNG facilities:
Specific assessment dates and times for each facility will be promulgated in the near future upon receipt from NGB.
The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate GAARNG’s overall environmental compliance at our facilities with
regards to DOD, local, State and Federal regulations. The assessment process will involve CFMO-ENV staff, unit/
facility EOs/UECOs, and assessment teams consisting of civilian auditors contracted by NGB. Assessment team per-
sonnel will require complete access to the entire facility (everything must be unlocked and accessible, except weapon
vaults if sensitive items are present), in order to complete the assessment as scheduled. The following areas of interest
(not all inclusive) will be assessed:
a. Air Emissions (operations and permit requirements, if applicable)
b. Wastewater Management (includes septic tanks, floor/shop drains, washrack/oil water separator operations, or
any other industrial related discharge to the environment or sanitary treatment works and permit requirements)
c. Storm water Management (includes items listed in wastewater management and permit requirements)
d. Non-Hazardous/Hazardous Waste Management (all size generators, includes waste manifest and land disposal
restriction (LDR) record review)
e. Hazardous Materials Management
f. Pesticide/Insecticide/Herbicide Applications and Management
Environmental Performance Assessment
7. Page 7
g. Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank (AST/UST) Management
h. Monitoring Well Management
i. Training (RCRA Hazardous Waste Management and Operations, DOT Hazardous Materials Management and
Operations, Hazard Communication, Environmental Officer (EO)/Unit Environmental Compliance Officer
(UECO), Emergency/Spill Response and Awareness, and eMS training/familiarization)
j. POL Management (new and used POL)
k. Spill Prevention Contingency Plans (SPCP), Installation Spill Contingency Procedures (ISCP), or Mobile Fuel
Tanker (MFT) procedures
l. Parts Washer Operations (aqueous and solvent)
m. Paint Booth Operations (CSMS North and CSMS
South)
n. Municipal Solid Waste
o. NEPA (local training areas and record of environ-
mental considerations/categorical exclusions (RECs))
p. Noise Complaint Process
q. Cultural Resources
r. Natural Resources (erosion, wetlands, flood zones, threatened/ endangered species)
s. Toxic Substance Management (Asbestos, Lead Based Paint (LBP), Radon, and PCBs) Freon Recovery/
Exchange)
t. Fueling Operations (if fuelers or ASTs on site and fueling/refueling conducted)
u. Environmental Management System (eMS), and
v. Backflow/cross-connect valve prevention.
CFMO-ENV staff are in the process of pre-assessment work-ups to assist the selected facilities in preparing for the as-
sessments and will contact EOs/UECOs to schedule the pre-assessments. All administrative documentation for the past
three (3) years pertaining to the subject areas above (e.g., facility environmental binder, emergency action/response
plans, permits, SOPs, duty orders, regulations/directives, waste manifest/LDRs, training records, job descriptions, etc.)
must be available for review during these work-ups. Progress briefs will be provided to appropriate facility chain-of-
command personnel and the GAARNG Environmental Quality Control Committee (EQCC).
CFMO POC is Mr. Charles “Butch” Thompson at charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil or (912) 448-4192.
Environmental Performance Assessment, Contd.
8. Page 8
Compliance Program
Department of Defense (DoD) Open Burning
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Open Burning Ban Begins
May 1, 2013 for 54 Counties
By Vicky Giles, GaEPD (ATLANTA – April 29, 2013)
Beginning May 1 and ending September 30, EPD’s open burning
ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The open burning ban
has been in effect for the current areas since 2005. The open burn-
ing ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and
land clearing debris during the months of May through September.
This restriction is in addition to a ban on burning household gar-
bage that exists year-round throughout all of Georgia.
Citizens are reminded that these rules are in place for a reason – and the reason is health. Smoke from fires
contains chemicals and pollutants that may negatively impact a person’s health. Burning yard waste releases
nitrogen oxides and particle pollution into the air. Both pollutants can contribute to lung and heart disease.
Ground-level ozone is most commonly produced in the heat of the summer when
nitrogen oxides combine with fumes from fuels, paints and vegetation. Ground-level ozone can cause inflam-
mation to the lungs as well as other health problems. Particle pollution is made up of extremely small particles
that can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Burning household garbage, banned year-round in Geor-
gia, releases even more dangerous pollution.
May through September is a time of year when people, particularly children, are more likely to be outdoors. It
is also the time of year when ground - level ozone and particle pollution levels are generally higher. In De-
cember 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized an update to the national air quality
standards for fine particle pollution (PM2.5), lowering the annual health standard to a more stringent 12 mi-
crograms per cubic meter, down from 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
With this lower standard, and because particle pollution values are typically highest in the summer, the
positive effects of the summer burn ban become more significant. Even with a more protective standard,
monitoring data shows that the air quality in Georgia is im-
proving. “This is very good news for Georgia,” says James
A. Capp, Georgia EPD Air Protection Branch Chief. “This
success is confirmation that the clean air strategies we have
in place in Georgia, including the open burning ban, are
working.”
9. Some actions such as campfires and agricultural activities are exempt. Citizens can access more information
on the open burning ban by visiting www.georgiaair.org and clicking on the open burning rules graphic, or by
calling the EPD District Office in their area (phone numbers listed below). Small businesses can obtain help
and information by calling EPD’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program toll-free at 1-877-427-
6255.
Counties included in the ban and the appropriate EPD District Office phone numbers follow:
Metro Atlanta District Office: 404-362-2671 Carroll, Clayton, Coweta,
DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Henry, Rockdale, Spalding
counties
Northeast District Office (Athens): 706-369-6376 Banks, Barrow, Butts,
Clarke, Hall, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Putnam,
Walton counties
Northeast District Office (Augusta): 706-792-7744 Columbia, Richmond coun-
ties
West Central District Office: 478-751-6612 Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones,
Lamar, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Twiggs, Upson, Meriwether, Troup counties
Mountain District Office: 770-387-4900 Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Chero-
kee, Cobb, Dawson, Floyd, Forsyth, Gordon, Haralson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pick-
ens, Polk, Walker counties
For more information about alternatives to burning such as composting and chip-
ping, please visit www.georgiaair.org, click on the open burning rules graphic
and select “Alternatives to Burning” at the bottom of the page.
You may also access a map of Georgia composting operations at http://www.gaepd.org/Documents/
swp_map02.html. Debris can also be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to
an inert or construction and demolition landfill.
For a list of landfills in your area, please call EPD’s Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692.
As a reminder for personnel at ALL GaARNG facilities, open burning is not authorized any-
time on GaDOD/ARNG property, this includes destruction of sensitive/classified informa-
tion or publications in burn barrels. Other methods of destruction are available such as
shredding.
Page 9
Compliance Program, Contd.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not
only plan, but also believe.” — Anonymous
10. Demolition of Oil/Water Separators
At one time or another, most of our facilities across the state have included wash pads and oil/water separators as a part
of our vehicle maintenance process. Most of us know that oil and water don’t mix. Petroleum products are lighter than
water, so these devices use that physical property to collect oil into a tank and allow the relatively clean water to be dis-
charged.
However, the regulations over the last couple of decades have become more restrictive in the cleanliness, the discharge
type, and where the water ultimately goes. We’ve gone from just ensuring there wasn’t an oily sheen in the discharge to
limits of only 10 to 15 parts per million of petroleum in the discharge water. Limits such as that require monitoring and
laboratory testing. Additionally, discharges allowed have changed from being able to go to a ditch, to being able to go
to the storm drain, to now having to be connected to the sanitary sewer lines. Since the separator should now be con-
nected to the sanitary sewer instead of the storm drain, there must be a device installed that allows rain water to go one
place and wash water to go to the other. Many times, discharge permits are required by the State for these discharges.
Also, in our efforts to have the cleanest vehicle and engine compartment possible, we have historically had an issue with
the use of detergents and cleaners in the vehicle wash process. These products act as a link between the oil and water
and defeat the purpose of the de-
vice, thereby sending petroleum
products to the local wastewater
treatment plant.
The GaARNG has gone through
three generations of oil/water
separator types installed through-
out the state since 1989. Each
one met the regulatory require-
ments of the time, but we have
reached a decision point in the
cost-effectiveness of upgrading
existing devices, or removing
them and using off-site commer-
cial facilities.
Therefore, over the past few
weeks, we have been working
projects to remove all of the out-dated and out-of-compliance wash pads and oil/water separators. In the process, we’re
sampling the soil and groundwater to determine if any contamination is present due to the use of the devices throughout
the years. If so, we will then begin the cleanup and remediation process to ensure our GaARNG property is in the best
environmental condition possible.
CFMO-ENV POC is Randy M. Drummond, REM #11106 at randy.m.drummond.nfg@mail.mil or 678.569.6750.
Page 10
Cleanup & Restoration Program
11. Page 11
Georgia Environmental Management System (GeMS)
The GAARNG Environmental Management System (GeMS) is preparing for the up-
coming Environmental Performance Assessment (EPAS) in August of this year. Our
GeMS is a part of the assessment that will be taking place 19 - 23 AUG 2013.
As part of the assessment every soldier, civilian and contract employee must be trained
on the following information. Even if you are not a part of the assessment it is impor-
tant to know this information to make the GeMS program successful.
KNOW — that GeMS is the Management System we use to implement the TAG’s Environmental Policy —
refer to page 12 for a copy of the signed policy.
GeMS Pocket Card
KNOW — that the TAG’s environmental policy commits to:
1. Prevent Pollution
2. Comply with Environmental Laws and Regulations
3. Continual Improvement.
KNOW — that the GAARNG’s Environmental Significant Aspect chosen
by Leadership is:
Significant Aspect — Energy Usage
Objective — Reduce Energy Usage
Target — Reduce 3% per year by 2015
Stop by CFMO-ENV or call to get a GeMS pocket card. The cards are for
every soldier, civilian and contractor. Carry it with you at all times!
Let’s all be ready to answer if we are asked!
The GeMS program has integrated mission priorities throughout the GeMS implementation and we have all
been a part of that process. Now that we have achieved this, let’s continue with the GAARNG commitment to
maintain continual improvement and to make this upcoming EPAS as successful as we can!
If you have any questions regarding the GeMS Program or eMS, please contact Frances Grieme at
678.569.6749 or frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil.
“Finding the path where both military readiness and environmental stewardship are
reinforced and improved by one another...is a very narrow path; but it is THE path we must
take to act as responsible defenders and citizens of our country.”
—Thomas E. White, Secretary of the Army
13. Page 13
Clay National Guard Center Recycling Program Initiative
Recycling Program Initiative
July 27, 2013, marks our one year anniversary of the recycling program. With a collection of more than 20
tons of paper and cardboard, it has been a successful year. We look forward to your continued support.
DID YOU KNOW: That you may recycle corrugated cardboard, unsolicited junk mail (catalogs, coupons,
flyers), paper board (breakfast cereal boxes), sticky notes, ream wrappers, shoe boxes and paper egg cartons?
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Earth Day
2013 celebration and for making it a success.
Thank you for your participation in helping us guard
Georgia’s environment and keeping it beautiful!
If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne Edwards at 678.569.6752 or etta.y.edwards.nfg@mail.mil.