News

EOHCAMP - Added awareness key to success

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Air Mobility Command and contract inspectors visited Team Dover Tuesday through Thursday and evaluated the base during an environmental and occupational health compliance assessment and management program inspection.

The EOHCAMP results are scheduled to be released to base officials late today.

Environmental, pollution and recycling program management goes beyond EOHCAMP inspections, said Valerie Payton, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. She added proper management of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes are required by the Air Force, Environmental Protection Agency and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Ms. Payton serves as the base environmental management system coordinator, pollution prevention program manager and qualified recycling program manager.

As the base expert in the environmental arena, Ms. Payton points out, "Following simple steps will help program managers identify deficiencies, not just for EOHCAMP, but for impacting improvements to the environment.

"Look for obvious housekeeping clutter like lids off chemical containers, rags lying around or uncovered buckets with fluids."

Additionally, proper storage is essential. Flammable and corrosive items should be stored separately and on containment pallets to ensure that chemicals are contained in the event of a spill.

Spills are bad business and could impact the environment. For that reason, Ms. Payton advises managers purchase drain covers if chemicals or chemical processes are located next to a drain; even if the drain goes to the sanitary sewer. Paperwork and minimizing use to what is essential are also critical steps to reduction.

"Managers should request a copy of (their) hazardous materials authorization list from the Hazmat Pharmacy and ensure that (they) only store chemicals in the size and only by the manufacturers authorized on the Air Force Form 3952," said Ms. Payton. "If you purchased equipment that requires a chemical be placed in it for a process, contact my office to see if that equipment is authorized by the State of Delaware on in-place base permits."

Managers are reminded to keep a material safety data sheet and access to copies of Federal, state and local regulations, policy letters and other guidance that give direction in the management of environmental programs.

For more information or questions on environment-related subjects, call Ms. Payton at 677-6844.