AF walks path of environmental role model

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Eielson AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Just as there are rules for how to drive, where to build and how to operate businesses, there are also rules that govern the way we treat the environment.

While it is everyone's responsibility to conserve and abide by environmental rules, large organizations like the Air Force have the additional role of setting a good example.

"There are environmental laws that we are not exempt from and should not be exempt from. This places the responsibility on the Air Force to comply with the laws just as much as any company or entity," said Loren Garner, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. "It helps to know we are trying to promote a clean and healthy environment. As a branch of government the actions of this service are seen by others. This increases the pressure to make the example they see one they can follow."

At Eielson, there are several different programs engineers work with that assist environmental conservation efforts, including water compliance programs and hazardous material clean-up.

Part of the water compliance program includes researching specific effects of storm water on the environment. Storm water creates run-off, which can pose a threat to the environment. Run-off from certain industrial activities, like landfills or waste management sites, requires sampling. It can be challenging for engineers to find the source of run-off, where it is going, and how big of a storm is necessary to create run-off.

Another part of water compliance is looking for erosion which not only damages the immediate area where it occurs but has negative effects on the surrounding environment. While engineers look for run-off, they also look for any muddy water which can be an indication of erosion.

"It's important the Air Force investigates the effects we have on the environment because we need facilities to last a long time. So taking care of environmental issues that present themselves allow us to have facilities for long-term availability and in better quality," said Mr. Garner.

Another program at Eielson is hazardous material clean-up. In the event of a HAZMAT spill, there are specific cleanup programs in place which aim to remove all residual materials.
"Our goal is to remove them quickly, completely and effectively so they do not develop into a long-term problem," said Mr. Garner.

In addition to the programs already in place, Mr. Garner has been working on starting a recycling program so Eielson Air Force Base can dispose of waste in an efficient and cost effective manner.

One of the biggest challenges is finding a way to make the cost of recycling economically feasible.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Recycling Commission was established in the community to promote recycling options in the area. Options are being presented by the commission to improve the community's abilities to recycle. These ideas may give Eielson the capabilities to move into recycling.

"If we look at the small picture our individual impact may seem tiny, but when you think about all the people that make up the base, the impact could be a large," said Heidi Durako, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron water compliance program manager.

By paying attention to the environment and working to improve current programs, Eielson continues to be responsible stewards for the community - leading the way for others to follow.