Trash is installation's treasure

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)January 22, 2015

Trash is installation's treasure
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Leonard Wood surpassed the Department of Defense's goals for diverting waste from landfills in 2014 -- recycling almost half of the waste generated on post and saving the installation more than a million dollars.

An overall view of the post's recycling program and an upcoming audit was the focus at the Environmental Quality Control Committee meeting held Jan. 14 in the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence headquarters building.

The EQCC, consisting of members representing various units and organizations on post, is the venue that helps plan, execute and monitor actions and programs with environmental implications.

"We have this meeting to share information. We talk about recycling . . . recycling that brings benefits to the installation and the Soldiers. The more recycling that we can do, the more money that gets returned to the community," said Leonard Housley, Fort Leonard Wood, deputy garrison commander.

Some of the topics covered during the discussion group were storm water management, an upcoming Environmental Performance Assessment and Assistance System audit, end of fiscal year 2014 statistics and decreasing solid waste.

Craig French, Environmental Division Compliance Branch, physical scientist, said in 2014 Fort Leonard Wood recycled almost as much as it disposed of.

The DoD set a goal of diverting 48 percent of municipal solid waste from landfills last year -- Fort Leonard Wood exceeded that with 49 percent.

"We are really close to half and half. You are the ones who make this happen," French said.

For construction and demolition waste the DoD set a goal of 58 percent to be recycled -- Fort Leonard Wood exceeded that by diverting 79 percent of that waste from landfills.

"In 2014, we recycled 20,000 tons. A significant portion of that was construction and demolition waste. Recycling brought in $1.08 million last year. A very significant portion of that was brass," French said. "We saved $1.78 million dollars last year, because we recycled the tonnage we did."

Last year, money made from recycling helped pay for 4th of July fireworks, the Christmas tree lighting, a new floor at Specker Gym, the Soldier Show, Easter egg hunt and other Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation events.

Some of the additional things planned for the recycling money in 2015 are replacing cabin furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area, phase two of the Pershing Community Center renovations and new Davidson Fitness Center flooring.

Fort Leonard Wood is scheduled to have an Environmental Performance Assessment and Assistance System audit in February.

Keith Duncan, Environmental Division Compliance Branch, physical scientist, said the EPAAS audit will be checking everything from drinking water to air emissions.

"This is where the units can help us. We need you to police your areas," said Duncan.

He said one thing that needs to be done is draining concrete basins that are designed to catch products that leak out of tanks.

"The drain valve is to allow rain water to drain out. Please do not leave them open," Duncan said. "Make a note the morning of Feb. 6 to make sure your secondary containment valves are closed and to make sure the dumpster areas are cleaned up."

French said if any organization is in need of recycling bins or needs more information about the upcoming audit, call 573.596.0131, ext. 61385.

For more information about recycling, visit www.wood.army.mil/newweb/garrison/recycle.html.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood