Finding solutions to environmental issues related to AMCOM's aviation and missile systems can extend an environmental scientist's reach all around the world.
From Fort Hood, Texas, to the National Training Center, California; from Corpus Christi Army Depot, Texas, to Fort Rucker, Alabama; from Fort Wainwright, Alaska to Kandahar, Afghanistan -- AMCOM's Environmental Hotline is open to field questions related to environmental issues.
And it's environmental scientist LaDonna McCann of AMCOM's Environment Division (G-4) who is ready to answer the call either by phone -- 256-313-1711 -- or by email -- usarmy.amcom-environmental@mail.mil .
"We get all kinds of requests related to environmental concerns," McCann said. "Most of the requests we get are for materials used in maintenance at the depots. They are from Army personnel looking for a solvent, adhesive or paint that is 'greener' (more environmentally friendly) than what they are using now or that works better."
McCann and other employees within the Environmental Division can identify currently approved substitute maintenance materials, and provide expertise in materials and processes associated with Depot Maintenance Work Requirements and Technical Manuals. The hotline also serves the purpose of resolving issues involving product obsolescence, hazardous material alternatives, regulatory guidance and alternative technologies needed to reduce the environmental burden placed on AMCOM maintenance organizations.
Often, hotline requests come in when aviation- or missile-related employees discover they can no longer get a particular maintenance material and they are looking for a substitute.
"That's our opportunity to look for something that is 'greener' than what they have been using," McCann said. "If they need a solvent to replace something that is no longer available, then we will provide them a solvent that is greener but that works just as good."
Some requests are related to visits from the AMCOM Environmental Division's compliance branch, which oversees compliance with federal environmental laws; or to projects and programs that are just being established. Requests also ramp up when there are revisions to the Environmental Protection Agency's National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants.
"Those revisions often affect materials on aircraft," McCann said. "We are mainly concerned about complying with federal laws governing pollutants. At one time, we were doing a lot of work to reduce ozone depleting substances. We aren't doing much of that anymore because we were able to find solutions that made those reductions."
These days, one of the hotline's main topics is hexavalent chrome reduction, which involves reducing the hexavalent chrome contaminant from rinse water associated with helicopter maintenance so that the water is returned to being environmentally safe.
Most requests for assistance and information come through the Environmental Hotline's email address. But, regardless if by phone or email, each is handled with a sense of urgency.
"We reply to the request within 24 hours," McCann said. "If we need to do research, we let them know the timeline we are working from and give them a disposition date. If we don't have a replacement solution, I will tag one of our subject matter experts to help find a replacement.
"A lot of chemicals and adhesives, we already have solutions for. But, if we don't have a solution, then it can become a future research project."
Once an environmental issue is resolved, McCann then works with the AMCOM Logistics Center to integrate changes to reflect that resolution into all relevant documentation.
Manning the AMCOM Environmental Hotline is the ideal job for an environmental scientist who enjoys both researching solutions and working with employees to solve issues.
"I am both solution oriented and people oriented," McCann said. "I really like the research and interacting with a team of co-workers and subject matter experts who are focused on finding a solution to an issue. I'm learning all the time, and I really enjoy that."
The AMCOM Environmental Hotline -- 256-313-1711 or usarmy.amcom-environmental@mail.mil -- has been in place as far back as 1997. It is available during normal business hours. Emergency hazardous spills or releases should be reported immediately by calling 911.
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