JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – Joint Base Lewis-McChord strives to create a safe and healthy place to work and live. JBLM’s Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division assists in this by providing units the resources needed to enhance efficiency and mission readiness through the proper management of their environmental program.
Each organization on JBLM must comply with various environmental legal, regulatory and policy requirements. This part of the mission is supported by the environmental division through the Internal-Environmental Performance Assessment Assistance program.
The I-EPAAS program is here to help units and organizations avoid notices of violation, fines, liabilities, increased regulatory scrutiny and in severe cases, the loss of opportunity to use training areas. It offers support in addressing concerns and finding solutions to issues that may arise during annual Environmental Compliance Assessment Team inspections, ensuring compliance and maintaining access to essential resources.
JBLM’s Environmental Assistance coordinator offers walk-throughs of unit areas, providing suggestions to ensure compliance with current environmental regulations. The program provides guidance on the proper storage and management of hazardous materials, along with information on shelf-life management, extension labels and other essential environmental trainings.
“The Environmental Assistance Program is a great asset that is available to the greater JBLM community. With the help of experts, such as James McEwan, we have been able to attain commendable ratings during every level of command initiated environmental inspections,” said Sgt. Noah Lewis, a motor sergeant for the 170th Military Police Company, spoke highly of the program. “Their expertise coupled with their professionalism and exceptional customer service continues to have lasting impacts on the community and the environmental program.”
Improper management of hazardous materials can result in significant costs for JBLM and its units. Unused materials lead to wasted expenditure and disposal and replacement costs can quickly accumulate. Additionally, fines from the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency can reach up to $10,000 per day for not being in environmental compliance, depending on the violation, further escalating expenses.
“The Environmental Assistance program is here for everyone, whether you're an experienced Environmental Officer or new to the job,” said James McEwan, JBLM’s Environmental Assistance coordinator. “Whether you need a quick refresher or extensive on-the-job training, I am here to help. From assembling your compliance binder to providing spill training, I'm dedicated to assisting you with your environmental program needs.”
To coordinate assistance for your unit or organization on JBM, call 253-966-6453.
Social Sharing