Army announces environmental awards winners

By Jen GaskillJanuary 15, 2010

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Five installations, three teams, and one individual will receive Secretary of the Army awards for their environmental and sustainability program achievements during fiscal year 2009.

These achievements demonstrate exemplary efforts in implementing innovative technologies, green remediation, endangered species protection, historic preservation, environmental restoration and sustainability.

This year's winning accomplishments include the implementation of green remediation technologies that efficiently used natural resources and energy to reduce negative impacts on the environment, an increased preservation of Oregon Trail historic sites, a partnership with local communities to address water conservation, the implementation of Korea's first wetland conservation project, support to the region-wide recovery of the red-cockaded woodpecker and the application of new technologies, such as the ultra-violet optical screening tool, to rapidly identify subsurface petroleum contamination.

The winners of the FY 2009 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards include:

- Camp Guernsey, Wyoming Army National Guard - Cultural Resources Management, Installation

- Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield - Environmental Quality, Non-Industrial Installation

- Mr. Robert J. Chartier, U.S. Army Garrison Daegu - Environmental Quality, Individual

- Camp Withycombe, Oregon Army National Guard - Environmental Restoration, Installation

- Tanaga Island and Ogliuga Island Formerly Used Defense Site, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District - Environmental Restoration, Team

- Fort Custer Training Center, Michigan Army National Guard - Natural Resources Conservation,

Small Installation

- Fort Bragg, Natural Resources Team - Natural Resources Conservation, Team

- G-4 E-Team, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command - Environmental Excellence in Weapon Acquisition

- Letterkenny Army Depot - Sustainability, Industrial Installation

The Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards represent the highest honor in the field of environmental science and sustainability conferred by the Army. These award winners will go on to compete for the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards later this year.

"The Army recognizes successes that demonstrate mission-driven solutions that protect the environment at installations here and overseas. Whatever we do needs to revolve around supporting the mission, taking care of our Soldiers, civilians, and families," said Tad Davis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for the Environment, Safety and Occupational Health.

"In simplistic terms the Army, our Army, your Army - is building green, buying green and going green. These winning environmental programs make the Army sustainable thereby impacting generations to come."

The winners of this year's environmental awards stand out as examples of how environmental stewardship and sustainability play a crucial role in the Army's mission readiness. Investments that the Army makes in environmental programs and sustainability initiatives pay dividends in sustaining realistic training and testing capabilities both now and in the future.

(Jen Gaskill writes for Army Environmental Command public affairs)

Related Links:

IMCOM on Army.mil

IMCOM on iReport