WIESBADEN, Germany - Need some paint for a project? Missing cleaning supplies, but short of funds with the end of the fiscal year approaching?
Before attempting to procure new supplies, consider checking with the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s new Hazardous Material Re-use Center at Mainz-Kastel Storage Station. The center, which opened June 6, maintains an inventory of hazardous materials items available free to units and activities participating in the Hazardous Materials Management Program and assigned to USAG Wiesbaden.
“This is an important day for us,” said Col. Jeffrey Dill, USAG Wiesbaden commander, during the facility opening, explaining that the new facility ensures the tracking of all hazardous materials in the garrison footprint. “It helps us get in full compliance with all Army regulations and host nation laws.”
Besides serving as a way to reduce the hazardous materials inventory, environmental and health threats, “it’s a good way to save money and do business,” Dill said.
The $350,000 storage facility includes temperature controlled storage containers, a new fire alarm system and shower units to rinse off in the event of a spill, according to Jens Mȕller, project engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wiesbaden Resident Office. Shelving was obtained from U.S. Army facilities that closed in Dexheim.
Among the various items to be found on the shelves of the new center are printer cartridges, petroleum, oils and lubricant products, windshield cleaner, paint and cleaning supplies.
“The only difference between these items and what you get via the supply chain are that these are free and not needed by other units or customers,” said Marcus Strohn, Hazardous Materials Management Program manager. “Before purchasing additional hazardous materials, check with the Hazardous Materials Re-use Center at Mainz-Kastel for availability.”
Strohn and Heinz Kaffenberger, USAG Wiesbaden’s director of logistics, said members of USAG Wiesbaden units and organizations can also check a database to see what items are available throughout U.S. Army Europe. “Through a database, via Web, we are also connected to other Hazardous Material Re-use Centers in theater, so we have visibility of their excess materials as well,” said Strohn. “Knowing what material is sitting at which Hazardous Material Re-use Center and what is needed for the local customers is a key element of a quick response to a hazardous materials request.”
Kaffenberger pointed out that through strict review and control of the hazardous materials on stock, savings can also be made by extending the shelf life of items that are still usable. “The expiration dates can be extended in some cases.”
“This generates a win-win situation for all stakeholders " the local community, the Army, the environment as a whole,” said Strohn.
The Hazardous Materials Re-use Center is located in Building 4025 on Mainz-Kastel Storage Station. It’s open from Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call mil 334-2629.
More information on the center and the garrison’s Hazardous Materials Management Program is available on the Directorate of Logistics home page at www.wiesbaden.army.mil/sites/directorates/WiesbadedDOLInternet/Index.htm. Or call mil 337-6127.
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