Issue
Troop self-help projects result in state environmental fines (asbestos/lead-based paint).
Discussion
State environmental regulatory departments closely scrutinize the demolition projects of older structures on installations. Many of these structures contain asbestos- containing materials and lead-based paint, both of which are known health hazards. Installations are required to notify the state before beginning demolition or renovation projects. All asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint must be removed by trained personnel. Several installations received NOVs for failure to comply with this requirement. These NOVs were issued to units who disturbed asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint during self-help projects. State regulators also issued an NOV for Soldiers and Marines discarding asbestos-containing materials items into trash containers.
Techniques and Procedures
Commanders and installation environmental offices must be proactive in promoting asbestos and lead-based paint awareness not only to tenant units but also those units training or conducting mobilization operations on the installation.
Unit leaders must-
• Ensure that the environmental officer contacts the supporting environmental management offices or DPW for all self-help projects.
• Comply with installation-specific regulations and approved self-help project plans to prevent the disturbance, mishandling, or improper disposal of asbestos- containing materials and lead-based paint.
• Attend asbestos and lead-based paint awareness classes conducted by the environmental management office or DPW.
• Supervise Soldiers and Marines conducting self-help projects. Ensure that
Soldiers and Marines comply with guidance in the self-help project work plan.
For more information on asbestos and lead-based paint, view the USAEC Web site:
<http://aec.army.mil/usaec/>.