Original Date: 04/06/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) has an active Environmental Quality Control Committee (EQCC) as required by Army Regulation 200-1. This involves monthly meetings with the Commander to raise environmental issues that need command attention and to keep the Commander abreast of the status of environmental programs. Because of problems in achieving compliance with environmental regulations in the late 1970s and early 1980s, ANAD formed a working EQCC. The Committee includes the environmental coordinators and otherwise varies according to the expertise needed to address the problem under review. Using line and craft workers to help identify potential problems with options being considered and to suggest options not already being considered is a sound practice that should be considered by others. The team is described as cohesive and an effective tool in achieving and maintaining compliance.

ANAD’s approach to a serious large-scale groundwater contamination problem (Solid Waste Management Unit 12, facility 414) involving closed chemical waste disposal lagoons is unique. Partnering with a private company, Geo- cleanse, ANAD chose in-situ degradation of the high organic concentration contaminant rather than excavation and disposal of the estimated 23,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil. Treatment involved injection of hydrogen peroxide with trace quantities of metallic salt into the contaminated areas. The concentration of organics in the contaminated soil near the treated areas has dropped by 95%.

Cost avoidance through this approach was estimated at $10 million to $12 million. In addition, in-situ treatment has resulted in destruction of the contaminant rather than just removal to another landfill. In doing so, ANAD no longer continues to be the owner of the disposed material, and all future liability is relinquished.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.