The Clean Air Program oversees compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act and the associated programs and regulations including the:  

  • Protection of Stratospheric Ozone
  • Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (Generators)
  • Open Burning
  • National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Air Emission permitting carried out by the State of Hawaii Department of Health

By supporting these programs and abiding by regulations, we are ultimately protecting and improving the quality of air we breathe. Below is a brief overview of some of the programs, laws, and events covered under the USAG-HI Clean Air Program. 
 

Ozone Depleting Substances and Refrigerant Management

The ozone layer shields life on Earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays generated by the sun. Certain manufactured chemicals can lead to the depletion of the ozone layer. These chemicals are called Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and are typically used in appliances and products such as aerosols and refrigerants. For example, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers, dehumidifiers, and fire suppression systems may contain ODS.

Appliances purchased from off-post suppliers should not contain Class I or Class II refrigerant. Please contact the DPW Environmental Division Clean Air Program if you are unsure if the appliance you are purchasing contains an unacceptable type of refrigerant.

Army has several policies that require that Class I and R-22 refrigerants be turned into the Department of Defense Ozone Depleting Substances Collection Point in Pearl Harbor. Contact DPW Environmental Clean Air Program if you need information on the disposal of ODS or the disposal of refrigerant containing equipment that may contain ODS.

Under EPA regulations, appliances/equipment containing any type of refrigerant must be serviced by a certified technician using certified equipment. Do not attempt to remove the refrigerant from your appliance. The known release or venting of any refrigerant is prohibited under the Clean Air Act, and failure to comply may result in fines.

Generator Emissions Inventory

The Garrison is required to maintain a current and accurate emissions inventory to comply with current air permit requirements and determine applicability of new laws pertaining to air permit requirements.

The Garrison has implemented the generator policy as part of maintaining a current inventory of emission sources. This policy applies to all active military units, Directorates, contractors, and tenant activities that purchase, install, operate, or maintain generators on USAG-HI installations. This policy contains two specific requirements:

  • List all generators and the Generator Inventory Sheet prescribed by this policy memorandum and provide one copy to the DPW Environmental Division.

  • Contact DPW Environmental Division prior to the purchase of any generator during project planning. An evaluation for possible permitting will need to be made by DPW Environmental Division to avoid delays in generator use or operation.

Please use the Generator Inventory Spreadsheet to report your generators to the DPW Clean Air Program. (For a fillable Excel document contact the DPW Clean Air Program.)

Open Burning

Based on USAG-HI policy and the Hawaii State Law, the burning of any material in an open fire is not allowed anywhere on USAG-HI. This includes the burning of classified documents, trash, leaves, wood, etc. Open burning without prior approval from DPW Environmental and the State of Hawaii is a violation of State regulations and may result in fines.

Classified Documents

USAG-HI does not have a classified document incinerator. It is recommended that units utilize an NSA-approved shredder for classified documents or a commercial document destruction company. The unit is responsible for selecting a provider for this service and the Army does not endorse any particular company. All shredded paper, including “cross cut” and “confetti cut” is accepted at the Army Recycling Center.

Prescribed Burns

Periodically, prescribed burns are conducted on the Schofield Barracks training ranges to:

  • maintain a fire break
  • reduce fuel for fire hazards
  • improve ground visibility for archeological and unexploded ordinance surveys

These fires are conducted under very specific conditions and only after receiving the written approval from the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Air Branch.

Permits

USAG-HI currently holds two air emissions permits issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Air Branch for Schofield Barracks (including Wheeler Army Airfield) and Tripler Army Medical Center. The type of permit issued is related to the actual or potential amount of emissions from a source or group of sources. Both permits outline specific monitoring requirements and reporting requirements for the specific equipment included in the permit.

For either permit, an inspection could be conducted at ANY TIME by the State of Hawaii Department of Health or EPA. To ensure that USAG-HI remains in compliance and aware of our total air emission, it is imperative to maintain a current inventory of all our emission sources.

Applicable Regulations

Program Documents

Related Links