Dept. of Public Works - Environmental
| USAG Alaska - Fort Wainwright

What is Environmental Management?

Environmental management is how an organization manages environmental factors that affect its performance. It provides a methodical means to planning, implementing, and reviewing the impact activities have on the environment and to compliance with environmental regulations. An environmental management system (EMS) forms an integral part of an organization’s management approach.

Donnelly Training Area image

Donnelly Training Area

Fort Wainwright’s Environmental Management System (EMS)

The Fort Wainwright's EMS includes an environmental policy, guidelines, and procedures that that are used to help attain environmental goals. An EMS provides a framework for documenting and developing local environmental management processes and procedures. An overview of Fort Wainwright’s EMS is detailed within a manual which describes how environmental impacts from activities performed throughout Fort Wainwright’s cantonment area and training lands are planned and managed.

How does it work?

The key outcome of Fort Wainwright's EMS is to continually improve environmental management. It is an ongoing process and the success of each stage depends on input and commitment from all those working for Fort Wainwright, including contractors and tenants. The army’s adopted standard for environmental management, ISO 14001, applies a model for quality management that is predicated on a foundation of the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle for continual improvement.

How is the environment on Fort Wainwright managed?

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Fort Wainwright is required to comply with regulations that protect public health and the environment from current and former military/industrial activities. These activities are regulated for their impact to air, soils, and water by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Alaska. There are also federal, state, and army requirements that are enforced to minimize the impact of military activities on natural, historic, and cultural resources. Several specialized teams composed of civilians, contract scientists, and academic professionals are employed to meet these requirements; in doing so, military readiness is supported.

SUSTAINABILITY AND FORT WAINWRIGHT

Simply complying with environmental regulations does not prevent the Army from excessive use of our nation’s resources. Therefore, as a part of the Army’s Strategic Plan, installations use a set of sound business and environmental practices to implement effective policies and practices that safeguard the environment and our quality of life.

ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION

The Army addresses energy and water conservation by meeting and exceeding targets set through executive orders and DA policies. The installation applies engineers, scientists, and other professionals to identify solutions and track progress towards meeting Army targets.

http://army-energy.hqda.pentagon.mil/

SUSTAINABLE ACQUISITION (GREEN PROCUREMENT)

All Army organizations initiating contracting/procurement or credit card purchases comply with green procurement requirements. Green Procurement is the purchase of environmentally preferable products and services in accordance with federally-mandated program requirements.

https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/index.html

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

All vertical construction projects with climate-controlled facilities will meet, at a minimum, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Standards. Pending the availability of resources and opportunities, LEED Gold and Platinum Standards are considered during project design.

http://www.asaie.army.mil/Public/ES/sustainability...

Recycling

Fort Wainwright recycles multiple industrial waste products including antifreeze, used oils, fuels, and other waste. Additionally, FWA has developed its Recycling Program which allows an avenue for recycling of household wastes on post. See below for more specific information.

Click here to see how much household waste has been recycled through Fort Wainwright's Recycling Program.

  • Aluminum Recycling
  • Glass Recycling
  • Mixed Paper Recycling
  • Plastic Recycling
  • Tin Recycling