Environmental self-assessment brings opportunity to MacDill

  • Published
  • By Chris Sutton
  • 6th Civil Engineer Squadron
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Every day, we train to become proficient in our jobs and continuously check our work to ensure our aircraft and support functions are mission ready.

We also perform many activities to protect the natural environment and comply with environmental regulations and directives. Opportunities abound in our day-to-day routines to sharpen our skills and perform better for both the mission and the environment.

May 20 through 24, MacDill will complete an Environmental and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Program assessment. This year's EOHCAMP will be a self-assessment using a team of about 30 volunteers from various units here at MacDill. It's our opportunity to take an honest look at our work practices and see how well we are doing.

The EOHCAMP assessors will visit wing and mission partner shops throughout the base to interview facility managers and supervisors, review records and training files, and visually survey work spaces to check for proper procedures and good housekeeping practices. They will assess hazardous material inventories and storage, proper use of personal protective equipment, recycling of used or discarded materials, the proper disposal of used chemicals, and many additional environmental regulations that impact our activities and personnel.

Findings from the assessment will be summarized in a report that is prepared for our wing commander and higher headquarters. Noncompliant findings will require the responsible shop or unit to implement training, modify work practices, or make other changes to correct the discrepancy.

We have done very well during past EOHCAMP assessments and have an outstanding track record with the regulatory inspectors from outside agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This year should be no different, but again, EOHCAMP is our opportunity to take some time and check our work.

If you have any questions relating to the EOHCAMP program or this self-assessment, please contact Chris Sutton, 6 CES/CEV at christopher.sutton.14.ctr@us.af.mil or 828-0458.