b. Prevention. Protect the environment by using the following guidelines:
(1) Reduce the amount of soil contaminated during refueling by not spilling fuel. Pay
attention at all times when refueling; do not lock the nozzle open and walk away. When refilling or
storing fuel cans, place them in a drip pan to catch any overflow or leaks.
(2) Reuse rags and absorbent material. Reuse overpack drums for transferring contaminated
soil. When the rags become soaked, have them laundered and reuse them.
(3) Recycle used or contaminated petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL). Depending on state
and local requirements, the unit may have accumulation containers for used fuel, oil, and other
POL.
2-8. Field Sanitation/Field Mess. Field sanitation activities, including pest control, latrines, mess
operations, and medical-waste disposal affect the environment. Limit the use of pesticides within
training areas, bivouac sites, and ranges. Pesticides can create contamination that lasts for years.
Instead, use insect repellant to ward off mosquitoes and flies. Keep a copy of the applicable MSDS
on hand for each HM.
a. Compliance. The unit field SOP should instruct where and how to emplace latrines, dispose
of kitchen waste, and collect medical waste. Enforce the use of field latrines instead of expedients
such as "catholes." Human waste attracts additional pests, spreads disease and contaminates runoff
water. Use caution when disposing of any substance in the field. In many states, even the water used
in immersion heaters must be disposed of in a sanitary sewer system due to metal contamination from
the garbage can.
b. Prevention. Ensure that field sanitation practices prevent harm to the environment by using
the following guidelines:
(1) Reduce the spread of litter and solid waste by collecting it at the source (mess site, aid station,
or issue point). Reduce the amount of spoiled materials that must be thrown away by storing
perishable items properly.
(2) Reuse waste accumulation containers. Select sturdy, reusable containers, such as barrels.
Ensure that they have lids to keep out weather and pests.
(3) Recycle solid waste that accumulates during the field situations. Batteries, ammunition
packing, and cardboard containers can be recycled if collected properly and turned in.
2-9. Maneuver Damage Control. When training areas are stripped of vegetation, they lose valuable
concealment, and erosion often prevents further use. Plan to conserve resources before going to the
field. Reduce erosion risks by conducting off-road driving only in authorized areas, and cross streams
only at approved crossing points. Additionally, fill in fighting positions before leaving an area to
reduce erosion problems and make the area safer. Finally, use camouflage netting instead of branches
and shrubs.
a. Compliance. In an area that contains historical artifacts or threatened or endangered species,
assess the environmental risk before going to the field. When identifying a potential hazard, develop
a plan to eliminate or control the risk. Check the driving and convoy requirements for the installation.
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