regulations are based on federal laws. Soldiers should understand the following federal environmental
laws, which affect many of the activities they perform each day.
a. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The NEPA requires the Army to determine the
environmental impact of proposed actions. If a proposed action will harm the environment, the Army
must develop a plan to eliminate or minimize the damage. Soldiers comply with the NEPA by:
(1) Considering the environmental consequences of their actions.
(2) Following environmental guidelines set forth in unit SOPs, installation regulations and
mission orders.
b. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The RCRA governs how the Army
identifies, transports, stores, and disposes of HM and HW. The RCRA places "cradle-to-grave"
responsibility for HW on the personnel or units generating the waste. It also governs the recycling and
reusing of nonhazardous material and waste. Used munitions can become a regulated HW in some cases.
Soldiers comply with RCRA by--
Supporting the installation recycling program.
Removing materials (expended brass, communications wire, concertina, booby traps,
unused munitions, and propellant charges) from training sites.
Conducting police calls to collect and dispose of solid waste.
Collecting and turning in HW and HM according to unit SOPs.
Knowing what HM they use on the job or at home.
Knowing what HW they produce as they perform their jobs.
c. Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA applies to facilities that place pollutants into bodies of
water. The CWA affects groundwater, storm water, surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams), marshes,
swamps, wetlands, coastlines, and navigable waterways (canals). Soldiers comply with the CWA by--
Disposing of chemicals, solvents, and HW properly. Never disposing of HW in storm
drains, sinks, toilets, or drains.
Washing vehicles in approved wash racks only.
Cleaning up spills in the work area immediately.
Reporting spills through the chain of command.
d. Clean Air Act (CAA). The CAA requires the Army to prevent, control and/or reduce air
pollution from nontactical vehicles, facilities, and operations. Soldiers comply with the CAA by--
Checking with the local environmental office before using gas or smoke.
Meeting state inspection standards for privately owned vehicles (POVs).
EN 5702
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