and carries with it a significant administrative burden. When HM have a shelf life, use the first-in, first-
out rule. This will help reduce the disposal of outdated HM.
(3) Using Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs). SOPs are an effective management practice
requiring soldiers to understand and follow. Unit leaders ensure that the unit has a well-written SOP
addressing environmental issues and procedures.
(4) Designating an Environmental Conditions Report (ECO). Commanders, down to the
company, troop, and battery levels, must designate an ECO. AR 200-1 requires unit commanders to
appoint an ECO in writing and to provide training for the ECO. The ECO coordinates with the
installation's environmental staff and ensures that the unit complies with environmental laws and
regulations.
(5) Ensuring that all Unit Personnel Complete Environmental Awareness Training.
Commanders must also identify those soldiers who require special environmental training. The
installation environmental offices and environmental staffs assist subordinate commanders to determine
specific environmental-training requirements.
(6) Labeling containers. Labeling HM and HW is a legal requirement. Installation or shipping
environmental guidelines specify labeling requirements. Materials not technically classified as
hazardous, such as cleaning supplies, lubricants, and paint, must also be labeled. Each unit must develop
and enforce procedures to maintain complete records of the environmental actions and activities they
perform.
b. Maintenance. Unit maintenance activities have significant potential for environmental impact.
The Army has environmental programs that affect maintenance operations in some way. Some specific
areas of concern are listed below:
(1) Spill Prevention and Response. Both Army policy and federal law require units to
prevent spills of oil and hazardous substances and to provide prompt response to contain and
clean up such spills.
(2) HM/HW Storage and Handling. The unit's prescribed load list (PLL) section controls
requisitions and receipts for HM and prepares documentation for turn-in of HW.
(3)
Refueling. Refueling operations create significant potential for POL spills and fire
hazards. Units must ensure that their SOP includes adequate procedures to prevent and respond
to spills.
c. Supply. Unit supply personnel account for all materials during HM/HW requisition,
transportation, storage, and disposal. Unit leaders ensure that their supply personnel observe stringent
HM supply economy measures by ordering only the minimum amount of HM needed and, when possible,
order biodegradable, environmentally safe materials. When storing products, use stock rotation to
minimize the turn-in of out dated material. Leaders also ensure that supply personnel turn-in or dispose
of HM/HW according to local regulations.
d. NBC Defense and Training. NBC hazardous materials are used in NBC defense and training.
Unit NBC specialists exercise caution when storing and handling these materials. Leaders ensure that
personnel dispose of materials according to local requirements and that the unit has a spill response
program in place that addresses NBC activities.
6-5
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