HAZMAT programs keep Barksdale waste-free Published Oct. 9, 2009 By Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AFB, LA. -- The installations hazardous material management program team works to protect human health and the environment. They do this by ensuring the use of hazardous materials is minimized and all materials are managed properly. Barksdale is committed to providing cost-effective hazardous waste management in compliance with the federal, state, local and Air Force regulations. Marcy Harris, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron, hazardous waste manager, and Bill Lee, alternate hazardous waste manager, make sure they remain in compliance to standards and continue to sell Barksdale as an environmental leader in the community. The managers administer different hazarous material profiles generated on base and work with the central accumulation point. "If an object comes up at the CAP and they do not know what it is or what to do with it, we will help," said Mrs. Harris. Many Airmen do not know the difference between both hazardous waste and hazardous material. A waste is something that doesn't have a use anymore as a hazardous material is anything stronger than water but may be used again. Barksdale is considered a large quantity waste generator by the community. We produce more than 2,200 pounds per month of waste. The Air Force pays for the material to get rid of it. The largest waste is paint and paint-related materials. "Paint products generate a lot of waste," said Mr. Lee. "We need to learn to reuse items before disposing of them." For example, the paper used to catch the excess paint can be reused by folding the paper, until the project is fully finished. Universal wastes are regulated differently. Some light bulbs contain mercury in them. Incandescent bulbs are the only considered light bulbs that do not become universal wastes. There were 5,240 pounds of light bulbs disposed of in 2008 and a total of $7,472.96 to dispose of them. Barksdale uses both types of light bulbs, ones containing mercury and others such as the incandescent. In an effort to lower the cost of disposing of light bulbs, Airmen can purchase green-tip light bulbs at the Louisiana Association for the Blind located next to traffic management office. Batteries are also a concern to the environment. All batteries, to include rechargeable batteries have to be turned in to the CAP. Batteries need to be properly sealed and disposed. If they have any charge left and they get in contact with each other, they can start a fire. There are several programs to educate Airmen and civilians on hazardous materials to include Earth Day in April and annual training for satellite point managers. The waste managers also work with local civic groups in different committees to educate them. The management of hazardous waste begins at the point a waste is generated and continues until the waste is shipped off-site for disposal. There are 77 satellite points were the waste is generated on base. Each location is only allowed to have 55 gallons. The managers help the satellite point manager by making site visits and educating them by answering questions. "Everyone can minimize the effect on the environment," said Mr. Lee. "Stop and think before you do anything, before there could be a problem." For more information on hazardous waste, call Marcy Harris at 456-3096 or call the CAP directly at 456-8580.