This newsletter provides information on the activities of the Georgia Army National Guard Environmental Stewardship Branch for the 4th quarter of 2012. Key points include: - The branch launched a recycling program at Clay National Guard Center to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15th. - Staff attended various training programs and conferences on energy management, environmental project management, and cultural resources management. - An environmental assessment was completed for a new Maneuver Area Training and Equipment Site at Fort Stewart to evaluate potential environmental impacts. - Backflow prevention devices across facilities are being tested annually to ensure safe drinking water. - Required environmental officer training classes will be held in January 2013 to maintain compliance.

1. Georgia Army National Guard
Environmental Stewardship
Branch Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 4
Our Mission
The Georgia Department of Defense Environmental Stewardship Branch exists
to support Commanders and their Mission by reducing environmental liabili-
ties and promoting the US Army Environmental Stewardship Program.
Our Vision
Our vision is one of maintaining readiness, while utilizing knowledge and re-
sources to make informed decisions regarding our environment. To protect
and conserve today’s resources for tomorrow’s National Guard Soldiers and
the Citizens of Georgia.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM!
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP BRANCH STAFF
Dania Aponte Environmental Programs Director (678) 569-6707 dania.g.aponte.nfg.@mail.mil
Butch Thompson Sustainability Program Manager, South (912) 448-4192 charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil
Felicia Nichols NEPA Program Manager (678) 569-6755 felicia.a.nichols2.nfg@mail.mil
Randy Drummond Restoration and Clean-up Manager, (678) 569-6750 randy.m.drummond.nfg@mail.mil
Sustainability Program Manager, North
Karen Corsetti Pest Management Program Manager (678) 569-6751 karen.a.corsetti.mil@mail.mil
Yvonne Edwards Environmental Specialist, Recycling Program (678) 569-6752 etta.y.edwards.nfg@mail.mil
Kathryn Norton Cultural Resources Program Manager (678) 569-6726 kathryn.f.norton.nfg@mail.mil
Frances Grieme eMS Program Manager, Technical (678) 569-6749 frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil
Michael Holloway Environmental Assessor – Cumming (678) 569-3841 michael.holloway3.mil@mail.mil
Tangy Johnson Environmental Assessor – Ft. Stewart (912) 448-4195 tangy.s.johnson.nfg@mail.mil
Kip Rummel Environmental Assessor – CNGC, Atlanta (678) 569-3840 o.k.rummel.nfg@mail.mil
Paul Hansen Environmental Assessor – Macon (404)803-8578 paul.l.hansen11.nfg@mail.mil
Megan Spells Environmental Assessor – Tifton (678) 569-8458 megan.e.spells.nfg@mail.mil
~Clay National Guard Center- 1000 Halsey Avenue, Building 70, Marietta, GA 30060~
December 2012

2. Page 2
CFMO-ENV End of Year Activities
Recent activities and accomplishments of the
CFMO-ENV group:
NOVEMBER 2012 - Ms. Yvonne Edwards did an excellent job of orga-
nizing and holding the ‘America Recycles Day’ drive on November
15th. The event was intended to focus particular attention on clothing
recycling which is becoming more and more a part of the overall recy-
cling effort. Please see article on Page 3.
DECEMBER 2012 - CFMO-ENV staff attended winter commence-
ment services at the University of Georgia in Athens to cheer on and
congratulate our summer intern, Ms. Stenka Vulova. Stenka graduated, summa cum laude, or with highest hon-
ors, while completing dual degree programs in both ecology and anthropology.
Two CFMO-ENV staff members attended the Certified Energy Manager’s training the week of December 3-7.
The four-day course was conducted by the Association of Energy Engineers and culminated in a four hour exam
to qualify for the Certificate in Energy Management. These endeavors are part of the growing emphasis on en-
ergy conservation and management, particularly with regard to reduction of energy usage at our various facilities
statewide.
Ms. Dania Aponte, Environmental Programs Director, attended National Guard Bureau’s Design & Project Man-
agement for CFMOs workshop the week of December 10th, in Phoenix, AZ. The course offered up continuing
guidance and instruction on the CFMO framework within the ARNG.
Continuing Endeavors throughout the 4th Quarter of 2012:
Natural Resources Management: GAARNG has just completed an Environmental Assessment for Ft. Stewart’s
new Maneuver Area Training and Equipment Site (MATES). Please see article on Page 5.
Compliance Program: GAARNG assessors are located at Cumming, Clay, Macon, Tifton and Ft. Stewart. The
Southern Region program manager, Mr. Butch Thompson, is continuing training for all Guard personnel through
the Environmental Officer classes (EO/UECO training). He continues to work with all facilities to ensure that
EOs are properly trained and that we all strive for successful environmental practices. Remaining EO/UECO
training classes are scheduled as shown on Page 7.
GA Environmental Management System (GeMS): Our GeMS program was successfully launched in 2011. The
program has achieved re-declaration of conformance with ISO 14001. Please see update on Page 8.
Cultural Resources Management : The Cultural Resources Program Division is in the process of conducting an
Armories Historic Survey for facilities that meet the age criterion for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP). KEA Group was awarded the contract and work kicked off on November 12. Results of the sur-
vey will be reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office prior to final publication.
“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our re-
sources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise, what is there to defend?” ~Robert Redford

3. Page 3
Recently Launched Programs
Clay National Guard Center Recycling Program
The GAARNG Recycling Program Initiative celebrated
America Recycles Day, November 15 with a clothes
and other recyclables drive in the lobby of Clay Na-
tional Guard Center’s Joint Force Headquarters build-
ing.
Ms. Yvonne Edwards led a very successful event, snap-
ping photos and garnering signatures on the Guard
wide recycle event poster as a commitment of dedica-
tion to recycling personally and professionally.
America Recycles Day is the only nationally recog-
nized day and community-driven awareness event
dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in
the U.S. Since 1997, communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on November
15 to promote recycling awareness, commitment, and action. “I Recycle, Do You?” was the theme for this year’s
America Recycles Day. In honor of the day, the Clay National Guard Center Recycling Program Initiative collabo-
rated with USAgain, a clothing recycling company, by sponsoring a textile recycling drive.
Throughout the month of November, an estimated 2 million people joined in the celebration. Amidst all of the
fun – and there is a lot of fun involved – it’s important to consider the environmental impacts and significance of
why recycling is important. For municipal solid waste, today’s recycling rates stand
at roughly 34%. At these rates, recycling is a multi-billion dollar industry that em-
ploys millions of Americans and helps advance our clean energy economy. Much of
this cannot happen without public participation in recycling systems. Through the
simple act of recycling and buying recycled products, consumers can create the
momentum that builds materials markets and fills the supply chain of recycled
(raw) materials that can help fuel our economy. But there is more opportunity.
According to a report published by the nonprofit organization As You Sow, it is esti-
mated that the value of just discarded packaging in the U.S. is worth over $11 bil-
lion.
We would like to thank the employees of the Clay National Guard Center for par-
ticipating in America Recycles Day and making it a success! For more information,
please contact Ms. Yvonne Edwards at (678) 569-6752 or
etta.y.edwards.nfg@mail.mil.

4. Page 4
Restoration and Cleanup Program
Safe Drinking Water and Backflow Prevention
The goal of the Cleanup & Restoration Program is to ensure that soil and groundwater affected by the
GAARNG does not contain any contaminants harmful to human health or the environment. The ultimate
purpose for that goal is to ensure that our water is
“potable” (safe for human consumption). We normally
look to our Publically Owned Treatment Works (POTW)
or municipal water supplier to ensure that our water is
potable.
However, once the water enters our property through
the water meter, it becomes our responsibility to ensure
that it remains pure throughout our system. The primary
means of accomplishing this is through the use of
“backflow prevention” devices. These devices contain
valves and other mechanical means that prevent a “cross-
connection”. A cross-connection is when the possibility
exists for “non-potable” water to enter the “potable” wa-
ter pipes. The 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking
Water Act provide the requirements for these devices.
The stringent standards set for the backflow prevention devices are established and dictated by the Founda-
tion for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research that is affiliated with the University of Southern
California.
To ensure that we continue to have safe drinking water, backflow prevention devices are tested annually.
There are many of these devices located within the boundary of Clay NGC. A Backflow Prevention Plan for
Clay NGC is currently under development and will be published soon. That Plan will ensure that all devices
on Clay NGC are the proper type and size, and in good working condition, not only to fulfill the require-
ments of the Safe Drinking Water Act,
but to maintain the readiness of our air-
men, soldiers, and civilians.
For more information, contact Mr.
Randy Drummond at 678.569.6750 or
randy.m.drummond.nfg@mail.mil.

5. Page 5
Natural Resources Management
The Georgia Army National Guard
(GAARNG) recently completed an Envi-
ronmental Assessment (EA) evaluating
the potential physical, environmental,
cultural, and socioeconomic effects of
the proposed construction and opera-
tion of a new, 294,700-square foot Ma-
neuver Area Training and Equipment Site
(MATES) at Fort Stewart in Liberty
County, Georgia. A MATES is the mili-
tary equivalent of a large-scale, multi-bay
commercial heavy truck maintenance and storage facility which provides full-time, direct and general-level
maintenance repair and support to multiple units of the GaARNG. The new MATES would be located on the
same 40-acre site of the current operating MATES. The existing MATES is out-dated, insufficient, and does
not meet the mission requirements of the GaARNG. The proposed construction includes two phases.
These two proposed phases include:
Phase I: Construction of one, approximately 60,050-square foot (ft2) maintenance wing containing 18 work
bays and a tool storage/break room facility; approximately 1 acre of parking; a 14,000 ft2 administration
building; and a covered walkway connecting the proposed maintenance wing and administration building. Sev-
eral of the work bays would be designated for the painting of military vehicles with a water-dispersible,
chemical agent-resistant coating (CARC). Construction of this phase would require approximately 3 acres
(Jacobs 2007; GaARNG 2010a). No demolition is proposed; existing parking areas would be converted to
developed uses. The existing MATES would remain fully operational during this phase in order to maintain
continuous service. Phase I is a Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 programmed Military Construction (MILCON) project.
Phase II: Construction of three (3) additional maintenance wings totaling 148,500 ft2, which would contain 27
work bays, an engine/transmission test cell, and associated mechanical rooms. Phase II would also include a
14,000 ft2 administration building; a 300 ft2 controlled waste handling
facility; a 300 ft2 flammable materials storage building; a covered walk-
way connecting the proposed Phase II maintenance buildings to the
Phase I buildings; and supplemental parking. Phase II would also pro-
vide approximately 35,400 ft2 of additional shops and administration
buildings; approximately 11,400 ft2 of warehouse space for Basic Issue
Items storage; and 10,750 ft2 of unheated storage. Phase II would add
approximately 220,650 ft2 to the Phase I construction. Military vehicle
parking would consist of approximately 14.7 acres; privately owned
vehicle (POV) parking would include approximately 1.5 acres
(GaARNG 2010b).
Proposed Phase II construction would encompass approximately 21 acres (i.e., currently planned at 21.2
acres), bringing the total land area potentially affected by this Proposed Action to approximately 24 acres.
Proposed new facilities for Phase II generally would be constructed on the existing MATES motor vehicle

6. Page 6
Natural Resources Management, Contd.
parking area. The demolition of two existing MATES buildings, Buildings 10501 and 10522 , is proposed.
Phase II is currently programmed on the GaARNG's Long-Range Construction Plan (LRCP). As of this date,
Phase I is the only approved, funded portion of this Proposed Action. Phase II would be implemented as ad-
ditional funding becomes available. Phase I of the MATES would provide required facilities for multiple units
of the GaARNG and would be constructed regardless of the subsequent phase.
The proposed facilities would be constructed using federal funds. The National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) of 1969 is a federal law that requires if federal funds are spent on a project, operation or activity, the
impact of those actions must be assessed, documented and provisions made for public involvement before
project initiation. Therefore, an EA was developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 (NEPA), 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1500 through 1508, 32 CFR Part, and guidance
provided in the Army National Guard Manual for Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(2006).
The purpose of this EA was to inform decision-makers and the public of the potential environmental effects
of the Proposed Action and its considered alternatives, prior to making a federal decision to move forward
with any action. As part of the NEPA process and development of this EA, the GAARNG conducted exten-
sive agency coordination with the:
 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Region 4.
 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District.
 US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region 4.
 US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS).
 Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GaDNR) – Historic Preservation Division (State Historic
Preservation Office [SHPO]).
 GaDNR – Wildlife Resources Division.
 GaDNR – Environmental Protection Division (GaDNR-EPD).
 Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA).
 Fulton County Department of Environment and Community Development.
 Federally recognized Native American Tribes
Based on the analysis presented in the EA, the GAARNG determined that the construction would not have
significant direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on the physical, biological, cultural, or human environments
and therefore would not violate the NEPA, the CEQ Regulations, 32 CFR Part 651, or other federal, state,
or local environmental regulations. As a result, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) was issued.
The Final EA and Draft FNSI were made available for public review and comment for 30 days following publi-
cation of a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Coastal Courier and the Frontline. The review period extended
from 22 January 2012 through 21 February 2012. As announced in the NOA, these documents were avail-
able for public review at the Liberty County library and the Fort Stewart library.
The National Guard Bureau (NGB) and the GAARNG affirm their commitment to implement this EA in ac-
cordance with the NEPA. They will ensure that adequate funds are requested in future years’ budgets to
achieve the goals and objectives set forth in this EA. This is a huge accomplishment and positive step forward
for the GAARNG!
For more information, contact Ms. Felicia Nichols at 678.569.6755 or felicia.a,nichols2.nfg@mail.mil.

7. Page 7
Environmental Compliance
Environmental Officer (EO)/Unit Environmental Officer (UECO) Training 16-
17JAN13
In accordance with AR 200-1 (Environmental Protection and Enhancement), CFMO-ENV will provide one 8
hour block of initial training and one 4 hour block of annual refresher training for personnel assigned Envi-
ronmental Officer (EO)/Unit Environmental Compliance Officer (UECO) responsibilities. The 8 hour initial
training is for personnel that have not received any EO/UECO training and the 4 hour refresher training is
for personnel that have received initial training and require annual refresher training.
Training will be conducted at the Distant Learning Center (DLC), Macon, GA 16-17JAN13. Initial EO/UECO
training will be conducted on 16JAN13 from 0800-1700 and Refresher EO/UECO training will be conducted
on 17JAN13 from 0800-1200 at DLC Macon. Class size is limited to 20 personnel for each class, to register
send an email to Mr. Charles "Butch" Thompson at charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil no later than
11JAN13. Ensure email contains rank, full name, and unit/facility assigned to as EO/UECO.
EO/UECO training is offered once per calendar quarter by CFMO-ENV and specifically pertains to
GAARNG environmental programs, not host installations. GAARNG units on host installations must attend
the host installations training and comply 100% with host installation environmental program requirements.
GAARNG EO/UECO training rotates between locations at GGTC, Macon, and Clay NGC. All GAARNG
units/facilities are required to have personnel assigned as EO/UECO and trained by the cognizant training
authority to manage environmental issues/concerns at the unit/facility.
Remaining EO/UECO training courses scheduled for CY-2013 are as
follows:
17APR13 – 8 hour Initial, Clay NGC, Building 2
18APR13 – 4 hour Refresher, Clay NGC, Building 2
17JUL13 – 8 hour Initial, GGTC, Ft. Stewart, Building TBD
18JUL13 – 4 hour Refresher, GGTC, Ft. Stewart, Building TBD
16OCT13 – 8 hour Initial, DLC Macon
17OCT13 – 4 hour Refresher, DLC Macon
Soldiers should register to attend the course nearest their home
station to alleviate issues with obtaining travel orders and funding.
Training will be conducted from 0800-1700 for Initial course and 0800-1200 for Refresher course on the
specified dates in accordance with AR 200-1 and FM 3-34.5 (Environmental Considerations).
CFMO POC is Mr. Charles “Butch” Thompson at charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil or (912) 448-4192.

8. Page 8
Environmental Compliance, Contd.
External Environmental Performance Assessment (EPAS) by NGB 19-23AUG13
CFMO-Environmental has received notification from NGB that GAARNG will receive an External Environ-
mental Performance Assessment (EPAS) from NGB during the week of 19-23 August 2013. Our last exter-
nal EPAS by NGB was 14-18 February 2011, which assessed facilities, received 149 regulatory non-
compliance and eMS non-conformance findings.
The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate GAARNG’s overall environmental compliance at our facilities
with regards to DOD, local, State and Federal regulations. It is anticipated this assessment will again focus
primarily on our maintenance facilities (e.g. FMSs, CSMSs, MATES, and AASFs) as well as other facilities lo-
cated at Clay NGC, GGTC, Confederate Avenue, DLC Macon, Kennesaw, Statesboro, Savannah, and possi-
bly other facilities located on host installations (e.g. Ft. Gordon, Ft. Benning, Ft. Stewart, Ft. Gillem, Dobbins
ARB, and Robins, AFB. Assessment team personnel will require complete access to the entire facility
(everything must be unlocked and accessible, except weapon vaults if sensitive items are present), in order
to complete the assessment as scheduled. The following are some of the areas of interest (not all inclusive)
that will be assessed:
 Air Emissions (operations and permit requirements, if applicable);
 Wastewater Management (includes septic tanks, floor/shop drains, washrack/oil water separator operations, or
any other industrial related discharge to the environment or sanitary treatment works and permit require-
ments);
 Storm water Management (includes items listed in wastewater management and permit requirements);
 Non-Hazardous/Hazardous Waste Management (all size generators, includes waste manifest and land disposal
restriction (LDR) record review);
 Hazardous Materials Management;
 Pesticide/Insecticide/Herbicide Applications and Management;
 Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank (AST/UST) Management;
 Monitoring Well Management;
 Training
 NEPA (local training areas and record of environmental considerations/categorical exclusions (RECs));
 Noise Complaint Process;
 Cultural Resources;
 Natural Resources (erosion, wetlands, flood zones, threatened/ endangered species);
 Toxic Substance Management (
 Fueling Operations (if fuelers or ASTs on site and fueling/refueling conducted);
 Environmental Management System (eMS);
 Backflow/cross-connect valve prevention.
CFMO-Environmental staff will start pre-assessment work-ups commencing in January 2013 to assist facilities
in preparing for the assessments and will contact EOs/UECOs to schedule assist visits. All administrative
documentation for the past three (3) years pertaining to the subject areas above must be available for review
during these work-ups. Progress briefs will be provided to appropriate facility chain-of-command personnel
and the GAARNG Environmental Quality Control Committee (EQCC).
CFMO POC is Mr. Charles “Butch” Thompson at charles.j.thompson26.nfg@mail.mil or (912) 448-4192.

9. Page 9
Environmental Management at GAARNG
Georgia Environmental Management System (GeMS)
Recent Activities of the Georgia Army National Guard’s eMS Program
The GeMS program has accomplished two important items within the past few months. The 2013 Environ-
mental Policy Statement and the GA Environmental Management System (GeMS) conformance re-declaration
were signed by the TAG. These two documents are the culmination of a very busy
year and input from the GAARNG Environmental Quality Control Committee
(EQCC) and the EQCC-Cross Functional Team. Thanks to all that helped in get-
ting these two very important items completed!
If you have any questions regarding the GeMS Program or eMS, please contact
(678) 569-6749 or frances.h.grieme.nfg@mail.mil.
Environmental Facts– Did you know?
The history of the universal recycling symbol we’ve all grown to recognize and respect, has an interesting be-
ginning:
In 1969 and early 1970, worldwide attention to environmental issues culminated in the first Earth Day. In re-
sponse, the Chicago-based Container Corporation of America, a large producer of recycled paperboard
which is now part of Smurfit-Stone Container, sponsored a contest for art and design students at high
schools and colleges across the country to raise awareness of environmental issues. It was won by Gary
Anderson, a 23-year-old college student at the University of Southern California, whose entry is the image
now known as the universal recycling symbol!
I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.” ~Mother Theresa