Environmental experts urge improved waste management

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Schloeffel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  During recent inspections, members of the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight found the base is in danger of possible fines and violations due to improper storage and disposal procedures of fluorescent light bulbs. 

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources conducts random inspections to ensure the base is following federal and state environment laws. To prepare for these inspections, the environmental flight visits various facilities to find and fix problem areas before an inspector can cite violations, said William Fowler, 23rd CES environmental compliance chief. 

"The random inspections we conducted revealed that essentially fluorescent light tubes, which contain mercury, are not being properly stored and labeled," he said. "The base needs to be aware of the procedures required for used mercury-containing lamps and fluorescent light tubes so we don't receive enforcement actions." 

The fines for improperly stored or disposed fluorescent light bulbs could possible run as high as $27,000 each day until all violations are corrected, said Mr. Fowler. The base has already received two violation notices for this problem in recent years, but the flight does not want to chance the steep price that comes with fines. 

To properly store used fluorescent lights, ensure bulbs are stored in a sealed and labeled box away from an area prone to activity and chances for damage. Broken fluorescent bulbs are considered hazardous waste under federal guidelines, and the Hazardous Materials Pharmacy is then required to handle the contaminated area.
When handling used bulbs, it is also important to label the date when a bulb was first placed in the box. When the box becomes full or 90 days has passed, deliver it to HAZMART, Building 934. The HAZMART also created specialized labels for these bulbs to help with the process. 

Properly disposed fluorescent bulbs are shipped from HAZMART to a processing area where their containments are neutralized and recycled, said Michael Downey, HAZMART site manager. 

"Fluorescent bulbs only have small amounts of mercury, but that amount of mercury becomes very large if you consider how many we dispose," he said. "In 2006, Moody disposed 4,071 fluorescent light bulbs. Once disposed, the bulbs are broken in a controlled environment and nearly every part is recycled." 

Improper management of mercury-containing bulbs can be detrimental to the environment and personal health, as over-exposure has been proven to lead to chronic health conditions including severe damage to the central nervous system, said Mr. Fowler. 

"If a fluorescent tube is just thrown in the trash, it will end up in a landfill," he said. "During rainy periods, mercury can easily find its way into a surface stream and end up in the water table. This is precisely one of the reasons these environmental laws have been put into place." 

But considering the steep fines and environmental costs possibly incurred due to the ignorance of these simple procedures, the environmental flight is taking steps to ensure Team Moody is aware of the inherent impact of this case of poor waste management, said Mr. Fowler. 

"I give credit to this base; whenever a problem is identified here, we correct it on the spot," said Mr. Fowler. "This is one of those easy fixes - but if it's not accomplished, the potential for severe regulatory action is high." 

To assist with the understanding of correct handling procedures of fluorescent bulbs and other mercury containing materials, the environmental flight is hosting two Universal Waste Training seminars scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. April 16 at the 23rd CES Lockhart Hall. All facility managers are required to attend. For more information, call Mr. Fowler at 257-2761.