ANNEX L TO USCINCEUR STANDARD PLAN 4000 (U)
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS (U)

1. (U) Situation
   
   
   1. (U) Purpose: To provide guidance to protect the health and welfare of U.S. personnel and minimize adverse environmental impacts during the conduct of operations resulting from implementation of this plan, and to provide an analysis of the impact of the execution of this plan on the environment.
      
      
   2. (U) Assumptions
      
      
      1. (U) Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) responsibility for U.S. environmental policy and technical issues will be assigned to a single service component. The area of EEA responsibility will be identified and will be inclusive of all U.S. operations therein.
         
         
      2. (U) A dedicated environmental engineer function will be established within the Force/ Joint Task Force (JTF) Engineer function.
         
         
      3. (U) The environmental analysis will be done in accordance with references a. and b., and, accordingly, either Appendix 1 or 2 of this annex will be completed.
         
         
         1. (U) If an environmental assessment is required for the supported operation IAW references a. and b., the Force/JTF Commander will ensure it is prepared using IAW references a. and b., using the format found at Appendix 1, in conjunction with the Force/JTF staff, the Environmental Executive Agent, and other combatant command guidance (reference i.) and planning activities, as deemed appropriate.
            
            
         2. (U) Should the requirements of references a. and b. not apply to this operation, the specific "determination" for an exclusion or exemption from an environmental assessment for the supported operation shall be provided at Appendix 2.
         
         
      4. (U) A Joint Environmental Management Board (JEMB) will be established, as detailed in Appendix 3 (reference d.), unless the Force/JTF Commander determines that the JEMB is not practical, taking into consideration the scope, duration, and complexity of the specific operation.
         
         
      5. (U) The Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, Environmental Executive Agent, and Force/JTF Surgeon (e.g., Preventive Medicine) will be involved to the maximum extent possible in the planning for the siting of U.S. Forces, to include participation on pre-deployment site visits, in locating and evaluating suitable water sources, and in the siting decision of quarters, industrial facilities, work centers, and waste handling facilities.
         
         
      6. (U) DoD has designated Environmental Executive Agents to create country specific Final Governing Standards (FGSs) for certain countries (reference f.) (e.g. CGUSAREUR for Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands; CINCUSNAVEUR for Italy, Spain, and Greece; and COMUSAFE for Turkey and the United Kingdom). A need may exist to deconflict standards developed under this annex with those of the FGS (reference g.).
         
         
      7. (U) Necessary authorizations will be obtained in advance to allow for a full range of environmental management activities.
         
         
      8. (U) Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) or transit agreements (reference l.) will be obtained that specifically provide authority for the movement of U.S.-generated hazardous waste produced as a result of participation in the operation using Force/JTF, contractor or other transportation assets, as necessary to affect their disposal in an environmentally sound manner.
         
         
      9. (U) DLA will establish support within or near the AOR to perform proper disposition of hazardous waste, subject to appropriate and applicable force protection and/or security concerns. All U.S.-generated hazardous waste will be disposed of through the support provided by DLA. If DLA support is not practicable, the Force/JTF Director of Logistics will be responsible for managing the hazardous waste in accordance with this Annex, references j. and p., and guidance provided by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer.
         
         
      10. (U) During redeployment all excess hazardous materials will be returned to home station as hazardous material, unless directed otherwise by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer.
          
          
      11. (U) Support or services for hazardous material and hazardous waste management will not be provided to non-U.S. Forces, unless approved by both the Environmental Executive Agent and HQ USEUCOM, in consultation with DLA.
          
          
      12. (U) This annex is applicable to deployments off existing DoD installations unless otherwise directed by the combatant command.
          
          
      13. (U) Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Wastes and related issues are not addressed by Annex L. The JTF Commander will assign an appropriate staff element to identify the method for accumulation and turn-in of NBC wastes. Units will be required in the base plan or applicable annex to consult with the identified staff element.
          
          
      14. (U) The principles of armed conflict designed to protect the environment and civilian population from environmental impacts will be addressed in reference q., as applicable.
      
      
   3. (U) Limiting Factors
      
      
      1. (U) Existing security conditions, preparation time (e.g., for transit and other agreements; supporting environmental contracts), and access by environmental personnel during the initial stage of deployment are limiting factors.
          
      2. (U) Operational imperatives, including force protection and the non-availability of required logistical support, may limit the ability of deployed forces to comply with the environmental protection requirements reflected herein during the course of the deployment.
          
      3. (U) Fiscal restraints related to the authority to expend U. S. funds under contingency operation conditions.
          
      4. (U) Delays in implementing international agreements and contracting actions may necessitate requirements for extended periods of storage for regulated wastes at points of generations.
          
      5. (U) Environmental actions or projects (e.g., on-site treatment of POL contaminated soils) that are required after redeployment of units and transfer of U.S. facilities (sites and base camps).
   
   
2. (U) Execution
   
   
   1. (U) Concept of Operations
      
      
      1. (U) General Operating Concept. This Annex describes in broad terms the conduct of the Force/JTF during the operation. However, in every case, obligations are subject to existing conditions, force protection, and mission accomplishment.
         
         
         1. (U) The best practical and feasible environmental engineering practices shall be applied that maximize the protection of human health and the environment, taking into consideration existing operational conditions engineering practices.
            
            
         2. (U) Measures will be taken to prevent pollution and to minimize adverse environmental impacts during all aspects of the operation. These measures include hazardous materials management, spill prevention and expeditious clean up.
            
            
         3. (U) U.S. Forces will comply with agreements and treaty obligations, and respect the sovereignty of other nations to include combined allied organizations recognized by HQUSEUCOM.
            
            
         4. (U) U.S. Forces will take appropriate actions to ensure that wastes generated during the operation are managed in an environmentally sound manner.
            
            
         5. (U) U.S. Forces will include environmental considerations in all aspects of the operation to minimize actions which might expose U.S. Forces to unnecessary health risks, cause unnecessary harm to the environment, or subject the U.S. to unfavorable publicity or future claims for damages.
            
            
         6. (U) Environmental systems and practices (e.g. potable water, wastewater, solid and hazardous waste management) will be assessed initially and at every significant change in the operation, but not less than once per year, and new guidance issued if required.
         
         
      2. (U) Preparation and Initial Deployment
         
         
         1. (U) Unit Environmental Coordinators. Deploying forces shall appoint an officer or senior NCO to coordinate and control unit level environmental procedures. A summary list of these appointments shall be provided to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer upon deployment to the AOR.
            
            
         2. (U) Pre-Deployment Training. Components shall provide training to ensure familiarity with requirements of Annex L, supporting environmental annexes to component operational plans, and unit level plans and environmental procedures.
            
            
         3. (U) Manuals. Forces shall deploy with appropriate environmental reference manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), e.g., spill prevention and response and hazardous materials management . Unit Coordinators will contact the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer for additional references developed specifically for the operation.
            
            
         4. (U) Containers. Forces shall deploy with sufficient quantity and proper (e.g., compatible) type of hazardous waste disposal containers and overpacks for use during initial phases of the deployment (empty-by-design containers can be used for shipping non-liquid, non-hazardous materials during initial deployment). Units will plan for the re-supply of containers sufficient to sustain them for the duration of the operation.
            
            
         5. (U) Spill Containment and Cleanup Materials. Forces shall deploy with sufficient (e.g., quantity and type) spill containment and cleanup kits and materials to cover potential releases of hazardous materials and POL during transport and during initial phases of the deployment. Units will plan for resupply of spill containment and cleanup materials sufficient to sustain them for the duration of the operation.
         
         
      3. (U) Operations. Operations shall be conducted in a manner that exhibits leadership in the area of protection of human health and the environment, and comply with the General Operating Concept outlined above. Environmental standards will be established in consultation with the Environmental Executive Agent for this operation and, for operations in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, with the respective Environmental Executive Agent designated by DoD in reference f. The Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document (reference h.) and FGSs (reference g.), while not applicable to operations, may be used as a "source" for additional environmental standards. U.S. Forces shall, at a minimum, comply with the following mitigative measures:
         
         
         1. (U) Documentation of Initial Environmental Conditions. As soon as practicable after a facility (e.g., site, base camp) is identified for occupancy by U.S. Forces, the Force/JTF Commander will ensure the initial environmental condition is documented using appropriate in-house or contracted environmental professionals. Documentation (e.g., an environmental baseline survey) should describe, as applicable, the conditions of water sources, soil, natural resources (including endangered and threatened species, if possible), cultural and historical properties, air quality, environmental contamination, and other environmental conditions. Results should be provided through engineer channels to the Force/JTF Commander and Force/JTF Surgeon and a copy retained by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer. Copies will be archived IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
            
            
         2. (U) Potable Water. Approval of potable water sources, including bottled water, will be accomplished by Force/JTF preventive medicine personnel. Ensure that water sources are free from contamination by suitable placement and construction of wells and surface treatment systems, and siting and maintenance of septic systems, on-site treatment units, hazardous material and hazardous waste accumulation points, solid waste disposal sites, and other activities that may threaten the integrity of the potable water supply. The Force/JTF Director of Logistics will provide bottled drinking water until such time as approved potable water sources are located.
            
            
         3. (U) Gray Water. Mess, bath, and laundry operations will use existing sewage lines where available or constructed soakage pits and ponds. Location of soakage pits will be coordinated with preventive medicine personnel and will be constructed to prevent pooling and to prevent creation of new insect breeding areas. Where practical gray water and black water waste treatment systems will be combined. Ships will discharge gray water per service regulations.
            
            
         4. (U) Wastewater/Human Waste (Sanitary Sewage). Sanitary sewage will be disposed of using the method that maximizes protection of human health and the environment under existing operational conditions. Ships will discharge black water per service regulations. The following disposal alternatives are presented in general order of preference; however, site-specific considerations and operational duration and intensity may take precedence:
            
            
            1. (U) Existing systems (e.g., latrines, sanitary sewers, and treatment facilities).
               
               
            2. (U) Constructed or packaged wastewater treatment units or contracted services.
               
               
            3. (U) Field expedient procedures (e.g., cat-hole, straddle trench latrines).
            
            
         5. (U) Solid Waste. Solid waste will be managed using the method that maximizes the protection of human health and the environment under existing operational conditions. Management of solid wastes will be IAW applicable procedures determined by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, in consultation with preventive medicine personnel. Ships will dispose of solid waste per service regulations. The following disposal alternatives are presented in general order of preference; however, site specific considerations and operational duration and intensity may take precedence:
            
            
            1. (U) Existing solid waste disposal sytems .
               
               
            2. (U) Constructed solid waste disposal facilities or contracted services.
               
               
            3. (U) Field expedient procedures (e.g., garbage pit).
            
            
         6. (U) Infectious Waste. Infectious waste will be segregated at the point of origin. Mixtures of solid waste and infectious waste will be minimized, and will be handled as infectious waste.
            
            
            1. (U) Definition. Waste produced by medical and dental treatment activities that has the potential for causing disease and may pose a risk to both individual or community health if not managed properly (e.g., pathological waste such as human tissues and body parts; human blood and blood products; sharps including hypodermic needles and syringes).
               
               
            2. (U) Management. Infectious waste will be segregated, transported and stored IAW preventive medicine procedures approved through medical channels and the Force/JTF Surgeon.
               
               
            3. (U) Treatment and Disposal. In-country contract disposal will be used where feasible. Methods of disposal (typically high temperature incineration) shall be approved through medical channels and the Force/JTF Surgeon. If contract disposal is not feasible, approved field expedient procedures will be used.
            
            
         7. (U) Hazardous Materials. Effort should be made to minimize the use and storage of hazardous materials. Such effort will result in the reduction of hazardous waste produced. All excess U.S. hazardous material should be reissued by the supply support activity in theater, if possible. Excess hazardous material not reissued shall be returned to home station as hazardous material, unless impractical or inappropriate. Hazardous materials that cannot be returned to home station shall be disposed of as a hazardous waste.
            
            
            1. (U) Definition. A hazardous material is any material that, based on either chemical or physical characteristics, is capable of posing a risk to health, safety, or the environment if improperly handled, stored, issued, transported, labeled, or disposed of. Examples include: carcinogens, corrosive materials, irritants, toxic materials, combustible liquids, compressed gases, explosives, flammable materials, oxidizers, unstable (reactive) materials, pesticides, water-reactive materials, lithium batteries, and photographic chemicals.
               
               
            2. (U) Shipment. Shipments of hazardous materials will be accompanied throughout by shipping documents that clearly describe the quantity and identity of the material and will include Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Force/JTF or contracted vehicle operators will be provided information on the hazardous material included in the shipment, including health risks of exposure and the physical hazards of the material, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity. Force/JTF or contracted vehicles transporting hazardous materials will be appropriately marked, subject to security and operational considerations, and their contents appropriately labeled. International air shipments will follow appropriate DoD and component and DLA instructions (e.g., references j. and p.).
               
               
            3. (U) Storage. Hazardous materials will be segregated from non-hazardous materials and separated from incompatible hazardous materials. Hazardous materials storage sites and containers will be checked on a regular basis to assure they are secure. Hazardous materials storage containers will be closed unless being filled or emptied.
               
               
            4. (U) Pesticide Usage. All pesticide applications made during the operation shall be recorded on DD Form 1532-1. Records will be retained in accordance with paragraph 3 of Annex L. Further guidance is provided at reference k.
            
            
         8. (U) Hazardous Wastes. Minimize use of hazardous materials whenever possible to minimize the production of hazardous wastes (reference q.). DLA will establish support within or near the AOR to perform proper disposition of hazardous waste, subject to appropriate and applicable force protection and/or security concerns. All U.S. generated hazardous waste will be disposed of through the support provided by DLA. DLA will develop guidance on turn-in procedures for hazardous waste. If DLA support is not available, the generator of the hazardous waste shall be responsible for coordinating disposition of the waste with the Force/JTF Director of Logistics, in accordance with guidance provided by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, and in consultation with the EEA for this operation.
            
            
            1. (U) Definition. A hazardous waste is any discarded material that may be a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or contained gas that exhibits a characteristic such as ignitability, corrosiveness, reactivity, or toxicity which has the potential to be harmful to human health or the environment, due to its quantity, concentration, chemical, or physical characteristics. Hazardous waste includes all hazardous materials that are being discarded, to include partially used and opened containers destined for disposal.
               
               
            2. (U) Collection Points. Each base and unit shall establish individual or shared hazardous waste collection points. Wastes shall be properly segregated and labeled (e.g., waste oils, contaminated fuel, solvents, and chemical compounds) to ensure proper packaging for handling and final disposal.
               
               
            3. (U) Transportation/Shipment. Service components are responsible for arranging the transportation of hazardous waste from collection points to centralized hazardous waste collection areas, in accordance with procedures established by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer in consultation with DLA.
               
               
            4. (U) Final Disposal. Hazardous waste will be disposed of using a method that maximizes the protection of human health and the environment, taking into consideration existing operational conditions. References g., h., j., l., and m. may be used as sources in establishing hazardous waste disposal standards. Ships will dispose of hazardous waste per service regulations. The following disposal alternatives are presented in general order of preference:
               
               
               1. (U) DLA-Managed Disposal. Following turn-in, DLA shall be responsible for ensuring that hazardous wastes are properly disposed of. DLA shall determine the optimum hazardous waste disposal solutions for the AOR and ensure that any DLA disposal contract achieves cost-effective disposal consistent with DoD's emphasis on environmental leadership. Any hazardous waste not disposed of through DLA shall be reported though the chain of command and through engineer channels to the Force/JTF Engineer and the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer.
                  
                  
               2. (U) Return to the Unit's Home Station. International agreements (e.g., Status of Forces Agreements, transit and disposal agreements) and laws of involved nations (countries of origin, transit, and destination) must be considered before this alternative is used. This alternative requires the prior approval of the Force/JTF Staff Judge Advocate and approval of the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and coordination with the Environmental Executive Agent , and applicable EEAs. This alternative, if DLA support is envisioned, requires prior coordination with DLA and the receiving installation/base.
                  
                  
               3. (U) Local Recycling. Local recycling of select hazardous wastes as a fuel (e.g., recovered POL) is an alternative disposal option if consistent with local practices and following a determination by the appropriate Force/JTF medical authorities that no significant risk to human health and safety is associated with burning of the particular waste as a fuel. Prior approval of the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and consultation with the Environmental Executive Agent, is required.
                  
                  
               4. (U) Local Contracting for Disposal. Local contracting for disposal is allowed if done in a manner that is as protective of human health and safety and the environment as practicable under existing operational conditions. Prior approval of the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and consultation with the applicable EEAs and DLA is required.
                  
                  
               5. (U) Abandonment. Hazardous wastes may be abandoned only if it is determined by the Force/JTF Commander to be necessary under combat or other hostile conditions. Quantity, type, and location of wastes abandoned must be reported to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, as soon as practicable upon cessation of combat or hostile conditions. Abandonment does not necessarily imply dumping; it could consist of securing the waste for subsequent disposal as conditions allow. The JTF Environmental Engineer will, in turn, report this information to applicable EEAs.
            
            
         9. (U) Air Quality. Equipment and facilities will be operated such that adverse health and environmental impacts are minimized. The quality of ambient air will be considered in siting of U.S. Forces activities. Problems arising from air quality will be referred to the Forces/JTF Surgeon and the Forces/JTF Environmental Engineer.
            
            
         10. (U) Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL). POL facilities must be designed and installed with attention to leak detection and spill containment requirements, as threat conditions allow. Effort should be made to ensure good housekeeping, adequate equipment maintenance and adherence to proper procedures to avoid or minimize operational spills of POL. Spill response and cleanup is a unit responsibility. Waste POL shall be disposed of IAW alternatives identified above for hazardous wastes. Selection of POL bulk storage shall consider site-specific conditions and operational duration as provided in accordance with Standards of Construction in reference o.
             
             
         11. (U) Spill Prevention and Control. Main base and satellite camps will develop a spill prevention/control plan. Special care will be taken to protect surface waters and groundwater from contamination. Trained spill response teams will be identified to respond to spills. Spills will be cleaned up as soon as possible. Units will employ low cost equipment (e.g., drip pans) to catch leaking POL and hazardous materials, and will ensure that adequate types and quantities of containment and cleanup equipment (e.g., dry sweep and overpacks) are available at hazardous materials storage locations and on all appropriate transports (e.g., fuel transports and hazardous material transports) as well as designated overnight resting areas. The Force/JTF Environmental Engineer will coordinate spill response plans with civilian fire departments and other host nation authorities, where practicable.
             
             
         12. (U) Natural Resources. The Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and Environmental Executive Agent will pursue available documentation and intelligence assets to identify environmentally sensitive areas. To the extent practicable, and consistent with operational conditions, Commanders are to consider protection of natural resources, to include all plants and animals, and in particular, any endangered or threatened species and avoid or minimize adverse impacts. Liaison with host nation environmental authorities and local experts is encouraged by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, in consultation with the Environmental Executive Agent and other applicable DoD-designated Environmental Executive Agents (EEAs), during the planning for the construction and/or leasing of major base camps or sites to be occupied by U.S. Forces. The Force/JTF Commander will develop appropriate guidance and practices to minimize unnecessary clearing, soil erosion, degradation of air and water quality, and habitat destruction to protect identified environmentally sensitive areas.
             
             
         13. (U) Historic and Cultural Resources. The Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and Environmental Executive Agent will pursue available documentation and intelligence assets to identify historic and cultural areas. To the extent practicable, and consistent with operational conditions, Commanders will consider protection of historic and cultural resources and avoid or minimize adverse impacts. Liaison with host nation environmental authorities and local experts is encouraged by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, in consultation with the Environmental Executive Agent and other applicable DoD-designated Environmental Executive Agents (EEAs), during the planning for the construction and/or leasing of major base camps or sites to be occupied by U.S. Forces. The Force/JTF Commander will develop appropriate guidance and practices to minimize unnecessary disturbance to historically and culturally significant areas.
             
             
         14. (U) Environmental Evaluations. Unit level officers or senior NCOs will conduct regular evaluations of activities that pose a potential for environmental problems (e.g., vehicle maintenance areas, POL and hazardous waste storage areas). The frequency of evaluations will be established by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer. Report any significant findings to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
             
             
         15. (U) Incident Reporting. Any significant environmental incident or accident (e.g., an event which results in an imminent health threat, or a spill of a hazardous material, waste, or POL) shall be reported IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
             
             
         16. (U) Environmental Assessments. The Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) will, based on the maturity and duration of the operation, determine the appropriate level of environmental analysis, threshold levels, and timeframes, and will issue guidance, as appropriate.
             
             
         17. (U) Site Remediation.
             
             
             1. All remediation will be subject to the approval of the EEA for this operation and applicable DoD-designated EEAs (reference g.).
                
                
             2. U.S. Forces will take prompt action to remediate known imminent and substantial endangerment to deployed forces. In addition, U.S. Forces will take prompt action to remediate known imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and safety due to environmental contamination caused by the operation of U.S. Forces. Remediation is complete when the contamination no longer poses an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health.
                
                
             3. The Force/JTF Commander may also authorize remediation of environmental contamination to protect human health and safety, to maintain operations, reduce U.S. liability, or when required by contract or international agreement. The extent of remediation will be determined by assessment of the risk to human health and safety, in consultation with the Force/JTF Surgeon, or by that required to maintain operations or by contract or international agreement.
                
                
             4. Cleanups will be assessed in accordance with specific remediation policies and technical guidance to be established by the Environmental Executive Agent, in consultation with the Force/JTF Commander and his staff. Consideration shall be given to cost-effective in-situ and/or on-site treatment (e.g., for POL contaminated soils) that can achieve acceptable treatment efficiencies in accordance with established technical guidance above.
                
                
             5. Site assessments, remediation efforts and documentation requirements will be established and coordinated by the Force/JTF Commander and Environmental Engineer. Copies of related documentation will be provided to the Environmental Executive Agent for this operation and applicable DoD-designated EEAs (reference g.).
                
                
             6. Contaminated sites that are not remediated will be documented IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
         
         
      4. (U) Exit/Redeployment
         
         
         1. (U) Hazardous Materials. See paragraph 2a(3)(g) above for guidance on disposition of excess hazardous materials.
            
            
         2. (U) Hazardous Wastes. See paragraph 2a(3)(h) above for guidance on hazardous waste management.
            
            
         3. (U) Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POLs). Cleanup or document spills. POL tanks at fuel point and maintenance areas will be emptied. Return U.S.-used POL tanks to their received condition, or retain as is, if their condition was improved. Pump out residual POL product from sumps and oil/water separators. Waste and excess POLs that cannot be economically reused or recycled and contaminated solids shall be disposed of IAW with the alternatives identified in paragraph 2a(3)(h) for hazardous wastes.
            
            
         4. (U) Camp Closure. The commander of U.S. facilities will document and implement procedures for the turn-in and accountability for hazardous waste and excess hazardous materials, the cleanup or documentation of POL spills and contaminated sites, the emptying of POL tanks and POL separators; and turn-in of waste POL.
            
            
            1. (U) The Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, in consultation with the Environmental Executive Agent and Force/JTF Commander, will develop more detailed guidance as regards the responsibilities of each unit commander, base camp commander, Defense Reutilization Management Office (DRMO), and support contractor. Copies of this guidance will be provided the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) and applicable DoD-designated EEAs.
               
               
            2. (U) Commanders of U.S. facilities (sites and base camps) and units will coordinate closure of disposal sites (burn pits, landfills, sewage lagoons) with the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and will consult with the EEA and applicable DoD-designated EEAs.
               
               
            3. (U) Environmental reports, studies, and other historical information shall be provided through engineer channels to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and to the applicable Real Estate Office and applicable EEAs IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics ) of this annex. This information shall be used in documenting the final environmental condition of U.S. facilities at camp closure.
            
            
         5. (U) Documentation of Final Environmental Conditions. As close as practicable to the redeployment of U.S. Forces from a site (e.g., base camps and major facilities), the Force/JTF Commander will ensure that the final environmental condition is documented, including environmental contamination. For consistency, the in-house or contracted environmental professionals who conducted the initial environmental condition report should be used, if possible. The reports on final environmental condition will serve as documentation in the event of claims or other legal challenges.
            
            
            1. (U) Appropriate medical and preventive medicine personnel, other technical activities, and contracted support will be assigned to assist base camp and unit commanders in the preparation of their respective site close-out report.
               
               
            2. (U) Documentation should describe and compare the conditions of water sources, soil, natural resources (including endangered and threatened species, if possible), cultural and historic properties, air quality, and other environmental conditions with that found during the initial assessment.
               
               
            3. (U) The mission of the site during U.S. occupancy shall be described to include the location and operation of latrines, landfills, hazardous material and waste storage sites, landfills, POL storage areas, POL fueling operations, maintenance activities, and the location of other environmentally hazardous activities.
               
               
            4. (U) Cost-effective, yet environmentally sound, options will be considered to ensure that required cleanup efforts are completed or contamination is documented prior to redeployment.
               
               
            5. (U) The Force/JTF Engineer, in consultation with the Force/JTF Staff Judge Advocate and other activities (e.g., applicable Real Estate offices) will identify those site conditions or existing legal or real estate agreements which define environmental actions or projects which must continue after transfer of the site and will initiate appropriate action to complete the cleanups.
               
               
            6. (U) Results should be provided through engineer channels to the Force/JTF Commander and Force/JTF Surgeon.
               
               
            7. (U) Copies of these reports shall be provided through engineer channels to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and to the applicable Real Estate Office, the EEA and other appropriate DoD-designated EEAs IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
            
            
         6. (U) Incident Reporting. Any significant environmental incident or accident (e.g., an event which results in an imminent health threat, or a spill of a hazardous material, waste, or POL) shall be reported IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
      
      
   2. (U) Tasks/Responsibilities.
      
      
      1. (U) Environmental Executive Agent. A single service component will be designated by CINCEUR as the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) for all U.S. environmental policy and technical issues for the operation. The area of EEA responsibility will be identified and will be inclusive of all U.S. operations therein. As such, the EEA will be involved to the maximum extent possible in planning for the siting of U.S. Forces to include consultation on pre-deployment site visits and review of leases. The EEA shall pursue available documentation and intelligence data to identify environmentally sensitive and historic and cultural areas. The EEA will develop supplemental technical guidance, standards, and procedures; ensure consistency in policies, standards, and procedures; consult with applicable DoD-designated Environmental Executive Agents (EEAs) for countries where Final Governing Standards (FGS) have been established (reference g.). The EEA will consult as necessary with command authorities and organizations recognized by the combatant command on environmental matters; provide U.S. Forces information on host nation environmental laws and regulations; ensure detailed guidance is prepared for the closure of U.S. facilities; and develop appropriate guidance for coordinating with other activities within the AOR. The EEA for this annex will deconflict responsibilities with the respective DoD-designated EEA and, where necessary, will elevate issues to the combatant command for resolution. When environmental support is outside the scope of the EEA command responsibilities and resources, it shall be elevated to the combatant command. The Environmental Executive Agent shall be responsible for archiving records and documents, IAW paragraph 3 (Administration and Logistics) of this annex.
         
         
      2. (U) Force/JTF Commander. Responsible for overall implementation and compliance with Annex L and with policies, standards, and procedures established by the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) for this operation which will apply to U.S. Forces in the AOR. Will make a determination as to whether a Joint Environmental Management Board (JEMB) is required for this operation (reference d.) and, if so, will determine the appropriate membership and responsibilities of the JEMB. Will ensure the initial and final environmental condition of U.S. occupied facilities (e.g., sites and base camps) are documented, and will ensure that detailed guidance is developed for the closure of these same facilities. May authorize remediation of environmental contamination to protect human health and safety, to maintain operations, reduce U.S. liability, or when required by contract or international agreement. Responsible for the delegation of appropriate authorities to the Force/JTF Engineer and Force/JTF Environmental Engineer to ensure successful implementation of and compliance with this annex.
         
         
      3. (U) Force/JTF Engineer. Responsible to the JTF Commander for the operational support of the environmental section of Annex L and the appropriate staffing of an environmental office that will be responsive to the Force/JTF Commander. In coordination with the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) for this operation and the Force/JTF SJA, and in consultation with applicable DoD-designated EEAs for FGS countries (reference g.), establish a plan for coordinating with the host nation, other foreign nations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other national, regional, and international agencies and activities on applicable environmental matters. In coordination with the EEA, and in consultation with applicable DoD-designated EEAs for countries where Final Governing Standards (FGSs) have been established, will draft agreements on appropriate in-country support in working environmental issues for the duration of the operation. Will provide potable water source development, as deemed necessary. Will develop appropriate guidance and practices to minimize unnecessary clearing, soil erosion, degradation of air and water quality, and habitat destruction to protect identified environmentally sensitive areas and to ensure unnecessary disturbance to historic- and culturally-significant areas. Ensure detailed guidance is developed for the closure of U.S. facilities (e.g., sites and base camps). Will identify those site conditions or existing legal or real estate agreements which define environmental actions or projects that should continue after transfer of the site or redeployment.
         
         
      4. (U) Force/JTF Environmental Engineer. Heads the environmental office, responsible for supporting the Force/JTF Engineer and Force/JTF Commander in implementing Annex L. Responsible for developing more detailed environmental services guidance and standards, employing references, as appropriate, in coordination with the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) for this operation. Responsible for coordinating with the Force/JTF Surgeon, Force/JTF Safety Officer, Force/JTF SJA, and the EEA for this operation, as appropriate. Pursue available documentation and intelligence assets at the earliest on readily available information and applicable host nation environmental laws and regulations, and other applicable intelligence on environmentally sensitive areas and historic- and culturally-significant areas. Participate to the maximum extent possible in the planning for and siting of U.S. Forces. Responsible for consulting with the respective DoD-designated EEAs for those countries where Final Governing Standards (FGSs) have been established (reference g.) on applicable host nation country-specific issues. Coordinate spill response plans with civilian fire departments and other host nation authorities, where practicable. Develop detailed camp closure environmental guidance as regards the responsibilities of each unit commander, base camp commander, DRMO, and support contractor. Retain copies of initial and final environmental condition reports. Report any necessary abandonment of hazardous wastes to the EEA for this operation and applicable DoD-designated EEAs for FGS countries (reference g.)..
         
         
      5. (U) Force/JTF Director of Logistics. Responsible for all aspects of hazardous materials and hazardous waste management to include minimizing use, storage, transportation, disposition, and return to home station of excess materials in accordance with Annex L. Will coordinate with DLA and the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer in the development of guidance for the turn-in of hazardous wastes and excess hazardous materials for proper disposition in an environmentally responsible manner.
         
         
      6. (U) DoD-designated Environmental Executive Agents (EEAs). Responsible for providing support to the Force/JTF Engineer and Environmental Engineer offices on environmental matters within host nations for which Final Governing Standards have been established (reference g.), especially as it relates to consultations with host-nation authorities during pre-deployment planning, the initial stages of deployment, and redeployment.
         
         
      7. (U) Force/JTF SJA. Responsible for legal support to Annex L, and for coordinating legal issues with SJAs senior in the chain of command (e.g., the Component SJA supporting the Environmental Executive Agent, and the combatant command SJA).
         
         
      8. (U) Force/JTF Surgeon. Responsible for medical (e.g., preventive medicine) support to Annex L with priorities on safe potable water, sanitation, waste disposal (e.g., hazardous and infectious), air quality, health risk assessments (e.g., for site remediation); and vector control to protect human health and welfare. Coordinate activities with the JTF Environmental Engineer and the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA), as appropriate. Will participate in the planning for siting of U.S. forces, perform or oversee sampling, analysis, and monitoring to protect the health and safety of deployed personnel and surrounding community. Conduct periodic environmental health risk assessments of activities which pose a potential for environmental or health problems. Report any significant findings to the Unit Level Commander and Unit Level Environmental Point of Contact. Report any findings that cannot be corrected immediately or with on-hand resources to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and Force/JTF Surgeon.
         
         
      9. (U) Force/JTF Safety Officer. Responsible for safety matters in support to Annex L. Coordinate activities with the JTF Environmental Engineer, the Force/JTF Surgeon, and the Environmental Executive Agent, as appropriate.
         
         
      10. (U) Service Components. Responsible for implementation of and compliance with the environmental section of Annex L within each Service, and for developing supporting environmental annexes. Responsible for ensuring compliance with Service/Component environmental regulations that are not in conflict with Annex L. Provide training to ensure familiarity with Annex L, supporting environmental annexes to component operational plans, and unit level plans and environmental procedures.
          
          
      11. (U) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Responsible for establishing on-site support within or near the AOR to perform proper disposition of hazardous waste, subject to appropriate and applicable force protection and security concerns. Develop guidance for the Force/JTF on turn-in procedures for hazardous waste and excess hazardous materials. Once turned in by U.S. Forces to DLA, DLA is responsible for ensuring that hazardous wastes are properly treated and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. DLA shall determine the optimum hazardous waste treatment and disposal options for the AOR and shall ensure that any DLA contract achieves cost-effective disposal consistent with DoD's emphasis on environmental leadership. Responsible for facilitating agreements necessary to transit hazardous wastes in accordance with applicable existing international agreements and conventions (e.g., Basel Convention).
          
          
      12. (U) Unit Commanders. Unit Commanders are responsible to ensure that their units protect the environment IAW the General Operating Concept described previously. Unit Commanders shall ensure that:
          
          
          1. (U) Their preparation and initial deployment, operations, and exit/redeployment in support of this OPLAN are in compliance with this annex. Environmentally sound planning is integrated into all operations to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts and that management plans are prepared for the proper handling and disposition of all wastes.
             
             
          2. (U) An officer or senior NCO is appointed as a Unit-level Environmental Point of Contact (POC) to coordinate and control unit level environmental procedures and assessments and a list of these appointments is provided the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer upon deployment, or at the earliest opportunity thereafter. Appropriate training is provided Unit-level Environmental POCs on all aspects of this annex.
             
             
          3. (U) Their units deploy with appropriate training, environmental reference manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), unit spill response plans, and sufficient numbers or quantities of hazardous waste disposal containers and overpacks and adequate spill containment and cleanup materials.
             
             
          4. (U) Appropriate measures are taken to minimize use of hazardous materials and avoid leaks and spills of hazardous materials and petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) products.
             
             
          5. (U) Wastes generated during the operation are managed in an environmentally sound manner IAW this annex and with guidance and standards provided by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer.
             
             
          6. (U) Any environmental contamination that presents an imminent and substantial environmental threat to human health and safety is identified in coordination with the Force/JTF Surgeon and Force/JTF Environmental Engineer and appropriate action is taken to eliminate the threat.
             
             
          7. (U) Camp closure plans are completed, as applicable, IAW guidance developed by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer.
             
             
          8. (U) Required remediation of contaminated sites is completed, as practicable, prior to redeployment using cost-effective and environmentally sound methods coordinated with the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer. Provide appropriate documentation of remediation efforts to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer.
          
          
      13. (U) Unit-level Environmental Point of Contact. In coordination with Unit Commanders, the respective Component, and the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, develop and distribute specific procedures to ensure assigned personnel comply with the basic requirements of Annex L. Contact the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer for additional environmental references developed specifically for the operation. Conduct regular evaluations of activities that pose a potential for environmental problems (e.g., vehicle maintenance areas, POL and hazardous waste storage areas) and report any significant findings from these evaluations and other significant environmental incidents or accidents to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer. Ensure units receive applicable training to familiarize U.S. Forces with the requirements of Annex L.
   
   
3. (U) Administration and Logistics
   
   
   
   1. (U) General Incident Reporting Requirements. Any significant environmental incident or accident (e.g., an event which results in an imminent health threat, or a spill of a hazardous material, waste, or POL) shall be reported IAW specific incident reporting instructions developed by the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer. The Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, Force/JTF Commander, Force/JTF Surgeon, Environmental Executive Agent for this operation, and applicable DoD-designated EEAs for FGS countries (reference g.) shall be notified within 24 hours of major incidents, accidents, and spills of hazardous materials, wastes, and POL. Records of spills, habitat destruction, discovery of existing contaminated sites, etc. will be maintained for later use in documenting the final environmental condition IAW subparagraph c. below.
      
      
   2. (U) Environmental Reports. Copies of the initial and final Environmental Condition Reports and records and documents deemed important for later use in resolving potential environmental claims against the U.S. government shall be provided through engineer channels to the Force/JTF Environmental Engineer, to the applicable Real Estate Office, Claims Office, the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) for this operation, and applicable DoD-designated EEAs for those host nations where Final Governing Standards (FGSs) have been established (reference g.).
      
      
   3. (U) Records Retention. Initial and final Environmental Condition Reports, records and documents deemed important for later use in resolving potential environmental claims against the U.S. government, pesticide applications, and other records and documents required to establish important "lessons learned" shall be archived by the Environmental Executive Agent on an annual basis and kept for a period of not less than 3 years following the operation, or as determined by the Component with Single Service Claims Responsibility. As soon as practical after completion of the operation, the Environmental Executive Agent (EEA) for this operation will forward a list of available archived records and documents to the appropriate U.S. Real Estate and Claims Offices, the combatant command, and applicable DoD-designated EEAs for those host nations where Final Governing Standards (FGSs) have been established (reference g.).

JOSEPH W. RALSTON
General, USA
Commander in Chief, Europe

Appendices (as applicable)

1 Environmental Assessments/Analyses

2 Environmental Assessments - Exemptions or Exclusions

3 Joint Environmental Management Board

OFFICIAL:

ELIZABETH A. HARRELL
Brigadier General, USAF

Director, Logistics and Security Assistance