EPA welcomes Sheppard to prestigious environmental program Published Oct. 17, 2007 By 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Environmental Protection Agency announced Oct. 8 that Sheppard has been accepted into its premier program, the National Environmental Performance Track. Sheppard is the first Air Education and Training Command base to qualify for this new EPA program by demonstrating a commitment to continuous environmental improvements by implementing policies or systems that go beyond regulatory compliance. Mark McBurnett, 82nd Civil Engineer Environmental Flight, said acceptance into the track is a testament to Sheppard's dedication to environmental programs. "The EPA Performance Track is a very ambitious program," he said. "Performance Track is designed to recognize organizations which agree to a higher commitment in its environmental stewardship, in return for incentives such as reduced compliance inspections." He said to meet this criteria, an organization commits to four quantitative goals to improve their environmental performance. Once accepted, Sheppard commits to complete an annual performance report demonstrating their progress to the EPA. An organization must meet the following criteria: Environmental Management System (EMS) - An EMS is a set of processes and practices that enables an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. Sustained Compliance - Sheppard maintains a record of compliance with environmental laws and is in compliance with all applicable environmental compliance. Continuous Improvements - Qualifying organizations must demonstrate past environmental achievements during current and preceding year. Sheppard commits to four quantitative goals for improving their environmental performance over a three-year period. Public Outreach - Sheppard has committed to be involved and active in the community and share their accomplishments with the public and address any community concerns. The benefit of meeting these criteria include: low priority for routine inspections; EPA national recognition; listing on the EPA web site and inclusion in EPA funded "best practices" database; permission to use the Performance Track logo; increased access to senior EPA officials; a network of Performance Track members to share best practices; and access to regulatory changes, including the recent extension of the hazardous waste accumulation period and reduced reporting frequency for air sources, resulting in reduced reporting requirements and associated administrative costs. According to the EPA web site, there are currently 450 members. Other than Sheppard, only five Air Force bases qualified for the program: Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C., Charleston AFB, S.C., Minot AFB, N.D., and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. "This benchmark effort not only maintains Sheppard's credibility with state and federal regulators but rewards the base with reduced regulatory oversight," Mr. McBurnett said. According to the Program Manager Wayne Fowler Sheppard's Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Management System program has also helped Sheppard get the EPA's attention. "The base's excellent past performance was a significant factor in qualifying for this distinguished recognition," he said. Others named by EPA's Region VI were Firestone Building Products, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Eaton Hydraulics Operation, and Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions. The installation ESOHMS policy is available for viewing on Sheppard's public web site.