ESOH friendly: Sheppard impresses assessors during external review

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A team of ESOH sleuths proved what many already knew - Sheppard's environmental, safety and occupational health programs are simply the best.

The team, comprised of Air Education and Training Command environmentalists and a civilian environmental consulting agency, URS, reviewed documents, procedures and personnel during the week-long inspection during the Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Capability and Assessment Management Program. Inspectors provided the official word during an out brief Aug. 25.

Wayne Fowler, a consultant with the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Environmental Flight, said the team was one of the best he's seen.

"This team was the most professional and in-depth assessors in Sheppard's ESOHMS history," he said.

Karen Winnie, the ESOHCAMP team chief, said the assessment isn't geared to compare Sheppard to other bases. Rather it's to gauge where a base is in regards to environmental regulations.

She said Sheppard has a "premier environmental management system," which, in turn, makes their over all program strong.

"Team Sheppard is smart, knows their stuff, and they prove it by their daily actions," Ms. Winnie said. "The results speak for themselves."

The hazardous waste program, led by James Dilli, is an example of daily dedication to an environmentally-friendly operation. The program had zero findings during their assessment. Although database records only go back to 2003, Ms. Winnie said Sheppard is the first AETC base since then to complete an ESOHCAMP with no findings in hazardous waste.

"In my personal experience, it's the first time I've seen a base without a hazwaste finding," she said. "Based on the assessment team's experience, this was the first base they saw that wasn't cited."

More than 140 facilities were visited, 1,160 documents reviewed and 264 personnel interviewed during the assessment.

Col. Kris Beasley, 82nd Training Wing vice commander, said the passing grade from the team doesn't mean it's time to "slack off."

"This is not a one-time visit," he said. "We need to prepare every day."

Personnel at the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight accentuated Sheppard's dedication to environmental friendliness by displaying two alternative fuel vehicles. The electric vehicles, from EV Autos in Austin, Texas, can charge over night for roughly $.70 on just about any electrical outlet.

The vehicles don't require gasoline or oil to operate, making the Hummer-like cars not only environmentally friendly, but cost effective, too.

Although there were some significant findings, offices will have until Oct. 24 to correct any errors. The team will release a final report Dec. 24.

In addition to Mr. Dilli, the team recognized Mr. Fowler; Pat Cassity of Lier Siegler, Inc.; Tina Kaszerk of L-3; and the 82nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's Tech. Sgt. Larry Graves.