Environmental inspection aims to assess Eglin status Published May 4, 2012 By Mike Spaits 96th Air Base Wing Environmental Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- More than 30 environmental inspectors will take a fine-tooth comb through Eglin's Environmental Management System, stewardship and compliance processes May 14-18. The effort will complete the environmental portion of the Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program, known as ESOHCAMP. ESOHCAMP is the Air Force's self-assessment tool that helps commanders check the status of their ESOH program, and identifies and tracks solutions to known problem areas. The environmental inspectors will evaluate Eglin's main base and range facilities to ensure environmental compliance and adherence to Eglin's Environmental Management System, a system that incorporates mission needs and environmental regulations. The inspection team is comprised of environmental professionals on Eglin as well as unit environmental coordinators. The UECs are assigned by their commanders and have the additional responsibility of ensuring their own unit stays compliant with the 14 environmental protocols covered by ESOHCAMP. The protocols include air emissions, hazardous materials, water quality, solid waste, natural resources, and pesticides, among others. According to Beth Avery, Eglin's Environmental Management System manager, these types of inspections provide the base with an opportunity to learn where shortcomings are and repair them. She also praised the inspection process, saying Eglin's gotten ahead of problems using this type of assessment before. By conducting an internal environmental assessment, Eglin is less susceptible to Notice's of Violation from state environmental regulators and the Environmental Protection Agency. An NOV from the state can carry a fine as high as $25,000 per day, per violation and employees found guilty of criminal acts may face other punishments. Although final findings are not made public, the most recent external ECAMP inspection of Eglin was held in 2010 by Air Force Materiel Command, and the base did exceptionally well. A focus area for this year's inspection is making sure disposal laws are being followed properly, concerning both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Basic recycling is always a push. For more information on Eglin's ECAMP inspection, call Beth Avery at 882-7668.