Maintenance Group Environmental Inspector Wins EPA Award Published April 23, 2009 By 60th Maintenance Squadron 60th Maintenance Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Chuck Barnard, 60th Maintenance Squadron environmental inspector, for many years has modeled sustainability - reducing the impact his squadron operations have on our natural resources needed to sustain our missions into the future. His efforts in protecting the environment by reducing air pollutant exposure to employees and waste management have won an award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9. More than 200 groups or individuals were nominated for the 40 EPA awards program that honors those who have made significant contributions to improving the environment. Region 9 includes California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands and tribal lands. "Mr. Barnard's award exemplifies the standard for our Environmental Management System recently launched for all Travis organizations. I am pleased that he received this award recognition," said Asset Management Chief Dave Musselwhite. Mr. Barnard embraced the EMS plan-do-check act standard years ago. His outstanding improvements in the 60th Maintenance Group environmental program ultimately protects the environment here at Travis. His objectives and priorities are clear and well known, he aggressively gets corrective actions implemented, routinely checks and rechecks and continuously improves compliance. The 60th MXG enabled and embraced Mr. Barnard's work and has benefited as a result. Mr. Barnard was nominated by Tech. Sgt. Brent Testut, 60th MXG, who oversees day-to-day operations of the MXG environmental program. "Mr. Barnard is one of my most dedicated workers and is always striving to improve environmental Compliance," said Sergeant Testut. Mr. Barnard manages the 60th MXS Emergency Spill Team and conducts training of MXS shop satellite accumulation point employees and oversees waste disposal operation for 12 satellite accumulation points. After downsizing actions in his squadron, Mr. Barnard successfully migrated two squadrons' environmental compliance programs resulting in 100 percent compliance based on internal quality assessment audits and external Air Force and county regulatory inspections. Additionally, he implemented a number of process-improvement/cost-savings projects including: -- Procuring a Dedoe paint storage system, prolonging the shelf life of paint. This in turn has reduced disposing of unserviceable paint by 225 pounds annually. -- Implementing a closed-loop paint gun cleaning machine, the new system reduced the amount of waste generated from the cleaning process from 5400 pounds to 1300 pounds per year. -- Partnering with the Nondestructive Inspection Lab to test the applications of digital radiography. This form of x-ray reduced environmental impact by no longer requiring the use of a toxic developer. -- Coordinating with other Travis organizations to reduce air emissions by installing a hardwire transformer rectifier power supply for the application of aircraft electrical power in one of the hangars. This one achievement eliminated a generator that was used to supply power to aircraft in the hangar. The old generator ran on diesel fuel and consumed more than 8,000 gallons annually. -- Sprayed-on paint application was replaced with a pen-type applicator for minor touch up on ground support equipment. The pen application reduces air pollutants, waste, and occupational health risk to shop employees. -- Purchasing sanders that utilize a HEPA collection system greatly reducing hazardous dust exposure to employees. Mr. Barnard's recent EPA award is another positive addition to Travis' outstanding environmental program. For more information on EMS, go online to the Travis public website: http://www.travis.af.mil/; click on the "environmental program."