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Hazardous Waste Management at Tinker Air Force Base--Problems Noted, Improvements Needed

NSIAD-85-91 Published: Jul 19, 1985. Publicly Released: Aug 02, 1985.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed hazardous waste management practices at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), Oklahoma.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to procure all of the equipment necessary to recycle and reuse hazardous waste and identify other recycling opportunities to reduce hazardous waste generation at Tinker AFB.
Closed – Implemented
The Air Force is pursuing various efforts, including waste segregation and recycling, to minimize the generation of hazardous waste. Some equipment is already in place creating savings. In addition, Tinker AFB has changed one of its cleaning processes which will reduce waste and create significant savings in the future.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to change operational procedures at Tinker AFB to better segregate hazardous wastes to facilitate recycling or reuse.
Closed – Implemented
Efforts to improve waste segregation, including providing better equipment, facilities, and training for those using or handling hazardous materials and waste was completed in April 1988.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to make better use of the industrial waste treatment plant at Tinker AFB to reduce the quantities of hazardous waste requiring disposal off base.
Closed – Implemented
DOD has undertaken a study of the plant's operation to determine how it can be best utilized, including treatment of additional quantities. Completion of the study and implementation of its recommendations was completed in April 1988.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to exercise greater caution in the selection of disposal sites at Tinker AFB to reduce potential DOD liability for environmental damage caused by their operations.
Closed – Implemented
Tinker AFB awarded new disposal contracts that require it to approve disposal sites prior to use. This contract procedure was intended to help prevent DOD liability for environmental damage.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to improve monitoring of the manifest system at Tinker AFB to ensure that hazardous waste is properly accounted for and disposed of.
Closed – Implemented
Tinker AFB reorganized its offices responsible for managing the manifests and set-up procedures that provide better monitoring. An overall accomplishment report will be prepared when Tinker AFB completes other recommended actions, which should be completed soon.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to improve monitoring of the disposal activities of hazardous waste disposal contractors at Tinker AFB.
Closed – Implemented
At the suggestion of GAO, Tinker AFB has recovered $50,000 from the contractor for overcharges. Increased emphasis has been initiated on contractor monitoring and a new system for quality control instituted. An additional $75,000 was under investigation by the Justice Department, and resolution of the outstanding claims was completed in April 1988.

Full Report

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Topics

Environmental lawEnvironmental monitoringEquipment managementFacility managementHazardous substancesIndustrial wastesPollution controlToxic substancesWaste disposalWaste treatment