Pollution Prevention: The Navy Needs Better Plans for Reducing Ship Waste Discharges
NSIAD-95-38
Published: Nov 04, 1994. Publicly Released: Nov 17, 1994.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Navy's Shipboard Solid and Plastics Waste Management Program, focusing on the: (1) Navy's planning processes; and (2) program's effectiveness since its implementation.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should direct the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, to ensure that headquarters' planning efforts include the tasks and interim milestones to measure progress toward long-term goals for nonplastic solid waste for both surface ships and submarines. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agrees that high-level attention should be given to planning efforts for non-plastic waste. Toward that objective, the Under Secretary of the Navy established the flag officer/Senior Executive Service executive steering group in April 1994 to oversee the program. In addition, the Navy has now developed a detailed plan of action and milestones in conjunction with development of the report to Congress in 1996.
|
| Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should direct the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, to ensure that headquarters' planning efforts include the necessary mechanisms to coordinate among all involved activities, especially to pass on lessons learned from non-Navy ships and individual Navy ships that report progress in complying with discharge requirements. |
Closed – Implemented
The Navy has taken action to ensure effective coordination by establishing the flag officer/Senior Executive Service executive steering group to oversee the program. In addition, communication of lessons learned and the free flow of information is encouraged through such forums as the DOD annual joint services recycling workshop.
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Topics
Environmental policiesEquipment contractsMilitary vesselsNaval procurementPollution controlRecyclingResearch and development costsSolid waste managementWaste disposalPollution prevention