U.S. Army Munitions Depot Joins Kentucky's Environmental Leadership Ranks
The Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Ky., has been accepted as a Master member of KY EXCEL, the environmental leadership program of the state's Department for Environmental Protection. To get there, the depot had to demonstrate comprehensive environmental management planning, undergo a third-party assessment of the facility’s compliance, and report on at least four voluntary projects that benefit Kentucky’s environment.
The depot stores chemical weapons and standard munitions. It has four voluntary environmental projects and has committed to meet ISO 14001, Environmental Management System, by Sept. 29, 2009, the department said. The facility also is engaged in a reforestation project and has a sterling recycling program, according to the state.
"The decision to pursue Master member status was easy," said Col. Rick Mason, commander of the depot. "This is a natural part of the Blue Grass Army Depot continuous improvement process that entwines environment, Lean Six Sigma, OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program, and ISO 9001. The Blue Grass Army Depot is a unique facility with operations that lend themselves to unique solutions. We hope that these solutions complement the [state]’s environmental efforts."