Virginia Regional Environmental Management System (V-REMS) Partnering to Support the Mission and Protect the Environment 2008 State/EPA Environmental Innovation Symposium January 7-10, 2008

Overview s Objective  sustainability Challenge  overcoming mounting pressures (e.g. BRAC) A Collaborative Solution  V-REMS partnership Innovative: DoD-led public/private collaboration Effective: accomplishments; recognition; partner benefits Replicable: framework customization; keys to success

Objective: Sustainability Implement proactive and effective policies and practices that ensure the sustainability of mission readiness by: -leveraging existing resources, -safeguarding the environment, -enhancing the quality of life of local communities.

Challenge: Mounting Pressures Base Realignment & Closure (BRAC) –Expansion & development Regulatory and sustainability requirements –Executive Order Encroachment –Incompatible with training requirements Community concerns –Noise, good neighbor expectation

A Solution: V-REMS partnership v Regional Framework for Effective Problem-Solving Connects diverse constituents (military, regulatory agencies, private sector) to form collaborative working relationships Establishes a replicable model to help shape appropriate policies and leverage resources Synergizes existing initiatives under regional umbrella (e.g. SERPPAS, SMEIWG)

Partnership Evolution

Diversity of Partners DoD and Federal Facilities Defense Supply Center Richmond USMC Base Quantico U.S. Army, Fort Lee, Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Belvoir Virginia Army National Guard U.S. Navy Langley Air Force Base Federal Highway Administration Cities and Counties City of Richmond City of Hopewell Chesterfield County Richmond Regional Planning District (MPO) Private Industry Tyson Foods Honeywell Philip Morris Wal-Mart Regulatory Agencies Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III

V-REMS Strategy: How it Works Achieve “on the ground” results more efficiently than any existing mechanism Continual Process Address local and regional community and environmental priorities Improve communication, trust, and support between regional stakeholders Leverage resources ($$ and in-kind) and share best practices and information

Activities & Accomplishments With V-REMS: Partner communication leads to action & results in meaningful outcomes Recognition due to environmental & community-based improvements - Businesses for the Bay 2007 Partner of the Year - multiple DoD/state/EPA R3 Innovation Awards - White House Closing the Circle: DSCR The following highlight a few V-REMS efforts…

Accomplishments Fort A.P. Hill conserved over 1,300 acres to protect the installation ’ s borders against incompatible development DSCR will contribute 20 acres to conservation purposes DuPont has permanently protected 17 acres Land easements purchased from contributions of $3 million by DoD, $1 million by Virginia, and $1 million by private groups Highlights Goal: To improve the quality of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, protect the declining habitat of Virginia’s native and endangered species, support military mission readiness, and enhance quality of life within the Commonwealth. Land Conservation Projected Metrics of Success V-REMS partners have protected 1,400 acres of land in Virginia. Over 5 threatened or endangered species now protected Over 280 species ’ habitat protected

Highlights Goal: To demonstrate and verify that using titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an additive in concrete and other construction materials can improve air quality through reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx), at little to no increase in lifecycle costs TiO2 Concrete Workgroup Accomplishments Awarded National Defense Center of Environmental Excellence grant to test TiO2 technology Conducted baseline air sampling at Fort Lee in June 2007 and at Fort Belvoir in August 2007 Leveraged workgroup participant contributions including: –passive & active air sampling equip. –trained personnel –quality assurance –statistical analyses validation –meteorological equipment –stormwater sampling equipment –concrete structural integrity testing Projected Metrics of Success Demonstrate & validate technology for performance data. Incorporate technology into construction & maintenance BMPs Measure/model and record air quality improvements Lay foundation for accreditation as a control strategy, offering State Improvement Plan (SIP) credits

Diesel School Bus Retrofit Project Highlights Goal: To improve air quality for 20,000 children in the cities of Richmond and Hopewell VA. Accomplishments * Received $274K CSB grant (2/06) to: Retrofit 170 buses in Richmond & 27 buses in Hopewell school districts Train members of districts to inspect & install Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Implement anti-idling policies Transfer lessons learned to other school districts across the nation Projected Metrics of Success 20,000 students breathe cleaner air 197 buses retrofit in two school districts Raised $288,000 to fund retrofit ($274K, EPA and $14K, VA DEQ) 50% reduction: hydrocarbon emissions & 40% reduction: CO annually Anti-idling policies reduce idling by over 6000 hrs annually = $18,000 in fuel cost savings

DLA/DSCR Mission Benefits Improved relationships with surrounding communities Strong regional support for mission Increased awareness of DSCR’s value to community Local, state, and national recognition Improved environmental management Operational efficiencies and cost savings

Replicable: Addressing Priorities Supports VA Commonwealth and EPA Region III Priorities –Active participation in V-REMS by both organizations –Compliance role remains separate and distinct Supports CEQ sustainability objectives (Executive Order 13423) Supports Environmental Council of States (ECOS)/DoD Task Force objectives

Replicable: Keys to Success Partners focus on individual and regional goals Emphasizes building trust across partners Customizable partnering framework that includes state and federal regulatory agency participation and endorsement Relies on an informal participation process Promotes creative and innovative voluntary approaches to (environmental) challenges Benefits from the support of neutral facilitator

Questions: Jimmy Parrish (DSCR) Visit: