Our team led the integration of a Spill Protection, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan at a military airfield in the Pacific Northwest. The base was a hub for both scheduled flights and search and rescue missions responding to recreational and fishing boat accidents. Needless to say, they were busy. Frequent aircraft maintenance meant frequent replenishments of jet fuel, hydraulic oil, lubricant oil, and other auxiliary fluids. This posed a significant environmental risk given their proximity to the ocean. The heightened operations increased the likelihood of a catastrophic oil spill, and the corrosive nature of the ocean air threatened premature corrosion of storage tanks.

Recognizing these challenges, our solution began with a comprehensive site evaluation. We inspected oil tanks, fuel tanks, drainage systems, spill containment equipment, maintenance shops, operating procedures, and crew knowledge. We consulted with engineering managers, the head of logistics, and the director of operations to fully grasp their needs. Their priority was to ensure public safety without sacrificing environmental safety and compromising personnel wellness. After our examination, we finally identified their strengths, weaknesses, and critical vulnerabilities.

From our findings, we proposed a modernized site plan. This plan addressed some necessary concerns: 1) More efficient drainage and collection system to redirect potential spills; 2) Upgraded storage tanks that were able to withstand harsh weather and provide secondary containment measures in the event of an emergency; 3) Sustainable facilities with redesigned monitoring and prevention systems to quickly contain toxic leaks and ventilate workspaces; 4) Updated crew training programs enabling a self-sufficient workforce to take initiative; 5) Brand new crew safety program to regulate and limit their exposure to harmful carcinogens.

Our approach was holistic, ensuring regulatory compliance while prioritizing crew safety and mission execution. To implement these recommendations, we collaborated with local contractors and technicians, ensuring that the integration was cost-effective and aligned with the unit’s operational timeline. We also coordinated closely with the military base’s senior leaders to minimize the impact on ongoing operations. Our efforts not only safeguarded the unit against environmental hazards but also enhanced its operational efficiency and resilience against potential spills, setting a new standard in environmental responsibility for similar facilities.