514 



SUBJECT: Environmental Protection and Preservation 



been displayed in the development of dynamic local programs in the absence 

 of specific guidance or direction from DA. In one instance, the efforts at 

 one post received laudatory Congressional recognition as a direct result 

 of local popular support of the actions taken. Unfortunately, this type 

 of recognition has been the exception rather than the rule. 



5. At this time, when a great deal remains to be done to bolster the 

 image of the Army, direct advantage can be taken of the public interest in 

 the environment to aid this effort - particularly if there are accomplish- 

 ments or activities that reflect that the Army is supporting the fight 

 against pollution. Activities which should be capitalized upon through 

 public information media are the construction, regardless of funding 

 source, which has been accomplished to abate air and water pollution, local 

 cooperative agreements involving regional sewage treatment facilities, 

 local efforts to promote the purchase of beverages at Post Exchanges and 

 commissaries in returnable bottles and the use of low phosphate detergent 

 soaps, salvage of or recycling of waste materials (glass containers and 

 waste papers), and local forestry, fish and wildlife conservation programs. 

 Particularly significant and newsworthy activities of the types listed 

 which should be publicized beyond the local area should be forwarded to 



DA (ATTN: CINFO). 



6. The pervasive nature of and the public sympathy for environmental 

 issues make it essential that staff responsibilities in this matter be 

 clearly defined and assigned at each level of command. Consideration 

 should even be given to the establishment of an Environmental Quality 

 Control Committee to assist the commander in the formulation of local 

 policies and the planning and coordination of programs which have en- 

 vironmental implications. A particular responsibility of such a committee 

 should be the preparation, review and reduction of the all important 

 impact statements which are now required for any program which could have 

 a significant adverse impact on the environment. Very careful attention 

 must be given to the timely preparation and submission of environmental 

 impact statements for failure to do so could cause Congress to deny funds 

 for a program until the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 

 Act are fully observed. 



7. In addition to the foregoing suggestions which primarily focus on the 

 management aspects, there is also a clear need to gain the active support 

 of all command elements, down to the individual soldier himself. During 

 recent Congressional hearings on federal agency implementation of the 

 National Environmental Policy Act, it was clearly demonstrated that there 

 was a failure on the part of the Services in disseminating environmental 

 policies down to the operating level. It was the consensus that the 

 effectiveness of this program is heavily dependent on the wholehearted 

 support of all members of a command but that individuals will only con- 

 tribute assistance if they clearly understand the basic policies and 

 objectives involved. Obviously, to achieve this end there must be 



