ABSTRACT
Can the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) e£ectively implement green cleaning alternatives with minimal impact on weapon system performance, operations productivity, or cost? Executive Orders and EPA regulations are placing increasing pressure on depot and maintenance facilities to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. Traditionally, vehicle, equipment, aircra¨, and ship maintenance operations have utilized organic solvents containing VOCs and Hazardous Air Pollutant(s) (HAPs), so reducing the impact of cleaning and surface preparation operations is a signi©cant part of any compliance scheme. As a result of real and perceived materials compatibility issues or process impacts from environmentally preferred alternatives, the DoD continues to use large quantities of organic solvent cleaners at great expense. ¢ere have been many instances where “good science” failed to make the transition to the shop ¬oor. In some cases, these “green” initiatives have come at the sacri©ce of technical
performance and productivity, at an increase in the cost of operating an industrial facility, and with a negative impact on weapon system performance. Recent technical concerns are in¬uencing a change from an ESOH (Environmental Safety and Occupational Health) compliance focus to a healthier focus on risk management by improving technical and economic performance while reducing ESOH impact.
