ATLANTIC CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -  The 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, was recently accepted into the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Silver Track Program.  The Silver Track program was developed by the NJDEP to provide special incentives for all regulated entities, public and private, which have demonstrated superior environmental performance and are willing to go further than the standard regulatory requirements.

Maj. John C. Elwood, Environmental Coordinator, heads the 177th’s environmental program.  “We’ve taken great measures to be a good environmental neighbor and the improvements we have made over the last few years are impressive,” stated Elwood.  Just as with commercial aviation, supporting military aviation requires the use and storage of fuel; oil, batteries, paint and other chemicals used for aircraft maintenance and operations.  “Since 1992 we have implemented numerous recycling and waste management programs in efforts to reduce the amount of unusable by-products generated and that require disposal.”

Staff Sgt. Rich DeFeo who also works in the 177th’s environmental department tracks this progress.  “From 1992 to 1999 we reduced our output by 89 percent and we will reduce that by another 30 percent in 2000,” noted DeFeo.  “The most impressive thing about this achievement is that waste management has to be everyone’s responsibility on a day-to-day  basis and to see these results shows that everyone in various departments has taken a personal responsibility and shown the initiative to be environmentally-conscious.”

As a Silver Track participant, some of the incentives include: a single point of contact to coordinate permit applications and renewals and expedited permit processing.  
According to the NJ DEP program summary, “It is our belief that when businesses focus on pollution prevention, the use of innovative technologies, energy conservation and recycling, good environmental performance follows and should be recognized.”  

After submitting its application, the 177th FW was subjected to an extensive five-year background check by the NJ DEP to verify that there were no Notices of Violation issued and to confirm compliance with required permits and other guidelines.  “Not only did we have the clean track record required to be accepted into the DEP’s Silver Track program, but our levels of waste reduction were what really put us over the top in the DEP’s eyes,” commented DeFeo.

All participants in the program must enter a 15-year covenant with the DEP memorialize the environmental commitments made.  The covenant details the development of mutually agreed upon environmental goals and milestones, as well as the specific measures to track programs and measure performance.  “This program is a true partnership between the 177th and the DEP,” stated Major Elwood.
                           
About the 177th Fighter Wing.  The 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, is a “community-based” force located at the Atlantic City International Airport.  The wing’s federal mission is to provide combat ready personnel; aircraft and equipment for worldwide deployment in support US Air Force objectives.  The wing’s state mission is to protect life and property, provide disaster relief, and ensure public safety when called upon by the governor. The wing continually looks for opportunities to participate in events that add value to the community. 

For additional information regarding this release please contact Major Roger Pharo at (609) 645-6005, Fax (609) 383-6412, or e-mail to roger.pharo@njatla.ang.af.mil  

Visit our web site at http://www.njatla.ang.af.mil