Anniston Army Depot wins Air Conservationist award | Environment

From the Public Affairs Office of the Anniston Army Depot:

Anniston Army Depot was awarded the Governor’s Air Conservationist Award at a ceremony hosted by the Alabama Wildlife Federation Aug. 3 in Prattville, Ala.

The Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement awards are the most prestigious conservation awards in the state, according to the AWF website. For over 30 years, the AWF has presented the awards to individuals and organizations making great contributions to the conservation of the state’s wildlife and natural resources.

“I believe those who care about our natural resources and our wildlife are those who love Alabama the most,” said Dr. Robert Bentley, governor of Alabama, in his remarks at the event.

ANAD performs maintenance on combat vehicles, artillery, bridging systems and small caliber weapons. In 2009, the depot began a study to find ways to reduce hazardous air pollutants associated with its maintenance activities. This included the paint stripping processes, which have historically been a major contributor to hazardous air pollutants.

Methylene chloride, a hazardous air pollutant, is a widely used chemical solvent historically used in paint stripping processes. An acid base paint stripper containing approximately 75 percent methylene chloride was used in the depot’s paint stripping processes.

Study participants located three products capable of replacing the paint stripping compound and the chosen replacement completely eliminates the use of methylene chloride and has the additional benefit of lowering operational and maintenance costs.

The depot has, therefore, invested $750,000 to convert four vats to use the new chemical compound.

For a full list of the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award winners, visit http://www.alabamawildlife.org.