Pacific Southwest, Region 9
Serving: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, Tribal Nations
Environmental Awards (formerly Champions of Green Government)
2009 Recipients
Patrick Langsjoen
United States Postal Service (Pacific Area Environmental Programs)
San Francisco, CA
Patrick Langsjoen, an Environmental Specialist in the Pacific Area (California and Hawaii), for the United States Postal Service has demonstrated efficient and highly effective management of complex regulatory programs and his proactive and innovative efforts in reducing the USPS environmental footprint.
As the recycling program manager for Northern California, he was instrumental in establishing recycling programs (mixed paper, cardboard, scrap metal and plastic) encompassing 365 facilities which now recycle more than 12,000 tons per year and generate $200,000 in revenue.
Mr. Langsjoen has been a driving force behind dramatic year over year improvements in USPS storm water runoff quality. Supported by water sampling data, the USPS obtained approval for 4 additional No Exposure Certifications (NECs) in 2008, increasing to 22 the number of NECs received during Mr. Langsjoen's tenure.
Mr. Langsjoen partnered with field operations staff in implementing a number of successful sustainability initiatives. The San Francisco Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) was designated a “Clean and Green” site by the local CUPA and a Zero Waste project was established at the San Mateo VMF to eliminate all solid waste from landfill or incineration processes.
Mr. Langsjoen's championing of the transition to lead-free wheel weights on the entire 31,000 Pacific Area delivery fleet is most impressive. Lead, one of EPA's 31 Priority Chemicals, is a persistent and bio-accumulative neurotoxin with many well-established adverse environmental and human health impacts. When lead wheel weights fall off their host vehicles onto roadways, traffic quickly pulverizes them into lead dust which enters the environment via the air, soil, and water. Since no other vehicle fleet of similar size had yet switched to lead-free wheel weights, Mr. Langsjoen partnered with EPA HQ and Region 9 staff, key HQ and Pacific Area postal stakeholders, and external suppliers in developing the business case to support its successful implementation. This effort reduced workplace occupational lead exposure by 5.5 tons and eliminated ¼ ton of lead from entering the environment each year. The significant workplace safety and health benefits, dramatic contributions to improved environmental quality, and broad acceptance of this Pacific Area P2 initiative served as the catalyst for the recent HQ decision to transition the entire USPS national delivery fleet of 215,000 vehicles to lead-free wheel weights. When fully implemented at the national level, this initiative will eliminate as much as 37 tons of lead from entering the environment.
Charles Barnard
USAF
Travis, CA
Mr. Charles H. Barnard distinguished himself by meritorious service as an environmental inspector in the 60th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (EMS), 60th Maintenance Group (MXG), Travis AFB California, from 1 February 2007 to 1 February 2008. His unwavering dedication and initiative epitomized his commitment to environmental excellence.
With the onset of Presidential Budget Decision (PBD 720) resulting in a manning downsize, Mr. Barnard was able to seamlessly migrating two Squadrons environmental compliance programs. His program was evaluated by, EPA Region 9, Solano County Unified Program Agency (CUPA), Fairfield Suisun Sewer Distinct and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District without a single negative finding. Mr. Barnard also Prepared Travis AFB MXG by performing 46 inspections on the groups 22 Satellite Accumulation Points (SAP), ensuring environmental compliance for a command level Environmental Safety Occupational Health Assessment and Management Program (ESOCAMP) inspection.
Mr. Barnard constantly strives to reduce the impact that our operations have on the environment. Some of the procedure changes he has implemented are as follows; procured a Dedoe paint storage system, prolonging the shelf life of the paint. This in turn has reduced disposing of unserviceable paint by 225LBS annually. He researched and implemented a closed loop paint gun cleaning machine, the new system reduced the amount of waste generated from the cleaning process form 5400LBS down to 1300LBS per year. He worked with the Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Lab to test the applications of digital radiography. This form of x-ray reduced environmental impact by no longer requiring the use of toxic developer. In efforts to reduce air emission sources, he coordinated with other Travis AFB organizations to install a hardwire transformer rectifier power supply for the application of aircraft electrical power in one of our hangars. This one achievement eliminated a generator that was used to supply power to air craft in the hangar. The old generator ran on diesel fuel and consumed over 8,000 gallons annually. His exceptional knowledge of aircraft repair procedures influenced the replacement of sprayed on paint application with a pen type applicator for minor touch up on ground support equipment. The pen application reduces VOC emissions, waste, and occupational health risk to shop employees. His research and purchase of sanders that utilize a HEPA collection system greatly reduce exposure to employees, and allow entrapment of class 9 hazardous dust for disposal.
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