Environmental Compliance and Sustainable Development at Cannon Air Force Base

An impromptu environmental compliance inspection was conducted at Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico, on July 14-15 by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Resource Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau. The inspection evaluated the base’s adherence to hazardous waste management protocols, a critical component in advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to health, clean water, and responsible production.

Inspection Scope and Alignment with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The NMED Hazardous Waste Bureau’s inspection focused on Cannon AFB’s management of hazardous materials generated from base operations, as stipulated in permits issued in December 2018. This assessment directly supports the objectives of SDG 12, which calls for the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle.

Key Areas of Assessment

• Examination of 39 separate facilities on the installation.
• Inspection of hazardous waste generation points.
• Review of central and satellite accumulation areas for hazardous waste.
• Evaluation of secondary containment zones to prevent environmental release.

Verification of Procedures

To ensure compliance with established protocols, the inspection included a comprehensive review of operational practices and documentation. This aligns with the principles of accountability and responsible management central to sustainable development.

1. Interviews were conducted with 27th Special Operations Wing personnel to verify correct procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste.
2. An audit was performed on training records, disposal documentation, and program records to confirm compliance with NMED regulations.

Challenges in Water and Land Protection (SDG 6 & SDG 15)

A significant point of contention during the inspection involved per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), highlighting the challenges in protecting vital natural resources as outlined in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Sampling Dispute

While NMED sought to collect environmental samples for PFAS analysis, the Air Force did not authorize the sampling. This refusal was based on ongoing litigation concerning NMED’s legal authority to regulate PFAS as a hazardous waste. Cannon AFB did, however, offer NMED the opportunity to conduct sampling for other hazardous wastes covered under its existing permit. This ongoing issue underscores the complex regulatory landscape surrounding emerging contaminants and their impact on water and soil quality.

Commitment to Regulatory Frameworks and Community Well-being (SDG 3 & SDG 16)

Cannon AFB affirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship, which is fundamental to ensuring public health and operating within strong institutional frameworks, reflecting the aims of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Adherence to Environmental Legislation

The base’s efforts are governed by key federal environmental laws that provide a legal framework for remediation and waste management. These include:

• The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Fostering Transparency and Public Health

Cannon AFB reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency regarding PFAS remediation and response efforts. The Air Force continues to investigate historical PFAS releases at the base, sharing its findings with NMED and the public. This process of investigation, remediation, and transparent communication is crucial for protecting community health from environmental hazards and demonstrates the function of strong institutions working to resolve complex environmental and legal challenges.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The article’s core subject is the management of hazardous waste generated from base operations at Cannon Air Force Base. This directly relates to SDG 12, which focuses on sustainable production patterns and the environmentally sound management of waste. The inspection by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is a mechanism to ensure responsible handling of these materials.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The management of hazardous waste and chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is crucial for preventing pollution that can harm human health. By ensuring compliance with waste management regulations, the actions described in the article contribute to reducing illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances.

3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • PFAS, specifically mentioned in the article, are known persistent chemicals that contaminate water sources. The NMED’s attempt to sample for PFAS and the Air Force’s ongoing investigation into past releases indicate a focus on mitigating potential water contamination, which is a key aspect of SDG 6.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article describes the interaction between a state environmental agency (NMED) and a federal military installation (Cannon AFB). This relationship, governed by permits, regulations (RCRA, CERCLA), and inspections, exemplifies the development of effective and accountable institutions for environmental governance. The mention of ongoing litigation and commitments to transparency further highlights the role of institutional processes.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes

   • The inspection’s focus on “management of hazardous waste,” “handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste,” and compliance with permits issued under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) directly aligns with this target’s goal of achieving environmentally sound management of waste throughout its lifecycle to minimize adverse environmental impacts.

2. Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation

   • The inspection assessed “hazardous waste generation” at 39 facilities. Understanding and monitoring waste generation is the first step toward reducing it, making this activity relevant to Target 12.5.

3. Target 3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution

   • The entire regulatory framework described, including the management of hazardous waste and the investigation of PFAS releases, is designed to prevent these substances from contaminating soil and water, thereby reducing human exposure and potential illnesses.

4. Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution

   • This target is addressed by the focus on PFAS. The article states the Air Force “continues to investigate and address past PFAS releases.” These actions, along with NMED’s desire to sample for PFAS, are direct efforts to mitigate the release of hazardous chemicals that are known to pollute water resources.

5. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions

   • The biennial inspection process is a clear example of a mechanism for institutional accountability. Furthermore, the base’s stated commitment “to maintaining transparency in PFAS remediation and response efforts” and to “share its findings with NMED and the public” directly supports the goal of developing transparent institutions.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Compliance with Hazardous Waste Regulations

   • The article implies that the results of the inspection serve as a key indicator. The examination of “39 facilities,” audits of “training records, disposal documentation, and program records,” and interviews to verify “proper procedures” are all metrics used to measure compliance with the base’s hazardous waste permit.

2. Frequency of Environmental Inspections

   • The article explicitly states that inspections are “typically conducted biennially.” This regular schedule is a quantifiable indicator of institutional oversight and accountability in enforcing environmental regulations.

3. Pollutant Sampling and Remediation Efforts

   • An implied indicator is the monitoring of specific pollutants. NMED’s attempt to “collect samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)” and the Air Force’s efforts to “investigate and address past PFAS releases” are activities that generate data on the extent of contamination and the progress of remediation.

4. Transparency and Public Reporting

   • The commitment to “share its findings with NMED and the public” is an indicator of transparency. The act of publishing these findings can be tracked to measure progress toward open and accountable governance.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yournewsnm.com