Personnel onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach completed an Environmental Management System (EMS) audit with outstanding results, it was announced July 16.

"EMS is the installation's primary method of managing all environmental programs," said Lindsay Flieger, base EMS coordinator. "Its overall purpose is to effectively support the mission through improved environmental management."

"Early results indicate that our environmental program is one of the best in the Navy," said Flieger.

EMS supports the military mission, and focuses on reducing environmental impacts by preventing pollution, minimizing water consumption, improving storm water quality, reducing waste, and achieving energy management.

The external auditors review the installation's EMS, but they also review each of the ten environmental programs to ensure they comply with federal, local, Department of Defense and Navy regulations.

The installation's environmental management consists of ten different programs that comply with their own responsibilities and guidelines to help protect Seal Beach's environment. These programs include hazardous waste, drinking water, solid waste, natural resources, cultural resources, environmental regulations, storm water, air, underground storage tanks, and environmental cleanup.

"Environmental quality to prevent disruption to our mission readiness requires an incredible amount of training, coordination, and determination from all personnel assigned to Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach," said Commanding Officer Capt. Noel Dahlke. "I'm happy to say the installation has exceeded environmental requirements and continues to improve with noteworthy best management practices."

To become more sustainable over the past three years, the command has reduced energy and water consumption, and continued an urban farming lease.

The installation has achieved 45 percent reduction in water consumption by the use of the Calsense irrigation system. This system uses advanced weather-smart controls that automatically reduce irrigation after a rainfall.

Energy consumption has been reduced by 22 percent because of significant improvements in energy awareness and completion of several energy saving projects.

A ten year farming out-lease was issued in 2016 with requirements to encourage sustainable farming and the development of certified organic fields. The new lease produces combined revenue and maintenance cost avoidance of more than $750,000.

"Our entire Environmental Program has often served as a model program for other installations," said Flieger. "Our success is due to the dedication and expertise of the environment staff, leadership at the management level, and the focus on continual improvement. Historically, the installation's environmental program has been very strong and continues to improve."

Over the past ten years the command has been awarded six Chief of Naval Operations environmental awards, three Department of Defense awards, and two Secretary of the Navy awards.

"Our environmental staff has a very mission and customer-focused approach. At the core of our success is the strong and positive rapport with our tenants and shop personnel," said David Baillie, installation environmental program director. "I believe this is what sets our environmental program apart from other bases and why will continue to improve and be an example for other installations."

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