Abstract

This research assessed the effectiveness of existing Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) Management programs for two army installations located in Germany that were scheduled for closure. These two base closures were separated by a period of four years. This research qualitatively assessed the control measures in place, the effectiveness of these measures, and the final status of EH&S issues upon completion of the base closure process.

EH&S programs were evaluated using interviews of employees involved in the base closure in order to determine what processes were in place to minimize environmental impacts, what actions were taken to ensure the health and safety of employees working on the installation, and what environmental issues remained unresolved at the time of closure. The goal of the research was to determine improvements occurring in the EH&S management programs between these two base closures.

Results of this research indicate that the US Army has improved its base closure process by publishing an environmental strategy, thoroughly planning and coordinating specific environmental tasks, and working with the host nation to minimize environmental damage and limit liability. The US Army has not yet fully integrated the health and safety management aspects into its program for base closure. Closer adherence to the goals and objectives outlined in the Army Cleanup Strategy will result in fewer unresolved issues for subsequent base closures.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

United States. Army--Environmental aspects; Military base closures--Germany; Military bases, American--Environmental aspects; Environmental management; Environmental policy

Publication Date

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Environmental, Health and Safety Management (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Civil Engineering Technology Environmental Management and Safety (CAST)

Advisor

John Morelli

Advisor/Committee Member

Maureen Valentine

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at UA26.G3 T67 2005

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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