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Environmental Protection in the Armed Forces
Assignments and Challenges
Contents
Introduction
War is destructive. In addition to the human suffering which war
entails, we continue to struggle in a number of places in Norway with
environmental damage resulting from the German occupation. The Armed
Forces' primary task of the prevention of war, therefore becomes also an
environmental issue. In order for a military organization to succeed in
preventing war, exercises and training are needed. Military exercises
pollute the environment. Aircraft and ships make noise and emit exhaust
fumes. Crawlers leave behind tracks. Ammunition emits pollutant wastes.
This is our environmental dilemma.
Proposition no. 58 (1996-97) to the Storting "Environmental
Protection Policy for a Sustainable Development" stipulates seven
target areas for environmental protection work. This brochure describes
some of the measures and activities which the Armed Forces carries out
within these areas.
The Armed Forces' intention with this brochure is not to present a
picture postcard. But we would like to demonstrate the ways in which we
have invested in the environment in recent years. Significant resources
are invested in the rectification of old environmental damage and the
prevention of new. A lot of work is being put into research and
development, so that operations on the whole are made more environmentally
friendly. In the guidelines for acquisitions to the Armed Forces,
environmental stipulations have been formed concerning what is to be
purchased. Training exercises are planned in such a way so as to place as
little pressure as possible upon the environment. Through the coast guard
and through surveillance, we prevent shipping accidents which could cause
pollution. Because pollution often crosses national boundaries, we are
also working actively on an international basis, to limit environmental
threats with a potential effect on Norway.
It pays to invest in environmental protection. I hope that this
presentation will serve as an inspiration for soldiers and staff alike,
and that we eagerly and with a sense of commitment can work for the Armed
Forces and to an even greater extent protect our natural resources and
respect the environment.
Dag Jostein Fjærvoll
Minister of Defense
“The biological diversity is to be preserved”
A fragile balance
They are an ugly defacement, the deep tracks left by military vehicles
extending far into the Norwegian natural landscape. But are they impossible
to remove? The work to rejuvenate vegetation is called revegetation. This
project on Karasjok Mountain, under the direction of the Finnmark regiment,
has had results which up to now have been promising. Over 40 kilometers of
track marks have been built up and resown.
In collaboration with the environmental protection authorities, the
Armed Forces has found new methods for the treatment of terrain damage.
Landscape with thin soil covering is particularly vulnerable. In dry,
windy areas, damages can lead to thin soil being blown away. Marshes are
also fragile. Water carries away seeds and soil, which is a particular
problem when the snow is melting. In sub-arctic regions such as the Finnmarksvidda
(Finnmark Mountain Plateau), the production rate of vegetation is low
and the natural re-growth a slow process. Revegetation can play a crucial
role in inhibiting both erosion and its possible consequences for the
local animal and plant life.
Knowledge
Before the Armed Forces implemented the project at Karasjok Mountain,
there was little knowledge about revegetation. The methods which are
developed in collaboration with the University at Tromsø, will have
great significance for corresponding projects in other areas.
To prevent erosion in marsh areas, "protective species" are
planted to accelerate revegetation. Protective species implies a species
which does not originate from the area in question, but which stabilizes
the earth and improves conditions for growth. Cuttings (branches) are
planted in the tracks if the moisture quantity is great. In tracks where
there is running water, new peat is planted to stop the water flow. In dry
areas, research has been done on treatment with manure, seaweed, calcium,
and seeds.
Attitudes
The work with revegetation has had a favorable effect on attitudes.
Soldiers have participated in the repairs. Beyond military personnel,
school children from the local community have also gotten involved and
helped out. The investment has contributed to creating an understanding
for how fragile nature in sub-arctic areas sometimes can be and how
enormous resources are needed to repair the damages.
Great resources are used on the revegetation project at Karasjok
Mountain. The project has cost NOK three million. This means from NOK 25
to more than 300 per running meter of driving tracks, regardless of the
nature of the terrain. Tons of branches and peat are driven, carried or
flown into the plateau and several thousand hours are invested in the work
done repairing damage to the terrain. The high costs have taught us that
the largest challenge lies in behaving so as to avoid damage to nature.
Violations to nature can alter the biological diversity and
represent a threat to the ecological balance. The Armed Forces works to
restore vegetation, following damage to the environment caused in
connection with the Armed Forces operations.
Did you know that....
- One of the main tasks of the Coast Guard is to monitor fishing.
Surveillance ensures a limited depletion of the fishing resources in
the ocean and contributes to maintaining the biological diversity.
In 1997, 2,160 inspections were carried out by Norwegian and foreign
vessels in Norway’s economic zone, the fishery zone by Jan
Mayen and the fishery conservation zone at Svalbard.
- At Terningmoen at Elverum in Hedmark, a study has been conducted
to chart and administrate the biological diversity. Facts and
experiences are recorded in a database geographic information
system. In this way, with planning and implementation of exercises
it is easier to take environmental protection into consideration.
- Environmental protection interests can coincide with those of
Armed Forces activities. Tracks in the terrain can be discovered,
allowing a possible enemy to trace our movements in a combat zone.
Soldiers should therefore avoid marshes and other fragile terrain
where clear tracks would be left behind.
Areas of improvement:
- Acquire better overview of fragile areas in the terrain where we
train.
- Inform the personnel of special biological traits particular to
their regions, and what they can do to protect these.
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“Everyone shall have the right to outdoor activity, both
in the local environment and the natural habitat at large.”
Room for more
Concurrency Planning at Setermoen artillery and training range
illustrates that the Armed Forces takes environmental and outdoor life
interests seriously. The program shall, with a starting point in the needs
of the Armed Forces, seek an active coordination of all significant usage
and protective interests and maintain a sustainable management of the
natural foundation as a general objective.
Setermoen artillery and training range is today one of three important
fields for the Armed Forces in Indre Troms. The field is used often, in
particular for the education of the local departments. In addition, it is
used for larger field service exercises. But the needs of the Armed Forces
are limited and this allows opportunities for others to put the area to
use. The field is therefore used for forestry, keeping reindeer, general
traffic, outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing. The roads which the
Armed Forces has constructed provide good accessibility to the field for
most user groups.
During the work with the concurrency plan, the Armed Forces has appealed
to landowners and civil organizations and requested cooperative
initiatives and ideas for the use of the field. In the summer of 1997, the
parties in question in Tromsø met for an orientation. To map out
the natural resources, we wished to hire specialists to carry out field
studies. This will provide us with a basis by which we can adapt the use
of the area as best possible.
A larger game population
It has been shown that the incidence of game in these training areas is
often greater than otherwise. The concurrency agreement implies, for
example that one can hunt and in this way maintain a natural treasure.
This means that the population can derive benefits from significant
natural resources.
Collaboration
A close collaboration between the local community and the Armed Forces
is necessary if both parties are to be satisfied. Through meetings with
the authorities and landowners, the Armed Forces gains knowledge about
those areas which the population should be able to use and when they have
a need for it. With the help of local participation, we also acquire
information on different game biotopes, nesting places and sensitive areas
in the training field. In this way one can better adapt the exercises
accordingly. Driving routes located near sensitive areas can be moved and
exercises can be scheduled for times of year when the terrain and wildlife
are not as vulnerable.
The goals of the Armed Forces Concurrency Plan can be briefly summarized
as such:
- Protection of the diversity of nature.
- Consideration for cultural monuments
- Consideration for agriculture and forestry, reindeer farming and the
grazing industry
Ordinary traffic is normally not permitted on a military area.
Today however, it is a challenge to make the necessary adjustments which
will allow the public to gain access to the Armed Forces' wildlife areas
where possible.
Did you know that....
- The Armed Forces has in recent years sold or in other ways
divested itself of natural treasures in various places throughout
the country. Along the coast of Southern Norway, the promontory and
islands have once again been made into outdoor recreational areas,
after having been closed off by a traffic ban during the Cold War.
- Much of the Armed Forces' property lies off the public highways.
Violations to the natural habitat have generally not been permitted
around these. This gives them a particular value as recreational
areas rich in flora and fauna.
- Each year thousands of tons of ammunition waste are removed from
Armed Forces artillery ranges. Ammunition waste can contain
explosives (blind shells). Areas where there is a risk of residual
explosives are either posted with no trespassing signs or fenced
off. One must nonetheless always be cautious about traffic on a
firing range. Discoveries of suspicious objects are to be reported
to the nearest military authority or to the police.
- At Hjerkinn all training maneuvers were stopped during the
reindeer hunt in August and September.
Areas of Improvement:
- Closer and improved collaboration with outdoor recreational
interests concerning the best possible joint use and management of
outdoor areas.
- The local community should be better informed of access
possibilities with regard to Armed Forces areas.
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“A representative selection of cultural monuments and
environments are to be preserved for the future.”
Who is responsible for taking care of the Akershus Fortress?
The Armed Forces Building Service (AFBS) takes care of all 27,000 Armed
Forces buildings and installations. Around 1,300 buildings and installations
are considered deserving of protection.
AFBS shall, through a collaboration with the Central Office of Historic
Monuments and the Defense Museum, in the course of 1998, work out a
comprehensive listing of the Armed Forces' dwellings and installations
deserving preservation. The Armed Forces are the first governmental service,
beyond the Central Office of Historic Monuments, which has established a
separate administration for cultural monuments, with a responsibility for
buildings deserving of protection.
Large Variety
The buildings deserving of protection reflect the military building
history of Norway. Here you find spectacular assembly halls, dungeons, and
high fortress walls, chilling bunkers, war installations from the period
of the German occupation - complete with trenches, gun sites and armored
barriers. The Armed Forces also manages beautiful park areas, anonymous
ammunition buildings, impressive barracks compounds and simple soldiers'
quarters, casinos and mess rooms stemming from the bierstuben
(ale-house) from Bayern, not to mention airplane hangers, radar stations
and docks of concrete or stone.
Preservation of the entire cultural environment
The old-fashioned cultural monument protection system took care of
individual buildings, without taking into consideration connections to
other buildings and the surrounding environment. In modern preservation of
cultural monuments, a large emphasis is placed on preserving the entirety
of a building environment and retaining the natural and environmental
qualities of the surroundings - such as the vegetation, rare biotopes,
park areas and the road network. Together these elements comprise a
cultural environment deserving of protection. The Armed Forces has many
such installations, some examples being large quartering camps, old
castles with layer upon layer of solid fortress walls, who's history
reaches back from before the Middle Ages, German built camps with trees
and plants specially introduced from Germany and forts with impressive
canons and canon towers of six stories, mountain quartering for up to 350
soldiers and with a comprehensive system of local defense positions.
Often the interests of cultural monuments correspond with that of nature
conservation. This is a challenge for the ongoing management of the Armed
Forces cultural monuments, not least with regard to those installations
which shall continue to be in operative military use.
The Old Fortress Building Opened
Areas with many remains or ruins from military constructions are called
fortification landscapes. In Norway, most of these areas are less than 100
years old. Even though the guns and other weapons have been removed, the
remains from these constructions retain a large attraction for children
and adults. They speak directly to us of history.
In connection with the reorganization of the Armed Forces, many areas in
the years to come will be opened to public access, or designated for
recreational pursuits. The areas will simultaneously be secured so they
present no danger to animals or humans.
Old forts and fortresses are an important part of our history and
cultural heritage. The Armed Forces would like to secure these so they
can be preserved and made accessible to the current generation and to
generations to come.
Did you know that....
- Deliberate measures are being carried out to conserve monuments
from the past. Everywhere, objects deserving of protection are
sought recorded. Whether they are natural or man-made, consideration
shall be given to cultural monuments, both in daily operations and
during training and exercises.
- The Armed Forces takes care of the national fortresses, such as
the Akershus fortress and the Kristiansen fortress.
- Some German built constructions from the Second World War are
among the nation's most distinguished and unique cultural monuments.
Areas of Improvement:
- The Armed Forces staff must develop a better knowledge of the
cultural monuments in their regions.
- Give maintenance personnel in the Armed Forces knowledge of a
better professional, antiquarian care of our cultural monuments.
- Improve the integration of cultural monument preservation, with
other environmental conservation work.
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“The water quality in fresh water and the ocean is to be
maintained so as to protect species and ecosystems.
The Armed Forces - Gets to the bottom of the matter!
The environmental toxic PCB is a problem in most large harbors. The
Armed Forces will spend NOK 80 million on removing PCB from the ocean floor
around the Naval Base Haakonsvern in Bergen. In all, 90,000 cubic meters of
ocean floors containing PCB are to be vacuumed and the remains deposited in
pools on land. Environmental officer Roald Hennø at Haakonsvern does
not try and hide the fact that he is excited about how this will turn out.
"If everything goes according to plan, we have not only cleaned up
a problem at Haakonsvern, we will also have found a reasonable
prescription for the cleaning of harbors along the entire Norwegian
coastline."
The work takes place from a barge developed by EEG Henriksen. An
advanced steering program ensures that the vacuum head reaches every
square meter of the ocean floor. From the vacuum head, the material goes
to the waste dump by way of a long pipeline. This work is time consuming.
In the course of the first 12 hours, the barge covers 200 cubic meters of
the floor material. Only 89,800 remain!
Along the side and bottom of the dumps, there is a flap which slips the
tidewaters in and out, while keeping the PCB and other waste materials in
place. The waste dumps will afterwards be covered up and converted into a
parking lot or park.
Concern
The neighbors in the vicinity of the dumps are not altogether
enthusiastic about the plans. Some are critical, for example, of the
collection of ocean floor materials only 150 meters from a daycare center.
Others are concerned about getting PCB and other toxic wastes into their
well water. According to Hennø, the neighbors have little cause for
concern.
"Our decision to deposit right outside of our own living rooms,
shows that we are pretty sure. Our own officers quarters are located only
ten meters from the pool. The decision is based on thorough assessments
and studies.
While the dredging is taking place, the air around the pool is tested.
We are in fact most concerned that odors will arise. But the materials
which will end up in the pool are treated with calcium during the process,
and so far the operation is going extremely well."
What now?
"When we have completed the first area, we measure the amount of
PCB on the floor. Former measurements have shown up to 7 milligrams for
each kilo of dry material in this area. The contract stipulations are 0.1
milligram per kilo dry material. If the new measurements are above this
stipulation, all we can do is start over again." But Hennø
believes it will go well. "We hope that in ten years it will again be
possible to eat the fish from around Haakonsvern," he says.
From ship hull paint
The PCB found in the harbor area around Haakonsvern comes from the 60's
and 70's. Ship hull paint gets into the water through wear and through
ship maintenance. The largest amounts of PCB were found in the basins by
the small vessel port, where maintenance is taking place.
"This is not a problem unique to the Armed Forces, but can be
related to the harbor areas in general," Hennø emphasizes.
"This matter has received a lot of attention in the media, but it
turns out that the situation is the same, if not worse, in other harbors."
FACTS PCB
- PCB is an abbreviation for polycholorobiphenyle.
- Use of the chemical was prohibited in Norway in 1980.
- PCB collects in the food chain when it gets into water and is stored
in fatty tissue.
- PCB is on the list of the 13 highly prioritized toxic wastes.
- PCB was used in paint and today can be found in transformers,
lighting fixtures and household appliances.
Water seepage into the ocean, water from land based activities and
toxic substances from paint on ship hulls, represent a large
environmental problem in all harbors. The risk of poisons accumulating
in the food chain, is great. Clean-up and preventive measures are
therefore important.
Did you know that....
- One of the Coast Guard's most important tasks is the surveillance
of fishing resources in the Norwegian economic zone. The supervision
contributes to the sustainable development of marine resources. In
collaboration with the National Pollution Control Authority, the
Coast Guard is an important link in the contingency plan for
fighting oil pollution.
- The Orion Aircraft from the Air Defense's 333 Squadron at Andøya
monitors the Norwegian coastline daily and is on the look out for
oil spills from ships. One cruise can monitor as much as 500,000
square kilometers.
- The vessels of the domestic Coast Guard are also important to the
environmental supervision on land! They shall, among other things,
take part in monitoring the natural reserves and cultural monuments
along the coastline.
- Many of the Armed Forces' pollution problems stem from the period
during and after the last World War - before society began to focus
on environmental protection.
Areas of Improvement:
- Upgrade run-off and purification plants.
- Improve preparedness for acute emissions.
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“Spills and the use of health and environmentally
hazardous chemicals shall not lead to health injuries.”
Rena cleans up
When the Armed Forces washes combat vehicles, fat, oil and heavy metal
end up in the run-off water. At the technical workshop at Rena Camp, one has
put to use a new and environmentally friendly method for purifying the
water. Heavy metals are removed by sending the water through a tank full of
expanded clay beads (leca) and bark. "In the cleaning hall, the same
water is used 7 or 8 times before going to purification. The water which
comes out of the new purification system, is suitable for use as drinking
water," claims garrison engineer Stein Frosterud at Rena.
Pioneer Project
"Because the method is completely new, we need to acquire more
experience with it. We don't know for example, when the expanded clay
beads and bark in the tanks has to be changed and the water quality has to
be tested continuously. When the water filters into the tank, the heavy
metal is first captured in the bark. The material is moved over into the
waste dumps when the bark has absorbed to full capacity. Eventually, as
the bark is broken down, the heavy metal is bound into the expanded clay
beads. In order to make the process go more quickly, bacteria is added.
The contents of the tanks are stored for the time being as special
waste. If the process goes as anticipated, not a gram of special waste
will remain. "The method is nonetheless better than many traditional
methods, which involve the use of chemicals," is Captain Frosterud's
opinion.
The purification method is also used to purify water from the de-icing
of aircraft at the new Rena airstrip. If the results are good, the method
will also be used in other areas of the Armed Forces.
Aircraft wash without water
Gardermoen air station has carried out innovative environmental work in
being one of the first in Norway to use dry ice for washing aircraft. The
method entails the complete absence of water and chemicals in the washing
process. The same equipment is also used for technical purification and the
stripping of aircraft. The new washing method goes by the name of ColdJet.
The military air station at Gardemoen took care of approximately 3,000
cubic meters of process water which would otherwise have gone into a
sealed tank, and 1,500 cubic meters for oil separation with ordinary
washing methods. The new washing method uses liquid carbon dioxide as a «detergent».
During the process, liquid carbon dioxide is converted to so-called dry
ice pellets. The pellets are blown onto the objects to be washed or
stripped. The surfaces to be treated get a cold shock, which results in
unwanted dirt peeling off. This is subsequently collected with industrial
vacuum cleaners and is processed as special waste.
Experience shows that individual sources of pollution do not
represent the greatest threat. It is rather the sum total of all spills,
emissions and hazardous substances which threaten the environment. The
Armed Forces is considering the introduction of internationally
standardized environmental management and thus a better structuring of
its environmental contribution, in order to better meet the challenges
which health and environmentally hazardous chemicals represent in terms
of the environment.
Did you know that....
- The Armed Forces is considering the introduction of an
environmental management system for all of its activities. The
system is to ensure that one at all times has a full overview of the
factors which can represent a threat to the environment, and how
these can be addressed in a defensible fashion. Products are to be
environmentally assessed, from the time of acquisition until their
being deposited as special waste, or their recycling.
- The Air Force Supply Command at Kjeller in Akershus is an
expertise center for health and environmentally hazardous chemicals
in the Armed Forces.
- The Armed Forces Research Institute has an advanced laboratory
for chemical analysis. The laboratory, among other things, discloses
and identifies environmental toxins.
- The rifle range at Rena Camp has obtained new mechanical
equipment, which gathers up refuse, subsequent to shooting. This is
done to meet the National Pollution Control Authority's strict
requirements on heavy metal emissions to ground water.
Areas of Improvement:
- Better reporting routines
- Chart the environmental factors at all divisions and pinpoint
what can be improved.
- Limit use of environmentally hazardous chemicals.
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“Waste problems are to be resolved so that waste
represents as little damage as possible for humans and nature.”
Andøya - Better than most at waste treatment
In collaboration with the county, Andøya air station has
illustrated through a waste plan that the station is already at the top with
regard to treatment of waste, says environmental officer Sigmund Liavik.
The operation at Andøya air station each year produces large
quantities of waste. In order to meet civil requirements and regulations,
some time back it was decided that environmental protection would be a
priority area. Andøya air station therefore created a waste plan.
The intention was to create a system for environmental work and to ensure
a satisfactory treatment of waste.
Strategy
"With the amount of waste created at the station, one must have a
strategy and objective," says the environmental officer. "The
waste plan is created with a starting point in civil regulations and
adapted to county and national objectives. It is important to have a good
cooperation with the authorities, otherwise such a plan as we have made
will not work. If one takes protection of the environment seriously, one
gives positive signals to the authorities and it is subsequently easier to
gain support for what one is doing."
Responsibility
“Protection of the environment must be integrated at all levels and
clearly indicate each person’s individual responsibility. A waste
plan is therefore created which is easily grasped. It addresses all
aspects of waste and gives precise specifications of further treatment
procedures. In that we have acted in advance here, we will avoid having
things ‘jammed down our throat’,” the environmental officer
explains.
The Armed Forces has also been in contact with the inter-county waste
company, seeking advice on how waste treatment should be carried out.
Andøya air station has the following strategy for the treatment
of waste:
- Consciousness raising with regard to purchasing routines and use of
products with an emphasis on possible reclamation.
- Active follow-up of waste sorting practices, to arrive at an
environmental and cost efficient procedure.
- Continuously assess the local recycling.
"I think that the follow up on the waste plan has gone amazingly
well. The plan works in almost all areas and the objectives have been met.
It is often the case that making theory correspond with practice is
difficult. But with an early start on the project, we made sure that we
were already prepared when the directive on environmental requirements was
presented to us. What takes the longest is to bring about attitude
changes," Liavik says.
Waste
As a direct result of the waste plan, Andøya air station can
report good waste treatment and hopes that this can serve as a role model
for others. Today the station is carrying out waste sorting in cooperation
with the inter-county waste company Reno-Vest. Sorting of waste also leads
to economic gains. It is potentially profitable for society and in terms
of company finances. Requirements are also imposed on civil participants.
"Contractors are responsible for the production of waste and must
have waste treatment approved by the air station before the contract is
signed."
Environmental officer Liavik points out that Andøya air station
is among the first to have carried out such a waste project. He hopes that
the excellent environmental profile, which is in accordance with the Air
Force's highest environmental objectives, will be an inspiration to
others.
Through its operations, the Armed Forces comes into contact with
many kinds of waste. It is an important challenge to treat waste in a
safe fashion and retrieve as much as possible for recycling. Routines
and methods must be developed in close cooperation with local sanitation
companies.
Did you know that....
- From May to December 1997, Rena Camp delivered 14 tons of food
waste and 21 tons of woodwork for recycling.
- The Armed Forces delivers approximately 3,500 tons of cardboard
and paper for recycling per year.
- The Armed Forces sends annually between 300 and 500 tons of food
waste to be used for animal feed or compost.
- The Armed Forces delivers approximately 4,000 tons of special
waste for approval to waste dumps each year.
- The Armed Forces annually delivers between 35- 40,000 tons of
mixed waste to approved waste dumps.
Areas of Improvement:
- Develop an even better collaboration with local authorities on
the treatment of waste.
- Improved routines for sorting and recycling of waste.
- Impose stricter purchasing requirements, with an eye towards the
amount of packaging and the manner in which goods are presented.
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“All manufacture and consumption of ozone depleting
substances is to be stopped.”
Take noise seriously
With the establishment of Rena Camp in Åmot in østerdalen,
strict noise requirements were imposed on the Armed Forces. To control
whether or not the requirements were upheld, all noise resulting from
military activity at Rena was to be recorded.
Six measuring stations have been set up, and one station is located in
the middle of the 32 square kilometer large training exercise area. In
addition, a freestanding measurement station can be moved into a particular
area, if there is a noise complaint.
This is the first time that the Armed Forces has recorded noise levels
in such a thorough fashion. The measurements take place constantly, 24
hours a day, year round. By comparing the measurements, one will find out
what is military noise and what comes from other sources. Every year the
noise data is to be collected and sent to the National Pollution Control
Authority (NPCA), which in turn checks whether the exercise activities
meet with the requirements.
"The measurements help us to minimize the pressure on the local
community. We have already suffered the consequences of some measurements
which violated the official limits," states the environmental
consultant at Søndenfjeldske Dragon Regiment, Jørn Fortun.
"Through the results we can make sure not only that we stay below
the limits, but also that the pressure is evenly distributed."
The information on the measurements is made available to the public, but
can be difficult for the "man in the street" to interpret. One
of Fortun's tasks is to present the noise data to people who might have an
interest in checking on the activities of the Armed Forces in terms of the
current requirements.
Seawater for Heating
The Armed Forces has for many years worked to reduce environmentally
destructive emissions. In particular there has been an investment in energy
economizing measures (ENEC). These are measures which reduce both
expenditure and pollution. At three of the military depots which have come
the furthest with regard to reducing environmentally hazardous emissions
through heating pumps, the oil consumption for heating has been reduced by
all of 1,700 tons. The reduction corresponds with 60 tankers of fuel oil.
The Armed Forces has in particular invested in heating buildings with
the help of heat pumps. These are devices which use energy from sea water,
ground water and the air for the production of heat. A heat pump device
replaces other types of central heating devices, making fuel-types, such
as oil, redundant. Throughout the country a large number of large and
small heating pumps have been installed.
Heating pumps have led to reductions in emissions of several
environmentally destructive substances. In particular, this applies to
carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. The reduction of the
annual sulfur dioxide emissions from the three large heating pump devices
corresponds with the emissions from approximately 1,750 Norwegian
automobiles. For those same devices, the carbon dioxide emissions are
reduced by over 5,000 tons.
In the heating pumps, ammoniac and other environmentally friendly
substances are used. It was previously common to use CFC connections
(chlorine-fluorine-carbon), which have a detrimental effect on the ozone
layer and contribute to increasing the green house effect. All together,
the three largest heating pump devices have led to annual emission
reductions on:
- Carbon Dioxide 5,362 tons
- Sulfur Dioxide 10.5 tons
- Nitrogen Oxides 5 tons
- The oil consumption at these sites has gone down by 1,700 tons.
Climatic changes concern all of us. The Armed Forces is prepared to
assume its part of the responsibility for reducing the aggregate
emissions of climatic gases and other forms of air pollution. To reduce
noise problems, shooting and training exercises are primarily carried
out during working hours and as little as possible at night time.
Did you know that....
- The Armed Forces has invested over NOK 250 million in ENEC
measures since 1982.
- The 333 Squadron carries out regular radioactivity trials in the
air. The results are logged and any deviance will be quickly
detected. The airplanes are excellent tools for environmental
surveillance in the northern regions.
- When grenades explode, the explosives are converted into a gas
which is comparable to emissions from automobiles and incinerators.
The total use of explosives in the Armed Forces is however small,
about one percent of that which is used in society otherwise.
- The army has used training simulators, which leads to significant
environmental gains through the reduction of fuel consumption and
noise.
- Including the amount of energy which goes to the operation of
vehicles, vessels and aircraft, the Armed Forces is responsible for
a little more than one percent of the country's overall energy
consumption. The Armed Forces' share of the gross national product
(GNP) is about 3 percent.
Areas of Improvement:
- Increase use of renewable energy sources.
- Listen to the civilian population and take greater consideration
with regard to noise from shooting and training activities.
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When Environmental Problems Cross National Boundaries
Military activity can have a negative effect on the environment If the
Armed Forces is responsible for the problems, it must also take part in the
solutions. Each individual country is responsible for preventing and
cleaning up its own environmental problems. But pollution crosses national
boundaries, and it is therefore important to collaborate on solutions
internationally. Such a military cooperation could as well serve as a link
in the work for creation of trust between the military forces in different
nations.
Arctic Military Environmental Collaboration (AMEC)
The Declaration on Arctic Military Environmental Collaboration (AMEC)
was signed by the Ministers of Defense from Russia, USA and Norway in
September 1996. Six projects are being worked on: temporary storage of
used naval military nuclear fuel, treatment systems for permanent
radioactive waste from the scrapping of nuclear submarines, technologies
for temporary storage of permanent radioactive fuel, collaboration on
radiation and environmental security, clean up of polluted ground on
military areas and vessels for gathering and treatment of waste from naval
vessels.
Nordic Military Environmental Collaboration
The defense ministers in the Nordic countries agreed in September 1997
to implement an environmental collaboration. This will include concrete
collaborative measures and discussions between defense departments on
current issues and collaboration between the Nordic countries and other
neighboring nations (Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland). The
Nordic Chief Command has implemented a collaboration on environmental
management and environmental consideration during training exercises. The
building services of the Nordic nations' Armed Forces have established a
management group for environmental collaboration. Reducing noise from
airports and firing ranges, prevention and clean up of land and water
pollution have been specified as areas of collaboration.
NATO
In NATO the Armed Forces is taking part in a pilot study on
environmental management. We are also taking part in a task force on waste
treatment and pollution from naval vessels and a task force on
environmental training of soldiers and officers.
Other military environmental collaboration with Russia
The agreement on military environmental collaboration with Russia was
signed in 1995. At present, mutual orientation visits have been carried
out. In 1998 mutual study visits will take place, on the clean up of
polluted land in military areas and environmental protection during
military exercises. Work is being done to develop a number of concrete
collaborative projects.
Other military environmental collaboration with the USA
In May 1994 an agreement was signed with the USA on military
environmental collaboration. A collaborative project was started on
methods for cleaning up polluted land and ground water, clean up of
polluted sea sediments, exploration of the sound ramifications from
explosives and weapons, and measurement standards for noise from
semi-caliber and large caliber weapons and the toxic effects of jet fuel.
Many environmental problems inherently exceed limitations. The
Armed Forces has for a number of years worked to reduce international
environmental problems with possible effects for Norway.
Did you know that....
- The Armed Forces Research Institute is part of an extensive
international collaboration on environmental issues. The Institute
works with mapping out radioactive and chemical pollution in arctic
ocean areas, and studies have been carried out to gain a better
understanding of the ocean currents in the Arctic Ocean.
- The Armed Forces Research Institute has through international
projects taken part in mapping out long range transported pollution
from military bases. Central themes of this work have been treatment
of radioactive waste and the transport of pollution via rivers to
the oceans.
- The Armed Forces Research Institute takes part in collaborative
projects with the Baltic countries, where methods for mapping out
polluted military areas have been demonstrated. In addition, risk
analyses have been done to clarify the extent of the threat which
the pollution represents.
- The Coast Guard monitors ocean regions of about 2.3 million
square kilometers. This is an area six times larger than the
Norwegian mainland.
Areas of Improvement:
- Continue to develop the collaboration with other countries both
in scope and depth.
- Develop with other countries the exchange of knowledge and
experiences by objective.
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An environmental officer at work
With special expertise on the environment, Captain Torkild Westgaard at
the Setermoen Garrison makes the Armed Forces a more environmentally
friendly institution. With close to 40 years experience from Indre Troms, he
has acquired a lot of knowledge on nature and its users.
As many as 2,000 military and civilian personnel work at the Setermoen
Garrison in Indre Troms. There is frequent military activity in the area
and the use of heavy vehicles in the field is relatively large.
Subsequently, a significant responsibility rests on the shoulders of the
environmental officers.
Torkild Westgaard is one of four environmental officers in Indre Troms
and he is responsible for 4,000 square kilometers of terrain. One of his
most important tasks is to maintain an overview of all military activity
in the field. As an environmental officer, he collaborates with county
environmental management, with Statsskog and other public and private
bodies. His long experience from Troms gives him good contact with the
landowners federation and he knows how to make use of their experience.
Good Collaboration
"As an advisor for the Commander in Chief for training exercises, I
can point a finger of warning if need be, and I function as a guide during
the planning of training exercises. By drawing upon good local knowledge
and close contact with the population, we try to choose areas for the
exercises which limit environmental damage to the greatest extent
possible."
But there's no denying the fact that destruction to nature has occurred
during military exercises. With the use of heavy armored vehicles the
damage can seem brutal. "We do not attempt to shrug off
responsibility for this," the environmental officer comments. "Damage
to nature, such as deep tire tracks and destroyed vegetation are of course
rectified. Part of the job is therefore the inspection of such areas so as
to work out a solution, such as damage compensation for the landowner. I
would however, like to emphasize that we do not expect to buy our way out
of the problems. The main force of the environmental effort lies in
prevention measures."
Knowledge is important
A condition for being able to take care of the environment, is having
sufficient knowledge to do so. One of an environmental officer's key tasks
is to see to the training of officers and troops. When officers arrive at
the garrison, they have acquired a general environmental education. But it
is also important for them to gain good insight into local regulations and
directives. It is the job of the environmental officer to see to such
training. Good knowledge of the unique factors relevant to each area is
necessary. Environmental Officer Westgaard's many years of experience are
here put to good use.
At present, Westgaard is working on planning a waste management program
using waste sorting. The county does not yet have a receiving system. "But
one day an ordinance will be passed on waste treatment and it is thus a
good idea to be prepared," concludes environmental officer Westgaard.
Environmental protection is a question of attitudes. Each
individual must feel a responsibility for their activities not taking
place at the expense of nature and environmental values.
Did you know that....
- For all large military exercises, an environmental officer is
appointed who is responsible for ensuring that consideration of the
environment is practiced, both in the planning and execution of the
exercise.
- The most important element in the environmental protection
education of the Armed Forces is the formation of attitudes. If one
manages to teach the soldiers respect for nature, the environmental
work will be much easier.
- The enormous differences between regions of the country imply
that one "package solution" for the education of
environmental officers is not expedient. Local adjustments are
necessary. Environmental protection in Oslo and at Dovrefjell are
two extremely different things.
- The Armed Forces has more than 150 persons responsible for the
coordination of environmental concerns at the Armed Forces divisions
and staff. Many of these have environmental protection as their
full-time occupation, while the majority have only a part-time
responsibility.
Areas of Improvement:
- Make the necessary arrangements so that the environmental
officers can acquire knowledge about nature and the environment.
- Better overall environmental education for all personnel in the
Armed Forces.
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Responsibility and Assignments
Each leader in the Armed Forces is responsible for environmental
protection within his/her area. Environmental protection is to be a part
of the daily work, not just a task for “environmental specialists”.
In order to assist leaders on environmental questions, the Armed Forces
has formed a professional support program. Close to 200 part-time and
full-time employees have been hired as environmental protection workers in
local divisions all over the country. In addition, the Armed Forces has
central and regional bodies which direct, give advice and administrate
environmental work.
The Ministry of Defense (MD)
MD is responsible for carrying out the government’s environmental
policy within the Armed Forces sector. MD develops and directs the policy
and coordinates the work connected to the external environment, working
environment and international defense-related environmental questions.
The Armed Forces Military Organization (AFMO)
The Armed Forces Chief Command has its own environmental protection
office, with responsibility for coordinating environmental wok and
providing professional guidance. Important tasks include follow up on the
Armed Forces’ adherence to environmental requirements, clearing up
old environmental problems, preventing new and providing environmental
assistance to society at large. The principle of “take precautions”
is to be followed with any activity which may represent a threat to the
environment. Consideration to the environment is also to be practiced in
acquisitions, and use, including the use of materials, property, buildings
and installations.
The Armed Forces Building Service (AFBS)
Many of the environmental challenges facing the Armed Forces are
connected to properties, buildings and installations. As the Armed Forces
manager of these assets, AFBS is therefore responsible for a significant
number of environmental tasks. In addition to providing healthy and
environmentally friendly buildings and installations, AFBS shall also
ensure that consideration of the environment is upheld in the management
of property. AFBS has formed its own central environmental section. The
section possesses specialized expertise within the administration of
nature and resources, land and off-shore pollution, the problem of waste,
health, environment and safety, (HES), construction and the environment,
air and noise pollution. AFBS also has environmental coordinators at its
four regional offices.
The Armed Forces Research Institute (AFRI)
AFRI has a professional guidance and surveillance function in connection
with environmental projects. AFRI carries out a large number of chemical
analyses annually. AFRI has also developed a reference work containing
information on the most usual environmental toxins. AFRI takes part in a
comprehensive international collaboration on environmental matters. The
Institute works with recording radioactive and chemical pollution in
Arctic Ocean regions and a study has been carried out towards an improved
understanding of the ocean currents in the Arctic Ocean. Through
international projects, AFRI has among other things mapped long-range
transported pollution from military bases. The treatment of radioactive
waste and the river transport of pollution into the oceans has also been a
central theme in this work.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense
Myntg 1
PO Office 8126 Dep, 0032 OSLO
Tel. 23 09 20 00
Telefax 23 09 23 23
Internet address: http://odin.dep.no/fd/
This page was last updated July 14 1998 by
the editors
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