MINIMIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH HAZARDS THROUGH THE USE OF INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND MAINTENANCE PROCESSES

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE PRACTICES USE A NUMBER OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES CONSIST OF A RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE INSTITUTION OF NEW PROCESS, MODIFICATION OF EXISTING PROCESSES, AND MATERIALS SUBSTITUTION. TO MEET INCREASINGLY STRINGENT EPA REQUIREMENTS, IT IS NECESSARY TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES WITH UPDATED TECHNOLOGY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND NECESSARY RESEARCH. PHASE I OBJECTIVES INCLUDE THE EVALUATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES TO DETERMINE THE NAVY'S ABILITY TO COMPLY WITH PRESENT AND ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS. CURRENT LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES WILL BE IDENTIFIED AND APPROPRIATE LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY OFFICES WILL BE CONTACTED AND SURVEYED FOR EXPECTED ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS. CURRENT NAVY PRACTICES WILL BE DETERMINED BY VISITING THE NARF SITES AND OTHER APPROPRIATE NAVY FACILITIES AND REVIEWING EXISTING NAVY INFORMATION WITH REGARD TO CURRENT PRACTICES. SUBSEQUENT EVALUATION WILL BE MADE BASED ON THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES TO DETERMINE THE NAVY'S ABILITY TO MEET EPA LAWS THROUGH THE YEAR 2000. THE GOAL IS TO IDENTIFY THOSE AREAS WHICH MIGHT REQUIRE RESEARCH THRUSTS TO KEEP THE NAVY IN COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS, FORMING THE BASIS FOR THE PHASE II RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.