J.M. SIMPSON: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND STORM WATER >>>

Steve Crandall stood in stifling heat at the north end of a 1,500 foot long pond at the Sequalitchew Training Area & Center for Environmental Education and Earthworks.

"This is very impressive; Fort Lewis goes to great lengths in its commitment to sustainability," said a foreman with Aerotek Engineering and Environmental.

The company - along with the Corps of Engineers - is working to create a unique water filtration system consisting of two ponds at Earthworks.

In the distance, large dump trucks brought in recycled materials to line the bottom of the pond.  Bulldozers moved material into place.

Think of the work as recycling used to sustain Fort Lewis.

Environmental sustainability is more than a political and environmental buzzword; it is an important part of the Army's strategic planning for present and future missions. The end game for Fort Lewis and its efforts toward sustainability is to facilitate economical operations (less waste), improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families (clean parks and training areas), and improve the globe's environmental condition (preserve natural resources).

Part of the post's efforts rests with the use of recycled materials as a filter in the construction of the ponds.

"The specific purpose of this work is to take two-thirds of the storm water off North Fort Lewis and consolidate it into a management system," explained Ron Norton, solid waste and recycling program manager.

The work on the project began last spring and will be completed by summer's end.

Norton pointed out that the work provides an efficient way to manage storm water, preserve real estate and manage recycled products.

The two-pond operation is environmentally based simplicity at its best.

As storm water runs off North Fort, it is collected. Contaminants - particularly motor oil - are separated before the water flows into a large pond. Once in the larger, clay lined pond, sediments will settle out.  During the summer the pond should be five to six feet deep; during the rainy winter season, it will be 10 to 12 feet deep.

Once the settling out is completed, the water will be allowed to flow into a smaller, second pond. Next the water will infiltrate through a thinner clay liner and into the ground water.

"This is called 'polishing' the water," explained Norton. 

Once part of the ground water, the "polished" water will sustain a wetland.

"We expect to attract wildlife, especially migrating waterfowl," added Norton.

On the sides of both ponds, composed material will allow for the growth of native plants to give the area a natural look.

"This project showcases what we can do; it is something to feel good about when it comes to sustainability," said Norton.

The Army looks good in green.