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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s Environmental Management Division was recognized for their ongoing efforts to protect natural and cultural resources with three Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards for their work throughout fiscal year 2013.
Camp Lejeune’s Environmental Restoration and Cultural Resources Management teams and Alicia Filzen, the Quality Recycling Program manager with the Environmental Management Division, were recognized with the award.
“I am extremely proud of our exceptional environmental teams across Marine Corps Installations East, and their prestigious recognition from the Secretary of the Navy,” said Brig. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “These noteworthy achievements are a reflection of a command climate and culture, here and throughout the region, that values being good stewards of our environment. Their holistic dedication to our installations across the environmental spectrum will contribute greatly toward preserving our training areas for generations of Marines to come.”
Filzen has developed the program considerably throughout the last few years. For instance, the programs revenue increased by 674 percent from 2007 to 2013 due to community outreach initiatives.
“I’m very proud and very excited about this award,” said Filzen. “If it wasn’t for my staff supporting me this wouldn’t have happened. I’m very blessed with the staff I have.”
Filzen managed the Quality Recycling Program and coordinated outreach events that led to an increased awareness of recycling and environmental issues while heading the base’s Pollution Prevention Program and other enterprises. Many events have seen a drastic increase in participation leading to better waste handling procedures by the Camp Lejeune population.
The Quality Recycling Program also lowered the costs associated with solid waste landfills by 20.8 percent and diverted 57.8 percent of solid waste from area landfills, fulfilling a goal from an executive order.
These efforts have led to decreased landfilling costs aboard the base.
“It’s great that we have accomplished this but we have to remain vigilant,” said Filzen. “This is an ongoing process for us.”
Camp Lejeune’s Environmental Restoration also won an award. Their work involves disposal of unexploded ordinance and clean-up of areas contaminated by chemicals and waste products that were exposed to the environment through past disposal practices or other methods.
Staff members evaluated and restored numerous sites throughout Camp Lejeune’s 156,000 acres, a challenge in an area populated with more than 180,000 personnel and residents and many active training areas.
“I’m very happy and proud,” said Charity Delaney, an environmental engineer and the Installation Restoration Program Manager with the Environmental Restoration Division. “We have a hardworking and dedicated team and I’m proud that we were recognized.”
Jenni Reed, an environmental engineer and the Fuel Tank Program manager found gratification in knowing that her division’s day-to-day work helps reduce risks for members of the Camp Lejeune community and the environment.
The third award was given to Camp Lejeune’s Cultural Resource Management Program, who were recognized for their efforts to identify, evaluate and protect cultural resources throughout the Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River and Oak Grove Marine Corps Outlying Field.
The program conducted archeological evaluations through more than 40 sites and maintained a close relationship with the community, helping protect sites important to local and Marine Corps history.
“Camp Lejeune has a responsibility to protect the areas cultural resources,” said Rick Richardson, an archeologist with the Environmental Conservation Branch. “That’s why we’re here,” said Richardson.
The group met their goal by managing the base’s historic buildings, archeological resources, protecting historical sites, contributing research to and educating the local community.
The varied efforts of Camp Lejeune’s Environmental Restoration Division, Cultural Resources Management Division and Filzen brought Camp Lejeune recognition from the highest office of the United States Navy, and showcased the base’s commitment to the environment and to the area’s history.
| Date Taken: | 04.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2014 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 124672 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Camp Lejeune wins 3 environmental awards, by Cpl Jackeline Perez Rivera, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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