The Army’s Environmental Practices

To the Editor:

In an article about the potential of an Army installation coming to Newtown in the November 28, 2008 issue of The Bee [“First Selectman Expedites Discussion Of Selling Tech Park Property To The Military,” p A8] Mitch Bolinsky was quoted as saying, “The Army is the worst neighbor anyone could have; they are the dirtiest, most polluting group on the planet.”

I am not going to argue the fit or lack thereof for the Army to locate a unit in Tech Park. However having spent over 28 years in the Army and as a parent of three who served (one is still serving) the nation in the armed forces, I need to correct Mr Bolinsky.

For over 25 years the Army has led all government agencies in meeting and in certain instances exceeding the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, commanders at all levels are rated on a continuous basis with regard to the welfare — including cleanliness — of their soldiers.

One example makes the point with regard to pollution. Every Army vehicle or motorized piece of equipment must have as part of its basic equipment load a drip pan which is placed under the vehicle when it is not in operation. This pan catches any fluids that may leak from the equipment. The pan is always placed under a stopped vehicle whenever it is parked in a motor pool or field area during training.

Any fluids collected are disposed of in accord with EPA regulations. I wonder if Mr Bolinsky is this environmentally careful with his personal vehicle?

Likewise, any vehicle after use is fully inspected, washed, and any deficiencies noted for repair. All this is designed to prolong vehicle life and minimize the impact to the environment. Again, is Mr Bolinsky this responsible with his vehicle? I suspect not.

This is one of dozens of examples I could call upon to make my point.

Mr Bolinsky should thank God he is an American and our military has won and will continue to maintain his right to express his opinion. This is a right men and women have died for in the service of this nation. It is a right he has despite his hubris and dogmatic views. It is a right he will retain thanks to the dirty polluting bad neighbors in the Army who will continue to serve the people of this nation regardless of the cost.

Yours truly

RP Gottmeier

12 Antler Pine Road, Sandy Hook                       November 28, 2008