Environmental board seeks members

  • Published
  • By Renee Wright
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Community Environmental Board is seeking representatives to fill current vacancies.

The board is accepting applications from individuals who live on the installation to fill two positions, as well as from individuals who can represent the Government Hill and North East communities of Anchorage. The deadline for completed applications is Dec. 15.

"Membership on the board doesn't require a lot of time, but it provides us valuable contacts to represent the community," said Gary Fink, chief of the Restoration Section, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron. "We strive to keep the community informed and make informed decisions based on our relationships within the community."

The purpose of the board is to provide a forum to enhance communication and coordination between Defense Department representatives, regulatory agencies, and the community regarding actions by the installation's environmental programs. The board fulfills all requirements for technical review committees and restoration advisory boards at Department of Defense installations.

With the establishment of JBER, the Elmendorf AFB Community Environmental Board transitioned to absorb the programs associated with the former Fort Richardson Restoration Advisory Board.

"As a non-environmentalist working side-by-side with JBER and representing Mountain View, I learned a lot about the environment and precautions that JBER is taking to protect the environment in the areas surrounding Elmendorf and Fort Richardson," said Edward Young, current community co-chair for the board. "You become familiar with the military restoration process and clean up of any contaminated areas on JBER and how they may impact the adjacent communities, as well as other environmental issues such as wildlife migration, fisheries, and bird population."

Although the restoration program is quite mature, program officials expect significant community involvement in the next couple of years.

"We will create proposed plans for two major sites after their respective remedial instigations and feasibility studies are complete," said Mr. Fink. "A board member serving during the two years could provide us valuable input on those plans."

Board members can be asked to review and individually comment on plans and activities relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities at JBER. Technical assistance is provided to help the members make informed recommendations. Representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Municipality of Anchorage also provide their expertise.

"People who do have environmental backgrounds are encouraged to use their experience and knowledge to take part in discussion topics and raise appropriate questions," said Mr. Young. "The installation officials who attend are there to provide answers and help educate the community."

Board members are expected to serve as voluntary liaisons between the community and the board and be available to meet with community members or groups. Members are asked to serve renewable two-year terms and to attend CEB meetings two to three times a year without monetary compensation for time or expenses.

Although the board was established as a means to community involvement in the restoration program, the installation adapted to the interests and concerns of the public.

"A few years ago, the board members suggested we expand the scope of the meetings to incorporate environmental topics beyond restoration," said Mr. Fink. "As a result, our agenda topics can cover other areas. We've included sessions on water quality, de-icing operations and moose hunt results, as interests warranted."

The next board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17, 7-9 p.m. at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, Anchorage. Scheduled topics for discussion include an overview of all programs under the joint base restoration section. The agenda also includes more detailed information about restoration activities at Eagle River Flats, Nike Site Summit and SS22, Former Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office site. Meetings are open to the public.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a board member as a resident representing JBER or the Government Hill or North East communities of Anchorage can obtain an application or more information on the restoration Web site at www.jber.af.mil/library/environmental/restoration.asp