Compatible Use and Sustainability Task Group

San Diego Meeting - March 2008

The CUSTG convened a session on March 14, 2008 as part of the ECOS-DOD Sustainability Work Group meeting taking place that day in San Diego, California. For more information on this session, click on the following link:

NOTES from the Compatible Use and Sustainability Task Group session on March 14, 2008

June 2007 Work Group Meeting

The Compatible Use and Sustainability Task Group met on June 20-21 to discuss follow up activities to their November 2006 Forum for a Sustainable Future and heard a presentation about the San Diego Regional Sustainability Partnership initiative.

Meeting Summary

Link to San Diego Regional Sustainability Partnership Website

Forum for a Sustainable Future

The ECOS-DoD Sustainability Work Group hosted the Forum for a Sustainable Future on November 1-2, 2006 in San Diego, California. The Forum provided an opportunity for State and Federal stakeholders to discuss core principles and practices of successful sustainability programs and obstacles to their implementation and institutionalization. The objective of the Forum was to initiate a collaborative dialogue on environmental sustainability among stakeholders within state and federal governments. Over 20 representatives of state environmental agencies met with representatives of the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, local government representatives, representatives of other federal and state agencies, and representatives from associations of state and local officials. After hearing presentations from a variety of participants on a range of sustainability activities that have been pursued by federal, state, and local’agencies, participants broke out into smaller groups to discuss principles of successful sustainability programs and obstacles to their implementation. At the end of the Forum, the breakout groups reconvened in a plenary to present the results of their discussions. Below are some of the presentations and other information from the Forum.

Presentations:

Virginia Regional Environmental Managment System (V-REMS) - Jimmy Parrish, V-REMS Coordinator, Defense Supply Center Richmond

A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability in Washington State - Robert Reuter, Toxic Reduction Engineer, Washington State Department of Ecology

The National Parks Service Sustainability Program - Shawn Norton, Sustainability Program Coordinator, National Park Service

Sustainability at the Local Level - Kathie Pishny, Environmental Specialist, City of San Diego Environmental Services Department

Meeting Outcomes and Followup

Outcomes and Action Items from the Forum for a Sustainable Future

Draft Consolidated Recommendations and Work Plan

June 2006 Work Group Meeting

The Compatible Use and Sustainability Task Group of the ECOS-DoD Sustainability Work Group met June 15-16 to continue their work on encroachment, compatible use, and sustainability issues. The Task Group focused on developing a marketing/outreach plan for its customizable briefing for addressing encroachment surrounding military facilities; sharing and compiling information regarding state, federal, and organizational sustainability initiatives; and planning for the November 1-2 "Forum for a Sustainable Future" to address issues of sustainability and supporting the Department of Defense in going beyond compliance. Provided below are materials from the June meeting.

Meeting Summary and Action Items for June 15-16

"Forum for a Sustainable Future" Working Draft of Concept Paper and Objectives Statement

Presentation regarding the Federal Network for Sustainability

Presentation regarding the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS)

Link to Washington Governor Gary Locke's Executive Order 02-03 regarding Sustainable Practices by State Agencies

Link to Washington Governor Gary Locke's Executive Order 04-01 regarding Persistent Toxic Chemicals

Link to Washington Governor Gary Locke's Executive Order 05-01 regarding Establishing Sustainability and Efficiency Goals for State Operations

"Forum for a Sustainable Future" Draft Agenda and Suggested Speakers

Parallel Activities of Participating Groups

At its February 9, 2006 meeting, the Compatible Use and Sustainability Task Group volunteered to serve as a repository of information regarding initiatives of state, local, and federal officials groups related to sustainability and the Department of Defense. Thumbnail sketches of participating groups' efforts are provided below:

Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO)

Council of State Governments (CSG)

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

National Association of Counties (NACo)

National Council of State Legislatures (NSCL)

National Governors Association (NGA)

Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE)

Past Meetings and Activities

The Compatible Use and Sustainability Task Group of the ECOS-DoD Sustainability Work Group has focused on encroachment, compatible use and sustainability issues. In 2004 the Task Group created a Compatible Use and Sustainability Strategic Plan to serve as a guide for future initiatives.

The Task Group met February 9-10, 2006 in Washington, DC as part of the larger ECOS-DoD Sustainability Work Group meeting. A summary of that meeting can be accessed below.

Meeting Summary and Action Items for February 9

Meeting Summary and Action Items for February 10

The Task Group has received numerous updates regarding sustainability programs in the states, including the Virginia Regional Environmental Management System (V-REMS) Partnership. The V-REMS program has served as a model program for the Task Group as the membership has observed its progress and expansion. Materials from previous meetings are provided below.