Encl. (7) to COMTINST 16478.12
MEDIA ADVISORY
DATE:
JUNE 24, 1994
CONTACTS:
G-CP-2
JAMES O' DELL
202-267-6491
G-ECV-1A
EDWARD WANDELT
202-267-6144
COAST GUARD DISTRIBUTES TRAINING VIDEO ON PREVENTING IMPORTER DISPOSAL OF AIDS
TO NAVIGATION (ATON) BATTERIES
On June 24, 1994 Coast Guard Headquarters began distributing an internal
training video reiterating proper procedures for handling and disposing of used
batteries from lighted aids to navigation (ATON). The video is targeted at all
personnel involved in the services and support of ATON and is being sent to
over 500 Coast Guard units nationwide.
The 13 minute video titled ATON Battery Awareness, reviews past practices and
restates the Coast Guard's long standing policy that spent ATON batteries are
to be recycled or otherwise properly disposed of. Field personnel demonstrate
correct methods, equipment and safety practices for changing out, packaging and
handling ATON batteries.
The video goes on to review current hazardous waste laws an Coast Guard
procedures to account for every sinle battery. Personnel are told what steps
to take if they discover that ATON batteries have been lost of improperly
stored. Personnel are warned to never allow batteries to enter the water.
The video is a joint production effort of the Maintenance and Logistics
Command, Atlantic at Governor's Island, NY, the Office of Engineering,
Logistics and Development and the Public Affairs Staff at Coast Guard
Headquarters.
COAST GUARD REACTION
Rear Admiral Peter A. Bunch, Chief of the Office of Engineering, Logistics and
Development at Coast Guard Headquarters expressed satisfactiton with the
training initiative:
We want to correct any misperception that the Coast Guard condones or
tolerates improper disposal practices. The Coast Guard is committed to an
aggressive internal environmental compliance program. Only by ensuring our
own house and actions are in order will we continue to receive the full
support of the American public and Congress in carrying out our missions.
Although we don't believe that our people have contributed to this problem
for many years, we want to remind them of their individual roles as
environmental guardians.
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