We are dedicated to providing the highest level of mission support and quality of life services for all operating forces and ashore support activities. Our top priority is to actively facilitate mission readiness and execution. We will continue to support mission readiness by responsibly using those land resources necessary to support our operations, protect resources as required, and conserve the remaining landscape to meet future mission and stewardship requirements. Throughout the span of our activities, we consider environmental stewardship an integral and mission compatible part of productivity and providing quality services.

My top four focus areas that all personnel need to be aware of are:

• Protection of groundwater resources.

• Informed, responsible, and compliant land use.

• Protection of historic properties (structures and archaeology).

• Full compliance at hazardous waste accumulation areas.

   

  The Commanding Officer of NAWS has the authority for all compliance and land use decisions on the facility. In recognition of this responsibility to our sailors, civilian personnel, customers, neighbors, and others, we will:

   

  Comply with Environmental Requirements

• Comply with and adhere to applicable environmental federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and Department of Defense and Navy policies.

• Proactively plan, implement, and oversee activities that have the potential to affect our environment.

• Inform all personnel at China Lake of their environmental management responsibilities.

• Investigate, document, and respond accordingly to substantiate incidents of non-compliance with this policy and the provisions contained within.

• Be an environmentally responsible neighbor where we operate in a manner that protects public health, safety, and the environment.

   

  Reduce Environmental Impacts

• Protect and preserve natural and cultural resources throughout NAWS China Lake.

• Develop and improve operations and technologies that minimize waste; prevent air and water pollution; minimize health and safety risks; and dispose of waste safely and responsibly.

• Proactively reduce, reuse, and recycle materials; and emphasize purchasing products made from recycled materials.

• Ensure the responsible use of energy and water, including conservation and improved efficiency.

   

  Continually Improve Our Environmental Programs

• Ensure this policy is communicated to and understood by all military, civilian, and contractor personnel working at NAWS China Lake.

• Work diligently to design and improve procedures for environmental protection while supporting mission requirements.

• Establish, monitor and revise objectives and targets to measure environmental protection metrics.

• Develop and implement pollution prevention technologies, knowledge, and methods.

• Reduce our dependency on fossil fuels by increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

• Increase the use of sustainable resources to modernize facilities and infrastructure.

The NAWSCL Environmental Policy is available for download below. 

• NAWSCL 2020 Environmental Policy