ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS GUIDEUSAG-KA

DILOGCAPWATER CONSERVATION

TRASH & RECYCLINGExtra land space on Kwajalein isn’t easy to come by. Reducing the amount of waste that goes into the landfill benefits us all. Be sure to dispose of trash in the appropriate waste bin. That includes placing recyclable items into segregated containers. Do your part to keep Kwajalein beautiful.

RECYCLABLES

Knowing what to recycle is only half of the battle. Here is where your recyclable materials should go:

• All material should be segregated into separate containers. Housing and Self Help both provide recycling bins, but they are not required. Any container or bag can be used to hold recyclables.

• Place your containers next to your trash bin (or the provided recycling containers if you are in a BQ) on regular trash pickup day. Items that are too large to be put in the container should be placed next to it (ex. bike frames and large boxes).

We’re fortunate to have exceptional quality drinking water at USAG-KA, but drought periods remind us that water is not limitless. We have many opportunities to save water throughout the island. Most of these are as simple as fixing a leak or making a small change in our habits.

While most of the water used outdoors is “reclaimed” (non-drinking water), everyone can conserve water indoors. Some of the following suggestions may require a change in daily habits:

TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER

• Fix dripping or leaking faucets.

• Keep the water level in your toilet tank about 1/2 below the overflow tube.

• Don’t use your toilet as a waste basket. Dispose of tissues and other trash in wastebasket to avoid unnecessary flushing.

• Turn off the faucet! Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Take shorter showers.

WATER SOURCES

On Kwajalein Island, there are two separate water systems, one for drinking water and one for reclaimed water.

The drinking water system is used for interior plumbing such as sinks, showers, washing machines and drinking fountains. It is also used for

making ice at the ice plant. Drinking water on Kwajalein comes mainly from the rainfall captured on the runway.

The reclaimed water system is used mainly outside buildings such as for lawn watering and vehicle, boat and airplane washing. The reclaimed

water is only used inside of buildings for toilet flushing. Reclaimed water is water from the many sinks, showers, washing machines and toilets on the island that has been treated in the wastewater plant to remove wastes from the water. Before it is pumped into the non-potable system, it is filtered and disinfected with chlorine to make it safe for use. It is not fit for drinking or cooking but it is safe for incidental contact. The Utilities Department monitors the quality of the reclaimed water as closely as it monitors the quality of the drinking water.

RECOGNIZING WATER SOURCE TYPES

PIPES AND SPIGOTS THAT ARE COLOR CODED YELLOW ARE:• Suitable for drinking, bathing, cooking, washing clothes, etc.

PIPES AND SPIGOTS THAT ARE COLOR CODED RED ARE:• NOT suitable for drinking, wading pools, children’s sprinkler toys, water toys, etc. • Suitable for watering plants, watering lawns, washing vehicles,

patios, etc.

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ENERGY CONSERVATION

The government pays for the energy used by Kwajalein and Roi-Namur residents, which is generated at our power plants by burning diesel. Do your part and minimize energy usage to reduce both the consumption of natural resources and the emission of pollutants.

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Unplug cords from wall outlets when you are not using the device (ex. battery chargers). Even though a battery may not be charging at the time, energy is still being drained by the charger just by having it plugged in.

Aluminum Drink Cans (soda, beer, juice)

Metal Cans (sauces, soup, etc.)

Glass (beer & wine bottles, jars)

Scrap Metal (bike parts, pipes, etc.)

Yard Waste/Wood (palm fronds, lumber)

Batteries (lead-acid or alkaline)

U.S. ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND U.S. ARMY SPACE AND MISSILE DEFENSE COMMAND

FOR MORE INFORMATION

KWAJALEIN ATOLLHISTORICAL PRESERVATIONKwajalein Atoll has over 90 historical structures and many more archaeological sites; all are considered historic properties and cultural resources and are protected under USAG-KA regulations and agreements with the Marshallese government. These cultural resources are tangible reminders of this atoll’s rich heritage, the battle fought here, and of the history of Kwajalein as a military base.

LEARNING ABOUT THE PASTSelf-guided tours to the WWII historic sites are available from the Archaeology office. In addition, group and school tours of the archaeological and historic sites and the collections are can be arranged through the Archaeology office at 5-8867.

SAFETYMany of the historic structures suffered substantial damage during battle and all of them have suffered from natural deterioration over the years. Every historic structure on Kwajalein Atoll is considered unsafe to enter or climb on. It is wise to take care when you are around the structures, as some of the buildings are so deteriorated that concrete is falling off the outside and can pose a threat to you.

VANDALISMAll historic properties and archaeological sites are protected as cultural resources. Deliberate damage to or vandalism of cultural resources diminishes the sites for others, results in expensive and sometimes irreparable damage, and is also in violation of USAG-KA/RTS Regulation 200-4.

LOOTINGLooting is the removal of any object or element from an historic property, including archaeological sites, historic structures, and submerged cultural resources (wrecks). Possession of an object greater than 40 years of age that is/was obtained through the willful destruction, removal disturbance, displacement, or disfigurement of any cultural or historical property on property controlled by USAG-KA is a violation of USAG-KA/RTS Regulation 200-4. If you are not certain that an artifact is part of an archaeological site, leave it in its original location.

EXPORTING CULTURAL RESOURCESUnder USAG-KA/RTS Regulation 200-4, it is a violation to remove any item of traditional material culture or historic item greater than 40 years of age from the Marshall Islands without having a signed permit to do so from USAG-KA and the Republic of the Marshall Islands Historic Preservation Office.

HOW YOU CAN HELPThe Cultural Resources Program depends on the residents of Kwajalein Atoll to help maintain and identify cultural resources. You can help by being the “eyes and ears” for cultural resources. If you find what you believe is an archaeological artifact or if you notice vandalism or deterioration of an historic structure, don’t touch it, mark the location and contact the archaeologist.

ENDANGERED SPECIESKwajalein Atoll is home to a great diversity of animals. Unfortunately, there are many endangered species that are in need of protection in the Marshall Islands. We need your help looking after these incredible creatures during your stay.

It is illegal to export any protected species. This includes via the mail, luggage, pack-out shipment or any means of removing the item from Kwajalein Atoll. This does not include just the animal itself. Any piece or part of a protected species (turtle shell, conch shell, giant clam, coral, etc.) is not to be exported. Violators may beprosecuted and fined up to $100,000 per item. If it is in your pack-out shipment, your household goods may be confiscated. Be respectful of the wonderful resources ofthe Marshall Islands and take care to protect endangered species. More information on the prohibition of shipment of protected species can be obtained at the Post Office or at the Shipping and Receiving Department.

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS

• Look, don’t touch!

• When reefing, do not walk on live coral and wear appropriate footwear.

• Anchor your boat in the sand or to a buoy.

• Throw your trash in the appropriate receptacle.

• Sharks

• Sea Turtles

• Marine Mammals

• All Birds (except sparrows)

• Finger Shell

• Trochus

• Spider Conchs

• All Coral and Sponges

• Giant Clams

• Mother of Pearl Oysters

• Coconut Crabs

CONSERVATION & VEGETATION

ENIWETAK ISLET CONSERVATION AREA

Eniwetak is one of eleven islands leased by the U.S. Army under the command of USAG-KA. The island is 15 acres in size and is one of the least disturbed of the USAG-KA islands. Eniwetak holds one of the largest Pisonia grandis tree stands left in Kwajalein Atoll. Its beaches serve as valuable nesting areas for sea turtles, the Pisonia tree forest is home to one of the largest populations of black noddy birds, and the coral reef surrounding the island flourishes with amazing biodiversity. All of these qualities are important to protect and conserve. Efforts are being made to monitor, control, and improve the natural habitats and landscapes of Eniwetak. Human activity interrupts the bioactivity, therefore, Eniwetak and the surrounding ocean is off limits to unauthorized personnel.

VEGETATION OF KWAJALEIN

There are many different plants on Kwajalein. They can be used from shade, to ground cover and even food. While there are native species of plants, there are also many introduced species. All of them serve the purpose of erosion control on the islands. The root systems keep the soil in place and slow down the erosion action from the sea and wind. If heavy trimming or removals are required on island, a permit must be obtained from the Environmental office.

ENVIRONMENTAL MAIN OFFICE 5-1134

ARCHAEOLOGY 5-8867 (Kwaj), 5-6738 (Roi-Namur)

ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES (spill or release to the environment): 911