Regulatory officials take environmental journey

Photo by Clark Pierce (From left) NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr., Florida DEP Wastewater Manager Khalid Al-Nahdy, NAS Jax Environmental Director Kevin Gartland, Frank Meeker of St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), Jacksonville Environmental and Compliance Department Deputy Director Derek Igou and SJRWMD Jacksonville Director David Miracle. Scorby and Gartland began their station-wide environmental briefing at Hangar 511.

Driving a solar-electric, low-speed vehicle, Gartland and Scorby met the party at the main gate and transported them to Hangar 511 where NAVFAC Southeast Engineer Thom Tryon pointed out environmental and energy saving design features. With P-3C Orion aircraft turning up their engines on the nearby ramp, David Miracle of SJRWMD asked about noise and land-use issues.

Photo by Clark Pierce NAS Jax Environmental Director Kevin Gartland chauferred his tour group aboard a Kudo solar-electric low speed vehicle. This stop was the Black Point Interpretive Center near Mulberry Cove.

Scorby replied, "Encroachment protection is a major issue with airports and military installations across America. What NAS Jacksonville has accomplished in partnership with local government, citizens groups and regulatory agencies is now being used as a model by the Florida Building Commission to add more effective noise abatement guidelines to state building codes."

Photo by Clark Pierce HS-11 corrosion control teams wash two SH-60F Seahawk helicopters June 18 in a special area that drains into the station's sanitary sewer system to avoid polluting the St. Johns River.

Gartland added, "We live and work in our communities like everyone else - so we have a stake in proactively resolving encroachment issues, too."

Derek Igou, deputy director of the City's Environmental and Compliance Department, appreciated his invitation to tour NAS Jacksonville. "This is a good opportunity to learn about the Navy's commitment to environmental excellence. I'm impressed that their two new hangars are in the process of being LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified according to the Green Building Rating System."

Miracle, who previously visited the station during the 2008 air show, said, "Our agency regulates storm water and consumptive-use permitting. I find the professionals here on base to be very responsive to the environmental needs of the community. It's good to see they used pervious pavement and turf blocks in the parking areas of the new hangars to lessen the impact of storm water runoff."

FDEP Wastewater Manager Khalid Al-Nahdy was impressed with the station's green spaces and overall cleanliness. "It appears that Captain Scorby runs a very tight ship," said Al-Nahdy. "I also find the interpretive center to be very interesting and a great teaching tool for our community."

Photo by Clark Pierce NAS Jax Assistant Natural Resources Manager Angela Glass describes the curriculmn and visual aids available at

At the Black Point Interpretive Center near Mulberry Cove, NAS Jax Assistant Natural Resources Manager Angela Glass explained the center's popularity.

"NAS Jax is one of the few Navy shore facilities that offers an environmental interpretive center where school groups and scouts can learn about conservation, recycling and earn merit badges. "Teachers can bring students from any grade to the NAS Jax Interpretive Center, at no charge, to enhance and supplement classroom lessons," said Glass. Scorby told the group that NAS Jacksonville environmental initiatives are recognized as some of the best. "The City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board presented the Environmental Achievement Award for Government to NAS Jacksonville at the City's 2008 Environmental Luncheon. NAS Jacksonville also holds periodic base and shoreline cleanups that involve collection of over 10,000 pounds of debris."