PORT HUENEME : Naval Base Cleanup Wins Top U. S. Award
The Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme has been cleaning up its act, and the secretary of defense is rewarding its efforts.
Four members of the center’s environmental department will travel to the Pentagon today to receive the Secretary of Defense Pollution Prevention Award for 1994. The award recognizes programs that protect natural resources and prevent pollution in non-industrial installations. The base’s effort was chosen as the top program among all branches of the military.
“We were just trying to do the right thing and reduce pollution,” environmental officer Richard Sauerwein said.
The environmental department was started in 1991. Since then, Sauerwein said, the base has converted 25 cars to compressed natural gas. It has reduced air emissions by 16 tons, solid waste by 20% and hazardous materials by 40%.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
