With TxP3 serving as a model, more than a dozen other states have developed similar programs. To find the answer, she interviewed military leaders around the state. This led to the first workshop in January 1996, which drew 130 people, most of whom represented military bases and said they were seeking assistance on addressing pollution problems before they became an enforcement statistic. Better results occur when the word comes from the top. TxP3 also has sponsored conferences, training, and team building sessions around the state.
Participants share ideas about pollution prevention technologies, funding, and general resources.
Much like industry, the military has had its share of pollution problems and, in some cases, is still addressing mistakes that are decades old. Three military bases and one Department of Energy site in Texas are named on the National Priority List as needing federal cleanup assistance. Other bases have had contamination problems and are undergoing remediation. The nature of military readiness requires the use of tanks, aircraft, ships, and assorted heavy machinery, all of which are subject to frequent maintenance to ensure the parts are working when needed. Solvents, paint residues, waste oils and fuels, heavy metals, and asbestos are some of the byproducts of routine maintenance and repair chores.