Afghanistan and Iraq
Subtitle: DOD should improve adherence to its guidance on open pit burning and solid waste management : report to Congressional requesters
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 53
Subjects: Rules and practice; Refuse and refuse disposal; Environmental aspects; United States. Department of Defense; United States
Other titles: Afghanistan and Iraq :; DOD should improve adherence to its guidance on open pit burning and solid waste management
Description: From the start of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. military and its contractors have burned solid waste in open burn pits on or near military bases. According to the Department of Defense (DOD), burn pit emissions can potentially harm human health. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) guidance directs the military's use of burn pits, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) provides healthcare and other benefits to veterans and their families. GAO was asked to report on the (1) extent of open pit burning in Afghanistan and Iraq, and whether the military has followed its guidance; (2) alternatives to burn pits, and whether the military has examined them; and (3) extent of efforts to monitor air quality and potential health impacts.
Notes: Title from PDF title page (GAO, viewed Oct. 25, 2010).

"October 2010."

"GAO-11-63."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: Internet from U.S. Government Accountability Office web site. Adobe Acrobat Reader required.
Table of contents: title: Background; title: The military has relied heavily on open pit burning at installations in Afghanistan and Iraq, but burn pit operators have not always followed relevant guidance; title: Alternatives to open pit burning include source reduction, recycling, incinerators, and landfills, but DOD has not evaluated their benefits or costs; title: Neither U.S. forces in Afghanistan nor Iraq have monitored burn pit pollutants as directed, and the health impacts of burn pit exposure on individuals are not well understood; title: Conclusions.