SSC's Environmental Assurance Program

SSC OPERATING CONTRACTOR (SOC)

SOC ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT is inclusive of the following:
• Air Quality - Ensures NASA compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and the SSC Title V Permit, including, but not limited to: monitoring of requirements, conducting audits, submitting reports, and modifying and renewing the SSC Title V Permit as necessary. The SOCr staff maintains knowledge of current and proposed regulations affecting SSC, and participates in and represents SSC's best interests in meetings with outside organizations. The SOC Staff also assists other Resident Agencies with Air Quality permitting and compliance issues as needed.

• Wastewater Management - The SOC Operating Contractor assists in the preparation of permit applications and modifications for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) outfalls. SOC Environmental Services personnel also administer the SSC Stormwater program, including monitoring industrial activities and construction activities, providing training, performing inspections and ensuring permit compliance. Investigation of methods of wastewater treatment as part of SSC's pollution prevention program also falls under the SOC's responsibilities.

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - New programs and projects at SSC are evaluated to ensure compliance with applicable environmental requirements. The SOC supports NEPA efforts by attending design reviews and providing close coordination with project and program engineering to promote early and effective planning for environmental compliance.

• Auditing - Compliance audits are an integral part of the SOC's responsibilities at Stennis. In addition to periodic assessment of SOC environmental program compliance, SOC Environmental Services personnel also participate in annual reviews of SSC Resident Agencies' environmental compliance status. SOC Environmental Services personnel also serve as escorts and provide support during audits performed by off-site agencies and organizations (NASA Environmental Functional Review Team, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, etc.) The SOC also supports NASA's Environmental Management System at Stennis through the development and implementation of ISO 14001 audit plans, and maintains a team of experienced, qualified ISO Lead Auditors.

• Environmental Management System - In support of NASA SSC Environmental Management, SOC Environmental Services is responsible for the maintenance and internal assessment of SSC EMS operations, documentation, training, actions, root cause investigations, preventative actions and continual improvement. Services include the development and implementation of audit plans, including those for the external third-party Registrar annual assessments of SSC EMS conformance with and certification to the ISO 14001 Standard.

• Site Assessment and Remediation - The SOC assists in the investigation, clean up and restoration of contaminated sites at SSC. Services include the generation and maintenance of required documents, oversight of sub-contractor activities and disposal of waste materials. Four pump and treat facilities (PTFs) are operated by the SOC to remediate shallow groundwater that has been contaminated from past site disposal activities.

• Hazardous Waste Management - SOC Environmental Services is responsible for the hazardous waste management program at SSC, including the identification and characterization of hazardous waste streams for NASA and NASA contractors according to federal and state regulations. SOC Environmental Services personnel also coordinate off-site shipment of waste for NASA and NASA contractors and provide support to resident agencies regarding hazardous waste shipments and compliance issues. Additional responsibilities in this area also include the development and submission of required reports, performance of inspections, and hazardous waste minimization.

• Solid Waste Management - SOC Environmental Services is responsible for providing support to the solid waste program at SSC. This includes the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste in the landfill and the disposal of vegetative or demolition debris in the rubbish site. The SOC staff monitors landfill operations to help ensure that the rubbish site and landfill are properly operated and maintained. SOC Environmental personnel are also responsible for landfill permit renewal, and for providing training required to ensure awareness of all environmental landfill operational requirements.

• Recycling and Sustainable Acquisition - The SOC is responsible for ensuring that SSC has a successful site-wide recycling program. Currently, the SSC recycling program includes paper, scrap metal, fluorescent and high-intensity discharge bulbs, ballasts, aluminum cans, plastic soda bottles, used oil, wooden pallets, batteries, refrigerant, tires, corrugated cardboard, and toner cartridges. SOC responsibilities include the coordination and monitoring of recycling efforts, identification of new recycling opportunities, awareness and education, and reporting requirements. SOC Environmental Services personnel also promote Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) to stimulate market demand for "green" products and services. EPP products and services have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.

• Spill Prevention and Response - SOC responsibilities in the area of spill prevention and response include the development, maintenance and implementation of the SSC Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. SOC Environmental Services performs inspections of regulated operations, trains personnel and incorporates the use of best available technology to minimize the potential for spills at SSC. SOC personnel are also responsible for effectively and rapidly responding to protect human health and the environment when a spill occurs.