JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii –
The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Indo-Pacific team recently completed a complex hazardous waste removal operation under its recently awarded Philippines HW contract on behalf of Special Operations Command Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
The first removal operation took place in July at Camp Navarro, Zamboanga, and Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, targeting storage sites that had exceeded capacity and continued generating waste daily.
This mission was critical for maintaining environmental compliance and supporting the operational readiness of U.S. forces in the region.
Environmental Protection Specialist Jose Santos led the intricate removal and documentation processes, ensuring full compliance with DOD and Philippine safety standards and environmental regulations.
“Every phase of this mission required detailed planning and flexible execution,” said Santos. “We coordinated closely with SOCPAC, the contractor, and local personnel to remove the waste safely and efficiently, even under adverse weather conditions.”
The operation involved the removal of 8,064 units across 41 line items of non-regulated waste. Waste streams included used oil, oil filters, wash rack sludge, lithium batteries, waste electrical and electronic equipment, contaminated soil, pharmaceutical waste, chemical containers, tires, and other materials.
Despite significant challenges including heavy rainfall, flooding, port closures, limited truck availability, and personal protective equipment compliance issues, the team successfully completed the removal over several days.
“This operation marks a milestone for hazardous waste removal in the Philippines,” said DLA Disposition Services Indo-Pacific Director Faron Cordrey. “The lessons learned here provide a framework for future environmental support missions, demonstrating how meticulous planning and collaboration can overcome logistical and environmental challenges.”
Cordrey added that DLA’s leveraging of local partnerships and maintaining strong coordination with contractors and military stakeholders produces results that protect both personnel and the environment.
With additional hazardous waste removal operations expected in the Philippines, the DLA team is prepared to apply this proven approach to future high-priority environmental missions.
“Our mission is to optimize every resource in support of the warfighter,” Cordrey said. “The success of this operation reflects our commitment to smart stewardship, strong partnerships, and timely execution.”