Sandia National Laboratories: Pollution Prevention (P2)

Success Stories & Awards

Award Programs:

SNL consistantly submits projects and achievements to several award programs through the federal government. In each of the award program pages below, abstracts of winning nominations have been included.

Success Stories:
These are drawn from 2006 Environmental Management Systems award nominations. Hover the cursor over each nomination title for a brief abstract.

Green Purchasing Successes:

The new CINT Core Facility is the most recent SNL/NM project to engage Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as a design and construction tool to increase energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. As part of the LEED requirements, CINT was built using environmentally preferable products. The project used materials with recycled content such that post-consumer recycled content constituted 21.05% of the total value of the materials in the building, and 44.28% of the building materials and products were manufactured regionally within a 500-mile radius.
CINT Building Construction and LEED Certification
Protective Forces Gun Cleaning Process Change
The SNL/NM Protective Forces have many weapons that must be maintained on a regular schedule. Individual patrol officers are responsible for their small side arms, but the larger weapons are collectively serviced by a small team throughout the year. This team used to spend numerous days working by hand to disassemble and clean the weapons. This included the use of a toxic cleaning liquid. Over a year ago, the Protective Forces purchased an ultrasonic bath to both clean and lubricate the larger weapons. To use the ultrasonic bath requires a certain cleaning solution that is water-based and non-toxic.

Recycling Successes:

Empty Container Recycling at SNL/CA
In 2005, Sandia National Laboratory/California (SNL/CA) Pollution Prevention program re-implemented a process change to reduce the volume of a specific waste stream being managed and disposed of as hazardous waste. The specific waste stream is empty containers originally containing chemicals, solvents and/or oils. The process was modified to improve the training provided to enhance the generator’s understanding of what constitutes an empty container per the state of California regulations.
Processing and Environmental Technology Laboratory (PETL)
The Processing and Environmental Technology Laboratory (PETL) is a 150,000 square-foot building comprised of offices and laboratories and has about 200 occupants. In a continuing effort to reinforce available recycling activities to long time building residents and educate new residents, a short tutorial was developed and convenient recycling locations added to assist the residents in their efforts.
Increased Recycling of Materials from the SNL/NM Cafeterias
As a result of an FY05 Division 3000 self-assessment, the processes in place for recycling at the SNL/NM Cafeterias were corrected, resulting in an increase of approximately 8 cubic yards per week in volume of material being recycled. A total of approximately 20 cubic yards of material every week from the cafeterias is now being recycled through the Solid Waste Transfer Facility (SWTF). Additionally, prior to the self-assessment, the volume of solid waste generated was decreased by providing washable silverware, cups, plates and trays to displace disposable tableware for dine-in customers.
Reapplication Yard Cleanup
Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico (SNL/NM) Property Reapplication Services receives and dispositions material that is perceived to still have value. Approximately two years ago, a protracted “hold” was in place on materials thought to be contaminated with beryllium dust. Once the hold was lifted in FY05, all the material had been weathered and aged and was destined for the landfill. A cooperative team was formed to redirect a majority of the material, over 35 tons, from the landfill to be recycled instead.
Tyvek Recycling at the Neutron Generator Facility
Center 2700, Neutron Generator Facility (NGPF), is one of the largest users of Tyvek personal protective equipment (PPE) at Sandia. NGPF management decided that because of the Facility’s dedication to environmental protection, recycling this practically new Tyvek was the right thing to do. A team was created in 2004 to work out the details of the recycling process which has been underway now for nearly two years. NGPF pioneered this type of recycling at Sandia. Over 3700 items have been recycled in the first two years, eliminating 1800 pounds of waste that would have been disposed in a landfill.

Awareness Successes:

Employee Safety & Security Program (ESSP)
The Employee Safety and Security Program (ESSP) in Center 2700 and 2400 has been successfully keeping employees aware of Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and security issues for the past nine years. The program, lead by its coordinator, Jody Thomas, is made up of a team of volunteers from Centers 2400 and 2700. In 2005, as part of and initiative for the Environmental Management System, this program incorporated environmental awareness into its charter. This approach serves to foster environmental excellence through awareness by utilizing a well-established successful program.
Center 3500 Human Resources Annual Picnic and EMS
The Human Resources Center, organization 3500, holds an annual picnic for all its employees as an opportunity to build relationships and promote pertinent Sandia initiatives is an informal environment. In the Fall of 2005, the Center decided to highlight the importance of EMS issues and threaded this theme throughout various aspects of the picnic. Questions about EMS were developed for sending to Center employees prior to the event as a “Did you know” factoid. They were also used for determining winners of the beautiful center pieces from the picnic. In addition, each attendee received a specially engraved glass mug with an EMS theme.
Sustainable Design Integrated Educational Series
To ensure that sustainable design principles are integrated in all construction efforts, Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (SNL/NM) conducted a Sustainable Design Integrated Education Series. This series of eight specific workshops is designed to educate all parties involved with building design and construction on the lessons learned at certain LEED registered buildings at SNL/NM and the benefits and methods of commissioning, energy modeling, passive solar design, metering, and site selection development. The workshops are conducted at a minimal cost by utilizing in-house experts. The workshops are attended by design and construction professionals from SNL/NM, the local community and DOE.

Policy & Procedure Successes:

Long Range Development Plan (LRDP)
The Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) represents a proactive approach to planning and managing operational areas and land use at SNL sites in Albuquerque, NM and Livermore, CA. Implementation of the LRDP will result in long-term cost savings and improved quality of life in the work environment by advancing strategies for effective land use, sustainable design, habitat conservation, and energy and water conservation.
Instituting Affirmative Procurement Compliance
Through a Federal mandate, and reinforced by DOE Orders, SNL/NM maintains an Affirmative Procurement program designed to influence and report all purchases of products designated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The objective of tracking over seventy products is to assure they contain recycled materials to drive the need for recycled raw material markets. Convincing and reminding thousands of employees to purchase products with recycled content is challenging. Historically, two products of serious non-compliance at SNL/NM were binders and toner cartridges. Thanks to new agreements put into place with the vendors, these products will become 100% compliant during FY06.
Environmental Goal Management Checklist
To meet an Environmental Management System (EMS) target, a team in Center 2500 developed a checklist to send to department managers to identify and pinpoint environmental improvement activities. The survey also identified best practices that can be recognized and shared with other parts of the organization and Sandia as a whole.
Kanban: An Inventory System to Reduce Chemical Purchases and Waste
A team in Center 2400 implemented an inventory system to better control their chemicals and reduce waste in their lab. This system was so functional it was adopted as the official inventory control system for the center through the ISO 9000 quality program.
Roofing Program
Sandia National Laboratories Roofing Team in New Mexico has developed a roofing program that has demonstrated excellence in the areas of roofing assessment, preventative maintenance, re-roofing, new roofing, and building sustainability. The new roofs last 15 years longer and reduce maintenance roof tickets by 90%.
Focused Waste Management Improves Efficiency and Reduces Costs
Centers 2400 and 2700 are two of the largest generators of hazardous waste at Sandia. Beginning in 2002, a focused effort was begun to reduce waste costs and improve efficiency through improved waste management techniques. Though waste generation rates in the centers increased mainly through increased production, waste costs were reduced through improved management and awareness.
Water Security
Water resources and the associated supply, treatment, and distribution infrastructures are important elements of national security that face a spectrum of threats. In partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water industry associations, and water utilities, Sandia is developing a comprehensive program for protecting water. In cooperation with the EPA and the Awwa Research Foundation, Sandia created the Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities known as RAM-W. RAM-W was the most widely used methodology to assess security risks at large water utilities. Several thousand water utility owners/operators, regulators, and water industry consultants have been trained in the use of RAM-W.

Risk Mitigation & Environmental Protection Successes:

Radioactive Source Material Inventory Reduction
A large inventory of radioactive sources had previously been maintained by Center 5900. These sources had been kept “just in case” they might be needed for future activities. Although this practice prevented the potential for generating unnecessary radioactive waste, maintaining such a large inventory resulted in compliance issues, leakage concerns, tracking problems, etc. To reduce the risk associated with maintaining these radioactive sources, Center 5900 implemented measures to reduce the source inventory to a readily manageable quantity thereby mitigating the potential risk of non-compliance issues, leaks and associated exposures, as well as simplify administrative requirements.
Controlled Burn of a Spartan Second-Stage Rocket Motor on Thunder Range
The Spartan Team turned a major environmental hazard and liability for Sandia, NNSA and KAFB into a prototype waste disposal procedure with real mission value for the U.S. Army rocket demilitarization program. This project generated very little hazardous waste or other environmental impacts and significantly reduced Sandia’s onsite explosives storage inventory.
Thermal Vacuum Chamber Upgrades
Recent upgrades to the Thermal Vacuum Lab in building 890 have been conducted to reduce the risk of equipment damage and/or expensive cleanups. Reducing the risk of such equipment damage also results in reducing additional waste generation. Certain aspects of the upgrades have also resulted in reductions in routine waste generation. Additional upgrades are planned for FY07, which demonstrates continual improvement in risk reduction.
Building Modifications to Minimize Impacts to Migratory Birds While Deterring Pigeons
In an effort to minimize nuisance pigeons from roosting at buildings at SNL/NM, a bird barrier system consisting of chicken wire was installed at various buildings in hopes of deterring the pigeons. Unfortunately the chicken wire was of a size which allowed migratory birds to enter through the holes, but subsequently become trapped. Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico (SNL/NM) makes every effort to maintain compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) which prohibits the removal, disturbance and killing of migratory birds, nests, eggs, or fledglings, therefore building modifications were made to address this issue. Since the modifications were made no migratory birds have been trapped, and the pigeons are unable to roost.
Hard Drive Shredding and Recycling
During FY04 and FY05, Division 5900 had disposed of classified hard drives using a thermal destruction process. This burning practice resulted in air quality issues and was terminated in lieu of a more environmentally friendly course of action. A new procedure was established and implemented that replaces the thermal destruction process with shredding and recycling. This new procedure mitigates risk to the environment associated with potentially harmful emissions from the thermal destruction process and conserves resources by recycling the metal components of the hard drives.
Cooling Tower Cleaning Process for Particulates
The Preventative Maintenance Team identified, procured, and implemented a system for removing particulates from a cooling tower water output, thus removing what had been identified as a major source of particulates that had been implicated in exceedances of SNL/CA’s sanitary sewer discharge permit.
Facilities Chemical Review Process
In the interest of controlling the types of chemical products being purchased in Facilities, with regard to their hazardous make-up, safety considerations, usage, volume and necessity, a process was established to review new products identified by Facilities for possible purchase. The review process is led by Industrial Hygiene, and is made up of members from Fire Protection, Environmental Planning and Environmental Compliance. In FY05, six new product submissions were reviewed, and in FY06, the process has grown to sixteen reviews. The completion of these reviews and approvals for purchase of products protects Sandia’s corporate interests, the interests of employees, and the environment.

Waste Minimization Successes:

Teamwork Reduces Solvent Use
A team worked together to replace two hazardous solvents in a cleaning process, hexane and toluene, with a single detergent called Brulin 815 G, significantly reducing purchase costs, hazards and waste.
Paint Shop Inventory Reduction
The Facilities Paint Shop, in conjunction with the 954 Warehouse storage area, have been making strides in implementing inventory control measures and seeking more environmentally friendly products and methods of operation. By doing so, the staff has cut its potential volumes and toxicity of future waste. The staff has effectively cut back its stock of paint by over 750 gallons in the past two years, managing to find new users for 215 gallons of the paint and recycling another 85 gallons.
Team Eliminates Mixed Radioactive Waste
When it was determined that a large piece of equipment being disposed would be considered a mixed radioactive waste, a team set to work to change the waste classification to low level radioactive waste, thereby significantly reducing costs and eliminating disposal of mixed waste.
Reducing Waste Using Lean Manufacturing Principles: Melding Pollution Prevention and Quality
Department 2454, Ceramics and Glass, has utilized its Lean Manufacturing quality program to reduce waste acetone in a cleaning process. In this study, known as a “Green Belt Event” a team reviewed a process and developed ways to improve its efficiency. Efficiency improvements included reduced purchases of acetone, labor hours and disposal costs. The change also reaped significant environmental benefits by reducing that amount of hazardous waste disposed. The overall savings is about $17,000 annually. This effort melds Pollution Prevention (P2) concepts with those of Lean Manufacturing thereby increasing the integration of pollution prevention into daily business operations.

Energy Reduction Successes:

Energy Bug
A team of employees from several organizations and buildings got together to create an awareness program to improve awareness of energy conservation and to help reduce energy use in their buildings. They also created a light-hearted mascot called the Energy Bug.
Employees enjoy themselves, while saving gasoline and preventing pollution through bike commuting
An overlooked environmental impact of Sandia’s daily operations is the fossil fuel consumption and concomitant air pollution associated with the daily commute by Sandia workforce in their cars. As an alternative to the single occupant vehicle (SOV), Sandia has one of the largest bike commuting populations in the City. Over the last two years, Sandia’s bike commuters avoided over 36,000 car trips, based on an average round-trip commute distance of 17.3 miles. That prevented the emission of 330 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), and saved almost $79,000 in gasoline costs.
2006 Energy Contest
The 2006 Energy Contest began in January and runs through December of 2006. It is a voluntary contest between buildings at SNL/NM to reduce electrical energy. Occupants in each building participating in the contest compete to reduce the most electrical energy based on the previous years’ metered energy rates. Members of the team, called “Energy Monitors”, work with their building occupants, Building Managers, and Maintenance personnel to reduce electrical energy. Based on the results of the first three quarters of data, the Energy Contest has reduced electrical use by approximately 443,300 kilowatt hours. This is equivalent to avoiding the release of approximately 400 tons carbon dioxide emissions (the main greenhouse gas and leading cause of global warming) to the atmosphere.
Joint Computational Engineering Laboratory (JCEL): Sandia’s First Green Building
Sandia has taken steps to integrate a strong new initiative known as sustainable design into the design and construction of the Joint Computational Engineering Laboratory (JCEL). This involved a collaborative effort with the Energy Manger, the Water Conservation Officer, the Pollution Prevention Program and Facilities engineers and architects. Through the incorporation of SD principles, JCEL demonstrates a greater than 33% more efficient than the ASHRAE 90.1 1999 standard.
Computer Monitor Program
In recognition of the need to reduce energy at Sandia and meet President Bush’s Energy and Fuel Conservation Directive, members of the Sandia Energy Management Team and the CSU Operations Department teamed to enable the Energy Star feature on many of the SNL Computer Flat-screen Monitors. 9300 flat-screen monitors and growing go into a low energy mode when not in use for approximately 10 minutes. The effort and the energy conserved are substantial. An estimated 1300 MWH of electricity will be saved every year.