A management tool implemented by Fort Stewart’s Directorate of Public Works probably contributed to the installation winning a number of awards during the last decade.
They include Army Community of Excellence in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2012, as well as the “GreenGov” Award, the Secretary of the Army Environmental Quality Award and Environmental Restoration Installation Award.
According to Tressa Rutland, chief of DPW’s Prevention and Compliance Branch, the post’s sustainability management system stems from the directorate’s International  Organization for Standarization 14001 registration. ISO 14001 sets standards for organizations designed to reduce harmful effects on the environment while providing a measurement to see if there is improvement.
Rutland said the goal is to ensure that present and future generations of soldiers on Fort Stewart will have training areas, ranges, water and other resources available to train, work and live. This is done through everyone recycling at work and at home, conserving water, protecting endangered wildlife, following procedures for handling hazardous waste and being aware of his or her personal impact on the environment.
“SMS is not just about the environmental division,” Rutland said. “We have members on our teams from every directorate. SMS focuses on land and water use while emphasizing threatened and endangered species management, solid-waste reduction and water conservation.”
She said an acronym used to teach SMS fits with the 3rd Infantry Division’s motto: Rock of the Marne. ROCK reminds everyone to conserve natural Resources; Optimize the mission, well-being and environment; Comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations; and Keep improving their environmental stewardship.

Read more in the Jan. 23 edition of the News.