Announcements

Directorate of Public Works

Annual Water Quality Report is now available.

Storm Water Webpage Update

USMA's Program to safeguard its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) has been progressing well since its inception in March. 2003. Earlier this year, the MS4 managers launched the Storm Water website. It appears as a link on the DPW main web page. It contains relevant information about the Storm Water Program, its goals, frequently asked questions, and an email address for posting questions or concerns about the post-wide storm water system.

The MS4 program is designed to protect the more than 15 miles of storm water pipes and streams on post that eventually empty into the Hudson River . It has implemented measures to minimize and prevent the discharge of potential pollutants and contaminants into the storm water system. Public participation and awareness are very important elements in this program, so we would like to encourage all the members of the West Point community to help us in this effort. You are all welcome to log onto our website and pose your comments, questions, or concerns. Once on the webpage, click on Contact Us, then StormWater@usma.edu and post your message or inquiry.

An MS4 manager will respond to your posting. You may also call DPW Customer Relations at 938-4407 with any questions or concerns.

DPW WORK REQUESTS

As a reminder to all personnel and offices, work requests (DA4283) are required for ALL projects affecting real property (buildings, roads, grounds and other West Point facilities) or the environment. This is the case even if all the work and materials are provided by non- DPW individuals or organizations.

+ The single DPW point of contact for Work Requests is the Business Operations & Integration Division (BOID). Submit the DA 4283 to Work Reception.

+ POC for additional clarification is the DPW Work Reception Desk, 938-8288.

USMA’s ENERGY COSTS ARE ON THE RISE!

Do you realize that West Point spent over $17 million on energy consumption last year and our costs are expected to continue to increase over the next year? Our best estimate is that our costs could rise as much as 30% or $5.1 million this year. Our energy is consumed in post buildings, including public buildings & housing, for heating, cooling, lighting and the operation of common appliances such as computers, fax machines, printers & copiers, washers and dryers, and other common kitchen appliances.

While those costs seem overwhelming, without much effort, we all can through our everyday actions, significantly reduce this cost. Most of our energy costs are consumed during the winter months. By implementing the following daily activities, we can significantly reduce this cost. But we need YOUR help!

1) When you are away from home or your office space is not occupied, turn thermostats down to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. For every degree the thermostat is lowered there is a 1 ½ % heating energy saved. Get in the habit of dressing all family members in warmer, long sleeve, clothing. Please do not turn the heat down below 58 degrees to avoid any potential water line freezing.

2) Keep all windows and doors closed during the heating season. If you have not already done so, now is a great time to remove window air conditioners and insure that all storm windows are down. Check the fire place dampers and make sure they are shut unless it is currently in use.

3) Do not block radiators or air vents with furniture or carpets.

4) On sunny days, open drapes, shades and blinds to let in the free solar heat from the sun. Close them when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside.

5) Turn off lights when not in use. Turn on only the lights you need to complete the task at hand. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, available at the Self Help Center , Bldg 695. These bulbs use one-third of the energy of the traditional light bulb.

Information on USMA’s Energy Management Program may be obtained by contacting the Energy Branch, 938-6873.

PUBLIC BUILDING OCCUPANTS

All office workers are reminded that it is each person’s individual responsibility to use the small blue recycling toter to collect recyclables at their work site and to insure that the contents of the toter be placed in the designated recycle collection areas in your building. This task is not designated for the custodians who are only responsible for the emptying of trash containers. If you are not aware of the location of your building’s recycle collection area, please contact your building commandant.

For information on the USMA Recycling Program, contact Mr. John Dopler, USMA Recycling Coordinator, 938-4281. Remember: that the savings generated by your recycling efforts is returned to the community through West Points MWR Programs.

West Point issues water quality report

To comply with state and federal regulations, the Garrison Directorate of Public Works must issue an annual report on the quality of drinking water here. The purpose of this report is to ensure consumers know what is in their drinking water. The report is also intended to raise awareness about the source of drinking water and about the importance of preventive measures, such as source protection. Last year the installation’s tap water met all drinking water health standards and the water system operated without violation. The report describes the water sources, treatment methods, recent system improvements and discloses any detected contaminants discovered during routine testing. The full report is available in hardcopy form at the following locations: Environmental Management Division, building 667: Housing Division, building 626. It is also available here by clicking View the Annual Water Quality Report. For more information on the report call the DPW Environmental Management Division at 938-3224.