Information on the Air Force Academy Natural Resources Program is available at https://usafa.isportsman.net

The Academy protects and otherwise takes into account material expressions of historic and prehistoric (pre-1500 AD) sites, buildings/structures and other cultural resources across USAFA’s lands or otherwise effected by its mission needs. This oversight is required by a number of federal laws with the majority of attention required under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). The federal planning process of NHPA Section 106 in turn drives most such considerations, and it requires (1) federal agencies to take into account the effects their undertakings may have on cultural resources termed Historic Properties (defined by reference to the NHPA-associated National Register of Historic Places), and (2) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation must be afforded an opportunity to comment on such undertakings. Section 106 is a “Stop-Look-Listen” requirement for the Academy’s leadership in making decisions that may impact Historic Properties. Stakeholders to the Section 106 consultation process include the State Historic Preservation Officer, federally-recognized tribes attaching importance to Historic Properties, and others including the public. Information is at An Introduction to Section 106 | Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (achp.gov). As the Academy’s core campus is a National Historic Landmark, additionally the National Park Service is consulted for that location. Section 106 planning process typically runs in synchrony with the NEPA (and Air Force EIAP) planning (see Integrating NEPA and Section 106 | Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (achp.gov) ).

The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 act encourages looking at waste more broadly with a view towards reducing pollution. All pollutants are to be minimized and waste creation is to be controlled, not just during the production process, but also in the design of products that will have less impact on the environment while in use and after disposal. It is Academy and national policy to prefer pollution prevention, whenever feasible. Waste that cannot be prevented should be recycled, and waste that cannot be prevented or recycled should be treated in an environmentally safe manner. Disposal should be employed only as a last resort. 

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) includes: Chemicals, Dyes, Gases: compressed and liquefied, Pest Control Agents, Medications, Cleaning and Polishing Compounds, Paints, Varnishes and Related Materials, Preservatives and Sealing Compounds, Adhesives, Fuels (Solid), Liquid Propellants, Fuel Oils, Oils and Greases: Cutting, Lubricating, Hydraulic. The purpose of the HMP is to manage the procurement and use of HAZMAT to (1) support Air Force missions; (2) to protect the safety and health of personnel on the Academy and communities surrounding the Academy; (3) minimize the use of HAZMAT consistent with mission requirements; (4) and to maintain Academy compliance with environmental requirements for HAZMAT usage.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, and as subsequently amended, established a "cradle-to-grave" system governing hazardous waste from the point of generation to disposal. RCRA hazardous wastes include the specific materials listed in the regulations and materials that exhibit a hazardous waste characteristic (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity). The Academy, like other regulated entities that generate hazardous waste, is subject to waste accumulation, manifesting, and record keeping standards. In addition, the Academy minimizes its waste generation by using a hazardous material pharmacy to allocate and dispense hazardous materials on an "as needed" basis and requires all organizations to promote pollution prevention through reuse and recycling whenever possible.

Recycling is a series of activities that includes the collection of items that would otherwise be considered waste, sorting and processing the recyclable products into raw materials, and re-manufacturing the recycled raw materials into new products. Consumers provide the last link in recycling by purchasing products made from recycled content. Recycling also can include composting of food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials. At the Academy newspaper, #1 &2 plastics, and glass are collected for recycle in dumpsters located in the Community Center parking lot. Plastic, paper, and aluminum and steel cans are also picked up in housing areas through the curb-side recycling program. For missed collections in housing areas, call (719) 867-9688. Household Medical Waste Management: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued guidance for disposal of contaminated bandages, used hypodermic needles, and unwanted household medicines. For a copy of the guidance, see the CDPHE website

Household Medical Waste Management