IDF to invest in environmental reform

The Israel Defense Forces will invest NIS 1 billion (about $276 million) over the next 15 years in repairing the environmental hazards in its facilities. The bulk of the effort, partially financed by loans from the Environmental Protection Ministry, will be directed at stopping sewage pollution, connecting army bases to organized sewage systems and eliminating pollution from gas facilities, some of which are at risk of contaminating deep water reserves. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi presented the plan, which was devised by the army and the Ministry of Defense, to graduates of the Officers Course in south Israeli base Bahad 1 on Tuesday. The plan touches on both environmental hazard repair and army-wide behavioral reform, as well energy efficiency which might minimize the cost of electricity consumption. The IDF is considered Israel's major polluting factor after causing serious environmental damage in the past. After years of scuffles with the Environmental Protection Ministry, the IDF has started taking steps to reform its approach towards the issue, and created the Environmental Protection Administration, headed by Lieutenant-Colonel Eli Paz. IDF officials said the fact that Ashkenazi decided to present the plan himself is a significant indicator of the army's change in attitude towards the environment. . There are approximately 250 army bases of different sizes and fields that require environmental hazard repair, 150 of which are not connected to a proper sewage system. Another major problem is asbestos exposure. Though the IDF has already started to connect bases in the Golan Heights to the sewage systems, the entire project is expected to last 15 years. An educational program has been prepared as well, which asserts that an officer will be placed in charge of environmental issues at each army base and unit. The officer will be personally accountable for any hazards that are not addressed properly. Officials from the environment field expressed hope that the IDF will keep its promises, thus solving many environmental problems and preventing significant future damage. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook