Department of Defense TCE Connection

Summary Report from Office of Deputy Secretary for Defense - Emerging Contaminants

EPA Region 1 Raises TCE Concern to EC

• Several small- to medium-sized enterprises using TCE to clean metal belt buckles for DoD in New England
• May be indicative of similar applications for DoD subcontractors throughout the country

EC Directorate Responds

• Working to identify relevant stock/part numbers, standards and specifications, involving Defense Logistics Agency, Army’s Institute of Heraldry and Natick’s Research, Development & Engineering Center
• Obtaining results of performance tests for replacement (water-based) cleaners from UMass Lab under state’s Toxic Use Reduction program; some candidate chemicals identified as successful

Findings Thus Far

• No apparent reference to the specified use of TCE for buckle cleaning
• Other DoD uniform insignia also being processed by the same companies
• Chemical costs (as compared to TCE) may not be an issue
• Equipment costs (estimated at $10,000-$50,000) are an issue
• Long return-on-investment for smaller companies (ROI > 2 years)
• Industry-wide process change may require updating DoD policy and communicating this position to contractors and subcontractors alike