HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Air Base Group Civil Engineering Division recently incorporated new, more sustainable materials to their grounds management operations.
A non-toxic, vinegar-based solution replaced the synthetic weed-killer products used previously.
“We needed to maintain a 10-foot buffer around the base perimeter fence so Security Forces can patrol effectively,” said Scott Sheehan, 66 ABG environmental engineer.
Mechanical methods like mowing and trimming have been difficult due to in-house teams being severely undermanned.
“Traditional weed-killer products can help get the job done, but they result in harmful residuals from streets and sidewalks that lead into our drains and wetlands,” Sheehan said. “This non-toxic solution is an effective alternative.”
Civil Engineering Roads and Grounds personnel now use a strong, agricultural grade vinegar-based solution. The acid in this non-toxic pesticide damages plant cells in the presence of sunlight and can kill the invasive plants without harmful synthetic chemical runoff.
The push for more eco-friendly approaches is a focus area for the environmental office.
“I think it’s a good attempt to reduce synthetic pesticides on base,” said Dan Robbins, engineering technician. “The pesticides persist in the soil until they runoff and dilute. Synthetic herbicides can volatize in hot weather and damage surrounding plants. Their impact can also affect the water quality and pose harm to local insects like the monarch butterfly.”
Sheehan and Robbins recognize the importance of community partnerships when tackling these issues.
“One of the goals in Hanscom Air Force Base’s Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan is to use citizen science and public outreach to help engage with volunteers to accomplish some of the things that won’t get funded,” said Sheehan.
On June 12, Sheehan’s team hosted a partnership day with the Hanscom School science department. Seventh grade students participated in a Shawsheen River clean-up event and an alternative weedkiller demonstration where they learned about invasive plant control, environmental stewardship and local ecosystems.
“The Hanscom School seventh grade science class has been really helpful with these projects,” Robbins added. “The partnership day brought up the discussion about non-toxic weedkillers, and now we’re seeing it in action.”
For questions about the environmental element, email Scott Sheehan at scott.sheehan.1@us.af.mil.