B.5.2.6 Ozone Depleting Chemicals

General.   Army policy states that Installations must eliminate their dependency on the commercial availability of Class I ozone depleting chemicals (ODCs) by the end of FY03.  The Army favors replacement through attrition for equipment containing Class II ODCs (i.e., hydrochlorofluorocarbons).  Therefore, every effort should be made to utilize ODC-free products in all new projects.

The contractor must coordinate with the DECAM Air Program as it must retain an accurate inventory of refrigerants and update the ODC Management Plan.  If any equipment contains over a 50 pound charge, recordkeeping/registration will be required for these units.

Requirements.  Class I ODCs can not be purchased for use on Fort Carson/PCMS without coordination with the DECAM and Commanding General.  

All technically feasible attempts should be made to install equipment capable of using a State reporting exempt HFC (hydrofluorocarbon).  This will ensure that Fort Carson can comply with its Class II ODC elimination strategy.  Acceptable HFCs include R23, R-34a, R404a, R407a,b,c, R410a, R507, and a few specialty compounds manufactured in limited quantities.   It is mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that R-22 is to be gradually phased-out over the next several years.  R-410A is a preferable non-ozone depleting chemical.   While this new refrigerant works just as well, it requires pressures up to 50% greater than R-22, so it can't be used in existing equipment and there's no practical way to convert existing equipment. The higher operating pressure actually improves efficiency slightly.  After 1 January 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment.  The production of R-22 itself must cease by 2020.  Use of existing refrigerant, including refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled, will be allowed beyond 1 January 2020 to service existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps.

All new processes and equipment utilizing ODCs (Class I and II) must undergo a DECAM project review and obtain approval prior to construction and start-up. 

In accordance with Army policy, all Class I ODCs recovered from any equipment on Fort Carson must be retained within Army ownership, including if a contractor removes/recycles ODCs during a demolition activity.  Class II ODCs can be sold, traded, or exchanged (but not vented).  However, records must being maintained by the government, and copies provided to the DECAM Air Program, to show proof during an inspection of what happened to the ODC.  The DECAM Air Program must be contacted to assist with proper chain of disposal.for any Class I or contaminated cyclinders.

B.5.2 Air Quality Management Program