Emerging Contaminants Program Basics
The mission of the Chemical and Material Risk Management (CMRM) Program is to protect readiness, people and the environment by identifying and managing risks associated with the chemicals and materials DoD uses. We do this by enabling more effective management of current and future risks from chemicals and, in so doing, we lower lifecycle costs, drive innovation, and avoid the need for future crisis-driven retooling to comply with new regulations.
What We Do
- Scan the horizon and identify chemicals or materials that either lack human health standards or have an evolving science and regulatory status — these are called “emerging contaminants.”
- Determine which of these chemicals and materials DoD uses, or plans to use, and how we use them.
- Assess the impacts of the science, toxicity, or regulatory changes on people, the environment, and DoD business functions and mission.
- Collaborate with stakeholders within DoD and externally to mitigate the risks.
- Develop policies, procedures and guidance for integrating lifecycle environment, safety and Health considerations into the DoD acquisition process.
- Develop policies, procedures and guidance for chemical management and promote green procurement across the enterprise.
- Integrate science, technology, and policy to pursue sustainable use of chemicals and materials.
Why We Do It
- Protect people and the environment.
- Protect vital DoD functions and applications.
- Reduce lifecycle costs of weapons systems, platforms, equipment, and facilities.
How We Do It
- Collaborate with multiple DoD Components and offices.
- Build consensus on risks and spotlight actions and investments needed to minimize risks for decision-makers. Catalyze change by providing avenues for DoD to move toward more environmentally protective and sustainable practices.
- Partner and collaborate with other agencies, industry, state organizations, academia, and non-governmental organizations to achieve common objectives.
