Chemical and Material Risk Management Program
OSD’s Chemical and Material Risk Management Program (CMRMP) protects readiness, people, and the environment by identifying and managing risks associated with the chemicals and materials DoD uses. OSD identifies, tracks, and manages Emerging Contaminants (ECs) as part of the CMRMP. ECs are chemicals or materials that either lack human health standards or have an evolving science and regulatory status with potential to significantly impact the DoD mission. The CMRMP staff interacts with the DoD Materials of Evolving Regulatory Interest Team (MERIT) to enhance information sharing on chemical/material risks across the Department. The MERIT consists of representatives from many different DoD and Component organizations.
The CMRMP uses a three-phase process called “Scan-Watch-Action” to identify and evaluate ECs and complete DoD Impact Assessments. CMRMP develops risk management actions for ECs that present high risks to mission, people, or DoD business functions. The actions may include new research, development of substitute materials, new pollution controls, personnel protective requirements, or new cleanup technologies.
The EC Watch List (requires CAC & AKO account) includes chemicals where new science suggests issues should be carefully tracked for regulatory changes that may impact DoD. The CMRMP conducts a detailed Phase I Impact Assessment of chemicals and materials on the Watch List to evaluate the likelihood of changes to regulatory status, and considers the likelihood and severity of ESOH impacts to DoD and its mission. An EC with high risk in one or more assessed areas may be recommended for elevation to the EC Action List (requires CAC & AKO account). ECs with lower risks may be kept on the Watch List and periodically revisited to see if circumstances have changed.
Chemical & Material Risk Alerts (requires CAC & AKO account) describe specific actions that Program Mangers should consider to minimize future program risks.
