Environmental Information

Scope and Mission

Our mission is to implement an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) that complies with ISO 14001 standards and DAFI 32-7001 guidelines. We ensure that all personnel are equipped with the necessary environmental knowledge to relay environmental concerns to the appropriate person. Through comprehensive training and multi-level inspection programs, we aim to prevent incidents, maintain environmental compliance, and work towards our goal of continuous improvement and pollution prevention.

Given the age and history of Altus AFB and the training and periodic operational missions, there is a need for a robust EMS. It is essential for maintaining compliance with Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 90-8, which focuses on Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health and Risk Management Policy (ESOH). Our EMS also adheres to numerous environmental regulations to protect both human health and the environment.

The EMS framework serves as a roadmap that integrates existing environmental programs with mission management processes. This cohesive system supports both the Air Force as a whole and Altus AFB by managing and mitigating the environmental impacts of our activities, products, and services—whether these impacts are direct or indirect, individual or cumulative. EMS is a systemic approach to tackle "big rock" environmental concerns or improvements needing to be elevated for 97th AMW leadership decision, typically during the EMS Management Review.

The scope of the Altus AFB EMS encompasses all base organizations and facilities within the installation and the commander's span of control. This includes tenant organizations, base contractors, and the Sooner Drop Zone located in Harmon County, Oklahoma.

Environmental Policy Commitment Letter

The 4 Pillars

1. Compliance

2. Conservation

3. Quality of Life

4. Restoration

Environmental Program Manager Contacts

  • Air Quality/Tanks/Toxics: 580-481-7605
  • EMS/QRP/Recycling: 580-481-6221
  • Restoration: 580-481-7346
  • Natural & Cultural Resources: 580-481-7606
  • NEPA & Water Quality: 580-481-7609
  • Hazardous Waste/Hazardous Materials: 580-481-6110
  • For more information please contact Delaine Kelley at (580) 481-7606 or delaine.kelley.1@us.af.mil

 

 

1. Compliance

The Environmental Element is responsible for ensuring Altus AFB is compliant with Federal, State, and Air Force laws and regulations related to the management of:

Each individual squadron is charged with the safe handling, managing, and disposing of materials generated during mission support activities. Solid waste, hazardous waste, and liquid waste are also subject to these laws and regulations. Squadrons with a large environmental footprint have Unit Environmental Coordinators (UEC) to assist their environmental team and fellow Airmen in following all applicable environmental regulations. The responsibility for compliance lies with you!

2. Conservation

Environmental Conservation

Altus AFB is responsible for the management and protection of 8,016 acres of land including 15.47 acres of wetland, 18.68 acres of forested land, as well as fish and wildlife management, providing outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural resources management.

Natural Resources

2025 INRMP

Sikes Act

Natural Resources eDASH

Cultural Resources

2026 ICRMP

Cultural Resources eDASH

Picture of Alert Apron

3. Quality of Life

The Sikes Act requires military installations to provide the multipurpose use of natural resources, including hunting, fishing, and other natural resource-based outdoor recreational activities, when consistent with the military mission. IAW DAFI 34-101, Altus AFB strives to support the military mission by providing outdoor recreational opportunities to improve morale and enhance the quality of life for people who live and work on the installation.

See the Altus AFB RecAccess website for more information on all our annual events and becoming a member of our community garden: https://altusafb.recaccess.com/

4. Restoration

The Environmental Restoration section is responsible for cleaning up contamination from past operations, predominately Trichloroethylene (TCE), reducing risks to human health and the environment. The section manages the Environmental Restoration Program:

  • Identification and characterization of contaminated sites
  • Planning, programming and budgeting of cleanup projects
  • Cradle-to-grave management of restoration activities 
  • Contract oversight
  • Interface with EPA and state representatives regarding cleanup of contaminated sites.

The Environmental Restoration Program is currently looking for individuals interested in joining a Restoration Advisory Board. If interested, please contact us at 580-481-7346.