Environmental Quality Technology - Dem/Val

The Environmental Quality Technology - Demonstration and Validation (PE 0603779A) program is a Department of the Army initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, specifically focused on advanced component development and prototyping of environmental quality technologies. The primary goal of this program element is to demonstrate and validate innovative technologies that address environmental, safety, occupational health, and energy (ESOHE) challenges across Army weapon systems, installations, and infrastructure. By validating these technologies in realistic operational environments, the Army aims to reduce total ownership costs, enhance performance, and ensure that new solutions are ready for adoption by end users.

The National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence (NDCEE) is a major project within this program, managed by the Army for the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy, Installations and Environment). The NDCEE serves as a national resource for demonstrating, validating, and transitioning mature ESOHE technologies. Its objectives include supporting Army modernization priorities, addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS, and ensuring compliance with federal environmental and energy mandates. NDCEE activities encompass project management, technology screening and selection, execution, reporting, and technology transfer, with a focus on solutions that can be rapidly fielded to enhance readiness and reduce environmental liabilities.

The Environmental Quality Technology Demonstration/Validation (E21) project supports the advanced development and prototyping of materials and processes that modernize Army sustainment and training capabilities. Objectives include eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous substances such as hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and airborne lead in Army weapon systems, as well as developing low global warming potential alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. These efforts are led by the Army Futures Command, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and are closely aligned with Army modernization priorities and regulatory compliance requirements.

Within E21, several targeted initiatives are underway. The Toxic Metal Reduction in Surface Finishing project aims to replace hazardous materials in surface finishing processes with safer alternatives, reducing health risks to soldiers and workers and improving the durability of Army equipment. The Airborne Lead Reduction project focuses on eliminating toxic lead compounds from rocket and missile propellants and explosives, supporting both training readiness and health protection at Army ranges and installations. The Low Global Warming Potential Alternatives initiative evaluates and transitions new refrigerants and fire suppression agents that meet military requirements while minimizing environmental impact.

A significant focus is also placed on the remediation and management of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination on Army installations. The program demonstrates and validates advanced materials, 3D printed structures, and novel destruction technologies for PFAS, as well as field-deployable sensors and decision support tools for risk management. These efforts are intended to support compliance with emerging regulatory standards and reduce long-term environmental and health risks associated with legacy contaminants.

The VEQT Transition Program is designed to ensure that technologies previously demonstrated and validated can be rapidly transitioned to Army installations. This includes deploying PFAS water treatment technologies, implementing safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals, and adopting environmentally preferred formulations for mission-critical products. The goal is to enhance environmental safety and health protections for soldiers, maintain operational readiness, and reduce supply chain risks.

Congressional adds have provided targeted funding for demonstration projects such as underwater cut and capture technology for demilitarizing live underwater munitions and friction stir additive manufacturing. These projects are intended to address specific operational challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. The Environmental Quality Technology - Dem/Val program supports the Army's commitment to modernization, regulatory compliance, and the health and safety of its personnel and surrounding communities, while also advancing the Department of Defense's broader sustainability and efficiency objectives.