Championing Environmental Innovation at NATO’s Science and Technical Organization

June 21, 2024 - Defence Stories

From May 20th to 24th, scientists and researchers from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) community convened in Ottawa for the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) 53rd Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Panel Business Meetings (PBM). This forum serves as a platform for the defence community to leverage resources, engage in collaborative research, and exchange scientific information through various cooperative activities.

DND has a history of engaging in various AVT activities aimed at advancing departmental understanding of range management and munition assessment. Presently, several members of the DND team, including Ms. Stefanie Goure (Canadian Army), Dr. Dana Pantea (ADM(Mat)) and Mr. Rick Dunning (Canadian Forces Fire Marshal’s Office) along with DRDC researchers, are participating in pivotal roles as chairs and/or technical members in ongoing working groups focused on addressing range contamination with munitions as well as per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), and climate mitigation initiatives for military platforms.

DND’s participation not only reinforces Canada’s commitment to the alliance, but also permits the leveraging of ally knowledge to accelerate problem-solving for challenges specific to the department. For example, the insights gained from these collaborative efforts are informing DND’s strategy for transitioning from PFAS-to-PFAS free firefighting foam. This transition aligns with national and global efforts to phase out “forever chemicals”, reflecting on DND and Canada’s commitment to advancing safer and more sustainable practices in environmental management.

Of particular significance, Mr. Saleem Sattar, ADM(IE)’s Director General Environment and Sustainable Management, participated as a guest speaker during the PFAS working group meetings in Ottawa. Mr. Sattar provided valuable insights into DND’s strategic approach, lessons learned, and effective public communication concerning PFAS-related matters where they overlap with defence.

Upcoming Activities and Initiatives

The fall 2024 PBM will be held in Koblenz, Germany (14 – 16 October 2024) and will include a Research Specialist Meeting (RSM) on Water Sampling and Munitions Remediation Techniques for Ranges and Training Areas. The RSM is a 2-day open invitation symposium for NATO nations and allies, it will provide a unique opportunity for defence community staff to engage with NATO peers on issues related to contamination from live-fire military training.

During the spring 2025 PBM in Washington DC, USA, Dr. Pantea will lead a RSM on Life Cycle Analysis of Sustainable Technologies for Military Platforms. The RSM will aid in defence climate mitigation activities by promoting the exchange of technical information, essential to understanding the environmental impacts related to the life cycle process of military platforms with a focus on GHG emissions.

Furthermore, in the spirit of climate action, DND is endeavoring to take a leadership role within NATO STO in the field of wildland fire science for range management. Wildland fire science is an emerging environmental discipline for which DND has developed localized expertise as a response to several high-profile fires within range and training areas.