Forward Operating Base Salerno: Inadequate Planning Resulted in $5 Million Spent for Unused Incinerators and the Continued Use of Potentially Hazardous Open-Air Burn Pit Operations

In July 2010, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USACE awarded a 5.4 million contract to construct solid waste management facilities at Forward Operating Base FOB Salerno. The contract required installing two 8- ton capacity incinerators and supporting facilities such as an ash landfill and management office. At the time of contract award, the base was primarily using open-air burn pit operations to dispose of its solid waste. FOB Salerno stated it was moving to incineration for several reasons including the possible health hazards to personnel from emissions generated by open-air burning of solid waste material. This report assesses 1 whether construction was completed in accordance with contract requirements and applicable construction standards, 2 whether the incinerators and supporting facilities were being used as intended and maintained, and 3 the status of open-air burn pit operations. SIGAR reviewed contract and design documents, technical specifications, quality assurance reports, and regulations governing the use of open-air burn pit operations. SIGAR conducted its work in Kabul, Afghanistan, and at FOB Salerno, in Khowst province, from September 2012 through April 2013, in accordance with Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation published by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.