In an effort to bring products closer to military customers, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service opened a new Europe distribution center in Germersheim, Germany, earlier this year.
Now, according to Stars and Stripes, the Defense Logistics Agency is looking for approval from German authorities to increase the space of the Army depot. The increase in storage capacity of items already held in the warehouse is going to help the U.S. military "better meet…[their] commitment to NATO," according to a statement by DLA.
These products include oil and other petroleum products as well as hydraulic fluid, antifreeze, fog oil and brake fluid.
The inclusion of hazardous materials, , has caused some of the residents, including the mayor, to pause. The plan has the potential to more than double the amount of hazardous material stored within the warehouse and could pose an environmental risk.
However, the DLA said the project will "meet or exceed the more stringent of all applicable German and U.S. regulations" while also having the German government inspect the construction work after it is complete. DLA also said the goods are all pre-packaged by the manufacturer to combat the risk of an accidental spill of hazardous material.
The project is currently under review, allowing residents to raise their concerns and objections with German authorities up until May 9.
Rachael Kalinyak is an editorial intern with Network Solutions.
