The Navy seeks input from neighbors of Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. This includes people who worked there as civilians, military personnel, and business owners in King George County.
The information sought is not due to a new incident or spillage at the research and developmental facility. Instead, the present is the focus [is]According to the Navy bases: Cleaning up the negative effects of past waste disposal practices Environmental Restoration Program website. It describes the history and purpose of Dahlgren’s Navy base and the ongoing use, handling and storage of hazardous materials and petroleum products.
Dahlgren was established in 1918 due to its location on the Potomac River, which provided a long overwater range that allowed for the testing modern, high-powered ammunition. According to a profile on The Navy, it was later designated the Navy’s principal proving ground. It was responsible for testing and proofing every major gun and all ammunitions provided to the fleet. Military Services Directory.
People are also reading…
Dahlgren also made the transition to weapon systems research and development when the new technology was shifting to electronic firing and targeting systems. The effects of electromagnetic radiation from radar and radio transmitters led to the development of ballistic missile systems as well as strategic nuclear weapons onboard submarines.
According to the restoration program website, some of the practices used in the base’s early years didn’t conform to today’s stricter environmental standards. According to a 2006 Free LanceStar article, there were leaks and accidental spillages. Pesticides were rinsed or burned in some contaminated areas.
After Congress established the federal Superfund program to clean up polluted areas, cleanup efforts began. The Fredericksburg area was home to five Superfund sites, including Dahlgren Navy base.
Dahlgren had initially identified 130 sites that needed attention. But, the list has now been reduced to 75 sites. In 1992, work began on the most urgent sites.
Machine guns were fired at Site 37 on the upper Machodoc Creek over the years until the lead-contaminated sand embankments were around them. The metal was eventually separated and dumped along the creek.
Site 37 was approximately half an acre in size. Officials involved with the restoration program assessed it and concluded that there was no risk to human health. However, there was an environmental effect due to lead accumulation in marine life and wildlife. To contain the lead, we covered the affected areas with 2ft. of clean fill dirt.
Both the military and the Environmental Protection Agency as well the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality were involved in the restoration plans. Jeron Hayes from Naval Support Activity South Potomac, public affairs officer, stated that the program has cost more $85 million.
Site investigations, soil removal and restorations have all been part of the project, which also includes long-term land-use restrictions. Hayes said that the Navy spends between 1 million and 2 million each year on monitoring efforts. The majority of Dahlgren sites have been cleaned and are no longer required.
The base held regular meetings for many years to keep the community informed about cleanup efforts. However, as cleanup efforts slowed down, regular meetings were discontinued seven years ago. They are now held as necessary, Hayes stated.
The Community Involvement Program, which includes the survey and isn’t brand new, is a revised outreach effort starting in 2013. Hayes stated that the plan includes additional investigations into emerging contaminants and includes the community, federal, and state partners in ongoing and future efforts.
Dahlgren created a plan last summer to assess the effects of radioactive materials stored, handled, or used on the base. According to the plan, a contractor will examine 82 areas where radioactive materials could be present. The sites include structures that were used to store or burn or bury ordnance, landfills, and areas where uranium was found.
According to the study plan, portions of the Mainside and Explosives Experiment Area, an isolated weapons range covering 1,641 acres, were used for testing small-caliber projectiles containing uranium and its alloys. According to the plan, the four sites are now remediated.
Interviews with people who are familiar with the area will be used to gather information. Maps of surface waters, fisheries, and wetlands will also be included. Also, the base boundary will be used to determine the location of private and public wells within one mile.
More information is available about the assessment and disposal of radioactive material. navfac.navy.mil/niris/WASHINGTON/DAHLGREN_NSWC/N00178_001405.pdf.
The community survey takes between 10 to 15 minutes and asks for community feedback. It measures community involvement and commitment to environment. It will be accessible until March 20th. tinyurl.com/DahlgrenSurvey. You can also call 540/653-8153 to complete the survey by phone.
Cathy Dyson, 540/374-5425
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines Newsletter.
