February 26th, Camden County spent $10.3 million to create a spaceport. It will have more money if Union Carbide allows it to sign a deal for the launch site.
Although the lack of assurance that taxpayers will receive a return on their money is a concern it is not the only concern. Opponents say the bigger concern is the location the county wants.
Union Carbide has a 58-acre hazardous disposal area and eight solid waste management areas on the site. It also includes surface storage for empty drums, a burn area and borrow pit, Aldicarb disposal, two trench disposal areas and munition response areas.
The landfill was closed in 1988 without a complete record of waste.
Unexploded munitions can be found in certain areas that are restricted. A covenant with the environment will be established to restrict access and construction activities.
There are also 24 drums buried in this area. It is possible there are more.
The environmental covenant says that the property can only ever be used for non-residential uses due to human exposure to hazardous substances or hazardous waste. Activity is restricted to capped areas. Groundwater extraction and use are also prohibited.
John Simpson, a Camden County spokesperson said that despite the problems surrounding the property’s condition, the county will not buy or take possession.
Union Carbide Corp. will continue to own and monitor the landfill under its Resource Conservation & Recovery Act permit. He stated that Camden County will not be responsible for the landfill.
He stated that a spaceport could be safely operated at the site.
Camden County’s safety, health, environmental protection and legal experts have determined that the spaceport can safely be built on and operated at this former industrial site. There is minimal active remediation required in areas that will be used by the spaceport facility, he stated.
He said that Union Carbide should not be held liable for any environmental problems at the site.
Simpson stated that bona fide potential purchasers like Camden County can own and operate such sites under state and federal laws without incurring open ended liability. “The county intends take reasonable steps to protect its status as a bona-fide prospective purchaser. It also intends to use environmental coverage to minimize any liability.
Simpson stated that although many believe the county plans to buy the Bayer CropScience tract adjacent, it is not.
He stated that Camden County does not intend to purchase the Bayer CropScience tract. “Camden must be able to access this property during launch activities per the FAA licence. We are confident that this can be done without the Bayer CropScience property.”