Book Description

The Department of Defense's Installation Restoration Program (IRP) is a four-phase program to identify past waste disposal practices, evaluate environmental impacts, propose mitigation measures, and remediate environmental problems. Phase I of the IRP is an initial assessment and records search to locate potential environmental problems associated with waste disposal practices. The Phase II field study was conducted between March 1984 and August 1986. The investigation focused on whether environmental contamination had occurred, the magnitude and extent of the contamination, and the environmental consequences of migrating pollutants. Nine coreholes and nine groundwater monitoring wells were drilled, and sampled. Contaminants were detected in the soil and groundwater at most of the sites. The contaminants detected in the highest quantities in the groundwater were lead and benzene. However, the shallow groundwater at the base is not used for drinking water. Shallow groundwater use outside the base is unknown, but it is not believed to include drinking water supplies. Additionally, the existing aquifers are thin and discontinuous on the base so that no known immediate treat to human health exists. Each of the eleven sites was categorized according to Air Force criteria: Category I - no further investigation required, Category II - additional work needed, or Category III - institute remedial action. All sites were Category II.