Soil and Groundwater Remediation for the Department of Defense

Sites formerly occupied by the DoD often have soil and groundwater impacts related to military activities such as fuel dispensing, transport and storage, vehicle/aircraft maintenance, munitions use, landfilling, and the tactical use of herbicides and pesticides. Contaminants commonly found on DoD sites include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals, fuels, explosives, and inorganic compounds such as asbestos, arsenic, pesticides, and herbicides. These compounds pose a risk to both human health and the surrounding environment.

As with the discovery of any environmental impact, the first step should be to immediately address any risk to human health or sensitive ecological site receptors. Once any immediate threats are mitigated, a longer-term remedial plan can be developed in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. These plans should be developed in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as state and local regulatory bodies. Communication with the local community should also be considered, with the encouragement of public comment as necessary.

While most environmental contamination can pose health hazards due to toxicity, the types of contaminant found on DoD sites can pose additional risks. For example, military munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) are unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other hazardous munitions materials left behind after live-fire training or testing, open burning and detonation, and burial could cause physical harm if dealt with irresponsibly. Besides the obvious danger of explosions, there can also be deleterious effects from exposure to chemical warfare agents or other hazardous substances in the munitions.