Initial Actions:
The Army initiated an investigation into the nature and extent of groundwater contamination in 1984. Findings showed an area of contamination known as the Fritzsche Army Airfield practice fire area. The Army installed a groundwater and soil treatment system that has been operational since 1988. The contaminated groundwater is treated through carbon adsorption. A mixture of treated groundwater and necessary nutrients was sprayed on the contaminated soil adjacent to the groundwater treatment plant to facilitate the treatment. Soil treatment is complete.
Removal actions:
The Army completed a number of time-critical and non time-critical removal actions to address unexploded ordnance both in- and out-side the 8000-acre firing range while the Munitions and Explosives of Concern Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study was underway. The Army has developed a Site Security Program to increase education, fencing, warning signs, and overall security to prevent the public from coming into contact with unexploded ordnance until final actions are complete.
Soil and Groundwater Contamination Program:
Basewide Remedial Investigation Sites:
In 1990, the Army began further investigations into the nature and extent of on- and off-site soil and groundwater contamination, as well as any ecological or health threats that may be present. The investigation identified three waste disposal sites, firing ranges, and a vehicle maintenance area that require extensive cleanup actions. The Army completed the Basewide Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study on October 1, 2005. The Army is currently evaluating treatment/disposal options for additional Site 39 soils to be excavated.
Site 3 Beach Small Arms Firing Ranges:
Site 3 is situated within about 3.2 miles (780 acres) of dunes along the coastline of Monterey Bay at the western boundary of Fort Ord. Results of the investigation indicated lead from small arms was the main contaminant at the site. The site is also home of the Smith's Blue butterfly, an endangered species, and buckwheat plants which the butterflies use to lay their eggs on. This site was investigated as part of the Basewide Remedial Investigation Site RI/FS which was complete on October 1, 2005.
Fritzsche Army Airfield Practice Fire Area (Operable Unit 1):
An investigation into the nature and extent of contamination in the Fritzsche Army Airfield practice fire area began in 1984. This site was investigated as part of the Basewide Remedial Investigation Site RI/FS which was complete on October 1, 2005.
Fort Ord Landfill (Operable Unit 2):
In 1994, the Army completed an investigation focusing on groundwater and soil contamination originating from the landfill. Monitoring wells were installed, surface soil samples collected, and soil gas samples taken.
Munitions and Explosives of Concern Program
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study:
The Army has addressed the cleanup of unexploded ordnance through removal actions, as discussed above, and remedial actions. A comprehensive Remedial Investigation /Feasibility Study (RI/FS) was initiated in 2000 - the first such RI/FS nationally. The RI/FS evaluated ordnance detection equipment and procedures, risk assessment approaches, and long-term monitoring methods, to name a few. The RI/FS for munitions sites at Fort Ord utilizes a tracking process to allow for sites at various phases of investigation to move through the decision-making process faster. According to this tracking process, a munitions site on Fort Ord is assigned to one of four Tracks, Track 0 through Track 3.
Track 0 sites are sites that have no evidence of use of munitions and explosives of concern.
Track 1 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern were suspected but no further remedial action was deemed necessary to protect human health and the environment.
Track 2 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern were found and a removal action was conducted by the Army to clean it up. The first of several Track 2 RI/FS reports was completed for the 600 acre Parker Flats site on August 31, 2006. The second Track 2 RI/FS was completed for the 272 acres Del Rey Oaks site on August 22, 2007.
Track 3 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern are known to be present but no cleanup has been conducted yet. The first Track 3 RI/FS is for the 6,560-acre portion of the 8,000-acre historical Impact Area. This Track 3 site is entirely within the natural resources management area described in the Installation-wide Multispecies Habitat Management Plan for Former Fort Ord, California and is currently identified for transfer to the Bureau of Land Management. The RI/FS was completed on June 25, 2007.
Privatized Cleanup Program
Group 1 Seaside Munitions Response Area and Parker Flats Munitions Response Area Phase II:
This is the first cleanup action conducted under the Privatized Cleanup Scheme. Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) submitted the Final RI/FS Work Plan for the Group 1 Seaside Munitions Response Area and Parker Flats Munitions Response Area on December 17, 2008. The objectives of this work plan is to outline the steps that will be taken to gather additional data to fully characterize the Phase II Area of the Parker Flats Munitions Response Area, to assess the explosive safety risks that may be present at the Seaside and Parker Flats Munitions Response Area Phase II, and to evaluate alternatives which may be used to reduce the potential explosive safety risks to current and future property owners and the general public within the Parker Flats Munitions Response Area Phase II and the Seaside Munitions Response Area.
Group 2 California State University at Monterey Bay Off-Campus and County North Munitions Response Areas:
This is the second cleanup action conducted under the Privatized Cleanup Scheme. FORA submitted the Draft Final Group 2 Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Work Plan, California State University at Monterey Bay Off-campus and County North Munitions Response Areas, Former Fort Ord Monterey County, California (Draft Final Group 2 RI/FS Work Plan) on February 16, 2009. The Draft Final Group 2 RI/FS Work Plan outlines the steps to be taken to define the nature and extent of MEC contamination, assess explosive safety risks that may be present, and develop, screen and evaluate alternatives to reduce the potential explosive safety risks to current and future property owners and public.
Group 3 Interim Action Ranges, Military Operations in Urban Terrain, Leguna Seca Parking, and Del Rey Oaks/Monterey Munitions Response Areas:
This is the third cleanup action conducted under the Privatized Cleanup Scheme. FORA submitted the Draft Group 3 Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Work Plan, Interim Action Ranges, Military Operations in urban Terrain, leguna Seca parking, and Del Rey Oaks/Monterey munitions Response Area (Draft Group 3 Work Plan) on February 27, 2009. The objective of this Work Plan is to evaluate existing data from
Soil and Groundwater Contamination Program:
Soil Interim Action Plug-in ROD:
An Interim Action Plug-in ROD was signed by EPA, the Army, and the State in March 1994, to address sites with limited soil contamination by soil excavation. The Plug-in ROD identifies the criteria each potential site must be evaluated against. If a site meets all the criteria, the Army can remediate the site by soil excavation according to the Plug-in ROD. The interim actions are focused on addressing primarily surface soils contaminated with fuels and waste oils from motor pools. Soils will be excavated and then treated at a treatment area using bioremediation. Since 1994, 20 sites have met the plug-in criteria.
Soil No-Action Plug-in ROD:
A No-Action Plug-in ROD was signed in April 1995. The ROD was designed for sites where soil sampling results indicate levels are below concern. A thirty (30) day public comment period is held for sites that meet the No-Action criteria. Since 1995, ten sites have met the No-Action ROD criteria.
Basewide RI Sites ROD:
In 1990, the Army began further investigations into the nature and extent of on- and off-site soil and groundwater contamination, as well as any ecological or health threats that may be present. The investigation identified three waste disposal sites, firing ranges, and a vehicle maintenance area that require extensive cleanup actions. The Army completed the RI/FS and ROD in 1997,
Fritzsche Army Airfield Practice Fire Area (Operable Unit 1):
An investigation into the nature and extent of contamination in the Fritzsche Army Airfield practice fire area began in 1984. The ROD was signed in September 1995.
Fort Ord Landfill (Operable Unit 2):
The Army selected a remedy in the fall of 1994 that included capping the landfill and installing a groundwater pump and treatment system. Construction of the groundwater treatment system is complete and is operational. In May 1995, the Army proposed to consolidate wastes from several areas around the main landfill which would provide more clean land for re-use. The changes are documented in the Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) in August 1996.
Carbon Tetrachloride Plume Operable Unit:
The Army completed a remedial investigation/feasibility study of the so-called "carbon tetrachloride plume operable unit", near the City of Marina. The selected alternative is monitored natural attenuation for the groundwater. EPA signed the ROD on February 6, 2008.
Munitions and Explosives of Concerns Program:
Track 0 Sites:
Track 0 sites are sites that have no evidence of use of munitions and explosives of concern.
A Record of Decision (ROD) for Track 0 was signed on June 19, 2002.
Track 1 Sites:
Track 1 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern were suspected but no further remedial action was deemed necessary to protect human health and the environment. A Track 1 ROD was signed on April 6, 2005.
Track 2 Sites:
Track 2 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern were found and a removal action was conducted by the Army to clean it up, but further evaluation is required to determine whether additional remedial action is necessary.
Parker Flats Munitions Response Site Record of Decision:
The first of several Track 2 RODs was completed for the 600 acre Parker Flats site on August 20, 2008.
Del Rey Oaks Munitions Response Site Record of Decision:
The second Track 2 RI/FS was completed for the 272 acres Del Rey Oaks site on August 22, 2007. The Track 2 Del Rey Oaks ROD was approved by the EPA on November 21, 2008.
Track 3 Sites:
Track 3 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern are known to be present but no cleanup has been conducted yet.
Impact Area Munitions Response Site Record of Decision:
The first Track 3 RI/FS is for the 6,560-acre portion of the 8,000-acre historical Impact Area. This Track 3 site is entirely within the natural resources management area described in the Installation-wide Multispecies Habitat Management Plan for Former Fort Ord, California and is currently identified for transfer to the Bureau of Land Management. The ROD was approved by the EPA on May 15, 2008.
Soil and Groundwater Contamination Program:
Basewide Remedial Investigation Sites:
In 1990, the Army began further investigations into the nature and extent of on- and off-site soil and groundwater contamination, as well as any ecological or health threats that may be present. The investigation identified three waste disposal sites, firing ranges, and a vehicle maintenance area that require extensive cleanup actions. The Army completed all soil cleanup actions, and groundwater pump and treatment systems are operational. The action included remediating the Sites 2/12 maintenance/disposal area by soil excavation and ongoing groundwater remediation, Sites 16/17 disposal area by soil excavation, Site 31 disposal area by soil excavation, and Site 39 small arms ranges by soil excavation. Most of the excavated soils were placed at the Fort Ord Landfill before the Army placed cover material (a so-called "cap") over it in December 2002. The Army is currently evaluating treatment/disposal options for additional Site 39 soils to be excavated.
Fritzsche Army Airfield Practice Fire Area (Operable Unit 1):
An investigation into the nature and extent of contamination in the Fritzsche Army Airfield practice fire area began in 1984. The ROD was signed in September 1995. Groundwater cleanup standards were established in the ROD which must be met through the existing pump and treat system. The selected remedy is consistent with the initial action described above. The groundwater treatment system was installed in 1988. The Army continues to monitor the plume, while slightly expanding the system to address areas of contamination that has moved further down-gradient.
Fort Ord Landfill (Operable Unit 2):
In 1994, the Army completed an investigation focusing on groundwater and soil contamination originating from the landfill. Monitoring wells were installed, surface soil samples collected, and soil gas samples taken. The Army selected a remedy (ROD) in the fall of 1994 that included capping the landfill and installing a groundwater pump and treatment system. Construction of the groundwater treatment system is complete and is operational. In May 1995, the Army proposed to consolidate wastes from several areas around the main landfill which would provide more clean land for re-use. The changes are documented in the Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) in August 1996. The consolidation is complete and capping of the main landfill was completed in December 2002. The Army has installed an active landfill gas extraction and treatment system to capture and remediate methane and other volatile organic compound gases that are being generated by decaying materials in the landfill. The Army continues to monitor landfill gases to ensure that do not pose a health hazard.
Munitions and Explosives of Concern Program
Track 2 Sites:
Parker Flats Munitions Response Site
Currently, the Army is preparing an Remedial Design/Remedial Action Work Plan.
Del Rey Oaks Munitions Response Site
Currently, the Army is preparing an Remedial Design/Remedial Action Work Plan.
Track 3 Sites:
Track 3 sites are sites where munitions and explosives of concern are known to be present but no cleanup has been conducted yet.
Impact Area Munitions Response Site
The Army commenced the cleanup up action at the Impact Area with a prescribed burned per the requirements of the ROD. In December 2008, the Army conducted a prescribed burn for areas designated as Burn Unit 18 (137 acres) and Burn Unit 22 (72 acres) that is within the Site 39 Inland Range area. The purpose of the prescribed burn is to clear vegetation so munitions experts may safely remove munitions and explosives that remain within the former training range. The Army will be conducting surface and limited subsurface removal over next few months.
Interim ROD/Prescribed Burn:
An interim action ROD was signed in September 2002 to allow the Army to initiate cleanup actions at several ranges that contain extremely sensitive and dangerous munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) amidst thick vegetation that needs to be removed first so the MEC can be seen and cleared. Prescribed burns were selected as the safest method to clear vegetation, while also protecting special status plants. To minimize smoke impacts to the community, the Army has developed a specific set of meteorological conditions under which a burn would be conducted such that smoke will disperse. In addition, for the first burns conducted under this Interim Action, the Army offered temporary relocation to all residents of the county during the burns.
First Prescribed Burn:
The first prescribed burn took place on October 24, 2003. The burn was planned for 500 acres but escaped the initial boundaries and an additional 1000 acres was burned. The Army studied the October 2003 burn to understand what went right and what went wrong. As a result, the Army :
1) changed the burn prescription (decreased maximum wind gusts, etc.) to minimize the likelihood of escapes;
2) will not ignite the burn until burn prescription weather and fire fighting resource conditions are met;
3) increased the width of fuel breaks from 50 feet to 150 feet ;and
4) will try to keep the size of prescribed to 100 acres or less.
After the October 2003 burn, the Army cleared all munitions and explosives of concern from the surface of the entire burned area. A subsurface clearance was conducted in the 500 acre area of Ranges 43-48 per the interim action ROD with the exception of several so-called special case areas where MEC densities were so high that cleanup to depth would have been very costly, risky for workers and would have destroyed endangered maritime chaparral habitat.
Second Prescribed Burn (Munitions Response Site 16):
With the lessons learned and the new burn prescription, the Army conducted the Munitions Response Site (MRS) 16 prescribed burn on October 19, 2006. The MRS 16 burn was conducted successfully with minimum impact from smoke to the surrounding communities.
Third Prescribed Burn (Munitions Response Site 18 & 22): The Army conducted a prescribed burn at MR Site 18 and 22 on December 10, 2008. MRS Site 18 is 137 gross acres, with 88 acres burned. The adjacent site MRS 22 is 72 gross acres with 51 acres burned. From the lessons learned, a large buffer zone was created as part of the site preparations. Cleanup operations began shortly after the burn and are currently ongoing.
Site 3 Beach Small Arms Firing Ranges:
Site 3 is situated within about 3.2 miles (780 acres) of dunes along the coastline of Monterey Bay at the western boundary of Fort Ord. Results of the investigation indicate lead from small arms is the main contaminant at the site. The site is also home of the Smith's Blue butterfly, an endangered species, and buckwheat plants which the butterflies use to lay their eggs on. In 1997, the Army completed a ROD allowing them to first clean up the lead contamination to address human health concerns by soil excavation and placement in the Fort Ord Landfill, which was simultaneously being remediated (capped). This cleanup was completed in 2000, with the dunes being re-contoured and re-vegetated. The Army completed a subsequent post-cleanup ecological risk assessment which showed that the initial cleanup is protective of ecological species as well. This property has been transferred to the State of California. In 2009, the State opened the Fort Ord Dunes State Park.
MRS-16. After the successful burn of the vegetation, cleanup began on the former anti-tank rocket range. All items visible on the surface was removed and metal detectors was used to identify near surface metal objects. Work was briefly halted in May 2008 to allow the flowering period of two protected plant species (Sand Gila and Monterey Spineflower). After the flowering period, work began again and was completed in June 2008.