EPA New England Press Releases

EPA & NAVY ISSUE CLEANUP DECISION FOR AREA A WEAPONS CENTER AT THE NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE-NEW LONDON IN GROTON, CT

Contact: Alice Kaufman, EPA Community Affairs Office (617-918-1064)

For immediate release:June 29, 2000; Release # 00-06-30

BOSTON -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Navy today issued a six month, $81,200 dollar cleanup plan for the Area A Weapons Center at the Naval Submarine Base-New London in Groton, Connecticut. The cleanup plan calls for the selective excavation and either off-site disposal or asphalt batching of contaminated soils and sediments. Samples will be taken throughout the cleanup to ensure that cleanup goals are met.

"This cleanup plan is the successful result of a close partnership with the Navy, the state and EPA," said Ira Leighton, EPA New England acting-deputy administrator. "This is the seventh cleanup decision reached for the sub base, and we are pleased with the continued progress being made at the site."

Additional Information

NPL: New London

Related Information

Regional Superfund Sites

"Naval Submarine Base New London remains steadfast in our efforts and progress toward the clean up of all base sites falling under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). We're working closely with Federal and state regulators. Indeed, this plan is the culmination of a great deal of work and cooperation between the Navy, the U.S. EPA, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Overall, it really speaks to the Navy's continuing commitment to the health and safety of the communities in which we all live and work as well as the protection of the environment which we all share," said Captain H.A. "Ray" Lincoln, Jr., Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Base New London.

The key elements of the cleanup are:

• Removal of approximately 200 cubic yards of contaminated soil and sediment;

• Disposal of excavated contaminated waste at an approved off-site waste facility, or;

• Asphalt batching of the excavated materials (this technology mixes the excavated material with asphalt and heats it to form a stable solid which immobilizes the chemical contaminants.);

• Monitoring to ensure that cleanup goals are met.

The Naval Submarine Base-New London was listed on the National Priority List on August 30, 1990. The Area A Weapons Center, one of nineteen cleanup sites on the base, is located in the northeastern portion of the Base, bordering the northwestern edge of Area A Wetland and the southeastern end of Triton Avenue. The Area A Weapons Center consists of the southern bunker area and Building 524. The bunkers are currently used for the storage of live and simulator torpedoes and missiles. The location also includes three drainage areas. Building 524, historically used for administration, minor torpedo assembly, and storage of simulator torpedoes, was determined not to have contaminated soil or sediment and therefore is not expected to be part of this cleanup effort.

 

1. TITLE: EPA & NAVY ISSUE CLEANUP DECISION FOR AREA A WEAPONS CENTER AT THE NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE-NEW LONDON IN GROTON, CT

2. ABSTRACT: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Navy today issued a six month, $81,200 dollar cleanup plan for the Area A Weapons Center at the Naval Submarine Base-New London in Groton, Connecticut. The cleanup plan calls for the selective excavation and either off-site disposal or asphalt batching of contaminated soils and sediments. Samples will be taken throughout the cleanup to ensure that cleanup goals are met.

3. PURPOSE: Public Information

4. ORIGINATOR: Regional Administrator's Office

5. PUBLICATION DATE: 06/29/2000

6. ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: N/A

7. AVAILABILITY: N/A
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8. COVERAGE: N/A

9. TIME PERIOD OF COVERAGE: N/A

10. POINT OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    Alice Kaufman
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    EPA New England
    1 Congress Street, Suite 1100 (RAA)
    Boston, MA 02114-2023
    617-918-1064

11. RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
    Alice Kaufman
    Office of the Regional Administrator

12. DATE OF CREATION: 06/30/2000

13. AGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: N/A

14. EXPIRATION DATE: 07/30/2000