From October 2005 to September 2006, one hundred and one Level I Pre-acquisition Contaminant Surveys were completed by Refuge and Realty staff in Region 3.  One Level I Survey indicated that additional information was needed to determine if environmental contaminants were present on the Nike Site property, and required a Level II Survey. 

The Pre-acquisition Contaminant Survey Program identifies contaminant issues on property that is proposed for acquisition into the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

Pre-acquisition contaminant surveys provide information regarding environmental contaminant concerns, potential impacts of contaminants to Service resources, as well as potential liabilities to the Service.  The information provided in these assessments enables the Service to make informed acquisition decisions in order to prevent contaminant impacts to Service resources as well as to minimize liabilities and compliance requirements for the agency.

In FY07, the Division of Realty will be taking over administration of the Region 3’s Pre-acquisition Contaminant Survey Program.  The Environmental Contaminants Division of Ecological Services, though no longer the lead for the program, is committed to providing technical assistance to Realty and Refuges for environmental contaminant concerns related to acquisition.