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Officials take unique approach to clean up Tyndall AFB
Posted 3/7/2011
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by Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
3/7/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials will continue the cleanup of about 25 problem sites identified as potential threats to human health and the environment at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., officials said here March 7.
Senior leaders determined the best approach for the cleanup would include evaluating each location to determine if a release or threat of release of hazardous substances exists; reviewing the basis for reopening units previously determined to require no further action; and evaluating the need for remedial investigation in light of other directly-controlling regulatory programs.
Where there is contamination that presents an unacceptable risk, it should be addressed as expeditiously as possible, said Terry A. Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics.
"I remain steadfast in my view that if we focus on individual locations where unacceptable risk exists and remediation is needed, that provides a workable framework at Tyndall," Mr. Yonkers said. "We and our colleagues at Environmental Protection Agency and the state have too long been focused on the process; it's time to put down the pens, pick up the shovels and get down to cleaning up."
To date, an estimated $42.7 million has been spent to clean up Tyndall AFB's contaminated sites, officials said. Air Force officials have identified a total of 80 sites that are in various stages of investigation and remediation. Of these sites, 25 have completed investigation and cleanup and received "No Further Action" determinations from the EPA or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Mr. Yonkers signed a memo on Aug. 19, 2010, directing the expeditious cleanup of sites presenting a potential threat to human health and the environment at Tyndall AFB using a performance-based contracting approach.
That memo reinforces the Air Force's commitment to do what is necessary to protect the public and members of the Air Force community who work and live on or near the installation, Mr. Yonkers said.
"This unique approach certainly does not come as a surprise to the community," said Tom Neubauer, the President of the Bay Defense Alliance. "The Air Force and Tyndall have traditionally been very open as the base has executed its environmental programs with health and safety as the primary focus.
"Team Tyndall (AFB) and the Air Force have earned an outstanding reputation for environmental stewardship over the years, and sharing information about agreements such as these has built a strong foundation for understanding and trust," he added.
In the coming months, Air Force officials will be issuing a request for proposals to eligible contractors seeking results-based bids on cleanup for identified sites. This action will focus on results applying the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act process, which was intended to guide, not delay, the cleanup of contaminated sites, Mr. Yonkers said.
Using the performance-based approach, Air Force officials are expecting the majority of contaminated sites will be cleaned up to state and federal standards protective of human health and the environment, and closed according to the CERCLA process within the next four to seven years, he added.
Air Force officials will then pursue a de-listing application from EPA to remove Tyndall AFB from the National Priorities List, which contains locations that have relatively greater amounts of contamination that may present a hazard to human health and the environment.
(Courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs) |
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