Learn more about the IR Sites on MCB Camp Pendleton.
Initial Assessment Study
Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity (NEESA) conducted an Initial Assessment Study (IAS) of MCB Camp Pendleton in September 1984, resulting in the identification of eight potentially contaminated sites. In July 1988, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) [formerly SW DIV] conducted a Site Investigation (SI) of the Base, identifying an additional 66 IR Sites, resulting in a total of 74 IR Sites.
Contamination
Contamination at MCB Camp Pendleton primarily resulted from past waste disposal practices, relating to maintenance and repair of trucks, tanks, and aircraft that generated vehicular fluids and solvents, many of which are now out of date due to the development of environmental regulatory guidelines. Base support operations, such as pest control and dry cleaning, have also generated contamination. IR Site 3, the Pest Control Wash Rack in 26 Area, was affected by pesticides and led to MCB Camp Pendleton's placement on the federal NPL on November 15, 1989.
Federal Facilties Agreement
In 1990, the Department of the Navy (DON), Marine Corps, and regulatory agencies entered into a Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA) for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The FFA is a legally binding document that outlines the schedule for completing the investigation and cleanup of sites at the Base. Parties to the FFA included the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), the Navy, and the Marine Corps. The FFA specifies the working relationships among the Marine Corps and each agency.
View more information on the FFA at MCB Camp Pendleton, including historical Meeting Mintues and upcoming meeting dates.
Current Status of IR Sites
The Installation Restoration (IR) Program at Camp Pendleton originally grouped IR Sites into five Operable Units (OUs) based on similarities, such as types of environmental issues, selected cleanup methods, and/or geographic location. Currently, Records of Decision (RODs) have been signed for OUs 1 through 4, and portions of OU 5. IR Program activities are ongoing for IR Site 7 (OU-5), as well as six other sites that are being addressed individually, without incorporation into an OU.
The table to the right summarizes the active IR Sites on Camp Pendleton. In addition, there are three sites which have been closed, yet are undergoing revegetation under the IR Program. For a visual reference of the active IR Sites on Base, reference the map below.
