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EPA Issues Proposed Cleanup Remedy for Part of the Southeast Federal Centery

Release Date: 2/24/2005
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543

Contact: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a proposed remedy to clean up soil and groundwater contamination at the Southeast Federal Center, on a parcel of land known as the U.S. Department of Transportation parcel, in Washington, D.C.

The 11-acre DOT parcel is located within the larger 55-acre Southeast Federal Center. The Southeast Federal Center was formerly a weapons production complex of factories and workshops that was part of the Washington Navy Yard. The Southeast Federal Center is owned by the U.S. government and controlled by the General Services Administration.

The proposed remedy includes long-term groundwater treatment and monitoring already underway to ensure that groundwater will meet drinking water standards over time. Currently, groundwater is not used at the DOT parcel, and public water is provided by the local utility. To provide additional protection, EPA proposes that institutional controls should be put in place to prohibit future use of groundwater for drinking water purposes on this parcel.

Under a 1999 EPA Order, much of the contaminated soil was removed during excavation for the construction of the DOT office building. Much of the contaminated soil was removed during excavation for the construction of the planned DOT office building. The remaining soil has been tested and verified that it meets EPA’s standards for protection of human health for the location’s intended use.

The remedy is subject to a 30-day public comment period beginning February 24 and ending March 28, 2005, during which time EPA will accept comments from the public or other interested parties. At the end of the comment period, EPA will review all comments and issue a final decision, or modify it according to the comments received.

Written comments should be submitted to the EPA project manager, Barbara Smith at USEPA, Region 3, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, mail code 3WC23 or via fax at 215-814-3113.

A copy of the EPA Statement of Basis, which explains EPA’s reasoning or basis for the Proposed Remedy are available at https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/public_notices.htm.