Public Comment Opens on Pax Site 2 Restoration
THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN FOR SITE 2 UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROGRAM NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND
In accordance with the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River invites public comment on the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the Environmental Restoration (ER) Program Site 2.
Site 2 occupies approximately 15 acres and is located on the east and south shore of Gardiner’s Pond (Pond 1) off of Tate Road near the western boundary of the installation. Between 1942 and 1943, the site was used as a disposal area during the construction of the Station.
Gardiner’s Pond appears slightly below the center of the northwest quadrant of the portion of the NAVAIR map above.
The findings of the Remedial Investigation (RI) for Site 2, which consists of the soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater at Site 2, indicate that there are no unacceptable risks to human health or the environment from site media. Therefore, “No Action” for all site media is proposed for Site 2.
The opportunity for public comment on Pax Site 2 restoration begins Thursday, June 11, 2015, and closes Friday, July 10, 2015.
A public meeting to present the PRAP for Site 2 and answer questions is scheduled for 6 pm, June 16, 2015, at Frank Knox Employee Development Building, Building 2189, Room 100 (formerly known as Frank Knox School) at the southeast corner of Route 235 and Great Mills Road immediately south of NAS Patuxent River, Gate 2, Lexington Park, MD 20653 .
PRAPs are issued as part of the Navy ER Program. The purpose of a PRAP is to describe the background and rationale for the selection of the remedy proposed by the Navy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The PRAP includes solicitation of public comments on the remedy.
The public is encouraged to comment on the proposed remedial plan.
The final remedy will be selected only after the public comment period has ended. An alternative remedy may be selected for Site 2 only after all comments have been received from the public. Relevant environmental documents for the site, including final technical reports and the PRAP, are available at the following repositories.
Naval Air Station Patuxent River Library; 222690 Cedar Point Road, Building 407; Patuxent River MD 20629; (301) 342-1927; Hours: Monday- Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; Friday, 10 am to 2 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
St. Mary’s County Public Library; Lexington Park Branch; 21677 FDR Boulevard; Lexington Park, MD 20653; (301) 863-8188; Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 am – 8pm; Friday and Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday, 1-5 pm.
Comments may be written and mailed (postmarked by the closing date of July 10, 2015) to any of the following points of contact:
Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs Officer; Attn: Connie Hempel; 22268 Cedar Point Road; PAO Building 409, Room 209; Patuxent River, MD 20670-1154.
U.S. EPA Region 3; Attn: Mr. Andrew Sochanski; Hazardous Site Cleanup Division 3HS11; 1650 Arch Street; Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029.
Maryland Department of the Environment; Attn: Mr. Rick Grills; Federal Facilities Division; Hazardous Waste Program; 1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 645; Baltimore, MD 21230-1719.
For further information, contact the Naval Air Station Public Affairs Officer at 301-757-6748 between the 8 am and 4:30 pm weekdays, excluding federal holidays.
