Environmental Contamination: Cleanup Actions at Formerly Used Defense Sites
Abstract
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) estimates that it will spend at least $15 billion to $20 billion to clean up contamination and other hazards (hereafter hazards) at thousands of properties that were formerly owned, leased, possessed, or operated by the Department of Defense (DOD) or its components. These properties, located throughout the United States, are known as formerly used defense sites (FUDS). The properties may contain hazardous, toxic, and radioactive wastes in the soil and water or in containers such as underground storage tanks. Such wastes can contribute to mortality and serious illness, or pose a threat to the environment. Other hazards, including unexploded ordnance and unsafe buildings, may also be present on the properties. As of October 1, 2000, the Corps, states, and other parties had identified 9,171 properties for potential inclusion in the FUDS cleanup program. The Corps is responsible for cleaning up the hazards, including removing underground storage tanks, and demolishing unsafe structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA394286
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office