EPA PROPOSES NPL FOR 2 BAY AREA NAV

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>]

EPA PROPOSES NPL FOR TWO BAY AREA NAVY SITES

Defense Environmental Alert (September 20, 1995) reports the Region IX 
of U.S. EPA has proposed to add the Alameda Naval Air Station and the 
Mare Island Naval Shipyard to the "Superfund" National Priority List 
(NPL). Both Bay Area facilities, approved for closure in 1993, are 
severely contaminated.

EPA proposes to list the two bases to require the Navy to enter into 
"full-service" enforceable agreements. It also argues that listing 
would speed up fast track cleanup and promote community involvement.

Under the 1995 Rescissions bill, however, EPA is required to obtain the 
concurrence of the state's governor before placing the bases on the 
NPL. California is unlikely to agree, however. State environmental 
officials have argued that NPL listing for closing bases would slow 
down the state-led cleanup process. They also argue that listing 
depresses property values and limits reuse opportunities.

Environmental activists tend to support NPL listing for any seriously 
contaminated property. At the very least, EPA technical assistance 
grants are available at NPL sites.

EPA may actually be required to list the bases once the concurrence 
provision, which covers fiscal year 1995, expires. (Anyone who knows 
the legal status of this provision is invited to explain it.)