RANDOM PIPES

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>]

From: Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>

RANDOM PIPES
Several years ago, most people thought that closing bases would be ripe 
for re-use because they boasted developed, functioning infrastructure. 
However, sorting out utility systems, particularly the haphazard 
networks of underground pipes and cables found at most major bases, has 
been a major challenge. Not only are many systems obsolete and 
inadequate, but they are designed for a centrally organized operation.
Most important, from a cleanup point of view, the military 
organizations that laid the pipe and strung the wires had no rules to 
follow, at least on the order of the codes that govern underground 
projects in most civilian communities. In many bases, buildings have 
been placed directly above major underground channels.
A Moffett Field, the Navy had a major surprise this year. After 
studying one of its contaminated landfills over a period of years, it 
had negotiated a remedy with regulatory agencies, with significant 
input from local communities. But before the remedy was implemented, 
the Navy discovered that a large, high-pressure gas main, serving an 
external network, went right through the landfill. Apparently the main 
was represented by a line on base maps, but there was no indication 
that it was such a significant piece of infrastructure that might 
interfere with remediation.
The Navy and its partners are now considering a few options, and I have 
no doubt that the revised approach will do the job.
But both future reuse and cleanup, as well as facility safety, might be 
improved it the military began to manage better the design and 
construction of underground utilities, up front.
Lenny Siegel