From: | aimeeh@cpeo.org |
Date: | Thu, 2 Sep 1999 11:07:37 -0700 (PDT) |
Reply: | cpeo-military |
Subject: | EPA to Deny Navy Permit for Vieques Offshore Bombing |
An article appearing in yesterday's (Wednesday, September 2)San Juan Star recounts US EPA's intent to deny renewal of the Navy's permit to drop bombs in the waters off the island of Vieques. EPA has listed a total of 112 violations using the Navy's own documentation/figures. A National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required for the Navy to drop bombs in the water (it appears this also covers a lagoon system located on the bombing range). However the permit does not cover land ranges where EPA has no authority. In a written statement to the presidential panel tasked with looking into the Navy's continued presence on Vieques, EPA Region 2 Deputy Regional Administrator Bill Muszynski says, "Since the EPA has determined that the Navy has violated the NPDES permit and has not demonstrated an ability to comply with the permit, EPA will publish a notice of intent to deny the permit application in November 1999 and inform the Navy in writing of the basis for denial." Contaminants violating the federal standards include boron,cadmium, copper, iron, lead, maganese, mercury, oil and grease, phenolics, selenium, silver, sulfide, and zinc. Further the Environmental Quality Board plans to deny the Navy a Water Quality Certificate unless given full access to the Navy installation in order to take samples. The Navy has refused entrance to a contract worker for EQB who was to take soil samples from the target range saying that EQB has no authority over the target range soil quality. The Navy however needs the Water Quality Permit in order to obtain the NPDES from EPA. But EPA has the final say, as they can deny the NPDES permit regardless of how EQB rules. Aimee Houghton Associate Director, CPEO 122 C Street NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20001-2109 tel: 202-662-1888; Fax: 202-628-1825 aimeeh@cpeo.org http://www.cpeo.org | |
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