[CPEO-MEF] Defense Department reply to Blumenauer letter

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

The Defense Department has answered the "Blumenauer Letter" on UXO
remediation by promising a more detailed response in a Congressionally
mandated report this Spring. Here is the text of the reply:


The Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000

December 8, 2000

Honorable Earl Blumenauer
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Earl:

Thank you for your letter on the need to prioritize and accelerate
initiatives to develop technologies for unexploded ordnance
identification and remediation. The Department of Defense acknowledges
its responsibility for proper management of unexploded ordnance
associated with essential military training. This responsibility
reflects our larger commitment to protect human health, safety, and the
environment.

The Department shares your view that existing technologies to detect and
remediate unexploded ordnance must be improved, and cost effective
alternatives developed. As directed in Section 349 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (P.L. 105-85), the
Department will report annually to Congress on the estimated costs and
technology needs to address unexploded ordnance. This initial report,
due in the Spring of 2001, will clarify the magnitude of costs
associated with unexploded ordnance and help establish priorities for
developing technology. This report will strengthen the Department's
ability to manage unexploded ordnance and better focus its efforts to
protect the public. The Department will provide you with copies of the
report upon its completion.

Thank you again for your interest and continuing support of the
Department's commitment to sound management of unexploded ordnance. This
same letter has been sent to all signatories of your letter.

Sincerely,

Bill Cohen

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 222B View St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/968-1126
lsiegel@cpeo.org
http://www.cpeo.org

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