Re: [CPEO-MEF] Goodman column on UXO cleanup

[StellaVB@aol.com]

Though I agreed with Ms. Goodman's words, I fear that is all they are.  What 
I hope is happening with entities like CPEO and ITRC, the EOD experts and 
those within ACE,  EPA and DoD, is a sober and serious reality of the 
dangerous situations communities are living with when a military base is a 
neighbor.  In the feeling of safety having neighbors trained to fight 
'enemies', the reality is whether a base is closed or active, there remains 
issues regarding contamination and danger.  Danger from ordnance and then the

lack of cleaning up after training, contamination to the land and water.

As I continue to learn from ITRC, CPEO, EPA's and DoD's (and a host of 
others) websites, I see  dedicated people 'out there' working together and 
understanding the financial feasibility issues as well as methods that must 
be proven.  The Donovan Blast Chamber was an excellent example of inguenity 
regarding cost and safety issues both to EOD experts and the environment.  
Accurate records must be kept regarding 'ordnance training' starting 
'yesterday' on all active (as well as inactive - the FBI continues fire arms 
training on Camp Bonneville) and money needs to be spent on site 
characterization methodologies that have proven to be effective.  Technology 
must continue regarding proven and cost effective groundwater cleanup. Though

these are only two of the many issues regarding contamination, they appear to

loom large in the 'problem' arena.   

Stella Bourassa

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