Environmental Assessment / Timeline

1971

Hq USAF survey letter – Radioactive Waste Disposal, Hq, SCN 71-28 -AF – 19 Feb 71
George AFB was notified by HQ USAF that that all of its radioactive waste burial sites were to be accounted for, fenced off, and clearly marked.

1972

The USAF report “Burial of Radioactive Waste in the USAF,”, 15 March 1972, predates the first record in the George AFB Administrative record by 10 years.
This report is not cited in any report, study, or document in the George AFB Administrative Record (AR), or by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) for the Health Assessment of George AFB.

1976 – 81

Chief Environmental Officer for George AFB Dr. Sabol’s CV
I can find no evidence that Dr. Sabol was interviewed by any of the contractors involved in the Installation Restoration Program (IRP)or by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) for the Health Assessment of George AFB,and none of his environmental reports / investigations are in the George AFB Administrative Record (AR).

Dr.Sabol oversaw a search for radioactive contamination at George AFB and located 18 to 20 barrels of radioactive material.

1981

The first document in the George Air Force Base Administrative Record (AR) is Needed Investigation Of Waste Disposal Sites Having Received Hazardous/Toxic Materials, 10 September 1981.
Source: http://afcec.publicadmin-record.us.af.mil/

1988

Ex-officers: Air Force lied about [George AFB] range – Moscow-Pullman Daily News – 7 May 1990

“There’s something going on here other than a fair and equitable evaluation of what should and shouldn’t happen to the taxpayers’ money.” former fighter pilot Col. Maurice Long said.
Long. Lt Col Vernon R Lee and Capt. William McDaniel, all retired fighter pilots, contend Air Force officials intentionally misled the Defense Secretary’s Commission on Base Realignment and Closure during 1988 hearings.

The Secretary of Defense announced that George Air Force Base was selected for closure. 29 December 1988

This article might explain why the Air Force went from a fighter base (George AFB) with 360 days of flying weather to Idaho with 100 good days of good weather (Mountain Home AFB). Fighter Pilots need lots of training and lots good weather. I understand doing winter training to be prepared, but not moving a whole base from one of the top areas with great weather and low population.

1989

Proposed placement on the NPL: July 1989

1990

Aerial Photographic Analysis of George AFB – EPA – February 1990

Designated a Superfund site: National Priorities List (NPL) EPA #: CA2570024453 – 21 February 1990

GAO – Nuclear Regulation – The Military Would Benefit From a Comprehensive Waste Disposal Program – March 1990

George Air Force Base (George AFB) Federal Facility Agreement – DOD,  Air Force – 21 September 1990

The Department of Defense (DOD) and Air Force inserted an interesting clause in the “Federal Facility Agreement for George AFB” that gives them the right to withhold records [pertaining to environmental contamination] at the property.

1991

AF request to destroy the “epidemiological, environmental health surveys” for George AFB – 28 October 1991

1992

Closed by the Base Realignment and Closure 1 (BRAC 1): December 1992

1993

In 1993, President Bill Clinton placed George AFB on an expedited environmental cleanup, “Fast-Track”, so base property could be quickly transferred to the community for reuse.

1994

Superfund Reauthorization 1994: DoD’s Opportunity To Clean Up Its Hazardous Waste Act – Major Stephen Russell Henley, JA United States Army- April 1994

GAO -Environmental Cleanup – Better Data Needed For Radioactively Contaminated Defense Sites – August 1994

1996

Lost Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Records – EPA – January 1996

1998

Public Health Assessment for George Air Force Base, CA – ATSDR – 1 December 1998

2003

 Buried Radioactive Weapons Maintenance Waste – Air Force Real Property Agency (AFRPA) – 8 May 2003

The Air Force admits that it routinely withheld records and information from regulators, contractors, and the public about contamination.

2012

 GAO – Defense Infrastructure – DOD Can Improve Its Response to Environmental Exposures on Military Installations – May 2012

George AFB Administrative Record (AR); http://afcec.publicadmin-record.us.af.mil/

 

I am not a doctor, Veterans Service Officer (VSO), or attorney; therefore, I cannot provide medical or legal advice.

If you, a friend, or a loved one have been injured or have passed away due to exposure to contamination at a DOD Superfund Site, please follow the steps outlined on the "Get Help" page.

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