Construction of cleanup systems is complete at the 12 areas where contamination was found. The Air Force has provided potable water to these homes by installing water main extensions from the EAFB water- supply system. These mains will eventually be transferred to the City of Box Elder for operation and maintenance. The Air Force capped landfills and has enforced institutional controls to prevent unauthorized access to those landfills and to prevent the caps from being disturbed. Where the ground water is already contaminated, the cleanup systems are in place.
Ground water is pumped out of the ground and treated to drinking water standards.
These ground-water cleanup systems will be in operation for approximately 20 to 30 years. This represents the time it will take to clean up the contaminated ground water. The relatively low levels of contamination in off-Base areas are expected to lessen within the same relative time frame. All cleanup activities are being performed by the Air Force. Officials from EPA and the State of South Dakota provide oversight to ensure the cleanup meets all regulatory requirements.