Under this program, the Department of Defense seeks to identify, investigate, and clean up contamination from hazardous materials. The northeast section of GAFB, used for disposal of solvents, appears to be one source of the contamination, although several other areas on the base are also suspected of contributing to the contamination. An estimated 11,000 people obtain drinking water from wells within 3 miles of hazardous substances on the base. The wells are upgradient of known contamination. GAFB has installed additional wells to determine the extent of TCE contamination.
Remedial action is planned to recover, treat, and dispose of contaminated ground water.
The California Regional Water Quality Control Board is reviewing GAFB's workplan for these activities. GAFB is in the process of contracting for the remedial action. The description may change as additional information is gathered on the sources and extent of contamination.