JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
On Aug. 6th, 2024, Joint Base Langley-Eustis achieved a significant milestone in human health and ecological restoration. In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, the historic recreation skeet range reached response complete status.
This milestone signifies the completion of all cleanup goals stipulated in the Record of Decision as part of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act process.
For over 30 years, the JBLE MWR operated two skeet ranges, and one trap range from the 1960s until May of 1998. The skeet range was in the northern section of Fort Eustis on both sides of 19th Street. Skeet and trap shooting, which involve launching clay targets into the air and using shotguns to simulate bird hunting, resulted in the dispersion of target debris into Bailey Creek, adjacent tree lines, and surrounding soils. During much of this period, lead was a common component of ammunition, and clay targets contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons leading to contamination of approximately 40 acres of terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Following the closure of the MWR skeet range, the site was incorporated into the JBLE Environmental Restoration Program and divided into two ERP sites: Skeet Range Upland and Skeet Range Wetland. Between 2000 and 2016, extensive investigations were conducted to determine the extent of lead and PAH contamination, involving the collection and analysis of soil and sediment samples.
In March 2020, a ROD selected a remedy and cleanup goals for both ERP sites. During the summer of 2020, approximately 25,761 tons of contaminated soil from the Skeet Range Upland and Skeet Range Wetland were excavated and disposed. Topsoil was then applied to the Skeet Range Upland area, followed by a hydroseed application to promote native vegetation growth. Clean backfill mirroring existing sediment compositions were used in excavated portions of the Skeet Range Wetland. Plant restoration of the wetland area consisted of cordgrass, hibiscus, cattails, bulrush, and arrow arum. By September 2021, the remedial actions were completed; however, subsequent inspections revealed issues related to erosion, failing vegetation, and an outdated Skeet Range Wetland land use control boundary. These issues were addressed in the fall of 2023 and spring of 2024, allowing for the achievement of RC status ahead of schedule.
Access to the historic skeet range is currently restricted while the JBLE ERP conducts long-term monitoring to ensure erosion, vegetation, and contamination levels remain within acceptable limits. Restoring this site as native vegetation helps increase habitat, enhance biodiversity, and protect Bailey Creek.