The United States maintains an extensive military infrastructure, featuring numerous bases strategically positioned throughout the country. While these bases are pivotal for national defense, some have left a concerning legacy of environmental contamination.
In this article, we explore three well-documented cases where military activities have resulted in environmental hazards, impacting local ecosystems and nearby communities.
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
One of the most notorious instances of military base contamination is associated with Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. For decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, the base’s water supply was contaminated with various toxic substances. These included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).
According to TorHoerman Law, these contaminants have been linked to severe health issues such as birth defects, cancers, and developmental disorders.
Improper waste disposal by a dry cleaning business was identified as the cause of off-site contamination. Consequently, the affected area received designation as a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site.
According to estimates by the Department of Veterans Affairs, as many as 900,000 service members may have been exposed to the toxic water. This tainted water served various critical facilities on the base, including the hospital, barracks, housing, offices, and schools.
Drugwatch notes that a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed alarming statistics. Individuals stationed at Camp Lejeune were found to be 70% more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease compared to their counterparts stationed elsewhere.
The study, which examined data from over 300,000 veterans’ health records, revealed a notable presence of Camp Lejeune veterans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, it identified a separate group showing early signs of the disorder.
The release of these findings has prompted over 93,000 individuals to file claims against the government. Legal experts are indicating that the potential Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts may fall within the range of $150,000 to $450,000.
The unfolding days will be instrumental in assessing the government’s responsiveness to these claims. This process will ultimately shape the narrative around Camp Lejeune. It will determine whether the site becomes a beacon of hope or a cause for concern for those earnestly seeking justice in the future.
Rocky Flats Plant, Colorado
The Rocky Flats Plant, located near Denver, Colorado, was a key facility for the production of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Operating from the 1950s to 1992, the plant played a crucial role in the nation’s nuclear arsenal. However, its operations also led to widespread environmental contamination.
The production process involved handling and processing radioactive materials, resulting in the release of plutonium and other hazardous substances into the air and water. Additionally, improper waste disposal practices, including open burning and dumping of radioactive waste, further contributed to the contamination.
According to Britannica, the discovery of contamination led to a significant public outcry and, eventually, the facility’s closure in 1992. In 1993, the Department of Energy (DOE) disclosed alarming figures.
The revelation outlined that the site contained at least 14 tons of plutonium and 7 tons of enriched uranium. Moreover, 281 tons of depleted uranium, 65 tons of beryllium, and substantial amounts of other toxic chemicals were lurking all over the place.
Notably, surface soils exhibited plutonium-239 concentrations nearly 380 times the background concentration, posing a substantial inhalation hazard.
Yet, amidst the environmental peril, the connection between Rocky Flats and the health struggles of the residents remained elusive. Some studies hinted at elevated rates of cancer, birth defects, and other health issues, but a conclusive link evaded researchers. Similarly, former plant workers faced higher incidences of diseases, yet a direct association with the facility remained uncertain.
As the dust settled, the DOE initially projected a prolonged 70-year cleanup, estimated to cost a staggering $36.6 billion. However, in 1995, a significant shift occurred when the Kaiser-Hill Company spearheaded an accelerated cleanup for $7.3 billion.
Yet, the mission didn’t aspire to restore the site to background plutonium concentrations, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
Today, the lingering debate centers on the extent of risk the remaining contamination poses to public health. It marks a chapter of uncertainty in the ongoing story of Rocky Flats.
Hanford Site, Washington
The Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington, played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project, dedicated to producing plutonium for the nation’s atomic weapons.
Operating throughout the Cold War, the site’s historical significance is accompanied by a lasting legacy of environmental contamination.
In 1942, Hanford was chosen for its strategic location, driven by its isolation from densely populated areas. According to The Revelator, the decision was further motivated by the site’s access to abundant cooling water from the Columbia River.
Additionally, the availability of electric power from the Grand Coulee Dam and Bonneville Dam hydroelectric installations played an important role in the selection process.
The evacuation of Hanford and White Bluffs, along with the relocation of the Wanapum Native American nation, marked the clearing process. This process was undertaken for the 400,000-acre tract known as Hanford Engineer Works, initially managed by the DuPont chemical company. During the war, the site hosted a workforce of up to 51,000 individuals.
The water-cooled nuclear reactors at Hanford, surpassing the size of existing reactors, were strategically spaced to minimize the impact of potential accidents. These reactors aimed to synthesize plutonium from uranium through nuclear chain reactions.
Britannica notes that despite advancements in plutonium-production methods, significant amounts of nuclear waste persisted at Hanford. This waste primarily existed in the form of corrosive, physically hot, and dangerously radioactive liquids. Notably, liquid waste found a home in 177 underground tanks on-site, with capacities reaching 1,000,000 gallons (3,785,000 liters).
The initial installation of single-shell tanks faced issues, including leaks over the years, leading to the introduction of more secure double-shell tanks. Some liquid waste was directly deposited into the ground.
Solid waste, prominently represented by more than 2,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel, is stored in corrosion-prone canisters. These canisters are located within water-filled basins near the Columbia River, posing additional challenges. Contaminated solids, ranging from clothing to rail cars, were commonly interred in pits or trenches.
Consequently, these numbers have contributed to Hanford earning the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted places in the United States.
The challenging task of cleaning up Hanford has spanned decades, with the Department of Energy committing significant financial resources to remediation projects. However, the vast scale and intricate nature of the contamination render Hanford one of the nation’s most challenging environmental restoration endeavors.
In conclusion, the instances of military base contamination discussed emphasize the essential requirement for responsible environmental practices within defense activities. Addressing the environmental repercussions of historical military operations calls for a commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices.
Prioritizing these aspects is crucial to minimizing the impact on both the environment and the well-being of communities situated nearby.