In Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on proposed environmental regulations to address groundwater, soil, and vapor contamination at the Northrop Grumman facility in Albemarle County.
According to The Daily Progress, the regulations have been crafted after more than 10 years of testing, studies and monitoring.
The faculty required multiple remediation measures in the 1980s and 1990s through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, according to federal documents.
In Jan. 2008, the facility agreed to have the EPA identify any necessary measures it should take. According to The Daily Progress, the EPA examined six areas on the property. From this examination, the major finding was that two types of vapor can cause cancer, tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene. The vapors had the potential to enter the building during heating seasons at levels outside EPA regulations.
The EPA is proposing the company install a vapor intrusion control system to ensure gases don’t enter the building and they follow the EPA guidelines for operating and maintaining the system.
According to The Daily Progress, the EPA also found soil and groundwater contamination. However, they said the property is not a residential use and the water is not used for consumption and poses a minimal threat to human safety. The EPA is proposing that the Northrop Grumman restrict future land use on the property and that groundwater only be used manufacturing operations. No new wells shall be installed and the company must follow groundwater monitoring and soil management plans, according to The Daily Progress.
The facility is not being fined and it is unclear how much it may cost to implement the regulations, according to The Daily Progress.
Public comment on the proposed regulations will be accepted through Jan. 28. According to The Daily Progress, EPA officials could not be reached due to the government shutdown for comment.
