| Description |
1 online resource (iv, 73 p.) : ill. |
| Note |
Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Nov. 1, 2009). |
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"October 2009." |
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The Department of Defense (DOD) estimates that cleaning up known hazards at the over 4,700 formerly used defense sites (FUDS) -- sites transferred to other owners before October 1986 -- will require more than 50 years and cost about $18 billion. This estimate excludes any additional needed cleanup of emerging contaminants -- generally, those not yet governed by a health standard. DOD delegated FUDS cleanup responsibility to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). In addition to FUDS, DOD is responsible for cleaning up about 21,500 sites on active bases and 5,400 sites on realigned or closed bases. The House Armed Services Committee directed GAO to examine (1) the extent to which the Corps reevaluates sites to identify emerging contaminants; (2) how DOD allocates cleanup funds; (3) how the Corps prioritizes FUDS for cleanup; and (4) FUDS program overhead costs. GAO analyzed nationwide FUDS property and project data; policies, guidance and budget documents; and interviewed DOD and Corps officials. GAO recommends that the Corps conduct 5-year reviews for sites with emerging contaminants and is making recommendations for better management of these reviews. DOD generally agreed with the recommendations, but did not agree to conduct reviews not specifically required by law. We continue to believe additional reviews are needed, consistent with EPA guidance. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-10-46." |
| Subject |
United States. Army. Corps of Engineers -- Rules and practice.
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Military bases -- Environmental aspects -- United States.
|
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Hazardous waste site remediation -- United States.
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United States -- Armed Forces -- Facilities -- Environmental aspects.
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Military base conversion -- Environmental aspects -- United States.
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| Added Author |
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services.
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Stephenson, John B.
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| Added Title |
Formerly used defense sites : the United States Army Corps of Engineers needs to improve its process for reviewing completed cleanup remedies to ensure continued protection |
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needs to improve its process for reviewing completed cleanup remedies to ensure continued protection |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-10-46 |
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