Learn more about the IR Sites on MCB Camp Pendleton.
Initial Assessment Study
Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity (NEESA) conducted an Initial Assessment Study (IAS) of MCB Camp Pendleton in September 1984, resulting in the identification of eight potentially contaminated sites. In July 1988, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) [formerly SW DIV] conducted a Site Investigation (SI) of the Base, identifying an additional 66 IR Sites; six additional sites were subsequently added, resulting in a total of 80.
Contamination
Contamination at MCB Camp Pendleton primarily resulted from past practices, relating to maintenance and repair of trucks, tanks, and aircraft that generated vehicular fluids and solvents, many of which are now out of date due to the development of environmental regulatory guidelines. Base support operations, such as pest control and dry cleaning, have also generated contamination. IR Site 3, the Pest Control Wash Rack in 26 Area, was affected by pesticides and led to MCB Camp Pendleton's placement on the federal NPL on November 15, 1989.
Federal Facilties Agreement
In 1990, the Department of the Navy (DON), Marine Corps, and regulatory agencies entered into a Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA) for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The FFA is a legally binding document that outlines the schedule for completing the investigation and cleanup of sites at the Base. Parties to the FFA included the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), the Navy, and the Marine Corps. The FFA establishes the framework and schedule for addressing contaminated sites.
View more information on the FFA at MCB Camp Pendleton, including historical Meeting Mintues and upcoming meeting dates.
Current Status of IR Sites
The Installation Restoration (IR) Program at MCB Camp Pendleton includes 80 sites grouped into five Operable Units (OUs) based on similarities, such as types of environmental issues, selected cleanup methods, and/or physical location. To date, 64 of these IR Sites have been cleaned up and/or closed. There are currently 16 active IR Sites in the MCB Camp Pendleton's IR Program, all in different phases of the cleanup process.
A list of the active IR Sites on MCB Camp Pendleton may be found on the right. For a visual reference of the active IR Sites on Base, reference the map below.
