VA Naval Base Superfund cleanup construction complete

Culminating 31 years of work and a $40 million investment, the U.S. Navy’s Superfund cleanup construction at the Joint Expeditionary Base (Jeb) Little Creek in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is finally done.

“Thanks to the Navy’s hard work, commitment and the excellent working relationship they cultivated with [the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] and Virginia, we’re able to celebrate only the second construction completion for a Navy facility here in the Mid-Atlantic region,” EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin said.

The Navy’s efforts were spread over 140 locations that were known or suspected to be contaminated, which were tested and appropriately treated. The sites have all been cleared for use and 132 have no land-use restrictions.

“The Navy community here at JEB has much to be proud of and look forward to, given that 140 base locations that were once of concern are now protective of people’s health and available for appropriate reuse, including new recreational areas that will provide personnel and their families places to enjoy for years to come,” Garvin said.

Among the new recreational areas are several ball fields, a golf driving range, and a wetlands area with nature trails and observation platforms.