Initial Arsenic Readings Called a "False Positive"

Officials reopened Fort Reno Park in Northwest Washington yesterday, saying recent extensive tests have found no unsafe levels of arsenic in the soil there. The 33-acre field, a popular site for sports and concerts in the Tenleytown neighborhood, was abruptly closed to the public May 14 after the U.S. Geological Survey said soil samples showed arsenic levels of as much as 1,100 parts per million -- about 25 times the limit of 43 parts per million set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But those test results turned out to be "a false positive," officials said yesterday.
Washington Post (May 29, 2000: pg. B-1)

Arsenic Levels Cause Indefinite Closure of Fort Reno Park

A 33-acre federal park in Northwest Washington was abruptly shut yesterday and will remain closed indefinitely after soil analysis found arsenic levels far above what the federal government considers safe ... Park Service spokesman Bill Line said in an interview that before agency officials were notified about the high arsenic levels, they "had no prior reason to suspect anything other than safe conditions existed in Fort Reno Park."
Washington Post
May 15, 2008: pg. B-1
 
The Partners discussed the Terry Slonecker/Rich Albright aerial photograph of high arsenic readings in the District of Columbia area and an article that recently appeared in the Examiner. The year 2000 photograph came from T. Slonecker's doctoral thesis and shows the northwest District of Columbia area and Spring Valley with some red spots indicating high arsenic readings. There are spots at Fort Reno and at Friendship Park. The statement by [Richard] Albright to the Examiner a couple of weeks ago said that toxic chemicals have spread.
Spring Valley FUDS
Partnering Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2007 (pg. 18)

How-To Manual Details Chemical Weapons Cleanup

 

Unexploded military ordnance and highly toxic chemical munitions, some dating back to World War I, are a worldwide concern — especially at closed military bases that are being redeveloped for housing or civilian use.  [Richard] Albright steers the reader away from many common misconceptions about weapons site remediation, and exposes the minefield of lies that are all too often used to placate the public.  Albright enjoys an international reputation as an expert in weapons of mass destruction.  He has testified before Congress and state governments on chemical weapons, and received the prestigious Cafritz Award in 2001 for his work in cleaning up the Spring Valley World War I military facility in Washington, DC.
Cleanup of Chemical and Explosive Munitions
by Richard Albright

More World War I Shells Recovered

Intrusive investigations in the East Extension began on April 28th. In the first week of operation the investigation team has recovered WW I-era munition items. These items have been safely handled like all previous items and removed from the property in accordance with work plan guidelines.
Spring Valley Project Update
April 2008