Jul 15, 2016

Army Corps Punts on University's Public Safety Building Cleanup

To address possible disposal areas, a generic MEC HA [Munitions & Explosives of Concern Hazard Assessment] that conservatively assumed a worst case disposal area/burial pit scenario was completed ... Unknowns associated with the identified possible disposal areas ... suggest the need for response actions to mitigate unacceptable explosive hazards that could exist in these areas.  The AU Public Safety Building (PSB) is considered one of these possible disposal areas.  As the PSB is an active building on the AU campus, so long as it remains in place, it effectively acts as a cap or control to contain any potential explosive hazard (that is, it prevents interaction between source and receptor).  However, when the PSB is removed, the preferred explosive hazards mitigation alternative will be applied to the area and any burial pits will be properly addressed.
Spring Valley FUDS
Final Proposed Plan
June 7, 2016 (pg. 8)
The Partners discussed how to address the remedial action for the debris under the building during the unspecified period of time between the Decision Document (DD) and the removal of the building ... AU asked whether the university would have to wait after the building was removed, possibly years, until the AUES-related debris could be excavated and removed from the campus.  USACE confirmed that if the remedy is specified in the DD, the Army is required to fund implementation of it; however when it can be implemented based on the availability of funds for any given year is unclear ... AU explained that the building is expected to be no longer used for Public Safety operations once the new development on the East Campus is completed [March 2017].  The potential for unclear timing of a future remedy may influence the university’s plans for the building and whether a new office operation would be relocated to the building. 
Spring Valley Partners

Meeting Minutes 
November 3, 2015 (pgs. 7 - 8)
Allen HengstHave you discussed AU's future plans for that building, because it's falling apart? 
                                                        
Dan Noble:  We have indications from American University that the removal of that building is probably going to happen sooner rather than later.  So we are planning within our budgetary cycle to have the funds available to implement that portion of the remedy.
Restoration Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2016 (pg. 10) 
 
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