Army Will Compare University Plume, Sibley Hospital Perchlorate

In order to determine whether the two perchlorate plumes (at AU and Sibley) originated from the same source, USACE is collecting and will be analyzing perchlorate samples using isotopic analysis. In March a perchlorate sample was collected on the AU campus from an existing well [PZ-4] where elevated levels of perchlorate have previously been detected.

 Site-wide groundwater sampling results (2012)

A perchlorate sample will also be collected near Sibley Memorial Hospital in April 2012. Perchlorate is comprised of chlorine and oxygen, and specific isotope ratios of these elements can reveal information about the perchlorate source. This effort involves continuous groundwater pumping and filtration at each location for several days to separate and collect a sufficient amount of perchlorate that can then be analyzed.
Spring Valley FUDS Project Summary
March 2012

Anomaly Investigation Yields Cultural Debris, No Munitions

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continued its search for buried WWI-era military materials on AU's campus over spring break, but this latest effort in the 19-year investigation yielded no results ... The Corps also dug four trenches in the Kreeger parking lot and roadway to investigate whether "anomalies," or metallic objects previously used by the Army, were buried there ...

No anomalies were found, only construction debris and litter such as Coke bottles, according to the Spring Valley Community Outreach Team. After the investigations, the trenches were repaved, and the Kreeger parking lot was reopened for use. The entire process took place over spring break, as requested by AU, to reduce any disruptions for students.
Ryan Migeed
The Eagle
April 10, 2012 (pg. 5)

2.5-Acre Kreeger Area Anomaly Investigation