SILVERDALE, Wash. – Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest (NAVFAC NW) completed a $2.1 million environmental cleanup of the former small arms range at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) – Bangor this year.
“This cleanup provides the highest level of protection for human health and the environment,” said the Navy’s Ray Kobeski, Senior Remedial Project Manager. “This decision also complies with all applicable State and Federal requirements and is a permanent solution.”
The Navy used the site for training as a pistol and trap shooting range from the 1940s through the 1970s. Small arms munitions, .50-caliber or less, were fired at the range. After the small arms range was closed, the site was used for recreational archery, but as time went by, the site was used less and less.
During the cleanup, the Navy removed nearly 3,000 cubic yards of soil to the depth of one to three feet below ground surface. Samples of the soil were then sent to a laboratory for chemical analysis. The sample results helped determine if the excavated soil would be disposed in a hazardous, or non-hazardous, waste landfill off base or if additional excavation was needed.
When the contaminated soil was removed, clean soil was brought in to fill in the excavated areas and it was planted with grass seed, shrubs and trees.
The Navy’s cleanup goals included removal of contaminated soil to levels acceptable for unrestricted use, the highest cleanup level possible. Prior to cleaning the site, soil samples showed lead concentrations greater than the state screening concentrations that protect human life.
Now the site is restored, base residents and guests hike, ride bikes, walk their dogs, and play with their children on the acreage. The site is surrounded by woods and located in an isolated area near the south edge of NBK-Bangor. Hiking trails from the site lead to the Trident Lakes recreation area, which includes ballfields, picnic areas and a children’s playground.
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