EPA Superfund Site

FORT ORD

CA | EPA ID CA7210020676

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of April 2024, the Fort Ord Superfund site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC). Trespassers can come into contact with munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), specifically in the 8000-acre impact range with an 11-mile perimeter. This exposure pathway is considered unacceptable based on EPA risk-based criteria because trespassing incidents continue to occur. Despite fencing, signage, law enforcement patrols, regular coordination meetings with local law enforcement agencies, increased penalties, community outreach, and removal actions to protect the population from exposure to unexploded ordnance, it is difficult to keep trespassers out of a large and often remote area. Exposure could result in great bodily harm or death.

The planned activities to address this pathway are implementation the remedy, which includes prescribed burning and surface clearance. Significant progress in implementing the remedy has been made but as of 2024, the Army estimates that it will take at least another 8-10 years at the current pace, due to California’s wildfire danger and endangered species challenges associated with conducting vegetation clearance activities (in support of MEC removal). If you are concerned about risks inherent at the site, please visit www.fortordcleanup.com for more information and adhere to all trail maps, fencing, and signage posted at and around the site. EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by 2033 because this is when the remedy is expected to be implemented and cleanup is expected to be complete.