EPA Superfund Site

FORT DETRICK AREA B GROUND WATER

MD | EPA ID MDD985397249

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of June 2025, the Fort Detrick Area B Groundwater Superfund site is considered “Insufficient Data to make a Human Exposure evaluation” (HEID). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are present in the karst aquifer that underlies Area B of Fort Detrick. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have also been detected in the groundwater on the post.

EPA uses this Human Exposure status when there is a lack of evidence to suggest that actual or reasonably anticipated human exposures are occurring and that those exposures are above acceptable levels. Currently, the groundwater plume is undergoing a Remedial Investigation (RI) to determine the nature and extent of contamination. Ongoing sampling of the groundwater has demonstrated that the VOC plume has migrated off-post to the Southwest (the Waverley View/Gambrill View property). The Army has obtained access from the Waverley View property owner and sampled groundwater monitoring wells to determine the nature and extent of the plume's migration off-post and the potential vapor intrusion risk to future residents. As a result of this investigation, the of-base plume has been delineated and the Army is undertaking a Non-Time Critical Removal Action (NTRCA) to address potential vapor intrusion risk to future residents. The RI for VOCs and PFAS are planned to be completed by March 2030 which is also the estimated date for making the human exposure determination.