EPA Superfund Site

NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE ENGINEERING STATION (4 WASTE AREAS)

WA | EPA ID WA1170023419

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of November 2024, the Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station (Keyport) Superfund Site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control (HENC)”. A Supplemental Remedial Investigation (SRI) is underway in Operable Unit 1 to investigate the failed remedy there. Although the SRI is not yet complete, enough work has been finished to know that risks are present due to Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), dioxin/furans (D/F), metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in shellfish, sediment, soils, and surface water. These exposures are unacceptable because they exceed target risk levels. Access to the base is controlled by the Navy, but contamination extends beyond the fence line. A feasibility study, proposed plan, and record of decision amendment are required to identify and implement a new remedy. EPA expects the Navy to be able to address current human exposures with temporary controls after completion of the SRI, currently expected in late 2025.

An SRI is also underway in Operable Unit 2, Area 8 to investigate a contingent groundwater remedy and potential human health risks due to chromium and cadmium in groundwater, sediments, and shellfish. The Navy controls access to this area and EPA expects to be able to make a determination about human exposure upon completion of the SRI, currently expected in late 2025