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PUBLIC NOTICE OF REMOVAL ACTION
Non-Time-Critical Removal Action
Area of Concern D – Water Tower
Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
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The Department of the Navy, in consultation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, is conducting a non-time critical removal action (NTCRA) for lead at Area of Concern D (AOC D) – Water Tower at the Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment (NRL-CBD), located near Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. The NTCRA consists of excavating soil to 0.5 foot below ground surface.
The Navy invites the public to review and comment on the preferred alternative as documented in the “Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis for Lead in Surface Soil” report. The 30-day public comment period runs from July 31 to August 31, 2026.
AOC D is located in the central-western portion of NRL-CBD. The Water Tower was constructed in 1953 and painted with lead-based paint. Maintenance on the Water Tower surface and weathering of lead-based paint has resulted in a release of lead to the soil surrounding the water tower.
Previous investigations at the site have determined the extent of lead in surface soil. The NTCRA consisting of excavation and off-site disposal of surface soil is being initiated based on the results of the human health risk screening indicating a potentially complete exposure pathway to base workers and potential future residential users, as well as the results of the ecological risk screening indicating potential unacceptable risk to the environment.
A remedial action contractor will conduct the excavation and backfill the site to pre-existing conditions.
For More Information
A detailed summary of AOC D is available for public review in the “Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis for Lead in Surface Soil” report.
To view the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis, please click here.
This document can also be reviewed at the NRL-CBD administrative record information repository listed below:
Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch
4100 5th St., North Beach, Maryland 20714
Phone: (410) 257-2411
The public may submit written comments to:
Attn: Public Affairs Officer
Ms. Regina Adams
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington
1314 Harwood St.
Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20374
navfac_wash_publicaffairsoffice@us.navy.mil
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PUBLIC NOTICE OF Time Critical Removal Action
Action Memorandum
Private Drinking Water Enduring Solution
Near Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
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The Department of the Navy has initiated a Time Critical Removal Action to address certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at or above the Department of War (DoW)’s PFAS Interim Action Levels for Private Drinking Water Wells in private drinking water wells near Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment, in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.
A point-of-entry treatment system is considered a long-term enduring solution to be implemented for the properties served by a drinking water well with certain PFAS at or exceeding the DoW’s PFAS Interim Action Levels for Private Drinking Water Wells. The Navy initiated the removal action in accordance with Section 300.415(n)(2) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as part of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.
To view the Action Memorandum, please click here.
Comments can be emailed or mailed to the following address:
Attn: Public Affairs Officer
Ms. Regina Adams
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington
1314 Harwood St.
Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20374
navfac_wash_publicaffairsoffice@us.navy.mil
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Background
Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment (NRL-CBD) is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., in Calvert County, Maryland, south of the town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. NRL-CBD occupies approximately 160 acres along the western shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. The facility is bounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the east and residential housing areas to the north, south, and west. The facility is separated by Bayside Road (State Route 261) into an eastern and western portion.
NRL-CBD’s mission is to provide and maintain facilities for use by the research divisions of the Naval Research Laboratory, located in Washington, D.C., for the testing, development, and evaluation of radar, radio, optical, and fire control equipment, along with other research projects requiring a maritime environment or open skies, but with land-based support facilities.
The original acquisition of land for NRL-CBD took place in 1941, and construction progressed rapidly during World War II. Major expansion occurred in 1953 and 1954 with construction of a large laboratory building, shop facilities, and complete utility systems.
Environmental Restoration History
The Department of the Navy (Navy) Environmental Restoration (ER) program consists of two environmental investigation programs:
Installation Restoration Program (IRP): The IRP was designed to identify and clean up past contamination from chemical and radiological contaminants, hazardous substances, and pollutants to protect human health and safety, and the environment.
Munitions Response Program (MRP): The MRP addresses explosives safety hazards associated with munitions and explosives of concern, as well as human health and environmental risks associated with munitions constituents.
The Navy’s ER activities at NRL-CBD began in 1984 with the Initial Assessment Study (IAS). The purpose of the IAS was to identify and assess sites posing a potential threat to human health or the environment due to contamination from past hazardous materials operations.
NRL-CBD is not listed on the National Priorities List (NPL), commonly known as Superfund. Regulatory oversight is provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Since the early 2010s, the Navy and MDE have been coordinating ER activities at NRL-CBD. Currently, there are six (6) active IRP sites and three (3) active MRP sites at NRL-CBD.