Naval Base Point Loma

IR Site 5 is on the west side of the Point Loma Peninsula and covers about 2 acres of undeveloped land within the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center at the naval base. It is adjacent to the Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area and borders Woodward Road to the east and the ocean bluffs to the west. IR Site 5 was used from the late 1920s until 1982 for unregulated disposal of rubble, construction debris, and treated sewage sludge. A 1995 site inspection reported disposal of sewage sludge from the city of San Diego sewage treatment plant between 1960 and 1962, and an additional 2,500 cubic yards was reportedly disposed of at the site between 1970 and 1978. Disposal activities ceased in 1982, and the site was covered during 1984 and 1985 with 2 to 5 feet of clean fill material, followed by grading of the surface.

A 1986 initial assessment study of Point Loma Naval Complex concluded that IR Site 5 posed a threat to human health and the environment due to the presence of lead and petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil. The 1995 site inspection found that arsenic, cyanide, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, semi volatile organic compounds, and volatile organic compounds in soils exceeded residential preliminary remediation goals. A 1996 extended site inspection and a phase II extended site inspection investigated and addressed concerns about soil erosion and background metal concentrations. According to the Regional Water Quality Board, groundwater at the site is not a medium of concern because it is designated of no beneficial use for the Point Loma peninsula.

A 2006 engineering evaluation and cost analysis evaluated potential soil removal alternatives, followed by a 2010 addendum which reevaluated site data and redefined proposed locations for removal actions. A 2010 action memorandum recommended a non-time critical removal action, which was conducted in 2011. Approximately 2 feet of existing soil cover over an area of 23,000 square feet was removed and replaced with 2 to 5 feet of clean imported fill material and regraded. The wastes reportedly disposed of at the site remain beneath the soil cover. The area was revegetated with native plants and monitored until 2014.

A 2015 record of decision inclusive of IR Site 5 selected long-term cover inspection and maintenance, land use controls, annual reports, and five-year reviews as the remedy to protect human and ecological receptors from unacceptable exposure to metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides contaminants in buried waste and soil that remains in place.

Although the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) did not concur with the remedy selected in the record of decision for sites 5, 10 and 20 because of concerns at that time about ecological risk at the site, the Navy proceeded with implementing the remedy. A 2022 post-record of decision memorandum developed by the Navy for the record addressed DTSC’s concerns by providing an update on site conditions based on annual inspections, describing how land use controls are managing risks, and updating prior risk evaluations. The Navy recommended that the management and monitoring of the land use control remedy continue. The DTSC concurred with the memorandum and selected remedy of land use controls . IR Site 5 remains open, and maintenance and monitoring of the existing soil cover and site conditions is ongoing. The Navy issued the draft land use control remedial design to regulatory agencies in 2022.

IR Site 6 is in the north-central portion of the Point Loma Peninsula bounded to the north, west, and south by Patterson Road and to the east by the Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area and covers about 1.05 acres within the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center at the naval base. From 1962 to 1970, the area was a small canyon filled with rubble and demolition debris. The site consists of vegetated areas on an east-facing slope at the top of an east-west-trending canyon, and an asphalt-paved parking lot and driveway area. The sloped area of the site extends downward to a ravine that borders a portion of the Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area. The parking lot and adjacent uncovered area above the slope on the western side of the site is relatively flat.

A 1986 initial assessment study of Point Loma Naval Complex identified the area as a potential hazardous waste disposal site but concluded that no confirmation study was needed. In 2003, a preliminary assessment and site inspection was conducted for IR Site 6. and confirmed. The disposal of demolition debris and placement of fill at the site, most of which was completed by 1978, was confirmed. Results in a 2008 site inspection report found lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls above preliminary remediation goals or ecological screening levels. A 2014 extended site inspection further assessed the risk to human health and the environment from construction and demolition debris and fill material present at IR Site 6. Analytical results from soil samples confirmed the presence of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides at the site.

A 2018 remedial investigation and focused feasibility study was conducted, and a final 2021 report presented the results of additional investigations and surface, subsurface, and deep soil and soil vapor sampling at IR Site 6. The remedial investigation found chemical contaminants that were generally consistent with previous investigations and further established the extent of this contamination. These findings and the results of human health and ecological risk assessment were used to establish a remedial action objective of preventing unacceptable exposure by human receptors to chemicals of concern in soil and construction debris.

A July 2022 proposed plan presented alternatives for meeting the remedial action objective for public comment including the Navy’s and regulatory agencies’ preferred alternative of institutional controls with erosion and stormwater management to address soil and soil vapor contamination. A final decision will be made by the Navy in consultation with the regulatory agencies and after considering any public comments and will documented in a record of decision scheduled for submittal in April 2023. IR Site 6 site remains open and continues to be used as paved parking with an undeveloped, steep slope extending downwards to the east.

IR Site 7 is a 5.8-acre area adjacent to the Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area in the northern NBPL Seaside area. The site is undeveloped and consists of erosion channels that point westward towards coastal bluffs that drain into the Pacific Ocean. Between 1955 and 1965, rubble and demolition wastes were disposed of in this area. By 1966, what was then identified as a 0.08-acre disposal area was covered over with a layer of clean soil. A stormwater conveyance pipeline currently discharges into the eastern end of the site below Cabrillo Memorial Drive, eroding soil and exposing portions of the waste along the ravine.

A 1986 initial assessment study of Point Loma Naval Complex found no evidence of hazardous material disposal at the rubble disposal area, and no confirmation study was conducted. The screening of rubble sites for contaminants in soils conducted by the Navy in 2003 included IR Site 7 and was followed by a preliminary assessment and site inspection. Results in the 2008 report found lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, and arsenic above the preliminary remediation goals. A 2014 extended site inspection recommended additional investigation at IR Site 7 because findings indicated potentially unacceptable risks for human and ecological receptors and an additional area of debris was observed outside of the 0.08-acre area. The historical IR Site 7 boundary was expanded in 2016 from 0.08 acres to 5.8 acres because of the additional areas of disturbance and debris observed outside the original site boundary.

A 2021 remedial investigation and focused feasibility study final report presented the results of additional investigations and surface and subsurface soil and soil vapor sampling in 2017 and 2018 at IR Site 7. Lead, hexavalent chromium, and polychlorinated biphenyls were identified as the primary chemicals of concern in the soil and asbestos containing materials (ACM) were also found in debris in one area. These findings and the results of human health and ecological risk assessment were used to establish remedial action objectives that prevent unacceptable exposure by human and ecological receptors to chemicals of concern and ACM in soil and construction debris, and prevent impacted soil, ACM, and debris from leaving the site through erosion caused by stormwater runoff. Six remedial alternatives for meeting these objectives were evaluated and presented.

The Navy’s decision to implement a time-critical removal action at IR Site 7 addressing the remedial action objectives in the 2021 report was documented in a 2021 action memorandum. The 2022 removal action focused on the area of the site where the highest contaminant concentrations were detected and where a stormwater channel was eroding the site and exposing buried waste. The removal action consisted of excavating approximately 5,648 cubic yards of soil and debris to depths ranging from 4 to 19 feet below ground surface from the site, followed by confirmation sampling and analysis, site restoration, and stormwater control improvement. A remedial action completion report was issued to the regulatory agencies and recommends no further action for the removal action area and its removal from the IR Site 7 boundary.

A technical memorandum is also currently being prepared to revise the remedial action objectives and remedial alternatives components of the remedial investigation and focused feasibility study report based on site conditions after the time-critical removal action, and a preferred alternative will be selected and presented to the regulatory agencies and the public.

IR Site 8 is approximately 0.4 acres of undeveloped land consisting of a south facing slope that leads to a canyon bottom in the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center at the naval base. It is within the southern boundary of IR Site 23, west of building A-34 and south of IR Site 7. Because IR Site 8 lays predominantly within IR Site 23, most investigations and reports evaluate both sites as one unit. IR Site 8 was used for the disposal of nonhazardous, demolition rubble and construction debris including wood, asphalt, and concrete from 1970 to 1975, and received small quantities of sandblast grit and empty paint cans from IR Site 23 thereafter.

Demolition debris observed at the surface during the 1986 initial assessment study of Point Loma Naval Complex was assumed to be the result of dumping onto the slope and into the canyon. No evidence was found suggesting that the dumped material was hazardous, and no confirmation study was conducted at the time. County of San Diego compliance inspections in 1991 and 1992 at IR Site 23 (inclusive of IR Site 8), then identified as IR Site 9 because IR Site 23 had not yet been established, led to the removal of spent sandblast media from the hillside west of building A-34 and sampling and testing for metals, several of which were detected in soils. A removal site evaluation was conducted that included additional sampling to further characterize the sites and collect data to develop risk assessments and identify chemicals of concern.

Based on the results, a 2005 engineering evaluation and cost analysis was developed that presented the results of investigations and risk assessments and recommended removal action alternatives for soil. A 2007 non-time critical removal action field investigation was conducted to verify the location and extent of contamination and to define areas for the removal action based on the presence of arsenic and lead. A total of 1,846 tons of material consisting of approximately 2 feet of contaminated soil and 1 to 2 feet of sand blast grit was removed from IR Site 8 and 23 during a 2011 non-time critical removal action. Following excavation, removal areas were backfilled with imported clean fill and revegetated with native plant species, as documented in the 2013 removal action completion report.

Based on the results of a post-removal risk evaluation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) concurred with the Navy’s no further action recommendation, but for industrial use only and with a soil management plan. The Navy conducted annual inspections and site maintenance from 2016 through 2020 in accordance with a land use control implementation plan, and IR Site 8 was voluntarily included in the 2020 first five-year review performed at multiple NBPL IR sites to assess restrictions and erosion control effectiveness. Following the 2021 annual inspection, the Navy initiated planning to implement permanent soil erosion controls to address eroded areas identified at IR Site 8 and improve surface flow.

A 2022 removal action completion report addendum updated risk evaluation and site conditions at IR Site 8 and 23 since the 2011 non-time critical removal action, addressing unresolved regulatory agency concerns and recommending site closure. The DTSC did not concur with site closure because of uncertainties related to potential contaminants remaining in place at the sites. The Navy will draft the required CERCLA feasibility study, proposed plan, record of decision, and land use control remedial design documents for selecting and implementing land use controls as the remedy for the sites.

IR Site 9 is approximately 1.2 acres of fenced, restricted undeveloped land intersected with dirt roads on the seaside portion of NBPL, west of Cabrillo Memorial Drive. It is adjacent to IR Site 23 and is part of the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center. The original concern at IR Site 9 was plating waste from Building A-34, referred to as the metal finishing shop, where waste solvents and plating tank cleanout waste were generated. Disposal of plating and painting waste at the site from 1949 to 1970 included heavy metals, methyl ethyl ketones, carbon tetrachloride, and up to 37,000 gallons of mixed tank waste. Dust suppression activities were also conducted on the site and dirt roads, impacting near surface soils with low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. An additional area west of buildings on the site is identified as the northern slope and may have been used to dispose of paint cans.

A 1986 initial assessment study of Point Loma Naval Complex identified the sloping hillside southwest of the plating shop as a disposal area for waste chemicals and recommended a confirmation study for IR Site 9. Sampling and testing in 1987 detected metals in soil. A subsequent site inspection and removal site evaluation were conducted to perform additional sampling, further characterize the site, and collect data to develop risk assessments and identify chemicals of concern. Results indicated that soils contained indicated soils contained metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds.

Based on the results, a 2005 engineering evaluation and cost analysis was developed that presented the results of investigations and risk assessments and recommended removal action alternatives for soil. A 2007 non-time critical removal action field investigation was conducted to verify the location and extent of contamination and to define areas for the removal action based on the presence of lead, because it was found in all areas identified for removal actions and represented most of the risk. A total of 354 tons of soil was removed in a layer approximately 2 to 3 feet thick from two areas west of building A-34 during a 2011 non-time critical removal action. Following excavation, removal areas were backfilled with imported clean fill and revegetated with native plant species, as documented in the 2013 removal action completion report.

Based on the results of a post-removal risk evaluation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) concurred with the Navy’s no further action recommendation, but for industrial use only and with a soil management plan. The Navy conducted annual inspections and site maintenance from 2016 through 2020 in accordance with a land use control implementation plan, and IR Site 9 was voluntarily included in the 2020 first five-year review performed at multiple NBPL IR sites to assess access restrictions and erosion control effectiveness. Following the 2021 annual inspection, the Navy initiated planning for permanent soil erosion controls implementation to address eroded areas identified at IR Site 9 and improve surface flow.

A 2022 removal action completion report addendum updated risk evaluation and site conditions at IR Sites 8, 9 and 23 since the 2011 non-time critical removal action, addressing unresolved regulatory agency concerns and recommending site closure. The site remains open pending receipt of a no further action letter from the regulatory agencies. The DTSC did not concur with site closure because of uncertainties related to potential contaminants remaining in place at the sites. The Navy will be drafting the required CERCLA feasibility study, proposed plan, record of decision, and land use control remedial design documents for selecting and implementing land use controls as the remedy for the sites.

IR Site 10 is approximately 7 acres of secured, undeveloped land south of IR Site 20 in central NBPL Seaside within the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center, bordered on the east by Gatchell Road and on the west by ocean bluffs, which rise 60 to 100 feet above the beach. IRP Site 10 was used as an unregulated disposal area for treated sewage sludge from the City of San Diego sewage treatment plant, located approximately 1 mile to the south. An estimated 56,000 cubic yards of treated sludge was reportedly disposed of at the site. The waste was covered with an undocumented layer of soil fill material ranging in thickness from less than 1 foot up to 20 feet and remains in place under the soil cover.

A 1986 initial assessment study concluded that IR Site 10 posed a threat to human health and the environment due to the presence of lead and petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil. The 1995 site inspection found that arsenic, cyanide, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, semi volatile organic compounds, and volatile organic compounds in soils exceeded residential preliminary remediation goals. A 1996 extended site inspection and a phase II extended site inspection investigated and addressed concerns about soil erosion and background metal concentrations.

A 2006 engineering evaluation and cost analysis evaluated potential soil removal alternatives, followed by a 2010 addendum which reevaluated site data and redefined proposed locations for removal actions. The existing soil cover remained in place and following a 2015 ecological risk assessment, the Navy recommended no further action for the site. A 2015 a record of decision selected long-term cover inspection and maintenance and land use controls as the remedy to protect human and ecological receptors from unacceptable exposure to contaminated soil.

Although the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) did not concur with the remedy selected in the record of decision for sites 5, 10 and 20 because of concerns at that time about ecological risk at the site, the Navy proceeded with implementing the remedy. A 2022 post-record of decision memorandum developed by the Navy for the record addressed DTSC’s concerns by providing an update on site conditions based on annual inspections, describing how land use controls are managing risks, and updating prior risk evaluations. The Navy recommended that the management and monitoring of the land use control remedy continue. The DTSC concurred with the memorandum and selected remedy of land use controls. IR Site 10 remains open, and maintenance and monitoring of the existing soil cover and site conditions is ongoing. The Navy issued the draft land use control remedial design to regulatory agencies in 2022.

IR Site 11 covers approximately 2 acres on the western side of the Point Loma Peninsula within the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center. The site consists of a level pad with a slope to the west that that ends in a 100-foot cliff above the ocean. Since the 1940s, the area was used for storage of equipment, drummed wastes, and transformers. Between 1965 and 1970, it was a disposal area for rubble and demolition debris primarily from the former General Dynamics Atlas test facility located south of the site. IR Site 11 was cleaned up in 1975, filled with clean soil and paved over with asphalt in 1985. Three storage buildings as well as various storage containers and miscellaneous equipment occupy IR Site 11. All materials are contained within a secured chain-link fence. No work operations currently take place onsite and it is not occupied on a regular basis by Navy personnel.

A 1986 initial assessment study of Point Loma Naval Complex found no evidence of hazardous material disposal at the site, and no confirmation study was conducted. A 2010 preliminary assessment recommended a limited site inspection to confirm that no hazardous materials were released at IR Site 11. A 2014 extended site inspection confirmed that no rubble or debris was present. The inspection results showed no detections of chemicals of concern above screening levels, posing no unacceptable risk for human health or the environment.

A site inspection work plan for supplemental sampling was finalized in March 2022 to address data gaps from the extended site inspection. Findings and recommendations from fieldwork completed in January 2022 will be documented in a report anticipated to be issued to the agencies in December 2022. IR Site 11 remains open pending a determination following finalization of the report on whether any further action is required at the site.

IR Site 20 is approximately 2.5 acres of open, undeveloped land north of IR Site 10 in central NBPL within the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center. The site was an unregulated disposal site for petroleum waste and treated sewage sludge from the City of San Diego sewage treatment plant. A layer of soil ranging in thickness from 1 to 13 feet covers the estimated 18,000 cubic yards of wasted and treated sewage sludge disposed of at the site. The waste remains in place under the fill material at the site and is stabilized by mature vegetation.

A 1993 site investigation for a military construction project detected arsenic, chromium, lead and polychlorinated biphenyls at concentrations exceeding residential preliminary remediation goals. A 1996 extended site inspection investigated but did not adequately address concerns about soil erosion and background metal concentrations. In 2001 and 2002 phase I and phase II extended site inspections were conducted to collect additional soil samples, assess background concentrations, evaluate erosion, and provide additional data for risk assessments.

A 2006 engineering evaluation and cost analysis evaluated potential soil removal alternatives, followed by a 2010 addendum which reevaluated site data and redefined proposed locations for removal actions. The existing soil cover remained in place and following a 2015 ecological risk assessment, the Navy recommended no further action for the site. A 2015 record of decision selected long-term cover inspection and maintenance and land use controls as the remedy to protect human and ecological receptors from unacceptable exposure to contaminated soil.

Although the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) did not concur with the remedy selected in the record of decision for sites 5, 10 and 20 because of concerns at that time about ecological risk at the site, the Navy proceeded with implementing the remedy. A 2022 post-record of decision memorandum developed by the Navy for the record addressed DTSC’s concerns by providing an update on site conditions based on annual inspections, describing how land use controls are managing risks, and updating prior risk evaluations. The Navy recommended that the management and monitoring of the land use control remedy continue. The DTSC concurred with the memorandum and selected remedy of land use controls. IR Site 20 remains open, and maintenance and monitoring of the existing soil cover and site conditions is ongoing. The Navy issued the draft land use control remedial design to regulatory agencies in 2022.

IR Site 23 is approximately 2 acres of fenced, predominantly undeveloped land intersected with dirt roads adjacent to IR Site 9, to the west of the Navy Public Works Center Building A-36, on the northeastern portion of the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center. Because IR Site 8 lays predominantly within IR Site 23, most investigations and reports evaluate the two sites as one unit. From 1949 to 1973, the site was used for disposal of sandblasting grit and hazardous waste storage.

A 1986 initial assessment study generally concluded that IR Site 23, then identified as IR Site 9, did not pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment, although further confirmation sampling was recommended due to site history and past disposal practices. A 1987 follow-on field investigation detected several metals in soil at the site.

County of San Diego compliance inspections in 1991 and 1992 at IR Site 23, led to the removal of spent sandblast media from the hillside west of building A-34 and sampling and testing for metals, several of which were detected in soils. A subsequent site inspection was conducted in 1993, followed by a removal site evaluation conducted to perform additional sampling, further characterized the site, and obtained data for risk assessments. Results indicated metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds were in soil.

Based on the results, a 2005 engineering evaluation and cost analysis recommended removal action alternatives for soil at IR Site 8 and 23. A 2007 non-time critical removal action field investigation was conducted to verify the location and extent of contamination and to define areas for the removal action. A 2010 addendum to the engineering evaluation and cost analysis included a streamlined evaluation of site risks. An action memorandum prepared in 2011 covered previous investigations and risk assessment results, reviewed removal action alternatives, selected one alternative, and detailed costs and types of construction activities required to implement the recommended alternative. The selected alternative was soil excavation, offsite treatment and disposal, regrading, and revegetation.

The resulting 2011 removal action excavated 1,846 tons of material from IR Site 8 and 23, consisting of approximately 2 feet of contaminated soil and 1 to 2 feet of sand blast grit. Following excavation, removal areas were backfilled with imported clean fill and revegetated with native plant species, as documented in the 2013 removal action completion report.

Based on a post-removal risk assessment, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) concurred with the Navy’s no further action recommendation for industrial use with a soil management plan. The Navy conducted annual inspections and site maintenance from 2016 through 2020 in accordance with a land use control implementation plan, and IR Site 23 was included in the 2020 first five-year review that assessed land use control erosion control effectiveness at multiple NBPL IR sites. Following the 2021 annual inspection, the Navy initiated planning for soil erosion controls to address eroded areas at the site and improve surface flow.

A 2022 removal action completion report addendum updated risk evaluation and site conditions at IR Sites 8, 9 and 23 since the 2011 non-time critical removal action, addressing unresolved regulatory agency concerns and recommending site closure. The site remains open pending receipt of a no further action letter from the regulatory agencies. The DTSC did not concur with site closure because of uncertainties related to potential contaminants remaining in place at the sites. The Navy will be drafting the required CERCLA feasibility study, proposed plan, record of decision, and land use control remedial design documents for selecting and implementing land use controls as the remedy for the sites.

IR Site 24 is located on the Point Loma peninsula on a western-facing bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. IR Site 24 was a US Air Force contractor-operated facility activated in 1954 as the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation (CONVAIR) Atlas Missile Test Facility (AMTF). Historically, the facility was used for flow and pressure tests, large-scale structural tests, full-scale launch mechanism tests, and stage separation tests associated with the Atlas Missile. The AMTF was decommissioned in 1970 and the buildings and structures associated with the former AMTF were demolished. The area currently contains a fenced training facility in the northern portion of the former site. In addition, the southernmost portion of the former AMTF (approximately 2 acres) is on the City of San Diego Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plan property. IR Site 24 was identified as an area of concern because of the potential release of trichloroethene (TCE) which was used for cleaning and degreasing AMTF equipment.

A soil gas study was initiated in 2018 to determine whether a TCE release occurred from historical AMTF operations. The soil gas study included the collection of soil gas samples for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which includes TCE and related breakdown products. Results of the initial soil gas study indicated TCE was detected in samples exceeding investigation screening values with the highest TCE concentration reported in areas with utility, storage, and support structures in the northwestern portion of the site, away from the main test towers. The results of the initial soil gas sampling were presented in the Soil Gas Study report finalized in 2020. The Soil Gas Study recommended further investigation of IR Site 24.

Based on the soil gas study results, IR Site 24 was instituted as a new site and a Site Inspection (SI) was conducted in 2022 to further investigate potential contaminant releases associated with the former AMTF operations. The SI included sampling and analysis of site soil for VOCs, metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perchlorate, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and explosives. The SI sampling indicated the presence of select PAHs, TPH, and metals in soil at concentrations above SI screening levels. The SI report was finalized in 2023 and recommended a Remedial Investigation (RI).

An RI was initiated in February 2024 and is ongoing. The objective of the RI is to further develop the CSM, evaluate the nature and extent of contaminants of concern in soil and soil gas, and conduct a human health and ecological risk assessment. The RI consists of additional soil and soil gas sampling throughout the site and defining areas with elevated detections of chemicals of potential concern. The RI also consists of sampling in areas not previously investigated within the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant property. The results of the RI will be presented in the RI report once field work and sampling has been completed.

IR Site 25, the MBR, is an outdoor radar facility located at the Naval Warfare Systems Center on Wavelength Road, west of Cabrillo Memorial Drive and north of Woodward Road. The site is a radar facility consisting of a circular concrete slab called a ground plane and is surrounded by vegetative areas and buildings. As part of radar testing at the MBR, lead was applied to the ground plane, sand blasted off, and reapplied. This process took place in 1966, 1973, and 1978 and resulted in lead contaminating surrounding vegetation and surface soil downgradient from the ground plane.

A 2010 removal action reduced 1,162 tons of lead impacted soil to levels below the industrial cleanup level in areas adjacent to the ground plane. In 2015, soil from Naval Air Station North Island was used to backfill Area A at IR Site 25. The backfill was later discovered to contain low-level radiological objects with radium-226 consisting of oxidized metal items and luminescent items such as deck markers and instrument dials. Approximately 400 cubic yards of soil was used from the Naval Air Station North Island IR Site 10 stockpile and backfilled to depths up to 2 feet below ground surface. The placement of the imported soil resulted in a review of the IR Site 25 removal action. The review concluded that ecological receptors were not considered, and the removal action did not support unrestricted use and exposure based on the cleanup level for human health.

A 2021 site inspection evaluated lead-impacted soil and samples were collected for screening level human health and ecological risk assessments to determine the need for further action. Gamma scans of surface soil were also performed to determine the presence of radium-226 and health and safety gamma scans for low-level radiological objects were performed during fieldwork by a radiation control supervisor to protect worker health and safety. No low-level radiological objects were encountered during the site inspection field work. The Navy is currently drafting the site inspection report and is planning to issue the draft report to the agencies in December 2022.

Building 20 is a Navy Exchange gasoline and former auto service station. The site included three 5,000-gallon USTs and one 10,000-gallon UST and a service station for tune-ups, lubrication, emissions testing, and brake repairs. Waste oil was kept in a 500-gallon UST that were periodically emptied by contractors for recycling and disposal.

A release was first observed at this site in 1989 when a fuel saturated telephone pole was removed near the USTs. The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health was notified, and the four tanks underwent integrity tank testing. Three of the four tanks failed the test, and four groundwater monitoring wells were later installed.

In June 1992, laboratory analysis indicated that groundwater was impacted by gasoline contaminants and free product was detected in two of the wells. Soil sampling was conducted to determine the extent of contamination and the USTs were removed in 1993. A total of 300 cubic yards of impacted soil were excavated and disposed of. Residual contamination was left in the northern corner of the excavation because of potential undermining of adjacent roadways.

Additional site assessment performed in 1995 included soil borings and the installation of additional groundwater monitoring wells. Site assessment results indicated that up to 1,600 cubic yards of impacted soil remained from 5 to 10 feet below ground surface and additional monitoring of existing wells was recommended. Three additional monitoring wells were installed in 2003 to investigate the potential free petroleum product along Rosecrans Boulevard and soil borings were collected in the parking garage northwest of the gas station. Free product was not detected during this investigation.

Groundwater monitoring indicates that benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes concentrations have declined and are now below Regional Water Quality Control Board interim guidance for groundwater within 1,000 feet of San Diego Bay. Methyl tert-butyl ether concentrations in groundwater have varied over time and in distribution at the site because of shifts caused by groundwater flow patterns, the influence of irrigation water, and influx from the San Diego Bay. Historical data trends indicate that the methyl tert-butyl ether concentration will continue to be variable, but slowly decline.

A final sampling and analysis plan and work plan were submitted in January 2022 to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. Fieldwork in support of regulatory closure of the site took place in February 2022 and included groundwater sampling. Two semi-annual groundwater monitoring reports will present results and conclusions necessary to evaluate if a finding of no further action is appropriate for the UST 106 site.

MRP Site 2, the Small-Arms Range, is a former small-arms firing range that covers about 1.2 acres within the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Center at the Naval Warfare Systems Center on Wavelength Road, west of Cabrillo Memorial Drive and north of Woodward Road. The site consists of wooden post target areas, firing lines, and a hillside that served as an impact berm. Based on archival document review, MRP Site 2 first appeared in the 1940s as an outdoor target practice range for pistol shooting. On 1970s era base maps, target stands are present on a vacant hillside adjacent to an area designated as “10 FP Pistol Range” or “Pistol Range”. It is also situated adjacent to Battery Woodward which supported wartime ramp-up efforts and coastal defenses during World War II. The Environmental Restoration Program is investigating the adjacent area as MRP Site 2.

Planning documents are under development for conducting a preliminary assessment and site inspection at MRP Site 2 that will evaluate the presence of heavy metals and determine the need for further action. Fieldwork is planned for early 2023 and a report is scheduled for submittal in the spring of 2024. If necessary, a time-critical removal action may be conducted at the site in late 2024.

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