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PUBLIC NOTICE OF REMOVAL ACTION
Time-Critical Removal Action
Site 10 - Fire Testing Area
Naval Research Laboratory - Chesapeake Bay Detachment
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
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In March 2026, the Department of the Navy, and the Naval Research Laboratory – Chesapeake Bay Detachment (NRL-CBD), in cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, conducted a time critical removal action (TCRA) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at Site 10 – Fire Testing Area. The TCRA consists of the operation of a treatment system to remove PFAS from surface water before returning the treated water to the surface water body.
The Fire Testing Area is located in the central portion of NRL-CBD and has been used as a testing facility for fire extinguishing agents since the late-1960s. Historical activities associated with the Fire Testing Area have resulted in a release of PFAS to the environment.
Previous investigations at the site have detected PFAS in surface water that exits the Base through an unnamed stream located at the north end of NRL-CBD. The TCRA consisting of the surface water treatment system was initiated based on the results of the human health risk screening evaluation indicating a potentially complete exposure pathway to offsite recreational users of the northern unnamed stream. Currently, the site is progressing through the Remedial Investigation phase to define the nature and extent of PFAS contamination and identify potentially unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.
A remedial action contractor will operate and maintain the treatment system, which will divert surface water from an on-Base stormwater retention pond, remove the PFAS, and reintroduce the treated water downstream of the treatment system prior to surface water exiting the Base.
For More Information
A detailed summary of Site 10 is available for public review in the “Action Memorandum for Time-Critical Removal Action for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.”
To view the Action Memorandum, 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
For additional information, please contact
Ms. Regina Adams
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington
1314 Harwood St.
Washington Navy Yard, D.C.
navfac_wash_publicaffairsoffice@us.navy.mil
Phone: (202) 685-0384
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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.