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News ArchivesFort Ord National Monument: May 11, 2013 Guided Hike into the Impact AreaPosted 5/9/2013  Mark your calendar for the May 11, 2013 Fort Ord National Monument One Year Anniversary Celebration! There are several activities scheduled for this celebration including 90-minute guided hikes into the Impact Area hosted by the Army. The Impact Area hikes will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. Participants may choose from a 1 mile walk or a three mile walk inside the Impact Area. This guided hike into the Impact Area is limited to 100 participants. Registration information is available at www.FortFriends.net. The hike starts at 9:00 a.m. Please note that the May 11th information is below the April 27 Sheep Appreciation Day poster on the Fort Friends website. - Event Information & Flyer - For a sneak peek at some of the wildflowers we hope to see, click here - View the Event Page VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18: You must have a parent or guardian either sign a waiver which will be turned in at the nature walk registration table, otherwise your parent or guardian must accompany you at the nature walk. If your parent or guardian is accompanying you on the nature walk, they can sign the waiver at the registration table. Questions? Contact: Melissa Broadston at (831) 393-1284 or by e-mail at melissa.m.broadston.ctr@mail.mil. How are we doing? We want to know... Posted 5/9/2013  Help us refine the community outreach program for Fort Ord by participating in the 2013 Fort Ord cleanup community survey. We regularly update the Fort Ord Community Relations Plan which describes how community members can participate in decisions about the environmental cleanup of the former Fort Ord. We use recent input from community members through the Environmental Cleanup Survey and community interviews as supporting information in the process of producing updates to the outreach program. We are very interested in learning how you would like to participate in the environmental cleanup at Fort Ord. Additionally, the information we collect from the survey and community interviews will be used to help us determine the level of community interest in this site and fit the public participation program to the community's information needs. The Environmental Cleanup Survey can help the Army to identify your interest in the cleanup. By completing and returning the Survey, you can help yourself, your community, and the Army to develop better communication and understanding. There are three ways you can complete the survey. How to Complete the Online Survey: - As an online form - Download, print and mail the PDF version We also invite you to participate in an interview about your interests and concerns surrounding the cleanup. We encourage you to share this survey with neighbors and friends. We hope you will take the time to participate in this important effort by completing the survey or scheduling an interview. Please contact Melissa Broadston at (831) 393-1284, or e-mail at: melissa.m.broadston.ctr@mail.mil for more information. Community Information Session hosted by FORA Posted 4/30/2013 This announcement is being provided on behalf of the Fort Ord Reuse Authority Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement Remediation Program, also known as FORA ESCA RP. FORA is hosting a Community Information Session on May 8, 2013. The community will hear about: - the Parker Flats Residential Quality Assurance Phase 2 work, - the Interim Action Ranges Field Work and Habitat Restoration, and - other Investigations and Remedial Highlights. FORA and the ESCA Remediation Program Team will be present to answer questions, provide project details, and guide people through the remediation process. When: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Time: 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. Where:The Bridge Center (former FORA Conference Facility) 201 13th Street, Building 2925, Marina, CA Visit the FORA ESCA website for additional details: www.fora-esca-rp.com. Light refreshments will be provided. For questions feel free to call (831) 883-3506 or email esca@fora.org. More detailed information on the FORA ESCA Remediation Program is available on the FORA ESCA website: fora-esca-rp.com Click here to view flyer Earth Day Information Booth at CSUMB: April 22, 2013 Posted 4/13/2013 If you are in the Marina area on Monday, April 22, please stop by the Fort Ord Cleanup information booth at the California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Earth Day scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The CSUMB Earth Day event will be held on the campus quad. Construction Activities In Dunes Shopping Area - Week of April 1 Posted 3/28/2013 Some shoppers and employees of The Dunes on Monterey Bay ("The Dunes") shopping center in Marina may see workers and drilling equipment in the parking lot in April. For additional details and a map of the sampling areas click here Or, Click here for the results of the October sampling. You are invited to the EPA Technical Assistance Services for Communities Program Open Community Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 6 p.m. Posted 3/25/2013 You are invited to the EPA Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) Program Open Community Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 6 p.m. Location: Oldemeyer Center -- Laguna Grande Hall 986 Hilby Avenue Seaside, CA 93955 For more information, contact: Emily Chi Technical Assistance Specialist (434) 975-6700, ext. 238 echi@skeo.com Click here for a flyer with additional details. This meeting is funded by EPA's TASC program. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the policies, actions, or positions of the EPA. Notice of Availability - FOST 12 Posted 3/1/2013 The Finding of Suitability to Transfer (FOST), Former Fort Ord, California, Track 1 Plug-In Parcel E20c.1, Yadon’s Parcel E29b3.1, and Operable Unit 1 Parcel S2.1.2 (FOST 12) was signed by the Department of the Army (Army) on December 14, 2012. FOST 12 documents the Army’s determination that approximately 117 acres of undeveloped property at the former Fort Ord are environmentally suitable to transfer by deed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, also known as “Superfund”) and Department of Defense policy. FOST 12 includes appropriate analysis and justification to demonstrate that approximately 1 acre of the property is uncontaminated and that, for the rest of the property, all remediation necessary, as required by CERCLA to protect human health and the environment, was completed or is in place and is operating properly and successfully. The property is intended to be transferred to the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA), and the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCMBEST), for mixed use, development and habitat management. CLICK Here for a copy of the FOST Administrative Record CLOSED Monday, February 18 Posted 2/15/2013 The Fort Ord Administrative Record office will be closed all day on Monday, February 18, 2013 in observance of the holiday. The Administrative Record will re-open on Tuesday at 9:00 AM. Use the online search tool to view documents If you need assistance, you can call (831) 393-9693 and leave a message. Someone will return your call when the office re-opens. Free Guided Bus Tours of Cleanup Sites: Saturday, February 23, 2013 Posted 2/13/2013 At the Community Involvement Workshop on Saturday, February 23, 2013, the Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup staff will host free guided bus tours of cleanup sites. This bus tour will feature a 90 minute tour of the Fort Ord cleanup sites including the landfill, munitions areas and groundwater treatment plants. Click here to download the Tour Flyer Buses depart at 10:00 a.m. and at 11:45 a.m. from Building 4522 Joe Lloyd Way, Former Fort Ord or call the Fort Ord Community Relations Office for more details at (831) 393-1284. Click here for a map to Building 4522 Each tour is the same, so pick a time that works for you. There are no reservations. Don't want to join the bus tour? Visit the Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. instead. View the Tour Map ESCA Group 3 Proposed Plan now available online Posted 1/11/2013 Superfund Proposed PlanRemedial Actions are Proposed for Del Rey Oaks / Monterey, Laguna Seca Parking, and Military Operations in Urban Terrain Site Munitions Response Areas, Group 3 Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study, FORA ESCA Remediation Program Public Comment Period - January 15, 2013 through February 13, 2013. - View the Proposed Plan for public review. - View the notice placed in local newspapers, announcing the comment period. Public Meeting: The Army will hold a public meeting to explain the Proposed Plan, receive comments, and answer questions. Oral and written comments will be accepted at the meeting. Representatives of the Army, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control will be at the meeting to answer questions and listen to comments. January 30, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Carpenters Union Hall 910 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA 93933 Click here to download the presentation slides that will be shared at the meeting Written comments may be submitted to: Department of the Army Fort Ord Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Office Attn: Gail Youngblood BRAC Environmental Coordinator P.O. Box 5008, Monterey, CA 93944-5008 Fort Ord 2012 Prescribed Burn Season is Over Posted 1/11/2013 The Army works towards high standards in the prescribed burn program as with all aspects of the Fort Ord Cleanup Program. Before initiating a prescribed burn, Fort Ord requires that a long list of requirements be met. These include fuel moisture standards, weather conditions, and equipment availability, among others. In 2012, unfortunately, we were not able to identify an opportunity in which all requirements would be met. Prior to the beginning of the 2013 burn season, the Army will publish information about the 2013 prescribed burn direct notification program. Because e-mails and phone numbers may change, the Army will send interested members of the community a form that can be filled-out with current information. Calendar of Significant Army Outreach Events for Year 2013 Posted 12/25/2012 The schedule of Fort Ord Community Involvement Workshops, Bus Tours, Environmental Cleanup Information Booth participation at various community events, and other proposed activities can be viewed on this web site. The schedule is subject to change so please continue to check the website for updates, or contact the Community Relations office at (831) 393-1284 if you would like to be added to our mailing list. Specify if you'd like paper copies to be sent in the mail or email notices instead. View the calendar here Holiday Schedule for Fort Ord BRAC Office Posted 12/21/2012 The Fort Ord Administrative Record will be closed on December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Documents can be viewed online at www.fortordcleanup.com/adminrec/arsearch.asp. If you need assistance, you can call (831) 393-9186 and leave a message. Someone will return your call the next business day. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best this season. We look forward to continuing to work with you all in the new year. Traffic Alert: Digging and Hauling Soil on Fort Ord Posted 12/5/2012 Riding or walking on the paved roads near Fort Ord's Parker Flats area and see truck traffic? The Army is digging up soil in the Impact Area and trucking it to the Fort Ord landfill.The Army will be hauling soils on certain sections of Parker Flats Road and Eucalyptus Road weekdays from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please be very aware of this truck traffic which will continue through August 2013. Special Attention for Cyclists: If you ride your bicycle in the vicinity of the Bureau of Land Management Headquarters, please review the attached map of the hauling route. Haul Route Information for Cyclists Contact: Melissa Broadston Fort Ord Cleanup Community Involvement 831-393-1284 or email Melissa.M.Broadston.ctr@mail.mil Fort Ord Adminstrative Record Closed: November 22 and 23, 2012 Posted 11/21/2012 The Fort Ord Administrative Record will be closed on November 22 and 23, 2012. Documents can be viewed online at www.fortordcleanup.com/adminrec/arsearch.asp. If you need assistance, you can call (831) 393-9186 and leave a message. Someone will return your call the next business day. Administrative Record Office CLOSED on Veteran's Day Posted 11/6/2012  The Fort Ord Administrative Record office will be closed all day on Monday, November 12, 2012 in observance of Veterans Day. Documents can be viewed online at www.fortordcleanup.com/adminrec/arsearch.asp. If you need assistance, you can call (831) 393-9186 and leave a message. Someone will return your call when the office re-opens on Tuesday November 13th+. Fort Ord Five-Year Review is Complete Posted 11/5/2012 PUBLIC NOTICE THE (ARMY) HAS COMPLETED THE 3rd FIVE-YEAR REVIEW OF CLEANUP REMEDIES AT FORT ORD The Army completed the 3rd Five-Year Review of cleanup remedies for the Fort Ord Superfund Site in Monterey County, California, in September 2012. The purpose of the five-year review is to determine whether the remedy at a site continues to be protective of human health and the environment after a period of five years from the time the remedy was implemented (or from the time of a previous five-year review). The methods, findings, and conclusions of this review are documented in the report. In addition, the report documents any issues identified during the review based on site conditions and data, and propose recommendations to address them, as appropriate. Click here to download a copy of the report For a summary of the report, click here Free Tours by Appointment Posted 10/31/2012  Available Now!.....Tours and Talks.........It's FreeAs a part of the Army's community outreach program for the cleanup of the former Fort Ord, we offer tours of the former Fort Ord cleanup sites and facilities as well as presentations about the cleanup process. Tours are arranged by appointment. We ask for at least two weeks advance notice. The tour days are Tuesday through Thursday and the recommended start times are 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tours last from 60 to 90 minutes. For groups of 25 or more we will provide the bus transportation. The tour departure location is Building 4463, Gigling Road at the former Fort Ord. Tours can include opportunities to get off the bus. In these cases, we suggest the attire to include comfortable, close-toed walking shoes, and a jacket. In addition to tours, the Fort Ord Base Realignment and Closure field office has cleanup experts from various disciplines who are willing to speak to interested community groups. Their areas of expertise related to the Fort Ord cleanup project include groundwater and soil contamination, munitions and explosives of concern clearance, and habitat management. To Schedule a Tour or Talk: Melissa Broadston Fort Ord Cleanup Community Involvement 831-393-1284 or e-mail Melissa.M.Broadston.ctr@mail.mil Upcoming Environmental Activities: Collection of Soil Gas Samples Posted 10/11/2012 Upcoming Environmental Activities: Collection of Soil Gas Samples October 15th and 16th, 2012 Some shoppers and employees of The Dunes on Monterey Bay (“The Dunes”) shopping center in Marina may see workers and drilling equipment in the parking lot during the October. For additional details and a map of the sampling areas click here Administrative Record Office CLOSED on Monday October 8 Posted 10/5/2012 The Fort Ord Administrative Record office will be closed on October 8, 2012. Documents can be viewed online at www.fortordcleanup.com/adminrec/arsearch.asp. If you need assistance, you can call (831) 393-9186 and leave a message. Someone will return your call on October 9th. BLM's National Public Lands Day Event at Fort Ord Posted 10/1/2012 The Fort Ord Base Realignment and Closure field office is pleased to be co-sponsoring an event on the former Fort Ord in conjunction with Bureau of Land Management National Public Lands Day on the Former Fort Ord on Saturday, October 27, 2012. National Public Lands Day celebration is a free, family-friendly event. National Public Lands Day is a nationwide celebration where citizens can show their appreciation for public lands and parks, and lend a hand in improving their condition. Please join us and help us with one of the following projects: --Native Seed Collection – Great for all ages --Trail Fine-Tuning – A bit of a hike up a new trail (Redrock) --Remove Black Mustard - Manual weed removal on a beautiful ridge --Bike Ride and Clip – Co-Hosted by Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association. Show up with your bike and go for a group “ride and clip” --NEW! Guided Hike into the Range Area – Sneak peek tour of the Army range area. This isn’t a work project, but we are offering this fun activity to inspire Monument Friends on what is still left to come. Registration for hike is appreciated (limited to 55 people, no dogs allowed) by signing up here: www.fortfriends.net or www.ftordbeta.org Hike is co-hosted by BETA and FORT Friends. For more information, visit the event page on our website Contact Tammy Jakl, Park Ranger at (831) 394-8314 if you have questions. Notice of Road Closures in the Parker Flats Area Posted 9/15/2012 This announcement is being provided on behalf of the Fort Ord Reuse Authority Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement Remediation Program, also known as FORA ESCA RP. Starting December 13, 2012 through December 28, 2012, the ARCADIS subcontractor Innovative Construction Solutions will be working along Eucalyptus Road to install a hydrant for the Habitat Restoration Plan in Interim Action Range 47. The work area will infringe only on the eastbound lane on the south side of Eucalyptus Road. Eastbound traffic will be separated from the work area by barricades. Cars traveling eastbound along Eucalyptus Road will be directed out of this lane using cones starting approximately 100 feet from the work area, and directed into the northerly or westbound lane under flag control.This is to support continued munitions investigation of the Parker Flats Munitions Response Area. Footpaths and trails remain closed. For details please click here. View Map here Click here for a special bulletin regarding vegetation removal This American Land featuring the former Fort Ord Posted 9/10/2012 "This American Land" chose to feature the former Fort Ord recently; Episode 202. Check it out on YouTube - the Fort Ord segment is approximately nine minutes long - starting at 9:00 and ending at 18:00. Host Bruce Burkhardt takes you on a tour: Watch video here Community Information Session hosted by FORA Posted 9/4/2012 This announcement is being provided on behalf of the Fort Ord Reuse Authority Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement Remediation Program, also known as FORA ESCA RP. FORA is hosting a Community Information Session on September 20, 2012. The community will hear about upcoming munitions remedial activities scheduled for Parker Flats. This next phase of remedial activity is designed to confirm previous munitions removal actions, and comply with regulator requests to address remaining uncertainties. Past presentations on this topic can be viewed at: www.fora-escarp. com/InformalCommunityWorkshops.html under September 2011 and March 2012 and www.fora-esca-rp.com/army-presentations.html under January and April 2012 FORA and the ESCA Remediation Program Team will be present to answer questions, provide project details, and guide people through this stage of the remediation process. When: Thursday, September 20, 2012 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Where:Carpenters Union Hall, 910 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA Visit the FORA ESCA website for additional details: www.fora-esca-rp.com. Light refreshments will be provided. For questions feel free to call (831) 883-3506 or email esca@fora.org. More detailed information on the FORA ESCA Remediation Program is available on the FORA ESCA website: fora-esca-rp.com Click here to view flyer Notice of Public Comment Period - BLM Area A Track 1 Posted 8/24/2012 The Army is announcing a public review period for the munitions document titled: “Track 1 Plug-In Approval Memorandum, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Area A, Former Fort Ord”. The public is encouraged to review and comment on this document which recommends no further action regarding munitions response for BLM Area A. Located east of Pilarcitos Canyon Road in the eastern portion of the former Fort Ord, BLM Area A is approximately 3,976 acres. The area includes several former military training sites and areas in-between the sites, and has been investigated for munitions and explosives of concern. The types of training that took place includes general training and maneuver, bivouac training, aviation training, and other training that involved the use of practice munitions. The majority of Area A was transferred to BLM in 1996 and has been managed by BLM as a habitat reserve with recreational access. This Approval Memorandum provides a description of the area, history and uses, investigations conducted to date, and rationale for designating BLM Area A as Track 1 (see below). Background: The Track 1 Record of Decision (ROD) provided that no further action for Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) is required for Track 1 sites at the former Fort Ord. Track 1 sites were suspected to have been used for military training with military munitions, but no further response action is required because they fall into one of these three categories: • Suspected training did not occur, or • Training did not involve explosive items, or • Sampling investigations identified evidence of past training involving military munitions. Training at these sites involved only the use of practice and/or pyrotechnic items that are not designed to cause injury. In the unlikely event that a live item of the type previously observed at the site is found, it is not expected that the item would function by casual contact (i.e., inadvertent and unintentional contact). The Track 1 ROD also established a process for recommending no further munitions response for additional suspected sites, if an evaluation indicates the site meets the Track 1 criteria. This is called the Track 1 “Plug-In” process. WHERE TO GET A COPY: The Approval Memorandum is available on line CLICK HERE REVIEW PERIOD: This Approval Memorandum is available for public review for a thirty day period from August 24 to September 24, 2012. SEND YOUR COMMENTS BY MAIL NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 24 TO: Gail Youngblood Department of the Army Fort Ord BRAC Office P.O. Box 5008 Monterey, California 93944-5008 If you have questions, contact Melissa Broadston by phone at (831) 393-1284 or by email at: Melissa.M.Broadston.ctr@mail.mil. Para obetener una copia en Espanol contacte 831-393-1284. Notice Of Public Comment Period - FOST Number 12 Posted 8/24/2012 The Army is announcing a public comment period for the document titled: “Finding of Suitability to Transfer (FOST), Former Fort Ord, California, Track 1 Plug-In Parcel E20c.1, Yadon’s Parcel E29b3.1, and Operable Unit 1 Parcel S2.1.2 (FOST 12).” BACKGROUND: The purpose of FOST 12 is to document the environmental suitability of certain parcels of property at the former Fort Ord, California, for transfer to the Fort Ord Reuse Authority and the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center of the University of California, Santa Cruz. The property consists of three parcels (approximately 117 acres) of undeveloped land on the former Fort Ord. Two parcels are intended to be transferred for residential and commercial development, and one parcel is intended to be transferred for habitat reserve management. Transfer of this property is consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Section 120(h) as well as Department of Defense and United States Army policy. WHERE TO GET A COPY: FOST 12 is available here CLICK HERE COMMENT PERIOD: FOST 12 is available for public comment for a thirty-day period from August 25, 2012 to September 24, 2012. All comments must be postmarked by September 24, 2012. Please reference “FOST 12” in your correspondence. SEND YOUR COMMENTS BY MAIL TO: Gail Youngblood Fort Ord BRAC Office P.O. Box 5008 Monterey, California 93944-5008 Para obtener una copia en español, contacte (831) 393-1284. If you have questions, contact Melissa Broadston by phone at (831) 393-1284, or by email at Melissa.M.Broadston.ctr@mail.mil Monterey County Fair - Fort Ord Cleanup Information Booth Posted 8/20/2012  Visit the Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup Booth (it is actually a tent) at the Monterey County Fair on August 31 and September 1. This is a great opportunity to ask your questions about the Fort Ord cleanup. Please stop by to say hello and meet some of the people who work on the cleanup project. Call (831)393-1284 for details. For more information about the fair, go to www.montereycountyfair.com We’re on the Road Again: CSUMB Otter Showcase Posted 8/15/2012 If you are in the Marina area on Wednesday, August 29, please stop by the Fort Ord Cleanup information booth at the California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Otter Showcase from Noon to 2 p.m. We are participating in CSUMB’s Otter Showcase event which is being held on the campus quad. Fort Ord Community Involvement Workshop: We're going on the road! Posted 7/29/2012 The next Fort Ord Cleanup Community Involvement Mobile Workshop (CIW) is scheduled for Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the Marina Library located at 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, California. This workshop will begin at 5:00 p.m. with an Open House followed by a Bus Tour departing at 5:30 p.m. We have changed the format and time of this Community Involvement Workshop. We invite you to an informal Open House/Poster session followed by a bus tour of the areas related to the cleanup topics. Topics and Tour Highlights: 1. Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement Remediation Program 2. Army Site 39 Soil Cleanup Update 3. Army Overview of the Landfill Operations and Maintenance and Relocation of Groundwater Treatment Plant IMPORTANT! There is only one tour. The bus will depart the Marina Library at 5:30 p.m. For a detailed agenda and sneak peek at the tour route, click here. NEW! Fort Ord National Monument Trail Map and Guide Posted 7/15/2012 On April 20, 2012, President Obama signed a Proclamation to designate the Fort Ord National Monument. In his proclamation, the President stated that, "The protection of the Fort Ord area will maintain its historical and cultural significance, attract tourists and recreationalists from near and far, and enhance its unique natural resources, for the enjoyment of all Americans." The Fort Ord National Monument holds some of the last undeveloped natural wildlands on the Monterey Peninsula. Located on the former Fort Ord military base, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protects and manages 35 species of rare plants and animals along with their native coastal habitats. Habitat preservation and conservation are primary missions for the Fort Ord Public Lands but there are also more than 86 miles of trails for the public to explore on foot, bike or horseback. You can download a copy of the National Monument Trail Map at the link below. Note: This map is best printed on paper that is 11 by 17 inches. Click here to view the Trail Map and Guide 2011 Fort Ord Cleanup Annual Report Posted 7/13/2012 The Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup Annual Report is now available online. Read about subjects such as the current military munitions removal activities, the latest groundwater cleanup information, community outreach activities and more. Click here to view the report Please note: a paper copy of this report is being sent via bulk mail to various zip codes within the Monterey Peninsula area. We are unable to eliminate specific addresses when we use bulk mail, so you may receive a copy in the mail even though you have requested email-only notifications. Click here to view the report in Spanish Free Guided Bus Tours of Cleanup Sites - Lost and Found Posted 7/3/2012 We found a case of compact disks in the vicinity of the June 23, 2012 Open House / Bus Tour location -- Building 4522. Please call Melissa Broadston 831-393-1284 to identity. Thank you! Reassessment of FORA's Base Reuse Plan (BRP) is Underway Posted 5/21/2012 The Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) is beginning a comprehensive reassessment of its 1997 Base Reuse Plan. The reassessment will evaluate progress toward implementing the Plan, and explore options for making the Plan better meet current and future needs. To date, only 20% of the physical reuse of Fort Ord envisioned in the 1997 BRP has actually occurred. The local community and Monterey Bay region has changed over the 15 years since the Plan was completed. The reassessment will describe and evaluate progress made toward implementing the objectives the Plan originally identified. The reassessment will study the existing plan as it relates to current conditions and forecasts. It will also explore whether the objectives and policies in the Plan should be updated to better reflect current conditions. Revision of the Plan would take place as a separate action after the reassessment is completed, and include all necessary environmental review. According to FORA, under terms of an agreement with the Sierra Club, FORA must complete the reassessment by the end of the year. FORA also indicated that extensive public outreach and engagement will be a key element of the reassessment effort. More information about the community workshops is available here and other reassessment updates will be posted at www.fora.org, where you can also view the current version of the BRP and link to FORA's Facebook age. Over 14,000 acres of Fort Ord have been Declared a National Monument Posted 5/17/2012 On April 20, 2012, President Obama signed a Proclamation to designate the Fort Ord National Monument. In his proclamation, the President stated that, "The protection of the Fort Ord area will maintain its historical and cultural significance, attract tourists and recreationalists from near and far, and enhance its unique natural resources, for the enjoyment of all Americans." The Fort Ord National Monument holds some of the last undeveloped natural wildlands on the Monterey Peninsula. Located on the former Fort Ord military base, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protects and manages 35 species of rare plants and animals along with their native coastal habitats. Habitat preservation and conservation are primary missions for the Fort Ord Public Lands but there are also more than 86 miles of trails for the public to explore on foot, bike or horseback. For more information, go to http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/content/ca/en/fo/hollister/fort_ord/index.html Army Presentation at the May 14 LandWatch Meeting Posted 5/14/2012 The Army was invited to participate in LandWatch’s 2012 "Around the County" presentation series. At the May 14, 2012 event, Bill Collins, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Army Fort Ord Base Realignment and Closure Cleanup Office gave a presentation on overall Army cleanup with an emphasis on prescribed burns. The Army’s presentation is available by clicking here Nature Walk Inside the Impact Area: May 19th. Registration is Closed. Posted 4/11/2012 IMPORTANT NOTE: Registration is now closed. We have scheduled two 90-minute walking tours of a cleared area within our Impact Area. The tours will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 10:00 a.m to Noon. Registered participants choose from a 1 mile walk or a three mile walk. Click Here For Details Looks like rain? Heavy rain will cancel, but call Melissa Broadston at 393-1284 if in doubt. If calling after hours or on Saturday, there will be a message at 393-1284. Contact Melissa at (831) 393-1284 or by e-mail at melissa.broadston@us.army.mil. For an advance view of the long and short routes, click here. For a sneak peek at some of the wildflowers we hope to see, click here PARTICIPANTS: These are the driving directions to our meeting location: For Driving Directions click here VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18: You must have a parent or guardian either sign a waiver (see link below) which will be turned in at the nature walk registration table, otherwise your parent or guardian must accompany you at the nature walk. If your parent or guardian is accompanying you on the nature walk, they can sign the waiver at the registration table. Again, if your parent or guardian doesn't participate in the nature walk, you can't participate unless you bring the waiver (click here for a copy of the waiver) signed by your parent or guardian to the nature walk registration table. We’re on the Road Again: CSUMB Earth Day Posted 4/6/2012 If you are in the Marina area on Tuesday, April 17th, please stop by the Fort Ord Cleanup information booth at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) from Noon to 2 p.m. We are participating in CSUMB’s annual Earth Day event on the campus quad. Informal Community Workshop hosted by FORA Posted 3/19/2012 The Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) is hosting an Informal Community Workshop to bring the local community up-to-date on the Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement (ESCA) Remediation Program (RP) at the Former Fort Ord. Please join FORA for an overview of the activities completed from 2007 to 2011. FORA will also provide information on the ESCA activities planned for 2012. When: Thursday, March 29, 2012 Time: 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. Where: FORA Conference Facility, 201 13th Street, Building 2925, Marina, CA Visit the FORA ESCA website for additional details: www.fora-esca-rp.com. Pizza and beverages will be provided by FORA. Please confirm attendance no later than Wednesday, March 28th, 5:00 p.m. For details, contact FORA at (831) 883-3506 via or email esca@fora.org. April 11, 2012 Community Involvement Workshop Posted 3/5/2012 Join the Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup staff from the U.S. Army's Base Realignment and Closure office as well as representatives from Fort Ord Reuse Authority at the April 11, 2012 Community Involvement Workshop. View Meeting Details The key discussion topics are updates on (1) the Army’s prescribed burn program and (2) an update from the Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement Remediation Program. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Location: Marina Library, 190 Seaside Circle Marina, CA Marina In Motion Community Meeting Posted 3/1/2012 Marina In Motion Community Meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Technical Assistance Grant Meeting March 26, 2012 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) to Marina in Motion, a community group. The purpose of the TAG is to provide an additional mechanism for public outreach and information regarding the ongoing remediation efforts at Fort Ord. Marina in Motion has scheduled a community meeting for Monday, March 26, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Marina Library. The meeting topics are prescribed burns and the prescribed burn air monitoring plan. For additional information about the TAG meeting, contact Dan Amadeo at marinainmotion@gmail.com or at phone number (831) 384-5486. Meeting Details Administrative Record Office Closed on February 20th Posted 2/17/2012 The Fort Ord Administrative Record office will be closed all day on Monday, February 20th in observance of George Washington's Birthday. Documents can be viewed online here If you need assistance, you can call (831) 393-9186 and leave a message. Someone will return your call when the office re-opens. Army Cleanup Program Brings Local Jobs and Contributes to the Local Economy Posted 2/8/2012 In these tough economic times, what economic value does the cleanup program have for the local community and region? Although the value of clean soil and groundwater is perhaps inestimable, the largest measurable economic benefits will result from transfers of property to the community for future uses. Some of these benefits have already occurred. For example, California State University Monterey Bay is on former Fort Ord property. The Fort Ord Dunes State Park, which – in addition to its value as a community amenity — adds to the tourist value of the Monterey Bay Area, is also on former Fort Ord land. Over 7,000 acres of land have been transferred to the Bureau of Land Management for use as open space and recreation. The Army has transferred property to the Fort Ord Reuse Authority some of which will be developed for residences, businesses, non-profit organizations , and open space. Several development projects are underway or have been completed: the Dunes retail area, Chartwell School and the Seaside Highlands residential area . Over two-thirds of former Fort Ord lands will remain in open space, managed by the US Bureau of Land Management. Open space has many intangible values, but it also contributes to the economic life of the community. This translates into benefits for the community. The Bureau of Land Management estimates that the former Fort Ord land it manages generates between $4-$6 million in economic benefits to the community. The Bureau of Land Management also notes that: “Academic research and studies have shown that nearby open space, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities increase the value of nearby residential and commercial property. In addition, surveys of business owners have consistently identified quality of life, including environmental amenities such as public land, as a key factor in determining where entrepreneurs choose to locate. Similarly, amenities are well-known to be a key factor in the attraction of retirement wealth .” But the cleanup program also means jobs now, both in Monterey County and in surrounding areas.. The cleanup program creates direct employment equivalent to 48 full-time workers. Many of these are highly paid technical jobs. Most of the Army’s cleanup work at the former Fort Ord is accomplished through six contractors: Innovative Technical Solutions Incorporated, Ahtna Engineering, Burleson, Tetra Tech. Hydrogeologic Inc, and Chenega Corporation. Recently, both Innovative Technical Solutions Incorporated and Ahtna Engineering have had job openings and these were advertised locally. These jobs were filled by local community members. However, because the Fort Ord Cleanup program is a well-established program the number of new openings each year is small. Economic benefits to Monterey County and the tri-county area (Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties) from these six contracts include checks paid directly to employees as well as payments to local subcontractors and local businesses. To the extent practical, purchasing and subcontracting is done locally providing opportunities to local vendors/subcontractors on as needed basis. The total economic benefit to the community in 2011 is estimated to be in excess of $8,800,000 and similar economic benefits are expected for 2012. Marina In Motion Community Meeting Posted 1/12/2012 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Technical Assistance Grant Meeting January 23, 2012 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) to Marina in Motion, a community group. The purpose of the TAG is to provide an additional mechanism for public outreach and information regarding the ongoing remediation efforts at Ft. Ord. Marina in Motion has scheduled a community meeting for Monday, January 23, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Marina Library. For additional information about the TAG meeting, please see the attached flyer or contact Dan Amadeo at marinainmotion@gmail.com or at phone number (831) 384-5486. Click here for flyer Free Guided Bus Tours of Cleanup Sites: Saturday, February 25, 2012 Posted 1/12/2012 The Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup staff will host free guided bus tours of cleanup sites on Saturday, February 25, 2012. This bus tour will feature a 90 minute tour of the Fort Ord cleanup sites including the landfill, munitions areas and groundwater treatment plants. Click here to download the Tour Flyer Buses depart at 10:00 a.m. and at 11:45 a.m. from Building 4522 Joe Lloyd Way, Former Fort Ord or call the Fort Ord Community Relations Office for more details at (831) 393-1284. Each tour is the same, so pick a time that works for you. There are no reservations. Don't want to join the bus tour? Visit the Open House from 10:00 a.m. to Noon instead. View the Tour Map View Driving Directions to the tour departure location January 2012 Community Involvement Workshop Posted 12/9/2011 Join the Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup staff from the U.S. Army's Base Realignment and Closure office as well as representatives from Fort Ord Reuse Authority at the January 11, 2012 Community Involvement Workshop. View Meeting Details The key discussion topics are updates on (1) the Army groundwater cleanup and monitoring program and (2) an update from the Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement Remediation Program. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Location: Marina Library, 190 Seaside Circle Marina, CA The 3rd Fort Ord Five-Year Review Process is Underway Posted 11/7/2011 The U. S. Department of Army (Army) has begun conducting a formal review of all in-place cleanup remedies for the Fort Ord Superfund Site in Monterey County, California. The results of the basewide review will be documented in a report known as a Five-Year Review. For Fort Ord, this will be the 3rd Five-Year Review; previous Five-Year Reviews were conducted in 2002 and 2007. What Is a Five-Year Review? Five-Year Reviews involve a comprehensive assessment of the performance of an environmental cleanup program and its ongoing protectiveness of human health and the environment. The Review Team will evaluate if environmental standards that affect the site have changed, whether the cleanup continues to be protective of human health and the environment and if it can be expected to remain protective after completion of the project. How You Can Contribute to the Five-Year Review: During the Five-Year Review, the Army will conduct interviews with various parties, including community members, local officials and agency representatives to obtain information about the site and any concerns. Click here to download the interview questionnaire If you do not have the time for an interview, you can also complete the questionnaire and return it to the Army. The questionnaires and interviews will provide information about successes and/or problems with implementation of the remedies and these findings will be incorporated into the 3rd Five-Year Review. How to participate: -Download, print and mail the PDF version of the questionnaire no later than November 15, 2011 -Schedule an interview- call Melissa Broadston at (831) 393-1284 or by e-mail at Melissa.Broadston@us.army.mil. We hope you will take the time to participate in this important effort by completing the questionnaire or scheduling an interview. Please contact Melissa Broadston at (831) 393-1284, or e-mail at:melissa.broadston@us.army.mil for more information. For more information, click here for a fact sheet. |
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