The McClellan Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), at its February meeting, received preliminary briefings regarding property transfers and cleanup actions in the works at the former Air Force base. The RAB is comprised of local residents, business representatives and regulatory agencies and meets quarterly to discuss and advise the Air Force on its environmental cleanup program at McClellan.
The February meeting focused primarily on the upcoming transfer of some 580 acres to Sacramento County, which will in turn transfer the land to McClellan Business Park. This transfer continues the new Air Force focus on what early transfer with privatized cleanup or property transfers before the final cleanup remedy is in place.
Under this scenario, the remedy is carried out by the property owner with the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acting as lead agency responsible for planning and implementing the remedy. The remedy is funded by the Air Force through a negotiated cost agreement. Steve Mayer, McClellan program remediation manager explained that the early transfer program enables a more efficient, streamlined cleanup and redevelopment process.
Mayer reported that he anticipates presenting the final packet of transfer-related documents to the Governor in mid-April with a signature being finalized by summer, representing another good news story about the cleanup and transfer of McClellan.
The early transfer model was first implemented in June 2008 with the transfer of 62 acres to McClellan Business Park. Penny Reddy, of the US EPA, reported to the RAB that the US EPA held a public hearing in November 2008 to present the proposed cleanup plan for the parcel. The EPA is currently preparing responses to public comments received and anticipates finalizing the Record of Decision for cleanup in late spring or early summer 2009.
Later in the meeting, Mayer briefed the RAB on the upcoming transfer of the “ballfields,” an approximately 25-acre parcel slated to go to the North Highlands Recreation and Park District this summer. This area, at Perrin Ave. and E St., includes the Air Museum and ballfields and would remain in its current use as a recreation area. The area includes a buried debris field from a former automotive repair business. Because some of the debris from that business, the Air Force is developing a proposed plan for cleanup and protection of human health in the area. Mayer said he anticipates releasing that plan for public comment in late March and hopes to have the transfer complete by summer 2009.
In response to questions from the public at the December 2008 RAB meeting, Alan Hersh, McClellan Business Park vice president, gave a presentation on McClellan Business Park’s plans for the West Nature Area. He explained that some vernal pools in the south area of the base will be impacted by cleanup activities or new development. To mitigate that loss, he is proposing that an annuity fund be established to maintain the West Nature Area in perpetuity as a wetlands preserve. He noted that while it is already zoned as a preserve, no mechanism or funding is in place for ongoing maintenance and operation. He said initial discussions between McClellan Business Park, the Air Force, the California Department of Fish and Game, the Army Corps of Engineers and the US Fish and Wildlife service have been positive.
All RAB meetings are open to the public and the public is encouraged to attend, ask questions and provide comments. The next RAB meeting will be in May. In addition, the RAB is currently seeking new members. Membership on the RAB is open to anyone who has an interest in the environmental cleanup program at the Former McClellan Air Force Base. Technical expertise is not necessary. For more information on the McClellan RAB, contact Mary Hall at McClellan community relations at 916-643-1250 or email at mary.hall@ch2m.com.