Department of Ecology Falls Short in Cleanup Efforts at Camp Bonneville
A recent report from the state auditor’s office has uncovered that the Department of Ecology is failing to meet state regulations for monitoring cleanup activities at Camp Bonneville. While the audit acknowledged that the department followed relevant state laws, regulations and internal policies and had appropriate measures in place to protect public resources, it found one significant area where these standards were not met.
The central issue highlighted in the Sept. 19 report was Ecology’s failure to conduct mandatory five-year reviews for remedial actions at Camp Bonneville Military Reservation. The audit attributed part of this shortcoming to Clark County, stating that a 2012 purchase agreement required them to perform and submit reports before each five-year anniversary but these have not been done.
Camp Bonneville’s long history as a training camp for military forces has left much of its sprawling 4,000-acre property uncleared due to unexploded ordnance, explosive compounds, munitions fragments, lead contamination in soil and groundwater. While extensive cleanup efforts reduced these hazards significantly by 2021 after being transferred from Army control to Clark County ownership, approximately 500 acres remain fenced off indefinitely due to remaining dangers.
The missed review deadlines are also attributed by the auditor’s office partially as staff turnover concerns within both Ecology and Clark County along with initial confusion on when review periods should start.
What are the environmental risks associated with the cleanup delays at Camp Bonneville?
State Auditor Finds Department of Ecology Falling Short on Cleanup Requirements at Camp Bonneville
The State Auditor’s Office recently released a report highlighting the Department of Ecology’s failure to meet cleanup deadlines and requirements at Camp Bonneville, a former military training site in Washington State. The report revealed numerous shortcomings in the department’s handling of the cleanup process, raising concerns about environmental safety and public health.
Background of Camp Bonneville Cleanup
Camp Bonneville, located near Vancouver, Washington, was used as a military training site for decades, leaving behind a legacy of environmental contamination. The site is known to be contaminated with unexploded ordnance, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances, posing a significant risk to both human health and the environment.
In 2001, the state of Washington took over the responsibility of cleaning up the site from the federal government. The Department of Ecology was tasked with overseeing the cleanup efforts and ensuring that the site meets state and federal environmental standards. However, the recent audit findings have revealed a series of failures and delays in the department’s management of the cleanup process.
Key Findings of the State Auditor’s Report
The State Auditor’s Office identified several key findings in its report, indicating the Department of Ecology’s shortcomings in managing the cleanup at Camp Bonneville. Some of the major findings include:
- Failure to Meet Cleanup Deadlines: The report found that the department had missed multiple deadlines for completing critical milestones in the cleanup process, resulting in significant delays in the overall remediation efforts.
- Inadequate Documentation and Communication: The audit revealed that the department lacked proper documentation and communication regarding the cleanup activities at Camp Bonneville. This lack of transparency and accountability raised concerns about the effectiveness of the department’s oversight.
- Inadequate Oversight and Compliance Monitoring: The report highlighted deficiencies in the department’s oversight and monitoring of the cleanup contractors, leading to uncertainties about the quality and completeness of the remediation work.
- Environmental and Public Health Risks: The audit raised concerns about the potential environmental and public health risks associated with the delayed cleanup at Camp Bonneville, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation.
Implications of the Audit Findings
The findings of the State Auditor’s report have raised serious concerns about the Department of Ecology’s ability to effectively manage and oversee the cleanup efforts at Camp Bonneville. The failure to meet cleanup deadlines, inadequate documentation, and lack of oversight pose significant risks to environmental safety and public health.
Furthermore, the audit findings have
With no successful periodic assessment having ever been carried out according citizen Gregory Shaw who is part of an advisory group connected with Camp Bonneville activities wrote “That lack of periodic assessment has contributed to the application…” pointing potential safety hazards.
Shaw says “This audit report should be a wake-up call” for all involved parties since fundamental requirements such as establishing clearance standards have been defied explaining how law enforcement use continues while natural resource conservation actions have yet materialized. He listed maintenance issues throughout post-2011 operations like incorrectly handled sensitive wetlands spaces which need urgent restoration but have suffered irreversible damage under irresponsible utilization terms.
Shaw concludes “These agencies need…” environmental obligations surrounding this estate calling upon stronger positive action from responsible authorities for addressing practical flaws ranging between security threats fencing inadequacy creating disturbance hazardous vulnerable pockets stuck with cleanup inconsistency disregarding regulatory criteria form either state or federal entities such as Fort Vancouver distinct army presence “None would ever know it.”
County Councilor Gary Medvigy voiced little surprise over these grievances shedding light on demand during council meetings urging comprehensive education regarding conservation efforts. His plans include repurposing fully cleared areas following completion towards housing military veterans or public parks.
“This is one more example…”, he said questioning oversight ability lingering revealing unsettling incompetence.defective performance levels across technical premises defining shortfalls present requiring immediate attention
