(BALTIMORE, MD) June 23, 2009 – On June 19, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army, the U.S. Department of the Interior/Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Architect of the Capital signed a Federal Facilities Agreement to clean up Fort Meade Superfund sites. In December 2008, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), with the assistance of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, filed suit in federal court against the Department of Defense seeking such an agreement. A 45-day public comment period follows the official announcement.

The following is a statement from Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson:

The signing of a Federal Facilities Agreement to cleanup Fort Meade is a very positive development. Having a signed Federal Facilities Agreement is a major step toward ensuring there is an enforceable, binding commitment to clean up Fort Meade, which is listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priority List of the most seriously contaminated sites identified for long-term cleanup.

While environmental assessment and cleanup is underway at many portions of the site, more remains to be done, which is why MDE has been seeking a legally binding agreement that includes a timetable for cleanup. The Maryland Department of the Environment will review the Agreement in full detail during the 45-day comment period, and we will request any necessary changes. Our agency fully supports this effort and stands ready to assist all parties involved.

Click here to view the Federal Facilities.

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