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First U.S. Army Facility Declared "Ready for Reuse"

Release Date: 2/25/2004
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued the first "ready for reuse" determination to a U.S. Army installation to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.  

      ADEQ and EPA agree that the Army has successfully completed its evaluation and, where necessary, cleanup of specific portions of the facility.  The "ready for reuse" determination verifies that the environmental conditions on these sites are protective of human health and the environment based on their current and anticipated use as commercial/industrial and residential properties.      

      EPA Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division Director Carl Edlund said, "Today's announcement highlights our newest program to promote the reuse of formerly used industrial properties.  We are building on our experience using the enormously successful brownfields program.  Our 'ready for reuse' determinations clear the way for reuse of valuable natural resources by providing necessary encouragement and assurances to developers."  

      ADEQ Director Marcus Devine said, "I am pleased with the example of cooperation established in this cleanup project between the U.S. Army, Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, EPA Region 6 and ADEQ.  This type of partnership bodes well for all of us, and especially for the West Arkansas region.  I believe we can replicate this precedent and make this level of cooperation common across the state."

      Fort Chaffee is located approximately seven miles southeast of Fort Smith, Arkansas.  Under the U.S. Department of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure Program, approximately 7,000 acres of land out of a total of approximately 71,000 acres were declared excess property by the Department of Defense and transferred by the Department of the Army to the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, a local governmental entity.

      Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority Board Chairman Jerry R. Stewart, M.D., said, "This site will serve as the engine for the economic development efforts at the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority and for Sebastian County, the city of Fort Smith, and the city of Barling."  

      More information about the Fort Chaffee "ready for reuse" determination is available at www.epa.gov/earth1r6/ready4reuse/.

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