MIL-HDBK-1130
handbook is on those general environmental actions that should be considered
before the facility can be inactivated, the facility can be demolished, or
real property can be turned over to GSA for further action.
General Areas of Concern. In general, the process of vacating
1.6.2
facilities and inactivating them or preparing them for demolition will not
cause significant environmental impact. However, those environmental problems
or issues previously identified by the shore activity, particularly hazardous
waste issues, should be resolved prior to demolition or transfer. The shore
activity cannot just ignore sources of pollution or hazardous substances and
transfer the cleanup to some other agency. The Navy is a large generator of
hazardous wastes and, as a result, some Navy real property has been
If that property is later sold, the waste could jeopardize
contaminated.
public health and result in a liability to the Government. In some cases, the
problem may be so severe that closure and transfer to GSA is not possible
without a significant expenditure of resources to mitigate or eliminate the
problem. Asbestos is an item of concern, especially during demolition. In
all cases, consult the EFD environmental branch for guidance and direction.
Hazardous Waste - Specific Areas of Concern. Over the last decade,
1.6.3
the Congress has enacted major legislation concerning the management and
cleanup of hazardous wastes. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) of 1976 provides for regulatory controls over the generation,
transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes.
RCRA regulates all aspects of hazardous wastes. Its responsibility
lies mostly with the generator. Unless removed, underground storage tanks
should be emptied, cleaned, and disconnected prior to closure. PCB
transformers, switchgears, capacitors, and other PCB electrical equipment
should be disposed of prior to closure or inactivation. All remaining oil-
filled equipment should be tested, and records of results should be
maintained. A facility closure may subject waste management facilities,
process equipment, storage equipment, and wastewater treatment facilities to
RCRA regulation. Development of a closure plan may be required. Approval of
a closure plan may result in the need for additional permits or
authorizations.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 restricts the
manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) . PCBs are toxic synthetic chemicals that are used for various
purposes, such as fire resistance in electric transformers. PCBs have been
associated with adverse health effects.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), citing the Clean Air Act
of 1970, classified asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant in 1978. To
minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the atmosphere, EPA mandated work
practices that are to be followed when demolishing or renovating buildings
containing asbestos material.
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