KEEPING WATCH OVER MT CREEK LAKE...

When the remediation plan for Mt Creek Lake was drawn up, all things were possible-all looked hopeful for a optimal Navy clean-up. Because citizens trusted things would go well, perhaps few (if any) were involved in oversight. However, at least eight years have passed and ...

1.The lake still contains high levels of PCBS; and an aquifer contaminated with TCE cannot presently be cleaned up. The aquifer could be ruined.
2. A soil/plastic/gravel cap is not yet atop Cottonwood Bay contaminated sediment, at this writing. (as per TCEQ)
3. New owners are apparently taking over the Naval Weapons Facility. Word is facility will be auctioned to a yet unknown industrial corporation. (Auction of a contaminated/cleaned up property can be a red flag. Why auction? What price will this facility bring? Let's pay attention to this sale, if one takes place.)

It's time to look at that remediation plan again, evaluating new information along with accomplishments and failures. Further, citizens should be informed and reassured of protection every five years and should request/demand/attend this update. As time passes, water and air quality must be tested regularly since TCE in the aquifer can migrate and harm humans in multiple ways, even if water tests at a safe level. THIS MEANS WE MUST REMAIN INVOLVED. No agency or employee can take the place of citizens whose lives and health are at risk! - And not just our lives, but our children's and the lives and health of people who are uninformed. If you can understand basic environmental science/chemistry, you are - in a real sense - your brother's keeper.