The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is funding a remedial investigation (RI) through its environmental restoration program to assess soil conditions in the Shiloh East, Shiloh West, and Galaxy neighborhoods. Housing units from the 1960s and 1970s in these areas were demolished, and it appears that debris from these demolitions was used as fill material for preparing the land for current housing.
To determine if this fill material impacted the soil, the Air Force conducted site investigation (SI) field work in 2020. This initial investigation showed that certain compounds in the surface soil exceeded human health screening levels for residential areas, warranting further evaluation. This RI will build upon the 2021 report of the SI findings and provide a clearer picture of any soil impacts.
Important Note: There is currently no immediate health risk to residents in these neighborhoods.
Approximately 290 surface soil samples will be collected at depths of 0 to 6 inches below the ground surface, using hand auger equipment.
Drilling equipment will be used to collect subsurface soil samples as follows:
- Thirty 10-foot borings
- Five 20-foot borings
- Five 40-foot borings
The data collected in the fall 2024, will be included as part of the human health risk assessment performed according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency risk assessment guidance. As a precaution, until the project is complete, tenants are recommended to use the following measures to limit potential exposure to soil:
- Keep children and pets from digging or playing in the soil.
- Use raised flower beds if you’re growing herbs or vegetables.
- In case of basement flooding that brings soil inside, please contact Hunt Maintenance for cleanup.
- Avoid handling soil cleanup on your own.
- If you come into contact with soil, wash the area thoroughly.
- Use walk-off mats at entrances to keep soil from being tracked into your home.
These recommendations mirror the Impacted Soils addendum included with the universal lease signed by occupants.