Overview Of January 8 Army Corps Ninigret Park/NWR Presentation
Visitors to Ninigret Park and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge likely have seen evidence of the ongoing environmental restoration efforts being conducted at the former Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (CNALF), now the location of Ninigret Park and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.
Shortly after the New Year, on January 8, representatives from the US Army Corps held a meeting at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center in Charlestown to provide an overview of its investigation and cleanup efforts and to gather feedback on how it can better inform the community about the current cleanup projects, which were developed in collaboration with the town, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and which are planned to continue into 2026.
The presentation consisted of three parts:
PART 1 SITE HISTORY
- FEDERAL CLEANUP PROGRAM
- PLANNING & COORDINATION
PART 2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT STATUS
- PROJECT 8: BOILER HOUSES, ELECTRICAL VAULT
- PROJECT 9: MILITARY MUNITIONS RESPONSE PROGRAM
- PROJECT 9: BURN PIT, LANDFILLS, WATER SUPPLY AREA
- PROJECT 9: REMOVAL ACTIONS
PART 3 RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD
As a formerly used defense site, the Army Corps is working under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) passed by the US Congress in 1980. CERCLA set up a national framework for the identification, investigation, and cleanup of hazardous substances at sites such as CNALF.
The CERCLA process has several steps, and the Army Corps is currently performing Remedial Investigations / Feasibility Studies to understand the nature and extent of chemicals and of munitions and explosives that could be of concern relating to US Navy operations at the former Navy base. Currently, the process involves collecting, testing, and evaluating soil, sediment, water, and groundwater samples to evaluate specific locations in Ninigret Park and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge—that is, three boiler houses, a former transformer vault, three former landfills, a former burn pit, a former fire station, and an area called the water supply area. The Army Corps reported on the status of each of the projects, some removal actions that have been undertaken, and next steps.
The Army Corps also asked to hear from those who may know something about the property that could inform their work and from those who may have comments, questions, and concerns. Citizens are invited to complete a questionnaire where they can share any knowledge they may have about the property, express concerns, suggest ways to involve others in the community, and indicate how they prefer to receive updates on the cleanup project.
Regarding how to communicate with the community, the Army Corps explained that coordination with the town and USFWS allows it to provide information that may assist in making planning decisions. One method of communication with the community could be through the formation of a Restoration Advisory Board known as a RAB. A RAB is a collaborative forum for community stakeholders to discuss and identify concerns, opportunities, and goals for land use and remediation efforts. Those who would like to see a RAB formed should let the Army Corps know.
Finally, the Army Corps emphasized that the town and USFWS should exercise due diligence in performing work that requires any soil disturbance below ground surface. This work should be performed with appropriate oversight and soil testing to properly characterize and manage the disturbed soil. Were the town, USFWS, their contractor(s), or others they permit “to cause movement of onsite contaminated materials, or the addition of contaminated materials, related or unrelated to former DOD [Department of Defense] operations,” the town or USFWS may become a Potentially Responsible Party under CERCLA and be liable for a portion of the investigation and/or remedial costs.
Slides of the presentation and other information about the work at CNALF can be viewed at the Army Corps’ website. For extensive information about current and prior work by the Army Corps at CNALF and to participate in the questionnaire, visit the project webpage. In addition, those who have questions may contact Greg Hencir, Project Manager, at gregory.m.hencir@usace.army.mil or 978-318-8873.
Bonnie Van Slyke, the author of this post, was a member of the Charlestown Town Council from 2014 to 2022. She was the Town Council Liaison to the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Senior Citizens Commission. She is a former officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center, a former Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Harvard, MA and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Harvard Conservation Trust. Bonnie is a freelance copy editor, technical writer, and publications specialist. You can learn more about Bonnie on her profile page.
The banner image for this post is from the January 8 Army Corps presentation and shows the site layout with known areas of contamination and cleanup.