Fort Eustis is an active military installation covering 8,200 acres near Newport News, Virginia. It was added to EPA's Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in December 1994 after contamination from hazardous chemicals was found in soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater across the base. The site has a long military history going back to World War I, including use as a bombing range and prisoner-of-war camp.
EPA has identified over 100 chemicals of concern at the site. Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, chromium, and manganese appear in soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment. Pesticides including DDT, chlordane, aldrin, and heptachlor have been found in fish tissue and sediment. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are present in fish tissue and sediment at Bailey's Creek and Eustis Lake. Organic chemicals such as benzene, acetone, and petroleum hydrocarbons appear across multiple media. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically PFOA and PFOS, are also under investigation based on historic military practices. Risks include ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of contaminants, as well as eating contaminated fish.
The site is divided into 20 operable units (OUs), each targeting a specific area or contamination problem. Cleanup is guided by a March 2008 Federal Facilities Agreement among EPA, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Army. The Air Force leads remediation efforts. Ten OUs have signed Records of Decision selecting specific cleanup methods. Several areas have completed remedial action, including Bailey's Creek (January 2022), Brown's Lake (August 2009), Eustis Lake (September 2013), and the Skeet Range areas (August 2024). Other units, such as the Fire Training Area and several military ranges, are still in feasibility study phases, with decisions expected between 2027 and 2028. Fishing is prohibited at Bailey Creek and Eustis and Brown's Lakes. Groundwater use is prohibited on the installation, and drinking water comes from a public water supply. Current assessments show human exposure is under control, but groundwater migration status remains uncertain pending further evaluation. Construction is not yet complete sitewide, and the most recent five-year review was completed in September 2023, with the next scheduled for 2028.
Community members can get involved through the Superfund program's public participation process, which encourages early engagement in cleanup decisions. For questions, residents can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator. The 633 Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office also accepts questions about the Environmental Restoration program at (757) 878-4920 or 633abw.pa.eustis@us.af.mil. The complete Administrative Record is available online at ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil or in person at the Public Affairs Office at 705 Washington Blvd., Suite 147, Fort Eustis, Virginia 23604.
