Langley Air Force Base and NASA Langley Research Center sit in Hampton, Virginia. The site was added to the EPA's National Priorities List in May 1994 after contamination was found across more than 40 sources, including old landfills, fueling areas, spill sites, and storage areas. Both military and civilian federal agencies operate at the site, and cleanup work has been underway for decades.
Contaminants affect soil, groundwater, sediment, surface water, and fish tissue. Heavy metals found at the site include lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, cadmium, and manganese. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) showed up in sediment, soil, and fish. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, benzene, and chloroform were detected in groundwater. Pesticides including dieldrin, chlordane, and DDT compounds were found in soil and sediment. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 1,4-dioxane, and unexploded ordnance round out the list of concerns. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically PFOA and PFOS from firefighting foam, have already been detected in groundwater and are under active investigation.
The Air Force leads cleanup at its portion of the site and has identified 27 operable units, with Records of Decision signed for 21 of them. NASA leads cleanup at its five operable units, all of which have selected remedies in place. Cleanup methods include excavation and disposal of contaminated soil and sediment, soil covers, institutional controls, and groundwater monitoring. Short-term removal actions have also been completed, such as demolishing contaminated buildings and removing PCB-contaminated soil near an old electrical substation. Remedy construction began in January 1999 and is ongoing. A final remedial action phase began in June 2024.
Two operable units are currently active. The Bombing Range (OU 54) is scheduled to finish remedial action between September and November 2025. The MMRP Skeet Range (OU 55) is estimated to finish between September and November 2026 or 2028. Current assessments show human exposure is under control across the site, but groundwater migration status remains undetermined due to insufficient data. Physical cleanup construction is not yet complete, and the site is not ready for its anticipated future uses. The next five-year review is scheduled between May and July 2027.
Community members can participate through the Langley Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), which is open to the public. The RAB does not hold regular meetings, but the Air Force sends annual updates to its mailing list. NASA does not have a RAB but accepts public participation inquiries. A Community Involvement Plan adopted in 2002 guides ongoing dialogue with residents. The EPA oversees all cleanup activities to ensure they meet federal standards.
