Brandywine DRMO

Overview

The Brandywine Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office is an eight-acre former military storage site in Brandywine, Maryland. The U.S. Navy and Air Force used it from 1943 to 1987 to store wastes and excess materials. That left soil and groundwater contaminated with hazardous chemicals. The site was added to the EPA's Superfund National Priorities List in May 1999. The U.S. Air Force owns the property and leads cleanup. The EPA oversees the work to make sure it meets federal environmental law requirements.

Twelve contaminants have been identified at the site. Groundwater contains trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, vinyl chloride, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 2-methylnaphthalene, naphthalene, iron, and manganese. Soil contains 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and naphthalene. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foams, were also detected above EPA health advisory levels. A vapor intrusion study is underway after a 2023 review found that pathway may pose unacceptable indoor risk.

Cleanup is divided into three operable units covering sitewide oversight, groundwater contamination, and soil contamination. Soil excavation and off-site disposal were completed, and no further action is required for that unit. For groundwater, an electrical resistance heating system was installed to treat the shallow aquifer and contamination source area. A second remedial action phase began in April 2019 and is estimated to finish between December 2026 and February 2027. Groundwater use restrictions remain in place. All local private wells have been closed and replaced with a public water supply. A PFAS characterization investigation is also underway.

The most recent five-year review was completed in May or June 2021. It found that cleanup actions are protective of human health and the environment in the short term, but adequate PFAS and vapor intrusion data are still needed. Current data are insufficient to confirm that human exposure is under control or that groundwater migration is stabilized. Physical construction is not yet complete. The site is fenced with warning signs at 12 locations and is restricted from residential use. The next five-year review is scheduled for 2026.

Community members can get involved by contacting the Air Force or EPA remedial project managers directly. The Administrative Record is available at the Prince George's County Memorial Library Surratts-Clinton Branch at 9400 Piscataway Road in Clinton, Maryland, and at Joint Base Andrews. Questions about environmental issues at the site can also be directed to the 316th Wing Public Affairs office at 240-612-4428 or 316WG.PA.COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT@us.af.mil.