JSC News Release Log 1990/90-012
EPA, NASA White Sands Test Facility Enter Consent Agreement
NASA has entered into a formal consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding assessment of groundwater contamination at the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF). The agreement recognizes contamination assessment work accomplished by NASA at WSTF since 1986, and it identifies the additional steps needed at WSTF to complete the assessment and determine whether remedial action is necessary.
NASA has confirmed that the groundwater beneath WSTF has been contaminated with low levels of hazardous constituents, principally trichloroethylene and Freon. The major source of the contamination appears to have resulted from the original construction of WSTF in the mid-1960s when organic solvents were used to precision clean piping. In addition, the on-site cleaning facility has used various solvents and degreasing agents to meet operational and testing requirements.
WSTF has established operating procedures for the management of hazardous wastes that comply with both the EPA and New Mexico environmental regulations. These safeguards are preventing the introduction of additional contaminants into the groundwater.
While test results have indicated that contamination has migrated beyond the facility boundaries, no hazardous chemicals have been detected in drinking water supplies, including the NASA/WSTF water supplies located 3.5 and 4 miles from the facility boundary.
The agreement language reflects a cooperative working relationship between NASA and the EPA which permits an efficient and effective approach to assuring protection of human health and the environment. NASA is continuing its assessment efforts under the agreement and will keep the public fully informed of the results.
WSTF operates as an organizational element of the Johnson Space Center. Facilities at WSTF include spacecraft propulsion system test facilities and materials test laboratories. Established in 1963, the facility actively supported the Apollo, Skylab, Viking and other NASA programs. WSTF presently performs development, evaluation and qualification testing of Space Shuttle propulsion systems, materials and components. Materials testing in support of the Space Station Freedom Program was initiated in 1989, and propulsion testing will begin in 1991.
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