Team Blaze finishes MMRP ahead of schedule

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Only two years have passed since the first soil samples were taken from Magnolia Village and now 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Element is in the home stretch of the Military Munitions Response Program for Magnolia and State Villages.

"Our contractors have really done an excellent job," said Shane Reed, 14th CES Restoration Program Manager. "So well that our field work is about 18 months ahead of
schedule."

The initial samples were collected in response to information that identified a former skeet range in the area of what is now Magnolia Village. While this range has not been operational since the early 1950s, there was a potential for contamination as a result of the historic range activity.

Once the samples were analyzed more testing was needed. MMRP which focuses on areas primarily for discarded or spent munitions materiel, discovered polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in higher concentration than expected and needed more sampling to determine the extent of the PAHs in the soil.

"Once we realized we had an issue with the PAHs in the soil, the focus turned from investigation to remedial action," said Reed. "The need for this action was supported in scope and funding by Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment and Higher Headquarters. Everyone in the chain understood how important it was to address this need because it directly affected our Airmen."

There were 22 yards in State and Magnolia Village that needed soil to be excavated and replaced. Residents most directly affected by these removal activities were notified by the Columbus AFB Environmental Element.

"Notifications went really well," said Reed. "Fortunately we are blessed with residents that are quick to understand the situation and fully supportive of the whole process."

The contractor is currently demobilizing. All yards have received sod and the contractor will complete landscaping work until vegetation is established. Additionally, the softball field used as lay down area is now ready to reutilize for recreation/physical training, etc.

"The cooperation and understanding between Hunt Military Housing and the residents of Magnolia and State Villages has really been the reason the work has gone so well," said Reed. "That added with our relationship with the state regulators and support from the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment enabled us to get way ahead of the original schedule and complete the needed soil removals in near record time."