8-5-20 update: In agreement with regulatory agencies and following the recent establishment of background of radiological materials, the Navy will start to mobilize for retesting work at Parcel G on August 10, 2020. Retesting fieldwork for Parcel G will begin in late August or early September and is expected to continue through early 2021. Samples taken during Parcel G retesting and results from tests on other parcels will be compared against background levels to help provide confidence in the current site conditions and assist with cleanup efforts for future transfer of the property.

Statement: Based on federal cleanup requirements, the Navy has determined the “background” – or baseline – of radiological materials that are present in the soil at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS). Future soil testing results will be compared against these background levels to help complete environmental cleanup work at the Shipyard starting with Parcel G.

Background levels for HPNS were established in collaboration with regulatory agencies and provide an essential understanding of the differences between natural and man-made materials that may be present in soil. The Navy will use this information and other relevant data to make sound cleanup decisions that ensure public health and safety. More information can be found in the fact sheet Background Levels Explained.

The Navy conducted a thorough, science-based study to establish background levels.

• The work plans for the study were reviewed and approved by regulatory agencies.
• In November 2019, the Navy completed collection of more than 250 background soil samples for six radionuclides of concern: cesium, plutonium, radium, strontium, thorium and uranium. Regulatory agency representatives and the Navy’s quality assurance team monitored the sampling activities.
• An independent state-approved laboratory then analyzed the soil samples.
• The Navy drafted a report summarizing the background study, submitted it to regulatory agencies and recently finalized it after addressing agency comments. The final-background study is available here.

The retesting efforts will help to ensure confidence in the current site conditions and assist with cleanup efforts for future transfer of the property.

Retesting will include scanning, collecting, and analyzing more than 6,900 soil samples. The soil samples will be compared to the established background levels to determine whether the measurements fall within certain thresholds of risk that are protective of human health and the environment. If site-related contamination is found, the soil will be excavated, properly managed, and disposed at a licensed off-site facility.

After testing is completed, the Navy will provide a radiological evaluation to regulatory agencies for review and determine any necessary steps for remedial action.

The retesting work will include multiple layers of Navy and regulatory agency oversight, on-site fieldwork monitoring conducted by the Navy Resident Officer in Charge of Construction, and an independent third-party contractor to provide for quality assurance checks on radiological fieldwork.

Measures to Protect the Community

The Navy has several procedures in place at HPNS for the protection of the surrounding community during cleanup activities, including dust control measures such as watering during construction activities, maintenance of soil stockpiles, durable covers, and air monitoring. This also includes truck management activities such as covering and tire washing before soil and debris are hauled off-site.

The Navy collects data on dust and chemicals in the air to ensure these measures are working adequately. More information can be found in this fact sheet on dust control and truck management, including the route that construction-related trucks will take when exiting HPNS.

The retesting work will continue through the Winter of 2020.

The Navy will continue to keep the community updated on the Parcel G retesting process.

If you have any questions, please contact the Navy's Environmental Coordinator, Derek Robinson (derek.j.robinson1@navy.mil).