Beale Air Force Base
Beale Air Force Base is located approximately 8 miles east of Marysville, California.
The host unit at Beale is the 9th Reconnaissance Wing assigned to the Air Combat Command and part of Twenty-Fifth Air Force. The wing is equipped with the nation's fleet of U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk
unmanned aircraft and associated support equipment.
4 groundwater wells were tested at Beale and 3 exceeded the Lifetime Health Advisory of 70 parts per trillion for PFOS/PFOA. The carcinogens were found at astonishing levels of 200,000 ppt, making Beale one of the most contaminated bases in the country before examining the base’s abysmal record over the years concerning a host of deadly chemicals.
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The Air Force reported, “Completed the base-wide Preliminary Assessment and received regulatory concurrence on the findings. Initiated a base-wide Site Inspection for PFOS and PFOA. Continue following the CERCLA process through investigation, cleanup, and long-term monitoring. Perform mitigation activities when impacts to human health are determined."
Source: Addressing Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Maureen Sullivan Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Environment, Safety & Occupational Health) March 2018
https://partner-mco-archive.s3.amazonaws.com/client_files/1524589484.pdf
Engineer's Report on PFAS Contamination at Beale Air Force Base
The chart shown here is derived from the FINAL SITE INSPECTION FOR AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM AREAS AT BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, September, 2017. It shows exceedances of EPA risk-based screening levels of soil, groundwater, and surface water at various locations on base.
See the Final Site Inspection Part One
See the Final Site Inspection Part Two
See the Final Site Inspection Part Three
See the Final Site Inspection Part Four
Search for the following terms to begin looking into these documents: . groundwater results, soil results, surface water results, Waste water treatment plant, AFFF, etc. Use the definitions of acronyms to understand the scientific jargon.
PAL is Preventive Action Limit
Beale AFB - Source - DOD
Site ID: XU643
TARGET NO.2 OUTER SAFETY AREA
Unexploded Munitions and Ordnance Area
CONTAMINATED AREAS
High presence of lead and PAHs. Direct exposure to potential receptors.
No on-site potable groundwater wells exist but the potential exists for off-site migration of contamination to private potable water and irrigation wells. Groundwater is a source for irrigation and potable water uses in the vicinity by agricultural users, and off-site residents. Ecological receptors include livestock that grazes the site, and flora and fauna that inhabit vernal pools and wetlands in the vicinity.
This site is under ongoing monitoring until Sep 2099.
Analytical results show that TCE is migrating to the deeper aquifers. Based on presumed groundwater flow, it has been suggested that a likely source of off-base TCE contamination is attributed to this site. An outfall area is in close proximity.
There is potential that contamination can migrate to a point of exposure. Extent of contaminant migration from confirmed original source area has been delineated to below MCLs Potential off-site receptors include: commercial workers and recreational users. The groundwater is potentially usable for irrigation or agriculture, but is not presently used.
Surface water contamination from runoff is limited. Remediation has shown a reduction in contaminant mass in shallow soils and soil gas; recent engineered stormwater runoff controls have further reduced migration potential. Unlikely to have surface water exposure from historic activities; exposure would be due to future spills.
Since the source soil has been removed and analyitical result show the decrease in contaminants, migration is consider confined. Since source soil has been removed, there is no potentially threatened water supply.
Groundwater Contaminants:
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 284000.0 ug/L
1,1-Dichloroethylene 0.39 ug/L
1,2-Dichloroethylene (trans) 500.0 ug/L
Acetone 15.0 ug/L
Benzene 880.0 ug/L
Chloroform 14.0 ug/L
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 82.0 ug/L
Methylene Chloride 41500.0 ug/L
Toluene 45000.0 ug/L
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 721,500.0 ug/L
Xylene (Mixed) 100000.0 ug/L
Soil Contaminants:
Benz(a)Anthracene 0.045 mg/kg
Benzene 15.0 mg/kg
Benzo(a)Pyrene 0.046 mg/kg
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.052 mg/kg
Lead 0.044 mg/kg
Lead 13.88 mg/kg
Pyrene 0.0031 mg/kg
Pyrene 0.059 mg/kg
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 2.35 mg/kg
Site ID: XU643
TARGET NO.2 OUTER SAFETY AREA
Unexploded Munitions and Ordnance Area
CONTAMINATED AREAS
High presence of lead and PAHs. Direct exposure to potential receptors.
No on-site potable groundwater wells exist but the potential exists for off-site migration of contamination to private potable water and irrigation wells. Groundwater is a source for irrigation and potable water uses in the vicinity by agricultural users, and off-site residents. Ecological receptors include livestock that grazes the site, and flora and fauna that inhabit vernal pools and wetlands in the vicinity.
This site is under ongoing monitoring until Sep 2099.
Analytical results show that TCE is migrating to the deeper aquifers. Based on presumed groundwater flow, it has been suggested that a likely source of off-base TCE contamination is attributed to this site. An outfall area is in close proximity.
There is potential that contamination can migrate to a point of exposure. Extent of contaminant migration from confirmed original source area has been delineated to below MCLs Potential off-site receptors include: commercial workers and recreational users. The groundwater is potentially usable for irrigation or agriculture, but is not presently used.
Surface water contamination from runoff is limited. Remediation has shown a reduction in contaminant mass in shallow soils and soil gas; recent engineered stormwater runoff controls have further reduced migration potential. Unlikely to have surface water exposure from historic activities; exposure would be due to future spills.
Since the source soil has been removed and analyitical result show the decrease in contaminants, migration is consider confined. Since source soil has been removed, there is no potentially threatened water supply.
Groundwater Contaminants:
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 284000.0 ug/L
1,1-Dichloroethylene 0.39 ug/L
1,2-Dichloroethylene (trans) 500.0 ug/L
Acetone 15.0 ug/L
Benzene 880.0 ug/L
Chloroform 14.0 ug/L
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 82.0 ug/L
Methylene Chloride 41500.0 ug/L
Toluene 45000.0 ug/L
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 721,500.0 ug/L
Xylene (Mixed) 100000.0 ug/L
Soil Contaminants:
Benz(a)Anthracene 0.045 mg/kg
Benzene 15.0 mg/kg
Benzo(a)Pyrene 0.046 mg/kg
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.052 mg/kg
Lead 0.044 mg/kg
Lead 13.88 mg/kg
Pyrene 0.0031 mg/kg
Pyrene 0.059 mg/kg
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 2.35 mg/kg
EXPLOSIVES & MUNITIONS
GAS AREA 5
Chemical Weapons
The former Camp Beale site originally consisted of 87,672 acres (including 1,405 leased acres and 613 acres outside the original boundary) located approximately 10 miles east of Marysville, California, between Yuba and Nevada counties. Beale AFB currently occupies approximately 23,104 acres of that original acreage, while the remaining 64,569 acres of land was deemed excess and sold between 1959 and 1964. The former Camp Beale project area lies within portions of Yuba and Nevada counties in numerous sections of Townships 14 and 15 North and Ranges 5 and 6 East. The site is currently owned by various private residents and businesses.
Unexploded Ordnance
13 Active Sites
This site is under ongoing monitoring until Sep 2074
Unexploded Ordnance
13 Active Sites
This site is under ongoing monitoring until Sep 2074
Beale is included in this report.
Bases and Facilities with Significant Current or Historical U.S. Nuclear Weapons or Naval Nuclear Propulsion Missions
Compiled by Stephen I. Schwartz, 2002
https://www.brookings.edu/bombs-in-the-backyard/
Radioactive
Water Supplier: Beale Air Force Base, Yuba County, California Serves: 7,133
Data available: 2012—2017
Source: Groundwater
Contaminants Detected
9 EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES 13 Total Contaminants
Beale Air Force Base - EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the California State Water Resources Control Board, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/search-results.php?zip5=95648&searchtype=zip
Data available: 2012—2017
Source: Groundwater
Contaminants Detected
9 EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES 13 Total Contaminants
Beale Air Force Base - EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the California State Water Resources Control Board, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/search-results.php?zip5=95648&searchtype=zip
The California Water Board did not test Beale's water for PFAS in 2019.
DoD's Installation Restoration Program (IRP) Sites that have not Achieved Response Complete (RC) January 2018
https://www.denix.osd.mil/derp/home/documents/installation-restoration-program-report-to-congress-january-2018/
Key: DERA - Defense Environmental Restoration Account funds
BRAC - Base Realignment and Closure
Air Force California BEALE DERA CG041
BASEWIDE GROUNDWATER
OPERABLE UNIT 204610 29,456 30
Air Force California BEALE DERA DP038 SKEET RANGE 201611 85 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA NE580
SUMP NEAR A AND 26TH
STREETS 201701 32 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA OT017 BEST SLOUGH 207606 35 60
Air Force California BEALE DERA OT584
CE HEAVY EQUIPMENT
PARKING LOT SUMPS 202707 492 11
Air Force California BEALE DERA OW034 SWMU 34 202009 321 4
Air Force California BEALE DERA PL582 LINCOLN RECEIVER SITE 204609 5,980 30
Air Force California BEALE DERA SD008 SITE 8 J-57 TEST CELL 201612 55 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA SD011
SITE 11 AIRCRAFT GROUND
EQUIP MAINT. 201706 16 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA SD032 BLDG 1086 201801 35 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS010 AOC-10B 202507 0 9
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS023 SWMU 23 204609 3,877 30
BUILDING 1322 AND 1319
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS035 MUNITIONS STORAGE AREA 201712 107 1
ACC CENTER PHOTORAPHIC
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS039 LAB, BLDG 2145 201707 16 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS507 SWMU 23 CDC 201705 16 1
BULK FUEL STORAGE
Air Force California BEALE DERA ST018 FACILITY 201702 16 0
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
Air Force California BEALE DERA ST022 TANKS 201708 18 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA TU001 J STREET GAS STATION 201701 0 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA TU002 CAPEHART SERVICE STATION 202004 94 4
FUDS California BEALE AFB TITAN 1-C DERA 01HTRW DRAIN & SAMPLE SILOS,SOI 201809 328 2
FUDS California BEALE AFB TITAN 1-C DERA 02CON/HTRW REMOVE USTS 201809 85 2
https://www.denix.osd.mil/derp/home/documents/installation-restoration-program-report-to-congress-january-2018/
Key: DERA - Defense Environmental Restoration Account funds
BRAC - Base Realignment and Closure
Air Force California BEALE DERA CG041
BASEWIDE GROUNDWATER
OPERABLE UNIT 204610 29,456 30
Air Force California BEALE DERA DP038 SKEET RANGE 201611 85 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA NE580
SUMP NEAR A AND 26TH
STREETS 201701 32 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA OT017 BEST SLOUGH 207606 35 60
Air Force California BEALE DERA OT584
CE HEAVY EQUIPMENT
PARKING LOT SUMPS 202707 492 11
Air Force California BEALE DERA OW034 SWMU 34 202009 321 4
Air Force California BEALE DERA PL582 LINCOLN RECEIVER SITE 204609 5,980 30
Air Force California BEALE DERA SD008 SITE 8 J-57 TEST CELL 201612 55 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA SD011
SITE 11 AIRCRAFT GROUND
EQUIP MAINT. 201706 16 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA SD032 BLDG 1086 201801 35 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS010 AOC-10B 202507 0 9
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS023 SWMU 23 204609 3,877 30
BUILDING 1322 AND 1319
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS035 MUNITIONS STORAGE AREA 201712 107 1
ACC CENTER PHOTORAPHIC
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS039 LAB, BLDG 2145 201707 16 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA SS507 SWMU 23 CDC 201705 16 1
BULK FUEL STORAGE
Air Force California BEALE DERA ST018 FACILITY 201702 16 0
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
Air Force California BEALE DERA ST022 TANKS 201708 18 1
Air Force California BEALE DERA TU001 J STREET GAS STATION 201701 0 0
Air Force California BEALE DERA TU002 CAPEHART SERVICE STATION 202004 94 4
FUDS California BEALE AFB TITAN 1-C DERA 01HTRW DRAIN & SAMPLE SILOS,SOI 201809 328 2
FUDS California BEALE AFB TITAN 1-C DERA 02CON/HTRW REMOVE USTS 201809 85 2
Beale in the News
Beale AFB drains lake to help fish migration
Environment | August 4, 2019 The Union
This is a typical propaganda-type piece that suggests to the public that Beale is a great steward of the environment.
https://www.theunion.com/news/environment/beale-afb-drains-lake-to-help-fish-migration/
Here's another:
Beale awarded for innovative environmental restoration practicesBy Senior Airman Ramon A. Adelan, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs / Published August 09, 2016https://www.beale.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/909470/beale-awarded-for-innovative-environmental-restoration-practices/
Here's another pathetic propaganda piece:
The benefits of volunteer programs to environmental conservation and enhancement on Beale AFB
by Erica Fleishman | Mar 1, 2019 | News and Events, Presentation Abstracts |
https://www.cemml.colostate.edu/news-and-events/the-benefits-of-volunteer-programs-to-environmental-conservation-and-enhancement-on-beale-afb/
Beale AFB drains lake to help fish migration
Environment | August 4, 2019 The Union
This is a typical propaganda-type piece that suggests to the public that Beale is a great steward of the environment.
https://www.theunion.com/news/environment/beale-afb-drains-lake-to-help-fish-migration/
Here's another:
Beale awarded for innovative environmental restoration practicesBy Senior Airman Ramon A. Adelan, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs / Published August 09, 2016https://www.beale.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/909470/beale-awarded-for-innovative-environmental-restoration-practices/
Here's another pathetic propaganda piece:
The benefits of volunteer programs to environmental conservation and enhancement on Beale AFB
by Erica Fleishman | Mar 1, 2019 | News and Events, Presentation Abstracts |
https://www.cemml.colostate.edu/news-and-events/the-benefits-of-volunteer-programs-to-environmental-conservation-and-enhancement-on-beale-afb/
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