Training and Education Command

 

Training and Education Command

United States Marine Corps

Quantico, VA
New Horse Island landfill cleans up contamination

By Lance Cpl. Jennifer Brofer | | August 22, 2003

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Office recently began taking steps to restore the wetlands surrounding Horse Island that were contaminated by waste materials that seeped in from the nearby landfill.

The Environmental Chemical Corporation, a contracted construction company, began building an improved waste disposal site and restoring the wetlands to their original condition.

According to Tim Harrington, the installation restoration program manager for NREAO, the Depot used the site as an "incinerator landfill" from 1920-1969, disposing of all of Parris Island's waste materials that were burned into ash. After the landfill was closed, the contaminated ash continued to seep into the marsh, polluting the native plants.

"The disposal practices in early 1940 weren't like what they are today," said Harrington.  "Back then, it wasn't uncommon to see someone pouring solvents and paint into the marsh, but now we're sensitive on how we manage our hazardous waste. We're always in compliance with the state on how to dispose of our hazardous materials."

Nowadays, the site is primarily used to dispose of tree trimmings and other biodegradable waste. The pre-existing pollution, however, along with other spill hazards, warranted Parris Island's placement on the Environmental Protection Agency's list of contaminated sites, prompting NREAO officials to take action.

To restore the area, the construction company is currently excavating the contaminated sediments and reducing the seven-acre landfill to five acres, said Harrington. Afterwards, they will install a plastic liner on top of the landfill to prevent rainwater from forcing the contaminants out into the marsh. They will also using a silt skirt (barrier with drop skirt) around the perimeter of the peninsula to prevent further pollution to the wetlands.

According to Harrington, the construction project will cost $2 million and is scheduled to be completed in five to six months.