Five-year review being conducted at Whiteman Published Oct. 21, 2009 By the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., -- The U.S. Air Force is conducting the first five-year review for Whiteman Air Force Base. The five-year review will be conducted for environmentally contaminated sites located on Whiteman AFB where contamination has been investigated and remediated. Some contamination may remain in place but it has been determined to be protective of human health and the environment. Whiteman AFB originally was constructed in 1942 and began operations that year. It was named the Sedalia Army Air Field. In 1955 the Base was renamed to Whiteman AFB. The Base has been in operation in various capacities including a training site for glider tactics and paratroopers; a bombardment wing; location for the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile wing; and currently home of the B-2. Many of the historical uses contributed to the contamination of the area. This would include contamination from historic disposal practices and from day-to-day operations such as equipment maintenance. What is the purpose of a five-year review? The purpose of a five-year review is to determine if the remedies are protecting human health and the environment. The five-year review report documents the methods, findings, conclusions and recommendations of the review, which also includes a visual site inspection of the remedies in place. Why is a five-year review being done for these sites? Conducting this five-year review of the remedies is required by law because of the groundwater contamination and waste being left in place. It is required by law for the U.S. Air Force to conduct reviews of these types of sites beginning five years following the installation of the remedy at a site. The U.S. Air Force will continue to conduct reviews and issue a report every five years or as needed. The administrative record, which contains the relevant cleanup documents for this site, is available at the following location during normal business hours: Whiteman AFB 660 10th Street Whiteman AFB, MO 65305 Arrangements can be made in advance by calling Glenn S. Golson at 660-687-6347 or ask an attendant at the Whiteman AFB Spirit Gate, located on U.S. Highway 23, to call Mr. Golson at the above number to escort persons to the Administrative Record for viewing. Select relevant cleanup documents pertaining to this site may also be viewed at: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/fedfac/ffs-dod.htm#whiteman-afb Questions or requests for information can be submitted to: Mr. Glenn S. Golson 509 CES/CEAN 660 10th Street Whiteman AFB, MO 65305 Phone: 660.687.6347 Email: glenn.golson@whiteman.af.mil