Kirtland, state agree over environmental concern

Posted at: 09/30/2009 10:49 AM
By: The Associated Press

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AP) - The state Environment Department has reached a settlement over Kirtland Air Force Base's aging bulk fuel storage and open burn facilities.

The base will replace the storage facility and to stop burning hazardous waste munitions.

The state says stopping the open burning will eliminate air emissions from waste munitions.

The base will replace bulk fuel storage with new fuel stations and tanks, reducing the amount of hazardous waste generated and the likelihood of spills.

Kirtland also will dig up and dispose of any contaminated soil at the site.

The $10.5 million project is to be finished by September 2011. Commander Col. Michael S. Duvall says Kirtland is committed to being responsible environmental stewards.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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