new london submarine base

ROUTE 12 CRYSTAL LAKE RD

The New London Submarine Base site covers 576 acres on the eastern bank of the Thames River in Groton. The base was established in 1868, and has been an operation and support base for submarine activities in the Atlantic Ocean since 1916. Areas of concern include the Area A Landfill, the Over Bank Disposal Area, the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO), the Lower Submarine Base, and the Goss Cove Landfill. From 1957 to 1973, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), spent battery acids, and other wastes were buried below the water table in the 11-acre Area A Landfill, which is situated adjacent to wetlands. The Over Bank Disposal Area was created sometime after an earthen dam was built in 1957. The DRMO was used as a burning ground and landfill from 1950 to 1969 and is currently used as a temporary storage area. Inspection reports from 1982 recorded leaking containers and evidence of spills associated with containers stored directly on the ground. In 1983, approximately 40 gallons of PCB-contaminated oil were reported to have been spilled onto the ground. In 1988, Navy sampling revealed lead, cadmium, and various pesticides in sediments and surface water. The area around the base is mixed industrial, commercial, and residential property. Groundwater in some areas of the base is as shallow as 8 feet below the surface, with permeable soils. These conditions potentially threaten the area groundwater. The population within 1 mile of the base is 4,000.

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