The USACE, Los Angeles District, is currently conducting a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for munitions and explosives at the former Borrego Maneuver Area, consistent with the nationwide Military Munitions Response Program. The purpose of this RI/FS is to adequately characterize the site in order to develop and evaluate effective remedial alternatives.

The remedial investigation (RI) serves as the mechanism for collecting data to:

• characterize site conditions;
• determine the nature of the waste;
• assess risk to human health and the environment; and
• conduct treatability testing to evaluate the potential performance and cost of the treatment technologies that are being considered.

The feasibility study (FS) is the mechanism for the development, screening, and detailed evaluation of alternative remedial actions.

The RI and FS are conducted concurrently — data collected in the RI influence the development of remedial alternatives in the FS, which in turn affect the data needs and scope of treatability studies and additional field investigations. This phased approach encourages the continual scoping of the site characterization effort, which minimizes the collection of unnecessary data and maximizes data quality.

Project activities will include tasks such as a geophysical prove-out, site investigation, technical project planning, establishment and management of a GIS system, and preparation of documents such as a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Work Plan, a Public Involvement Plan, and after-action reports and decision documents.

(back to top)