Public meeting Sept. 26: Proposed munitions response plan for Osborne Pond at the Former Camp Edward

By Tim DuganSeptember 19, 2013

Proposed Plan for Munitions Response Actions for the Formerly Used Defense Site Program, Osborne Pond (former Camp Edwards), Bourne, Mass.
The map graphic shows the location of the Proposed Plan for Munitions Response Actions for the Formerly Used Defense Site Program, Osborne Pond (former Camp Edwards), Bourne, Mass. A meeting will be held September 26 at the Jonathan Bourne Library at... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CONCORD, Mass. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District is providing information on and will hold a public meeting on Sept. 26 on the Osborne Pond Proposed Plan to reduce potential hazards associated with munitions and explosives at Osborne Pond at the Former Camp Edwards in Bourne, Mass. The Corps is taking public comments on the proposed plan through Oct. 7, 2013.

The Osborne Pond Proposed Plan identifies the Preferred Alternative to address the potential hazards associated with munitions and explosives of concern and munitions constituents at Osborne Pond. The plan also provides reasons for this preference and describes other cleanup alternatives considered for use at this site. The plan highlights key information that can be found in greater detail in the Remedial Investigation Report, Feasibility Study Report and other documents contained in the Administrative Record file for this site available for review at Jonathan Bourne Public Library at 19 Sandwich Road in Bourne, Mass.

Osborne Pond is located on the former Camp Edwards, established in 1938 as a training site for the Massachusetts National Guard. In 1940, the U.S. Army leased Camp Edwards to train soldiers for World War II. After World War II, Camp Edwards was deactivated. The Air Force took control of nearby Otis Field in 1948 and established Otis Air Force Base. The U.S. Army reactivated Camp Edwards from 1950 to 1952 to train troops for the Korean War. Training continued there during the Vietnam War. In 1973, the Massachusetts Army National Guard resumed control of Camp Edwards.

A public meeting on the plan will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jonathan Bourne Public Library at 19 Sandwich Road in Bourne, Mass. Representatives from the Corps, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will be available to answer questions on the plan. The Corps will explain the proposed plan and the alternatives.

The Corps conducted their first investigation of the site in August 2003, which involved mapping of the pond using a digital metal detection system. In 2006, the Corps completed the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for the site, which included digital mapping of the upland portion of the site.

The Proposed Plan is available at the Jonathan Bourne Public Library and on the Corps website at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/ProjectsTopics/OsbornePond.aspx. The comment period on the proposed plan continues through Oct. 7, 2013. Send public comments or questions to Project Manager Stephen Dunbar, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751 or by e-mail to: stephen.w.dunbar@usace.army.mil.

Related Links:

Osborne Pond Munitions Response Plan Website

Proposed Plan for Munitions Response Actions