Main Issues/Sites

• Environmental Toxins & Health Care
• Exposure to Toxic smoke from burning munition Ranges
• Landfills: Two landfills at the former installation have leaked extensively, causing widespread groundwater contamination from compounds like trichloroethene and vinyl chloride.
• Carbon Tetrachloride Plume: The use and improper disposal of large quantities of the cleaning solvent carbon tetrachloride have resulted in widespread groundwater contamination in three separate aquifers at the site, this is a Cancer causing agent.
• Unexploded Ordinance (UXO): Decades of training with live ammunition have littered the site with unexploded rockets, mortars, grenades, and other ordinance. These hazards prevent any redevelopment at several locations on the base.
• Small Arms Firing Ranges: Live fire training with small arms has contaminated soil in several areas of the site with lead, copper, and zinc from expended ammunition.
• Health Concerns from Contamination: The above problems have resulted in the potential for the public to be exposed to many contaminants including heavy metals and a number of carcinogens. Minimizing health risks to the public is one of FOEJN’s chief concerns.
• Public Health: One of FOEJN's goals is educating Federal and local decision makers of the need for an Environmental Justice health Center and Clinic at the Fort Ord site. One of the first uses for excess property on Federal land should be set aside for these types of facilities.
• Economic Revitalization: It is important to insure that the local community is not left out of any potential economic gains from the cleanup and transfer of the former Fort Ord. FOEJN is working to make sure that the promised living wage jobs and affordable housing of local low income community members is not forgotten in the rush for greater economic gain.