JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 23, 2012) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, will host a community meeting Tuesday, Apr. 24 to provide information and receive input about the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for the former Avon Park Army Airfield.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., at the Alton Chandler Civic Center, Okeechobee, Fla. Following a brief presentation, the public will be able to ask questions and share their concerns with the project’s technical experts.
During World War II, Avon Park Army Airfield was used to train pilots and air crews. The military acquired about 218,884 acres in Highlands, Okeechobee and Polk Counties. Following the War, the full site was no longer needed. Approximately 106,000 acres is dedicated to the active Avon Park Air Force Range. The military disposed of the remaining land, and it is now considered a Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS).
The RI/FS is on the FUDS portion of Avon Park Army Airfield. The purpose of the RI/FS is to find where and what types of potential contamination may be present as a result of the military’s use of the land. It will include looking for munitions and collecting soil and water samples. The results of the investigation and recommendation will be summarized in a Proposed Plan. The Corps will host another meeting to present the plan and the public will have 30 days to provide comment.
Safety is always the Corps’ top priority. If you think you have found a munition, please follow the “3Rs.” Recognize an unusual-looking item could be dangerous; Retreat and do not touch the item; Report it by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
Release no. 12-029