Little Creek environmental restoration complete

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Abe McNatt | 150514-N-PJ969-039 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 14, 2015) - Retired Cmdr. Robert Deegan receives an award for 21 years of service as a restoration advisory board member during an environmental restoration construction complete ceremony on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story. The base is celebrating significant milestones in a 31-year environmental cleanup project. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Abe McNatt/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

05.14.2015

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Ernest Scott 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recognized the Navy’s completion of construction activities in a ceremony May 14 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story (JEBLCFS).

The Navy initiated cleanup activities in 1984 in an effort to reclaim land and preserve the environment.

“Today’s ceremony reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to responsible stewardship to our nation’s natural resources and environment,” said Capt. Fran Hughlett, commander JEBLCFS.

Waste has been removed and replaced with acres of wetlands, nature trails and a wildlife observation platform. Additionally, two landfills have been reclaimed for use as the Eagle Haven Golf Course driving range, a Moral, Welfare and Recreation baseball field and military combat exercises.

“The innovative green techniques we have used make this base not just cleaner but more sustainable,” said Shawn Garvin, administrator EPA Region 3. “We have also contributed to the larger cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. “

This was the second construction completion ceremony for a Navy facility in the Mid-Atlantic Region, demonstrating that all the physical construction of the cleanup remedies are complete, all immediate concerns have been addressed and all long-term concerns are being managed.

“I want to thank all the people who have really contributed to this important milestone,” said Donald Shregardus, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (environment). “You’re making a difference for your community and making a difference for your environment.”

• Date Taken: 05.14.2015
• Date Posted: 05.15.2015 16:56
• Story ID: 163494
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US