EPA Announces Sole Source Aquifer Review Process Including Public Participation for the Proposed Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range Project at Joint Base Cape Cod [Press Release]

BOSTON (December 1, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing its decision to provide additional information and offer a public participation process for the Sole Source Aquifer review for the proposed Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at Joint Base Cape Cod. EPA anticipates releasing the draft Sole Source Aquifer determination in Spring 2022 with a possible extension. At that time, EPA will open a 30-day public comment period with an accompanying docket. In addition, EPA will hold a public hearing to accept verbal comments. Information on the date, time and how to register for the public hearing will be released in the coming months.

Background

As part of EPA’s Sole Source Aquifer program, in 1982, the Cape Cod aquifer was designated as the sole or principal source of drinking water for Cape Cod. As a result, projects proposed to be constructed on Cape Cod receiving federal financial assistance may be subject to a sole source aquifer review, as outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act.In August 2021, EPA elected to conduct a Sole Source Aquifer project review and began compiling and evaluating technical information available through the many cleanup investigations and efforts conducted by EPA and other agencies and commissions. EPA continues to evaluate this information and responses from the Massachusetts Army National Guard to EPA’s technical questions related to the Sole Source Aquifer project review.

More Information about the Sole Source Aquifer: https://www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/drinkwater/capecod.html