EPA Orders Army To Improve Air Quality Near Fort Gillem
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an order requiring the U.S. Army to take corrective action near Fort Gillem in Clayton County. The Army was supposed to take steps to improve air quality in more than 25 homes near the former Army base after testing and discovering toxic vapor. But the EPA says the Army has yet to act.
Susan Martin-Morgan places several cooking pots in a giant cardboard box. She’s in the process of moving after learning her home contains hazardous chemicals. She said the army told her several months ago it would take measures within 21 days to improve her air quality, but she never heard back.
“I’m very disappointed in the situation.”
That’s why Martin-Morgan, who is renting, found another place to live. But she’s hopeful the order from the EPA will force the Army to help others whose homes contain toxic vapor. Environmental officials believe the contamination came from hazardous chemicals that seeped into groundwater after being dumped or buried at Fort Gillem several decades ago.
“I hope and I pray that they do come out here and correct that’s going on with the other people’s houses.”
Martin-Morgan is unsure it’s related but said her husband was recently rushed to the hospital after having chest pains and difficulty breathing. She’s also had a hard time breathing and suffers frequent headaches.
“I would just rather move instead of keep sitting her taking a risk with my health. I don’t want to be sick. I want to see my sons with kids.”
Down the street, Sharon Mott says her home has yet to be tested. She hasn’t experienced health problems but is hopeful the order will force the Army to examine her home.
“I would love to get my air quality checked just to get a little security.”
Approximately 200 homes are supposed to undergo testing.
The EPA has given the Army 10 days to respond.
In a statement, the Army said, “The U.S. Army has received correspondence from the EPA Region 4 office and is determining how best to address the order. The U.S. Army takes very
Seriously human health threats to the residents living near Fort Gillem. Prompt action to address risks to human health resulting from the Army’s past activities at Fort Gillem remains our top priority for this cleanup effort in coordination with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and
EPA, and with public engagement to ensure the views of the local community are heard. To this end, the U.S. Army intends to host a series of public information sessions to address community concerns.”
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