BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft determination under the Safe Drinking Water Act that a proposed machine gun training range at a National Guard base could pose a threat to Cape Cod’s drinking water, potentially creating a public health hazard for more than 220,000 year-round residents.
The agency said Thursday there are no reasonably available alternative drinking water sources for residents should the Cape Cod aquifer become contaminated.
“We have studied the proposed machine gun range very carefully because EPA recognizes the need for our armed forces to maintain readiness and provide training to service members. However, the risk of irreparable damage to the only drinking water source on Cape Cod is too significant,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash.
The Massachusetts Army National Guard proposed the construction of a new permanent 138-acre machine gun range at Joint Base Cape Cod.
In August 2021, EPA Region 1 informed the Massachusetts Army National Guard (MAARNG) and the Department of Defense that it would review a proposed $11.5 million machine gun range to assess whether the project poses a “significant hazard to public health,” according to a press release.
The agency said it will accept public comment on the proposed machine gun range from April 27 through June 26, and will hold a public hearing on May 24.
In a statement Thursday, the Massachusetts National Guard said it is aware of the EPA’s draft findings and will provide “a robust response” during the public comment period.
“The Massachusetts National Guard remains deeply committed to upholding environmental protections while providing our personnel with a range that serves our complex training needs and enhances soldier readiness,” the guard told the Associated Press.
The EPA study included a 20-month scientific review of the design and operational plans for the proposed site, according to the agency.
“As a result, projects proposed to be constructed on Cape Cod receiving federal financial assistance may be subject to a sole source aquifer review, at EPA’s discretion, as outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act,” according to the agency.
United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey released the following statement regarding the EPA new report.
“We appreciate the EPA’s work to analyze and determine the environmental impact of a proposed machine gun range project at Camp Edwards on Joint Base Cape Cod—an important review that we requested in April 2021 to ensure that Cape Cod’s sole-source aquifer is not harmed by development activities. As JBCC is a critical part of the Cape Cod community, we urge JBCC to continue to work collaboratively with local officials and concerned residents to protect Cape Cod’s sole-source aquifer from contamination. We look forward to EPA’s engagement with stakeholders and our community through the 60-day public comment process.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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