DOD selects NAS-JRB WG for PFAS Treatment Demonstrations
A key research program funded by the U.S. Department of Defense has been hosted at NAS-JRB Willow Grove to demonstrate new treatment approaches to address contamination of groundwater by ‘forever chemicals’. DOD’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) is funding the demonstration and validation of many treatment technologies related to environmental risks from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). NAS-JRB Willow Grove and the Biddle Air National Guard Base were selected as test sites in the program.
In mid-August 2024, three companies that have contracts with ESTCP provided an overview of their technologies to a large group of interested parties including elected officials, local municipal authorities, environmental regulators and community members. Allonia, Cyclopure and Emerging Compounds Treatment Technologies (ECT2) briefed attendees at the Horsham Township Community Center. Attendees were also able to walk through the treatment facilities on a base tour.
The ESTCP projects allow researchers to use real-world conditions to demonstrate and validate their ideas to advance the ongoing effort to more effectively treat and dispose of PFAS contamination.
Bill Whiteside, HLRA Chairman, discusses treatment technologies with Dr. Yuhan Ling, of Cyclopure, Inc.
Planning Continues for NAS-JRB WG Redevelopment
As the U.S. Navy continues their investigations and remedial actions on the former Naval Air Station –Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB) Willow Grove, important steps are being taken for the coming redevelopment.
Recently, a stakeholder group participated with community planners working on the Route 611 Corridor Improvement Plan.
Stakeholders included Horsham Township, Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority (HLRA), Upper Moreland Township, Montgomery County Planning Commission, PennDOT, Military Infrastructure Remediation Improvement Authority (MIRIA), Biddle Air National Guard Base, Congressperson Dean’s Office and the NAS-JRB Willow Grove Caretaker Site Office.
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission planners presented information on modeling of traffic flows in the entire Delaware Valley Region with a particular focus on the area around the former base both currently and projected to 2050.
Michael Baker International (MBI), the primary consultant for the study, briefed the stakeholders on existing intersections including Easton Road, County Line Road, Norristown Road, Horsham Road and Dresher Road. Average travel times for existing conditions have been calculated and will be used in the models to assess various alternatives to improve traffic conditions.
The Plan’s primary focus is to provide a framework for future infrastructure improvements along Easton Road to support the redevelopment of NAS-JRB Willow Grove. Planners are looking at all aspects of transit activities including biking, walking and running to determine where these activities occur with a goal of developing plans to integrate these activities with the planned infrastructure improvements.
Transit activities are also being studied. An assessment of current SEPTA bus stops along the study area has been completed. The need for general improvement for pedestrian infrastructure at bus stops has been identified which will permit planners to include these improvements in the Plan. Increased use of public transportation is one of the goals of the Route 611 Corridor Improvement Plan.
The Study Group is working on conceptual designs and recommendations to permit funding for these critical improvements to be included in future budgets.
