LaPorte, Larimer County, CO: F.E. Warren Air Force Base Facility Former Atlas "E" Missile Site 13

Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program

Published April 15, 2015
Atlas E Missile Complex

Atlas E Missile Complex

Location and Description: The site, which is located near LaPorte in Larimer County, Colorado, was one of nine Atlas “E” missile sites operated by the Air Force under the 549th Strategic Missile Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. The site consisted of 267.30 acres acquired in 1961. Improvements consisted of one underground launch operations building and one launch and service building, one water well and pump station, storage buildings, sentry house, helicopter pad, spray pond, roads, walks, fences, water, sewer, and electrical systems. The site was excessed in August 1965 and is currently being operated by a private company for use as a record storage facility. 

Problem and Response: Due to trichloroethene (TCE) groundwater contamination, a Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste project was initiated for this site under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS)

Remedial Action: A remedial action contract was awarded in 2012 to begin a performance-based contract action. The contract includes a five-year basic award to get to remedy in place, with a 2017 option award to continue operation and monitoring for another five-year period of performance until response complete is reached. 

Activities for 2015: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractor has completed the proposed plan and decision document. The remedial design and implementation of the full scale remedy are to occur this year followed by performance monitoring to confirm that the remedy continues to meet expectations for TCE mass reduction. 

Proposed Activities for 2016: Under the remedial action contract, the USACE contractor will continue performance monitoring to track reduction of the contamination of the remedy in place.

Issues and Other Information: The biggest challenge will be to satisfy EPA concerns regarding the reduction of TCE contamination in the groundwater plume. Adjacent property impacted by the contaminated groundwater is owned by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District and is being considered for use as a new major water reservoir for the area. Coordination with NCWCD will be necessary to confirm that the TCE groundwater contamination does not impact its project.