Glasgow, MT: Former Glasgow Air Force Base

Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program

Published April 21, 2015

Location and Description: The former Glasgow Air Force Base is located 20 miles north of the city of Glasgow, Montana and encompasses 5,815 acres in Valley County, Montana. The base was developed between 1955 and 1960 to serve as a firefighter interceptor base for the Air Defense Command. In 1960, the base became part of the Strategic Air Command under the direction of the Department of Defense. DoD leased sections of the base to other federal and state agencies and to businesses that manufactured a variety of products for military and civilian applications. 

Problem and Response: The final remedial investigation report is dated November 1999. Previous reports were completed by the Seattle District. The project was reassigned in FY11 to the Omaha District to complete the remedial investigation and subsequent Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 documentation. The 1999 investigation concluded that there has been an impact of metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds in soils, and the release of tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene into the groundwater. Due to the landowner’s refusal to approve the right of entry paperwork, the anticipated remedial investigation activities are on hold while the district works through the issue.