In order to expedite the disposal of the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant in Tennessee, Army developed several new and innovative processes in collaboration with GSA. First the Secretary of Army used a delegation of authority to give GSA full and total disposal authority over the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant.
There was “special legislation” that authorized the Secretary of the Army to dispose of 1,033 acres at Volunteer, with the remainder of the property excess to Army needs, which would have created the presence of two separate and distinct disposal agents—GSA and the Army Corps of Engineers. By unifying the disposal authorities through a delegation, the Army and GSA created an enhanced credibility in the eyes of both the congressional delegation, as well as the state and local governmental authorities.
A Federal performance team comprising of Real Estate, Environmental, Appraisers, and Attorneys was formed early on in the process to manage the disposal of real property at the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant. The Army and GSA teamed-up to plan and begin the process of disposing of the property in a reduced time frame.
The team held a Town Hall meeting and invited all the local interested parties. The team provided historical information on the former use of the real property, and the process that GSA uses to dispose of excess industrial property. The team met early on with state and local governments, members of Congress and the local community to address their concerns about the environment. The local community got involved in the process early on.
Secondly, the use of new authorities promulgated under Section 334 of CERCLA, enabled the use of “Early Transfer.” This approach, supported wholeheartedly by all local officials, is an innovative and time-enhanced process for disposal of contaminated properties. The exciting benefits of this process is that it brings all of the parties together up front, whereby agreements are made that govern the long-term clean-up strategies utilized. The result is the reduction of time and costs to dispose of the contaminated properties. This is an all-inclusive process, resulting in mutually shared responsibilities, authorities, and benefits. It is truly a non-traditional approach. It provides the foresight and cohesiveness necessary to resolve highly complex issues.
For additional information, please contact Ms. Maria Chuck at 703-617-9002 or by email at mchuck@hqamc.army.mil.
