Feds Approve Cleanup Plan for Allegany Ballistics Laboratory

The cleanup of toxic waste at a military ballistics laboratory in Mineral County is expected to cost more than $10 million.

The Cumberland Times-News reports that federal authorities have approved the cleanup and maintenance of more than 13 acres at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says toxins in the soil at the facility’s Northern Riverside Waste Disposal Area include metals, explosives, dioxins and volatile organic compounds.

The lab tests munitions and portions of munitions. It previously was operated by the Navy, which now contracts the work to ABL.

A final record of decision prepared for the Mid-Atlantic Naval Facilities Engineering Command says future development of land outside an active burning area will be limited.