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***image1***Issue:
I’m writing this message with a great deal of concern. Earlier this year, I watched a group of Airmen dump barrels of liquid into Ramstein’s base lake, what the liquid was, I don’t know. The following week a pump was brought in and began to aerate the lake.
With this aeration came a great deal of chemical foam on the surface of the water and a severely strong chemical smell in the air reaching as far as 200 feet away from the contaminated area. This went on for close to three weeks. Within 100 feet of the lake is a dormitory full of occupants. There have been activities scheduled within the gates of the contaminated lake, and my main concern is whether or not these acts are safe. Signs are posted citing contamination, but no other details. What would happen if someone was to fall into this contaminated lake? Also, are the dormitory residents safe breathing in the air resulting from the aeration?
This topic is not just concerning to me; there are many others on Ramstein that have voiced this same concern. Hopefully someone can shed some light on the health aspect of this area. Thank you.
Response:
Thank you for the opportunity to clear up a concern with the base lake. In June, someone illegally dumped aircraft de-icing fluid into a storm drain that flows into the base lake. As a result, the natural oxygen level in the lake water dropped significantly and killed many of the lake’s fish. The Airmen handling barrels in the area were most likely removing dead fish from the lake.
A team of experts from Civil Engineering, Bioenvironmental Engineering and Public Health determined that oxygenating the lake was the best solution to naturally eliminate the contamination. Civil engineers installed an aeration system that extracted stagnant water from the lake bottom. This resulted in foaming on the lake’s surface and a foul, non-toxic odor in the surrounding area. Health professionals determined there was no health risk to personnel living or working in the area.
The clean up is now complete, and the base lake recreation area is open for use. Swimming and fishing are still prohibited. The lake’s size and its proximity to water run-off from adjacent roadways and industrial facilities are the primary reasons for the ban. Public Health has determined that non-routine contact with the lake water, such as accidentally falling in, does not pose a health risk.
Security Forces will continue to investigate this illegal dumping. Anyone who thinks they might have information about it can call 480-2050.
