Base continues to monitor pesticides, asbestos Published July 28, 2009 MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- In early July, Col. John Bird, 366th Fighter Wing commander, signed an agreement called a Consent Order with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Consent Order provides a framework to address issues related to the pesticide chlordane used in base housing in the 1950s, 60s and 70s to prevent termite infestations. The Consent Order also addresses old cement water pipes, known as transite pipes, found on base that contain asbestos fibers. Chlordane was banned by the EPA in the early 1980s. "Chlordane was used, legally, in practically every community in the United States. Air Force bases are no exception" said Dr. Sam Brock, toxicologist at the Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment. "When chlordane was applied correctly, as it was at Mountain Home, it poses little risk." As a result of past chlordane use, minute amounts of chlordane may be present in soil near base housing, even the redesigned neighborhoods. According to the 366th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineer, Capt. David Cruz, "soil samples analyzed by a certified lab showed levels far below EPA standards. The health risk is very low but, as a general precaution, it is a good idea to wash hands after playing outside." As a result of the new agreement, base officials plan to conduct additional sampling in base housing. "We've sampled in many of the housing areas since 2005," said PaulaJo Brown, base environmental compliance chief. "There are other areas that we still need to sample, and we'll be consulting with DEQ along the way. If any unanticipated results are found, this agreement gives us the framework to address them." Transite pipe has been discontinued for all new construction and repair on base. Some of the pipe, in older utility systems still in good condition, remains in the ground and still in use. During new housing construction, some abandoned water lines built with transite pipe were broken. "Transite pipes were used in the past on the base, and they are known to contain asbestos fibers," said Bryan Trimberger, base air quality manager. "Asbestos is a known health hazard if loose fibers are inhaled. However, because the fibers are encased in concrete, they're very unlikely to become airborne. We safely collected all the pieces we could find. If base residents see pieces of broken pipe, they should call the housing office at 828-2781, and we'll take care of it." "We're absolutely committed to ensuring our community is safe," said Colonel Bird. "The Consent Order continues our longstanding record of superb environmental stewardship, and it strengthens our already stellar relationship with IDEQ." Editor's note: Soil samples referenced in this article were limited to Woodland Groves, Trinity Heights and Coyote Terrace base housing areas.