The Cleanup Agreements

In 1999, the Presidio Trust, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Army reached an unprecedented two-part agreement in which the Army agreed to transfer environmental cleanup responsibility for the entire Presidio to the Presidio Trust, and to provide $99 million to the Trust to fund the effort. These significant pacts marked the first time that federal agencies developed a partnership to conduct comprehensive environmental cleanup of a closed military base.

Program Goals and Collaboration

The goal of the Presidio Trust environmental cleanup program is to work with the public, the National Park Service, and regulatory agencies to establish and meet environmental standards appropriate for a national park. The program is also making efforts to significantly streamline and accelerate the cleanup process.

California’s Department of Toxic Substance Control and the Regional Water Quality Control Board provide regulatory oversight and guidance. For more information about these agencies, visit Other Resources.

In addition, the Presidio Trust maintains an active dialogue with the Restoration Advisory Board (known as the Presidio RAB). The RAB is a citizen advisory group that provides input to the Trust’s cleanup process.

Environmental Cleanup Work

The Environmental Cleanup Program encompasses the following efforts:

The “CERCLA” Program
CERCLA is an acronym for the federal law entitled the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, also known as the Superfund law. It encompasses cleanup of soil and groundwater that contain hazardous substances such as metals, pesticides, and other chemical contaminants common to landfills, firing ranges, chemical spills, and other military sites.

Lead in Soil Cleanup Program
Due to the Army’s historic use of lead-based paint at the Presidio, the soil surrounding some Presidio buildings requires remediation.

Petroleum Program
Petroleum is the primary environmental contaminant at the Presidio. This cleanup effort addresses spills, leaks, tanks, and fuel distribution pipelines.