Installation Restoration Program Real Estate Issues Explained Use of Private Property As the environmental cleanup program at the MMR proceeds with its work to contain and cleanup the groundwater plumes originating from the base, its technical teams must determine the best locations for these cleanup systems to be put into operation. Some parts of these containment systems will be installed on the MMR and some will have to be located off base. In some cases, certain cleanup technologies must first be tested and evaluated in order to achieve the best possible solutions for Upper Cape locations. Decisions on these projects are made in full consultation with regulatory agencies and citizen groups representing the neighboring communities. It is the goal of the Air Force to first try to find government property, then public property. But some of these containment system installations will have to take place on private property. Property owners potentially affected by a need to gain access to privately held land will be contacted by a representative of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Real Estate Division by telephone and letter. If a USACE representative contacts a property owner, it is because access to that owner’s property is considered essential for installation of a plume containment system. Once contacted, a meeting will be set up at a mutually convenient time. Prior to the meeting, the property owner should determine the relative value of his or her property and consider any tax ramifications and other issues that may arise from government use of the property. A fair market appraisal will be performed by USACE’s Real Estate Division following established methods to determine the amount of compensation appropriate for the required use of the property, or portion thereof. The government may offer to lease the property or use an easement, depending upon the required use. If a property owner feels the government’s offer is not enough, he or she can have an appraisal or other legitimate determination of value developed for consideration by the USACE Real Estate Division representative. Property Values While many factors influence property values, we hope that any concerns near the MMR can be addressed by:
Cleanup. The actual or perceived risk associated with the groundwater contamination may cause negative impacts on real estate values. Therefore cleaning up the contamination emanating from the MMR may positively influence nearby property values. Treatment technologies for LF-1 being considered include extraction, treatment, reinjection (ETR) and monitored natural attenuation (MNA). Other treatment technologies may be employed, as necessary, and as innovative techniques become standardized methods of treatment. Risk Communication. Effective risk communication is essential to the transfer of property over the plumes. All those involved in the transfer of property need to understand how they can and cannot be exposed to the plumes. If a house is situated over a plume that is 90 feet below the ground surface and no wells bring the groundwater from that depth to the surface, the potential for exposure is essentially non-existent. Department of Health officials can assist in evaluating and communicating potential exposure and risk. Good Neighbor Policy. In response to concerns about the potential effects of groundwater contamination on property values, both the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued policies to protect owners from being held responsible. The Good Neighbor Policy states that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not hold the owners of property over the MMR groundwater plumes responsible for that contamination. Copies of the policy may be obtained from the DEP. Community Relief Policy. Similarly, EPA’s Community Relief Policy states that the US government will not hold property owners responsible for contamination caused by MMR. Upon request from an individual property owner, EPA will send a letter acknowledging that the policy applies to a specific property. If anyone is interested in filing a claim for property devaluation, they should consult an attorney about complying with the Federal Tort Claims Act. Contact the legal office at Hanscom Air Force Base and request Form 95. Common Real Estate Terms
The Site Mailing List is maintained by the Installation Restoration Program. Mailings include environmental updates, fact sheets, and notices of upcoming meetings. If you would like to add your name to the Installation Restoration Program’s Site Mailing List, please fill out the form below. If you are already on the list and need to change your address, or would like your name removed from the list, please respond accordingly. ___ Please add my name to the site mailing list ___ Please remove my name from the site mailing list ___ Please change my address to that listed below Name: ______________________________________________________ Business: ___________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ City and State: ________________________________________________ Zip Code: ___________________________________ Telephone (optional): ________________________ Code in upper right corner of mailing label Please clip this sheet and mail it to: Site Mailing List, HQ AFCEE/MMR, 322 E. Inner Road, Otis ANG Base, MA 02542-5028
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