Challenges to cleaning up formerly used defense sites in the twenty‐first century

Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) are properties that the Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for cleaning up under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program. These properties were formerly owned by, leased by, possessed by, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense or military components that predate DOD, but are no longer operated by DOD. The FUDS program has over 9,000 potential properties and an annual budget in fiscal year 2000 of $238 million. FUDS are located in all states and territories of the United States and have a direct impact on many citizens. The Army is the executive agent for the program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages and executes the program. Cleanup at FUDS is similar to that at active DOD facilities, but FUDS is a “different animal.” This is what makes the cleanup in the twenty‐first century challenging and complex. The article discusses the current and future external factors that affect the cleanup process at FUDS.