JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Piscataway Creek Wetlands Mitigation Project Commemoration ceremony was held at the Walton Farm in Clinton, Maryland, June 30, 2016.
This was a culmination of a six-year journey committed to replacing almost 12 acres of wetlands affected from a runway reconstruction project that began in 2010, and concluded in 2012.
"The 11th Wing plays a critical role in supporting more than 60,000 Airmen and their families stationed locally and worldwide," said Air Force Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander. "We are proudly referred to as 'America's Airfield' due to our specific senior leader support, so we must have a highly functional and operational runway at all times."
Rebuilding was a critical need for the base several years ago, as both runways were in a dilapidated state and the decision was made to repair one and to rebuild the other. Shortly after the contract was awarded, it was discovered that jurisdictional wetlands would be removed.
Part of the permit conditions allowing reconstruction of the runway to proceed included the 11th Wing committing to the replacement of the affected wetlands within 10 years. Not only did the 11th Wing make good on those conditions, but did so four years ahead of schedule.
"Here we have 62 acres where we will develop wetlands," said Army Col. Edward Chamberlayne, Baltimore District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commander. "This is setting an example for the Department of Defense, the history that this represents and the opportunity to put another area into environmental easement is incredible."
The restoration was made possible through a partnership with JBA, Green Trust Alliance, Army Corps of Engineers, and John Walton, Walton Farm and Poplar Hill Mansion owner.
"This really strengthened our working relationship with Maryland Environmental, GTA, USACE, and the Walton Foundation," said Staff Sgt. Scott Peyton, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron construction manager, who has been involved since the runway repair project.
The $3.1M easement facilitated to restore wetlands on Poplar Farm Hills represented a milestone for the U.S. Air Force, with JBA contributing $378,100, and the remaining money going to the GTA for wetland restoration and enhancement efforts.
"This project is just one of many that JBA has undertaken to prove its commitment to help focus on good environmental practices and to incorporate sound advanced planning into capital improvement mission related projects," said Doug Lashley, GTA director general counsel.
The U.S. Air Force used the authority provided in 10 USC 2684a to partner with Green Trust Alliance and John Walton to provide a mutually beneficial vision of the future and as part of GTA the Walton Foundation received a total of $412,362.
"We could not accomplish our mission without the unyielding support of the local community and local officials, and are honored to partner with Mr. John Walton, GTA and everyone involved to have this vision come to full fruition today," Hoagland said.