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Press Release: Commandant Receives Independent Panel's Report on Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Events
Release # 1007-04-0900
Oct. 06, 2004

United States Marine Corps
Division of Public Affairs

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS - The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Mike Hagee, formally accepted the final report today from the Drinking Water Fact-Finding Panel for Camp Lejeune.

Gen. Hagee personally chartered the Panel to review the events at Camp Lejeune from 1980 to 1985 that pertained to the decision to close several wells supplying drinking water to portions of the base.

The five-member panel, chaired by former Congressman Ron Packard, has spent the past six months reviewing documents and interviewing past and present base officials and residents to clarify the course of events that led to the well closures during this period.

I want to thank the members of the Panel for their work and dedication to this effort, Hagee said. I received the initial brief this morning, and will give the report a thorough review. As I stated when this panel was convened, informing and supporting our Marines Corps' family has always been, and continues to be, a top priority. I understand that the public has questions about past events at Camp Lejeune. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that the public be able to access the report's information immediately.

For the next 30 days, the Marine Corps encourages public comment on the Panel's report. After that time, all comments will be attached to the final report and be available to the public.

Those who desire to respond may do so by writing to the Drinking Water Fact-Finding Panel for Camp Lejeune, 1530 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 100, Arlington, VA 22209; or by e-mailing clsurvey@hqmc.usmc.mil.

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