https://www.vfea.org/home daily 1.0 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/18b1071d-5f24-44e1-a619-322c23b5d27e/unsplash-military-jet.jpg HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/fb5117af-3980-42ac-853f-d6c9d4ea42df/atsugi-incinerator-stars_and_stripes-2000_01.webp HOME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/fc16f0c2-b4d2-40d9-9332-5524c767bb32/navy-aircraft-carrier.webp https://www.vfea.org/atsugi-incinerator daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/7f49c6ce-3a7e-4ee7-b816-fda394eeaa38/naf-atsugi-base-map-1998.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/6e190820-ce69-4853-bf29-83405b923bc2/atsugi-incinerator-1988.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/2b6d1411-9345-4cd5-9888-d38578e8ec23/atsugi-incinerator-1998.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/91417ab3-3ee0-40dd-a0c8-1ad289158abc/atsugi-incinerator-1989.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/fc33781e-160d-4d0e-be61-18fa4fe3fd99/atsugi-incinerator-1999.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/49f663b2-d092-4dbf-bec7-43794ce52c0e/atsugi-incinerator-1995.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/a1ad51b5-b03a-4cd8-b238-9b401f9507b1/atsugi-incinerator-2000.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/f511dcf1-efdc-44a7-ac43-499074489d2d/incinerator-adjacent-naf-atsugi-1997.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/f9030c4d-ad65-4df9-a24d-0732445de833/incinerator-hazard-sign-1997.webp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443266507-D83UDUUUOB4MKVAIBYGO/1999_04-naf-atsugi-fumigation.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Incinerator Emissions Descend Toward NAF Atsugi Viewed from the base’s southern perimeter looking south-southwest, this image shows the Shinkampo incinerator complex on the left, emitting a dense plume of opaque white smoke that moves horizontally toward the base and settles at ground level. In the background, a NAF Atsugi residential tower is partially obscured by the haze from these drifting emissions. Smokestacks are designed to release pollutants high enough for safe dispersion before they reach ground level. At NAF Atsugi, prevailing winds, valley geography, and inadequate stack heights caused this fundamental safeguard to fail. Photo Taken: April 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443303376-SEAGMBN4ZA4802COTEMJ/1999_04-naf-atsugi-fumigation-conditions.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Incinerator Emissions Enter NAF Atsugi Along the Southern Perimeter Taken near the base perimeter looking west-northwest, this image shows the emission plume from the Shinkampo incinerator complex entering and fumigating NAF Atsugi. The area from the 7th tee of the golf course to the west side of the water treatment plant was frequently enveloped by looping and fumigating plumes. These emissions were routinely observed spreading across the base, reaching as far as the Bachelor Officers’ Quarters, the Navy Exchange, and the control tower. In the foreground, patches of dead grass and vegetation line the fence area closest to the facility. Groundskeepers reportedly struggled to keep grass and trees alive along this section of the perimeter due to the persistent emissions, and eventually abandoned efforts to maintain the dying trees in this area. Photo Taken: April 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773441909584-LHJNLKOFQXOS8EHW89J6/1997_12_03_naf-atsugi-housing-elevated-above-incinerator.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Incinerator Proximity to NAF Atsugi Housing This image shows the proximity of the Shinkampo incinerator complex to NAF Atsugi’s military family housing, located just a few hundred meters to the northwest. It also highlights the elevation difference, with the incinerator situated in a valley low and the base on a plateau above it. The smoke stack released emissions ~ 7 meters above the base’s ground level, allowing smoke and pollutants to waft into nearby housing during southerly winds or temperature inversions that created fumigation conditions on base. Picture Taken: December 03, 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773442923772-ZPIBX3FHUQ7W1LOUO3DJ/1997_05-incinerator-downwash.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Incinerator Emissions Transported Toward NAF Atsugi with Downwash Effects The Shinkampo incinerator complex on the left with emissions traveling north toward NAF Atsugi, visible to the right. The plume moves nearly horizontally shortly after leaving the unusually short smokestacks due to prevailing southerly winds. The image also illustrates downwash effects, where emissions are forced downward and concentrate at ground level, increasing the potential for hazardous exposures in the adjacent residential and operational areas on base. Picture Taken: May 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773442943994-KY374DGRDQQZM8XOMYA3/1996_05-naf-atsugi-fenceline.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Emissions Obscure NAF Atsugi Under Fumigation Conditions Looking northwest from the base’s southern perimeter, this image captures clear conditions in the foreground contrasted by a dense plume of emissions from the nearby incinerator complex that settles over the base, reducing visibility in the distance and creating classic fumigation conditions. Through the haze, the outline of a NAF Atsugi residential tower is barely visible. During these events, patios, playgrounds, and surrounding areas were frequently coated with black soot from the incinerator’s emissions. The emissions were typically accompanied by a strong, noxious odor. Personnel reported immediate effects, including burning skin and eyes, a foul taste, nausea, and respiratory irritation. With continued exposure, symptoms escalated to coughing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and fatigue. Picture Taken: May 1996 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773441937682-DODPW39T3CC23B51SJ57/1996_05-shinkampo-incinerator-complex-southerly-winds.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Prevailing Winds Carry Incinerator Emissions Toward NAF Atsugi For roughly half the year, prevailing winds from the south carried emissions from the incinerator directly into NAF Atsugi due to the facility’s unusually short smokestacks. In this image, the plume can be seen traveling almost horizontally shortly after leaving the smokestacks, moving north toward the base. Picture Taken: May 1996 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773442983506-Q6231QZTZAMZ2D2G5CWT/1997_04_04-fenceline-looking-north.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Haze from Incinerator Emissions Spreads Across Base Looking north-northwest across the base, this image shows clear visibility in the foreground with manicured topiary and open grounds, while a haze from the nearby incinerator complex spreads across the installation in the distance. In the background, the Ground Electronics Maintenance Building (GEMB) (left) and golf course (right) are visible through the haze. Air testing identified the GEMB as one of the most heavily polluted locations on base. Picture Taken: April 04, 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443144449-KPVBGBO72L9EFI7046YP/1999_04-incinerator-fumigation.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Dense Emissions Drift Directly Toward NAF Atsugi Taken from the base perimeter looking west-northwest, this image shows dense emissions from the incinerator complex exiting the smokestacks and traveling horizontally northwards toward NAF Atsugi grounds. The thick, opaque plume drifts directly into the installation, obscuring two of the base’s residential towers in the background. Picture Taken: April 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443175099-18MFRVLQWYRJTIVUKM60/1995_10-incinerator-complex-poster-session.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Community Poster Session Displays Evidence of Incinerator Pollution Photographed during a community poster session in October 1995, this display was presented after air sampling results and a preliminary health risk assessment identified potential health risks to the NAF Atsugi population. The poster board shows a series of photographs documenting the illicit history of the nearby incinerator complex, including periods of thick black smoke and open burning of waste. Photo Taken: October 1995 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443175091-T4LW4LGV2YNSJE04EA8D/1998_09_02-naf-atsugi-residential-towers.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Residential Towers Visible Beyond the Smokestacks Looking west-northwest, this image shows two of NAF Atsugi’s residential towers in the background with smokestacks from the nearby Shinkampo incinerator complex in the foreground. Emissions from the facility disperse near the housing area at a height equivalent to floor-level of the third story, highlighting the proximity and vulnerability of the base’s family residences from the incinerator complex. Photo Taken: September 02, 1998 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443201455-08B1R1ES5D0KYPQNY1OI/1998_04-naf-atsugi-residential-tower-air-sampling.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Air Monitoring Equipment on Residential Tower Rooftop Measures Incinerator Emissions Taken from the roof of one of NAF Atsugi’s residential towers looking east, this image shows air sampling equipment installed to measure contaminant concentrations from the nearby Shinkampo incinerator complex. In the distance, three smokestacks emit dense white smoke drifting north toward the base. Beyond the incinerator complex, partially obscured by haze, the NAF Atsugi golf course can be seen. Photo Taken: April 1998 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443201432-G29P8FKIV3PDTHJP45QN/1999_07-residential-fumigation.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Incinerator Emissions Spread Across NAF Atsugi Residential Area During a portion of the year, fumigation incidents were common in the most densely populated areas of the air facility, including family housing. This photo, taken from residential tower 3102, shows emissions from the incinerator complex fumigating the residential areas on the west side of NAF Atsugi. Among the trees below is one of the base’s residential playgrounds. Photo Taken: July 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1773443283023-NY1LL6M35PRM0QCRVQ92/1999_04-base-fumigation-conditions.webp ATSUGI INCINERATOR - Incinerator Emissions Descend Toward NAF Atsugi Photo Taken: April 1999 https://www.vfea.org/military-aviation-cancers daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/82c932dd-385c-459d-a6d6-7b7e9bca2866/naval-aviatior-jim-seaman-1988.webp https://www.vfea.org/news daily 0.75 2026-03-14 https://www.vfea.org/news/toxic-chemicals-detected-in-military-meals-and-mres-raise-new-concerns monthly 0.5 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/233ad299-85f7-4fa8-b2bb-5b5627427d15/Military+MRE+Social+Share.jpg NEWS - Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Military Meals and MREs, Sparking New Concerns - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.vfea.org/news/va-responds-to-public-comments-on-k2-toxic-exposure monthly 0.5 2025-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1759344410618-EDGCWVCJ9YB0DK1AIF4P/sunset+sandbags.jpg NEWS - 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VA Responds to Public Comments on K2 Toxic Exposure - Environmental Sampling Photo Submitted by Matthew Nichols https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1759344885832-VXD45J455M9OJC7C60OP/101-0142_IMG.jpg NEWS - VA Responds to Public Comments on K2 Toxic Exposure - Tainted Groundwater Photo Submitted by Matthew Nichols https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1759344889769-S8SOOH4Q95RMCGFI827Y/Burned+Ammo-11.jpg NEWS - VA Responds to Public Comments on K2 Toxic Exposure - Burned Ammunition Photo Submitted by Matthew Nichols https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1759364878459-YILY5Z3PVDNEB8DGC7JN/Black+Goo+2.jpg NEWS - VA Responds to Public Comments on K2 Toxic Exposure - "Black Goo" Photo Submitted by Matthew Nichols https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1759364878328-Q5L78VEY1RJ37BNQACDA/Enriched+Uranium.jpg NEWS - VA Responds to Public Comments on K2 Toxic Exposure - 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Make it stand out Commander Carlos Lopez (Ret.), pictured here in 1986, passed away in April 2025 after nearly 22 years fighting stage 4 kidney cancer. Diagnosed at only 44, he faced an enemy he never trained for — terminal cancer. https://www.vfea.org/news/beyond-the-pact-act monthly 0.5 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1744158103560-O4JBXGVUDNMGUJ7EFLZM/IMG_9790-2.jpg NEWS - Beyond the PACT Act: Addressing the Legacy of Toxic Exposure at Military Installations - Make it stand out House VA Committee Roundtable, April 8, 2025. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/1744157554637-H5IZC03W8COYFRIZGR8A/House+VA+Roundtable.jpg NEWS - Beyond the PACT Act: Addressing the Legacy of Toxic Exposure at Military Installations - Make it stand out Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Mark Takano listen as veterans and advocates share the lasting impact of environmental and occupational military exposures. https://www.vfea.org/news/pmpresumptions monthly 0.5 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/044db6e9-9892-4f66-b986-3dffad1eb7e1/fine+particulate+matter.jpg NEWS - New VA Presumptive Service Connections - Blood, Bladder, and Genitourinary Cancers - Make it stand out Environmental Protection Agency (2023). Particulate Matter Basics. https://www.vfea.org/news/ending-the-wait monthly 0.5 2025-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/c6d0882f-dc32-4683-8a81-527e274cffa2/34.1years.png NEWS - Ending the Wait - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.vfea.org/news/update-to-pact-act-presumptive-cancers monthly 0.5 2025-08-16 https://www.vfea.org/news/military-aviation-cancer-study-phase-1b monthly 0.5 2026-03-17 https://www.vfea.org/news/va-healthcare-expansion monthly 0.5 2025-08-16 https://www.vfea.org/news/va-first-working-group-study-proposal monthly 0.5 2025-08-16 https://www.vfea.org/news/va-toxic-exposure-working-group monthly 0.5 2025-08-16 https://www.vfea.org/news/pact-act monthly 0.5 2024-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/37926d76-6f15-4297-bb29-25c1573c3d0c/PACT+Act+Exposure+Map+V6.21.2023+1030hrs.png NEWS - The PACT Act - Make it stand out PACT Act Eligible Service Location Map https://www.vfea.org/news/atsugi-incinerator-va-inaction monthly 0.5 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/9c5474df-c83a-4ad3-ad78-b03186148320/2023_01+VA+FAC+Meeting+DC.jpg NEWS - NAF Atsugi Incinerator - VA Inaction - Make it stand out Betty and Shawn attend the January 2023 Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee meeting, Red Cross Headquarters, Washington DC. https://www.vfea.org/news/dod-military-aviation-cancer-study monthly 0.5 2026-03-14 https://www.vfea.org/news/vfea-origins-atsugi monthly 0.5 2026-03-14 https://www.vfea.org/news/va-presumptions-particulate-matter monthly 0.5 2025-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/044db6e9-9892-4f66-b986-3dffad1eb7e1/fine+particulate+matter.jpg NEWS - VA Presumptions - Fine Particulate Matter - Make it stand out Environmental Protection Agency (2023). Particulate Matter Basics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650d22debfa41c4877eb9433/4dc2e45a-65d2-444d-9c23-ec0deccea289/fine-particulate-matter-dod-bases.png NEWS - VA Presumptions - Fine Particulate Matter - Make it stand out PM2.5 Concentrations from 15 military bases featured in the DoD’s Enhanced Particulate Matter Surveillance Program (2010)