Finally . . .

After 36 years, Navy completes environmental clean-up

It's a major victory for the Navy, 36 years in the making,and represents a success story for the Norfolk naval Shipyard, the Elizabeth River, the Chesapeake Bay and, Mother Earth.

They've completed a massive environmental cleanup at St. Juliens Creek Annex. The 490-acre facility actually dates back to 1849, when it was began operations as a naval ammunition facility.

So, there was ordnance -- black powder, torpedoes, projectiles and Mark IV mines. Plus, pest control materials, old batteries, fire protection substances, oil and chemicals.59 specific hazardous sites in all.

The cleanup activities began in 1984 to the tune of $40 million.

No rush.