As a former shipyard and ordnance plant situated in Southeast Washington, this facility is the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy. It was founded in 1799, which means that it has a vibrant history. In 1998, Washington Navy Yard was deemed a Superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency as a consequence of the severe contamination present on the site. Another major problem existing at the shipyard was asbestos exposure. Every worker employed at Washington Navy Yard experienced asbestos exposure to a great extent, as the mineral played a significant role in shipbuilding during the last century. Boilermakers were one of the occupational categories with the highest risk of asbestos exposure.