| Action Date |
Action |
Description |
DEC Staff |
| 6/15/1964 |
Update or Other Action |
USAF personnel & facility records indicate that the pumphouse area has been the location of numerous spills of JP-4. In 1964, a 50,000-gallon release of JP-4 occurred due to a pump failure. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/16/1980 |
Update or Other Action |
In 1980, a 36,000-gallon release occurred during the refueling of a C-5 aircraft due to a malfunctioning valve on the east side of Valve Pit 3-4. In both cases, the fuel infiltrated the soil before any response could be initiated. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/20/1980 |
Update or Other Action |
Following the 1980 release, soil in the spill area was excavated to a depth of 13 to 14 feet--the excavation limit of the backhoe. The soil remained saturated with fuel when excavation activities ceased at that limit. An estimated 70 gallons of the spilled fuel was recovered from a manhole located approximately 100 feet from Valve Pit 3-4. |
Louis Howard |
| 11/28/1980 |
Update or Other Action |
In 1980, a 200-gallon release of JP-4 occurred at hardstand A-5 as a results of a broken dispenser fitting due to snow removal operations. This site, designated as SS44, was determined not to require further action because the spill was confined, & contaminated snow & ice were removed. Surrounding soils & surface waters did not appear to be impacted. |
Louis Howard |
| 5/1/1990 |
CERCLA RI Report Approved |
Stage 3 RI/FS: Site SP-7/10 is underlain by sands and gravels with a water table depth of approximately 12 to 22 feet. Groundwater flows toward the south-southwest. The average gradient is approximately 20 feet per mile. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BETX) were detected in the soil and water sample from well SP7/10-04 with the total BETX concentration of the water sample measuring 14,600 ug/L. Water samples from wells W-3 and W-4 contained total BETX concentrations of 12600 and 1440 ug/L, respectively. Pure product was collected from well W-3 during water sampling activities. During sampling of this well approximately one-half inch of product was recovered from each bailer.
The apparent source of petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organics in the soil and water at this site is spills of JP-4 that occurred near pumphouse No. 3 (building 42-103). Spills of 50,000 and 36,000 gallons have been reported.
Further investigative work at this site should begin with the installation of 4 additional wells to delineate plume dispersion. One of the new wells should be located near SP7/10-04. This well should be screened in the deeper region of the unconfined aquifer. The 3 other wells should be located downgradient of the site. One of these new wells should be a dual completion well, screened in both the upper and lower regions of the aquifer. Also, a shallow soil boring should be located near well W-4. Water from the new wells and from the presently-existing wells should be sampled and tested for volatile organic compounds and petroleum hydrocarbons.
See site file for additional information.
|
Jennifer Roberts |
| 10/1/1991 |
Update or Other Action |
There have been several investigations at the site as a part of a remedial investigation (RI) for Operable Unit (OU) 4. These investigations resulted in the installation of six groundwater monitoring wells: W-3, W-4, & SP7/10-01 through SP7/10-04. Petroleum contamination was found in all wells except SP7/10-01 & SP7/10-02. A soil-gas survey was performed, confirming the presence of soil contamination (Battelle 1991). |
Louis Howard |
| 7/15/1994 |
Update or Other Action |
In 1993 ENSR Consulting & Engineering (ENSR) conducted an investigation of ST43 under SERA Phase I (USAF 1994c). Groundwater (GW) elevations measured in the 1994 wells generally confirmed a southeastward GW flow direction. Water levels in wells 43WL04, 43WL08, & 43WL11 indicate a more easterly component of flow near hardstand A-6.
Results of laboratory analyses indicate elevated hydrocarbon levels near the water table. GRO concentrations at depths less than 15 feet were generally below 50 mg/Kg. One exception is well 43WL11, where GRO was detected at 570 mg/Kg at 14 feet bgs. However, the maximum detected concentration of GRO was 42,000 mg/kg in 43BH16S018.0N (6/24/1993). DRO at 4,200 mg/kg was the maximum concentration detected at 21' bgs in 43BY26S021.0N (7/6/1993). NOTE: xylenes were detected at 120 mg/kg in 43BH05SO18.5N (18.5' bgs) & Benzene was detected at 36 mg/kg, ethylbenzene was 150 mg/kg, xylenes were 550 mg/kg in 43BH06SO18.0N (18' bgs). Xylenes were detected at 77 mg/kg & benzene was detected at 5.1 mg/kg in 43BH09SOoFD (18' bgs). Xylenes was detected at 140 mg/kg, benzene was 6 mg/kg in 43BH10SO18.5MS. Xylenes was detected at 98 mg/kg in 43BH12SO18.0N. Benzene was detected at 43 mg/kg, ethylbenzene was 300 mg/kg, Toluene was 1,000 mg/kg, xylenes were 1,100 mg/kg in 43BH16SO18.0N (the HIGHEST SOIL POL VOCs). Benzene was 56 mg/kg, ethylbenzene was 200 mg/kg, toluene was 780 mg/kg, xylenes were 740 mg/kg at 43BH17SO18.0N. Benzene was 19 mg/kg, ethylbenzene was 130 mg/kg, toluene was 400 mg/kg & xylenes were 490 mg/kg in 43BH18SO20.0N. Benzene was 26 mg/kg, ethylbenzene was 97 mg/kg, toluene was 140 mg/kg & xylenes were 420 mg/kg in 43BY26SO21.0N. Benzene was 23 mg/kg, ethylbenzene was 86 mg/kg, toluene was 130 mg/kg & xylenes were 470 mg/kg in 43BH30SO18.5N.
BTEX & GRO were detected in GW samples collected from all of the newly installed monitoring wells. DRO was detected in monitoring wells showing GRO concentrations over 1000 ptg/L (43WL06, 43WL07, 43WL08, & 43WL11); but was not detected in the remaining wells (43WL04, 43WL05, 43WL09, & 43WL10). GRO concentrations in these wells were all below 300 pig/L, & benzene was not detected. The highest concentrations of benzene & GRO were found in well 43WL07 at 1000 & 78,000 ug/L, respectively. Ethylbenzene was 1,300 ug/L, & Xylenes were 4,800 ug/L in 43W3WGN3.
High concentrations of GRO & DRO were detected in monitoring well 43WL11 (17,000 & 55,000 ug/L, respectively); approximately 0.1 feet of floating LNAPL was observed in this well prior to sampling. DRO chromatograms of soil samples collected during the 1994 investigation are consistent with a JP-4 fuel. No indications of gasoline contamination were observed.
The investigation determined that past releases at &/or upgradient of site ST43 have impacted soil & GW at the site. Floating LNAPL was observed in two monitoring wells (W-3 & 43WL11), & hydrocarbon contamination is present at the water table throughout much of the site. Although the downgradient limit of dissolved contamination has not reached wells 43WL01, 43WL02, SP7/10-01, or SP7/10-02, the geometry of the dissolved plume(s) is unclear.
See site file for additional information. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/19/1994 |
Update or Other Action |
NOR; DEC received notice of release and responded with confirmation letter. Spill report form: 94-2-1-0-220-2 States contaminated soil was uncovered while closing Air Force tank ID 525B and the upgrade of AF Tank ID 525A. Leaks were under the dispenser location from the unleaded mogas and diesel USTs. |
Louis Howard |
| 8/8/1994 |
Site Added to Database |
|
Former Staff |
| 8/8/1994 |
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Release Confirmed - Petroleum |
LUST Site created in CSP for source area ID 76673 ADD; Site added to database. |
Former Staff |
| 8/17/1994 |
Update or Other Action |
Notice of Release UST FAC ID# 1525, UST# 525A & 525B Spill# 94-2-1-00-220-52. USTs 525A and 525B held gasoline and diesel fuel and had released petroleum products as identified during closure of these USTs. AK's UST regulations 18 AAC 78 contain specific requirements for responding to releases from regulated USTs. In addition to the regulations, the Air Force and the State of Alaska have entered into compliance agreements for UST management, closure and corrective action. In accordance with the SERA, a draft site assessment must be submitted to the department within 50 days after completion of the UST closures. As noted in the agreement, initial abatement activities outlined in 18 AAC 78.230 are to be conducted prior to transfer of leaking UST sites into the SERA. Corrective action associated with leaks or spills from regulated USTs will be conducted pursuant to the SERA. In order to do this, the Air Force must provide amendments to the SERA attachments, identifying the sites to be added and a schedule for conducting the corrective action. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/1/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
This document comprises a set of site assessment results for 11 SERA Phase IA & Phase IB sites at EAFB & the procedures proposed for achieving "closure" at each of the sites below:
ST43 Hydrant Refueling Area (formerly designated Pumphouse III)
ST61 Navy Construction Site
SS62 AAFES Service Station
ST71 Leaking Tank, 31-338
ST36 Diesel Leak, Vicinity of 62-250
ST47 JP-4 Fuel Leak, Vicinity of 10-875
ST64 JP-4 Leak, Vicinity of 42-425
ST65 Diesel Leak, Vicinity of 24-857
ST72 Leaking Tanks, Vicinity of 42-500
ST69 Diesel Leak, Building 76-520
SS57 Oil-Stained Soil
SERA Phase I Corrective Action Plan received. ST43 Hydrant Refueling Area (formerly designated Pumphouse III) IRPMS Site 43. Site ST43 is a hydrant refueling area located on the north side of the east/west runway at Elmendorf AFB. The site includes two pumphouse buildings, an underground hydrant fueling system, and several aircraft hardstands (parking areas). The hydrant fueling system dispenses jet fuel for aircraft refueling. Prior to 1993, the hydrant refueling system dispensed JP-4, a "wide-cut" jet fuel.
Since that time, the refueling system has been converted to JP-8, a slightly higher-boiling fuel. A number of underground storage tanks (USTs) are located within this area. Pumphouse III (PH3) currently has seven active USTs containing JP-8: No. 67, capacity 25,000 gallons; No. 68, capacity 49,000 gallons; No. 69, capacity 49,000 gallons; No. 70, capacity 49,000 gallons; No. 71, capacity 49,000 gallons; No. 72, capacity 50,000 gallons; and No. 73, capacity 50,000 gallons.
One diesel UST (No. 525A) was reconditioned and a new dispensing island installed; this UST is presently in use at Building 45-525. In 1994, a gasoline UST (No. 525B) and two dispenser islands were removed, and the piping associated with the former dispensing locations was abandoned (USAF 1994b). The hydrant dispensing system and associated underground pipelines were tested for leaks using a tracer test procedure between October and December 1992.
Results of these tests indicated elevated hydrocarbon vapors and trace "hits" throughout the area, and that leaks may have occurred at various points along the system. However, subsequent excavation by the USAF of the areas did not confirm the tracer test results.
Results of the SERA I investigation, together with previous investigation results, indicate 3 probable source areas at ST43:
the pumphouse area,
the northern portion of ST43, &
the western portion of ST43.
The pumphouse area contains widespread contamination at the water table, including floating LNAPL in well W-3. Previous releases have been documented at PH3, Valve Pit 3-4, & hardstand A-5. Results of the 1993 investigation indicate the remaining soil contamination at PH3 & Valve Pit 3-4 is limited primarily to the zone of water table fluctuation.
The 1994 investigation showed no soil contamination was encountered in the vadose zone at hardstand A-5, but dissolved benzene & GRO at 43WL07 (& to a lesser extent, 43WL06) suggest a nearby source. It is unlikely dissolved contamination present in these wells is associated with fueling facilities at Bldg 42-525 for the following reasons:
* Water levels in wells 43WL04, 43WL08, & 43WL11 indicate an east-southeastward GW flow direction in the vicinity of hardstand A-6; &
* Dissolved benzene & GRO in 43WL07 are significantly higher than those measured near Building 42-525.
Based on the dissolved concentrations observed, a source at hardstand A-5 would be located near well 43WL07.
A second source area is indicated in the northern portion of the site, near Building 42-525. DRO chromatograms indicate JP-4 as the probable fuel type. Floating LNAPL present in well 43WL11 suggests a nearby source. Discussions with Liquid Fuels Maintenance (LFM) personnel indicated a surface spill had occurred in 1980 at hardstand A-5 & that an abandoned hydrant pipeline to hardstand A-6 may be a possible source. No other possible sources have been identified in this area to date.
A third source area is indicated in the western portion of the site, near well W-4. No significant soil contamination was detected in the surrounding soil borings 43BH40, 43BH41, & 43BH42. Based on the local GW flow direction, the source is probably north-northwest of W-4.
GW contamination was identified at ST43. For this reason, 18 AAC 75 Level A cleanup normally is required. The majority of the soil samples collected from the zone of water table fluctuation contained DRO, GRO, & BTEX concentrations exceeding Level A cleanup standards.
No leachate modeling was performed for site ST43 because the primary source of dissolved contaminants is LNAPL present at the water table. Additional contaminant loading due to leaching of vadose zone soils is probably insignificant relative to the LNAPL layer.
See site file for additional information. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/21/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
Air Force Memorandum to John Halverson re: UST meeting. Elmendorf AFB will accomplish the following actions regarding UST projects. These actions are based upon conversation between, John Mahaffey, Larry Opperman and yourself.
1) EAFB will make every effort to accomplish clean closure of a UST removal if possible. 2) UST removal locations requiring cleanup action will be transferred into the State Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement (SERA). A list of sites requiring cleanup will be coordinated with your office. 3) The presumptive remedy for contaminated UST sites in the outwash plain only will be bioventing technolgy. 4) Contaminated soils exceeding cleanup levels may be placed back into the excavation only if the site assessment (SA) indicates a need for further action. 5) Contaminated UST sites not in the outwash plain will require further investigation to determine appropriate cleanup options. 6) We (Elmendorf) will make every attempt possible to assure new USTs or new aboveground tanks are not installed in any way that would hamper future access for cleanup. 7) The project will first accomplish removal of all the USTs. SA information will be used to prioritize sites for cleanup using existing project funds. Additional funding will be requested to complete cleanup if available. Sites not addressed for cleanup due to exhausted funding will be placed in SERA Phase IV.
John Halverson signed memorandum on April 21, 1995. Memorandum submitted by Douglas G. Tarbett, Maj. USAF, Chief Environmental Compliance (CCs 3 WG/JA and 3 SPTG/CE). |
John Halverson |
| 8/11/1995 |
Update or Other Action |
ADEC (J. Halverson) sent letter to Air Force (L. Opperman) RE: Disposition of petroleum contaminated soil generated during underground storage tank (UST) Closures at Elmendorf AFB. I met with you and Mr. John Mahaffey on April 18, 1995, to discuss UST closures planned at Elmendorf this summer and the issue of how contaminated soil would be handled. We agreed that if "clean closure" could be reached through excavation, all contaminated soil should be removed and taken to an off-site treatment facility. We also agreed that petroleum contaminated soil could be placed back in the ground, on the condition bioventing systems would be installed starting this year, if clean closure was not feasible. However, it has become apparent the Air Force has not been able to implement corrective action at leaking underground storage tank sites in a timely manner.
Therefore, our April 21, 1995 agreement on soil management must be revoked. Starting
immediately, the department requests that all contaminated soil removed from the ground during
closure or upgrade of USTs be completely contained in accordance with our petroleum contaminated
soil stockpiling guidelines referenced in the UST regulations. Please notify your project managers, the Army Corps of Engineers project manager and all of your UST contractors of this change. The rationale behind the need to contain all excavated petroleum contaminated soil is provided below.
Failure to implement Corrective Action-Tank #805, at building 24-805, failed a tightness test in 1994 and was removed from the ground. Tanks #96-104 were also removed from the ground in 1994. Petroleum contaminated soil was excavated during removal of the tanks. The Air Force requested approval to place contaminated soil back in the ground at both sites. Department approval was granted on the condition corrective action be started at each site no later than June 30, 1995. The Air Force had committed to doing this work under Phase IV of the SERA. However, we have been informed that contracts for SERA Phase IV have not yet been awarded, work plans have not been developed, and it does not appear the field work will be started this year. This is a violation of the corrective action requirements outlined in the UST regulations and our prior agreements.
Management Action Plan (MAP) for transfer of LUST sites into the SERA-On several occasions the department has requested a formalized process for transfer of leaking UST sites from the UST agreement into the SERA. The January 3 1, 1995 annual UST report states that a MAP was being prepared to formalize such a process and that a copy would be forwarded to us as soon as it was completed. We have not received a copy of the MAP. Numerous LUST sites have been identified during the past two years and transfer of sites between the UST and SERA compliance agreements has not been working. It appears the UST agreement needs to be amended to address release investigation and corrective action requirements. Based on the above and the fact that funding for DoD environmental cleanups is being reduced, we are no longer in a position to allow contaminated soil to be placed back in the ground with the hope it will be remediated in a timely manner. |
John Halverson |
| 8/23/1995 |
Underground Storage Tank Site Characterization or Assessment |
UST Site Assessment final report AFID 525 A & 525 B Near bldg. 42-525. This is a report of the excavation, sampling, and analysis of soils associated with permanent removal of a 1,000 gallon gasoline underground storage tank (UST) and associated dispenser near building 42-525 at Elmendorf Air Force Base (EAFB), Alaska. Soil samples were collected from the tank excavation hole, soil stockpiles, and from soils adjacent to the dispenser island. Two tanks were located at this site, a 1000 gallon UST which was removed and a 1500 gallon UST which was upgraded to meet 1998 UST compliance requirements and left in place.
The Air Force Identification number (AFID) for the excavated gasoline tank is 525B; the
upgraded diesel UST AFID is 525A. Building number 42-525 was used in field notes for site
identification. The building number and an appended alpha-numeric code are used in
laboratory analytical reports, for sample identification. Nearest active base water supply well 29 is located 1800 ft. northwest (upgradient) of the site and the next active water supply well 16 is 4000 ft. south of the site or downgradient. Well 40 is 5,200 ft. southeast or crossgradient of the site.
Soil results for the sample taken from the dispenser island were 109 mg/kg DRO and 0.07 mg/kg xylenes. Sample collected from the piping trench was not analyzed from the site because the 150 ppm PID reading was "anomalous" due to a small quantity (1 pint) that had spilled during removal of piping. Soil results from the north end of the tank pit (sample taken on 7/8/94 ID 42-525-T-1) had GRO at 1050 mg/kg and xylenes at 304 mg/kg.
The ADEC cleanup matrix score for this site is 26, which classifies this site as a level C
cleanup. Laboratory analytical results from this site show that soils at the south end of the
excavation pit and soils from beneath the dispenser island meet the ADEC level C soil matrix
cleanup standards. Soils in the north end of the excavation pit do not meet the ADEC level C
soil matrix cleanup standards. Headspace analysis PID screening results along the piping run
show that soils meet ADEC level C cleanup standards.
RECOMMENDATIONS-Further delineation to determine the lateral and vertical extent of hydrocarbon contamination should be completed near the north end of the tank pit. Any further decision regarding soil remediation at this site should be made in light of the results of this evaluation. |
Louis Howard |
| 2/26/1996 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Letter from DEC to Air Force re: UST Site assessment reports submitted to ADEC on 28 Dec. 1995. The report states one of the USTs was closed by removal from the ground and the other was upgraded to meet State and Federal requirements for 1998. Portions of the report state tank 525A was upgraded and other sections of the same document state 525B was upgraded. This issue must be clarified. According to the "scope of work" section, UST 525B was upgraded with spill and overfill protection. It does not include information on whether the release detection requirements were satisfied. It is also not clear that a site assessement or successful system tightness test, as required by 18 AAC 78.015 for registration of USTs, has been conducted on the UST which was upgraded. The "Field Investigation" section states piping associated with UST 525B was partially removed and partially closed in place. Test holes were dug to check for releases along the abandoned piping and screening was done at 3 ft. below grade. Howver the depth of the piping is not provided and it does not appear that screening was done at 10 ft. intervals as outlined in the QAPP. |
Louis Howard |
| 3/6/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
Letter to Air Force regarding Groundwater contamination at SERA site ST43. Monitoring wells at ST43 are included in the basewide groundwater monitoring program. Analytical results from samples collected at the site indicate a trend of increasing rather than decreasing concentrations. This raises serious concerns over the potential for an ongoing release in the area. Two regulated USTs were present at building 42-525. UST 525B was removed in 1994 and UST 525A was upgraded at the same time. Contaminated soil and groundwater were found in monitoring well 43WL11, immediately downgradient from these USTs.
Contminant concentrations in this monitoring well have continued to increase since the fall of 1994. Several fuel lines that are part of the hydrant system run through the area. Large USTs are connected to the hydrant system at the site. An abandoned hydrant pipeline runs to hardstand A-6 and could be the source of petroleum.
Monitoring well 43WL01 was being sampled as a downgradient well to determine if the plume was expanding beyond areas that were already impacted. Benzene greater than 1000 ug/L were measured in a sample collected from the well in June of 1995. Thus, the plume has expanded and its downgradient extent is no longer defined. The Department requests the Air Force investigate all its fuel storage and transport systems in the area to determine whether ongoing releases are occurring. |
Louis Howard |
| 10/17/1996 |
Institutional Control Record Established |
Air Force memo: Restricted Use of the Shallow Aquifer on EAFB signed by William R. Hanson P.E. GM-14 Chief Environmental Flight dated October 17, 1996 Memorandum for 3 SPTG/CEC/CEO from 3 SPTG/CEV
1) Due to the contamination & commitments to EPA/DEC the use of the shallow aquifer for any purpose on is not allowed. Attached Facilities Board minutes-03/29/1994 0930 Item 9 has Mr. William Hanson, briefing the Board on the policy to not use the shallow aquifer due to contamination. The Board approved this policy. Minutes approved by Thomas R. Case Brigadier General USAF Commander. The IRP has RODs for OUs 3 & 6 which require, the aquifer remain unused. 2) Personnel in the review process within CES must be aware of these policies & review them on a recurring basis. It is imperative this restriction be recognized & observed during engineer reviews & operations. |
Louis Howard |
| 11/30/1996 |
Update or Other Action |
SERA V: During the State-Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement (SERA) Phase V investigation conducted in 1996, five borings were advanced to the groundwater table. A split spoon sampler was used to collect soil from the ground surface to the water table, which was encountered at approximately 18 feet bgs.
Two samples were collected from each boring and analyzed for GRO, DRO, residual-range organics (RRO), and BTEX. Elevated contaminant concentrations were detected in 4 of the 5 borings at depths between 15 and 19 feet bgs (smear zone). Maximum detected soil contaminant concentrations were 5,130 mg/kg GRO, 7,780 mg/kg DRO, 3.49 mg/kg benzene, 51.5 mg/kg toluene, 35.6 mg/kg ethylbenzene, and 157.9 mg/kg total xylenes. Field screening indicated that contamination was not present from 0-15 feet bgs in these borings and contaminant concentrations in two samples collected from 10-12 feet bgs were below ADEC 18 AAC 75, Method Two (January 2003) cleanup levels. |
Louis Howard |
| 9/15/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
Basewide Support & GW Monitoring Program Analytical Results for SERA Phase I Sites - Round 1, 1997 September. ST43 (aka SS043 & CG539) wells: SP7/10-0l, SP7/10-04, 43-WL-0l, 43-WL-07, 43-WL-11 and W4. 43-WL-07: Benzene 500 ug/L (5 ug/L) & GRO 31 mg/L (2.2 mg/L), ethylbenzene 2.3 mg/L (15 ug/L), Xylenes 7.4 mg/L (190 ug/L),
43WL-11 270 ug/L (5 ug/L) GRO 30 mg/L (2.2 mg/L), ethylbenzene 1.9 mg/L (15 ug/L) Xylenes 7.8 mg/L (190 ug/L), toluene 5.0 mg/L (1.1 mg/L).
SP7/10-1: 17 mg/L GRO (2.2 mg/L), ethylbenzene 790 ug/L (15 ug/L), 2.88 mg/L Xylenes (190 ug/L). |
John Halverson |
| 10/3/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
SERA VI Update
No new work conducted this week. |
Tim Stevens |
| 12/15/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
SERA Phase I Sites 1997 Round 2 December 1997 received. 43-WL-07 32 mg/L GRO (2.2 mg/L 2018 18 AAC 75 Table C GW Cleanup levels), benzene: 460 ug/L (5 ug/L) Ethylbenzene 1.4 mg/L (15 ug/L), Xylenes: 6.7 mg/L (190 ug/L) 43-WL-11 30 mg/L GRO (2.2 mg/L) Benzene: 170 ug/L (5 ug/L) Ethylbenzene 1.2 mg/L (15 ug/L), toluene 3.0 mg/L (1.1 mg/L), xylenes 5.8 mg/L (190 ug/L). SP7/10-04: 11 mg/L (2.2 mg/L) GRO, 53 ug/L benzene (5 ug/L), Ethylbenzene 490 ug/L (15 ug/L), Xylenes: 1.98 mg/L (190 ug/L) and W-4: GRO 12 mg/L (2.2 mg/L), 47 ug/L benzene (5 ug/L), ethylbenzene 790 ug/L (15 ug/L), Xylenes 2.6 mg/L (190 ug/L). |
John Halverson |
| 12/30/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
SERA VI: During the SERA Phase VI investigation conducted in 1997, a passive soil gas survey was conducted and soil borings were advanced to the groundwater table to delineate soil contamination. The results of the soil gas survey indicated that elevated levels of contamination were present south of the UST area and near former Hardstand A-6. Three borings were advanced south/southwest of Building 15380. One was drilled in the former Hardstand A-6 area and the other two borings were advanced south of the building, adjacent to Taxiway J.
Two to three samples were collected from each boring and analyzed for GRO, DRO, RRO, and BTEX. In the area of former Hardstand A-6, GRO, toluene, and ethylbenzene were detected in the smear zone above cleanup levels and benzene was detected in the vadose zone above the cleanup level. Near Taxiway J, GRO, DRO, and toluene were detected in the smear zone above cleanup levels. |
Tim Stevens |
| 3/25/1998 |
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Initiated - Petroleum |
|
Former Staff |
| 3/26/1998 |
Update or Other Action |
DOD & ADEC joint Technical Memorandum of understanding signed concerning the Basewide Groundwater (gw) signed by: ADEC Jennifer Roberts RPM & USAF Joseph Williamson Chief Environmental Programs & Restoration. Due to the basewide gw study & the FY92 field work that occurred at Operable Units (OUs) 1, 2, & 5 it appears a large portion of the gw flows into OU5 (attach. 1-contour map). Based on this fact, Elmendorf (EAFB) will move all upgradient gw into the OU5 Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan & Record of Decision (ROD). This means addressing all gw from upgradient sources (CERCLA (ST20, Ous 3&4) & OUs 1 & portions of OU2) & SERA) at OU5 instead of at each individual source area (see attach. 2-Area Map). Sites with free phased product would be looked at to see if there is an available technology to clean them up in a cost effective way. Soil contamination would be addressed at the source areas. NOTE: addressed at the source areas is interpreted by ADEC as removal through excavation or active treatment systems (e.g. high vacuum extraction, bioventing, etc...). Also included in the letter is the AF memo: Restricted Use of the Shallow Aquifer on EAFB signed by William R. Hanson P.E. GM-14 Chief Environmental Flight dated October 17, 1996 Memorandum for 3 SPTG/CEC/CEO from 3 SPTG/CEV
1) Due to the contamination & commitments to EPA/DEC the use of the shallow aquifer for any purpose on is not allowed. Attached Facilities Board minutes-03/29/1994 0930 Item 9 has Mr. William Hanson, briefing the Board on the policy to not use the shallow aquifer due to contamination. The Board approved this policy. Minutes approved by Thomas R. Case Brigadier General USAF Commander. The IRP has RODs for OUs 3 & 6 which require, the aquifer remain unused. 2) Personnel in the review process within CES must be aware of these policies & review them on a recurring basis. It is imperative this restriction be recognized & observed during engineer reviews & operations. |
Louis Howard |
| 1/29/1999 |
Update or Other Action |
1999 Basewide Bioventing Annual Report received. The September 1998 biodegradation rates at implants with biodegradation rates indicative of microbial activity were 110 to 396 mg/Kg/yr, respectively. Soil implants MPA(SW corner) and BV-2C indicated no biodegradation. Previous data collected by Radian from April 1997 to February 1998 exists for the large system, which includes BV-1, BV-2 and BV-3. For BV-1 and BV-3, the October 1998 biodegradation rates do not correlate with Radian's data. October 1998 biodegradation rates indicate that there is significant biodegredation; previous data does not suggest this. Bristol's 1998 data agreed with Radian's historical data for BV-2, which shows there is significant soil biodegredation occurring.
No previous data were available for the small system by the runway; the October 1998 respiration test did not show that significant biodegredation is occurring. Initial soil
contamination concentrations are not known. The small system by the pumphouse is showing significant biodegredation activity; the initial soil contamination concentrations are not known.
Since most of the three systems at ST43/55 are showing significant biodegredation, Bristol
recommends that bioventing be continued for a period of one year and at the end of this oneyear
period, the performance of bioventing should be evaluated through respirometry testing. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/30/1999 |
Update or Other Action |
Summary Report for Site Evaluations and Bioventing Studies at SERA Phase V Sites from the Environmental Quality Program USAF Elmendorf AFB, March 1999 received. Five borings were drilled to the water table (about 18 feet bgs) at ST S07 to investigate potential
contamination around the former USTs and pump station. Analytical and field data indicated that the soils directly above the water table (smear zone) at ST 507 are contaminated with fuel constituents. ST 507 was 'scored level C under the ACM in the SERA V Workplan (USAF, August 1996e). The cleanup criteria was changed to ACM level A, because the presence of contaminated soils within three feet of the water table indicates that the groundwater may be affected.
Concentrations of GRO were detected above ACM level A at the smear zone in all five borings.
Benzene and BTEX exceeded level A in four borings, and DRO exceeded level A in three borings. This indicates that the horizontal extent of smear zone contamination has not been defined. The top of the contamination is at the top of the smear zone, however the bottom of the contamination has not been established. Figure ST 507-1 shows the locations of all borings, and the contaminant concentrations found at each location.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) revised their UST regulations
(18 AAC 78) in January 1999, and these new regulations reference the soil cleanup levels provided in 18 AAC 75, Articles 3 and 9, Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Control Regulations, As amended through 22 January 1999 (ADEC, 1999). Because ST 507 is located in the OU 5 Groundwater Study Area, groundwater is not a completed exposure pathway. (NOTE: since the smear zone is impacted the most stringent cleanup level applies, i.e. migration to groundwater, due to groundwater likely being impacted by contamination). Therefore, the analytical data for ST 507 was compared with the Method Two values in the regulations using the more stringent of the inhalation or ingestion pathways to determine if the site could be closed with no further action. The smear zone soil samples at ST 507 exceeded the revised ADEC Method Two soil cleanup levels in 18 AAC 75 for GRO and total xylenes.
BP1-1: 15-17 ft. GRO 5,130 mg/kg, total xylenes 112.3 mg/kg, BP3-3: 18-20 ft. 2,190 mg/kg GRO, 157.9 mg/kg total xylenes, BP5-3: 2,230 mg/kg GRO, BP6-2 2,480 mg/kg.
|
Louis Howard |
| 5/31/2000 |
Update or Other Action |
ST507/6/8 is the location of an active underground storage tank (UST) and a former UST
situated adjacent to the Air Freight Terminal, Building 15380 (formerly 42-525). The former
UST, STMP 525B, was a 1,000-gallon tank that provided unleaded mogas (gasoline) for use in
operations support vehicles and equipment. An associated dispenser island was located
approximately 120 feet southeast of the tanks along the west side of Building 15380. The UST .
and dispenser island were removed in June 1994. The remaining active 1,500-gallon UST,
STMP 525A, was upgraded and currently stores diesel fuel; a new dispenser is located nearby.
A release investigation was conducted at ST507/6/8 under the State-Elmendorf Environmental
Restoration Agreement (SERA) Phases V (1996) and VI (1997) with 8 borings drilled. Analytical
results indicated that the site was impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons in excess of the Alaska
Depa:rtment of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Method One and Method Two soil cleanup
levels. As part of the SERA Phase VIII investigation, an additional soil boring was installed in
1999 and completed as a monitoring well to better characterize the subsurface conditions
beneath the northern portion of the former UST.
Groundwater samples from the newly installed monitoring well (507WL01) contained petroleum
hydrocarbons in excess of ADEC Table C groundwater cleanup levels. Concentrations of GRO
and benzene also exceeded 10 times the groundwater cleanup levels. Product was not
detected in 507WL01, but free-phase product was observed in monitoring well 43WL 11 located
approximately 30 feet southwest of the former UST. Free product has been detected in this well
since it was first sampled in 1995.
Results from the 1999 investigation (including a review of previous investigation results) indicate that petroleum hydrocarbons are present in both soil and groundwater at ST507/6/8 at levels in excess of ADEC Method Two cleanup levels for gasoline range organiCS (GRO), diesel range organics (DRO), and benzene. The petroleum-impacted soil, however, appears limited to the
smear zone. This area of smear zone contamination extends from an area upgradient of the
former tank southward towards Hardstand A-6 and Taxiway J. ST507/6/8 physically falls within the Operable Unit 5 (OU5) Model Area; therefore, any remaining petroleum hydrocarbons are expected to be addressed by the OU5 remedy. The recommended site disposition, therefore, is to include further consideration of this site as part of the OU5 remedy and to exclude this site from further investigations under SERA.
SERA Phase VIII Release Investigation Report for ST507/6/8 Air Freight Terminal UST AFIDs 525A and 525B received. GRO from 15 ft. were 440 mg/kg and from 17 ft. were 7,100 mg/kg. DRO was 310 mg/kg at 15 ft. and 17 ft. 8000 mg/kg. BTEX was only detected above cleanup levels from samples taken from 17 ft. (5, 49 8.3 and 230 mg/kg respectively). Groundwater results from 507WL01 had GRO 21000 ug/L, 3200 ug/L DRO, benzene 79 ug/L, ethylbenzene 740 ug/L. Product sample taken from monitoring well 43WL11 exhibited characteristics jet fuel (JP-4).
Section 2.9.4 states it should be possible to use 10 times the Table C values and modify the migration to groundwater cleanup levels. However, numerous records of decisions for operable units have legally binding decisions and cleanup criteria for groundwater which shall be required to meet drinking water (e.g. MCLs) cleanup standards and not a "modified" ten times cleanup criteria proposed in the report.
An extensive area beginning somewhere upgradient of the site and extending generally southward towards Taxiway J has been impacted at the water table. The contamination observed in the immediate vicinity of the former tank generally beginning at the top of the smear zone, may be partially or completely the result of the other source areas and not necessarily due to the tanks. In addition to well 507WL01, there are existing monitoring wells in the area that may be useful (e.g. 43WL09, 43WL11) installed by a part of another SERA program. The recommendation is to exclude the site from further SERA investigations. It does not appear the soil column in the vicinity of the former tank 525B will serve as an ongoing source of groundwater contamination. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/28/2001 |
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Corrective Action Underway |
Corrective Action Plan SERA IV, V, VII and VIII Sites. The preferred alternative is monitoring of the deep contamination present in the smear zone. Relatively high contamination present at 17 ft. bgs (7100 mg/kg GRO and 8000 mg/kg DRO) at the site which is located on the north side of the air field. 2000 SERA Phase VIII Release Investigation Report was conducted and five soil borings were drilled to the water table (about 18 ft. bgs) at ST507/6/8 to investigate potential contamination around the former USTs. PID and field sampling kit readings indicated no contamination above 15 ft. bgs and elevated concentrations of fuel constituents in all borings below 15 ft. Maximum detected levels were 7100 mg/kg GRO, 8000 mg/kg DRO, 3.49 mg/kg benzene, 51.5 mg/kg toluene, 35.6 mg/kg ethylbenzene and 157.6 mg/kg total xylenes. Maximum detected levels of GRO were 21 mg/L and 3.2 mg/L DRO in the groundwater. |
Louis Howard |
| 10/21/2002 |
Update or Other Action |
State Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement (SERA) dissolved. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reviewed the issue of abolishing the SERA per Air Force recommendation. Elmendorf Air Force Base and DEC entered into the SERA in 1992. The agreement was developed as a tool to bring the Base into compliance with Alaska's regulations addressing underground storage tanks, oil and other hazardous substance releases and solid waste.
Since that time, Elmendorf has made significant progress in investigating and cleaning up historic contamination problems. Many of the sites covered by the SERA have been successfully cleaned up and closed. Cleanup is underway at the remaining sites.
Additionally, Alaska has amended the regulations addressing fuel storage tanks, oil and other hazardous substance spills and solid waste. We concur with you that the SERA is no longer a necessary or beneficial. This letter serves as notice that DEC will end oversight on environmental work at Elmendorf by using the SERA. Instead, it is understood that the sites and programs formerly addressed by SERA: solid waste, underground storage tanks (UST), and oil and other hazardous substance discharges will be addressed in accordance with 18 AAC 60, 18 AAC 78 and 18 AAC 75. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/23/2004 |
Long Term Monitoring Established |
Since smear zone contamination has been found at the groundwater interface and groundwater samples indicated DRO and GRO contamination is present above cleanup levels, additional monitoring of wells located in the source area: 704WL-02 and 704WL-02 as part of the base-wide monitoring program in addition to SP7/10-01 which is 600 ft. down gradient from the source area. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/23/2004 |
Conditional Closure Approved |
After reviewing the data and reports submitted, the Department agrees that no further remedial action or investigation is required for ST507/6/8, LUST Event ID 400, Reckey no. 199421X022052. Soil sample results show no contamination from the site from 0 to 15 feet below ground surface (bgs). However, since smear zone contamination has been found at the groundwater interface and groundwater samples indicated DRO and GRO contamination is present above cleanup levels, additional monitoring of wells located in the source area: 704WL-02 and 704WL-02 as part of the base-wide monitoring program in addition to SP7/10-01 which is 600 ft. down gradient from the source area.
The Base Master Plan needs to be updated to document the location of residual contamination at ST507/6/8 and the need to manage contaminated soil properly during any future construction or excavation work. The Department reserves its rights, under: 18 AAC 75 Contaminated Site regulations, 18 AAC 78 Underground Storage Tank regulations, and AS 46.03 to require additional investigation, cleanup, containment, and/or other necessary actions, if subsequent information indicates: additional contamination remains at the site which was previously undiscovered and presents an unacceptable risk to human health, safety, or welfare, or the environment. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/26/2004 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
ADEC review and comment on ST531 Bldg. 12763 Defense Reutilization Marketing Office, EC Contaminated Site Decision Documents, Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK Dated April 23, 2004 and
Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Program for Sites that Require Monitoring received from John Mahaffey (USAF). On April 26, 2004, you submitted several decision document packets to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (the Department) Contaminated Sites Program, Federal Facilities section. Each packet included a summary of the site history, characterization and cleanup work conducted to date along with a request for No Further Action.
The Department has reviewed the documents associated with ST531 Bldg. 12763, a Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office, and concurs the site will not require any further remediation or site investigation. In addition to any required groundwater monitoring, there is petroleum contaminated soil higher than the Method 2 cleanup levels in Tables B1/B2 (18 AAC 75.341) which remains at this site. The Base Master Plan needs to be updated to document the locations of residual contamination and the need to manage contaminated soil properly.
The Department is basing its decision on the most current and complete data provided by the Air Force. The Department reserves its rights, under: 18 AAC 75 Oil and Other Hazardous Substances, Pollution Control regulations, 18 AAC 78 Underground Storage Tank Regulations, and Alaska Statute 46.03 to require additional investigation, cleanup, or containment if subsequent information indicates that: 1) additional contamination remains at the site which was previously undiscovered and presents an unacceptable risk to human health, safety, or welfare, or the environment; or 2) the information provided was invalid, incomplete, or fraudulent.
Basewide Groundwater Monitoring General Comment: If PAHs were analyzed for in groundwater at any site where groundwater monitoring was conducted and results were below Table C cleanup criteria, then PAHs may be struck from the analyses in future sampling events. However if analyses for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specifically: acenaphthene, anthracene, benzo-a-anthracene, benzo-a-pyrene, benzo-b-fluoranthene, benzo-k-fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenzo-a,h-anthracene, fluorene ideno-123-cd-pyrene, naphthalene, and pyrene, was not conducted, then PAHs analyses will be required during groundwater monitoring until shown to be not of concern (i.e. below Table C cleanup criteria).
Confirmation on Groundwater Monitoring for EC Contaminated Sites on Elmendorf Air Force Base for ST507
Text states: “The Elmendorf AFB Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Program will be utilized to monitor the natural attenuation of the impacted groundwater. Well 43WL11 is located approximately 30 feet southwest of the former UST and is included in the Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Program. No additional wells will be added to the monitoring program due to the location of the site on the far side of the East/West Runway and within the OU5 modeling area. UST 525A is still active and is inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with ADEC 18 AAC 78 to ensure that it does not contribute to contamination at this site.”
The Elmendorf AFB Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Program will no longer exist after this year. Please confirm that your contractor will be monitoring the wells specified in the closure document submitted for this site and that the zone project manager is aware that the monitoring requirements for the compliance wells may be different than what is being required for under the CERCLA program. For the site known as ST507, the Department will require analyses for DRO, GRO, and BTEX in the monitoring well identified above.
|
Louis Howard |
| 2/18/2005 |
Update or Other Action |
February 18, 2005 list of sites sent which includes ST507. Well ID 43WL-11 will be sampled on a Biannual basis for GRO, BTEX, PAH, and DRO. Each well presented in the table submitted will be sampled in 2005 to establish baseline COC concentrations. Proposed sampling frequencies would thus take effect in 2006. An annual sampline frequency has been assigned to sites near the OU5 Bluff whereas all other sites received a biannual frequency. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/15/2005 |
Update or Other Action |
2004 Phase I RPO Report GW Performance Optimization Monitoring Program received. Airlifter Plume The Airlifter Plume is in the central portion of Elmendorf AFB. It straddles the flightline boundary & is located south of Airlifter Drive & west of Building 15380.
This plume is believed to be approximately 300 feet by 600 feet, roughly elliptical in shape, & running primarily north-south. Airlifter Plume is a State Program Site. The source for the plume was determined in 1994, when this area was referred to as ST43. At this time, it was determined that two USTs with associated piping & a dispenser island, located a few feet north of well 43WL-11, were responsible for the soil & groundwater contamination found at this location. Additionally, an abandoned fuel pipeline was located just south of 43WL-11, although it is uncertain whether the pipeline was a contributing factor to the contamination.
One of the two USTs was decommissioned & removed, & the other was reconditioned & is currently still in use. The site was again investigated during 1997, at which time the site was labeled ST507.
During this investigation, five soil borings were drilled in the vicinity of the USTs & the dispenser island. It was concluded that the horizontal extent of smear zone contamination at the site had not yet been defined. Although no evidence of vadose zone contamination was found, floating product had been measured in well 43WL-11 since its installation in 1994. The year 2004 was the first year floating product was not encountered in this well. Two wells are monitored in Airlifter Plume: one in-source well, 43WL-11, & one downgradient well, 43WL-08.
43WL-08 had benzene at 64 ug/L (5 ug/L Table C) & GRO at 7,710 ug/L (1,300 ug/L Table C). WEll 43WL-11 had benzene at 1,200 ug/L, toluene at 1,200 ug/L (1,000 ug/L Table C), GRO at 16,900 ug/L, & DRO at 2,000 ug/L (1,500 ug/L Table C).
No predicted cleanup date exists for this plume. Thus, the long-term monitoring plan for the Airlifter Plume should focus on monitoring concentration trends for the COCs within this plume. A cleanup date should also be established. To optimize performance monitoring at the Airlifter Plume, it is recommended that the following efforts be performed:
• COC monitoring: COC monitoring for this plume is currently performed at two wells. Monitoring network optimization & sampling frequencies should continue to be determined by using the decision guides in Appendix H.
• Contaminant mass calculations: Contaminant mass calculations cannot be determined at this plume with any high degree of accuracy because the Airlifter Plume is a two-well plume. It is recommended that contaminant mass calculations not be performed at the Airlifter Plume.
• MNA monitoring: MNA samples should be collected from wells 43WL-09 & 43WL-11. Well 43WL-09 should replace well 43WL-08 as an MNA sampling well. This change would result in MNA samples being collected from an upgradient well & an in-source well. Under this scenario, MNA activity in the source area can be determined. MNA performance cannot be determined under the current arrangement in which both wells are in-source.
• Cleanup date predictions: The Airlifter Plume is a State Program Site &, as such, does not have a cleanup date specified. It is recommended that SourceDK Tier 1 be used to generate a predicted cleanup date for the Airlifter Plume. Milestones can be established manually once a cleanup date has been predicted.
• Remedy protectiveness summary: MNA is the selected remedy at the Airlifter Plume. This remedy should be considered protective of human health & the environment. Although a predicted cleanup date does not exist, COC concentrations are decreasing, plume expansion is not occurring, & potential downgradient receptors are not being exposed to groundwater ontaminants.
It is recommended that the COC monitoring network be reevaluated with existing decision guides, MNA sampling be altered, & a cleanup date for this plume be developed during the summer of 2005. This exercise should be performed & the findings should be submitted as a stand-alone report before the 2005 Annual Report is prepared. The results of the reevaluation would not be generated in time to guide field activities during 2005, but would be available to influence recommendations in the 2005 Annual Report.
|
Louis Howard |
| 7/6/2006 |
Update or Other Action |
2005 Annual Report Monitored Natural Attenuation of Basewide Compliance Program Wells received. Currently, the 3 CES/CEVQ is required by ADEC to monitor the degree to which certain regulated contaminants are naturally attenuating on 27 sites throughout the Base. The natural attenuation of each of these sites is being monitored by sampling and analyzing the groundwater under the contaminated areas and/or downgradient of the contaminated source.
Groundwater monitoring well 43WL-11 was sampled using the approved procedures provided in the 2005 Final Work Plan. This sample was analyzed by an analytical laboratory for GRO by Method AK101, DRO by Method AK102, and BTEX by Method SW8021B. GRO (19,700 µg/L), DRO (19,000 µg/L), benzene (158 µg/L) and toluene (1,170 µg/L) were detected above ADEC Table C cleanup levels. All other constituents were not detected or were detected at concentrations below ADEC Table C cleanup levels.
Soil contamination remained above the Method Two cleanup levels in the smear zone at ST507 in 1999. In 2005, GRO, DRO, benzene, and ethylbenzene concentrations in well 43WL-11 exceeded the cleanup levels from 18 AAC 75.345 Table C (ADEC, 2005). Sample results from this well, collected under the Elmendorf Basewide Monitoring Program from summer of 2000 to fall of 2005 trend lines show that DRO and GRO concentrations are not decreasing in this well, suggesting that soil contamination is continuing to affect groundwater; however, benzene and toluene concentrations are decreasing. No cleanup date can be estimated from the current data. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/20/2007 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff reviewed and commented on the 2006 Annual Report Monitoring of Compliance Program Sites, Elmendorf Air Force Base (EAFB) dated May 2007. ADEC concurs with the recommendations to continue to measure free product at 43WL-11 and once free product is no longer present, to sample for diesel range organics (DRO), gasoline range organics (GRO) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, total xylenes (BTEX) at wells 43WL-11 and 43WL-02. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/5/2007 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff reviewed and commented on the Draft Work Plan and Field Sampling Plan Compliance Program Sites, Elmendorf Air Force Base (EAFB) dated June 27, 2007. For ST507 the following wells will be monitored: 43WL-11 and 43WL-02 for GRO, BTEX, DRO, and PAHs.
ADEC has developed a technical memorandum and a Laboratory Data Review Checklist (checklist) summarizing the minimum requirements for both laboratory data packages and quality assurance (QA) summaries (data reduction, verification, evaluation, etc.). All reports submitted by the Air Force which contain analytical laboratory sample results shall contain a completed checklist and a QA summary. The latest checklist is available online at http://www.dec.state.ak.us/spar/guidance.htm#csp and must be completed, signed and dated by the firm submitting the report to ADEC. It is not to be completed by the analytical laboratory that performed the sample analysis. The summary must be included as a specific text section of the report. All laboratory results, including laboratory quality control (QC) sample results, must be reviewed and evaluated for quality, validity and usability. The text must include any effects on data validity and/or usability due to field sampling/laboratory quality control discrepancies.
Upon incorporation of comments regarding the checklist, ADEC will approve the work plans. |
Louis Howard |
| 3/7/2008 |
Update or Other Action |
Zone 2 2007 Phase I Remedial Process Optimization Report received.
Two wells are currently monitored at SS43: in-source well SP7/10-04 and downgradient well SP7/10-01. Originally, 12 wells were included in the SS43 site, but sampling at some of these wells was discontinued due to redundancy, and some of these wells are now associated with adjacent sites.
Data (including data collected under the compliance program) from the following nearby wells were also evaluated: 43WL-02, 43WL-06, 43WL-07, 43WL-08, 43WL-09, 43WL-11, SP7/10-02, W-3, and W-4. Of these wells, only W-3 is within the currently defined boundary of Site SS43.
Wells 43WL-11 and W-4 represent contamination that is degrading at a much slower rate than at SS43 wells, possibly due to a larger, more recent or even continuing source. Well W-4 is probably too far cross-gradient to impact SS43. Well 43WL-11 is hydraulically upgradient and slightly east of the flow path that would indicate an impact to SS43. However, if preferential flow paths direct contaminants toward the south-southwest (instead of the south-southeast), petroleum contaminants from near 43WL-11 (Site ST507) could be contributing to contaminant concentrations in the SS43 area.
In particular, contaminant concentrations at well 43WL-11 (Site ST507) are higher than at SS43 and appear to be relatively stable, which may indicate a continuing or very large source. However, the 43WL-11 data do not explain why GRO is degrading slower than benzene and DRO.
The MNA remedy at SS43 appears to be working, although somewhat slower than predicted by the initial modeling (USAF, 1996b). Consistent decreasing trends and similar predicted end-dates for wells SP7/10-04, 43WL-07, and W-3 provide strong evidence of MNA for SS43. The discontinuation of bioventing operations in 2003 does not appear to have impacted decay rates of contaminants in groundwater. It is not clear why GRO decay rates are slower than those of benzene and DRO. The pattern may suggest a more recent petroleum release than those historically associated with SS43.
Previous reports have identified several upgradient and collocated release sites, but monitoring well density is insufficient to attribute the somewhat unusual trends at SS43 to any of these release sites. The relatively high concentrations of petroleum contaminants at well 43WL-11 (Site ST507) could be impacting SS43, particularly if preferential flow channels in the subsurface connect the two sites. If ST507 is contributing to the SS43 plume, treatment of ST507 contamination would accelerate cleanup at SS43. |
Louis Howard |
| 5/20/2009 |
Update or Other Action |
2008 Groundwater monitoring report received.
Compliance Monitoring: In 2005, well 43WL-11 was sampled for DRO, GRO, & BTEX compounds. GRO (19,700 µg/L), DRO (19,000 µg/L), benzene (158 µg/L) & toluene (1,170 µg/L) were detected above cleanup levels. All other constituents were detected at concentrations below cleanup levels.
During the 2006 Compliance Monitoring, groundwater monitoring well 43WL-11 & 43WL-02 were sampled for GRO, DRO, & BTEX compounds. The sample collected from the in-source well 43WL-11 was reported with GRO, DRO, benzene, & toluene concentrations above cleanup levels. The results for GRO & BTEX compounds were all rejected during data validation, however, due to deficiencies in meeting laboratory QC criteria.
Groundwater monitoring well 43WL-11 was measured for free product at 0.10-feet. Groundwater monitoring well 43WL-02 was sampled & analyzed by an analytical laboratory for gasoline range organics (GRO), diesel range organics (DRO), & benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, & total xylenes (BTEX) compounds. No constituents were detected above cleanup levels in the sample.
According to the 2006 Annual Report (USAF, 2007a), monitoring well 43WL-11 is known to contain free product on the water table, which was recommended to be measured at this well annually. As long as free product is present, this well was not recommended to be sampled for contaminants. Once free product is no longer present, Well 43WL-11 should again be monitored for DRO, GRO, & BTEX compounds annually. The downgradient well 43WL-02 should continue to be monitored for DRO, GRO, & BTEX compounds annually until contaminant concentrations in the in-source well 43WL-11 are less than two times the cleanup level. The recommendations were subsequently approved by ADEC.
Groundwater monitoring well 43WL-11 was measured for free product using the approved procedures provided in the 2007 Final Work Plan. The free product thickness was measured at 0.14-feet.
Conclusions
Soil contamination remained above cleanup levels in the smear zone at ST507 in 1999. In 2006, contaminant concentrations were found to exceed the cleanup levels in groundwater from well 43WL-11. The free product thickness from this well was measured at 0.14-feet in 2007. The contamination has not migrated to well 43WL-02, located about 500 feet downgradient. Free product has decreased in well 43WL-11 since it reached its peak in 2001, when it was measured at 0.86-feet.
Free Product thickness in feet for 43WL-11
1997: 0.105'
1998: 0.075'
1999, 2000: 0.66'
2001: 0.86'
2002: 0.56'
2003: 0.21'
2007: 0.14'
During October 2003, a free product bail-down test was performed on well 43WL-11 under the Elmendorf Restoration program. The purpose of the evaluation was to establish the actual thickness of the product layer so that more realistic estimates of the total volume of free product present could be built into future contaminant fate & transport modeling efforts. Free product in monitoring wells tend to have a greater “apparent” thickness due to the lack of resistance in the open well casing than what is actually present on top of the surrounding water table.
Baildown testing provides data which can be used to estimate the “actual” product thickness. After complete removal, product will typically re-enter a well casing in two intervals. The first free flow into the well is believed to be a reasonable representation of product recharge directly from the surrounding free product lens. The second, more gradual recharge, is thought to represent recovery to the “apparent” thickness level. In the case of 43-WL-11, the “actual” thickness of free product in this plume is believed to be 0.12 feet, or about 60% of the “apparent” thickness, based on this test event. The initial product thickness at 43-WL-11, prior to bailing, was 0.21 feet. The entire volume of product was recovered nine days after bailing (USAF, 2004).”
At the 2007apparent thickness (0.14-feet), the well would have an actual thickness of about 0.08-foot, or one-inch, assuming the 60% factor still applies. At this thickness, a passive recovery system may aid some in decreasing the contaminant concentrations at ST507. It is recommended that a passive recovery system be considered for this well beginning in 2009.
Free product should continue to be measured annually at monitoring well 43WL-11. As long as free product is present, this well should not be sampled for contaminants. Once free product is no longer present, well 43WL-11 should again be monitored for DRO, GRO, & BTEX compounds annually. The downgradient well 43WL-02 should continue to be monitored for DRO, GRO, & BTEX compounds annually until contaminant concentrations in the in-source well 43WL-11 are less than two times the cleanup level. |
Louis Howard |
| 5/28/2009 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Draft 2008 Annual Report, Compliance Program Elmendorf AFB May 11, 2009 reviewed and commented on by staff. 12.3 ST507 Conclusions and Recommendations Page 12-5: ADEC concurs with the recommendations to continue to measure for free product and install a passive recovery system. Once free product is no longer present, well 43WL-11 should again be monitored for DRO, ORO and BTEX annually. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/15/2010 |
Update or Other Action |
2009 Annual Report for monitoring of compliance program sites received. Elmendorf AFB site ST507 is located northwest of Building 15380 (formerly Building 42-525), the Air Freight Terminal building on Airlifter Drive. This site is located on the north side of the East/West Runway. Two regulated USTs are associated with site ST507, a regulated 1,500-gallon UST used to store diesel fuel and is still in use today; and a regulated 1,000-gallon UST used to store unleaded MOGAS for use in support vehicles and equipment. An associated dispenser was located along the west side of the building, approximately 120 feet southeast of the USTs.
The 1,000-gallon MOGAS UST and associated piping and dispenser were removed in 1994. Subsurface investigation of the tank location in 1996 and 1997 indicated that a release had occurred.
The downgradient groundwater monitoring well 43WL-02 was sampled using the approved procedures provided in the 2008 Final Work Plan. The sample was analyzed by an analytical laboratory for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds. No constituents were detected above cleanup levels in the sample. On 04 June 2009, a passive skimmer was installed in well 43WL-11. Bi-weekly inspections occurred from installation until 19 October 2009, when the passive skimmer was removed. Less than one gallon of product was removed by the passive skimmer over the time period that the skimmer was installed.
Soil contamination remained above cleanup levels in the smear zone at ST507 in 1999. In 2005,
contaminant concentrations were found to exceed the cleanup levels in groundwater from well
43WL-11. The free product thickness from this well was measured as high as 0.05-feet in 2009.
The contamination has not migrated to well 43WL-02, located about 500 feet downgradient.
Free product has decreased in well 43WL-11 since it reached its peak in 2001, when it was
measured at 0.86-feet.
At the 2008 apparent thickness (0.10-feet), the well would have an actual thickness of about
0.06-foot, or 0.72-inch, assuming the 60% factor still applies. At this thickness, a passive
recovery system may aid some in decreasing the contaminant concentrations at ST507. The
2007 Annual Report recommended that a passive recovery system be considered for this well
beginning in 2009. It is still recommended to install a passive recovery system.
Not as much free product was recovered from the well in 2009 as expected. Groundwater monitoring well 43WL-11 was measured for free product using the approved procedures provided in the 2008 Final Work Plan. The free product thickness was measured at 0.10-feet. Free product should continue to be measured annually at monitoring well 43WL-11. As long as free product is present, this well should not be sampled for contaminants. Once free product is no longer present, well 43WL-11 should again be monitored for DRO, GRO, and BTEX compounds annually. The downgradient well 43WL-02 should continue to be monitored for DRO, GRO, and BTEX compounds annually until contaminant concentrations in the in-source well 43WL-11 are less than two times the cleanup level.
In 2009 determined that fuel plumes from Sites SS43 and ST507 were likely comingled in the vicinity of Building 13373 (south of Site ST507 and east of the inferred boundary of the SS43 plume). As a result, the previous extent of groundwater contamination at Site SS43 was revised to include contamination from ST507, with the revised extent of contamination referred to as the SS43/ST507 Plume. Currently, 14 groundwater monitoring wells are located at Site SS43. Two of these wells, 43WL-02 and 43WL-11 are monitored as part of the Annual Compliance Monitoring Program. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/9/2010 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff reviewed and commented on the 2009 Annual Report Monitoring of Compliance Program Sites, Elmendorf Air Force Base (EAFB) dated June 2010.
Worksheet #30 Page 57 of 67
ST507 has a 1,500-gallon UST used to store diesel fuel currently in use and a former 1,000 gallon UST used to store unleaded motor vehicle gasoline (MOGAS) that was install in 1988 and decommissioned in 1994. It does not appear that analyzing for EDB and 1,2-DCA in soil or groundwater appear warranted at ST507. |
Louis Howard |
| 3/16/2011 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft Annual Report Monitoring of Compliance Restoration Program Sites received. The downgradient groundwater monitoring well 43WL-02 was sampled. The sample was analyzed by
an analytical laboratory for ORO, DRO, and BTEX compounds. No constituents were detected
above cleanup levels in the sample. Free-product was also measured from the in-source well 43WL-ll during the summer of 2010. The free product thickness from this well was measured at 0.05-feet.
Conclusions
Soil contamination remained above cleanup levels in the smear zone at ST507 in 1999. In 2005,
contaminant concentrations were found to exceed the cleanup levels in groundwater from well
43WL-l1. The free product thickness from this well was measured at 0.05-feet in 2010. The
contamination has not migrated to well 43WL-02, located about 500 feet downgradient.
Free product has decreased in well 43WL-ll since it reached its peak in 2001, when it was
measured at 0.86-feet (USAF, 2003). Table 9-2 provides the thickness of free product measured
in this well over the last 14 years.
Free product should continue to be measured annually at monitoring well 43WL-ll. As long as
free product is present, this well should not be sampled for contaminants. Once free product is
no longer present, well 43WL-ll should again be monitored for DRO, GRO, and BTEX compounds annually. The downgradient well 43WL-02 should continue to be monitored for DRO, GRO, and BTEX compounds annually until contaminant concentrations in the in-source well 43WL-ll are less than two times the cleanup level.
Historical Free Product in feet
1997 0.105
1998 0.075
1999 0.66
2000 0.66
2001 0.86
2002 0.56
2003 0.21
2007 0.14
2008 0.10
2009 0.05
2010 0.05 |
Louis Howard |
| 5/19/2011 |
Update or Other Action |
Wing Instruction 32-7003 dated May 19, 2011 Land Use Control Management. OPR: 673 CES/CEANR Certified by: 673 CEG/CC (Col Russell R. Hula). This instruction implements AFPD 32-70, Environmental Quality, & is used in conjunction with AFIs 32-7020, The ERP, 32-7066, Environmental Baseline Surveys in Real Estate Transactions, & 673ABWI 32-1007, Safeguarding Utilities From Damage.
It prescribes the processes & responsibilities for the management of & compliance with land use controls on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) & applies to all military & civilian organizations that occupy facilities, or conduct business, on the installation. This publication does not apply to the USAF Reserve or Air NG units & members. The current land use control areas can be found on the Environmental Restoration map located on the GeoBase webpage.
General:
1.1. Land use controls (LUC), such as limitations on access, water use, excavations, & property transfers, will supplement engineering controls as appropriate for short-term & long-term mgt to prevent or limit human & environmental exposure to hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
Examples include limitations on the depth & location of excavations, prohibition of or restrictions on well drilling & use of GW, mgt. of excavated soils, & prohibition of certain land uses. LUCs, often used interchangeably with (ICs), are administrative, procedural, engineering, & regulatory measures to control human access to & use of property.
1.2. LUCs were established at JBER to prevent exposure to contaminated soil & water, based on agreements between the military services & the EPA & the ADEC. LUCs are used to reduce the potential for exposure to hazardous substances or to enhance the protectiveness of a soil &/or water cleanup remedy. They include restrictions on the use of portions of the shallow aquifer south of the Elmendorf Moraine, limitations on the types of buildings allowed in certain areas – primarily occupancy limitations, & land use designations for certain areas as recreational use only.
The LUCs have been implemented at several sites & operable units (OU) as part of the ERP. LUCs were established for DP98 & OUs 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 on former Elmendorf AFB property in their respective records of decision (ROD), as a component of the selected cleanup remedy. LUCs were also established for restoration & compliance sites formerly part of Fort Richardson in their respective RODs or Decision Documents. LUCs must be in place as long as a property is not available for UU or UE & may include temporary or permanent restrictions or requirements. When all cleanup goals have been achieved for a given site, temporary controls, such as GW use restrictions, may be removed.
2. Responsibilities:
2.1. JBER personnel, tenants, or contractors whose projects or activities require excavation in areas where site-specific LUCs are in effect will comply with all LUCs, 673ABWI 32-1007, & applicable AF instructions. Base contractors & tenant organizations will have LUC compliance requirements incorporated into their contracts & interagency agreements, as will be necessary. Failure to comply with LUCs will be grounds for penalty, in accordance with provisions specified in applicable contract documents. At project completion, the JBER organization or contractor will sign a certification of LUC compliance & return the compliance statement to 673 CES/CEANR.
2.2. The 673d Civil Engineer Squadron (673 CES):
2.2.1. Asset Management Flight (673 CES/CEA):
2.2.1.1. Natural Resources Management (673 CES/CEAN):
2.2.1.1.1. Environmental Restoration (673 CES/CEANR):
2.2.1.1.1.1. Will provide GW & site-specific LUC requirements throughout the installation & identify any known soil contaminated sites & monitoring wells for the area of the proposed project.
2.2.1.1.1.2. Will conduct annual site visits to ensure compliance with LUCs during project implementation.
2.2.1.1.1.3. Will conduct 5-year reviews, at 5-year intervals, or as required by any subsequent RODs.
2.2.1.1.1.4. Will prepare annual LUC compliance reports & submit reports to ADEC & USEPA by 1 February each year.
2.2.1.1.1.5. Will disseminate LUC information to personnel involved in LUC mgt, including real property & 673 CES/CEPT for inclusion into GeoBase.
2.2.1.1.1.6. Will operate an active educational program that includes disseminating updated fact sheets & LUC information, providing notices through the installation intranet & the Arctic Warrior newspaper, & by briefing LUC mgt at project kick-off meetings; Environmental, Safety & Occupational Health Council meetings, & CEB meetings.
2.2.1.1.1.7. Will coordinate any changes in the base general plan (BGP), or real estate transactions, with USEPA & ADEC.
2.2.1.1.1.8. Will maintain copies of signed certificates of compliance, indicating requestor’s adherence to LUCs during project execution.
See site file for additional information.
|
Louis Howard |
| 7/1/2011 |
Update or Other Action |
In 2010, the downgradient groundwater monitoring well 43WL-02 was sampled for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds. No constituents were detected above cleanup levels in the sample. Free product was also measured from the in-source well 43WL-11 during the summer of 2010. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/26/2012 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft 2011 Annual report received.
The downgradient groundwater monitoring well 43WL-02 was sampled using the approved procedures provided in the 2011 Work Plan (USAF, 2011f). The sample was analyzed by an analytical laboratory for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds. No constituents were detected above cleanup levels in the sample.
Soil contamination remained above cleanup levels in the smear zone at ST507 in 1999. In 2005,
contaminant concentrations were found to exceed the cleanup levels in groundwater from well
43WL-11. The free product thickness from this well was measured at 0.05-feet in 2011. The
contamination has not migrated to well 43WL-02, located about 500 feet downgradient.
Free product has decreased in well 43WL-11 since it reached its peak in 2001, when it was
measured at 0.86-feet (USAF, 2003b). No changes are being recommended to compliance monitoring at this site due to the 2012 PBC. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/22/2012 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff provided comments on the draft Project Mgt. Plan.
Table 6-3 JBER-Elmendorf
General comments
Risk mitigation: In general, vadose zone soils shall not exceed maximum allowable levels for petroleum contamination for soil from 0 – 15’ bgs (i.e. direct contact for BTEX, PAHs & ingestion for DRO, GRO, RRO) regardless of HRC calculated levels. Treatment or excavations deeper than 15’ bgs may be warranted on a site-specific basis to prevent the soil from acting as a continuing source of GW contamination.
In addition, sites with existing GW contamination above Table C cleanup levels will require that migration to GW cleanup levels be used for soil & ICs will be required. Once GW is below Table C for for a period of time (per the latest approved “Basewide Monitoring Program Well Sampling Frequency Decision Guide”), the maximum allowable levels may become the cleanup levels as determined by ADEC on a case by case basis.
7.1.2
Independent QA Oversight on Performance Based Contracts
The site cleanup rules require that “collection, interpretation, & reporting of data, & the required sampling & analysis is conducted or supervised by a qualified, impartial third party”. Depending upon the specific terms in a performance based contract, a contractor may no longer be considered an impartial third party with respect to collecting, interpreting & reporting data.
This should be taken into consideration when preparing scopes of work. ADEC strongly recommends the Air Force provide an on-site Quality Assurance Representative or a third party QA oversight contractor to monitor fieldwork for consistency with approved plans & contract requirements.
ST507 CG-C539 Page 11-7
GW is already impacted at this site with GRO at 19.7 mg/L & DRO at19 mg/L so the Table B1 migration to GW cleanup levels for soil are applicable. Sites with GW contamination above Table C cleanup levels will not receive a “cleanup complete” designation without ICs.
Taxiway N PL-C15 (CRP) Page 11-9
GW is already impacted at this site with DRO at 11 mg/L so the Table B1 migration to GW cleanup level for soil is applicable. Sites with GW contamination above Table C cleanup levels will not receive a “cleanup complete” designation without ICs.
ST048 Diesel Fuel Line Leak (IRP) Page 11-14
GW is already impacted at this site with GRO at 7.2 mg/L so the Table B1 migration to GW cleanup level for soil is applicable. Sites with GW contamination above Table C cleanup levels will not receive a “cleanup complete” designation without ICs.
ST066 Leaking Underground Storage Tank – Out of Service (IRP) Page 11-15
GW is already impacted at this site with DRO at 14 mg/L so the Table B1 migration to GW cleanup level for soil is applicable. Sites with GW contamination above Table C cleanup levels will not receive a “cleanup complete” designation without ICs.
SS83 WWII Anti-Aircraft Artillery (IRP) Page 11-16
GW is already impacted at this site with DRO at 3.6 mg/L so the Table B1 migration to GW cleanup level for soil is applicable. Sites with GW contamination above Table C cleanup levels will not receive a “cleanup complete” designation without ICs.
|
Louis Howard |
| 4/30/2013 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft annual report received for review and comment.
CG543 is the former location of an unregulated 700-gallon steel UST that contained diesel fuel for an emergency generator at the building. The UST and associated piping were excavated and removed in 1995.
Historic sampling results for CG543 have indicated fuel constituents present in groundwater above cleanup criteria in 18 AAC 75 Table C and fuel constituents in soil above 18 AAC 75 Tables B1 and B2. Current monitoring requirements at Site CG543 include annual groundwater sampling for DRO at groundwater monitoring well 44-785WL-01.
The ADEC site status for CG543 is “Cleanup Complete with ICs.” DRO remain present in groundwater above 18 AAC 75 Table C cleanup levels and in soil above 18 AAC 75 Tables B1 and B2 cleanup levels. Additional investigation to characterize the current presence/absence of soil contamination is being proposed for CG509 under the new PBR contract. No changes to the annual monitoring are being proposed for this site. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/4/2013 |
Update or Other Action |
On June 4, 2013, the Draft SS043 Site Closure report was accepted by the Alaska
Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) allowing SS043 to be administratively
closed and the remaining soil and groundwater contamination managed in conjunction with
CG539.
This report states that the remaining smear zone soil contamination associated with Site SS043 and the contaminated comingled groundwater Plume will be transferred and
addressed/monitored under Site CG539. This allows for the groundwater wells formerly utilized for monitoring the plume under Site SS043 to be transferred to CG539 for continued use as part of the plume groundwater monitoring network.
Site SS043 (Site) should be administratively closed with regard to the site-specific vadose zone soil contamination and remaining smear zone and groundwater contamination at the site should be managed in conjunction with, and under an adjacent up-gradient site, CG539 (ST507). Vadose zone contamination associated with Site SS043 has been remediated through bioventing and the remaining groundwater and smear zone soil contamination at the site appears to be comingled
with or as a result of the up-gradient Site CG539. Administrative closure of SS043 and
management of the remaining contaminated smear zone soils and groundwater plumes under Site
CG539 will avoid duplication of contamination management and provide an optimized approach
to remediation of the entire affected area.
See site file for additional information. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/17/2013 |
Exposure Tracking Model Ranking |
Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 76673 name: Elmendorf - ST507/6/8 AFID 525A & B |
Louis Howard |
| 3/13/2014 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft 2013 Annual report received for review and comment.
The overall project objectives included collecting sufficient data to:
• Monitor concentrations of contaminants of concern (COCs) at each site with sufficient
precision and accuracy to evaluate their concentrations with respect to cleanup goals.
• Identify potentially toxic and/or mobile transformation products.
• Verify individual plume characteristics, such as downgradient, lateral, or vertical expansion or retraction.
• Evaluate groundwater flow directions and hydraulic gradients to monitor plume migration and assess contaminant sources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of land use controls/ institutional controls (LUCs/ICs) to
protect human health and the environment.
• Identify and repair damaged monitoring wells to protect groundwater.
• Identify monitoring wells that are no longer needed or are damaged beyond repair.
During 2013, groundwater monitoring wells 43WL-11, 43WL-02, 43WL-07, and SP7/10-4 were
sampled for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds. Free product was observed in well W-3 with a
thickness of 0.66-feet; therefore, no sample was collected. GRO, DRO, and benzene exceeded 18
AAC 75 Table C cleanup criteria in wells 43WL-02 (no it did not (0.2 ug/L 43WL-11 did at 7.9 ug/L and GRO/DRO at 8.1 mg/L) and 43WL-07 (9.7 ug/L and DRO at 1.6 mg/L and GRO at 14 mg/L). GRO exceeded 18 AAC 75 Table C cleanup criteria in well SP7/10-04 (but not benzene so benzene is not a good indicator for petroleum contamination < Table C since GRO can be at 5.9 mg/L).
The ADEC site status for CG539 is “Cleanup Complete with ICs.” GRO, DRO, and BTEX
compounds remain present in groundwater above 18 AAC 75 Table C cleanup levels and DRO
in soil above 18 AAC 75 Tables B1 and B2 cleanup levels. In addition, free product has been
found in site groundwater monitoring wells. Free product has not been detected in well 43WL-11
for two consecutive years, however.
The ADEC site status for CG539 is “Cleanup Complete with ICs.” GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds remain present in groundwater above 18 AAC 75 Table C cleanup levels and DRO in soil above 18 AAC 75 Tables B1 and B2 cleanup levels. In addition, free product has been found in site groundwater monitoring wells. Free product has not been detected in well 43WL-11 for two consecutive years, however. |
Louis Howard |
| 3/26/2014 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff provided comments on the draft annual report for several sites which included this one.
CG539 Site Summary
The text states: “Free product was observed in well W-3 with a thickness of 0.66-feet; therefore, no sample was collected.” ADEC expects the Air Force to recover free product to the maximum extent practicable . “Practicable” has been established via OU2 ST41 Evaluation of ST41 Treatment System (August 1997): “Product recovery is not achievable when the product in an effluent source has a measurable thickness of less than 0.1 feet.
Therefore, as an endpoint for product recovery, if less than 0.1 feet is sustained for one year, recovery at that source can be discontinued. As defined, when product thickness falls below 0.1 feet for one year, the recovery of product at that source will not be considered "technically practicable".
While the site status is “Cleanup Complete with ICs”, ADEC expects the Air Force to recover and dispose of any free product greater than 0.1 feet in monitoring well measured during monitoring events.
The text is lacking in any clarification on how the Air Force will deal with free product in the future that is recoverable to the maximum extent practicable at CG539.
|
Louis Howard |
| 6/4/2014 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Draft SS043 Site Closure Report, JBER-Elmendorf, Alaska dated May 2013 reviewed and approved.
ADEC has determined SS043 may be administratively closed, managed in conjunction with, and under the adjacent up-gradient site CG539 (ST507). Excavation/soil movement and groundwater use restrictions [i.e. 18 AAC 75.325(i)] will remain in place, but be associated with ST507. The cleanup complete decision is subject to a future ADEC determination that the “cleanup complete” designation is not protective of human health, safety, or welfare, or of the environment.
This decision is contingent upon JBER expanding on the current monitoring well network for reasons discussed in detail at Section 3.2: “The current monitoring well network for the SS043/ST507 Plume appears to be inadequate to definitively delineate and track potential migration of the plume due to a lack of close proximity cross-gradient and down-gradient wells.”
NOTE TO FILE: Vadose zone contamination associated with Site SS043 has been remediated through bioventing and the remaining groundwater and smear zone soil contamination at the site appears to be comingled with or as a result of the up-gradient Site CG539. Administrative closure of SS043 and management of the remaining contaminated smear zone soils and groundwater plumes under Site
CG539 will avoid duplication of contamination management and provide an optimized approach
to remediation of the entire affected area.
Contamination from soils and groundwater at Site CG539 appear to be comingling with Site SS043 creating a larger zone of concern and acting as a continuing source of smear zone soil and
groundwater contamination at Site SS043.
Due to multiple release sources within close proximity to each other and the apparent comingling of the groundwater at Site SS043 with contaminated groundwater from CG539, the extent of the smear
zone contamination is not fully known at the present time. The smear zone soils appear to
continue to contribute to fluctuating groundwater contaminant concentrations at the site.
Based upon the supplemental groundwater investigation performed in 2009 which determined that fuel plumes from Sites SS043 and ST507 were likely comingled, additional investigation to delineate and adequately monitor the SS043/ST507 Plume extent of contamination is necessary.
GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds remain present in the SS043/ST507 Plume above 18 AAC 75 Table C cleanup levels. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/30/2014 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft work plan received for review and comment.
The project objective is to collect soil, groundwater, and soil vapor samples to evaluate current
contaminant conditions at the site and demonstrate that the plume is stable or that remediation is
necessary to achieve RC and discontinuation of the annual groundwater monitoring program
within five years. The existing CG539 data show that Method Two cleanup criteria are exceeded; however, the perimeter extent has not been fully delineated to the northwest and southeast of the site.
To make a stable plume determination, assess potential need for remedial options, and/or plan
appropriate ICs/engineering controls (ECs), the sampling needs to achieve the following
objectives:
• Determine current vadose zone BTEX, GRO, and DRO concentrations at the 1997 soil boring SB-3 location;
• Delineate the extent of the CG539 Plume BTEX, GRO, and DRO concentrations in groundwater exceeding 18 AAC 75 Table C groundwater cleanup criteria by installing two additional groundwater monitoring wells and sampling the new and existing site wells;
• Determine if free product is present in any site well (both network and non-network wells). For wells in which free product is indicated, conduct bail down-tests at the wells; and
• Determine if there is a vapor inhalation risk to Buildings 15380, 15364, or any future building by collecting soil vapor samples.
The CG539 sampling will include the following:
• One direct push soil boring will be installed to determine the current vadose zone BTEX, GRO, and DRO concentrations near the 1997 boring SB-3 (see Figure 2), which is the only location known to still have vadose zone contaminant concentrations exceeding 18 AAC 75 Tables B1 and B2 soil cleanup criteria.
Soils will be screened utilizing a PID. One sample will be collected from 5 to 7 feet bgs,
where benzene exceeded cleanup levels in 1997 and one sample will be collected from 12.5 to 14.5 feet bgs, where GRO and BTEX compounds exceeded cleanup levels in 1997. One additional sample will be collected from within the vadose zone where PID screening indicates the highest concentration of contaminants. All samples will be sent for laboratory analysis of BTEX, GRO, and DRO.
Smear zone soil contamination at Sites CG539 and SS043 appears to be contributing to fluctuating groundwater contaminant concentrations of the CG539 Plume. On June 4, 2013, the Draft SS043 Site Closure report was accepted by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) allowing SS043 to be administratively closed and the remaining soil and groundwater contamination managed in conjunction with CG539.
This report states that the remaining smear zone soil contamination associated with Site SS043 and the contaminated comingled groundwater Plume will be transferred and addressed/monitored under Site CG539. This allows for the groundwater wells formerly utilized for monitoring the plume under Site SS043 to be transferred to CG539 for continued use as part of the plume groundwater monitoring network.
The
performance objective for the work described in this work plan is to gain the information required to obtain Response Complete (RC) for Site CG539 within five years, which is equivalent to a “Cleanup Complete with ICs” determination from ADEC with discontinuation of the annual groundwater monitoring program. Sampling activities conducted under this site specific UFP-QAPP will fill data gaps to demonstrate that the CG539 Plume is stable or to determine if remedial action is necessary to achieve RC and discontinuation of the annual groundwater monitoring program, within five years. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/21/2014 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff provided comments on the draft WP.
General Comment
Please note that “collecting soil gas samples” is not sufficient to evaluate vapor intrusion risk. The text should be revised to state that a vapor intrusion evaluation will be conducted.
WS #9 Project Planning Session Summary
The field screening methods explained is not clear. Therefore, recommend more detailed explanation of screening approach be included in this worksheet. For instance, ADEC requests clarification be provided on how will it be determined that you are in the non-aqueous phase liquid-contaminated soil source zone.
WS #10 Conceptual Site Model
Recommend that an evaluation of contaminant sources, pathways, and receptors be included in this worksheet. This evaluation should include text and figures.
Page 10-1
Table 10-1
Historical Soil Sample Results
ADEC requests clarification from the Air Force on why the 1999 SERA VIII soil sample results are not shown on this table even though they are discussed in detail on Page 10-8. Table 3-1 from the SERA VIII report shows several exceedances at 17’ bgs: 7,100 mg/kg GRO, 8,000 mg/kg DRO, 5 mg/kg benzene, 49 mg/kg ethylbenzene, 8.3 mg/kg toluene, 230 mg/kg total xylenes. Also, at 15’ bgs: 440 mg/kg GRO and 310 mg/kg DRO. Add 2-Methylnapthalene which was detected at 19 mg/kg from 17’ bgs sample date was 10/14/1999 (sample ID 507WL01SO17.0N1 Lab ID K99740612 .).
Page 10-8
Nature and Extent of Contamination
Site CG539
Soil Contamination
1994 UST Removal
Add text for this section: “No sample from the piping trench was laboratory analyzed. ”
At least one soil sample should have been taken from within 2’ below the piping location, most likely to be impacted based on field screening results:
4.4 Field Screening (UST Procedure Manual November 2002)
Piping Run
* areas of suspected or obvious contamination;
* below piping joints, elbows, connections, and damaged piping components; if these locations are unknown then screening must occur below original level of piping at 10 foot-intervals; the 10-foot interval is chosen because pipe sections commonly used are 10-foot lengths and because of limits of detection of soil gas vapors from the release source;
* adjacent to and below all dispensers
SERA VIII
The text states: “The maximum contaminant concentrations detected in soil were 7,100 mg/kg GRO and 8,000 mg/kg DRO, collected at 17 feet bgs. GRO, RRO, DRO, and BTEX compound concentrations in this sample, collected at 17 feet bgs (smear zone), exceeded the cleanup levels. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon constituents in this sample were not detected or were below their respective cleanup levels.”
Add text: “2-Methylnaphthalene was also detected above current migration to groundwater cleanup level of 6.1 mg/kg.” In 1999, there was not a cleanup level for 2-Methylnaphthalene which was detected at 19 mg/kg.
Data Gaps
1st Bullet
ADEC requests the Air Force add 2-methylnaphthalene as a COC in addition to BTEX, GRO and DRO in soil since it was detected above cleanup levels in the past.
ADEC requests the Air Force add 2-methylnaphthalene as a COC in addition to BTEX, GRO and DRO in groundwater. PAH analysis for groundwater is required if there is a requirement for PAH analysis in soil .
Page 10-13
Please note, the collection of soil gas samples in the last bullet of this page does not automatically allow an investigator to determine vapor intrusion risk. Please revise to state a vapor intrusion evaluation will occur which includes a building survey.
WS #14 Project Tasks/Project Schedule
Recommend that building survey’s be completed during the Pre-Sampling Activities. Included in the building survey should be building pressure differential measurements.
WS #15 Project Action Limits and Laboratory-Specific Detection/Quantitation Limits
Please reference ADEC Vapor Intrusion 2012 Guidance soil gas target levels as target screening levels to evaluate vapor intrusion risk during this study.
Table 15-1
Add petroleum VOCs to the list of target analytes and a cleanup level of 6.1 mg/kg for 2-Methylnaphthalene.
Table 15-2
Add petroleum VOCs to the list of target analytes (cleanup levels vary).
Table 15-3
Add petroleum VOCs to the list of target analytes and TO-17 for 2-Methylnaphthalene which exceeded cleanup level in soil at 19 mg/kg.
|
Louis Howard |
| 8/26/2014 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
ADEC has reviewed JBER's responses to ADEC's comments on the CG539 Work Plan and finds them satisfactory. Please finalize the document |
Louis Howard |
| 3/10/2015 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft SC report received for review and comment.
Conclusions
Data from Site CG539 supports the following conclusions:
· GRO, DRO, and BTEX soil contamination greater than the most restrictive criteria in 18 AAC 75.341(c) Table B1 or 18 AAC75.341(d) Table B2, Method Two Soil Cleanup Levels Table Under 40-inch Zone or Migration to Groundwater, is limited to the smear zone.
· Groundwater contaminant concentrations greater than the criteria in 18 AAC 75.345(b)(1) Table C, Groundwater Cleanup Levels, are either decreasing or have no trend, indicating that the plume is stable.
· NAPL areas in the subsurface are naturally attenuating and are not moving downgradient.
· Contamination in the subsurface soil and groundwater is not producing an unacceptable indoor or outdoor inhalation risk.
· No visible staining of surface soils, odors, or stunted vegetation was noted during the field investigation. There is no significant surface water runoff or sediment transport from the site to surface water bodies.
· The site meets ADEC qualitative ecological/environmental risk criteria in that there were no observed environmental impacts. The Ecoscoping Form indicates that a more in-depth risk evaluation is not required and that the conditions at Site CG539 are protective of the environment.
· The ADEC Contaminated Sites Program Database identifies the status of Site CG539 as “Cleanup Complete with ICs” with ongoing groundwater monitoring. The section of the contaminated site regulations addressing the need for long-term monitoring (18 AAC 75.345[h][2]) indicates that monitoring may be eliminated if it can be shown that the groundwater has a stable or decreasing concentration trend, and that monitoring is not necessary to ensure the protection of human health or the environment.
· Because there is an administrative LUC prohibiting use of groundwater from the shallow aquifer for any purpose (e.g., drinking water, irrigation, fire control, dust control, etc.), groundwater does not require monitoring at CG539. The LUC will remain in effect until the groundwater cleanup levels have been met. Any future monitoring would be performed at the discretion of the USAF.
· Groundwater monitoring is no longer needed to protect the environment downgradient of CG539, because generally dissolved hydrocarbons biodegrade relatively close to the NAPL-contaminated soil source area which is approximately 1.6 miles upgradient of Ship Creek. Ship Creek ultimately receives the groundwater flowing through Site CG539). The biodegradation of the dissolved hydrocarbons emanating from the CG539 source area is documented by the low and/or non-detect results of the groundwater monitoring conducted at monitoring well location SP7/10-01.
Recommendations
Based on the above conclusions, it is recommended that ADEC continue to give CG539 a “Cleanup Complete with ICs” determination and that groundwater monitoring be discontinued. This would be equivalent to an Air Force “Response Complete” determination |
Louis Howard |
| 4/9/2015 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff provided comments on the draft site characterization report. Here is a summary of the issues raised.
Main comments were on the definition of the stability of a groundwater plume and the screening out of data from certain Mann-Kendall analysis calculations as well as Senn's Slope Estimator. Staff asked for resubmittal of document for review after addressing issues raised in letter. See site file for additional information. |
Louis Howard |
| 5/19/2015 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff commented on the annual State Sites monitoring report which included this site. Main comment was regarding the outstanding comments regarding statistical analysis of the groundwater data and use of limited data set from groundwater monitoring as part of the analysis as being unacceptable to ADEC. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/18/2015 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff reviewed and approved the final version of the site characterization report. |
Louis Howard |
| 12/2/2015 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Staff reviewed and agreed that no further groundwater monitoring is needed at CG539. ADEC's concurrence is based on the data presented by JBER, current site conditions, the statistical analysis conducted on the existing groundwater contaminant levels from various monitoring wells associated with CG539. The monitoring wells* shall not be decommissioned and will be maintained by JBER to demonstrate future compliance with the current cleanup levels in effect to remove ICs at CG539 or for some other purpose (e.g. upgradient/downgradient well for PFOS/PFOA, 1,4-Dioxane or Compliance Program monitoring). *W-3, SP7/10-01, SP7/10-04, 507WL-01, 539MW-01, 539MW-02, 43WL-02, 43WL-06, 43WL-07, 43WL-08, 43WL-09, 43WL-11, 43WL-13, & 43WL-14.
ADEC reserves the right to require additional investigation, assessment, monitoring, or remediation if information regarding conditions at the CG539 indicates that further actions are necessary to protect human health, safety, or welfare, or the environment. The site status will remain cleanup complete with institutional controls. |
Louis Howard |
| 2/7/2023 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
DEC reviewed the 2023 Letter Work Plan Remedial Action Operations and Long-Term Management, Draft, dated January 2023. The work plan describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater, seep, and surface water monitoring, at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. The scope of work briefly summarizes the site locations, sampling/monitoring schedules, and activities such as free-product removal from monitoring wells and monitoring/maintenance activities at the Operable Unit 5 wetlands. The details regarding the procedures for the remedial action operations and long-term management activities will remain consistent with the 2021 Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plan (UFP-QAPP). |
Ginna Quesada |
| 4/25/2023 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
DEC approved the 2023 Letter Work Plan Remedial Action Operations and Long-Term Management, Final, Dated April 2023. The work plan describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater, seep, and surface water monitoring, at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. The scope of work briefly summarizes the site locations, sampling/monitoring schedules, and activities such as free-product removal from monitoring wells and monitoring/maintenance activities at the Operable Unit 5 wetlands. The details regarding the procedures for the remedial action operations and long-term management activities will remain consistent with the 2021 Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plan (UFP-QAPP). |
Ginna Quesada |
| 5/18/2024 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
DEC submitted comments regarding the 2023 Annual Remedial Action-operations And Long-term Management Report for Select State-regulated Sites Draft, Dated April 2024. The report describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater monitoring, at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. Site inspections were recommended to continue for all sites to ensure that conditions remain protective of human health and the environment. The report recommends updating land use controls (LUC) site boundaries at CG534, a ‘Cleanup Complete’ determination without institutional controls (ICs) for SS522, the removal of groundwater LUCs at SS041, and a ‘Cleanup Complete with ICs determination for TU101. |
Ginna Quesada |
| 6/25/2024 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
DEC approved the 2023 Annual Remedial Action-operations And Long-term Management Report for Select State-regulated Sites Final, dated June 2024. The report describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater monitoring, at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. Site inspections were recommended to continue for all sites to ensure that conditions remain protective of human health and the environment. The report recommends updating land use controls (LUC) boundaries at CG534, a ‘Cleanup Complete’ determination without institutional controls (ICs) for SS522, the removal of groundwater LUCs at SS041, and a Cleanup Complete with ICs determination for TU101. |
Ginna Quesada |
| 1/30/2025 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
DEC approved the 2025 Remedial Action–Operations and Long-term Monitoring Work Plan Addendum Final, dated January 2024.The work plan describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater, seep, and surface water monitoring, activities that will be conducted at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. The scope of work briefly summarizes the site locations, sampling/monitoring activities and schedules. This workplan will remain consistent with the procedures outlined in the 2023 Letter Work Plan Remedial Action-Operations and Long-Term Management. |
Ginna Quesada |
| 4/15/2025 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
DEC provided comments for the 2024 Annual Remedial Action-Operations and Long-Term Management Report for Select State-Regulated Sites Draft, dated April 2025.The report describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater monitoring, at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. Site inspections were recommended to continue for the majority of the sites to ensure that conditions remain protective of human health and the environment. DEC concurs with the recommendation to close SS522 site without ICs, discontinue groundwater sampling at TU107, and reducing the sampling frequency for some wells at TU103. |
Ginna Quesada |
| 5/6/2025 |
Long Term Monitoring Workplan or Report Review |
DEC approved the 2024 Annual Remedial Action-Operations and Long-Term Management Report for Select State-Regulated Sites Final, dated May 2025. The report describes the site inspections, maintenance activities, and groundwater monitoring, at multiple sites located on Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska. Site inspections were recommended to continue for the majority of the sites to ensure that conditions remain protective of human health and the environment. DEC concurs with the recommendation to close SS522 site without ICs, discontinue groundwater sampling at TU107, and reducing the sampling frequency for some wells at TU103. |
Ginna Quesada |
