| Action Date |
Action |
Description |
DEC Staff |
| 10/2/1992 |
Enforcement Agreement or Order |
State Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement signed. The agreement is designed to remedy environmental contamination due to past practices at the Base and avoid the expense of formal enforcement proceedings. The Air Force will perform any necessary assessment, monitoring, remediation, and closure of the sites. The agreement addresses the following program areas: solid waste, underground storage tanks (USTs), and petroleum oil and lubricants (POL) spills. |
Jennifer Roberts |
| 3/26/1993 |
Update or Other Action |
DOD and ADEC joint Technical Memorandum of understanding signed concerning the Base-wide Groundwater (GW) signed by: ADEC Jennifer Roberts RPM and USAF Joseph Williamson Chief Environmental Programs & Restoration. Due to the base-wide GW study and the FY92 field work that occurred at Operable Units (OUs) 1, 2, and 5 it appears a large portion of the GW flows into OU5 (Attachment 1 -Contour Map). Based on this fact, Elmendorf (EAFB) will move all upgradient GW into the OU5 Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan and Record of Decision (ROD). This means addressing all GW from upgradient sources (CERCLA (ST20, OUs 3 and 4) and OUs 1 and portions of OU2) and SERA) at OU5 instead of at each individual source area (see Attachment 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.).
|
Jennifer Roberts |
| 10/17/1996 |
Institutional Control Record Established |
Air Force memo: Restricted Use of the Shallow Aquifer on Elmendorf Air Force Base (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 and commitments to regulators the use of the shallow aquifer for any purpose on Elmendorf is not allowed. Please see the attached Facility Board minutes (March 29, 1994 0930-Item 9 of minutes). Mr. William Hanson, Chief of Environmental, briefed to the Facilities Board the policy to not use the shallow water aquifer due to contamination. The Facilities Board approved this policy. Minutes approved by Thomas R. Case Brigadier General USAF Commander. The Installation Restoration Program (IRP) has additional Record of Decisions (RODs) for Operable Units 3 and 6 which require, as a stipulation of the agreement with Environmental Protection Agency and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, this aquifer remain unused.
2) Our concern is that key personnel in the review process within Civil Engineer Squadron are aware of these policies and that these policies are reviewed on a recurring basis. It is imperative that this restriction be recognized and observed during engineer reviews and operations.
3) If you have questions on this subject, please contact Mr. Joe Williamson at 552-7229. |
Jennifer Roberts |
| 7/17/1997 |
Site Added to Database |
13,655 gallons of JP-8 released after a fuel line was punctured. JP-8 fuel, also designated as NATO F-34,
is similar to Jet A-1 and is the primary fuel
used by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S.
Army. Improved fire safety was a major
reason the Air Force converted from JP-4
to JP-8. A number of additives, including
an antistatic additive, an icing inhibitor,
and a corrosion inhibitor, have been
approved by the U.S. Air Force. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/17/1997 |
Site Ranked Using the AHRM |
Initial ranking. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/19/1997 |
Interim Removal Action Approved |
Excavation: In 1997, approximately 1,500 cubic yards (cubic yards) of soil were excavated from the ponding area. During excavation activities, groundwater was encountered at 18 feet bgs in this area. Initially, approximately 1,000 gallons of water and 170 gallons of fuel were pumped from this excavation. A fuel skimmer was later deployed and recovered approximately 80 gallons of fuel. Skimming operations ended on July 28, 1997. A slight sheen and emulsion were noted on the water in the excavation.
Approximately 45 cubic yards of soil were removed from the release point. Soil beneath the release point was excavated to approximately 12 feet bgs. Groundwater was not encountered. Soil at the bottom of the excavation reportedly was impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons; however, no confirmation samples were collected at the time. |
Jennifer Roberts |
| 7/29/1997 |
Update or Other Action |
Estimated 13,000 gallon spill occurred on July 17, 1997 from the UST Hydrant System. PERP has been overseeing EAFB's response and close to finishing up their involvement before turning it over to the ADEC LUST Program. Product was released from the hydrant system after contractor accidentally drilled a hole into the pipeline. Majority of release occurred when system was pressurized. Product flowed to the ground surface and crossed the tarmac where it contaminated soil and groundwater (16' bgs) near hardstand 40. EAFB has since excavated soils near hardstand 40 to groundwater and has begun free product removal. 2000 cy of soil removed to date and PERP has requested EAFB continue excavating soils near hardstand 39 to see if release has impacted groundwater. To date EAFB has excavated to 18' bgs. EAFB will request this project be placed into SERA once PERP has relinquished control. |
Tim Stevens |
| 4/21/1999 |
Update or Other Action |
SERA Phase VII SS704 Release Investigation. In 1998, nine soil borings were installed during the State-Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement (SERA) Phase VII investigation (Figure 1). Two of these borings were completed as groundwater monitoring wells and the other seven borings were abandoned. Soil samples were collected approximately every 5 feet from each boring for lithologic logging and field screening. A clay layer was encountered at 13.5 feet bgs at the ponding area and 22 feet bgs at the release area. This clay layer appears to act as a confining unit.
One to three soil samples were collected from each boring and analyzed for gasoline-range organics (GRO); diesel-range organics (DRO); and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). Three samples also were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Maximum contaminant levels were 4,810 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) GRO; 6,640 mg/kg DRO; 7.83 mg/kg benzene; 16.8 mg/kg toluene; 35 mg/kg ethylbenzene; and 148.1 mg/kg xylenes. These contaminant levels exceeded the ADEC 18 AAC 75, Method Two (January 2003) cleanup levels (300 mg/kg for GRO, 250 mg/kg for DRO, 0.02 mg/kg for benzene, 5.4 for toluene, 5.5 for ethylbenzene, and 78 for xylenes).
Groundwater samples were collected from the two monitoring wells and sampled for GRO, DRO, and BTEX. Maximum contaminant concentrations were 15 milligrams per liter (mg/L) GRO, 34.5 mg/L DRO, and 0.0916 mg/L benzene. These levels exceeded the ADEC 18 AAC 75, Table C groundwater cleanup levels (1.3 mg/L for GRO, 1.5 mg/L for DRO, and 0.005 mg/L for benzene). Well 704WL02 also had a thin (approximately 1/8 inch) layer of free product on the water surface. All other results were below cleanup levels. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/6/2000 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
On October 15, 1999, the Department of Environmental Conservation (Department) received the SERA Phase VII final release investigation report for SS704. The report summarizes information collected during a release investigation of a known petroleum release, associated with a punctured buried fuel supply line on Elmendorf AFB. The Department has reviewed the release investigation report and agrees with the Air Force’s conclusions that additional work is needed to find the extent of the contamination.
Therefore, the Department is requesting the Air Force to conduct additional release investigation work to further define the horizontal and vertical extent of the petroleum soil and groundwater contamination in the following areas: Soil contamination- The area surrounding the release point. The area east of a line drawn between boring holes 704BH01 & 704BH03. (The fuel ponding area located approximately 600 feet west of the release point.) Soils beneath the tarmac where fuel flowed over the ground surface from the release point to the ponding area. The soils surrounding the pipeline damaged during the installation of grounding rods.
Groundwater contamination: Determine the extent of free phase petroleum and dissolved phase groundwater contamination down gradient of monitoring wells 704WL01 & 704WL02. Determine if groundwater contamination is coming from up gradient sources in the area of monitoring wells 704WL01 & 704WL02.
General Comments: Section 1.3 Site Background. The date listed for the reported release date appears to be off by one year. It is the Department’s understanding that the fuel supply line in question was repressurized on July 17, 1997, instead of July 17, 1998, as listed.
Section 3.1, 1998 SREA VII Field Program. It appears the depth to groundwater listed for monitoring wells 704WL01 and 704WL02 have been reversed. |
Tim Stevens |
| 5/31/2000 |
Update or Other Action |
SERA Phase VIII SS704/8 Release Investigation Report received. During the field investigation there were no indications that free phase petroleum hydrocarbons were present to the east or south of WL02 and there was no product present in WL02. It is not known whether the appearance of product was a limited event or whether the presence of product fluctuates with changes in groundwater levels. DRO was detected at 10 feet bgs at 1700 mg/kg and GRO was 540 mg/kg. In another soil boring, DRO was 1500 mg/kg at 17 feet bgs and GRO was 2000 mg/kg. Any contaminants present that would contribute to the dissolved phase contamination would be encompassed by the monitoring associated with the OU5 modeling area. The SS704/8 area of investigation overlaps a larger area already under investigation for petroleum hydrocarbon releases in OU4 sites. It is possible the contamination associated with the site may be partially associated with OU4.
Groundwater samples were collected from two monitoring wells and sampled for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds. Maximum contaminant concentrations were 15,000 µg/L GRO, 34,500 µg/L DRO, and 91.6
µg/L benzene. These levels exceeded the groundwater cleanup levels One well also had a thin
(approximately 1/8 inch) layer of free product on the water surface. All other results were below cleanup levels. |
Louis Howard |
| 2/1/2001 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
ADEC (C. Conner) sent Air Force (J. Mahaffey) a letter RE: Review of SERA Phase VIII, Draft Release Investigation Report SS704f8, UST Hardstand 39, February 2000. The Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) has reviewed the.above mentioned report. The report documents continuing release investigation activities for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination originating from a buried fuel pipeline used to deliver jet fuel from a bulk fuel storage area to Hardstand 39 on Elmendorf Air Force Base (EAFB). This letter summarizes the findings and work accomplished to date at the site. The information was taken from the Draft Report that was prepared in February 2000. No additional information on work conducted since then, if any, has been submitted to the ADEC.
The report documents that a contractor breached a 6-inch diameter fuel pipeline in July 1997. A year later, on July 17 1998, the line was pressurized and approximately 13,655 gallons of jet fuel (JP8) was released to the environment. This pipeline was reportedly buried at a depth of 6 feet below ground surface (bgs). From the point of release, the fuel emerged to the surface and exited through an asphalt apron and then migrated down slope where it collected in a low area approximately 600 feet west of the point of release.
As part of the initial response action taken by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), approximately 1,500 cubic yards (cy) of contaminated soil was removed from the impacted area where it had ponded, and approximately 1,000 gallons of water and 250 gallons of fuel that was pumped/skimmed from the excavation. After skimming, product recovery was discontinued and a slight sheen and small frothy emulsion was noted in the water and the open excavation was backfilled. Soil beneath the release point was removed to a depth of 12 feet where contaminated soil was still present. No further excavation was attempted and no confirmation samples were collected from this area. In total, about 45 cy of contaminated soil was removed from the area around the point of release.
During SERA VII, conducted in 1998, 9 soil borings were advanced and two of them were converted to monitoring wells. Analytical Samples collected from a soil boring placed in the vicinity of the release point, Soil Boring BH04, had reported concentrations of 2,950 milligrams per Kilogram or parts per million (mg/Kg or ppm) diesel range organics (DRO), 4,810 ppm gasoline range organics (GRO). The benzene, ethylbezene, toluene and xylene (BTEX) concentrations were 7.83 ppm, 16.8 ppm, 35 ppm, 148.1 ppm, respectively.
Maximum concentrations in soil from two soil borings placed in the vicinity of the area where the fuel had collected at the surface contained reported concentrations of 6,640 ppm DRO, 1,170 ppm GRO, 0.032 ppm, 3.36 ppm toluene, 14.7 ppm ethylbenzene, and 84.7 ppm xylene.
The report documents concentrations of 34.5 ppm DRO, 15 ppm GRO, and 0.0916 ppm benzene present in the GW at the spill site. The reported DRO concentration is 23 times the cleanup level of 1.5 ppm for DRO in water. The reported GRO concentration is almost 12 times the cleanup level of 1.3 ppm GRO in water and the reported benzene concentration is more than 18 times the cleanup value listed in Table C of 18 AAC 75. Additionally, free-phase product was detected in one of the wells during development and sampling. It is not necessary to sample wells that have free-phase product present. ADEC regulations require product recovery where free-phase product has been reported/identified.
Work conducted under SERA phase VIII involved placing 5 new soil borings in the study area in October 1999. Two of the 5 soil borings contained elevated levels of DRO and GRO. During this phase of work the existing GW monitoring wells were not monitored or sampled. No efforts were made by the USAF to recover the free phase product previously identified.
Section 3.2.1 of the Draft Report suggests that cleanup levels in soil equal to 10 times the default Method 2 cleanup levels may be appropriate for this site. Alternative cleanup levels (ACLs) in soil are established to represent maximum concentrations of contaminants that are protective of the site's GW. Contamination at this site has already impacted the GW levels above cleanup levels.
Records of Decision (ROD) and SERA establish cleanup levels for groundwater that are the values listed in Table C of 18 AAC 75 or drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). The release at Hardstand 39 occurred almost 3 years ago. To date, the documented activity the USAF has performed is the initial response action and release investigation activities. On-going efforts to removelremediate known impacted soil in contact with site's GW have not occurred. No effort has been made to remediate the high levels of impact to the GW.
See site file for additional information. |
Curtis Conner |
| 4/16/2001 |
Document, Report, or Work plan Review - other |
Curtis Conner sent letter to John Mahaffey regarding the Draft RI Work plans for Eleven SERA Phase IX Sites which include SS704 2101.38.107 (others: 2101.26.007, 027, 030, 038, and 085, 2101.38.096, 106, 108, 109, and 107). RRO and PAHs were recommended for diesel/heating oil type constituents. PAHs are not required unless the sum of applicable soil cleanup concentrations for individual hydrocarbon fractions or ranges are more than or equal to 500 parts per million. PAHs are not required under Method 1 analysis. PAHs are required for groundwater if ADEC methods require PAH analysis in soil. RRO is not required for Jet-A, JP-4, JP-8, No. 1 or No. 2 or arctic diesel and gasoline fuels.
The Report compares cleanup levels using Method 1 or 2 at the same site. Until alternate cleanup levels (ACLs) are established, either Method 1 or 2 must be selected by the Air Force to evaluated the site.
For SERA IX release investigation, the ADEC will only require one duplicate sample for PAH analysis, and one project soil sample must include a field duplicate for analysis for total organic carbon (TOC) by EPA Method 9060. The sample collecting procedures used for collecting soil samples for TOC must be carefully outlined in the final work plan. The analytical lab reports need to be included with each release investigation report. The chromatograms are not required but the lab sheets that include reported hydrocarbon levels, percent solids, and surrogate recoveries, will be required by the Department for the work to be conducted under SERA IX. Chain of custody records must also be included. |
Curtis Conner |
| 7/28/2002 |
Enforcement Agreement or Order |
ADEC (CS Program S. Bainbridge, Leslie Pearson PER Program) and Air Force (Daniel Barnett) signed the Operational Agreement (OA) concerning presumptive remedies for cleanup of certain petroleum oil and lubricant releases on the outwash plain portion of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. This OA establishes and describes pre-approved presumptive remedies but does not establish an exclusive set of cleanup options and nothing in the memorandum prohibits EAFB from seeking or obtaining ADEC approval to implement alternative release response and remedial action plans.
For new POL spills in the outwash plain that occur in areas with no operational restrictions or interference from surrounding structures, ADEC approves immediate remediation of contaminated media after free product has been recovered in a manner that minimizes the spread of contamination into an uncontaminated area by using containment, recovery, disposal techniques appropriate to site conditions. The presumptive remedy for new POL spills on the outwash plain consist of excavation, treatment, and disposal of all impacted soil.
On a case-by-case basis, ADEC will evaluated the need for recovery of free product from the water table. Finally groundwater monitoring and ICs placed on the shallow aquifer restricting its use as a drinking water source will be required until such a time that the appropriate groundwater remedial goals are met. If additional institutional controls are required, these controls will be developed by EAFB in consultation with ADEC.
The OA does not apply to spills impacting surface waters. Nothing in the OA relieves, extends or changes the applicable requirements of 18 AAC 75 and 78 for the proper treatment, storage or disposal of contaminated media that result from the implementation of this OA. |
Steve Bainbridge |
| 10/21/2002 |
Update or Other Action |
Letter sent to Joe Williamson dissolving the State Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reviewed the issue of abolishing the State Elmendorf Environmental Restoration Agreement (SERA) per your 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. |
Jennifer Roberts |
| 4/21/2004 |
Update or Other Action |
Site moved from LUST to CS DB this date. Facility ID = 1525, Event ID = 2513, File 2101.38.098. |
Former Staff |
| 7/23/2004 |
Long Term Monitoring Established |
Monitored natural attenuation was selected because the majority of contamination is present in the "smear zone" (The smear zone is defined as the range of depths within which the groundwater will fluctuate under normal seasonal conditions, and therefore, in which free product would move and “smear” the soil in response to these seasonal changes in the water level elevation. The smear zone soils may therefore be saturated or unsaturated with groundwater at any given time.) and vadose zone contamination was previously excavated from the ponding area and the release point in 1997. The smear zone contamination at SS704/8 overlaps with a larger area of contamination at OU4.
This site is located within the OU5 modeling area as identified in Operational Agreement (OA) between ADEC and Elmendorf AFB signed 28 July 2002. In the OA, both parties agree that the portion of the unconfined shallow aquifer in the outwash plain has demonstrated, through modeling and sampling, the ability to naturally attenuate residual hydrocarbon contamination from most POL spills in a reasonable period of time.
The Elmendorf AFB Base-wide Groundwater Monitoring Program will be utilized to monitor the natural attenuation of the impacted groundwater. The nearest downgradient monitoring well currently in the Base-wide Groundwater Monitoring Program is
SP7/10-01, located approximately 600 feet southeast of SS704/8. Additionally, wells SP7/10-04 and W-4, located approximately 200 feet north and 1,000 feet southwest of SS704/8, are cross-gradient/upgradient wells currently in the Base-wide Groundwater Monitoring Program. |
Louis Howard |
| 7/23/2004 |
Conditional Closure Approved |
After reviewing the data and reports submitted for SS704/8, the Department agrees that no additional remediation or investigation is required for SS704/8 Database Reckey no. 199721X119801. However, groundwater monitoring will be required until cleanup levels are achieved.
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 |
| 7/6/2006 |
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.
In 1999, contaminant concentrations in the soil and groundwater exceeded the 18 AAC 75 cleanup level for GRO, DRO, and BTEX at SS704. In 2005, concentrations of contaminants were found to exceed the cleanup levels from 18 AAC 75.345 Table C (ADEC, 2005) at crossgradient and upgradient monitoring wells. GRO, DRO, and benzene contaminant concentrations were found in wells SP7/10-04 and W-4 from 1999 to 2002 and 2005 under the Elmendorf Basewide Groundwater Monitoring Program. There are no noticeable trends in the contaminant concentrations over time. The timeframe until all contaminants will meet cleanup goals can not be estimated at this time. |
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 sample SP7/10-01, SP7/10-04, and W-4 for gasoline range organics (GRO), diesel range organics (DRO) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and total xylenes. |
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 SS704 the following wells will be monitored: SP7/10-04, SP7/10-01, and W-4 for GRO, BTEX, and DRO.
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 |
| 5/20/2009 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft Groundwater monitoring report received. Groundwater monitoring wells SP7/10-01, SP7/10-04, and W-4 were sampled and analyzed for gasoline range organics (GRO), diesel range organics (DRO), and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and total xylenes (BTEX) compounds. The analytical results confirm that concentrations of contaminants remain above cleanup levels in two of the wells used to monitor SS704: SP7/10-4 and W-4. No contaminants were detected above cleanup levels in the downgradient well SP7/10-01.
In order to avoid redundancies, management of this site needs to be resolved between the Elmendorf Compliance and Restoration programs. Until that occurs, annual monitoring for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds from wells SP7/10-01, SP7/10-04, and W-4 should continue. |
Louis Howard |
| 4/15/2010 |
Update or Other Action |
2009 Annual Report monitoring of compliance program sites received. Elmendorf AFB site SS704 is located between Taxiway ‘M’ and Taxiway ‘J’ near Hardstands 39 to 42. This site is just north of the East/West Runway and is the location of a JP-8 pipeline leak.
In July 1997, a contractor accidentally bored a 3-inch-diameter hole into a 6-inch-diameter fuel
supply pipeline at Hardstand 39. The pipeline, located approximately 6 feet bgs, was not
pressurized at that time. When the line was pressurized on 17 July, JP-8 was forced up through
the ground and broke through the asphalt apron at grade.
The fuel that was released to the surface flowed over the asphalt apron and collected in a grassy low spot (referred to as the “ponding area”) located approximately 600 feet west of the release point. Records indicate 13,655 gallons of JP-8 were released during the incident; approximately 7,700 gallons were recovered on the night of the release.
Groundwater monitoring wells SP7/10-01, SP7/10-04, and W-4 were sampled using the
approved procedures provided in the 2008 Final Work Plan (USAF, 2008b). Samples from each
well were analyzed for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds.
The analytical results confirm that concentrations of contaminants remain above cleanup levels
in two of the wells used to monitor SS704: SP7/10-4 and W-4. No contaminants were detected
above cleanup levels in the downgradient well SP7/10-01.
In 1998, contaminant concentrations in the soil and groundwater exceeded the cleanup level for
GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds at SS704. In 2009, concentrations of contaminants in groundwater were found to still exceed the cleanup levels in samples collected from two of the three wells used to monitor this site.
This site is located in the vicinity of the SS43 Plume, which is monitored by the Elmendorf
Restoration Program. In order to avoid redundancies, management of this site needs to be
resolved between the Elmendorf Compliance and Restoration programs. Until that occurs, annual monitoring for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds from wells SP7/10-01, SP7/10-04, and W-4 should continue. |
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
SS704 is located between Taxiway ‘M’ and Taxiway ‘J’ near Hardstands 39 to 42. In July 1997, a contractor accidentally bored a 3-inch-diameter hole into a 6-inch-diameter fuel supply pipeline at Hardstand 39. When the line was pressurized on 17 July, JP-8 was forced up through the ground and broke through the asphalt apron at grade. Unless other information is available which shows that the fuel supply pipeline at Hardstand 39 was historically used for transporting AVGAS or leaded gasoline, it does not appear that analyzing for EDB and 1,2-DCA in soil or groundwater appear warranted at SS704.
|
Louis Howard |
| 3/16/2011 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft Annual Report Monitoring of Compliance Restoration Program Sites received. Groundwater monitoring wells SP7110-01, SP7/10-04, and W-4 were sampled. A field duplicate sample was collected from well SP7/10-04. Samples from each well were analyzed for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds.
The analytical results confirm that concentrations of contaminants remain above cleanup levels
in one of the wells used to monitor SS704: W-4. No contaminants were detected above cleanup
levels in the in-source well SP7/10-01 or downgradient well SP7110-01.
Conclusions
In 1998, contaminant concentrations in the soil and groundwater exceeded the cleanup level for
GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds at SS704. In 2010, concentrations of contaminants in
groundwater were found to still exceed the cleanup levels in samples collected from one of the
three wells used to monitor this site.
This site is located in the vicinity of the SS43 Plume, which is monitored by the JBERElmendorf
Restoration Program. In order to avoid redundancies, management of this site needs
to be resolved between the JBER-Elmendorf CRP and Restoration program. Until that occurs,
annual monitoring for GRO, DRO, and BTEX compounds from wells SP7/1O-01, SP7110-04,
and W -4 should continue. |
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 |
| 5/9/2012 |
Update or Other Action |
Draft Site Closure Sampling work plan received.
2012 Site Closure Sampling Activities
Soil samples will be collected using direct push technology to the soil/groundwater interface at
approximately 22 feet bgs at three locations. Groundwater cleanup requirements have been met,
and no further groundwater sampling is required to support site closure. Three soil samples will
be collected from each boring at the depths with the highest historic contaminant concentrations
and/or based on the highest PID readings. The locations for collecting samples at the site are as follows:
• Near the center of the release point, between the locations where the highest concentrations of DRO (2,650 mg/kg), GRO (4,810 mg/kg), and BTEX (7.83, 16.8, 35, and 148.1 mg/kg, respectively) were previously detected at 18.5 and 20 feet bgs
• Between the release point and the ponding area, where the highest concentrations of
DRO (1,500 mg/kg), GRO (2,000 mg/kg), and benzene (0.02 mg/kg) were detected at 17 feet bgs
• At the corner of the pavement near the center of the ponding area, where the highest concentrations of DRO (6,640 mg/kg), GRO (1,170 mg/kg), benzene (0.06 mg/kg), and ethylbenzene (14.7 mg/kg) were detected at 10 feet bgs
Each soil sample collected for laboratory analysis will be analyzed for DRO, GRO, and BTEX.
The sample collected from the interval with the highest PID reading will also be analyzed for
PAHs. Specific sampling information (i.e., number of investigative samples, number of quality
assurance samples, etc.) is presented in the attached QAPP worksheets.
9 samples will be taken from 3 depths to be determined 0 to 22 ft. bgs. 1 field duplicate no ms/msd for ten samples total. |
Louis Howard |
| 11/13/2012 |
Update or Other Action |
Final soil verification sampling was completed in August 2012. One in-source boring (SS704-
100) was completed to 21.5 feet bgs near the release area; one soil boring (SS704-101) was
completed to 16.5 feet bgs along the flow path of the released fuel; and one soil boring (SS704-
102) was completed to 13.5 feet bgs near the ponding area (Attachment B). Three soil samples
were collected from each boring and analyzed for GRO, DRO, and BTEX. The sample collected
from the interval with the highest photoionization detector reading in each boring was also
analyzed for PAHs.
Maximum contaminant concentrations identified were 1.8 mg/kg GRO, 0.0014 mg/kg benzene,
0.0011 mg/kg ethylbenzene, 0.0038 mg/kg toluene, 0.0031 xylenes, 0.0044 mg/kg 2-
methylnaphthalene, and 0.0055 mg/kg naphthalene. All concentrations were below the ADEC
18 AAC 75.341 Method Two, Tables B1 and B2 Under 40-Inch Zone, Migration to Groundwater
cleanup levels. DRO was not detected.
In accordance with State of Alaska regulation 18 AAC 75, the USAF has completed cleanup
activities at SS704, JBER-Elmendorf.
Analytical results indicate soil contamination levels are below ADEC 18 AAC 75.341 Method
Two, Tables B1 and B2 Under 40-Inch Zone, Migration to Groundwater cleanup levels. DRO, GRO, and benzene in groundwater are above ADEC 18 AAC 75.345 Table C cleanup levels. Groundwater contamination is addressed and monitored. Excavation/soil movement and groundwater use restrictions will remain in place at the site.
ADEC’s review and concurrence on the request for Cleanup Complete with Institutional Controls status is required in accordance with State of Alaska environmental conservation laws and regulations. While ADEC may comment on other state and federal laws and regulations, ADEC’s concurrence on the site closure does not relieve the USAF or its consultants, contractors, subcontractors, or USAF civilian personnel from the need to comply with other applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
The site has been adequately characterized under 18 AAC 75.335 and has achieved the
applicable requirements under the site cleanup rules. Cleanup at the site is complete, subject to a future ADEC determination that the cleanup is not protective of human health, safety, or welfare, or of the environment. ADEC will, as necessary to ensure protection of human health, safety, and welfare, or of the environment, require the USAF to conduct additional actions that meet the requirements of 18 AAC 75 Contaminated Site regulations and Alaska Statute 46.03 – 46.09. |
Louis Howard |
| 6/10/2013 |
Exposure Tracking Model Ranking |
Initial ranking with ETM completed for source area id: 73760 name: auto-generated pm edit Elmendorf SS704 Hardstand #39 |
Louis Howard |
| 9/16/2016 |
Update or Other Action |
Supplemental WP received to address the groundwater sampling, institutional controls (IC) inspection, and landfill cap inspection activities associated with the 2016 Long Term Monitoring (LTM) at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Sites PL081, CG551, ST408, CG530, SO510, SS522, SO507, SS418, TS003, CG543, CG529, TU107, ST048, CG509, SO508, SO549, AT035, AT029, SS019, and DP009.
As a requirement of the 2016 Environmental Long Term Monitoring contract, the following work shall be performed at JBER Site SS522:
? Perform IC inspection |
Louis Howard |
| 3/22/2017 |
Update or Other Action |
2016 Draft Report for Remedial Action Operation and Land Use/Institutional Control at JBER for review and comment.
The USAF Site Closure Report (2012e) indicated that excavation/soil movement and
groundwater use restrictions will remain in place at the site, and the use of the shallow aquifer
for any purpose is not allowed as long as hazardous substances remain at levels that preclude
unrestricted use, groundwater development and the use of groundwater for any purpose including but not limited to drinking, irrigation, fire control, dust control, or any activity is prohibited in the shallow aquifer south of the Elmendorf Moraine.
The USAF Site Closure Report (2012e) states that remaining residual contamination in the soil is below regulatory standards, and remaining groundwater contamination is addressed and routinely monitored with annual sampling from monitoring wells SP7/10-1, SP7/10-04, and W-4. Site closure with institutional controls was deemed appropriate and protective of human health and the environment by the USAF and ADEC.
The inspection of Site SO507 revealed no evidence of ground disturbance at this site. Revegetation
did not appear to be occurring and the monitoring wells located at the site were observed to be in good condition. Site inspection photographs at Site SO507 could not be collected due to the level of security at the site, however no evidence was observed that would require site maintenance or repair.
See site file for additional information. |
Louis Howard |
| 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 |
| 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 |
