EPA/540/4-90/012
September 1990
NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITES:
Hawaii
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Emergency & Remedial Response
Office of Program Management
Washington, D.C. 20460
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If you wish to purchase copies of any additional State volumes or the National
Overview volume, Superfund: Focusing on the Nation at Large, contact:
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
(703) 487-4600
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PAGE
INTRODUCTION:
A Brief Overview iii
SUPERFUND:
How Does the Program Work to Clean Up Sites vii
How To:
Using the State Volume xvii
NPL SITES:
A State Overview xxi
THE NPL PROGRESS REPORT xxiii
NPL: Site Fact Sheets 1
GLOSSARY:
Terms Used in the Fact Sheets G-l
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11
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WHY THE SUPERFUND
PROGRAM?
T s- s the 1970s came to a
close, a series of head-
-** line stories gave
Americans a look at the
dangers of dumping indus-
trial and urban wastes on the
land. First there was New
York's Love Canal. Hazard-
ous waste buried there over a
25-year period contaminated
streams and soil, and endan-
gered the health of nearby
residents. The result: evacu-
ation of several hundred
people. Then the leaking
barrels at the Valley of the
Drums in Kentucky attracted
public attention, as did the
dioxin tainted land and water
in Times Beach, Missouri.
In all these cases, human
health and the environment
were threatened, lives were
disrupted, property values
depreciated. It became in-
creasingly clear that there
were large numbers of serious
hazardous waste problems
that were falling through the.
cracks of existing environ-
mental laws. The magnitude
of these emerging problems
moved Congress to enact the
Comprehensive Environ-
mental Response, Compensa-
tion, and Liability Act in 1980.
CERCLA commonly
known as the Superfund
was the first Federal law
established to deal with the
dangers posed by the
Nation's hazardous waste
sites.
After Discovery, the Problem
Intensified
Few realized the size of the
problem until EPA began the
process of site discovery and
site evaluation. Not hun-
dreds, but thousands of
potential hazardous waste
sites existed, and they pre-
sented the Nation with some
of the most complex pollution
problems it had ever faced.
In the 10 years since the
Superfund program began,
hazardous waste has surfaced
as a major environmental
concern in every part of the
United States. It wasn't just
the land that was contami-
nated by past disposal prac-
tices. Chemicals in the soil
were spreading into the
groundwater (a source of
drinking water for many) and
into streams, lakes, bays, and
wetlands. Toxic vapors
contaminated the air at some
sites, while at others improp-
erly disposed or stored
wastes threatened the health
of the surrounding commu-
nity and the environment.
EPA Identified More than
1,200 Serious Sites
EPA has identified 1,236
hazardous waste sites as the
most serious hi the Nation.
These sites comprise the
"National Priorities List":
sites targeted for cleanup
under the Superfund. But site
discoveries continue, and
EPA estimates that, while
some will be deleted after
lengthy cleanups, this list,
commonly called the NPL,
will continue to grow by ap-
proximately 100 sites per
year, reaching 2,100 sites by
the year 2000.
THE NATIONAL
CLEANUP EFFORT IS
MUCH MORE THAN
THE NPL
From the beginning of the
program, Congress recog-
nized that the Federal govern-
ment could not and should
not address all environmental
problems stemming from past
disposal practices. Therefore,
the EPA was directed to set
priorities and establish a list
of sites to target. Sites on the
NPL (1,236) are thus a rela-
111
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INTRODUCTION
lively small subset of a larger
inventory of potential hazard-
ous waste sites, but they do
comprise the most complex
and environmentally compel-
ling cases. EPA has logged
more than 32,000 sites on its
National hazardous waste
inventory, and assesses each
site within one year of being
logged. In fact, over 90 per-
cent of the sites on the inven-
tory have been assessed. Of
the assessed sites, 55 percent
have been found to require no
further Federal action because
they did not pose significant
human health or environ-
mental risks. The remaining
sites are undergoing further
assessment to determine if
long-term Federal cleanup
activities are appropriate.
EPA IS MAKING
PROGRESS ON SITE
CLEANUP
The goal of the Superfund
program is to tackle immedi-
ate dangers first, and then
move through the progressive
steps necessary to eliminate
any long-term risks to public
health and the environment.
The Superfund responds
immediately to sites posing
imminent threats to human
health and the environment
at both NPL sites and sites
notontheNPL. The purpose
is to stabilize, prevent, or
temper the effects of a haz-
ardous release, or the threat
of one. These might include
tire fires or transportation
accidents involving the spill
of hazardous chemicals.
Because they reduce the
threat a site poses to human
health and the environment,
immediate cleanup actions
are an integral part of the
Superfund program.
Immediate response to immi-
nent threats is one of the
Superfund's most noted
achievements. Where immi-
nent threats to the public or
environment were evident,
EPA has completed or moni-
tored emergency actions that
attacked the most serious
threats to toxic exposure in
more than 1,800 cases.
The ultimate goal for a haz-
ardous waste site on the NPL
is a permanent solution to an
environmental problem that
presents a serious (but not an
imminent) threat to the public
or environment. This often
requires a long-term effort. In
the last four years, EPA has
aggressively accelerated its
efforts to perform these long-
term cleanups of NPL sites.
More cleanups were started
in 1987, when the Superfund
law was amended, than in
any previous year. And in
1989 more sites than ever
reached the construction
stage of the Superfund
cleanup process. Indeed
construction starts increased
by over 200 percent between
late 1986 and 1989! Of the
sites currently on the NPL,
more than 500 nearly half
have had construction
cleanup activity. In addition,
over 500 more sites are pres-
ently in the investigation
stage to determine the extent
of site contamination, and to
identify appropriate cleanup
remedies. Many other sites
with cleanup remedies se-
lected are poised for the start
of cleanup construction activ-
ity. Measuring success by
"progress through the
cleanup pipeline," EPA is
clearly gaining momentum.
EPA MAKES SURE
CLEANUP WORKS
EPA has gained enough
experience in cleanup con-
struction to understand that
environmental protection
does not end when the rem-
edy is in place. Many com-
plex technologies like
those designed to clean up
groundwater must operate
for many years in order to
accomplish their objectives.
EPA's hazardous waste site
managers are committed to
proper operation and mainte-
nance of every remedy con-
structed. No matter who has
been delegated responsibility
for monitoring the cleanup
work, the EPA will assure
that the remedy is carefully
followed and that it continues
to do its job.
Likewise, EPA does not
abandon a site even after the
cleanup work is done. Every
IV
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five years the Agency reviews
each site where residues from
hazardous waste cleanup still
remain to ensure that public
and environmental health are
still being safeguarded. EPA
will correct any deficiencies
discovered and report to the
public annually on all five-
year reviews conducted that
year.
CITIZENS HELP SHAPE
DECISIONS
Superfund activities also
depend upon local citizen
participation. EPA's job is to
analyze the hazards and
deploy the experts, but the
Agency needs citizen input as
it makes choices for affected
communities.
Because the people in a
community with a Superfund
site will be those most di-
rectly affected by hazardous
waste problems and cleanup
processes, EPA encourages
citizens to get involved in
cleanup decisions. Public in-
volvement and comment does
influence EPA cleanup plans
by providing valuable infor-
mation about site conditions,
community concerns and
preferences.
This State volume and the
companion National Over-
view volume provide general
Superfund background
information and descriptions
of activities at each State NPL
site. These volumes are
intended to clearly describe
what the problems are, what
EPA and others participating
in site cleanups are doing,
and how we as a Nation can
move ahead in solving these
serious problems.
USING THE STATE AND
NATIONAL VOLUMES
IN TANDEM
To understand the big picture
on hazardous waste cleanup,
citizens need to hear about
both environmental progress
across the country and the
cleanup accomplishments
closer to home. The public
should understand the chal-
lenges involved in hazardous
waste cleanup and the deci-
sions we must make as a
Nation in finding the best
solutions.
The National Overview
volume Superfund: Focus-
ing on the Nation at Large
accompanies this State vol-
ume. The National Overview
contains important informa-
tion to help you understand
the magnitude and challenges
facing the Superfund pro-
gram as well as an overview
of the National cleanup effort.
The sections describe the
nature of the hazardous
waste problem nationwide,
threats and contaminants at
NPL sites and their potential
effects on human health and
the environment, the Super-
fund program's successes in
cleaning up the Nation's
serious hazardous waste sites,
and the vital roles of the
various participants in the
cleanup process.
This State volume compiles
site summary fact sheets on
each State site being cleaned
up under the Superfund
program. These sites repre-
sent the most serious hazard-
ous waste problems in the
Nation, and require the most
complicated and costly site
solutions yet encountered.
Each State book gives a
"snapshot" of the conditions
and cleanup progress that has
been made at each NPL site in
the State through the first half
of 1990. Conditions change as
our cleanup efforts continue,
so these site summaries will
be updated periodically to
include new information on
progress being made.
To help you understand the"
cleanup accomplishments
made at these sites, this State
volume includes a description
of the process for site discov-
ery, threat evaluation and
long-term cleanup of Super-
fund sites. This description
How Does the Program
Work to Clean Up Sites?
will serve as a good reference
point from which to review
the cleanup status at specific
sites. A glossary also is
included at the back of the
book that defines key terms
used in the site fact sheets as
they apply to hazardous
waste management.
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VI
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he diverse problems posed by the Nation's hazardous
^ waste sites have provided EPA with the challenge to
.v. establish a consistent approach for evaluating and
cleaning up the Nation's most serious sites. To do this, EPA
had to step beyond its traditional role as a regulatory agency
to develop processes and guidelines for each step in these
technically complex site cleanups. EPA has established proce-
dures to coordinate the efforts of its Washington, D.C. Head-
quarters program offices and its front-line staff in 10 Regional
Offices with the State governments, contractors, and private
parties who are participating in site cleanup. An important
part of the process is that any time during cleanup, work can
be led by EPA or the State or, under their monitoring, by
private parties who are potentially responsible for site con-
tamination.
The process for discovery of the site, evaluation of threat, and
long-term cleanup of Superfund sites is summarized in the
following pages. The phases of each of these steps are high-
lighted within the description. The flow diagram below pro-
vides a summary of this three step process.
STEP1
Discover site
and determine
whether an
emergency
exists *
STEP 2
Evaluate whether
a site is a serious
threat to public
health or
environment
STEP 3
Perform long-term
cleanup actions on
the most serious
hazardous waste
sites in the Nation
Emergency actions are performed whenever needed in this three-step process
FIGURE 1
Although this State book provides a current "snapshot" of site progress made only by emer-
gency actions and long-term cleanup actions at Superfund sites, it is important to understand
the discovery and evaluation process that leads up to identifying and cleaning up these most
serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the Nation. This discovery and
evaluation process is the starting point for this summary description.
vn
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SUPERFUND
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STEP 1: SITE DISCOVERY AND EMERGENCY
EVALUATION
Site discovery occurs in a number of ways. Information
comes from concerned citizens people may notice an odd
taste or foul odor in their drinking water, or see half-buried
leaking barrels; a hunter may come across a field where waste
was dumped illegally. Or there may be an explosion or fire
which alerts the State or local authorities to a problem. Rou-
tine investigations by State and local governments, and re-
quired reporting and inspection of facilities that generate,
treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste also help keep EPA
informed about either actual or potential threats of hazardous
substance releases. All reported sites or spills are recorded in
the Superfund inventory (CERCLIS) for further investigation
to determine whether they will require cleanup.
As soon as a potential hazardous waste site is reported, EPA
determines whether there is an emergency requiring an imme-
diate cleanup action. If there is, they act as quickly as possible
to remove or stabilize the imminent threat. These short-term
emergency actions range from building a fence around the
contaminated area to keep people away or temporarily relo-
cating residents until the danger is addressed, to providing
bottled water to residents while their local drinking water
supply is being cleaned up, or physically removing wastes for
safe disposal.
However, emergency actions can happen at any time an imminent
threat or emergency warrants them for example, if leaking
barrels are found when cleanup crews start digging in the
ground or if samples of contaminated soils or air show that
there may be a threat of fire or explosion, an immediate action
is taken.
STEP 2: SITE THREAT EVALUATION
Even after any imminent dangers are taken care of, in most
cases contamination may remain at the site. For example,
residents may have been supplied with bottled water to take
care of their immediate problem of contaminated well water.
But now if s time to figure out what is contaminating the
drinking water supply and the best way to clean it up. Or
viii
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EPA may determine that there is no imminent danger from a
site, so now any long-term threats need to be evaluated. In
either case, a more comprehensive investigation is needed to
determine if a site poses a serious but not imminent danger,
and requires a long-term cleanup action.
Once a site is discovered and any needed emergency actions
are taken, EPA or the State collects all available background
information not only from their own files, but also from local
records and U.S. Geological Survey maps. This information is
used to identify the site and to perform a preliminary assess-
ment of its potential hazards. This is a quick review of readily
available information to answer the questions:
Are hazardous substances likely to be present?
How are they contained?
How might contaminants spread?
How close is the nearest well, home, or natural resource
area like a wetland or animal sanctuary?
What may be harmed the land, water, air, people,
plants, or animals?
Some sites do not require further action because the prelimi-
nary assessment shows that they don't threaten public health
or the environment. But even in these cases, the sites remain
listed in the Superfund inventory for record keeping purposes
and future reference. Currently, there are more than 32,000
sites maintained in this inventory.
Inspectors go to the site to collect additional information to
evaluate its hazard potential. During this site inspection, they
look for evidence of hazardous waste, such as leaking drums
and dead or discolored vegetation. They may take some
samples of soil, well water, river water, and air. Inspectors
analyze the ways hazardous materials could be polluting the
environment such as runoff into nearby streams. They also
check to see if people (especially children) have access to the
site.
Information collected during the site inspection is used to
identify the sites posing the most serious threats to human
health and the environment. This way EPA can meet the
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requirement that Congress gave them to use Superfund mo-
nies only on the worst hazardous waste sites in the Nation.
To identify the most serious sites, EPA developed the Hazard
Ranking System (HRS). The HRS is the scoring system EPA
uses to assess the relative threat from a release or a potential
release of hazardous substances from a site to surrounding
groundwater, surface water, air, and soil. A site score is based
on the likelihood a hazardous substance will be released from
the site, the toxicity and amount of hazardous substances at
the site, and the people and sensitive environments potentially
affected by contamination at the site.
Only sites with high enough health and environmental risk
scores are proposed to be added to EPA's National Priorities
List (NPL). That's why there are 1,236 sites are on the NPL,
but there are more than 32,000 sites in the Superfund inven-
tory. Only NPL sites can have a long-term cleanup paid for
from the national hazardous waste trust fund the Super-
fund. But the Superfund can and does pay for emergency
actions performed at any site, whether or not it's on the NPL.
The public can find out whether a site that concerns them is
on the NPL by calling their Regional EPA office at the number
listed in this book.
The proposed NPL identifies sites that have been evaluated
through the scoring process as the most serious problems
among uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in
the U.S. In addition, a site will be added to the NPL if the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry issues a
health advisory recommending that people be moved away
from the site. Updated at least once a year, it's only after
public comments are considered that these proposed worst
sites are officially added to the NPL.
Listing on the NPL does not set the order in which sites will be
cleaned up. The order is influenced by the relative priority of
the site's health and environmental threats compared to other
sites, and such factors as State priorities, engineering capabili-
ties, and available technologies. Many States also have their
own list of sites that require cleanup; these often contain sites
not on the NPL that are scheduled to be cleaned up with State
money. And it should be said again that any emergency action
needed at a site can be performed by the Superfund whether
or not a site is on the NPL.
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STEP 3: LONG-TERM CLEANUP ACTIONS
The ultimate goal for a hazardous waste site on the NPL is a
permanent, long-term cleanup. Since every site presents a
unique set of challenges, there is no single all-purpose solu-
tion. So a five-phase "remedial response" process is used to
develop consistent and workable solutions to hazardous waste
problems across the Nation:
1. Investigate in detail the extent of the site contamination:
remedial investigation,
2. Study the range of possible cleanup remedies: feasibility
study,
3. Decide which remedy to use: Record of Decision or ROD,
4. Plan the remedy: remedial design, and
5. Carry out the remedy: remedial action.
This remedial response process is a long-term effort to provide
a permanent solution to an environmental problem that
presents a serious, but not an imminent threat to the public or
environment.
The first two phases of a long-term cleanup are a combined
remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) that
determine the nature and extent of contamination at the site,
and identify and evaluate cleanup alternatives. These studies
may be conducted by EPA or the State or, under their monitor-
ing, by private parties.
Like the initial site inspection described earlier, a remedial
investigation involves an examination of site data in order to
better define the problem. But the remedial investigation is
much more detailed and comprehensive than the initial site
inspection.
A remedial investigation can best be described as a carefully
designed field study. It includes extensive sampling and
laboratory analyses to generate more precise data on the types
and quantities of wastes present at the site, the type of soil and
water drainage patterns, and specific human health and
environmental risks. The result is information that allows
EPA to select the cleanup strategy that is best suited to a
particular site or to determine that no cleanup is needed.
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SUPERFUND
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Placing a site on the NPL does not necessarily mean that
cleanup is needed. It is possible for a site to receive an HRS
score high enough to be added to the NPL, but not ultimately
require cleanup actions. Keep in mind that the purpose of the
scoring process is to provide a preliminary and conservative
assessment of potential risk. During subsequent site investiga-
tions, the EPA may find either that there is no real threat or
that the site does not pose significant human health or envi-
ronmental risks.
EPA or the State or, under their monitoring, private parties
identify and analyze specific site cleanup needs based on the
extensive information collected during the remedial investiga-
tion. This analysis of cleanup alternatives is called a feasibility
study.
Since cleanup actions must be tailored exactly to the needs of
each individual site, more than one possible cleanup alterna-
tive is always considered. After making sure that all potential
cleanup remedies fully protect human health and the environ-
ment and comply with Federal and State laws, the advantages
and disadvantages of each cleanup alternative are carefully
compared. These comparisons are made to determine their
effectiveness in the short- and long-term, their use of perma-
nent treatment solutions, and their technical feasibility and
cost.
To the maximum extent practicable, the remedy must be a
permanent solution and use treatment technologies to destroy
principal site contaminants. But remedies such as containing
the waste on site or removing the source of the problem (like
leaking barrels) are often considered effective. Often special
pilot studies are conducted to determine the effectiveness and
feasibility of using a particular technology to clean up a site.
Therefore, the combined remedial investigation and feasibility
study can take between 10 and 30 months to complete, de-
pending on the size and complexity of the problem.
tDoes the public have
pa say in. the final
^cleanup decision?
Yes. The Superfund law requires that the public be given the
opportunity to comment on the proposed cleanup plan. Their
concerns are carefully considered before a final decision is
made.
Xll
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The results of the remedial investigation and feasibility study,
which also point out the recommended cleanup choice, are
published in a report for public review and comment. EPA or
the State encourages the public to review the information and
take an active role in the final cleanup decision. Fact sheets
and announcements in local papers let the community know
where they can get copies of the study and other reference
documents concerning the site.
The public has a minimum of 30 days to comment on the
proposed cleanup plan after it is published. These comments
can either be written or given verbally at public meetings that
EPA or the State are required to hold. Neither EPA nor the
State can select the final cleanup remedy without evaluating
and providing written answers to specific community com-
ments and concerns. This "responsiveness summary" is part
of EPA's write-up of the final remedy decision, called the
Record of Decision or ROD.
The ROD is a public document that explains the cleanup
remedy chosen and the reason it was selected. Since sites
frequently are large and must be cleaned up in stages, a ROD
may be necessary for each contaminated resource or area of
the site. This may be necessary when contaminants have
spread into the soil, water and air, and affect such sensitive
areas as wetlands, or when the site is large and cleaned up in
stages. This often means that a number of remedies using
different cleanup technologies are needed to clean up a single
site.
Yes. Before a specific cleanup action is carried out, it must be
designed in detail to meet specific site needs. This stage of the
cleanup is called the remedial design. The design phase
provides the details on how the selected remedy will be
engineered and constructed.
Projects to clean up a hazardous waste site may appear to be
like any other major construction project but, in fact, the likely
presence of combinations of dangerous chemicals demands
special construction planning and procedures. Therefore, the
design of the remedy can take anywhere from 6 months to 2
years to complete. This blueprint for site cleanup includes not
only the details on every aspect of the construction work, but a
description of the types of hazardous wastes expected at the
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Yes. Based on the belief that "the polluters should pay," after a
site is placed on the NPL, the EPA makes a thorough effort to
identify and find those responsible for causing contamination
problems at a site. Although EPA is willing to negotiate with
these private parties and encourages voluntary cleanup, it has
the authority under the Superfund law to legally force those
potentially responsible for site hazards to take specific cleanup
actions. All work performed by these parties is closely guided
and monitored by EPA, and must meet the same standards
required for actions financed through the Superfund.
Because these enforcement actions can be lengthy, EPA may
decide to use Superfund monies to make sure a site is cleaned
up without unnecessary delay. For example, if a site presents
an imminent threat to public health and the environment, or if
conditions at a site may worsen, it could be necessary to start
the cleanup right away. Those responsible for causing site
contamination are liable under the law for repaying the money
EPA spends in cleaning up the site.
Whenever possible, EPA and the Department of Justice use
their legal enforcement authorities to require responsible
parties to pay for site cleanups, thereby preserving the Super-
fund for emergency actions and sites where no responsible
parties can be identified.
v.
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I :fe he Site Fact Sheets
4.., presented in this book
r" are comprehensive
"summaries that cover a broad
range of information. The
fact sheets describe hazard-
ous waste sites on the Na-
tional Priorities List (NPL)
and their locations, as well as
the conditions leading to their
listing ("Site Description").
They list the types of con-
taminants that have been dis-
covered and related threats to
public and ecological health
("Threats and Contami-
nants"). "Cleanup Ap-
proach" presents an overview
of the cleanup activities
completed, underway, or
planned. The fact sheets
conclude with a brief synop-
sis of how much progress has
been made on protecting
public health and the envi-
ronment. The summaries also
pinpoint other actions, such
as legal efforts to involve pol-
luters responsible for site
contamination and commu-
nity concerns.
The following two pages
show a generic fact sheet and
briefly describes the informa-
tion under each section. The
square "icons" or symbols ac-
companying the text allow
the reader to see at a glance
which environmental re-
sources are affected and the
status of cleanup activities.
Icons in the Threats
and Contaminants
Section
Contaminated
Groundwater re-
sources in the vicinity
or underlying the site.
(Groundwater is often used
as a drinking water source.)
Contaminated Sur-
face Water and
Sediments on or near
the site. (These include lakes,
ponds, streams, and rivers.)
Contaminated Air in
the vicinity of the
site. (Pollution is
usually periodic and involves
contaminated dust particles
or hazardous gas emissions.)
Contaminated Soil
and Sludges on or
near the site.
Threatened or
contaminated Envi-
ronmentally Sensi-
tive Areas in the vicinity of
the site. (Examples include
wetlands and coastal areas,
critical habitats.)
Icons in the Response
Action Status Section
^initial Actions
have been taken or
are underway to
eliminate immediate threats
at the site.
Site Studies at the
site are planned or
underway.
Remedy Selected
indicates that site
investigations have
been concluded
and EPA has se-
lected a final cleanup remedy
for the site or part of the site.
Remedy Design
means that engi-
neers are prepar-
ing specifications
and drawings for the selected
cleanup technologies.
Cleanup Ongoing
indicates that the
selected cleanup
remedies for the
contaminated site or part
of the site are currently
underway.
Cleanup Complete
shows that all
cleanup goals have
been achieved for
the contaminated site or part
of the site.
xvii
-------
Site Responsibility
Identifies the Federal, State,
and/or potentially responsible
parties that are taking
responsibility for cleanup
actions at the site.
NPL Listing
History
Dates when the site
was Proposed,
made Final, and
Deleted from the
NPL
SITE NAME
STATE
EPA IDt ABCOOOOOOOO
EPA REGION
CONGRESSIONAL DIST
County Name
Location
Site Description
Threats ana Contaminants
Cleanup Approach-
Re*pon*e Action Statu*
Site Facts:
Environmental Progress
Environmental Progress
A summary of the actions to reduce the threats to nearby residents and
the surrounding environment; progress towards cleaning up the site
and goals of the cleanup plan are given here.
-------
WHAT THE FACT SHEETS CONTAIN
Site Description
This section describes the location and history of the site. It includes
descriptions of the most recent activities and past actions at the site that have
contributed to the contamination. Population estimates, land usages, and nearby
resources give readers background on the local setting surrounding the site.
Throughout the site description and other sections of the site summary, technical
or unfamiliar terms that are italicized are presented in the glossary at the end of
the book. Please refer to the glossary for more detailed explanation or definition
of the terms.
Threats and Contaminants
The major chemical categories of site contamination are noted as well as
which environmental res9urces are affected. Icons representing each of the
affected resources (may include air, groundwater, surface water, soil and
contamination to environmentally sensitive areas) are included in the margins
of this section. Potential threats to residents and the surrounding
environments arising from the site contamination are also described. Specific
contaminants and contaminant groupings are italicized and explained in more
detail in the glossary.
O.V ^,w ". >. i
Cleanup Approach
This section contains a brief overview of how the site is being cleaned up.
Response Action Status
Specific actions that have been accomplished or will be undertaken to clean up
the site are described here. Cleanup activities at NPL sites are divided into
separate phases depending on the complexity and required actions at the site.
Two major types of cleanup activities are often described: initial, immediate or
emergency actions to quickly remove or reduce imminent threats to the
community and surrounding areas; and long-term remedial phases directed at
final cleanup at the site. Each stage of the cleanup strategy is presented in this
section of the summary. Icons representing the stage of the cleanup process
(initial actions, site investigations, EPA selection of the cleanup remedy,
engineering design phase, cleanup activities underway and completed cleanup)
are located in the margin next to each activity description.
Site Facts
Additional information on activities and events at the site are included in this
section. Often details on legal or administrative actions taken by EPA to achieve
site cleanup or other facts pertaining to community involvement with the site
cleanup process are reported here.
XIX
-------
The fact sheets are arranged
in alphabetical order by site
name. Because site cleanup is
a dynamic and gradual
process, all site information is
accurate as of the date shown
on the bottom of each page.
Progress is always being
made at NPL sites, and EPA
will periodically update the
Site Fact Sheets to reflect
recent actions and publish
updated State volumes.
HOW CAN YOU USE
THIS STATE BOOK?
You can use this book to keep
informed about the sites that
concern you, particularly
ones close to home. EPA is
committed to involving the
public in the decisionmaking
process associated with
hazardous waste cleanup.
The Agency solicits input
from area residents in com-
munities affected by Super-
fund sites. Citizens are likely
to be affected not only by
hazardous site conditions, but
also by the remedies that
combat them. Site cleanups
take many forms and can
affect communities in differ-
ent ways. Local traffic may
be rerouted, residents may be
relocated, temporary water
supplies may be necessary.
Definitive information on a
site can help citizens sift
through alternatives and
make decisions. To make
good choices, you must know
what the threats are and how
EPA intends to clean up the
site. You must understand
the cleanup alternatives being
proposed for site cleanup and
how residents may be af-
fected by each cine. You also
need to have some idea of
how your community intends
to use the site in the future
and to know what the com-
munity can realistically
expect once the cleanup is
complete.
EPA wants to develop
cleanup methods that meet
community needs, but the
Agency can only take local
concerns into account if it
understands what they are.
Information must travel both
ways in order for cleanups to
be effective and satisfactory.
Please take this opportunity
to learn more, become in-
volved, and assure that
hazardous waste cleanup at
"your" site considers your
community's concerns.
xx
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NPL SitesinO
State of Hawaii
The State of Hawaii is made up of a long archipelago of islands located 2,397 miles
southwest of San Francisco in the Pacific Ocean. The islands cover 6,471 square miles
of land, which consists of submerged volcanic mountains and active volcanic land
masses. Hawaii experienced a 13.8 percent increase in population during the 1980s,
and currently has approximately 1,098,000 residents, ranking 39th in U.S. populations.
Principal State industries include tourism, defense and other government work, sugar
refining, pineapple and diversified agriculture, aquaculture, commercial fishing, and
motion pictures. Hawaii manufactures sugar, canned pineapple, clothing, printing and
publishing, and foods.
How Many Hawaii Sites
Are on the NPL?
Proposed Sites
Final Sites
Deleted Sites
7
0
_Q
7
Where Are the NPL Sites Located?
Cong. District 01
Cong. District 02
2 sites
5 sites
How are Sites Contaminated and What are the Principal Chemicals ?
10--
8 --
4 --
2 - -
Ground water: Pesticides and
volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
GW
Contamination Area
State Overview
continued
-------
Where are the Sites in the Superfund Cleanup Process*?
Site
Studies
Remedy ^^^ Remedy
Selected ^^r Design
Cleanup ^^^ Construction
Ongoing ^" Complete
Initial actions have been taken at 5 sites as interim cleanup measures.
Who Do I Call with Questions?
The following pages describe each NPL site in Hawaii, providing specific information on
threats and contaminants, cleanup activities, and environmental progress. Should you
have questions, please call one of the offices listed below:
Hawaii Superfund Office
EPA Region IX Superfund Office
EPA Region IX Public Relations Office
EPA Superfund Hotline
EPA Public Information Office
(808)548^139
(415)744-1519
(415)744-1764
(800)424-9346
(202) 477-7751
Cleanup status reflects phase of site activities rather than administrative accomplishments.
Ok
XXII
-------
The IVPL Progress Report
The following Progress Report lists the State sites currently on or deleted from the NPL,
and briefly summarizes the status of activities for each site at the time this report was
prepared. The steps in the Superfund cleanup process are arrayed across the top of the
chart, and each site's progress through these steps is represented by an arrow (+) which
indicates the current stage of cleanup at the site.
Large and complex sites are often organized into several cleanup stages. For example,
separate cleanup efforts may be required to address the source of the contamination,
hazardous substances in the groundwater, and surface water pollution, or to clean up
different areas of a large site. In such cases, the chart portrays cleanup progress at the
site's most advanced stage, reflecting the status of site activities rather than administrative
accomplishments.
*- An arrow in the "Initial Response" category indicates that an emergency cleanup or
initial action has been completed or is currently underway. Emergency or initial actions
are taken as an interim measure to provide immediete relief from exposure to
hazardous site conditions or to stabilize a site to prevent further contamination.
*- An arrow in the "Site Studies" category indicates that an investigation to determine the
nature and extent of the contamination at the site is currently ongoing or planned to
begin in 1991.
* An arrow in the "Remedy Selection" category means that the EPA has selected the
final cleanup strategy for the site. At the few sites where the EPA has determined that
initial response actions have eliminated site contamination, or that any remaining
contamination will be naturally dispersed without further cleanup activities, a "No
Action" remedy is selected. In these cases, the arrows in the Progress Report are
discontinued at the "Remedy Selection" step and resume in the final "Construction
Complete" category.
«*- An arrow at the "Remedial Design" stage indicates that engineers are currently
designing the technical specifications for the selected cleanup remedies and
technologies.
*- An arrow marking the "Cleanup Ongoing" category means that final cleanup actions
have been started at the site and are currently underway.
*- A arrow in the "Construction Complete" category is used only when all phases of the
site cleanup plan have been performed and the EPA has determined that no additional
construction actions are required at the site. Some sites in this category may currently
be undergoing long-term pumping and treating of groundwater, operation and
maintenance or monitoring to ensure that the completed cleanup actions continue to
protect human health and the environment.
The sites are listed in alphabetical order. Further information on the activities and progress
at each site is given in the site "Fact Sheets" published in this volume.
XXlll
-------
Progress Toward Cleanup at NPL Sites in the State of Hawaii
Page She Name
County
Initial She Remedy Remedy Cleanup Construction
NPL Date Response Studies Selected Design Ongoing Complete
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
KUNIAWELLSI
KUNIA WELLS II
MILILANI WELLS
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS
WAIAWA SHAFT
WAIPAHU WELLS
WAIPIO WELLS
HONOLULU
HONOLULU
HONOLULU
OAHU
HONOLULU
HONOLULU
HONOLULU
Prop.
Prop.
Prop.
Prop.
Prop.
Prop.
Prop.
10/15/84 *-
10/15/84 * *
10/15/84 * *
07/14/89 * **
10/15/84 * *
10/15/84 *" *
10/15/84 ^-
-------
-------
-------
KUNIA WELLS I
HAWAII
EPA ID# HID980894943
REGION 9
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 02
Honolulu County
Kunia, Oahu
Site Description
The Kunia Wells I site consists of four drinking water wells that are contaminated with
pesticides. The well field is owned and operated by the City and County of Honolulu,
which has blended potable water from unaffected well fields together with water from
Kunia Wells I to supply residents with a usable water supply. Contamination has been
reported to have originated from pesticide applications, spills, and leaks. There are
several well sites with similar contamination problems located in the Schof ield Plateau/
Ewa Plain area of Oahu. Approximately 55,500 people live within a 3-mile radius of the
sites and the nearest residence is 1/4 mile from the site.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater has been contaminated with pesticides. A potential health
threat may exist for those people who swallow or touch contaminated
groundwater. They may also be at risk from breathing contaminated
vapors or eating food products which contain absorbed contaminants.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
. i ':
continued
-------
KUNIA WELLS I
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a single long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup
of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: The EPA is evaluating the Kunia Wells I site to determine if it
should be kept on the NPL. The EPA has determined that the site does
not pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment.
Site Facts: The EPA is continuing to investigate six sites in the context of an overall
policy regarding sites at which contamination results from the legal application of
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-registered pesticides.
Environmental Progress
After proposing this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that the blending of water from uncontaminated wells with contaminated
water protects residents affected by the Kunia Wells I site while the EPA determines if
the site should remain on the NPL.
-------
KUNIA WELLS II
HAWAII
EPA ID# HID980895049
REGION 9
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 02
Honolulu County
Kunia, Oahu
Site Description
The Kunia Wells II site consists of two drinking water wells that are contaminated with
pesticides. The well field is owned and operated by the City and County of Honolulu,
and the wells have been closed since 1983. Contaminated groundwater is being
treated through the use of a carbon filtration system which was installed by Waitec,
Inc. in 1986. The operation and maintenance of the system was turned over to the
Honolulu Board of Water Supply. Contamination has been reported to have originated
from pesticide applications, spills, and leaks. There are several well sites with similar
contamination problems located in the Schofield Plateau/Ewa Plain section of Oahu.
The wells are part of the Kunia distribution system that provides drinking water to
13,700 people. Groundwater is the sole source of potable water for the island,
Approximately 3,200 people live within a 3-mile radius of the site.
Site Responsibility:
The site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with pesticides. People may face a health
risk from swallowing or touching contaminated groundwater. Breathing
contaminated vapors or eating food products which contain accumulated
contaminants may also pose a health threat.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
3
continued
-------
KUNIA WELLS II
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: an immediate action and a long-term
remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Action: A carbon treatment system was built by Waitec, Inc.
in 1986 to treat contaminated groundwater and turned over to the
Honolulu Board of Water Supply for operation and maintenance.
Entire Site: The EPA is evaluating the Kunia Wells II site to determine if it
should be listed as final on the NPL The EPA has determined that the site
does not pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment.
Site Facts: The EPA is continuing to evaluate six sites in the context of an overall
policy regarding sites at which contamination results from the application of Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-registered pesticides.
-Environmental Progress
The treatment of groundwater has greatly reduced the potential of exposure to
contaminated drinking water and will continue to protect residents near the Kunia Wells
II site while the EPA determines whether the site should remain on the NPL.
-------
MILILANI WELLS
HAWAII
EPA ID# HID980895031
REGIONS
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 02
Honolulu County
Mililani, Oahu
Site Description
The Mililani Wells site consists of six drinking water wells, located on the lower
Schofield Plateau, owned and operated by the City and County of Honolulu. There are
several well sites with similar contamination problems located in the Schofield Plateau/
Ewa Plain area of Oahu. The Mililani Wells normally supply water to 26,530 people
through a closed distribution system.
site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater has been contaminated with pesticides. People who
swallow contaminated groundwater may face a health risk.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term
remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: The City and County of Honolulu Board of Water
Supply conducted pilot tests on methods for decontaminating the water in
the area and had success in removing pesticides with granulated activated
carbon and with aeration towers. A groundwater cleanup plant was put into operation
in 1986.
Entire Site: A study is currently under way to determine the type and
extent of contamination. At its conclusion, recommendations will be
made on cleanup alternatives.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
5
continued
-------
MILILANI WELLS
Environmental Progress
The ongoing treatment of groundwater has eliminated the potential exposure to
contaminated drinking water and will continue to protect residents near the Mililani
Wells site while final cleanup actions are being planned.
-------
SCHOFIELD
BARRACKS
HAWAII
EPA ID# HI7210090026
>^
OV >
REGION 9
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 02
Oahu County
Wahiawa, Oahu
Site Description
The 17,725-acre Schofield Barracks site was established in 1908 to provide a base for
the Army's mobile defense of Pearl Harbor and the entire island. Industrial operations
involved maintenance, repair, painting, and degreasing, all using various organic
solvents. In 1985, the Hawaii Department of Health informed the Army that high levels
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contaminated wells that supply drinking water to
25,000 people at Schofield Barracks. In 1986, the Army began removing the
contaminants from the water using an air stripping facility. The area around the
barracks is generally rain forest. Approximately 55,000 people in Wahiawa and Mililani
obtain drinking water from public wells within 3 miles of hazardous substances on the
base. Three miles downstream of the base, Wahiawa Reservoir is used to irrigate
3,000 acres of pineapple fields. The reservoir is also used for recreational activities.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/14/89
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains trichloroethylene (ICE). People who touch or drink
contaminated groundwater may suffer adverse health effects.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial
phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
7
continued
-------
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1 986, the Army installed a groundwater treatment
system on three existing production wells to remove or reduce
concentrations of TCE in the drinking water used at the base.
Entire Site: The State has been monitoring the groundwater since the
contamination was discovered. Further actions will be taken to address
the source of the contamination. The Army plans to initiate a thorough
investigation of the site in 1 991 .
Site Facts: Schofield Barracks is participating in the Installation Restoration Program
(IRP), a federally funded Department of Defense (DOD) program designed to identify,
investigate, and control hazardous waste on military installations.
Environmental Progress
The groundwater treatment system has greatly reduced the potential for exposure to
contaminated materials at the Schofield Barracks site while studies are taking place and
cleanup activities are being planned.
-------
WAIAWA
SHAFT
HAWAII
EPA ID# HI7170090016
REGION 9
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 01
Honolulu County
Pearl City
Site Description
The Waiawa Shaft site is a well owned and operated by the U.S. Navy. The well is
contaminated with pesticides originating from their legal application for agricultural use.
Approximately 64,000 people live within 3 miles of the site. The well is part of a closed
distribution system that provides drinking water in the area of McGrew Point, Pearl
Harbor, and part of Hickam Air Force Base. The well also serves three residential areas
including schools and hospitals.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains pesticides such as trichloropropane (TCP). People
who touch or drink contaminated groundwater may suffer adverse health
effects.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a single long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup
of the entire site.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
9
continued
-------
WAIAWA SHAFT
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: The City has been succesful in recovering the pesticides
using a carbon treatment system and aerations lowers. This system was
installed in 1987.
Entire Site: The EPA is evaluating the Waiawa Shaft site to determine if it
should be kept on the National Priorities List. The EPA has determined the
site does not pose an immediate threat to human health or the
environment due to the water remediation efforts.
Environmental Progress
By installing a groundwater treatment system to the well, the public water supply is
safe, thereby protecting the public health while further investigations take place.
10
-------
WAIPAHU
WELLS
HAWAII
EPA ID# HED980895023
REGION 9
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 02
/ { Honolulu County
QV"> Waipahu
-^*1^"^»
Site Description
The Waipahu Wells site consists of four contaminated wells that are owned and
operated by the City and County of Honolulu. The wells are contaminated with
pesticides and were closed in 1984. The groundwater is now being treated through the
installation of a carbon filtration system that has been operated since 1987. There are
several well sites with similar contamination problems located in the Schofield/Ewa
Plain area of Oahu. The Waipahu Wells are part of a distribution system that serves
13,700 people in Waipahu, Ewa, and Waianae. Approximately 70,000 people live within
3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains pesticides such as trichloropropane (TCP). People
who touch or drink contaminated groundwater may be at risk.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: an immediate action and a long-term
remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
11
continued
-------
WAIPAHU WELLS
Response Action Status
Immediate Action: The Waipahu Wells were closed in 1984 until the
groundwater carbon treatment and aeration tower system was built. The
City has been operating this system since 1987.
Entire Site: The EPA is evaluating the Waipahu Wells site to determine if
it should remain on the National Priorities List. The EPA has determined
the site does not pose an immediate threat to human health or the
environment.
Environmental Progress*
The installation of a carbon filtration system has eliminated the potential of exposure to
contaminated drinking water at the Waipahu Wells site and will continue to protect
residents near the site while the EPA determines if the site should remain on the NPL.
12
-------
WAIPIO
WELLS
HAWAII
EPA ID# HID980895015
Site Description
O
REGION 9
CONGRESSIONAL DIST. 01
Honolulu County
Waipahu
The Waipio Wells site consists of two drinking water wells that are owned and
operated by the City and County of Honolulu. One well is contaminated with pesticides
that originated from the legal application of pesticides for agricultural uses. The other
well was shut down for repairs and has not been tested for contamination. The wells
are part of a distribution system that serves 11,700 people in the Waipio Heights area.
Approximately 3,100 people live within 3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains pesticides. People who touch or drink
contaminated groundwater may suffer adverse health effects.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a single long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup
of the entire site.
March 1990
NPL HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
13
continued
-------
WAIPIO WELLS
Response Action Status
Entire Site: The EPA is evaluating the Waipio Wells site to determine if it
should be kept on the National Priorities List. The EPA has determined
that the site does not pose an immediate threat to human health or the
environment.
EnvironmentalProgress
After proposing this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Waipio Wells site while the
EPA determines if the site should remain on the NPL.
14
-------
T--" his glossary defines the italicized terms used in the
' site fact sheets for the State of Hawaii. The terms
and abbreviations contained in this glossary are often
defined in the context of hazardous waste management as
described in the site fact sheets, and apply specifically to work
performed under the Superfund program. Thus, these terms
may have other meanings when used in a different context.
Aeration: A process that promotes breakdown of con-
taminants in soil or water by exposing them to air.
Air Stripping: A process whereby volatile organic
chemicals (VOCs) are removed from contaminated mate-
rial by forcing a stream of air through it in a pressurized
vessel. The contaminants are evaporated into the air stream. The air may be further
treated before it is released into the atmosphere.
Carbon Adsorption: A treatment system in which contaminants are removed from
groundwater and surface water by forcing water through tanks containing activated
carbon, a specially treated material that attracts and holds or retains contaminants.
Carbon Treatment: [see Carbon Adsorption].
Degrease: To remove grease from wastes, soils, or chemicals, usually using solvents.
Installation Restoration Program: The specially funded program established in 1978
under which the Department of Defense has been identifying and evaluating its hazard-
ous waste sites and controlling the migration of hazardous contaminants from those
sites.
Long-term Remedial Phase: Distinct, often incremental, steps that are taken to solve
site pollution problems. Depending on the complexity, site cleanup activities can be
separated into a number of these phases.
Trichloroethylene (TCE): A stable, colorless liquid with a low boiling point. TCE has
many industrial applications, including use as a solvent and as a metal degreasing
agent. TCE may be toxic to people when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact and
can damage vital organs, especially the liver [see also Volatile Organic Compounds].
G-l
-------
GLOSSARY
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are made as secondary petrochemicals.
They include light alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, dichloroeth-
ylene, benzene, vinyl chloride, toluene, and methylene chloride. These potentially toxic
chemicals are used as solvents, degreasers, paints, thinners, and fuels. Because of their
volatile nature, they readily evaporate into the air, increasing the potential exposure to
humans. Due to their low water solubility, environmental persistence, and widespread
industrial use, they are commonly found in soil and groundwater.
G-2
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