PB96-964405
EPA/ROD/R08-96/117
October 1996
EPA Superfund
Record of Decision:
Ellsworth Air Force Base,
Operable Unit 9, Rapid City, SD
5/10/1996
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Final
Record of Decision for
Remedial Action at Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
United States Air Force
Air Combat Command
Ellsworth Air Force Base
April 1996
Air Force Project No. FXBM 94-7002
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter • Page
1.0 DECLARATION FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION 1-1
1.1 SITE NAME AND LOCATION 1-1
1.2 STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE 1-1
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED REMEDY 1-1
1.4 DECLARATION STATEMENT 1-1
1.5 SIGNATURE AND AGENCY CONCURRENCE ON THE REMEDY 1-2
2.0 DECISION SUMMARY 2-1
2.1 SITE NAME AND LOCATION 2-1
2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION/HISTORY AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
ACTIVITIES 2-1
2.2.1 Description/History 2-1
2.2.2 Regulatory Oversight Activities 2-2
2.3 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ! 2-3
2.4 SCOPE AND ROLE OF RESPONSE ACTION 2-4
2.5 SITE CHARACTERISTICS 2-5
2.5.1 Soils 2-5
2.5.2 Sediments 2-5
2.5.3 Surface Water 2-5
2.6 SITE RISK SUMMARY 2-6
2.7 STATUTORY DETERMINATIONS 2-8
2.8 DOCUMENTATION OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES : 2-8
3.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 3-1
APPENDICES
Appendix A Figures
Appendix B Responsiveness Summary
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Area Location Map
Figure 2-2 Site Map
Figure 2-3 Operable Unit 9
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
1.0 DECLARATION FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION (ROD)
1.1 SITE NAME AND LOCATION
• Operable Unit 9 (OU-9), Old Auto Hobby Shop, Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB),
National Priorities List Site.
• Meade and Pennington Counties, South Dakota
1.2 STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE
This decision document describes EAFB's selected remedial action for OU-9, in accordance with
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
(CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
(SARA), and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP).
This decision is based on the contents of the Administrative Record for OU-9, EAFB. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Dakota Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (SDDENR) concur with the selected remedial action.
1.3 DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED REMEDY
The selected alternative for OU-9 is No Action. Media affected solely by petroleum hydrocarbon
contamination will be addressed through State of South Dakota programs for Underground
Storage Tank removal and/or petroleum contaminated soils. Ground-water cleanup and the fish-
ingestion exposure pathway will be addressed as part of the Basewide ground-water operable
unit, OU-11.
1.4 DECLARATION STATEMENT
Based on the findings of the risk assessment, unacceptable risk to human health and the
environment does not exist and remediation is not warranted for OU-9. Presently, a corrective
action plan (under the State petroleum release program) is underway to address fuel components
in the ground water in the southern portion of OU-9. Remediation of other areas where soil
and/or ground water is contaminated by petroleum will be performed in compliance with State of
South Dakota regulations.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
1.5 SIGNATURE AND AGENCY CONCURRENCE ON THE REMEDY
BRETT M. DULA Date
Lieutenant General, USAF
Vice Commander
JACK W. MCGRAW Date
Acting Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
NETTIE H. MYERS, Secretary Date
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
State of South Dakota
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
1.5 SIGNATURE AND AGENCY CONCURRENCE ON THE REMEDY
BRETT M. DULA
Lieutenant General, USAF
Vice Commander
Date
JA£K W. MCGRAW
Acting Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Date
NETTIE H. MYERS, Secretary
Department of Environment-ana Natural Resources
State of South Dakota
Date
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
2.0 DECISION SUMMARY
2.1 SITE NAME AND LOCATION
Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB) is a US Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) installation
located 12 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota, and adjacent to the small community of Box
Elder (Figure 2-1).
EAFB covers approximately 4,858 acres within Meade and Pennington counties and includes
runways and airfield operations, industrial areas, and housing and recreational facilities (Figure 2-
2). Open land, containing a few private residences, lies adjacent to EAFB on the north, south,
and west, while residential and commercial areas lie to the east of the Base.
2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION/HISTORY AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
2.2.1 Description/History
Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB) was officially activated in July 1942 as the Rapid City Army
Air Base, a training facility for B-17 bomber crews. It became a permanent facility in 1948 with
the 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing as its host unit. Historically, EAFB has been the
headquarters of operations for a variety of aircraft, as well as the Titan I Intercontinental Ballistic
Missile, and the Minuteman I and Minuteman II missile systems. The Air Force has used EAFB
for support, training, maintenance, and/or testing facilities. Presently, the 28th Bombardment
Wing (B-1B bombers) is the host unit of EAFB.
The OU-9 study area consists of the Old Auto Hobby Shop and the surrounding area. OU-9,
approximately 90 acres in size, is located in the south-central section of the Base, southwest of
Heritage Lake (Figure 2-2). A number of different contaminant sources are present within and
upgradient of the OU-9 study area which have the potential to impact environmental media at the
operable unit. OU-9 consists of roughly equal portions of industrialized and undeveloped areas.
Gateway Lake is also included as part of OU-9 and is located in the extreme southeast corner of
the OU. Ground-water cleanup and the fish-ingestion exposure pathway will be addressed as part
of the Basewide ground-water operable unit, OU-11.
The types of potential contaminant source areas at OU-9 include: Building Operations,
underground storage tanks (USTs), the former Quartermaster Gasoline Dispensing Area, the
former fuel transfer line, industrial waste lines, jet engine test facilities, and upgradient source
areas. There is no known documentation of major spills or releases at OU-9. Small volumes of
fuels, oils, and solvents may have been released to the environment over time through incidental
spills, leaks, and/or poor waste handling and disposal practices. Figure 2-3 indicates the locations
of these potential contaminant source areas.
A shallow aquifer has been identified at depths of 10 feet to 50 feet beneath the ground surface.
This ground water is classified as having a beneficial use as a drinking water supply suitable for
human consumption (ARSD Chapter 74:03:15, Groundwater Quality Standards).
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
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Deeper bedrock aquifers also exist beneath EAFB. These deeper aquifers are separated from the
shallow aquifer by 800 feet of low-permeability clays and silts. In the past, EAFB utilized these
deeper aquifers for jts water supply. Presently, EAFB obtains its potable water from the Rapid
City Municipal Distribution System.
2.2.2 Regulatory Oversight Activities
Environmental investigation activities at EAFB were initiated by the Air Force in 1985 through an
Installation Restoration Program (IRP) Phase I Installation Assessment/Records Search and Phase
II, Confirmation/Quantification. The Phase I study, dated September 1985, identified a total of 17
locations at EAFB where releases involving hazardous substances potentially occurred.
In Phase II of the IRP investigation, field activities included soil vapor surveys, geophysical
surveys, surface and subsurface soil sampling, ground-water sampling, ground-water hydrologic
testing, and ecological investigations.
On August 30, 1990 (55 Federal Register 35509), EAFB was listed on the U.S. EPA's National
Priorities List (NPL). A Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA) was signed in January 1992 by the
Air Force, EPA, and the State of South Dakota (State) and went into effect on April 1, 1992. The
FFA establishes a procedural framework and schedule for developing, implementing, and
monitoring appropriate response actions for EAFB in accordance with the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by
the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), and the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). It also states the oversight procedures
for EPA and the State to ensure Air Force compliance with the specific requirements. The FFA
identified 11 site-specific operable units (OUs) and a Basewide ground-water OU. The Basewide
ground-water OU is primarily used to address contaminated ground water that was not addressed
during the investigation of a site-specific OU.
Listing on the NPL and execution of the FFA required the U.S. Air Force to perform a remedial
investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) to investigate the 12 OUs. In 1993 and 1994, an extensive
RI field program was conducted to characterize conditions at OU-9. The program included
drilling and sampling of boreholes, installation of ground-water monitoring wells, ground-water
sampling, geotechnical analysis of soil samples, ecological evaluation, assessment of human health
risks, and review and compilation of previous IRP investigations. Collection and laboratory
analysis of soil, ground-water, surface-water, and sediment samples were included in the RI field
program.
2.3 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Community relations activities that have taken place at EAFB to date include:
• FFA process. After preparation of the FFA by the USAF, EPA, and SDDENR, the
document was published for comment. The FFA became effective April 1, 1992.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
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• Administrative Record. An Administrative Record for information was established in
Building 8203 at EAFB. The Administrative Record contains information used to
support USAF decision-making. All the documents in the Administrative Record are
available to the public.
• Information repositories. An Administrative Record outline is located at the Rapid
City Library (public repository).
• Community Relations Plan (CRP). The CRP was prepared and has been accepted by
EPA and the State of South Dakota and is currently being carried out. An update to this
plan will be prepared in 1996.
• Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). The RAB has been formed to facilitate public
input in the cleanup and meets quarterly. In addition to USAF, EPA, and South Dakota
oversight personnel, the RAB includes community leaders and local representatives from
the surrounding area,
• Mailing list. A mailing list of all interested parties in the community is maintained by
EAFB and updated regularly.
• Fact sheet. A fact sheet describing the status of the IRP at EAFB was distributed to the
mailing list addressees in 1992.
• Open house. An informational meeting on the status of the IRP and other
environmental efforts at EAFB was held on May 6, 1993. An open house was held on
November 16, 1995 in conjunction with the Restoration Advisory Board meeting.
Information on the status of the environmental efforts at EAFB was provided.
• Newspaper articles. Articles have been written for the Base newspaper regarding IRP
activity.
• Proposed Plan. The proposed plan on this action was distributed to the mailing list
addressees for their comments.
A public comment period was held from December 28, 1995 to January 27, 1996, and a public
meeting was held on January 11, 1996. At this meeting, representatives from EAFB answered
questions about the remedial action. A response to the comments received during this period is
included in the Responsiveness Summary, which is part of this Record of Decision (ROD).
This ROD is based on the contents of the Administrative Record for OU-9, in accordance with
CERCLA, as amended by SARA, and the NCP. The RI/FS reports and the Proposed Plan for
OU-9 provide information about OU-9 and the selected remedy. These documents are available
at the Information Repositories at EAFB and the Rapid City Public Library.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
2.4 SCOPE AND ROLE OF RESPONSE ACTION
The FFA identified -11 site-specific operable units (OUs) as well as a Basewide ground-water
operable unit. The 12 operable units are identified as follows:
OU-1 Fire Protection Training Area
OU-2 Landfill Nos. 1 and 6
OU-3 Landfill No. 2
OU-4 Landfill No. 3
OU-5 Landfill No. 4
OU-6 Landfill No. 5
OU-7 Weapons Storage Area
OU-8 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Area (Pramitol Spill)
OU-9 Old Auto Hobby Shop Area
OU-10 North Hangar Complex
OU-11 Basewide Ground Water
OU-12 Hardfill No. 1
This ROD is to document the selected remedy for the preferred remedial action (RA) at OU-9.
The ground-water and the fish-ingestion pathway at OU-9 will be addressed under OU-11, the
Basewide ground-water OU. Ground-water contamination originates upgradient and extends
beyond the boundaries of OU-9 and would be more efficiently addressed concurrently with other
areas of the Base as part of OU-11.
The "No Action" alternative is being proposed for the remaining media of concern: surface water,
soil, and sediment. No action is warranted when a site poses no unacceptable current or future
threat to people or the environment, when CERCLA does not provide cleanup authority, or when
a previous cleanup activity eliminates the need for future cleanup. Unacceptable risk to human
health or the environment from the contaminants related to OU-9 does not exist. Cleanup of
petroleum-type chemicals will be addressed under State of South Dakota petroleum release
regulations. Based on the above conclusions, no action is warranted for soil, surface water, and
sediment cleanup at OU-9.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
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2.5 SITE CHARACTERISTICS
This section describes the presence and distribution of contaminants in environmental media
retained as part of OU-9.
2.5.1 Soils
Organic Compounds
Organic compounds reported in soil samples from OU-9 include volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and jet fuel. The predominant VOCs were
BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) components associated with fuels. The
concentrations of VOCs were low, with the maximum concentration being 1.4 parts per million
(ppm). The predominant SVOCs detected in OU-9 soil samples were polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Jet fuel was reported in soils throughout OU-9. The highest
concentrations of fuels were reported in samples collected near the former Jet Engine Test
Facility, the Old Auto Hobby Shop, and from the northern boundary area of OU-9. Jet fuel was
reported at a maximum concentration of 1,500 ppm.
Inorganic Contaminants
Several inorganics were reported in soil samples from OU-9. These reported inorganic
compounds are considered to be naturally occurring.
2.5.2 Sediments
The primary chemicals detected in sediment at OU-9 were PAHs, detected at a maximum
concentration of 3 ppm. Several naturally occurring inorganic compounds were also detected in
sediments.
2.5.3 Surface Water
Seven surface-water samples were taken from drainage areas and Gateway Lake. The primary
chemicals detected were several inorganic compounds such as arsenic, lead, iron, and manganese.
These compounds were above the Federal ambient water quality criteria and State Surface Water
Quality Standards but considered to be naturally occuring at the detected concentrations. These
compounds were evaluated in the the risk assessment.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
2.6 SITE RISK SUMMARY
Human Health Risks
The assessment of human health risks for this OU considered the following topics:
(1) Chemicals of concern (COCs) in ground-water and soil samples taken at OU-9;
(2) Current and future land-use conditions;
(3) Potential environmental pathways by which populations might be exposed;
(4) Estimated exposure point concentrations of COCs;
(5) Estimated intake levels of the COCs;
(6) Toxicity of the COCs; and
(7) Uncertainties in the assessments of exposure, toxicity, and general risks.
Noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were calculated for the following six potential exposure
groups:
(1) Current Base personnel engaged in mowing open grassy areas who are exposed to
surface soil;
(2) Construction workers currently engaged in repairing damaged underground watermains
who are exposed to total soils (surface and subsurface);
(3) Recreational fishermen who currently fish at Gateway Lake and are consequently
exposed to surface water, sediment, and the bioconcentrated chemicals in the fish they
consume;
(4) Future adults living onsite who play/walk on surface soil, fish at Gateway Lake, and
ingest/shower with shallow ground water;
(5) Future adolescents living onsite who are exposed to surface water and sediment through
wading activities;
. (6) Future adult construction workers who excavate basements for onsite residences and are
consequently exposed to total soils.
A quantitative risk assessment was performed to determine the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic
risks from exposure to contaminants in surface water, soil, sediment, and air. The risk assessment
evaluated potential effects on human health posed by exposure to contaminants in these media at
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
OU-9. Carcinogenic risks were evaluated by estimating the additional chance of developing
cancer resulting from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. According to EPA Risk Assessment
Guidance for Superfund (EPA/540/1-89/002, December, 1989), the acceptable risk range,
expressed as a probability, is approximately one additional chance in one million to one additional
chance in ten thousand of developing cancer. This level of risk is also denoted by 1 x 10"6 to 1 x
10 "4. Risks within the acceptable risk range may or may not warrant remedial action depending
upon site-specific circumstances. Risks below this range cannot be differentiated from the
background occurrence of cancer in human populations. Noncarcinogenic health risks are
evaluated using a hazard index. If the hazard index is less than or equal to one, the contaminant
concentration is considered an acceptable level and generally assumes that the human population
may be exposed to it during a 30-year period without adverse health effects. Risks calculated in a
risk assessment are potential risks and are excess (i.e., over background) risks due to exposure
from contaminants at the OU.
The risk assessment for OU-9 indicated that the risk for the future industrial land-use scenario,
which is similar to the current land-use, is within the acceptable risk range. For noncarcinogenic
risk, the HI was 0.4, which is acceptable. For carcinogenic risk, the calculated risk value was 5 X
10'8, which indicates that there is no unacceptable risk due to carcinogenic compounds. Using
reasonable maximum exposure (RME) values, the risk for the residential land use scenario is
within the acceptable risk range. The risk for this scenario using average exposure values is also
well within the acceptable risk range. The future industrial land-use and residential land-use risks
do not warrant remediation, particularly given the most likely future land use will be industrial,
and the soils are being remediated under State of South Dakota petroleum release regulations.
Potential risks posed by exposure to shallow ground water and ingestion offish in Gateway Lake
are being addressed as part of OU-11 and are not being addressed as part of OU-9. Because of
these conclusions, remediation is not warranted for surface water, sediment, and soil at OU-9.
Ecological Risks
The ecological risk evaluation of OU-9 was based on a combination of data and literature reviews,
field and laboratory analyses, analyte evaluation and screening, and preliminary risk screening.
Results of the evaluation indicate that most of OU-9, other than Gateway Lake, does not present
significant ecological value due to its highly disturbed environment (OU-9 consists primarily of
buildings, roads, and paved areas). There is a small area of grassland and wetland habitat
(including Gateway Lake) near the eastern boundary of OU-9. A variety of species was identified
that could use OU-9 habitats, from snails and frogs inhabiting the wetland areas to birds and
mammals. These species, along with terrestrial vegetation and soil faunal communities, do not
reveal characteristics that indicate chemical-related impacts.
Because of the altered natural environment at OU-9, rare, threatened, or endangered species are
unlikely to utilize the area for more than brief, periodic habitat. Due to the low levels of
contaminant concentrations in the surface soils, the contaminants do not pose an unacceptable risk
to these species. In addition, the limited contact these species would have with the OU-9 area
indictes unacceptable risk to a single individual will not occur.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
2.7 STATUTORY DETERMINATIONS
Based on the findings of the risk assessment, indicating unacceptable risk to human health and the
environment does not exist, and remediation is not warranted for OU-9. Remediation of
contaminated ground-water and the fish-ingestion exposure pathways will be addressed as part of
OU-11. Remediation of soils and/or ground water contaminated by petroleum will be performed
under the State of South Dakota regulations.
2.8 DOCUMENTATION OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The selected action is the same as the preferred alternative presented in the Proposed Plan for
OU-9 remedial action. There have been no significant changes relative to the Proposed Plan.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
3.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ACC: Air Combat Command
BTEX: Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
COCs: Chemicals of Concern
CRP: Community Relations Plan
EAFB: Ellsworth Air Force Base
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
FFA: Federal Facilities Agreement
FS: Feasibility Study
IRP: Installation Restoration Program
NCP: National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan
NPL: National Priorities List
OU: Operable Unit
PAHs: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
ppm: Parts Per Million
RA: Remedial Action
RAB: Restoration Advisory Board
RI: Remedial Investigation
RI/FS: Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study
ROD: Record of Decision
SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
SDDENR: South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
SVOC: Semivolatile Organic Compound
USAF: United States Air Force '
UST: Underground Storage Tank
VOC: Volatile Organic Compound
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
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APPENDIX A
FIGURES
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o
3
o —
cc1"
a
N
UMNESGTA
NORTH DAKOTA
— -
SOUTH DAKOTA
ELLSWORTH AFB
Rapid aty
Seal* In MIlM
APPROXIMATE
ELLSWORTH
AIR FORCE BASE
ELLSWORTH AFB
RAPD OTY. SOUTH DAKOTA
AREA LOCATION MAP
ROJECT UCR
DESIGNED BY
DRAWN BY
MRG
CHECKED BY
SCALE
AS SHOWN
DATE
NOV 95
PROJECT NO
60378.85
FIGURE:
2-1
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f **t t * F*
LEGEND
OPERABLE UNITS
OU-1 FIRE PROTECTION TRAINING AREA
OU-2 LANDFILLS 1 4 6
OU-3 LANDFILL 2
OU-4 LANDFILL 3
OU-5 LANDFILL 4
OU-6 LANDFILL 5
OU-7 LOW LEVEL RADIATION WASTE BURIAL AREA
OU-8 EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL AREA & PRAMITOL SPILL
OU-8 OLD AUTO HOBBY SHOP AREA
OU-10 NORTH HANGAR COMPLEX
OU-11 BASEWIDE GROUND WATER
OU-12 HARDF1LL NO. 1 '
/JTXSZfr
:^H*t ^ EUL.SWORTH
M&Si—c'HJI AIR FORCE BASE
ELLSWORTH AFB
RAPID On. SOUIX DAKOIA
OU-9 LOCATION MAP
I?
a: <
CO
ROJECT UGR
DESIGNED BY
DRAWN BY
STAFF
CHECKED BY
SCALI
AS SHOWN
DATE
NOV 95
PROJECT NO
60378.85
FIGURE:
2-2
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
APPENDIX B
RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
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Responsiveness Summary
^Remedial Action at Operable Unit Nine
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
1. Overview
The United States Air Force (USAF) established a public comment period from
December 28, 1995 to January 27, 1996 for interested parties to review and comment on remedial
alternatives considered and described in the Proposed Plan for Operable Unit 9 (OU-9). The
Proposed Plan was prepared by the USAF in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(SDDENR).
The USAF also held a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. on January 11, 1996 in the 28th Bomb Wing
Auditorium at Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB) to outline the proposed remedy to reduce risk
and control potential hazards at the Operable Unit (OU).
The Responsiveness Summary provides a summary of comments and questions received from the
community at the public meeting and during the public comment period as well as the USAF's
responses to public comments.
The Responsiveness Summary is organized into the following sections:
• Background on Community Involvement.
• Summary of Comments and Questions Received During the Public Comment Period and
USAF Responses.
• Remaining Concerns.
The selected alternative for OU-9 is No Action. Media affected solely by petroleum hydrocarbon
contamination will be addressed through State of South Dakota programs for Underground
Storage Tank removal and/or petroleum contaminated soils. Ground-water cleanup and the fish-
ingestion exposure pathway will be addressed as part of the Basewide ground-water operable
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
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unit, OU-11.
2. Background on Community Involvement
On August 30, 1990 EAFB was listed on the USEPA's National Priorities List (NPL). A Federal
Facilities Agreement (FFA) was signed in January 1992 by the Air Force, EPA, and the State and
went into effect on April 1, 1992. The FFA establishes a procedural framework and schedule for
developing, implementing, and monitoring appropriate response actions for EAFB.
Community relations activities that have taken place at EAFB to date include:
• FFA process. After preparation of the FFA by the USAF, EPA, and SDDENR, the
document was published for comment. The FFA became effective April 1, 1992.
• Administrative Record. An Administrative Record for information was established in
Building 8203 at EAFB. The Administrative Record contains information used to
support USAF decision-making. All the documents in the Administrative Record are
available to the public.
• Information repositories. An Administrative Record outline is located at the Rapid
City Library (public repository).
• Community Relations Plan (CRP). The CRP was prepared and has been accepted by
EPA and the State of South Dakota and is currently being carried out. An update to this
plan will be prepared in 1996.
• Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). The RAB has been formed to facilitate public
input in the cleanup and meets quarterly. In addition to USAF, EPA, and South Dakota
oversight personnel, the RAB includes community leaders and local representatives from
the surrounding area.
• Mailing list. A mailing list of all interested parties in the community is maintained by
EAFB and updated regularly.
• Fact sheet. A fact sheet describing the status of the IRP at EAFB was distributed to
the mailing list addressees in 1992.
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Final Record of Decision Operable Unit 9
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
• Open house. An-informational meeting on the status of the IRP and other
environmental efforts at EAFB was held on May 6, 1993. An open house was held
November 16, 1995 in conjunction with the Restoration Advisory Board meeting.
Information on the status of environmental efforts at EAFB was provided.
Newspaper articles. Articles have been written for the Base newspaper regarding IRP
activity.
Proposal Plan. The Proposed Plan for this remedial action was distributed to the mailing
list addressees for their comments and additional copies of the Proposed Plan were
available at the January 11, 1996 public meeting. A transcript of comments, questions
and responses provided during the public meeting was prepared.
3. Summary of Comments and Questions Received During the Public Comment Period
and USAF Responses
Part I - Summary and Response to Local Community Concerns
Review of the written transcript of the public meeting did not indicate community objections to
the proposed remedial action. No written comments were received during the public comment
period.
Part n - Comprehensive Response to Specific Technical, Legal and Miscellaneous
Questions
There were no comments or questions regarding OU-9 presented during the public meeting.
F:\PROJ\6037885\FS\ROD.09\FINAL\9EPAFNLWPD B-3 April 1996
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