vvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Solid Waste And Emergency Response (5201 G) EPA/540/R-95/072 PB95-962904 9200.5-750C May 1995 SUPERFUND: Progress at National Priority List Sites American Samoa, Guam, Saipan, & The Trust Territory of the Pacific THE UNITED STATES TERRITORIES 1995 UPDATE Printed on Recycled Paper ------- How to Use the NPL Book The site fact sheets presented in this book are comprehensive summaries that cover a broad range of information. The fact sheets describe hazardous waste sites on the NPL and their locations, as well as the conditions leading to their listing ("Site Description"). The summaries list the types of contaminants that have been discovered and related threats to public and ecological health ("Threats and Contaminants"). "Cleanup Approach" pres- ents an overview of the cleanup activities completed, underway, or planned. The fact sheets conclude with a brief synopsis of how much progress has been made in protecting public health and the environment. The summaries also pinpoint other actions, such as legal efforts to involve polluters responsible for site contamination and community con- cerns. The fact sheets are arranged in alphabetical order by site name. Because site cleanup is a dynamic and gradual process, all site informa- tion is accurate as of the date shown on the bottom of each page. Progress is always being made at NPL sites, and the EPA periodically will update the site fact sheets to reflect recent actions. The following two pages show a generic fact sheet and briefly describe the information under each section. How Can You Use This State Book? You can use this book to keep informed about the sites that concern you, particu- larly ones close to home. The EPA is commit- ted to involving the public in the decision making process associated with hazardous waste cleanup. The Agency solicits input from area residents in communities affected by Superfund 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 different 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 the EPA intends to clean up the site. You must under- stand the cleanup alternatives being proposed for site cleanup and how residents may be affected by each one. You also need to have some idea of how your community intends to use the site in the future, and you need to know what the community can realistically expect once the cleanup is complete. The EPA wants to develop cleanup methods that meet community needs, but the Agency only can 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 involved, and assure that hazardous waste cleanup at "your" site considers your community's concerns. ------- NPL LISTING HISTORY Provides the dates when the site was Proposed, made Final, and Deleted from the NPL. SITE RESPONSIBILITY Identifies the Federal, State, and/or potentially responsible parties taking responsibility for cleanup actions at the site. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS Summarizes the actions to reduce the threats to nearby residents and the surrounding environment and the progress towards cleaning up the site. SITE NAME STATE EPAID# ABCOOOOOOO Site Description EPA REGION XX COUNTY NAME LOCATION Other Names: : xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx : XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX \ : xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx x xxx : xxxxxxx xxx xxxx^fc^ycxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxxx : xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx^Siimx xxx xx xxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX36(Wi(XXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXx5to«fcJ£XX XXXXXX XX XXXX XXX XXXXX XXX XXXXX XXX XXXXX Site Responsibility: xxxxxx xxx xxxxx : xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx NPL Listing History Proposod. XX/XX/XX Final: XX/XX/XX Threats and Contaminants xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX xxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX X XXX XX xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx Cleanup Approach xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX XXXXXXXX Response Action Status xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX : XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX : xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx : XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX X XXX XX XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXX xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxx ; Site Facts: xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX xxx xxxxxx Environmental Progress xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX XXXXXXXXXX xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx Site Repository xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx \ SITE REPOSITORY Lists the location of the primary site repository. The site repository may include community relations plans, public meeting announcements and minutes, fact sheets, press releases, and other site-related documents. ------- SITE DESCRIPTION This section describes the location and history of the site. It includes descrip- tions of the most recent activities and past actions at the site that have con- tributed to the contamination. Population estimates, land usages, and nearby resources give readers background on the local setting surrounding the site. THREATS AND CONTAMINANTS The major chemical categories of site contamination are noted, as well as which environmental resources 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 environ- ments arising from the site contamination also are described. 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 often are 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 descrip- tion. 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 the EPA to achieve site cleanup or other facts pertaining to community involvement with the site cleanup process are reported here. ------- Guide to the NPL Book Icons The "icons," or symbols, accompanying the text allow the reader to see at a glance which envi- ronmental resources are affected and the status of cleanup activities at the site: Icons in the Threats and Contaminants Section Icons in the Response Action Status Section Contaminated Groundwater re- sources in the vicinity or underlying the site. (Groundwater is often used as a drinking water source.) Contaminated Surface Water and Sediments on or near the site. (These include lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers.) Contaminated Air in the vicinity of the site. (Air pollution usually is periodic and involves contaminated dust particles or hazardous gas emissions.) Contaminated Soil and Sludges on or near the site. (This contamination category may include bulk or other surface hazardous wastes found on the site.) Threatened or contaminated Envi- ronmentally Sensitive Areas in the vicinity of the site. (Examples include wetlands and coastal areas or critical habitats.) Initial, Immediate, or Emergency Actions have been taken or are underway to eliminate immediate threats at the site. Site Studies at the site to determine the nature and extent of contamina- tion are planned or underway. Remedy Selected indicates that site investigations have been concluded, and the EPA has selected a final cleanup remedy for the site or part of the site. Remedy Design means that engi- neers are preparing 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, currently are underway. Cleanup Complete shows that all cleanup goals have been achieved for the contaminated site or part of the site. ------- EPA ID Number ASD980637656 CMD980798318 GU6571999519 GUD980637649 TTD980637987 Site Name TAPUTIMU FARM PCB WAREHOUSE ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE ORDOT LANDFILL PCB WASTES ------- TAPUTIMU FA AMERICAN SAMO EPA ID# ASD980637656 EPA REGION 9 Island of Tutuila Taputimu Site Description The Taputimu Farm is owned by the Government of American Samoa and was the Territory's primary repository of unused and outdated agricultural chemicals and pesticides. The farm consists of a three-room farm warehouse and a trailer. The pesticide materials were stored on a concrete or steel floor of the storage areas and trailer. Ten drums and leaking and deteriorating containers were found improperly stored within the facility buildings. The facility is located approximately 1/4 mile from a public beach. Approximately 3,000 people depend on groundwater within a 3-mile radius of the site for domestic purposes. Site Responsibility: This site was addressed through Federal actions. NPL LISTING HISTORY Proposed Date: 10/23/81 Final Date: 09/08/83 Deleted Date: 03/07/86 Threats and Contaminants The interior floor areas of the warehouse and trailer were contaminated with pesticides. Soil sampling for primary pollutants and visual examination of the site confirmed that contamination was confined to the interior floor areas of the warehouse and trailer. Direct contact with contaminants while in the warehouse or trailer was a threat to human health. April 1995 ------- Cleanup Approach Response Action Status Entire Site: Based on the results of the site investigation in 1984, the EPA performed the following activities: sealed the warehouse opening to restrict access to the site by trespassers; repacked the pesticides and shipped them to Long Beach, California for disposal at a Federally-approved disposal facility; washed down all the exposed surfaces of the storage areas with bleach to ensure deactivation of residual materials not picked up by sweeping and vacuuming; applied two layers of epoxy paint to the interior walls and poured concrete over the existing floor; and banned all food storage in the building and placed warning signs on the building prohibiting food storage as an additional precautionary measure. The EPA, with the agreement of the Government of American Samoa, deleted the site from the NPL after determining that all the appropriate responses had been completed and no further cleanup was necessary. Environmental Progress The cleanup activities at the Taputimu Farm site have been completed. The EPA deleted this site from the NPL in 1986. April 1 995 TAPUTIMU FARM ------- PCB WAREHOUJ THE COMMONWEAL THE NORTHERN MA\ ISLANDS EPA ID# CMD980798318 EPA REGION 9 Saipan Island Site Description The PCB Warehouse site was a shelter in Saipan, a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, where drums of liquid tainted by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from transformers were stored. The site contained 21 drums of oil contaminated with PCBs and three crates of sodium arsemte. The drums in the shelter were intact and the EPA found no evidence of spills or leaks on the site. The transformers from which the oil was drained were located at the Saipan Headquarters Building and at the Yard of the Department of Public Works. The EPA found no indication of spills or leaks near the transformers. The site was located approximately 1,000 feet upstream from the nearest freshwater intake. Site Responsibility: This site was addressed through Federal actions. NPL LISTING HISTORY Proposed Date: 10/23/81 Final Date: 09/08/83 Deleted Date: 03/07/86 Threats and Contaminants Three crates in the shelter contained sodium arsemte. Twenty-one drums of oil in the shelter contained PCBs from transformer liquid. The EPA was concerned that oils containing PCBs could be released in the event of a severe tropical storm, thereby threatening the health of people who ingest or come into direct contact with the contaminants. April 1995 ------- Cleanup Approach Response Action Status Immediate Action: The EPA was concerned that a tropical storm could cause PCBs to leak into the Philippine Sea from the drums and crates in the shelter. In 1984, the EPA repacked the drums and crates and shipped them to the United States to a Federally-approved disposal facility. The EPA tested the site after removing the wastes and found that neither PCBs nor sodium arsenate contaminated the site and its surroundings during or before the cleanup action. The EPA finished cleaning up the site in 1984 and, with the concurrence of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, determined that no further cleanup actions were needed. Environmental Progress The removal of the drums and crates has eliminated the potential for exposure to contaminants at the PCB Warehouse site. The site now is safe for nearby residents and the environment. The PCB Warehouse site has been deleted from the NPL. April 1995 PCB WAREHOUSE ------- ANDERSEN AIR BASE GUAM EPA ID# GU6571999519 Site Description PA REGION 9 Yigo Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) is a 20,000-acre site located in the city of Yigo on the northern end of the island of Guam. Operational since 1940, AAFB's main purpose has been to provide support for Strategic Air Command operations. Hazardous substances associated with AAFB operations include: solvents such as trichloroethane (TCE) and paint thinners; dry cleaning fluids and laundry products; fuels such as JP-4 and gasoline; pesticides; antifreeze; aircraft cleaning compounds; and poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These substances are found in unlined landfills, drum storage and disposal areas, chemical storage areas, fire training areas, waste storage areas, the laundry facility, and industrial and flight line operations. AAFB is located in a karst limestone terrain. The Northern Guam Lens is a Sole Source Aquifer underlying the site. This aquifer supplies drinking water to at least 50 percent of the area residents; approximately 40,200 people draw drinking water from wells located within a 4-mile radius of the site. Groundwater sampling by the Air Force indicates the presence of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Not all contaminants can be directly linked to AAFB operations, and background levels have not been determined for metals. An estimated 34,000 people live within a 4-mile radius of the site; 3,400 military personnel, 600 civilians, and 4,000 dependents live, work, or attend school on AAFB. Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through Federal actions. NPL LISTING HISTORY: Proposed Date: 02/07/92 Final Date: 10/14/92 Threats and Contaminants Some of the areas where hazardous wastes are stored are inadequately contained and located near sinkholes; therefore, they constitute a threat to groundwater. Groundwater sampling indicates the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and chromium, and VOCs including TCE, toluene, and tetrachloroethane. Surface areas, including unlined landfills and chemical storage areas, are contaminated with VOCs, PCBs, fuels, and pesticides. People could be at risk by ingesting or coming into direct contact with contaminated groundwater. There are 23 endangered species living near or on the base, which currently is being considered for designation as a wildlife and marine preserve. April 1995 ------- Cleanup Approach This site is being addressed in seven stages: initial actions and six long-term remedial phases focusing on the cleanup of different portions of the site. Response Action Status Initial Actions: Closure of the main base landfill in accordance with the requirements of the Resource Recovery and Restoration Act (RCRA) was completed in 1994. Landfill closure included the construction of a cover over the landfill. Entire Site: An investigation of the source of base contamination began in early 1993 and is expected to be completed in 2001. Basewide Groundwater: This investigation is scheduled to begin in 1996, and will determine the nature and extent of ground water contamination throughout the base. Two Landfills and Three Waste Piles: The nature and extent of contamination posed by the waste piles are scheduled to be investigated during 1996. The landfills are expected to be investigated in 1998. Fire Land Disposal and Laundry Complex: The investigation of the contaminants at these site areas began in 1994. Based on the results of this investigation, appropriate cleanup remedies will be selected. Four Storage and Ten Land Disposal Areas: The investigation of these areas is scheduled to begin in 1995. Two Storage and Eleven Land Disposal Areas: The investigation of the nature and extent of contamination at these areas is scheduled to begin in 1995. Site Facts: AAFB is participating in the Installation Restoration Program, a specially funded program established by the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify, investigate, and control the migration of hazardous contaminants at military and other DOD facilities. Environmental Progress Immediate threats to the health and safety of the nearby population and environment have been reduced by the construction of the landfill cover. Further investigations will assess the nature of contamination and the effectiveness of the initial actions at the Andersen Air Force Base site. April 1995 2 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE ------- Site Repository RFK Memorial Library, Mangilao Nieres M. Flores Library, Agana ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE April 1995 ------- ORDOT LANDF GUAM EPA ID# GUD980637649 EPA REGION 9 Guam [ear the Villages of ot and Chalan Pago Site Description The 47-acre Ordot Landfill site has been in operation since World War II. The site served as the island's primary landfill for industrial and municipal waste, including spent industrial and commercial chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated oils from transformers, and munitions. Analysis of groundwater, surface water, leachate, soil, and air detected several contaminants at levels that should not affect human health. The nearest residences are 1,500 feet from the site. The nearest groundwater well is located 1,000 feet northwest and uphill from the site. The residents of Guam rely primarily on a sole-source aquifer located north of the site for their drinking water. Groundwater samples indicate the landfill currently is not affecting the quality of the municipal wells. The landfill is in a volcanic upland region, where site runoff flows directly into the adjacent Lonfit River, which empties into Pago Bay. Site Responsibility: This site was addressed through Federal and Territorial actions. NPL LISTING HISTORY Proposed Date: 10/23/81 Final Date: 09/08/83 Threats and Contaminants Groundwater, surface water, and leachate contained heavy metals such as iron, manganese, and nickel. Soil was contaminated with phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Leachate seeped from a number of locations around the site into the Lonfit River. Samples from both the river and the bay indicated that leachate from the site had not caused a measurable change in the water quality. There are no drinking water wells downgradient from the site; therefore, contact with contaminated groundwater or surface water was unlikely. April 1995 ------- Cleanup Approach Response Action Status Entire Site: In 1988, the EPA selected a "no further action" remedy for the Ordot Landfill site. Through site studies, the EPA concluded that current threats to human health and the environment are a result of poor landfill operation practices. Therefore, any threats are best controlled by appropriate operation and maintenance practices enforceable under the Clean Water Act. Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in 1992. These wells will be monitored by the Guam EPA to ensure that contamination levels remain within established levels. No further Superfund actions are planned, unless new information warrants a response action. Site Facts: In 1986, the EPA found Ordot Landfill in violation of the Clean Water Act for discharging landfill leachate to the Lonfit River without a permit. Environmental Progress The investigation into the nature and extent of contamination has demonstrated that no further Superfund actions are necessary at the Ordot Landfill site. The EPA has decided to pursue enforcement of appropriate landfill operation and management practices under the Clean Water Act. Site Repository Contact the Region 9 Superfund Community Relations Office. April 1995 ORDOT LANDFILL ------- PCB WASTES/ THE TRUST TER THE PACIFIC ISL EPA ID# TTD98063798 EPA REGION 9 Territory of the Pacific Islands vsites scattered throughout the Trust Territories Site Description The PCB Wastes site is composed of eight separate locations scattered throughout the United States-administered Trust Territory and several independent islands of the Pacific. These subsites are located on the islands of Koror in the Republic of Palau, Moen in Truk State, Yap, Kosrae, with two each on Ponape and Majuro. In 1982, an investigation revealed polychlormated biphenyls (PCBs) in drums and transformers and some pesticides and chemicals improperly stored at the subsites. A previous oil spill was apparent at one area formerly used to store transformers. Some subsites stored intact transformer oil containers in unsecured areas open to the general public. These areas represented a threat to public health and the environment because of their proximity to human populations, groundwater supplies, and marine resources. The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands are populated with approximately 116,000 people. Site Responsibility: The site was addressed through Federal actions. NPL LISTING HISTORY Proposed Date: 10/23/81 Final Date: 09/08/83 Deleted Date: 03/07/86 Threats and Contaminants Soil was contaminated with PCBs, pesticides, and other chemicals. People who came into direct contact with contaminated soil were at risk. April 1995 ------- Cleanup Approach Response Action Status Entire Site: In 1984, the subsites were cleaned up in conjunction with a larger integrated action at 31 areas throughout the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. PCB fluids were blended and burned on the islands. Other PCB and hazardous wastes were transported to an approved disposal facility in the United States. During the removal action, soils and waste oils were sampled in the field using a portable testing kit that allowed for the segregation of wastes for transport. Only one subsite had contaminated soils. Testing was conducted before and after removal of contaminated soils to determine whether PCBs remained. No PCBs were found in structures or soils after removal actions were completed. The EPA, with the concurrence of the Trust Territory Environmental Quality Commission, determined that all appropriate cleanup actions had been completed at the PCB Wastes site and that no further cleanup was required. Environmental Progress All the cleanup goals at the PCB Wastes site have been met through the removal of hazardous wastes and contaminated soil, thereby eliminating all exposure pathways. The EPA has determined that the site is now safe for nearby residents and the environment. The PCB Wastes site was deleted from the NPL in 1986. April 1995 PCB WASTES ------- |