United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Emergency and
Remedial Response
Washington DC 20460
EPA/540/G-90/007
August 1990
Remedial Actions for
Superfund Sites with
PCB Contamination
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OSWER Directive No. 9355.4-01
August 1990
GUIDANCE ON REMEDIAL ACTIONS FOR SUPERFUND
SITES WITH PCB CONTAMINATION
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
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NOTICE
Development of this document was funded by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. It has been subjected to the
Agency's review process and approved for publication as an EPA
document.
The policies and procedures set out in this document are intended
solely for the guidance of response personnel. They are not
intended, nor can they be relied upon, to create any rights,
substantive or procedural, enforceable by any party in litigation
with the United States. EPA officials may decide to follow this
guidance, or to act at variance with these policies and procedures
based on an analysis of specific site circumstances, and to change
them at any time without public notice.
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Executive Summary
This document describes the recommended approach for evaluating and
remediating Superfund sites with PCB contamination. It should be
used as a guide in the investigation and remedy selection process
for PCB-contaminated Superfund sites. This guidance provides
preliminary remediation goals for various media that may be
contaminated and identifies other considerations important to
ensuring protection of human health and the environment. In
addition, potential applicable or relevant and appropriate
requirements (ARARs) and "to-be-considered" criteria pertinent to
Superfund sites with PCB contamination and their integration into
the RI/FS and remedy selection process are summarized. This
guidance also describes how to develop remedial alternatives for
PCB contaminated materials that are consistent with Superfund
program expectations and ARARs. The guidance concludes with a
discussion of considerations unique to PCBs that should be
considered in the nine criteria evaluation and tradeoffs between
options that are likely to occur.
Actions taken at Superfund sites must meet the mandates of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA) as provided for in the National Contingency Plan (NCP).
This requires that remedial actions protect human health and the
environment, comply with or waive applicable or relevant and
appropriate requirements, be cost-effective, and utilize permanent
solutions and alternative treatment technologies or resource
recovery technologies to the maximum extent practicable. In
addition, there is a preference for remedies that employ treatment
that permanently and significantly reduces the mobility, toxicity,
or volume of hazardous substances as a principal element. Although
the basic Superfund approach to addressing PCB-contaminated sites
is consistent with other laws and regulations, this consistency
must be documented in the feasibility study and ROD to demonstrate
that ARARs have been attained or waived. Primary Federal ARARs for
PCBs derive from the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
To identify the areas for which a response action should be
considered, starting point concentrations (preliminary cleanup
goals) for each media are identified. These concentrations
represent the level above which unrestricted exposure may result in
risks exceeding protective levels. For soils, the preliminary
remediation goals should generally be 1 ppm for sites in or
expected to be in residential areas. Higher starting point values
(10 to 25 ppm) are suggested for sites where non-residential land
use is anticipated. Remediation goals for ground water that is
potentially drinkable should be the proposed
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MCL of .5 ppb. Cleanup levels associated with surface water should
account for the potential use of the surface water as drinking
water, impacts to aquatic life, and impacts through the food chain.
For contaminated material that is contained and managed in place
over the long term, appropriate engineering and institutional
controls should be used to ensure protection is maintained over
time. An initial framework for determining appropriate long-term
management measures is provided.
The Superfund program expectations should be considered in
developing appropriate response options for the identified area
over which some action must take place. In particular, the
expectation that principal threats at the site should be treated,
whenever practicable, and that consideration should be given to
containment of low-threat material, forms the basis for assembling
alternatives. Principal threats will generally include material
contaminated at concentrations exceeding 100 ppm for sites in
residential areas and concentrations exceeding 500 ppm for sites in
industrial areas reflecting concentrations that are 1 to 2 orders
of magnitude higher than the preliminary remediation goals. Where
concentrations are below 100 ppm, treatment is less likely to be
practicable unless the volume of contaminated material is
relatively low.
The expectations support consideration of innovative treatment
methods where they offer potential for comparable or superior
treatment performance or implementability, fewer/lesser adverse
impacts, or lower costs. This emphasizes the need to develop a
range of treatment options. For PCBs, possible innovative
technologies meeting these criteria include solvent extraction,
potassium polyethylene glycol dechlorination (KPEG), biological
treatment, and in-situ vitrification.
Protective, ARAR-compliant alternatives will be compared relative
to the five balancing criteria: long-term effectiveness and
permanence, reduction of toxicity, mobility, or volume through
treatment, short-term effectiveness, implementability, and cost.
Primary tradeoffs are most likely to occur under the long-term
effectiveness and permanence, implementability, and cost criteria.
Final decisions should document the PCB concentrations above which
material will be excavated, treatment processes that will be used,
action levels that define the area that will be contained,
long-term management controls that will be implemented, treatment
levels to which the selected remedy will reduce PCB concentrations
prior to disposal, and the time frame for implementation.
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CONTENTS
Page
Tables
Figures
igr
In
1.
1.
1.
1.
Re
to
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
nents
troduction
1 Purpose
2 Background
3 Focus of This Document With Respect to the
Process and Superfund Expectations
4 Organization of Document
gulations and "To-Be-Considered" Guidelines Pertinent
PCB Contamination Sites
1 National Contingency Plan
2 TSCA PCB Regulations
2.2.1 Liquid PCBs at Concentrations Greater
Than 500 ppm
2.2.2 Liquid PCBs at Concentrations Between
50 ppm and 500 ppm
2.2.3 Non-Liquid PCBs at Concentrations
Greater Than or Equal to 50 ppm
2.2.4 PCB Articles, Containers, Electrical
Equipment
2.2.5 TSCA Chemical Waste Landfill
Requirements
2.2.6 Storage Requirements
3 RCRA Regulations Addressing PCBs
2.3.1 Liquid Hazardous Waste With PCBs at
50 ppm or Greater
2.3.2 Hazardous Waste With HOCs at 1000 ppm
or Greater
4 Clean Water Act
5 Safe Drinking Water Act
6 PCB Spill Cleanup Policy Under TSCA
2.6.1 Low Concentration, Low Volume Spills
All Areas
2.6.2 Non-Restricted Access Areas
2.6.3 Industrial Areas
2.6.4 Outdoor Electrical Substations . . .
2.6.5 Special Situations
7 Guidances
viii
ix
X
1
2
3
3
7
9
10
11
13
13
14
15
17
17
19
20
20
20
21
22
22
22
22
23
23
23
2.7.1 Draft Guidelines for Permit
Applications and Demonstrations —
Test Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-
Thermal Alternate Methods 24
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2.7.2 Verification of PCB Spill Cleanup by
Sampling and Analysis 24
2.7.3 Field Manual for Grid Sampling of PCB
Spill Sites to Verify Cleanup .... 24
2.7.4 Development of Advisory Levels for PCB
Cleanup 25
2.7.5 Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund:
Human Health Evaluation 25
3. Cleanup Level Determination 26
3.1 Soils 27
3.1.1 Preliminary Remediation Goals for
Residential Areas 28
3.1.2 Preliminary Remediation Goals for
Industrial Areas 30
3.1.3 Assessing the Impact to Ground Water . 33
3.2 Ground Water 33
3.3 Sediment 34
3.4 Ecological Considerations 36
4. Developing Remedial Alternatives 39
4.1 Identifying Principal Threats/Low-Threat
Areas 40
4.2 Treatment Methods 40
4.2.1 Incineration 42
4.2.2 Chemical Dechlorination (KPEG) ... 42
4.2.3 Biological Treatment 44
4.2.4 Solvent Washing/Extraction 45
4.2.5 Solidification/Stabilization .... 45
4.2.6 Vitrification 46
4.3 Determining Appropriate Management Controls
Areas Where Concentrations Are Above Action
Levels 46
4.3.1 Example Analysis -- Long-Term
Management Controls 47
4.4 Dredged Material 54
4.5 RCRA Hazardous Waste 54
4.6 Example Options Analysis -- Contaminated
Soil 56
5. Analysis of Alternatives and Selection of Remedy . 58
5.1 Evaluating Remedial Alternatives 59
5.1.1 Overall Protection of Human Health and
the Environment 59
5.1.2 Compliance With ARARs 59
5.1.3 Long-Term Effectiveness and
Permanence 60
5.1.4 Reduction of Toxicity, Mobility, or
Volume through Treatment 61
5.1.5 Short-Term Effectiveness 61
5.1.6 Implementability 62
5.1.7 Cost 62
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5.2 Selection of Remedy
5.3 Documentation . .
6. References
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
Appendix F.
Summary Report of FY82-FY89 Records of
Decision Addressing PCB Contaminated Media
Direct Contact Risk Evaluation
Determining Appropriate Long Term Management
Controls -- Detailed Calculations for Case
Study
Case Studies -- Pepper Steel, FL; Wide Beach,
NY
PCB Disposal Companies Commercially
Permitted
Superfund Site Examples -- Long Term
Management Controls
62
63
65
A-l
B-l
C-l
D-l
E-l
F-l
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TABLES
Number Page
2-1 Remediation Options for PCB Waste Under TSCA 12
2-2 TSCA Chemical Waste Landfill Requirements 17
3-1 Recommended Soil Clean-up Levels 27
3-2 Analytical Methods for PCBs 29
3-3 PCB Direct Contact Assumptions 31
3-4 Chemical and Physical Properties of PCBs 32
3-5 PCB Sediment Quality Criteria 36
4-1 PCB Treatment Methods and Application Consequences . . 43
4-2 Selection of Long-Term Management Controls at PCB-
Contaminated Sites 48
4-3 Summary -- Example Site Parameters 49
4-4 Cover Design -- Summary Table 52
4-5 Example Scenario -- Evaluation Results 53
4-6 Example PCB Compliance Scenarios for Contaminated Soil 57
C-l Cover Design Summary Table C-7
C-2 Example Scenario -- Results C-ll
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FIGURES
Number Page
1-1 Decision Points in the Superfund Process 4
4-1 Key Steps in the Development of Remedial Alternatives
at Superfund Sites With PCB Contamination 41
4-2 Cover Designs -- Example Scenario 51
C-l Example Scenario Cap Designs C-4
C-2 Evaluation Areas for VADOFT and AT123D C-8
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Acknowledgments
We wish to acknowledge the following people who assisted in
preparing this document.
Jennifer Haley, OERR Johanna Miller, Region IX
Betsy Shaw, OERR Micheal Jassinski, Region I
Bill Hanson, OERR Mark Fite, Region VI
Jim Orban, Region IV
Larry Kapustka, ORD/Corvallis
Steve Hwang, ORD/OHEA Barry Lester, Geotrans
Burt Bledsoe, ORD/RSKERL Rose Spikula, CH2M Hill
Ed Earth, ORD/RREL
Jacqueline Moya, ORD/OHEA
Bruce Means, OERR
Chris Zarba, OW
Larry Starfied, OGC
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Chapter 1
Introduction
This document describes the recommended approach for
evaluating and remediating Superfund sites with PCB contamination.
It provides starting point cleanup levels for various media that
may become contaminated and identifies other considerations
important to ensuring protection of human health and the
environment that these cleanup levels may not address. In addition,
potential applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements
(ARARs) and "to-be-considered" criteria pertinent to Superfund
sites with PCB contamination and their integration into the RI/FS
and remedy selection process are summarized.
The guidance also describes how to develop remedial
alternatives for PCB contaminated materials that are consistent
with Superfund program expectations and ARARs. The guidance
concludes with a discussion of considerations unique to PCBS that
should be considered in the nine criteria evaluation and likely
tradeoffs between options that are likely to occur.
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1.1 Purpose
This guidance document outlines the RI/FS and selection of
remedy process as it specifically applies to the development,
evaluation, and selection of remedial actions that address PCB
contamination at Superfund sites. The principal objectives of this
guidance are to:
" Present the statutory basis and analytical framework for
formulating alternatives designed to address PCB contamination,
explaining in particular the regulatory requirements and other
criteria that can shape options for remediation;
" Describe key considerations for developing remediation goals
for each contaminated media under various scenarios;
Outline options for achieving the remediation goals and the
associated ARARs;
" Summarize the key information that generally should be
considered in the detailed analysis of alternatives;
Discuss key tradeoffs likely to occur in the remedy selection
process;
Provide guidelines for documenting remedies for PCB sites in a
Proposed Plan and Record of Decision.
Although technical aspects of the investigation, evaluation,
and remediation are not discussed in detail, pertinent references
and, in some cases, summary information, are provided.
This document is intended for use by EPA remedial project
managers (RPMs), State and other Federal Agency site managers
responsible for Superfund sites involving PCBs, contractors
responsible for conducting the field work and alternatives
evaluation at these sites, and others involved in the oversight or
implementation of response actions at these sites.
Although each Superfund site may present a unique set of
environmental conditions and potential human health problems,
general guidelines can be established for sites involving PCBs as
the predominant chemical. Utilizing these general principles, site
managers can streamline the RI/FS and remedy selection process by
conducting a more efficient and effective study. This can be
accomplished by: 1) specifying ARARs and other factors that shape
the primary
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options for remediating such sites, 2) identifying key information
necessary to fully evaluate those options, and 3) focussing on the
major tradeoffs likely to emerge in the comparative analysis upon
which remedy selection is based. Consideration of the factors
outlined in this document should lead to consistent alternatives
development and evaluation at sites involving PCB contamination.
1 . 2 Background
Approximately 12 percent of the Superfund sites for which
Records of Decision (RODs) have been signed (69 of 581 total RODs
as of 9/89) address PCB contamination. Preliminary assessment/site
inspection data from all sites on the National Priorities List
indicates that approximately 17 percent of the sites for which RODs
have not yet been signed also involve PCBs. The RI/FS/remedy
selection process for PCB sites is complicated for a number of
reasons. From a regulatory point of view, there is an unusually
high number of potentially applicable or relevant and appropriate
requirements (ARARs) and pertinent "to-be-considered" guidelines
for actions involving PCB wastes. PCBs are difficult to address
technically due to their persistence and high toxicity. Finally, a
large number of process options are potentially effective for
addressing PCBs and deserve consideration. The approach outlined in
this document attempts to address all three aspects of PCB
remediation.
1.3 Focus of This Document With Respect to the Remedial Process
and Superfund Expectations
The Superfund remedial process begins with the identification
of site problems during the preliminary assessment/site inspection,
which is conducted before a site is listed on the National
Priorities List. The process continues through site
characterization, risk assessment, and treatability studies in the
RI, the development, screening, and detailed analysis of remedial
alternatives in the FS, and culminates in the selection,
implementation, and operation of a remedial action. Figure 1-1
shows the steps comprising the Superfund RI/FS process. Arrows
indicate key decisions specifically addressed in this document.
The various components of the remedial investigation are not
specifically addressed in this document; however, initial reference
material including tables outlining properties of PCBs, analytical
methods available, and data collection needs/considerations for
technologies used to address PCBs are provided. In addition, a
general discussion of the assessment of PCB impact on ground water
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REMEDIAL
INVESTIGATION
Fipre 1-1 DECISION POINTS IN THE SUPERFUHD PROCESS
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and environmental considerations which may be pertinent in the risk
assessment is provided.
The focus of this guidance is primarily on the feasibility
study: development and screening of alternatives, detailed analysis
of alternatives, and the consequent selection of remedy. This
process is designed to meet the overall Superfund goal to select
remedial actions that are protective of human health and the
environment, that maintain protection over time, and that minimize
untreated waste. In addition to the overall goal, Superfund actions
should consider the following program expectations:
Treatment of principal threats wherever practicable,
Containment of waste that poses a low long-term threat or
where treatment is impracticable,
" Institutional controls to mitigate short-term impacts or
supplement engineering controls,
Remedies that combine treatment of principal threats with
containment and institutional controls for treatment residuals
and untreated waste,
" Consideration of innovative technologies,
" Returning contaminated ground water to its beneficial uses
within a time frame that is reasonable, where practicable.
The implications of these expectations for PCB contaminated sites
is described in appropriate sections of this document.
The development of alternatives involves completing the
following steps, considering the program expectations described
above:
1. Identify remedial action response objectives including the
preliminary remediation goals that define the appropriate
concentration of PCBs that could remain at the site without
management controls.
2. Identify general response actions such as excavation and
treatment, containment, or in-situ treatment. Identify
target areas for treatment and containment consistent with
Superfund program expectations and consistent with ARARs and
TBCs specific to PCB contamination.
3. Identify process options for various response actions.
Treatment options for PCBs include incineration,
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solvent extraction, KPEG, or other removal/destruction
methods. Immobilization techniques may also be considered.
Long-term management controls appropriate for the material
remaining on site should be noted.
4. Evaluate/screen process options to determine which are
technically feasible for the site.
5. Combine feasible process options to formulate alternative
remedial actions for detailed analysis.
This document provides general guidance on two primary aspects of
the development of alternatives process that are considered and
revised throughout the completion of the steps listed above:
Determination of the appropriate concentration of PCBs that
can remain at a site (remediation goal) under various site use
assumptions. This is based on standard exposure and fate
assumptions for direct contact. A qualitative consideration of
potential migration to ground water and environmental impacts
is included for site-specific assessment.
This concentration will reflect the level that will achieve
the program goal of protection and will be achieved through
removal and treatment to this level or by restricting exposure
to contamination remaining above this level.
Identification of options for addressing contaminated material
and the implications, in terms of long-term management
controls, associated with these options. Remedial actions will
fall into three general categories: overall reduction of PCB
concentrations at the site (through removal or treatment) such
that the site can be used without restrictions, complete
containment of the PCBs present at the site with appropriate
long-term management controls and access restrictions, and a
combination of these options in which high concentrations are
reduced through removal or treatment but the levels remaining
still warrant some management controls.
The determination of what combination of treatment and
containment is appropriate will be guided by the program
expectations to treat the principal threats and contain and
manage low-threat material. The determination of what
constitutes a principal threat will be site specific but will
generally include material contaminated at concentrations of
PCBs that exceed 100 ppm (residential areas) or 500 ppm
(industrial areas).
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The type of treatment selected will take into account the
program expectation to consider innovative treatment.
Treatment that is often comparable in performance to but less
costly than incineration may be attained using solvent
extraction or KPEG. In addition, the potential for adverse
affects from incineration can be removed through use of one of
these technologies, in-situ vitrification, and in some cases,
solidification.
For both evaluations, pertinent ARARs and TBCs are identified.
Finally, this document will: 1) discuss some of the unique
factors associated with response actions at PCB-contaminated sites
that might be considered under the detailed analysis of
alternatives using the evaluation criteria outlined in the proposed
NCP, 2) indicate how these factors might be evaluated in selecting
the site remedy, and 3) outline the findings that should be
documented for the selected remedy.
1.4 Organization of Document
The remainder of this document is divided into four chapters
and six appendices, summarized below. At the beginning of each
chapter a brief summary highlighting the main points of the section
is provided.
Chapter 2 describes the potential ARARs and TBCs most commonly
identified for sites involving PCB contamination. This discussion
has been separated from the background section because of the
complexity of the regulatory framework.
Chapter 3 provides general guidelines for determining PCB
concentrations appropriate to leave on site under various
scenarios. The primary factors affecting this determination are the
medium that is contaminated, the exposure assumptions for the site,
and the extent and level of contamination that is to be addressed.
Chapter 4 outlines the remediation options for material which
warrants active response. Options include treatment that destroys
the PCBs and long-term management controls that prevent exposure to
PCBs. The regulatory implications of each option are discussed.
Chapter 5 summarizes the primary considerations associated
with determining the appropriate response action for a PCB
contaminated Superfund site in terms of the nine evaluation
criteria used in the detailed analysis. Key tradeoffs likely to
occur among alternatives are noted.
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Finally, the findings specific to actions addressing PCBs that
should be documented in the Record of Decision are presented.
Appendix A provides a summary of the Superfund sites involving
PCBs for which RODs have been signed, including type of response
action chosen and clean-up levels specified.
Appendix B provides the detailed calculations supporting the
direct contact risk evaluation presented in Chapter 3.
Appendix C provides the backup calculations and methodology
for the example evaluation of long term management controls
presented in Chapter 4.
Appendix D includes two case studies of Superfund site actions
involving PCB contamination: Peppers Steel, FL where the remedy
involved solidification and Wide Beach, NY where treatment using
the KPEG process was selected.
Appendix E provides a list of the currently permitted PCB
disposal companies and their addresses and phone numbers. It also
includes a list of EPA's Regional PCB disposal contacts in the TSCA
program and their phone numbers.
Appendix F provides examples of long-term management controls
implemented at several PCB Superfund sites where varying
concentrations of PCBs were left on site.
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Chapter 2
Potential ARARs and "To-Be-Considered" Guidelines
Pertinent to PCB Contamination Sites
Actions taken at Superfund sites must meet the mandates of
CERCLA as provided for in the NCP. This requires that remedial
actions protect human health and the environment, comply with or
waive applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements, be
cost-effective, and utilize permanent solutions and alternative
treatment technologies or resource recovery technologies to the
maximum extent practicable. In addition, there is a preference for
remedies that employ treatment that permanently and significantly
reduces the mobility, toxicity, or volume of hazardous substances
as a principal element. Although the basic Superfund approach to
addressing PCB-contaminated sites is consistent with other laws and
regulations, this consistency must be documented in the feasibility
study and ROD to demonstrate that ARARs have been attained or
waived. Primary Federal ARARs for PCBs derive from the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA).
TSCA requires that material contaminated with PCBs at
concentrations of 50 ppm or greater be disposed of in an
incinerator or by an alternate method that achieves a level of
performance equivalent to incineration. Liquids at concentrations
above 50 ppm but less than 500 ppm and soils contaminated above 50
ppm may also be disposed of in a chemical waste landfill.
RCRA requirements apply to PCBs when liquid waste that is
hazardous under RCRA contains PCBs at concentrations greater than
50 ppm or non-liquid hazardous waste contains total HOCs at
concentrations greater than 1000 ppm. The land disposal
restrictions require that prior to placing this material on the
land, it must be incinerated unless a treatability variance is
obtained.
Other requirements that derive from the Clean Water Act (CWA)
and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and their implementing
regulations may apply or be relevant and appropriate when the site
involves surface or ground water contamination.
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2.1 National Contingency Plan (NCP) (U.S. EPA, 1990a)
The primary regulation that governs actions at PCB-
contaminated Superfund sites is, of course, the National
Contingency Plan (NCP), which defines the framework for addressing
the requirements of CERCLA. The provisions of the NCP form the
basis for the guidance provided in this document and will not be
discussed in detail here but will be discussed in each section as
they form the basic structure for the approach. The NCP implements
the following CERCLA requirements:
Protect human health and the environment (CERCLA Section
121 (b) )
Comply with the applicable or relevant and appropriate
requirements (ARARs) of Federal and State laws (CERCLA Section
121 (d)(2) (A)) or justify a waiver (CERCLA Section 121 (d) (4))
" Be cost-effective, taking into consideration short- and
long-term costs (CERCLA Section 121 (a))
Utilize permanent solutions and alternative treatment
technologies or resource recovery technologies to the maximum
extent practicable (CERCLA Section 121(b))
Satisfy the preference for remedies that employ treatment that
permanently and significantly reduces the mobility, toxicity,
or volume of hazardous substances as a principal element or
provide in the ROD an explanation of why treatment was not
chosen. (CERCLA Section 121 (b))
The nine evaluation criteria discussed in Section 5 are designed to
elicit the appropriate information that will form the basis for
demonstrating that these requirements have been satisfied. Because
remedies must attain the ARARs of other Federal and State laws,
some background and summary material on the ARARs that address PCB
contamination is presented in this section.
ARARs for treating or managing PCB-contaminated material
derive primarily from two sets of regulations: the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) PCB regulations and the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) land disposal restrictions (LDRs). Where
PCBs affect ground or surface water, the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA) may provide potential ARARs for
establishing remediation goals; i.e., Maximum Contaminant Levels
(MCLs), Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs), and Water Quality
Criteria (WQC). In addition, the PCB Spill Policy, which is
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not an ARAR although it is published in the Code of Federal
Regulations, should be considered when determining cleanup levels
at a site. Other "to-be-considered" (TBC) information is provided
by guidances developed by the Office of Toxic Substances to assist
in implementing the PCB regulations of TSCA.
2.2 TSCA PCB Regulations
The TSCA PCB regulations of importance to Superfund actions
are found in 40 CFR Section 761.60 - 761.79, Subpart D: Storage and
Disposal. They specify treatment, storage, and disposal
requirements for PCBs based on their form and concentration. The
disposal options for PCB-contaminated material are summarized in
Table 2-1 and discussed in the following sections. A final section
describes the storage requirements.
TSCA requirements do not apply to PCBs at concentrations less
than 50 ppm; however, PCBs cannot be diluted to escape TSCA
requirements. Consequently, under TSCA PCBs that have been
deposited in the environment after the effective date of the
regulation, February 17, 1978, are treated, for the purposes of
determining disposal requirements, as if they were at the
concentration of the original material. For example, if PCB
transformers leaked oil containing PCBs at greater than 500 ppm,
the soil contaminated by the oil would have to excavated and
disposed of as if all of the PCB-contaminated soil contained PCBs
at greater than 500 ppm. This reflects an interpretation of the
anti-dilution provisions in TSCA (40 CFR 761.1(b)) and was
developed with the intent of eliminating the incentive responsible
parties might have to dilute wastes in order to avoid regulation.
EPA has clarified that the TSCA anti-dilution provisions are
only applicable to CERCLA response actions that occur once a
remedial action is initiated (U.S. EPA, 1990a). In selecting
response action strategies and cleanup levels under CERCLA, EPA
should evaluate the form and concentration of the PCB contamination
"as found" at the site, and dispose of it in accordance with the
requirements of 40 CFR 761.60(a)(2) - (5). Cleanup levels and
technologies should not be selected based on the form and
concentration of the original PCB material spilled or disposed of
at the site prior to EPA's involvement (i.e., the anti-dilution
provision of the PCB rules should not be applied). Because EPA
comes to a site under the CERCLA after the pollution has already
occurred, and is acting under statutory mandate to select a proper
cleanup level, EPA is not subject to the anti-dilution provision at
CERCLA sites when it selects a remedy. However, the Agency may not
further dilute the PCB
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Table 2-1
REMEDIATION OPTIONS FOR PCB WASTE UNDER TSCA
PCB waste
category
Liquid PCB
Liquids with
flash point > 60° C
Liquids with
flash point < 60° C
Other liquids that are
also hazardous wastes
Other liquids that are
also hazardous wastes
Nonliquids (soil,
rags, debris)
Dredged materials
and minicipal sewage
sludge
PCB transformers
(drained and flushed)
PCB capacitors'
PCB capacitors
PCB hydraulic machines
PCB contaminated
electrical equipment
(except capacitors)
Other PCB articles
Other PCB articles
PCB containers
PCB containers
All other PCBs
40 CFR
Section
761.60
761.75
761.75
268.42[a][1]
268.42[a][1]
761.60[a][4]
761.60[a][5]
761.60[b][1]
761.60[b][2]
761.60[b][4]
761.60[b][3]
761.60[b][4]
761.60[b][5]
761.60[b][5]
761.60[c]
761.60[c]
761.60[a]
Chemical High
PCB waste efficiency Alternative Method Drain,
concentration Incinerator landfill boiler method approved dispose as
(ppm) (§761.70) (§761.75) (§761.60) (§761.60(e)) by region solid waste Decontamination
>500 X X
50-500 X X X X
50-500 X XX
50-500 X XX
>500 X X
>50 X X X
>50 XX XX
NSa X X
>500 X
50-500 X X
>50 X'd
Xe
>500< X X=
50-500 Xe
>500< X Xd X
<500 Xd X
>50 X X
"Not specified.
'Exemptions for some small capacitors.
cMust also be flushed if hydraulic fluid contains >1,000 ppm PCBs and flushing solvent disposed of in accordance with §761.60(a).
'Drained liquid must be disposed of in accordance with §761.60(a).
eMust be drained of all free-flowing liquid. The disposal of the drained electrical equipment and other PCB articles is not regulated by 40 CFR 761. All liquids must be
disposed of in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) or (3) of §761.60 [in an incinerator (§761.70), chemical waste landfill (761.75), high efficiency boiler, or by an alternative
method (§761.60(e)].
1 Due to a typographical error, 40 CFR 761 (July 2, 1985, p. 163) erroneously states this value as 50 ppm; refer to Federal Register, 44, 31514-31568 (May 3,1979)
(USEPA).
°Drained of any free-flowing liquid and liquid incinerated in a §761.70 incinerator.
"Decontaminated in compliance with §761.79.
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waste in order to avoid the TSCA PCB disposal requirements as part
of a CERLCA cleanup.
2.2.1 Liquid PCBs at Concentrations Greater Than 500 ppm
Remediation Options for PCB Waste Under TSCA/RCRA
Waste Cat.
40CFR Sec. Incin.
761.70
High Eff.
Boiler
761. 60
Alt.
Method
761. 60 (e)
Liquid PCB 761.60 X X
Other Liq. 268.42(a)(1) X X
also Haz .
Liquid PCBs at concentrations greater than 500 ppm must be
disposed of in an incinerator which complies with 40 CFR 761.70 or
by an alternative disposal method that achieves a level of
performance equivalent to incineration as provided under 761.60 (e)
This has been interpreted to imply that treatment residuals must
contain less than 2 ppm PCBs.
2.2.2 Liquid PCBs at Concentrations Between 50 ppm and 500 ppm
Remediation Options for PCB Waste Under TSCA/RCRA
Waste Cat. 40CFR Sec. Incin. High Eff. Alt. Chem. Waste
761.70 Boiler Method Landfill
761.60 761.60(e) 761.75
Liquid w/
flash pt
Liq. W/
flash pt
761.75 X X
> 60C
761.75 X X
< 60C
X X
X
Other liq. 268.42(a) (X X X
also haz. a)
Liquid PCBs at concentrations between 50 ppm and 500 ppm, can
be disposed of in an incinerator or high efficiency boiler as
described above, or in a facility that provides an alternative
method of destroying PCBs that achieves a level of performance
equivalent to incineration (equivalent method) approved under 40
CFR 761.60(e) (i.e., demonstrate
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achievement of less than 2 ppm PCBs in the treatment residual).
Liquids at these concentrations with a flash point greater
than 60 degrees Centigrade (not considered ignitable as defined in
761.75 (b) (8) (iii)) other than mineral oil dielectric fluid, can
also be disposed of in a chemical waste landfill which complies
with 40 CFR 761.75. However, the following actions must be taken:
N Bulk liquids must be pretreated and/or stabilized (e.g.,
chemically fixed, evaporated, mixed with dry inert absorbant)
to reduce its liquid content or increase its solid content so
that a non-flowing consistency is achieved;
N Containers of liquid PCBs must be surrounded by an amount of
inert sorbant material capable of absorbing all of the liquid
contents of the container.
2.2.3 Non-Liquid PCBs at Concentrations Greater Than or Equal to 50
ppm
Remediation Options for PCB Waste Under TSCA~/RCRA
Waste Cat. 40CFR Sec. Incin. Alt. Chem. Method
761.70 Treatmt. Waste Apprvd.
761.60(e) Landfl. by RA
761.75 761. 60 (a) (5)
Non-liq. 761.60(a)(4) XXX
soil, rags,
debris
Dredged 761.60(a)(5) X X X X
material, munic.
Soils and municipal sludges contaminated with PCBs at
concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm can be disposed of
in an incinerator, treated by an equivalent method, or disposed of
in a chemical waste landfill. Industrial sludges with PCB
concentrations greater than 500 ppm may not be landfilled. The
determination of whether contaminated material should be considered
a soil or an industrial sludge should be made site specifically
consistent with the current process for classifying material
subject to the land disposal restrictions as either a pure waste or
a soil and debris contaminated with a waste.
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Dredged materials and municipal sewage treatment sludges that
contain PCBs at concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm can
also be disposed of by methods other than those noted above that
are approved by the Regional Administrator. It must be demonstrated
that disposal in an incinerator or chemical waste landfill is not
reasonable and appropriate, and that the alternate disposal method
will provide adequate protection to health and the environment.
2.2.4 PCB Articles, Containers, Electrical Equipment
Remediation Optfions f~or PCB~ ~Waste Under TSCA/RCRA
Waste Cat. 40CFR Sec. Incin. Alt. Chem. Drain Decon.
761.70 Treatmt. Waste Dispose
761.60(e) Landfl. as sol.
761.75 waste
PCB 761.60(b(l)
transformers
PCB 761 . 60 (b) (2)
capacitors
(>= 500 ppm)
PCB 761 . 60 (b) (4)
capacitors
(50 - 500 ppm)
PCB hyd. 761. 60 (b) (3)
machines
PCB elec. 761. 60 (b) (4)
equip .
PCB 761 . 60 (b) (5)
articles
(>=500 ppm)
PCB 761 . 60 (b) (5)
articles
(50 - 500 ppm)
PCB 761.60(c)
containers
(>=500 ppm)
PCB 761.60(c)
containers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
PCB transformers and capacitors (by definition (40CFR 761.60
these contain 500 ppm PCB or greater as opposed to
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PCB-contaminated electrical equipment which contains less than 500
ppm) must be disposed of in an incinerator, by an alternate method
which can achieve a level of performance equal to incineration, or
in a chemical waste landfill. However, special procedures must be
followed for disposing of transformers in chemical waste landfills
and a special showing indicating that incineration capacity does
not exist, that incineration of the capacitors will interfere with
the incineration of liquid PCBs, or other good cause, must be made
for disposing capacitors in landfills. These are described in 40
CFR 761.60(b).
PCB-contaminated electrical equipment (this includes
transformers and other equipment other than capacitors which
contain PCBs between 50 ppm and 500 ppm) must be drained of all
free flowing liquid. The liquid must be disposed of in an
incinerator, by an equivalent method, or in a chemical waste
landfill. The drained equipment is not covered under TSCA
regulations. PCB-contaminated capacitors must be disposed of in an
incinerator or a chemical waste landfill.
PCB articles and containers with PCB concentrations greater
than 500 ppm must be incinerated or disposed of in a chemical waste
landfill provided all free flowing liquid is drained and
incinerated. PCB articles and containers with PCB concentrations
between 50 ppm and 500 ppm must be disposed of by draining all free
flowing liquid and appropriately disposing of the liquid. The
drained articles and containers can be disposed of as municipal
solid waste.
2.2.5 TSCA Chemical Waste Landfill Requirements
The requirements for chemical waste landfills are described in
40 CFR Section 761.75 and outlined in Table 2-2. As indicated, the
regulations do not require caps because the regulations were
designed for operating landfills. Where Superfund remedial actions
will leave PCBs in place or where PCB-contaminated material is
excavated, treated, and re-disposed at concentrations that still
pose a threat, capping consistent with chemical waste landfill
requirements is generally appropriate. (Long-term management
controls for PCB-contaminated material generally will also parallel
RCRA closures.) However, some of the requirements specified under
TSCA may not always be appropriate for existing waste disposal
sites like those addressed by Superfund. When this is the case, it
may be appropriate to waive certain requirements, such as liners,
under the TSCA waiver provisions, 761.75(c)(4). Requirements may be
waived when it can be demonstrated that operation of the landfill
will not present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the
environment. This
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Table 2-2
TSCA CHEMICAL WASTE LANDFILL REQUIREMENTS
(40 CFR SECTION 761.75)
1. Located in thick, relatively impermeable formation such as large area clay pans, or:
• On soil with high clay and silt content with the following parameters:
S in-place soil thickness of four feet or compacted soil liner thickness of three feet
S permeability equal to less than 1 x 10~7
S percent soil passing No. 200 Sieve, greater than 30
S liquid limit greater than 30
S plasticity index greater than 15.
• On a synthetic membrane liner (minimum thickness of 30 mils.) providing permeability equivalent to the soil described above
including adequate soil underlining and soil cover to prevent excessive stress on or rupture of the liner.
2. A. Bottom of the landfill liner system or natural in-place soil barrier at least 50 feet from the historical high ground water table.
Floodplains, shorelands, and ground water recharge areas shall be avoided and there shall be no hydraulic connection between the
site and standing or flowing surface water.
B. If the landfill is below the 100-year floodwater elevation, surface water diversion dikes should be constructed around the
perimeter with a minimum height equal to two feet above the 100-year floodwater elevation.
If the landfill is above the 100-year floodwater elevation, diversion structures capable of diverting all of the surface water runoff
from 24-hour, 25-year storm.
3. Located in an area of low to moderate relief to minimize erosion and to help prevent landslides or slumping.
4. Sampling of designated surface watercourses monthly during disposal activities and once every six months after disposal is completed.
5. Ground water monitoring at a minimum of three points (equally spaced on a line through the center of the landfill), sampling
frequency determined on a site specific basis (not specified in regulation) samples analyzed for PCBs, pH, specific conductance, and
chlorinated organics.
6. Leachate Collection System:
A. Gravity flow drainfield installed above the liner (recommended for use when semi-solid or leachable solid wastes are placed in a
lined pit excavated into a relatively unsaturated homogeneous layer of low permeable soil) or
B. Gravity flow drainfield installed above the liner and above a secondary liner (recommended for use when semi-liquid or leachable
solid wastes are placed in a lined pit excavated into relatively permeable soil) or
C. Network of porous ceramic cups connected by hoses/tubing to a vacuum pump installed along the sides and under the bottom of
the waste disposal facility liner (recommended for relatively permeable unsaturated soil immediately adjacent to the bottom
and/or sides of the disposal facility).
7. Installation of a six foot woven mesh fence, wall, or similar device to prevent unauthorized persons and animals.
NOTE: Waiver Provision (761.75 (c)(4))- One or more of the above requirements may be waived as long as operation of the landfill will
not present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.
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demonstration may require column studies verifying that PCB
movement through the soil will not adversely affect ground water.
These waivers are distinct from the six waivers from ARARs provided
under CERCLA Section 121(d)(2), which may also be invoked under
appropriate circumstances.
2.2.6 Storage Requirements
The requirements for storage of PCBs are described in 40 CFR
Section 761.65. The regulations specify that PCBs at concentrations
of 50 ppm or greater must be disposed of within one year after
being placed in storage. The regulations also include structural
requirements for facilities used for the storage of PCBs and
requirements for containers used to store PCBs.
PCBs stored as part of a Superfund action should be placed in
facilities that meet the following specifications:
N Provide an adequate roof and walls to prevent rain water from
reaching the stored PCBs,
N Provide an adequate floor which has continuous curbing with a
minimum six inch high curb,
N Contain no drain valves, floor drains, expansion joints, sewer
lines, or other openings that would permit liquids to flow
from the curbed area,
N Floors and curbing constructed of continuous smooth and
impervious materials, to minimize penetration of PCBs; and
N Not located at a site that is below the 100-year flood water
elevation.
PCBs subject to TSCA should not be stored longer than one year. In
some cases, PCB-contaminated material may be generated during the
RI/FS that will require storage that may exceed the one-year
limitation under TSCA. Where the final disposition of the waste
will be specified in the ROD, the exceedence of the TSCA storage
limitation may be justified using a CERCLA waiver. An interim
remedy waiver under CERCLA could be invoked. Since the removal
action is interim in nature and the remedy determined in the ROD
will comply with ARARs for final disposition of the waste, a waiver
of the ARAR is justified. A memorandum supporting the action should
be prepared and placed in the administrative record to document the
finding.
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2.3 RCRA Regulations Addressing PCBs
Closure requirements described under RCRA are considered
potentially applicable or relevant and appropriate at Superfund
sites. A detailed discussion of these requirements is not presented
in this document since they are not specific to PCBs. Instead,
guidelines for long term management controls consistent with RCRA
closure requirements that are warranted under various closure
scenarios are provided in section 4.3. (Further discussion of the
closure requirements under RCRA and their use at Superfund sites
can be found in the CERCLA Compliance With Other Laws Manual (U.S.
EPA, 1989b).)
PCBs are specifically addressed under RCRA in 40 CFR 268 which
describes the prohibitions on land disposal of various hazardous
wastes. Note that RCRA regulations only apply to waste that is
considered hazardous under RCRA; i.e., listed in 40 CFR 261.3 or
characteristic as described in 40 CFR 261.2. PCBs alone are not a
RCRA hazardous waste; however, if the PCBs are mixed with a RCRA
hazardous waste they may be subject to land disposal restrictions
as summarized below.
PCBs are one of the constituents addressed by the land
disposal restrictions under the California List Wastes. This
subsection of wastes covers liquid hazardous wastes containing PCBs
at concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm and non-liquid
hazardous wastes containing total concentrations of Halogenated
Organic Compounds (HOCs) at concentrations greater than 1000 ppm.
PCBs are included in the list of HOCs provided in the regulation
(Appendix III part 268).
2.3.1 Liquid Hazardous Waste With PCBs at 50 ppm or Greater
As described in 40 CFR 268.42(a) (1), liquid hazardous (RCRA
listed or characteristic) wastes containing PCBs at concentrations
greater than or equal to 500 ppm must be incinerated in a facility
meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 761.70. Liquid hazardous wastes
containing PCBs at concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm
but less than 500 ppm must be incinerated or burned in a high
efficiency boiler meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 761.60.
A method of treatment equivalent to the required treatment may
also be used under a treatability variance procedure if the
alternate treatment can achieve a level of performance equivalent
to that achieved by the specified method as described in 40 CFR
268.42(b).
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2.3.2 Hazardous Waste With HOCs at 1000 ppm or Greater
Liquid and non-liquid hazardous wastes containing HOCs in
total concentration greater than or equal to 1000 ppm must be
incinerated in accordance with the requirement of 40 CFR 264
Subpart 0.
Again, a method of treatment equivalent to the required
treatment, under a treatability variance, may also be used.
Special considerations are pertinent for waste that falls into
the category of soil and debris from a CERCLA remedial action or
RCRA Corrective Action. The land disposal restrictions for CERCLA
soil and debris went into effect November 8, 1988; however, no
standards for disposal were published at that time. Consequently
soil and debris contaminated with hazardous waste is banned from
land disposal unless it meets existing standards for the pure waste
or qualifies for a treatability variance. The preamble to the NCP,
established a general presumption that a treatability variance is
warranted for CERCLA soil and debris. Alternate treatment levels
should be justified based on the treatability variance guidance
levels (U.S. EPA, 1989h). For PCBs, residuals after treatment
should contain .1 to 10 ppm PCBs for initial concentrations up to
100 ppm and above 100 ppm, treatment should achieve 90 to 99%
reduction in concentration to qualify for a treatability variance.
Finally, hazardous wastes for which the treatment method is
incineration or the treatment standard was based on incineration
are subject to a 2-year capacity extension from the time that the
standard went into place. Wastes that qualify for a capacity
extension can be disposed without meeting the treatment
requirements; however, they must be disposed of in a facility that
is in compliance with the minimum technology requirements
established for landfills in section 3004(o) of RCRA. The capacity
extension for California List wastes when they are present in
CERCLA soil and debris extends until November 8, 1990.
2.4 Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act establishes requirements and discharge
limits for actions that affect surface water. Water Quality
Criteria (WQC) indicating concentrations of concern for surface
water based on human exposure through drinking the water and
ingesting fish as well as concentrations of concern to aquatic life
have been developed for many compounds. For PCBs, the WQC for
chronic
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exposure through drinking water and fish ingestion is .000079 ppb
based on an excess cancer risk of 10~6. This assumes consumption of
6.5 grams of estuarine fish and shellfish products and 2 liters of
water per day over a 70 year lifetime. The level is the same if
consumption of water is excluded indicating a relative negligible
impact due to this source.
Acute toxicity to freshwater aquatic life is estimated to
occur only at concentrations above 2 ppb. Acute toxicity to
saltwater aquatic life is estimated to occur only at concentrations
above 10 ppb. The water quality criteria for chronic effects are
.014 ppb and .03 ppb for fresh and saltwater aquatic life,
respectively.
These values are used as guides in the development of water
quality standards for surface water that are enforced at the State
level. States may account for other factors in establishing these
standards including physical, chemical, biological, and economic
factors. State standards and/or WQC are ARAR for surface water
discharges. More detailed discussion of the CWA ARARs can be found
in the CERCLA Compliance Manual (U.S. EPA, 1989b).
2.5 Safe Drinking Water Act
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Maximum Contaminant
Levels (MCLs) and Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) are
established. MCLs for carcinogens are generally set at levels that
reflect an excess cancer risk due to drinking 2 liters of water per
day over a 70 year life of between 10~4 and 10~6. They are set as
close as practicable to the MCLG (which for carcinogens is zero)
accounting for the use of the best available technology, cost, and
analytical capabilities. MCLs must be attained by public water
supplies. MCLGs are goals set at levels that would result in no
known or anticipated adverse effects to human health over a
lifetime. At Superfund sites, MCLs and non-zero MCLGs may be
relevant and appropriate to contaminated ground water that is or
could be used as drinking water.
An MCL of .5 ppb was proposed for PCBs in May 1989 (U.S.
EPA, 1989d). The MCLG is zero because PCBs are possible
carcinogens. As a proposed MCL, the .5 ppb level is a TBC that EPA
recommends be considered in determining the appropriate cleanup
level for potentially drinkable ground water. (The MCL for PCBs is
expected to be finalized by September 1990.) More detailed
discussion of the SDWA ARARs can be found in the CERCLA Compliance
Manual (U.S. EPA, 1989b).
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2.6 PCB Spill Cleanup Policy Under TSCA
The PCB Spill Cleanup Policy was published in 40 CFR 761.120 -
761.139 on April 2, 1987 and describes the level of cleanup
required for PCB spills occurring after May 4, 1987 (the effective
date). Because it is not a regulation and only applies to recent
spills (reported within 24 hours of occurrence), the Spill Policy
is not ARAR for Superfund response actions; however, as a codified
policy representing substantial scientific and technical evaluation
it has been considered in developing the guidance cleanup levels
discussed in section 3. A summary of the policy follows.
2.6.1 Low Concentration, Low Volume Spills All Areas
For spills of low concentration PCBs (50 ppm to 500 ppm)
involving less than one pound of PCBs, cleanup in accordance with
procedural performance requirements is required. The requirements
consist of double wash rinse and cleanup of indoor residential
surfaces to 10 micrograms (ug) per 100 square centimeters (cm2)
analyzed by a wipe test, and excavation of all soils within the
spill area plus a 1-foot lateral boundary of soil and other ground
media and backfilling with clean (less than 1 ppm PCB) soil. No
confirmation sampling is required.
2.6.2 Non-Restricted Access Areas
For spills of 500 ppm or greater PCBs and spills of low-
concentration PCBs of more than one pound PCBs by weight in
non-restricted access areas, materials such as household
furnishings and toys must be disposed of and soil and other similar
materials must be cleaned up to 10 ppm PCBs, provided that the
minimum depth of excavation is 10 inches. In addition, a cap of at
least 10 inches of clean materials must be placed on top of the
excavated area. Indoor and outdoor surfaces must be cleaned to 10
ug/100 cm2, but low contact outdoor surfaces may be cleaned to 100
ug/100 cm2 and encapsulated. Post clean-up sampling is required.
2.6.3 Industrial Areas
For spills of 500 ppm or greater PCBs and spills of low-
concentration PCBs of more than one pound in industrial and other
restricted access areas, cleanup of soil, sand, and gravel to 25
ppm PCBs is required. Indoor high contact and outdoor high contact
surfaces must be cleaned to 10 ug/100
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cm2. Indoor low contact surfaces may be cleaned to 10 ug/100 cm2 or
to 100 ug/100 cm2 and encapsulated. Outdoor low contact surfaces
may be cleaned to 100 ug/100 cm2. Post cleanup sampling is
required.
2.6.4 Outdoor Electrical Substations
For spills of 500 ppm or greater PCBs and spills of
low-concentration PCBs of more than one pound at an outdoor
electrical substation, cleanup of solid materials such as soils to
25 ppm or to 50 ppm (with a sign posted) is required. All surfaces
must be cleaned to 100 ug/100 cm2. Post cleanup sampling is
required.
2.6.5 Special Situations
For particular situations, decontamination to site-specific
requirements established by EPA Regional Offices is required. These
situations are:
1. Spills that result in direct contamination of surface
waters;
2. Spills that result in direct contamination of sewers or
sewage treatment systems;
3. Spills that result in direct contamination of any private or
public drinking water sources;
4. Spills which migrate to and contaminate surface waters,
sewers, or drinking water supplies;
5. Spills that contaminate animal grazing land; and
6. Spills that contaminate vegetable gardens.
2.7 Guidances
Several documents have been produced that provide background
information and guidance on complying with the regulations and
policy described above. Pertinent information provided by some of
the more important documents are described in this section. This
material is "to-be-considered" in developing remedies at Superfund
sites .
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2.7.1 Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstrations
-- Test Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternate
Methods (U.S. EPA, 1986c)
The most significant information in this document affecting
actions taking place at Superfund sites is the discussion provided
on evaluating the "equivalency" of technologies to incineration. As
described in section 2.2, most PCB-contaminated material can be
treated by an alternate method provided that it can achieve a level
of performance equivalent to an incinerator or a high efficiency
boiler. The guidance manual indicates that an equivalent level of
performance for an alternate method of treatment of PCB-
contaminated material is demonstrated if it reduces the level of
PCBs to less than 2 ppm measured in the treated residual. The
residual can then be disposed of onsite without further regulation.
Otherwise, the material must be treated as if it were contaminated
at the original level (i.e., disposed of in a chemical waste
landfill or incinerated).
This level was based on the practical limit of quantification
for PCBs in an organic matrix and consequently does not apply to
aqueous or air emissions produced by the treatment process. For
aqueous streams the guidance provides that they must contain less
than 3 ppb PCBs. Releases to air must be less than 10 ug of PCBs
per cubic meter. It should be noted that these levels apply to
treatment processes only and were not intended to be used as
cleanup standards for reentry or reuse.
2.7.2 Verification of PCB Spill Cleanup by Sampling and Analysis
(U.S. EPA, 1985b)
This document describes methods for sampling and analyzing
PCBs in various media. It also includes basic sampling strategies,
identification of sampling locations, and guidance on interpreting
sampling results. This manual may be useful in developing sampling
plans at Superfund sites and in identifying appropriate methods for
complicated sampling, for instance sampling of structures.
2.7.3 Field Manual for Grid Sampling of PCB Spill Sites to Verify
Cleanup (U.S. EPA, 1986b)
This manual provides a step-by-step guidance for using
hexagonal grid sampling primarily for determining if cleanup levels
have been attained at the site. It discusses preparation of the
sample design, collection, handling and preservation of the samples
taken, maintenance of quality
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assurance and quality control, and documentation of sampling
procedures used. It is a companion to the guidance described in
section 2.7.2 that discusses in more detail the rationale and
techniques selected. The field manual addresses field sampling only
and does not provide information on laboratory procedures. This
guidance may be useful in specifying the appropriate sampling after
or during remedial action to assess progress toward achieving
cleanup goals.
2.7.4 Development of Advisory Levels for PCB Cleanup (U.S. EPA
1986a)
This document provides the basis for the cleanup levels
developed in the PCB Spill Policy. It discusses the assumptions
made in addressing the dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion
pathways and may provide useful information for completing risk
assessments at Superfund sites. An update to the calculations made
in this document to account for recent policy on standard ingestion
assumptions and revised cancer potency factor for PCBs has been
provided in a memorandum (U.S. EPA, 1988d).
2.7.5 Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Human Health
Evaluation (RAG) (U.S. EPA, 1989e)
This document describes the human health evaluation process
conducted as part of the risk assessment at Superfund sites. It
includes standard assumptions for various exposure pathways that
have been used to calculate starting point action levels in section
3 of this document.
A second volume, Environmental Evaluation Manual, addressing
the environmental evaluation provides general guidelines on
considerations pertinent to evaluating the impact of contamination
on the environment.
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Chapter 3
Cleanup Level Determination
This section describes various scenarios and considerations
pertinent to determining the appropriate level of PCBs that can be
left in each media that is contaminated to achieve protection of
human health and the environment. For soils, the starting point
action level (preliminary remediation goal) is 1 ppm for sites
where unlimited exposure under residential land use is assumed.
Higher starting point values (10 to 25 ppm) are suggested for sites
where the exposure scenario is industrial. Remediation goals for
ground water that is potentially drinkable should be the proposed
MCL of .5 ppb. Cleanup levels associated with surface water should
account for the potential use of the surface water as drinking
water, impacts to aquatic life, and impacts through the food chain.
Occasionally, stormwater runoff to nearby streams can contribute
significant environmental or health risks, especially to those
eating contaminated fish.
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3.1 Soils
The concentration of PCBs in the soil above which some action
should be considered (i.e., treatment or containment) will depend
primarily on the exposure estimated in the baseline risk assessment
based on current and potential future land use. This section has
correspondingly been organized according to categories of
alternatives differentiated by the expected direct contact that
will occur. Other factors influencing the concentration to which
soils should be excavated or contained include the impact the
residual concentration will have on ground water and potential
environmental impacts. Since these pathways are pertinent to all
site categories, they are discussed in separate sections. The
guideline concentrations provided in this section do not imply that
action must be taken at a Superfund site, rather they indicate the
area over which some action should be considered once it has been
determined that action is necessary to provide protection of human
health and the environment.
A summary of the guidelines discussed in this section is
presented in Table 3-1.
TABLE 3-1
Recommended Soil Action Levels — Analytical Starting Points
(Considers ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact only)
Land Use PCB Action Levels (ppm)
Residential 1 ppm
Industrial 10 - 25 ppm
These action levels and the assumptions discussed in the following
sections can be used to reduce the need for detailed site-specific
risk assessments; however, future site uses should be well
understood and final cleanup levels must still reflect all relevant
exposure pathways and be defensible on a site-specific basis.
The analysis of PCBs is complicated by the fact that there are
209 different PCB compounds1 Alford-Stevens, 1986) . Common
analytical methods are listed in Table 3-2 .
•"•Aracholors are groups of PCBs with different overall
percentages of chlorine. For example, Arochlor 1242 contains 42%
chlorine made up of tri- and tetra- chlorinated biphenyls. PCB
isomers are those compounds that have the same number of chlorine
atoms. Individual PCBs isomers, of which there are 209, are called
congeners.
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3.1.1 Preliminary Remediation Goals for Residential Areas
The concentration that defines the area over which some action
must be taken is the concentration of PCBs that can protectively be
left on site without management controls. In areas where land use
is residential, this concentration will be based on standard
assumptions for direct contact — dermal, ingestion, and inhalation
-- and should consider potential impact to ground water, which is
discussed in section 3.1.4.
For Superfund sites, the risk remaining after remediation
should generally fall within the range of 10~4 to 10~6 individual
excess cancer risk. Based on the standard exposure assumptions
associated with residential land use (ingestion, inhalation, and
dermal contact), concentrations of .1 ppm PCBs to 10 ppm PCBs will
generally fall within the protective range. A concentration of 1
ppm PCBs equates to approximately a 10~5 excess cancer risk assuming
no soil cover or management controls. The 1 ppm starting point for
residential scenarios reflects a protective, quantifiable
concentration for soil. Lower concentrations (e.g., reflecting a
10~6 risk level) are not generally quantifiable and in many cases
will be below background concentrations. (Because of the
persistence and pervasiveness of PCBs, PCBs will be present in
background samples at many sites.) A concentration of 1 ppm PCBs
should therefore generally be the starting point for analysis at
PCB-contaminated Superfund sites where land use is residential.
Alternatives should reduce concentration to this level or limit
exposure to concentrations above this level.
As part of the development of the cleanup levels in the PCB
Spill Cleanup Policy, a detailed analysis of the direct contact
pathways was performed by the EPA Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment (U.S. EPA, 1986a) . This analysis was
subsequently updated to account for the revised cancer potency
factor and ingestion assumptions (U.S. EPA, 1988d). This analysis
estimates risk levels associated with various concentrations of
PCBs based on physical parameters of PCB 1254. It is also estimated
that a 10 inch cover of clean soil will reduce risks by
approximately one order of magnitude. Using some of the basic
assumptions associated with PCBs (e.g., mobility, volatility,
absorption) described in this analysis and the standard exposure
assumptions for residential land use presented in the Risk
Assessment Guidance (U.S. EPA, 1989e), risk levels associated with
various concentrations of PCBs in soil were calculated (see
Appendix B). This analysis forms the basis for the
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Table 3-2
ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR PCBs
Matrix
Oil
Soil/ Sediment
Method
Bellar and Lichtenberg
ASTM 04059
Method 680
Method 60S3'5
GC GC/M Detection Limit1
S
yes less than 2 ppm
yes less than 2 ppm
yes -100 ppb
yes 0.1-0.5ppb
Quantification Limit2
2 ppm
2 ppm
1 ppm
80 ppb
Water
EPA Method 505
(Microextraction)
Method 508A4
(Perchlorination)
yes
0.1 - 0.5 ppb (based on not given
the arochlor present)
0.1 -0.5 ppb (as
decachlorobiphenyl)
not given
Air
Method 680 yes
Method 60S3'5 yes
NIOSH Method 5503 yes
Florosil sorbent, hexane
extraction, GC/ECD
-100 ppb
0.1 -0.5 ppb
1 ppm
0.5 ppb
1 Detection limit indicates the concentration above which the presence of PCBs will be detected by the
analytical method.
2 Quantification limit indicated the concentration above which the quantity of PCBs present can be
determined.
3 U.S. EPA, 1986d.
4 U.S.EPA, 1988a, Glaser, 1981.
5 Method 608 depends on the presence of an intact Arochlor. Analysts can estimate possible PCB
concentrations when intact Arochlors are not present. However, if this is done the presence of PCBs
should be confirmed using Method 680. Method 680 can identify PCB isomers.
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analytical starting point summarized here. The primary assumptions
and an example calculation for a PCB concentration of 1 ppm are
shown in Table 3-3. It should be noted that some of these
assumptions may be overly conservative on a site-specific basis. For
example, the calculation for the inhalation pathway assumes that
someone is on the site 24 hours a day for 30 years and that the
concentration of PCBs in the air in a house on this site will be the
same as the concentration in the air outside. In many cases, partial
covering of the soil will limit the level of PCBs that can
volatilize. Another consideration is that the calculation was based
on the properties of Arachlor 1254 and properties may vary for
different congeners as shown in Table 3-4. Toxicities may also vary
(McFarland, 1989; Kimbrough, 1987; Safe, 1985), though there is
limited information on this and the toxicity based on Arachlors 1254
or 1260 should generally be used.
As noted above, these calculations reflect direct exposure
assumptions only and may not be appropriate where ground water or
ecological habitats are potentially threatened. These levels are
consistent with the guidance provided by the PCB Spill Cleanup
Policy which recommends a 10 ppm cleanup level with a 10 inch cover
for residential areas.
3.1.2 Preliminary Remediation Goals for Industrial/Remote Areas
In remote areas or areas where land use is industrial, a more
appropriate concentration at which to start analysis may be 10 to 25
ppm, since direct exposure is less frequent than for residential
land use and higher concentrations will be protective. (Under the
PCB Spill Policy this category includes sites that are more than .1
km from residential/commercial areas or where access is limited by
either man-made or natural barriers (e.g., fences or cliffs).) For
example, at Superfund sites located in industrial areas ingestion
and inhalation exposures are more limited than for a residential
area. Even assuming exposure equivalent to that in residential
areas, these levels (10 to 25 ppm) are still within the acceptable
risk range (approximately 10~4) based on the direct contact exposure
pathways, and in fact will reflect a lower risk due to the reduced
frequency of exposure expected at the site. This is consistent with
the PCB Spill Cleanup Policy which recommends a cleanup level of 25
to 50 ppm for sites in industrial or other reduced access areas.
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Table 3-3
PCB DIRECT CONTACT ASSUMPTIONS
(See Appendix B for detailed calculation)
INGESTION:
Soil ingestion (1 to 6 years) 0.2 g/day1
Soil ingestion (7 to 24 years) 0. 1 g/day1
Body weight child 16 kg1
Body weight adult 70 kg1
Absorption of PCBs from
ingested soil 30%2
INHALATION
Adult inhalation rate 30 rrf/day1
Lung absorption of inhaled PCBs 50%
DERMAL
Surface area (3-18 years) 0.4 nf/event1
Surface are (adult) 0.31 nf/event1
Soil to skin adherence factor 2.77 mg/cm271
Exposure frequency (child) 132 events/year1
Exposure frequency (adult) 52 events/year
Adsorption fraction 10%3
To estimate exposure, the average concentration of PCBs in soil over the exposure period is calculated. The
concentration of PCBs will decrease with time due to volatilization.
EXAMPLE CALCULATION
At 1 ppm PCB initial soil concentration:
Average concentration over 10 inches over 6 years = 0.54 ppm
Average concentration over 10 inches over 30 years = 0.28 ppm
Risk due to soil ingestion = 2 X 10~6
Risk due to inhalation = 7 X lO'6
Risk due to dermal contact = 7 X 10'6
Total risk (all pathways) = 1.6 X 10'5
'U.S. EPA, 1989e
2U.S. EPA, 1986a
3U.S. EPA, 1986a
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Table 3-4
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PCBs
Molecular
PCB Weight
PCB-1016
(Arochlor 1016) 257.9
PCB-1221 200.7
PCB-1232 232.2
PCB-1242 266.5
PCB-1248 299.5
PCB-1254 328.4
PCB-1260 377.5
PCB-1262
PCB-1268
PCB-1270
PCB-2565
PCB-4465
PCB-5442
PCB-5460
2,2',5,5'-Tetra-
chlorobiphenyl
2,2',3,4,5-Penta-
chlorobiphenyl
Vapor
Solubility a Pressure
Specific in Water (mm Hg)
K™ Gravity (mg/1) at25°C
24,000 0.42 4xlO'4
12,000 1.182 15.0 6.7xlO-4
35,000 1.266 1.45 4.06 x 10 '3
380,000 1.380 0.24 4.06 x 10 '4
1,300,000 1.445 5.4 xlO'2 4.94 x 10 '4
1,070,000 1.538 1.2xlO-2 7.71 xlO'5
14,000,000 1.620 2.7 xlO'3 4.05 x 10 '5
1.646
1.810
1.947
1.727
1.712
1.434
1.740
4.6 xlO'2
2.2 xlO'2
Henry's Law
Constant
(atm-mVgmol)
5.73 x 10'4b
3.51 x 10'3b
8.37xlO-3c
7.13xlO-3c
aHutzinger et al, 1974, Monsanto Chemical Co., undated.
bMacKay andLeinonen, 1975.
cHwang, 1982, and U.S. EPA, 1980b.
Bioaccumulationfactor: 31,200L/kg, (U.S. EPA, 1986a)
Soil-water partition coefficient (U.S. EPA, 1980a): 22 -1938 L/kg.
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3.1.3 Assessing the Impact to Ground Water
Generally, PCB soil cleanup levels based on direct contact
assumptions will provide sufficient protection of ground water.
However, if ground water is very shallow, oily compounds are or
were present, or the unsaturated zone has a very low organic carbon
content, an additional evaluation of the residual concentration
that will not exceed levels found to be protective for ground water
should be made.
There are many factors such as soil permeability, organic
carbon content, and the presence of organic colloids, which can
influence PCB movement from soil into ground water. The situation
is complicated by the low solubility of PCBs and the prevalence of
their occurrence as solutes in oils. At this point the migration of
PCBs to ground water can only be described qualitatively. Table 3-4
lists factors affecting migration for several PCBs.
PCBs are very immobile under conditions where the PCB
concentration in the aqueous phase is controlled by the aqueous
solubility of PCBs and transport is governed by partitioning
between the water and soil. However, low solubility compounds like
PCBs may migrate through facilitated transport on colloidal
particles (Backhus, 1988) or dissolved in more mobile substances
such as oils if present as a separate phase (U.S. EPA, 1989f).
Measurements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in leachate may help
assess this movement since PCBs will sorb to the organic material.
Concentrations of PCBs in water samples exceeding PCB water
solubility indicate that PCBs are being solubilized by something
other than water. PCBs in oils will be mobile if the oil itself is
present in volumes large enough to move a significant distance from
the source. If immiscible fluid flow is significant, PCB transport
predictions must be based on immiscible fluid flow models.
3.2 Ground Water
If PCBs have contaminated potentially drinkable ground water,
ground water response actions should be considered. As discussed
above, PCBs generally have low mobility but can be transported with
oils in which they may be dissolved. A problem that arises is that
once the immiscible fluid has been immobilized through capillary
retention in the soil pore space (termed the residual saturation),
PCB transport is governed by the rate at which the PCBs dissolve
from the oil into the water moving past the residually saturated
oil. This is a very slow process with the residual saturation
serving as a long-term source of contamination.
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Emulsification of the residual oil, and PCB transport in micelles
may also occur.
PCBs have also been found to migrate within aquifers sorbed to
colloidal particles. This movement can be assessed through
analyzing both filtered and unfiltered ground water samples for
PCBs (U.S. EPA, 1989f and U.S. EPA, 1989g).
In both scenarios described above, PCBs can be found in
unfiltered ground water samples at levels that exceed health based
concentrations. The proposed MCL for PCBs is .5 ppb reflecting a
10-4 excess cancer risk. (Proposed MCLs are considered TBC for
ground water that is potentially drinkable.) These situations are
also very difficult to address actively. In the first case,
residual oil lodged in pore spaces continues to be a source of PCBs
and are very difficult to remove through traditional pump and treat
methods. In the case of PCBs present on particulates, the rate of
removal through ground water extraction may be very limited and
substantial amounts of clean water will be affected as it is pulled
into the contaminated zone. Because of the technical
impracticability of reducing concentrations to health-based levels,
remedies designed to prevent further migration of contaminants may
be the only viable option for portions of the contaminated ground
water. This may involve removing more soluble organics present
which increase the mobility of the PCBs present.
3 . 3 Sediment
The cleanup level established for PCB-contaminated sediment
may be based on direct contact threats using exposure assumptions
specific to the site if the surface water is used for swimming.
More often, the impact of PCBs on aquatic life and consumers of
aquatic life will drive the cleanup level. Interim criteria for
sediment based on achieving and maintaining WQC in the surface
water have been developed for several chemicals (U.S. EPA, 1989a).
The approach used to estimate these values is called the
Equilibrium Partitioning Approach (EP) which is based on two
interrelated assumptions. First, that the interstitial water
concentration of the contaminant is controlled by partitioning
between the sediment and the water at contaminant concentrations
well below saturation in both phases. Thus, the partitioning can be
calculated from the quantity of the sorbent on the sediment and the
appropriate sorption coefficient. For nonpolar organic
contaminants, the primary sorbent is the organic carbon on the
sediment; therefore, the partition coefficient is called the
organic carbon normalized partition coefficient, Koc. Second, the
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toxicity and the accumulation of the contaminant by benthic
organisms is correlated to the interstitial, or pore water
concentration and not directly to the total concentration of the
contaminant on the sediment.
When the EP approach is used to estimate sediment quality
criteria, chronic water quality criteria (WQC) (U.S. EPA 1980c and
U.S. EPA 1985a) are used to establish the "no-effect" concentration
in the interstitial water. The interstitial water concentration
(Cw) is then used with the partition coefficients (Koc) and the
following equation:
r = K * r
^-sed -^oc '-w
to calculate the concentration of the contaminant on the
sediment(Csed) that at equilibrium will result in this interstitial
water concentration. This concentration on the sediment will be the
numerical criteria value (SQC).
Interim sediment quality criteria for PCBs are shown in
Table 3-5. These values were derived using the Koc value of 6.14
for PCBs which was estimated using the median of the log mean Row
values for Arochlor 1242. Confidence limits (95%) around this Koc
value based on preliminary uncertainty estimates range from 5.44 to
6.85. The WQC concentration of .014 ug/L for freshwater aquatic
life (U.S. EPA, 1980b) is derived using the residue value of .64
ug/g from studies with mink and the mean bioconcentration factor
for salmonids of 45,000. The WQC concentration of .03 ug/L PCBs for
saltwater was not used. Instead, a WQC concentration of .024 ug/L
for saltwater was calculated using the FDA Action level of 2.0
ug/g, a mean BCF of 10,400 and a lipid value for benthic species of
8.0 percent. Therefore, the SQC concentrations in Table 3-5 are
intended to protect wildlife consumers of freshwater benthic
species and the marketability of saltwater benthic species.
To determine if the sediment concentration of a nonpolar
contaminant exceeds the sediment criteria values, the concentration
of the contaminant and the organic carbon content of the sediment
must both be known. Because the sediment criteria values are
presented as normalized to organic carbon content (i.e., presented
on a per organic carbon weight basis -- ug/gC), the normalized
sediment concentrations of the contaminants must be calculated.
These normalized concentrations can then be directly compared with
the interim values shown in Table 3-5. SQC concentrations do not
apply to sediments containing less than 0.5% organic carbon.
If concentrations of PCBs in sediments exceed these SQC
values, chemical monitoring of indigenous benthic and water
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column species should be instituted to determine if prey species of
wildlife or marketable benthic or water column species contain
unacceptable concentrations of PCBs. Monitoring of indigenous
wildlife species will provide insights into actual extent of
exposure to PCBs from a specific site relative to reference sites.
This is particularly important where the areal extent or the
heterogeneity of sediment contamination by PCBs is great and
because biomagnification of PCBs in food chains is not considered
in deriving the aquatic life WQC concentrations. If chemical
monitoring of biota fails to indicate that uses are impaired, the
need for extensive remediation based on exceedence of SQC values
should be questioned.
TABLE 3-5
PCB Sediment Quality Criteria1
Sediment Quality Sediment
Criteria (ug/gC) Cone, (ug/g)
WQC - Freshwater Mean 95% Confid.
Int. PC = 10% PC = 1%
.014 ug/L 19 3.8-99 1.9 .19
(.38 - 9.9) (.038 -.99)
WOC - Saltwater
.024 ug/L 33 6.6 - 170 3.3 .33
(.66 -17) (.066 - 1.7)
1 Based on Koc = 6.14 (5.44 - 6.85). If these SQC are
exceeded chemical monitoring of PCB concentrations in
indigenous biota is recommended prior to decisions on
ecological risks or remediation. These SQC apply to
sediments whose organic carbon (OC) concentrations are
greater than .5%.
3.4 Ecological Considerations
The occurrence of PCBs at Superfund sites often poses
significant threat to wildlife. Mobility of PCBs into ground water,
into air, and through biological vectors can result in adverse
ecological impacts beyond the immediate boundaries of the site. It
is important to consider interactive ecological processes relative
to PCB contamination as part of the remedial investigation. This
evaluation can provide insights into other avenues of human
exposure in addition to ensuring protection of wildlife.
Assessments of PCB sites by the Department of the
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Interior have concluded that PCB concentrations of 1 - 2 ppm will
be protective of wildlife such as migratory birds and that
providing a soil cover over more highly contaminated areas can
further mitigate threats to acceptable levels. However, the
uncertainty regarding environmental impacts described below may
warrant more in-depth analysis at sites where this pathway may be
of particular significance; e.g., sensitive species, high
agricultural use.
It may be important to note that, from a toxicological and
ecological perspective, not all PCB congeners will have the same
effects. Discrimination of congeners appears operative at many
physical, chemical, and biological levels: primary source materials
differ from environmental samples; toxicity values differ among
congeners; persistence in the environment varies; and
bioaccumulation potential varies among congeners and across trophic
levels. Consequently, an established environmental concentration
based on total PCB concentration (i.e., irrespective of the
specific congeners) may show little relationship to biological
phenomena (e.g., food chain contamination, toxicity, etc.).
Metabolism of PCBs can occur in a diverse group of organisms
including bacteria, plants, and animals. (Fungi almost certainly
possess similar capabilities.) For the most part the lesser
chlorinated congeners are more readily subject to metabolism,
whereas the penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorinated forms are quite
recalcitrant. Metabolism should not be equated with degradation,
because certain conversions are better thought of as modifications
of the parent compound; and in some cases the modified forms may
become more toxic, more water-soluble, more bioavailable. To date
the best evidence for degradation is demonstrated for certain
bacteria which are capable of dechlorinating the lesser
cholorinated congeners.
Toxicity symptoms are most clearly observed in animals
(Focardi, 1989 and Aulerich, 1986) . Usually the symptoms are
sublethal. Chronic exposures lead to disrupted hormone balances,
reproductive failure, teratomas, or carcinomas. Plants do not
appear to exhibit detectable toxicity responses to PCBs (Fletcher,
1987a and Fletcher, 1987b) .
Biological contamination may occur through a variety of
routes. Aquatic organisms may incorporate PCBs from water,
sediment, or food items. Subterranean animals, similarly accumulate
PCBs via dermal contact and ingestion (Tarradellas, 1982) . Exposure
scenarios in above-ground
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terrestrial populations additionally may occur via volatilization
The least understood features of food web contamination are those
related to the uptake, fate and transport of PCB congeners in
plants.
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Chapter 4
Developing Remedial Alternatives
As described in Section 1, one of the Superfund expectations
is that principal threats at a site will be treated wherever
practicable and that low-threat material will be contained and
managed. Treatment and disposal options for PCB contaminated
material are governed by the type of material that is contaminated
and the concentration of PCBs in the material that is to be
disposed. Principal threats will generally include material
contaminated at concentrations exceeding 100 ppm or 500 ppm
depending on the land use setting. Where concentrations are below
100 ppm (less than 2 orders of magnitude above the starting point
action level), treatment is less likely to be practicable unless
the volume of contaminated material is relatively low.
The treatment options for contaminated soils and sludges mixed
with soil are discussed in this chapter. (Consistent with the
Superfund expectations and TSCA requirements, PCB liquids generally
will be incinerated. Aqueous PCB streams generally will be treated
by traditional treatment systems such as carbon adsorption.) There
are three primary options for non-liquid PCBs at concentrations of
50 ppm. or greater that are compliant with TSCA ARARs (there is no
separate consideration given to non-liquid PCBs at concentrations
greater than 500 ppm):
1. Incineration;
2. Treatment equivalent to incineration;
3. Disposal in a chemical waste landfill.
There are additional options for addressing PCB contaminated
dredged material. Superfund expectations indicate that innovative
treatment methods should be considered where they offer comparable
or superior treatment performance, fewer/lesser adverse impacts, or
lower costs than more demonstrated technologies. For PCBs, possible
innovative technologies meeting these criteria include solvent
extration, KPEG, biological treatment, and in-situ vitrification.
For low-threat material that is contained and managed in
place over the long term, appropriate engineering and institutional
controls should be used to ensure protection is maintained over
time. An initial framework for determining appropriate long-term
management controls is provided in Table 4-2. As indicated by this
table, institutional controls alone are not sufficient to provide
protection except in cases where the concentrations remaining are
low and the expected land use is industrial.
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4.1 Identifying Principal Threats/Low-Threat Areas
The process for developing alternatives at Superfund sites
with PCB contamination described below is outlined in the flow
chart in Figure 4-1.
Once the area over which some action must be taken to reduce
risks has been identified; i.e., areas contaminated above 1 ppm.
PCBs (residential) or areas contaminated above 10 - 25 ppm PCBs
(industrial), the wastes comprising the principal threat at the
site should be identified. These wastes will include soil
contaminated at 2 to 3 orders of magnitude above the action level.
For sites in residential areas, principal threats will generally
include soils contaminated at concentrations greater than 100 ppm
PCBs. For sites in industrial areas, PCBs at concentrations of 500
ppm or greater will generally constitute a principal threat.
Consistent with Superfund expectations, the principal threats at
the site should be treated. Treatment methods are described in
Section 4.2.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to treat material
contaminated at concentrations lower than what would otherwise
define the principal threats because it is cost effective
considering the cost of treatment verses the cost of containment,
because the site is located in a sensitive area such as a wetland,
or because the site is located in an area where containment is
unreliable such as a floodplain. In other cases, it may be
appropriate to contain the principal threats as well as the
low-threat material because there are large volumes of contaminated
material, because the PCBs are mixed with other contaminants that
make treatment impracticable, or because the principal threats are
not accessible; e.g., sites where they are buried.
Material that is not treated but is above actions levels
should be contained to prevent access that would result in
exposures exceeding protective levels. A framework of long-term
management controls for various site scenarios is provided in
section 4.3.
4.2 Treatment Methods
Several methods have been used or are currently being
evaluated to reduce the toxicity, mobility, or volume of
PCB-contaminated material. Depending on the volume of material to
be treated, the other contaminants that may be present, and the
consistency of the contaminated material, one or more of these
methods should be considered as options for addressing the
principal threats.
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Figure 4-1 - Key Steps In the Development of Remedial Alternatives for PCB-Contaminated Superfund Sites*
What is the action area
assuming unlimited exposure?
What are principal threats to be treated?
(PCBs at 500 ppm or greater, or more than 2 orders of magnitude above the action level.)
Treat principal threats at least to levels that are to be contained (90% reduction)
.V* >"• ,.,. fffft
1 Exceptions: '
Large municipal landfills
Inaccessible contamination
.- .
or greater \io-500ppmj '
-^1k.or«er
b^ -"-A^T^SS^S*-:
''5%^^«'^^;f,-ts''^'^-;'' -; ,^ ^7A
How should material remaining at the site be contained?
ff r ffft •* f VA %
Exceptions: *- ."''..<'£
* Small volumes
• Sensitive exposures
• Unreliable containment
Contain residues and
remaining material
(See Table 3)
'' ''" \ Partially Treat
Fully Treat
' I Treat to levels requiring fewer f-| Treat to levels for which no
" " I long-term management controls t,| long-term management controls
• - p'| (including access restrictions) are f^*f
,^^.^,^/f '} necessary ^*'«
— - ^ I (See Table 3)
'; /,-»- *-^^" / -/] '
* These numbers are guidance only and should not be treated as regulations.
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In addition to incineration, there are several other
technologies that result in the destruction or removal of PCBs in
contaminated soil. These methods can be used with no long-term
management of treatment residuals if they can be shown to achieve a
level of performance equivalent to incineration, as required in
40CFR761.60(e). As described in guidance (U.S. EPA, 1986c), this
determination can be made by demonstrating that the solid treatment
residuals contain less than or equal to 2 ppm PCBs using a total
waste analysis. When a remedial action alternative for a Superfund
site involves use of a technology that can achieve substantial
reductions but residual concentrations will still exceed 2 ppm, the
alternative should include long-term management controls as
outlined later in Table 4-2. This will not be considered equivalent
treatment but will be treated as closure of an existing hazardous
waste unit consistent with TSCA chemical waste landfill
requirements (RCRA closure - 40CFR 264.301 and TSCA chemical waste
landfill - 40CFR 761.75). As described in Table 4-2, certain long
term management controls may be waived using the TSCA waiver
provision, depending on the concentration of PCBs remaining and
other site-specific factors.
A brief discussion of some of the pertinent considerations for
several treatment technologies that address PCBs follows. The
evaluations described below provide the substantive considerations
pertinent to treatment of PCBs on Superfund sites. When material is
transported off-site for treatment, the treatment facility must be
permitted under TSCA. Table 4-1 summarizes important considerations
and consequences associated with the use of the various
technologies that should be accounted for in developing and
evaluating alternative remedial actions.
4.2.1 Incineration
Incineration, covered in 40CFR761.70, should achieve the
equivalent of six 9's (99.9999%) destruction removal efficiency.
This is indicated by the requirement that mass air emissions from
the incinerator stack shall not be greater than .001 g PCB/kg of
PCB contaminated material fed into the incinerator.
4.2.2 Chemical Dechlorination (KPEG)
Chemical reagents prepared from polyethylene glycols and
potassium hydroxide have been demonstrated to dechlorinate PCBs
through a nucleophilic substitution process. Studies
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Table 4-1
PCB TREATMENT METHODS AND APPLICATION CONSEQUENCES
Methods
Incineration
Biological Treatment
Solidification
Vitrification
KPEG (Potassium Polyethylene Glycolate)
Solvent Washing/Extraction
Granular Activated Carbon
Considerations/Consequences
• Cost
• Residual disposal (ash, scrubber water)
• Public resistance
• Efficiency
• By-products
• Treatment time
• Not proven effective for all PCB congeners
• Volatilization
• Leachability
• Physical strength
• Life of composite's integrity
• Cost
• Volatilization
• Leachability
• Cost (varies with reagent recycleability)*
• Efficiency (varies with Arochlor type)
• Aqueous wastes must be dewatered either as a
pre-step or in a reactor
• Volatilization of solvent
• Solvent recovery
• Inability of solvent to extract all PCBs
• Several extraction steps
• Solvent residual remains in extracted soil
• Extracts require destruction via other methods
• Removal efficiency in soil has not been
established
• Spent carbon requires treatment/disposal
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have shown that the products of the reaction are non-toxic,
non-mutagenic, and non-bioaccumulative (desRosiers, 1987).
Treatability studies in Guam and at the Wide Beach Superfund Site
in New York have shown that PCB concentrations can be reduced to
less than 2 ppm. However, variable concentrations in material to be
treated will result in varying efficiencies of the treatment system
and systems must be monitored carefully to ensure that sufficient
reaction time is allowed.
This technology can achieve performance levels that are
considered equivalent to incineration; however, treatability
studies generally will be required to demonstrate that the
concentration reductions can be achieved on a consistent basis for
the material that is to be treated. In some cases, cost-effective
use of the KPEG process will result in substantial reductions of
PCB concentrations, but the residual levels may still be above 2
ppm, in which case chemical waste landfill requirements will also
need to be met.
4.2.3 Biological Treatment
Some work has been done on the use of microbes to degrade PCBs
either through enhancing conditions for existing microbes or mixing
the contaminated material with engineered microbes (Quensen, 1988;
Bedard, 1986; Unterman, 1988; Abramowicz, 1989). The use of this
process requires detailed treatability studies to ensure that the
specific PCB congeners present will be degraded and that the
byproducts of the degradation process will not be toxic. For
in-situ application, it is possible that extensive aeration and
nutrient addition to the subsurface will increase the mobility of
PCBs through transport on particulates. This phenomenon should be
considered when potential ground water contamination is a concern.
In-situ application does not trigger TSCA requirements (unless
disposal occurred after February 17, 1978) and the primary
consideration should be attainment of cleanup levels established
for the site based on the evaluation of factors described in
Chapter 3. Biological processes involving the excavation of
contaminated material for treatment in a bioreactor that can be
shown to achieve residual concentrations of less than or equal to 2
ppm PCBs can be considered equivalent treatment. Treatment
residuals can be re-deposited on site without long-term management
controls as long as treatment byproducts do not present a threat to
human health and the environment.
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4.2.4 Solvent Washing/Extraction
Solvent washing/extraction involves removing PCBs from
excavated contaminated soil and concentrating them in a residual
side stream that will require subsequent treatment, generally
incineration. Often the solvent can be recovered by taking
advantage of certain properties of the solvent being used.
Aliphatic amines (e.g., triethylamine [TEA]), used in the Basic
Extractive Sludge Treatment (B.E.S.T.), exhibit inverse
miscibility. Below 15 degrees C, TEA can simultaneously solvate
oils and water. Above this temperature, water becomes immiscible
and separates from the oil and solvent. Consequently, a process can
be designed to remove water and organics at low temperatures,
separate the water from the organic phase at higher temperatures,
and recover most of the solvent through distillation. The high
concentration PCB stream is then typically incinerated.
A similar process, called critical fluid extraction, involves
taking advantage of increased solvent properties of certain gases
(e.g., propane) when they are heated and compressed to their
"critical point." Once the PCBs have been extracted, the pressure
can be reduced allowing the solvent to vaporize. The solvent can be
recovered and the remaining PCBs sent to an incinerator.
Treatability tests run to date have indicated that there is
probably a limit to the percentage reduction (on the order of
99.5%) achievable with these processes. Repeat applications can
increase the reductions obtained and studies have shown that PCB
concentrations in the extracted soil of less than 2 ppm can be
achieved. However, it may not be cost-effective for sites where
there are large volumes of material at very high concentrations.
4.2.5 Solidification/Stabilization
The terms solidification and stabilization are sometimes used
interchangeably, however, subtle differences should be recognized.
Solidification implies hardening or encapsulation to prevent
leaching, whereas stabilization implies a chemical reaction or
bonding to prevent leaching. Solidification of PCBs can be
accomplished by use of pozzolons such as cement or lime.
Encapsulation, rather than bonding, occurs to prevent leaching of
the PCBs. There is some evidence in the literature that the excess
hydroxides are substituted on the biphenyl ring resulting in a
dechlorination reaction (U.S. EPA, 1988c). The dechlorinated
product would probably be less toxic than the parent molecule.
Stabilization may be accomplished using a modified clay or other
binder to bond to the PCB preventing
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leaching of the PCBs even under extreme environmental conditions.
This product will probably be stable over time because of the
binding, but no changes in the parent molecules are expected.
To assess the reduction in mobility achieved through
solidification, leaching analysis, such as the Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), should be performed
before and after solidification. Since PCB migration potential is
reduced but the PCBs are still present in the waste and the long
term reliability of the treatment process is uncertain, long-term
management controls as outlined in Table 4-2, based on the
concentration of PCBs stabilized or up to a factor of 10 lower
(based on the results of the performance evaluation), should be
incorporated into the alternative.
4.2.6 Vitrification
Vitrification involves the use of high power electrical
current (approximately 4 MW) transmitted into the soil by large
electrodes which transform the treated material into a pyrolyzed
mass. Organic contaminants are destroyed and/or volatilized, and
inorganic contaminants are bound up in the glass-like mass that is
created. Volatilized organics must be captured and treated. Since
this process is often performed in-situ without disturbing the
contaminated material, the requirements of TSCA would not be
applicable unless disposal occurred after February 17, 1978. Also,
it is often advantageous to consolidate contaminated material into
one area for purposes of applying the process in which cases TSCA
requirements would apply for PCBs at concentrations greater than 50
ppm since this movement constitutes disposal. Because the process
results in complete pyrolosis of the PCBs in the affected area it
is considered equivalent to incineration and no long-term
management would be warranted based on the PCBs. The perimeter of
the treated area should be tested using the TCLP to determine if
long term management controls are warranted in areas where
gradations in temperature resulted in lower levels of PCB
destruction.
4.3 Determining Appropriate Management Controls for Areas Where
Concentrations Are Above the Action Levels
Consistent with the Superfund expectations low-threat material
should generally be contained on site. As described above, this
will generally include soil with PCBs at concentration of less than
100 ppm (residential) or PCBs at concentrations of less than 500
ppm (industrial). The
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management controls that should be implemented for the material
that remains at these sites above the action level will depend on
the material that is to be contained and hydrogeological and
meteorological factors associated with the site. Controls may
include caps, liners, leachate collection systems, ground water
monitoring, surface water controls, and site security. A general
framework of appropriate controls under various site scenarios is
provided in Table 4-2. If disposal of PCBs subject to TSCA
(concentrations greater than 50 ppm) occurred after 1978, then the
long-term management controls required for chemical waste landfills
must be addressed for material that is not incinerated or treated
by an equivalent method. As noted in the Table, where low
concentrations of PCBs will remain on site and direct contact risks
can be reduced sufficiently, minimal long term management controls
are warranted. Controls should ensure that PCBs will not pose a
threat to the ground water or any nearby surface water. TSCA
waivers of particular chemical waste landfill requirements may be
justified. Where TSCA landfill requirements are not applicable
(post-78 disposal of >50 ppm. PCB material did/does not occur),
they will not be relevant and appropriate since RCRA closure
requirements are generally the relevant ant appropriate
requirement; consequently, the use of the TSCA waiver provision
will not be necessary.
4.3.1 Example Analyses — Long-Term Management Controls
To illustrate the process of determining the appropriate
long-term management controls for low-threat PCB contamination that
will remain at a site, an example was developed. A description of
the models used in this evaluation is provided in Appendix C. The
parameters used in this analysis are generally conservative. They
are summarized in Table 4-3. Four different source area PCB
concentrations were evaluated: 5 ppm, 20 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm.
The determination of the appropriate long term management
controls for this example site was based on preventing access to
concentrations of PCBs exceeding the action level (residential, 1
ppm; industrial 10 - 25 ppm) and preventing migration of PCBs to
the ground water at concentrations that exceed the proposed
drinking water standard — .5 ppb. The migration to ground water
pathway was assessed by determining the infiltration projected
through four different cap designs and then modeling the migration
of PCBs from the source area to and into the ground water.
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Table 4-3
SITE PARAMETERS
Source Area—5 Acres
Average Regional Flow 310 ft/year
Porosity of Soil-0.25
Bulk Density of Soil-1.97 g/ml
Time—Peak 70 years from 0-10,000 years
Contaminated zone organic content—5.0%
Clean unsaturated zone organic content—0.5%
Saturated zone organic content-0.1%
PCB half-life-50 years
Depth of Contamination—10 feet
Depth to Groundwater-20 feet
Thickness of Saturated Zone~5feet
49
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The four caps evaluated in this analysis are:
1. Twelve-inch soil cap
2. Twelve-inch soil cap with 24-inch clay layer
3. 24-inch soil cap, flexible membrane liner, and 12-inch
cover soil, and
4. RCRA minimum technology cap including 24-inch soil cap,
12-inch sand drainage layer, flexible membrane liner,
24-inch clay layer, and 12-inch cover soil.
These caps are pictured in Figure 4-2. The infiltration expected
through each of these caps, presented in Table 4-4, (given the site
conditions presented in Table 4-3) was estimated using the
Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) model and the
migration of PCBs to and into the ground water was estimated using
a combination of a one-dimensional unsaturated zone finite-element
flow and transport module called VADOFT (U.S. EPA, 1989f) and an
analytical solute/heat transport module called AT123D (Yeh, 1981).
The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 4-5. PCB
concentrations in ground water were estimated for each of the four
cap designs and four different PCB source concentrations. Based on
this analysis, the following recommendations for caps would be
made:
5 ppm PCBs Source At this concentration the threat of PCB
migration to ground water at concentrations that would exceed the
proposed MCL of .5 ppb under the given site conditions is unlikely.
The maximum concentration averaged over 70 years (occuring after
945 years) is .099 ppb with only a soil cap. The soil cover would
be recommended for sites in residential areas to prevent contact
with concentrations above 1 ppm, the starting point action level.
20 ppm PCBs Source Again, the analysis indicates that the threat to
ground water is not significant. With only a soil cap, the maximum
concentration expected is .4 ppb. For sites in residential areas, a
cement cover and a deed notice may be warranted to prevent contact
with PCBs exceeding the 1 ppm, starting point action level.
50 ppm PCBs Source At 50 ppm, PCB concentrations in the ground
water are projected to exceed the .5 ppb level slightly --
approximately 1 ppb. At this concentration, for the site conditions
presented, cap design 2 (Figure 4-2) would be recommended. The
combination of a low-permeability cover soil and the soil cap will
prevent PCBs from migrating to the ground water at levels that
exceed .5 ppb. With the reduced infiltration the maximum PCB
concentration projected for the ground water (occurring after 1645
years) is .3 ppb. Again, a deed notice would be warranted to
prevent direct
50
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Figure 4-2
Cap Design Details
Vegetation
12" Soil Top Layer
»w>' ' &£&&; ••ftSSSvST
^^»— Vegetation
'"{Wtf-» "* 3"5% 'W'"'!?**'^, r, •• r -IT T
%^^ ^ ^ " ^ ^N i^ S*^S
X^ 24"n«ySoil-K=8.5xlO
EES12IL2 W?S?Sg? ^fe^" '
^^*~ Vegetation
V//SSSSS, •< 3-5% '""'^fo'
•< — 24" Soil Top Layer
DESIGN 3 ^G&G&s •v&fr&y pML20mil1--K=lxlO
^iVSS^j^ >iv5>J^5>f ^^ 12" Cover Soil- K=3
"cWsec
-14 /
cm/sec
.7x10 cm/sec
DESIGN 4
Landfill *
Design I
(Minimum
Technology) |
•s/ss/s/ss
•3-5%
• 2%
Vegetation
24" Soil Top Layer
-2
12" Sand - K=lxlO cm/sec
14
FML 20 mil -- K=lxlO cm/sec
24" Clay -- K=lxlO"7 cm/sec
12" Cover Soil-- K=3.7x10 cm/sec
12" Sand - K=lxlO~2cm/sec (Le»ch»te collection) '
FML 30mil--K=lxlO"lcm/sec (Liner) |
12" Qay ~lxlO"7cm/sec (Liner) I
n
12" Sand - K=lxlO cm/sec (Leak detection) |
FML 30?nil -- K=lxlO" 'cm/sec (Liner) i
- 36" Qay -- K=lxlO" cm/sec (Liner) i
' Original Subgrade
* RCRA Minimum Technology Landfill bottom liner design for remedial actions requiring RCRA landfill construction.
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Table 4-4
COVER DESIGN SUMMARY TABLE (ANNUAL VALUES)
Cover
Design
1
2
3
4
Site Area
(Acres)
2
2
2
2
Precip.
(Cu.Ft.)
258,877
285,877
258,877
285,877
Runoff (Cu.
Ft.)
3,349
78,164
127,318
94,262
Evapotrans.
(Cu. Ft.)
113,134
114,628
131,170
118,162
Infiltration
(Cu. Ft.)/
Acre
71,467
33,529
226
1
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Table 4-5
Soil Concentration 5 ppm
Cap
Design
1
.099
Cap
Design
2
.029
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Soil Concentration 20 ppm
Cap
Design
1
.396
Cap
Design
2
.116
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Soil Concentration 50 ppm
Cap
Design
1
.990
Cap
Design
2
.290
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Soil Concentration 100 ppm
Cap
Design
1
1.98
Cap
Design
2
.580
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Ipeak(Y..,|
Cap
Design
1
945
Cap
Design
2
1645
Cap
Design
3
Cap
Design
4
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53
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contact with the soil in the future.
100 ppm PCBs Source At 100 ppm, PCB concentrations in the
ground water are projected to exceed the .5 ppb level slightly
--approximately .6 ppb, even with the addition of a
low-permeability cover soil. At this concentration, for the
site conditions presented, the cap design 3 (Figure 4-2) would
be recommended. The addition of a flexible membrane liner
reduces infiltration sufficiently to prevent migration of PCBs
to the ground water. Consistent with Table 4-2, a deed notice,
fence, and periodic ground water monitoring would also be
recommended.
4.4 Dredged Material
A special allowance is made under TSCA for dredged
material and municipal sewage treatment sludges in section
761.60 (a) (5) (iii) . If, based on technical, environmental,
and economic considerations, it can be shown that disposal in
an incinerator or chemical waste landfill is not reasonable or
appropriate and that an alternative disposal method will
provide adequate protection to health and the environment,
this alternate disposal method will meet the substantive
requirements of TSCA. Since these showings are integral
components of any remedy selected at a Superfund site,
Superfund actions involving PCB-contaminated dredged material
generally will be consistent with TSCA.
4.5 RCRA Hazardous Waste
As noted in section 2.3.2, special consideration must be
given to PCB-contaminated soil that also contains material
considered hazardous under RCRA. Soil containing constituents
that make it hazardous under RCRA that is excavated for the
purpose of treatment or disposal must be treated consistent
with the land disposal restrictions prior to placement and
residuals managed in accordance with Subtitle C closure
requirements. This means that a specific treatment method must
be applied, or specified concentration levels must be attained
for the waste contained in the soil, or a treatability
variance must be obtained to establish alternate treatment
standards. For soil and debris from CERCLA sites the need for
a treatability variance is presumed (preamble to NCP, 55
Federal Register 8760-61, March 8, 1990) . Treatment guidelines
for constituents found in RCRA hazardous waste have been
developed for use in treatability variances and should be used
as a guide in determining the reductions in contaminant levels
that should be attained by alternative treatment methods.
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PCBs alone are not considered hazardous under RCRA since
they are addressed under the TSCA regulations; however, land
disposal restrictions do address PCBs under the California
List Waste provisions for cases where PCBs are mixed with a
waste that is considered hazardous under RCRA. If the waste is
hazardous under RCRA, and the concentration of halogenated
organic compounds exceeds 1000 ppm, the land disposal
restrictions associated with California List Waste become
applicable. A list of compounds regulated under the category
of halogenated organic compounds is provided in 40 CFR part
268 Appendix III. PCBs are included on this list. Soil with
HOCs exceeding 1000 ppm that is also considered hazardous
under RCRA, must be incinerated or treated under a
treatability variance. Under a treatability variance,
treatment should achieve residual HOC concentrations
consistent with the levels specified for a treatability
variance for Superfund soil and debris. PCB concentrations
must be reduced to .1 - 10 ppm for concentrations up to 100
ppm, and percent reductions of 90 - 99.9% must be achieved for
higher concentrations (U.S. EPA, 1989h). If solidification is
used, the levels specified under treatability variance
guidelines apply to leachate obtained from application of the
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP).
The implications of the land disposal restrictions vary
somewhat depending on whether the waste present is a listed
hazardous waste or is hazardous by characteristic. If the soil
contains a listed hazardous waste, once treatment consistent
with the land disposal restrictions (i.e., specified treatment
or concentration reductions consistent with the levels
provided in the treatability variance guidelines for soil and
debris) is employed, the residual after treatment must be
disposed of in a landfill that meets the requirements of a
RCRA Subtitle C Landfill. It may be possible to delist the
residuals to demonstrate that it is no longer hazardous; this
may be done for wastes on-site as part of the ROD; for wastes
to be sent off-site, EPA Headquarters should be consulted
regarding de-listing. If the concentration of PCBs remaining
still exceeds 2 ppm, the landfill should also be consistent
with a chemical waste landfill described under TSCA. As
discussed in Section 4.3, fulfillment of RCRA Subtitle C
Landfill Closure requirements will also guarantee fulfillment
of TSCA chemical waste landfill requirements.
If the soil contains material that makes it hazardous
because of a characteristic; e.g., leachate concentrations
exceed levels specified in 40 CFR 261.24, the soil should be
treated to established BDAT levels, if any; if BDAT
concentrations are not specified, the soil should be treated
such that it no longer exhibits the characteristic. Once
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the BDAT level is achieved (if any) or the characteristic has
been removed, it may be possible to land dispose the waste and
Subtitle C landfill requirements would not be applicable but
rather, the waste would be considered a solid waste and
governed by Subtitle D. However, when PCBs are present in the
waste, long term management controls consistent with the
guidelines given in Section 4.2 should be employed.
4.6 Example Options Analysis -- Contaminated Soil
Table 4-6 outlines the ARARs that may have to be
addressed for wastes with different constituents including
those that will make the waste hazardous because either a
listed waste is present or the material exhibits a hazardous
characteristic.
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Table 4-6
EXAMPLE PCB COMPLIANCE SCENARIOS FOR CONTAMINATED SOIL
Waste Type and
Concentration
Restrictions(s)
in Effect
Compliance Options to
Meet Restrictions *
PCBs>50 ppm
TSCA
PCBs>50ppm,
RCRA listed waste, and
HOCs< l,000ppm
[in this case PCBs
not covered by RCRA]
TSCA
RCRALDRs
PCBs>50ppm,
RCRA listed waste,
and HOCs> 1,000 mg/kg
TSCA
RCRALDRs
PCBs>50 ppm,
RCRA characteristics
metal waste, and
HOCs< 1,000 mg/kg
TSCA
RCRALDRs
PCBs>50 ppm,
RCRA characteristic
metal waste, and
HOCs>l,OOOppm
TSCA
RCRALDRs
Dispose of in chemical waste landfill;
Incinerate; or
Use equivalent treatment to 2 ppm (solid residue)
or 3 ppb (aqueous phase )
Must also be consistent with chemical waste
landfill if final PCB concentration exceeds 2
ppm (solid residue)
Treat to LDR treatment standard for listed or
waste; or
Obtain an equivalent treatment method petition; or
Obtain a treatability variance (soil and debris
concentration levels as TBC); and
Dispose of according to Subtitle C restrictions
Dispose of in chemical waste landfill if final PCB
concentration exceeds 2 ppm (solid residue)
Treat to LDR PCB (i.e., incinerate) and listed waste
treatment standard; or
Obtain an equivalent treatment method petition; or
Treat to treatability variance levels for Superfund
soil and debris; and
Dispose of according to Subtitle C Restrictions
Dispose of in chemical waste landfill if final PCB
concentration exceeds 2 ppm ( solid residue)
Treat to BOAT or treatability Variance levels and
dispose according to Subtitle C restrictions
Solidify to remove characteristic (based on TCLP)
and dispose according to Subtitle D restrictions
Dispose of in chemical waste landfill if PCB
concentration exceeds 2 ppm (solid residue)
Incinerate to LDR treatment standard for HOCs,
solidify ash; or
Treat by equivalent method, solidify; or
Treat to treatability variance levels for PCBs in soil
and debris
Treat residuals to meet BDAT/Treatability Variance
and dispose according to Subtitle C or remove
characteristic and dispose according to Subtitle D
restrictions
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Chapter 5
Analysis of Alternatives and Selection of Remedy
Consistent with program expectations, it will generally
be appropriate to develop a range of alternatives for sites
with PCB contamination, including alternatives that involve
treatment of the principal threats using methods described in
chapter 4 or more innovative methods in combination with
long-term management of low-threat wastes consistent with the
framework provided. As described in the Guidance on Conducting
Remedial Investigations/ Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA,
alternatives are initially screened on the basis of
effectiveness, implementability, and cost (order of
magnitude). Those alternatives that are retained are analyzed
in detail against the nine evaluation criteria.
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5.1 Evaluating Remedial Alternatives
The overall response options at any site range from
cleaning up the site to levels that would allow it to be used
without restrictions to closing the site with full containment
of the wastes. Alternatives retained for detailed analysis are
evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
" Overall protection of human health and the environment
" Compliance with ARARs
" Long-term effectiveness and permanence
" Reduction of toxicity, mobility, or volume through
treatment,
Short-term effectiveness
Implementability
" Cost
" State acceptance
" Community acceptance
The sections that follow will discuss in turn the first seven
of these criteria and the special considerations that may be
appropriate when PCB contamination is to be addressed. State
and community acceptance are important criteria but are
generally handled no differently for PCB sites than they are
for other contaminated sites.
5.1.1 Overall Protection of Human Health and the Environment
Overall protection of human health and the environment is
achieved by eliminating, reducing, or controlling site risks
posed through each pathway. As covered in section 3, this
includes direct contact risks, potential migration to ground
water, and potential risks to ecosystems. Often alternatives
will involve a combination of methods (e.g., treatment and
containment) to achieve protection. In general, remedies for
PCB sites will involve reducing high concentrations of PCBs
through treatment and long-term managment of materials
remaining. The methods of protection used to control exposure
through each pathway should be described under this criterion.
5.1.2 Compliance With ARARs
As outlined in section 2, the primary ARARs for
alternatives addressing PCB contamination derive from the TSCA
and the RCRA, and for actions involving PCB contaminated
ground water and/or surface water, the SDWA and the CWA.
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Since RCRA closure requirements are generally relevant
and appropriate at Superfund sites even when a hazardous waste
is not involved, a discussion of the measures taken at the
site for the alternative being considered that are consistent
with the RCRA requirements is warranted.
TSCA is applicable where disposal occurred after February
17, 1978 including any alternatives involving movement of
material with 50 ppm or greater PCBs and compliance with the
substantive requirements must be addressed. For alternatives
that do not achieve the standards specified for treatment of
PCBs under TSCA, consistency with long-term management
controls associated with a chemical waste landfill must be
demonstrated. Consistency may be achieved by complying with
the specified landfill requirements or meeting the substantive
findings to support a waiver as provided in the TSCA
regulations (40 CFR 761.75).
Although the PCB Spill Policy is not ARAR, it is an
important TBC. A statement indicating the relationship between
the cleanup levels selected and the cleanup levels in the
Spill Policy for alternatives involving no or minimal long
term management controls is usually warranted.
Because PCBs adhere strongly to soil, it may be
impracticable to reduce concentrations in the ground water to
the proposed MCL level of .5 ppb throughout the entire plume,
for sites where PCBs have migrated to the saturated zone. PCBs
adsorbed to particulates can be removed in extraction wells;
however, they will be drawn through the aquifer very slowly. A
waiver from State standards or the MCL once it becomes final
may be warranted for sites where ground water restoration time
frames are estimated to be very long or where cleanup cannot
be achieved throughout the entire area of attainment. Interim
remedies (extraction for a specified period of time such as 5
years) to assess the practicability of extraction or other
techniques may be worthwhile to determine the feasibility of
achieving drinking water levels or at a minimum, reducing
risks to the extent practicable.
5.1.3 Long-Term Effectiveness and Permanence
Long-term effectiveness and permanence addresses how well
a remedy maintains protection of human health and the
environment after remedial action objectives have been met.
Alternatives that involve the removal or destruction of PCBS
to the extent that no access restrictions are necessary for
protection of human health and the environment provide the
greatest long-term effectiveness and permanence. The
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uncertainty associated with achieving remediation goals for
the treatment methods considered may distinguish alternatives
with respect to this criterion. Alternatives that limit the
mobility of PCBs through treatment such as
solidification/stabilization afford less long-term
effectiveness and permanence than alternatives that
permanently destroy the PCBs, although solidification in
combination with management controls can be very reliable
based on the site-specific circumstances involved. Generally,
alternatives relying solely on long-term management controls
such as caps, liners, and leachate collection systems to
provide protection have the lowest long-term effectiveness and
permanence; however, this may be appropriate where
low-concentration material is to be contained or where
excavation is not practicable. Many alternatives will involve
combinations of treatment and containment and will
consequently fall at various points along the permanence
continuum depending on the volume and concentration of
residuals remaining on site.
5.1.4 Reduction of Toxicity, Mobility, or Volume Through
Treatment
The anticipated performance of treatment technologies
used in the alternatives is evaluated under this criterion.
Alternatives that do not involve treatment achieve no
reduction of toxicity, mobility, or volume through treatment
and should not be described as doing so under this criterion
(e.g., placing a cap over contaminated soil does not reduce
mobility of PCBs through treatment). Alternatives that use
treatment methods that have a high certainty of achieving
substantial reductions (at least 90%) of PCBs have the
greatest reduction of toxicity. Alternatives that treat the
majority of the contaminated material through these processes
achieve the greatest reduction in volume. Alternatives that
utilize methods to encapsulate or chemically stabilize PCBs
achieve reduction of mobility; however, most of these
processes also increase the volume of contaminated material
and this must be considered.
5.1.5 Short-Term Effectiveness
The effectiveness of alternatives in protecting human
health and the environment during construction and
implementation is assessed under short-term effectiveness.
This criterion encompassess concerns about short-term impacts
as well as the length of time required to implement the
alternatives. Factors such as cross-media impacts, the need to
transport contaminated material through populated areas, and
potential disruption of ecosystems may be
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pertinent. Because PCBs do volatilize, remedies involving
excavation will create short-term risks through the inhalation
pathway. For actions involving large volumes of highly
contaminated material this risk may be substantial; however,
it can be controlled.
5.1.6 Implementability
The technical and administrative feasibility of
alternatives as well as the availability of needed goods and
services are evaluated to assess the alternative's
implementability. Many of the treatment methods for PCBs
require construction of the treatment system on-site since
commercial systems for such techniques as KPEG and solvent
washing may not be readily available, other methods, such as
bioremediation, require extensive study before their
effectiveness can be fully assessed. This reduces the
implementability of the alternative. Offsite treatment and
disposal facilities must be permitted under TSCA and usually
under RCRA as well if other contaminants are present. This may
affect the implementability of alternatives that require PCB
material be taken offsite due to treatment and disposal
facility capacity problems and the need to transport
contaminated material. Finally, the implementability of
alternatives involving long-term management and limitations on
site access to provide protection may be limited by the site
location; e.g., flood plain, residential area.
5.1.7 Cost
Capital and operation and maintenance costs are evaluated
for each alternative. These costs include design and
construction costs, remedial action operating costs, other
capital and short-term costs, costs associated with
maintenance, and costs of performance evaluations, including
monitoring. All costs are calculated on a present worth basis.
5.2 Selection of Remedy
The remedy selected for the site should provide the best
balance of tradeoffs among alternatives with respect to the
nine evaluation criteria. First, it should be confirmed that
all alternatives provide adequate protection of human health
and the environment and either attain or exceed all of their
ARARs or provide grounds for invoking a CERCLA waiver of an
ARAR. Some of the key tradeoffs for sites with
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PCB contamination include:
" Alternatives that offer a high degree of long-term
effectiveness and permanence and reduction of toxicity,
mobility, or volume through treatment, such as
incineration, generally involve high costs. Short-term
effectiveness for such alternatives may be low since
risks may increase during implementation due to the need
to excavate and possibly transport contaminated material,
resulting in cross-media impacts.
" Alternatives that utilize innovative methods, often less
costly than incineration, to reduce toxicity, mobility,
or volume are often more difficult to implement due to
the need for treatability studies and to construct
treatment facilities onsite. In addition, the treatment
levels achievable and the long term effectiveness and
permanence may be less certain.
" Alternatives that involve stabilization to reduce the
mobility of PCBs and limit cross-media impacts that may
result from incineration (particularly important when
other contaminants such as volatile metals are present)
at a lower cost than other treatment methods, have higher
uncertainty over the long term but may provide advantages
in long-term effectiveness over alternatives that simply
contain the waste in place.
Alternatives that simply contain PCBs do not utilize
treatment to reduce toxicity, mobility, or volume of the
waste, have lower long-term effectiveness and permanence
than alternatives involving treatment, but are generally
less costly, easy to implement, and pose minimal
short-term impacts.
The relative trade-offs based on these considerations will
vary depending on site specific considerations discussed in
earlier sections; i.e., concentration and volume of PCBs, site
location, and presence of other contaminants.
5.3 Documentation
Typically, a ROD for a PCB-contaminated site should
include the following unique components in addition to the
standard site characterization and FS summary information
described in the Guidance on Preparing Superfund Decision
Documents:
" Remediation goals defined in the FS. For the selected
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remedy, the ROD should describe:
- Cleanup levels above which PCB-contaminated material
will be excavated. A comparison of the levels selected
to PCB Spill Policy levels and explanation of why they
differ may be warranted.
- Treatment levels to which the selected remedy will
reduce PCB concentrations prior to re-depositing
residuals onsite or in a landfill. The consistency of
these levels with the TSCA requirements (i.e., the
requirement to demonstrate achievement of 2 ppm or less
in solid treatment residue for material that will
remain on site with no controls), and RCRA LDR
requirements for hazardous wastes, should be noted.
A description of technical aspects of the remedy, such as
the following (should be included in alternative
descriptions):
- Treatment process, including the disposition of all
effluent streams and residuals.
- Time frame for completing the remedy and controls that
will be implemented during this time to ensure
protection of human health and the environment.
- Long term management actions or site controls that will
be implemented to contain or limit access to PCBs
remaining on site. The consistency with RCRA closure
and TSCA chemical waste landfill measures, and
necessary TSCA waivers, should be indicated.
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Chapter 6
References
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Aulerich et al, Assessment of Primary and Secondary Toxicity
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons as Probes for Studying
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Hydrodynamics, Department of Civil Engineering,
Massachusettes Institute of Technology, August 8, 1988.
Bedard, Donna L; Unterman, Ronald; Bopp, Lawrence H.; Brennan,
Michael J; Haberl, Marie L.; Johnson, Carl, Rabid Assay
for Screening and Characterizing Microorganisms for the
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Environmental Microbiology, pp 761-768, April 1986.
Brown, John F.; Wagner, Robert F.; Feng, Helen; Bedard, Donna
L.; Brennan, Michael J.; Carnahan, James C.; May, Ralph
J., Environmental Dechlorination of PCBs, Environmental
Toxicology and Chem., Vol. 6, pp 579-593, 1987.
des Rosiers, Paul E., Chemical Detoxification of Dioxin-
Contaminated Wastes Using Potassium Polyethylene
Glycolate, Dioxin '87, 7th International Symposium on
Dioxins and Related Compounds, Las Vegas, NV, October
1987.
Fetter, C.W. Jr., Applied hydrogeology, Bell and Howard Co.,
pp 64, 1980.
Fletcher et al., Metabolism of 2-Chlorobiphenyl by Suspension
Cultures of Paul's Scarlet Rose, Bulletin on
Environmental Contaminant Toxicology 39:960-965, 1987a.
Fletcher et al., Polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) Metabolism by Plant
Cells, Biotechnology Letters 9:817-820, 1987b.
Focardi et al, Variations in Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congener
Composition in Eggs of Mediterranean Water Birds in
Relation to Their Position in the Food Chain,
Environmental Pollution 52: 243-255, 1988.
Glaser et al., Trace Analyses for Water Waters, Environmental
Science and Technology, Vol 15, pp 1426, 1981.
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Hutzinger, 0.; Safe, S.; Zitko, V., eds., The Chemistry of
PCBs, CRC Cleveland, OH, CRC Press, 1974.
Hwang, S. T., Toxic Emissions from Land Disposal Facilities,
Environmental Progress 1:46, 1982
Kimbrough, Renate D., Human Health Effects of Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs),
Annual Review Pharmacological Toxicology, Vol 27 pp
87-111, 1987.
Mackay, D; Leiononen, P.L.; Rate of Evaporation of Low
Solubility Contaminants From Water Bodies to Atmosphere,
Environmental Science and Technology 9:1178, 1975.
McFarland, Victor A. and Clarke, Joan U., Environmental
Occurence, Abundance, and Potential Toxicity of
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners: Considerations for a
Congener-Specific Analysis, Envrionmental Health
Perspectives, Vol 81 pp 225-239, 1989.
Monsanto Chemical Company, The Aroclors -- Physical Properties
and Suggested Applications, Undated.
Richardson, C. W. and Wright, D. A., WGEN; A Model for
Generating Daily Weather Variables, ARS USDA Agricultural
Research Service, 1984.
Quensen III, John F; Tiedje, James M; Boyd, Stephen A.,
Reductive Dechlorination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls by
Anaerobic Microorganisms from Sediments, Science, Vol.
242 pp 752-754, November 4, 1988.
Safe, S.; Robertson, L,; Sawyer, T.; Bandierra, S.; Safe, L. ;
Parkinson, A.; Campbell, M. A.; Mullin, M., Adverse
Exposure, Health, Environmental Effects Study, PCBs
Sypmposium Proceedings, PB84-135771 pp 229-48, 1984.
Tarradellas et al., Methods of Extraction and Analysis of PCBs
from Earthworms, International Journal of Enviornmental
Analytical Chemistry 13:55-67, 1982.
U.S. EPA, Attenuation of Water-Soluble Polychlorinated
Biphenyls By Earth Materials, EPA-600/2-80-027, Office of
Research and Development, 1980a.
U.S. EPA, CERCLA Compliance With Other Laws Manual: Part 1,
EPA/540/G-89/009, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, August 1989a.
U.S. EPA, Dermal Absorption of Dioxins and PCBs from Soil
(Draft), Office of Toxic Substances, September 30, 1988a.
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U.S. EPA, Determination of Henry's Law Constants of Selected
Priority Pollutants, Municipal Environmental Research
Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH, April 1980b.
U.S. EPA, Development of Advisory Levels for Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs) Cleanup, EPA/600/6-86/002, Office of
Research and Development, May 1986a.
U.S. EPA, Equilibrium Partitioning Approach to Generating
Sediment Quality Criteria, Briefing Report to the EPA
Science Advisory Board, EPA/440/5-89-002, Office of
Water, April 1989b.
U.S. EPA, Exposure Factors Handbook, EPA 600/8-89/043, Office
of Research and Development, May 1989c.
U.S. EPA, Field Manual for Grid Sampling of PCB Spill Sites to
Verify Cleanup, EPA-560/5-86-017, Office of Toxic
Substances, May 1986b.
U.S. EPA, Final Covers on Hazardous Waste Landfills and
Surface Impoundments, EPA 530-SW-89-047, Office of Solid
Waste, July 1989d.
U.S. EPA, Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water
Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms
and Their Uses, Office of Water Regulations and
Standards, Federal Register Volume 50, No. 145, pp 30784,
PB85-227049, July 29, 1985a.
U.S. EPA, Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration
Test Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternate
Methods -- Draft, Office of Toxic Substances, August 21,
1986c.
U.S. EPA, Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP)
Model, Volumes I, II, II, IV, User's Guide for Version 2,
EPA 530/SW-84-010, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, June 15, 1984.
U.S. EPA, Maximum Contaminant Levels -- Proposed Rule 40CFR
22062, Federal Register Volume 54 No. 97 pp 22062, May
22, 1989d.
U.S. EPA, Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds
in Drinking Water, EPA/4-88/039, December 1988b.
U.S. EPA, National Contingency Plan, 40CFR Part 300, Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response, February 1990b.
U.S. EPA, Organics Analysis Multi-Media, Multi-Concentration,
Statement of Work, Contract Lab Program, October 1986d.
U.S. EPA, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Toxic Substances
Control, Proposed Rule, 42FR26564, May 24, 1977.
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U.S. EPA, "PCB Contamination at Superfund Sites --
Relationship of TSCA Anti-Dilution Provisions to
Superfund Response Actions," Memorandum from Don Clay and
Linda Fisher, July 1990b.
U.S. EPA, Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume 1,
Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part A) (Interim Final),
EPA/540/189/002, Office of Emergency and Remedial
Response, December 1989f.
U.S. EPA, Risk of Unsaturated Transport and Transformation of
Chemical Concentrations (RUSTIC), EPA/600/3-89/048a,b,
July 1989g.
U.S. EPA, Stabilization of PCB Contaminated Soil, Memorandum
from Edwin Earth to Jennifer Haley, September 26, 1988c.
U.S. EPA, Superfund Ground Water Issue -- Facilitated
Transport, EPA/540/4-89/003, Office of Research and
Development, August 1989h.
U.S. EPA, Superfund Ground Water Issue -- Ground Water
Sampling for Metals Analysis, EPA/540/4-89/001, Office of
Research and Development, March 19891.
U.S. EPA, Superfund Land Disposal Restrictions Guide #6A —
Obtaining a Soil and Debris Treatability Variance for
Remedial Actions, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, Directive No. 9347.3-06FS, July 1989J.
U.S. EPA, "Update PCB Cleanup-Level Document," Memorandum from
Michael Callahan to Henry Longest, December 6, 1988d.
U.S. EPA, Verification of PCB Spill Cleanup by Sampling and
Analysis, EPA-560/5-85-026, Office of Toxic Substances,
August 1985b.
U.S. EPA, Water Quality Criteria Document for PCBs, Federal
Register 45 pp 79332, Office of Water, 1980c.
Unterman, Ronald; Brennan, Michael J., Brooks, Ronald E;
Mondello, Frank J.; Mobley, David P; McDermott, John B.;
Dietrich, David K; Wagner, Robert E., Bioremediation of
PCBs in Soil; Research and Development Program for the
Destruction pf PCBs, GE Research and Development Center,
Schenectedy, N.Y., June 1988.
Yeh, G.T., AT123D, Analytical Transient One-, Two-, and Three-
Dimensional Simulation of Waste Water Transport in the
Aquifer System, ORNL-5601, 1981.
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APPENDIX A
SUMMARY REPORT
FY82 - FY89 RECORDS OF DECISION ADDRESSING PCB-CONTAMINATED
MEDIA
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SUMMARY REPORT Of FY82 THROUGH FY89
RECORDS OF DECISION WHICH ADDRESS POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
AS A CONTAMINANT OF CONCERN
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
P RE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
REGION 01
Cannon Engineering/Plymouth, MA
[03/31/88]
[F]
Decontamination of all structures and
debris with offsite disposal; excavation
of contaminated soils with onsite
thermal aeration; excavation of PCB
contaminated soils and offsite
incineration and disposal; restrict
ground water use; ground water
monitoring.
$2,700,000
Capital Cost
RD: 89/4
RA: 9114
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Incineration selected.
Norwood PCBs, MA [09/29/89] [F]
Excavation and onsite treatment of
PCB-contaminated soils and sediments
using solvent extraction; area specific
soil target cleanup levels established
based on area risk assessment
exposure scenarios; offsite incineration
of oil extract from solvent extraction
process; soil cover over treated soils;
decontamination of machinery using
solvents; extraction and treatment of
PCB-contaminated ground water using
carbon adsorption with offsite disposal
of spent carbon; ground water use
controls; and wetlands restoration.
$16,100,000
Present
Worth
RD: 91 /3
RA: 92/4
1016
1254
1260
2,060 ppm 1-25ppm 31,550 Incineration was selected for
sediment cubic yards oil extract from solvent
extraction process. Incineration
was chosen only as a
contingency remedy for soil
and sediment due to higher
cost.
O'Connor, ME [09/27/89] [RP]
Excavation and onsite treatment of $13,590,000
approximately 23,500 cubic yards of Present
soil and sediments containing PCBs Worth
RD: 9114
RA: 94/1
1260
200,000 ppm max
Not 23,500 Incineration was not selected
Stated cubic yards as primary treatment due to its
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
using solvent extraction; solvent
extract will be incinerated offsite;
treated soils containing lead levels
>248ppm will undergo
solidification/stabilization treatment
and offsite disposal; backfilling using
clean and treated soils; pumping and
offsite treatment of approximately
195,000 gallons of surface water
containing PCBs; and extraction and
onsite treatment of PCB (Arochlor 1260)
contaminated ground water using
filtration/carbon adsorption.
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
short-term air quality impacts
on Local community and onsite
workers.
Ottati a Goss, NH [01/16/87] [S ]
Excavation of PCS contaminated soil
and sediment and treatment using
incineration following test burn; RCRA
delisting evaluation to be conducted
for ash residuals; aeration of other
contaminated soils, including PCB soil
with concentrations less than 20 ppm;
pilot study to be conducted to
demonstrate the aeration process.
$6,055,000
Present Worth
RD: 89/2,
subsequent
RD start
pending
trial
RA: 91 /4
Not
Stated
143 ppm
1 ppm 14,000 EPA feels that the
(sediment), cubic yards recommended health-based
20 ppm excavation criterion of 20 ppm
(soil) is appropriate for this site and
is consistent with EPA draft
guidance (Development of
Advisory Levels for PCB
Cleanup). Soil aeration will be
consistent with RCRA
requirements achieving 1 ppm
for sediments with less than 20
ppm PCBs.
Pinette's Salvage Yard, ME [05/30/89] [F ]
Excavation and offsite incineration of
PCB-contaminated soil with offsite disposal
of ash; excavation and onsite solvent
extraction of 5-50 ppm PCB
$3,420,000
Capital Cost
RD: 90/4
RA: 91 /4
Not
Stated
92 ppm
1 ppm 2,200 Incineration for PCBs
cubic yards concentrations above 50 ppm.
Solvent extraction for PCB
concentrations
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
contaminated soil with collection of
treatment waters in onsite storage
tanks and treatment by carbon
adsorption and disposal (unspecified) of
carbon filters and water, offsite
incineration and disposal of PCB oil
by-products, and onsite backfilling of
treated soils; consolidation of 500 cubic
yards of 1 -5 ppm PCB soil into
excavated areas and cover with < 1
ppm PCB soil; extraction and onsite
treatment of contaminated ground
water using filtration and carbon
adsorption with reinjection of treated
water and disposal of carbon residuals
(unspecified); offsite disposal of debris
affecting remediation activities; O&M.
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
P RE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
between 5 ppm and 50 ppm.
Replace and cover for PCBs
below 5 ppm.
Re-Solve, MA [07/01783] [F ]
Excavation of oil leachate soils and four
unlined lagoons with offsite disposal at
a RCRA hazardous waste facility;
capping, regrading, and revegetating of
the six acre site.
$3,050,000
Capital Cost
RD: 83/4
RA: 87/4
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
3,900 cy
(soil),
3,100cy
(lagoon)
Incineration was not considered
as a remedial alternative in this
Record of Decision.
Re-Solve, MA [09/24/87] [F ]
Dechlorination of PCB-contaminated soils
using potassium polyethylene glycol (KPEG)
with onsite disposal of treated soils.
$17,038,000 RD: 90/4 Not 3,000 ppm 1 ppm 22,500 Incineration not selected due
Present Worth RA: 93/1 Stated (sediment), cubic yards to limited facilities
25 ppm (availability) and length of
(soil) implementation time.
Rose Disposal Pit, AAA [09/23/88] [RP]
Excavation of soil and sediment with onsite $6,450,000 RD: 90/3 Not Not
incineration and disposal; Present Worth RA; 9173 Stated Stated
13 ppm
15,000
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
recovery of subsurface free product
with offsite thermal destruction and
disposal; extraction of ground water
and treatment using air stripping and
carbon adsorption with discharge to
the aquifer.
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
P RE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
South Municipal Water Supply Well, NH
Excavation and/or dredging of 1,170
cubic yards of wetlands sediments
containing PCB levels >1ppm followed
by offsite incineration and disposal of
residuals; in-situ treatment of 7,500
cubic yards of soil contaminated by
volatile organic compounds using
carbon adsorption for air emissions;
ground water treatment using air
stripping; and ground water
restrictions.
[09/27/89] [F]
$3,394,519 RD:91/3 Not Not
Present Worth RA: 92/4 Stated Stated
1 ppm
1,170
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
Sullivan's Ledge, MA [06/29/89] [F ]
Excavation of contamianted soil and
sediment with dewatering and onsite
solidification and disposal; excavation,
clearing, and onsite and offsite disposal
of debris; capping of eleven of the
twelve acre site; extraction and onsite
treatment of contaminated ground
water with onsite discharge of treated
water to surface water or to a
secondary treatment plant; diversion
and lining of surface water; ground
water institutional controls; O&M.
$10,000,000 RD:91/1 Not 2,400 ppm
Present Worth RA: 92/4 Stated
10 ppm
(soils),
1 ppm
(sediment) (seds)
24,200 cy
(soil),
1,900cy
Selected remedy is
cost-effective considering
long-term effectiveness and
the significant reduction of
mobility equivalent to other
treatment alternatives (i.e.,
incineration).
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
P RE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Wells GaH, MA [09/14/89] [F ]
Excavation of RCB-contaminated soils
with onsite incineration and backfilling
of excavated areas; in-situ volatilization
of 7,600 cubic yards of soils
contaminated with volatile organic
compounds using carbon adsorption for
emissions; and extraction of ground
water and treatment using air stripping
and carbon adsorption.
$68,400,000 RD:91/3 Not Not
Present Worth RA: 93/2 Stated Stated
1.04 ppm
3,100
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
SUBTOTAL 11
REGION 02
Bridgeport Rental a Oil, NJ [12/31/84] [F ]
Excavation and onsite incineration of $35,050,000 RD: 88/2 Not
oily waste, sediment and sludge using Present Worth RA: 92/4 Stated
a pyrotech mobile incinerator.
Burnt Fly Bog, NJ [11/16/83] [S ]
Excavation and offsite disposal of $7,310,000 RD: 86/3 Not
liquids, sludges, asphalt pines, drums, Capital Cost RA: 89/4 Stated
and contaminated soils from lagoons
and wetlands; restoration of site
contours and revegetation; ground
water monitoring.
>500 ppm
245 ppm
Not
Stated
8.5 ppm
60,000
cubic yards
Not
Stated
Incineration selected.
There are no mobile
incinerators presently avaliable
which can reliably incinerate
PCB waste. In addition, the
process would generate ash
residual, wastewater, and air
emissions which would require
treatment or secure disposal.
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
(CONTINUED)
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
P RE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Burnt Fly Bog, NJ [09/29/88] [S ]
Excavation of contaminated materials $6,100,000 RD: 90/2 Not 232 ppm
and offsite disposal; containment of Present Worth RA: 91/2 Stated
contaminated soil in westerly
wetlands; construction of a security
fence and access road; treatability
studies will determine the most
appropriate remedy for the westerly
wetlands.
Chemical Control, NJ [09/23/87] [F ]
In-situ fixation of contaminated soil (drill $7,280,000 RD:91/2 1242 6 ppm
large diameter soil borings, inject chemical Capital Cost 1254
fixating material and mix with soil); RA: 93/1 1260
treatability studies will be conducted during
remedial design.
5 ppm 62,000 cy Contamination found in the
(soils) (soil) downstream area, while
1,400 cy significant enough to pose a
(seds) threat in the stream, is at
sufficiently low concentration
that treatment is not
warranted. At this low
concentration, EPA feels that
containment in a RCRA
or TSCA permitted facility
would be protective.
Not 18,000 Incineration is more expensive
Stated cubic yards than the selected alternative
and does little to further
reduce risk at the site.
Clothier Disposal, NY [12/23/88] [S ]
Cover contaminated soil containing less
than 1 ppm PCBs with one foot of clean
soil; installation of rip rap to prevent
soil erosion; long-term ground water,
surface water, air and sediment
monitoring; institutional controls
including land use and deed
restrictions.
$500,000
Present Worth
RD: 89/3
RA: 90/4
1242
2.7 ppm
1 ppm 2,500 EPA determined that the risk
cubic yards levels associated with the
residual contamination was
minimal and within the range
considered acceptable for
Superfund remedies. The
selected remedy provides
additional protection by
reducing the threat of contact
and ingestion through capping.
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A-
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RD/RA
COMPLETE
(CONTINUED)
AROCHLORS PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION
LEVELS
ESTIMATED
VOLUME
RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
WAS NOT SELECTED
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
GEMoreau, NY [07/13/87] [RP]
Excavation of 8,600 cubic yards of soil $4,664,000 RD: 87/4 Not 3,000 ppm Not 8,600
with onsite disposal within existing Capital Cost RA: 89/3 Stated Stated cubic yards
slurry wall containment area; cap
disposal area; extension of public
water supply to approximately 100
homes; institutional controls.
Hooker/Hyde Park, NY [11/26/85] [FE]
Extraction and onsite phase separation $17,000,000 RD: 86/4 1248 3,000 ppm Not Not
of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) Total Cost RA: 92/1 Stated Stated
from ground water followed by thermal
destruction.
Incineration onsite or offsite for
some 8,600 cubic yards of
material would be prohibitively
expensive compared to the
other two remedial alternatives
described. Incineration was
therefore eliminated from
future consideration.
Incineration selected.
Hudson River PCB, NY [09/25/84] [F]
In-situ containment of remnant
shoreline deposits; covering of affected
areas with soil, regrading, and seeding;
stabilization of river bank, if necessary.
$2,950,000 RD: 89/4 Not 1,000 ppm Not Not The capital costs associated
Capital Cost RA: 92/1 Stated Applicable Applicable with constructing a multi-
incinerator system that would
have the capacity to handle
the massive amounts of PCB
sediment (at the site) would
approach 250 million dollars.
Kin-Buc Landfill, NJ [09/30/88] [RP]
Extraction of ground water and aqueous
phase leachate and onsite treatment using
carbon adsorption and aerobic/anaerobic
biodegradation treatment with onsite
residual
$16,635,000 RD: 90/2 Not 5,882 ppm Not 3,000,000 It would be difficult for a
Present Worth RA: 93/1 Stated Stated gallons single incinerator facility to
(leachate) dedicate itself to handling such
a large volume of hazardous
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A-7
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
discharge to surface water; collection
and offsite incineration of oily phase
leachate; installation of a slurry wall
and cap with periodic monitoring; O&M.
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
waste. Even if an incinerator
dedicated itself to disposing Kin-
Buc wastes, it is estimated that
it would take 35 years to
complete incineration.
Krysowaty Farm, NJ [06/20/84] [F ]
Excavation and offsite disposal of
contaminated soils and wastes at an
approved PCB facility; monitoring of
onsite wells; provide alternate water
supply to affected residents; post-
closure environmental monitoring.
$2,164,014
Capital Cost
RD: 85/4
RA: 86/2
1221
1260
300 ppm
Not 4,000 PCB contamination at the site
Stated cubic yards did not exceed 500 ppm;
therefore, disposal of
contaminated soils will occur in
a TSCA approved landfill. If soils
are encountered with PCB
levels above 500 ppm, these
soils will be incinerated per
TSCA requirements.
Ludlow Sand a Gravel, NY [09/30/88] [FE]
Excavation of contaminated soil and $3,727,000-
sediment and onsite consolidation, $14,548,900
disposal, and capping; collection of Present Worth
leachate using either a passive drain
system or an active extraction well
system and dewatering of
contaminated leachate and ground
water with onsite discharge of effluent
to surface water or offsite discharge;
multimedia monitoring.
RD:91/1
RA: 93/2
Not
Stated
482 ppm
10 ppm 10,000 Thermal treatment
cubic yards (incineration) was not expected
to offer significant increases in
protectiveness to public health
and the environment, or short -
or long-term effectiveness
for the increased cost.
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
(CONTINUED)
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Renora, NJ [09/29/87] [FE]
Excavation and offsite landfilling of
PCB-contaminated soils; excavation and
onsite biodegradation of
PAH-contaminated soils; backfilling;
grading; and revegetation.
$1,344,000
Capital Cost
RD: 88/4
RA: 90/4
1260
37,000 ppm 5 ppm 1,100 Excavation and offsite disposal
cubic yards also may include offsite
incineration as a component of
the selected remedy.
Swope Oil a Chemical, NJ [09/27/85] [F ]
Excavation and offsite incineration of
PCB "hot spots"; removal of tanks,
buildings, and debris with offsite
incineration; extraction and offsite
incineration of aqueous tank contents;
offsite disposal of non-aqueous tank
contents; excavation of PCB
contaminated soil and buried sludge
area with offsite disposal.
$3,134,683
Total Cost
RD: 88/4
RA: 90/4
1242
1248
1254
1260
500 ppm
5 ppm
145 cy
> 50 ppm
8,650 cy
< 50 ppm
Total site contamination not
incinerated due to cost.
Wide Beach Development, NY [09/30/85] [S ]
Conduct pilot study on KPEG (potassium $9,295,000
polyethylene glycol) treatment to Present
determine effectiveness in neutralizing Worth
the PCB contaminated soil.
York Oil, NY [02/09/88] [F ]
Excavation and dewatering of PCB $6,500,000
contaminated soil and sediments with Capital Cost
solidification in a mobile onsite unit,
the stabilized material will be tested
to verify its non-leachability and then
disposed onsite; extraction of ground
water with onsite treatment using an
oil skimmer and oil/water separator
with discharge into a modular water
treatment unit; offsite treatment (to
RD: 89/2
RA: 91 /1
RD: 91 /1
RA: 93/2
1254
1,026 ppm
1248
1254
1260
210 ppm
10 ppm 22,300 Incineration not retained as a
cubic yards viable alternative through
preliminary screening. No
rationale was provided in the
ROD.
10 ppm 30,000 Incineration was not selected
(soil) cubic yards because further treatment of
1 ppb 25,000 the residential ash following
(ground gallons thermal destruction may be
water) needed to fuse the high
concentration of metals found
onsite into the residential ash
in a non-hazardous form.
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A-9
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
be selected following treatability
studies) of PCB-contaminated tank oils;
demolition and decontamination of the
empty storage tanks.
SUBTOTAL 15
REGION 03
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Delaware Sand a Gravel, DE [04/22/88] [FE]
Excavation of PCB-contaminated soil at $18,250,000
Drum Disposal Area and Ridge Area; Total Cost
temporary onsite storage followed by
onsite mobile incineration of excavated
soil and waste; treatability studies;
residential ash will be analyzed and
disposed onsite.
RD: 90/2
RA: 93/4
Not
Stated
49 ppm
Not
Stated
29,722
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
Douglassville Disposal, PA [06/24/88] [S ]
Removal, transportation, and offsite $4,050,000
incineration of liquid and sludge tank Capital Cost
waste; decontamination of tanks,
piping, processing equipment, and
building materials designated for
salvage or reuse to a level not to
exceed 100 ug/100 square centimeters
PCBs on the surface; offsite disposal of
building rubble, concrete, asphalt, and
other materials that cannot be
decontaminated to less than 50 ppm
PCBs and treatment (dewatering or
incineration) of generated
decontamination of fluids.
RD: 89/3
RA: 91 /1
1260
6,400 ppm
Not
Stated
200,000
gallons
Incineration selected.
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A- 10
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
(CONTINUED)
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Douglassville Disposal, PA [06/30/89] [S ]
Excavation and onsite thermal
treatment of contaminated soils,
sludges and sediments with
solidification and onsite disposal of ash
residuals; installation of soil covers in
contaminated source areas; deed
restrictions.
$39,280,670-
$53,619,000
Capital Cost
RD: 90/3
RA: 9114
Not
Stated
1,889 ppm
Not
Stated
48,400
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
Fike Chemical, WV [09/29/88] [F ]
Excavation and removal of tanks and
drums with offsite incineration and
disposal; drainage and onsite
treatment of lagoon sludge using ion
exchange or chemical oxydation;
wastewater treatment using
granulated activated carbon with
offsite residual discharge to surface
water.
$13,130,000
Present Worth
RD: 89/2
RA: 90/1
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Incineration selected.
Lehigh Electric, PA [02/11/83] [F ]
Excavation and offsite disposal of soils
greater than 50 ppm; additional
removal of soil where cost- effective;
demolition of buildings onsite; grading
and revegetation; O&M.
$6,401,000 RD: 84/1 Not 110,000 ppm 50 ppm 18,800 There are no mobile
Capital Cost RA: 84/4 Stated cubic yards incinerators permitted to
operate in Pennsylvania.
Operating costs also would be
excessive, making this option
not cost-effective.
M.W. Manufacturing, PA [03/31/89] [F ]
Excavation of contaminated waste and $2,061,000
soil followed by offsite incineration at a Capital Cost
RCRA permitted facility; incinerator
ash will be disposed offsite at a RCRA
landfill.
RD: 89/4
RA: 90/1
Not
Stated
54 ppm
Not
Stated
875
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
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A- 11
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
(CONTINUED)
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Ordinance Works Disposal, WV [03/31788] [FE]
Onsite mobile incineration and
containment of excavated soils and
sediments; onsite disposal of non-EP
toxic ash residuals in an inactive
landfill; offsite disposal of EP toxic ash
at an approved RCRA facility; close
inactive landfill using multi-layer cap.
SUBTOTAL 7
$6,718,000
Present Worth
RD: 9112
RA: 93/4
1016
1260
229 ppm
5 ppm
Not
Stated
Incineration selected.
REGION 04
Airco Carbide, KY [06/24/88] [RP]
Excavation and consolidation of
contaminated sediments and surface
soils in former Burn Pit Area and cap;
extraction of ground water and onsite
treatment using air stripping, carbon
adsorption, and oil/water seperation
with discharge of treated water offsite
to surface water; deed restrictions;
construction of organic vapor recovery
system; construction of flood plain
protection dike; installation of a
leachate extraction system and
upgrade existing clay cap.
$6,090,000 RD: 89/3 Not 4 ppm
Present Worth RA: 91/4 Stated (seds)
Not 5,000 Incineration was not retained as
Stated cubic yards a viable alternative through
preliminary screening. No
rationale was provided in the
ROD.
Geiger/C&M Oil, SC [06/01 /87] [F ]
Excavation and onsite thermal
treatment of soil to remove organics
followed by solidification/stabilization
of thermally treated soil following
treatability studies.
$7,700,000
Present Worth
RD: 89/2
RA: 9114
1254
4 ppm
1 ppm
11,300
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
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A- 12
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS RD/RA AROCHLORS PRE-TREATMENT EXCAVATION ESTIMATED
COMPLETE CONCENTRATION LEVELS VOLUME
RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
WAS NOT SELECTED
Goodrich, B.F. Chemical Group, KY [06/24/88] [RP]
Extraction of ground water and
treatment using air stripping, carbon
adsorption, and oil/water separation
with discharge of treated water to
surface water; deed restrictions;
excavation and placement of the
contaminated surface soils in former
burn pit area and cap; construction of
an organic vapor recovery system;
construction of a flood protection dike;
installation of a leachate extraction
system and upgrade existing landfill
clay cap.
$6,090,000
Present Worth
RD: 89/3
RA: 9114
Not
Stated
4 ppm
(seds)
Not 5,000 Incineration not retained as a
Stated cubic yards viable alternative through
preliminary screening. No
rationale was provided in the
ROD.
Nowbray Engineering, AL [09/25/86] [F ]
Excavation of contaminated soils and $750,000
either on- or offsite incineration or Capital Cost
onsite stabilization/solidification of
these soils.
RD: No RD
date;
removal
action will be
conducted to
inplement
ROD; solid-
fication was
chosen as
the selected
action;
RA: 87/4
1260
1,500 ppm 25 ppm 4,800 Incineration preferred in ROD,
cubic yards however, Regional Coordinator
stated that solidification was
selected by the removal
program.
Newport Dump, KY [03/27/88] [FE]
Restoration and extention of leachate
collection system; restoration,
regrading, and revegetation of clay
cap; monitoring of ground water and
soil;
$516,000
Capital Cost
RD: 88/1
RA: 88/1
1242
1260
1,020 ppm Not Not Incineration was not considered
Applicable Applicable as a remedial alternative in this
Record of Decision.
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A- 13
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD] COSTS
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
[09/18/89] [F]
$14,180,249
Present Worth
Newsom Brothers Old Reichold, MS
Excavation of PCB-contaminated
sediments and soils with offsite
disposal; excavation of non-PCB
contaminated black tar-like waste
material with offsite treatment using
incineration and offsite disposal of ash
at a RCRA landfill
Pepper's Steel a Alloy, FL [03/12/ 86] [FE]
Solidification of PCB contaminated soils $5,212,000
with a cement type mixture and Present Worth
onsite placement of residuals; residual
analysis of solidified soils prior to
disposal.
RD/RA
COMPLETE
(CONTINUED)
AROCHLORS PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION
LEVELS
ESTIMATED
VOLUME
RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
WAS NOT SELECTED
RD: 90/4
RA: 92/2
1254
10 ppm
sediment
RD: 87/1
RA: 89/3
Not
Stated
2,700 ppm
0.12 ppm 48,370 Incineration for soils and
cubic yards sediments was not selected
due to uncertainty over volume
of material to be treated and
lack of acceptance by State and
community. Higher cost was
considered a minor influence
in decision.
1 ppm 48,000 Incineration was not selected
cubic yards due to serious environmental
disadvantages (2-16% of lead
escapes into the aquifer),
inavailability of incinerators,
complexity of waste matrix,
time intensive remedy, costly,
and requires additional waste
handling.
Smith's Farm Brooks, KY [09/29/89] [F ]
Excavation of PCB contaminated soil, $26,900,000
waste material and sediments from site Present Worth
Area B with onsite incineration
followed by solidification/fixation of
treatment residuals; capping of soils in
Area A; construction of leachate
collection system; access restrictions;
and ground water monitoring.
RD:91/1
RA: 93/3
1248
1254
1260
6,100-13,100ppm 2 ppm
26,200
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
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A- 14
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
REGION 05
AaF Materials/Greenup, IL [06/14/85]
Excavation and offsite disposal of soil
contaminated above recommended
action levels; decontamination and
removal of onsite equipment and
buildings; ground water monitoring;
oaM.
[FE]
$824,000 RD: 84/3 Not Stated Not Stated 1 ppm 1,332 Incineration was not considered
Capital Cost RA: 85/4 cubic yards as a remedial alternative in this
Record
Alsco Anaconda, OH [09/08/89] [RP]
Excavation of 50 cubic yards of sludge
with PCB levels >500ppm followed by
offsite incineration and disposal;
excavation of remaining 3,250 cubic
yards of sludge and soils (PCB
concentrations <500ppm) with offsite
disposal in compliance with all RCRA
and TSCA regulations; backfilling
excavated areas; and deed restrictions.
$4,161,066 RD:91/3 Not Stated 3,000 ppm max Not Stated 3,300 Incineration selected for PCB
Capital Cost RA: 93/4 sludge cubic yards concentrations >500ppm.
Belvidere Municipal Landfill #1, IL [06/30/88]
Soils in the drum disposal area will be
resampled and those containing
greater than 50 ppm PCBs will either
be excavated and incinerated offsite or
left in place and capped with a soil
cover; soils contaminated with less
than 50 ppm PCBs will be consolidated
with the landfill material prior to
capping.
[S]
$5,617,000 RD: 90/1
Present Worth RA: 92/3
1242
1254
1260
51,000 ppm 50 ppm Not Stated Incineration selected for soils
containing greater than 50 ppm
PCBs.
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A- 15
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Bowers Landfill, OH [03/31/89] [RP]
Capping; management of surface
debris; erosion control and monitoring
of ground water; O&M.
$4,267,500
Present Worth
RD: 90/4
RA: 92/1
1242
1248
1254
36 ppm
Not Stated Not Stated
Incineration was not considered
as an alternative remedy, and
no rationale rationale was
provided in the ROD.
Cross Brothers Pail, IL [09/28/89] [S ]
Resampling of localized PCB soil area to
identify existence of PCB source; if
identified the source area will be
excavated and incinerated offsite at a
TSCA incinerator; installation of a
passive ground water collection and
soil flushing system; ground water
monitoring; and deed and access
restrictions.
$2,076,500 RD: 91 /2
Present Worth RA: 92/4
1242
1248
1254
1260
42,900-112,000 pp 10 ppm
Incineration selected.
cubic yards
Fields Brook, OH [09/30/86] [F ]
Excavation of contaminated sediment
with temporary storage, dewatering,
test burns and onsite thermal
treatment followed by onsite disposal
of ash in a RCRA/TSCA landfill, unless
determined to be non-hazardous.
$12,260,000
Capital Cost
RD:91/3
RA: 94/1
Not Stated 518 ppm
50 ppm
16,000
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
Fort Wayne Reduction, IN [08/26/88]
Excavation of the western portion of
the site for removal of 4,600 buried
intact drums and incineration of the
drum contents onsite or offsite;
reconsolidation of excavated soils and
wastes onsite followed by hybrid
closure consisting of a compacted,
continuous soil cover.
[F]
$10,020,00
Present Worth
RD:91/3
RA: 91 /4
Not Stated 14.2 ppm
10 ppm 230,000 Incineration selected for drum
gallons contents; incineration not
selected for contaminated soil
due to high costs.
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A- 16
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
LaSalle Electrical Utilities, IL [08/29/86]
Excavation and incineration of
contaminated soil and clean fill
excavated areas; decontamination of
onsite structures.
[F]
$26,400,000
Present Worth
RD: 87/4
RA: 90/1
1248
1254
5,800 ppm
5 ppm
25,530
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
LaSalle Electrical Utilities, IL [03/30/88]
Excavation and mobile onsite
incineration of PCB contaminated soils
and stream sediments with subsequent
ash analysis to determine final disposal
location; high pressure flushing and
mechanical cleaning of sewer lines,
and collection and treatment (to be
detailed during design, but will
include phase separation, filtration,
and air stripping) of ground water
containing PCBs at concentrations
above 1 ppb.
Laskin/Poplar Oil, OH [08/09/84] [F ]
Excavation and offsite incineration of
PCB contaminated waste water and
oils.
Laskin/Poplar Oil, OH [09/30/87] [F ]
Excavation and incineration of oils,
sludges and highly contaminated soils
and offsite disposal of ash residuals.
Laskin/Poplar Oil, OH [06/29/89] [F ]
Thermal destruction of contaminated
soils, ash and debris with onsite
disposal of ash if delisted or offsite
disposal at a RCRA hazardous waste
landfill; demolition and thermal
[F]
$34,495,180
Present Worth
$1,043,000
Total Cost
$4,337,500
Present Worth
$11,000,000
Capital Cost
RD: 89/2 RA:
93/2
1248
1254
17,000 ppm
5 ppm
(surface)
10 ppm
(subsoils)
23,500
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
RD: 86/2
RA: 92/4
RD: 89/3
RA: 92/2
RD: 9112
RA: 92/4
Not Stated 500 ppm
1221
1242
1254
1260
Not Stated
144 ppm
Not Stated
Not Stated 250,000 Incineration selected.
gallons
6 ppm 71,100 Incineration selected.
cubic yards
Not Stated 5,000 Incineration selected.
cubic yards
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
destruction or decontamination of
dioxin contaminated structures, if
these structures cannot be
decontaminated then contain in a
concrete vault onsite and cap for
temporary storage; drain retention and
freshwater ponds with discharge to
surface water and treatment as
necessary; construct a multi-layer cap
over soils exceeding performance
levels; dewater site by natural ground
water flow to surface water; ground
and surface water monitoring and land
use restrictions.
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Liquid Disposal, Ml [09/30/87] [S ]
Excavation and onsite disposal of debris
with solidification/fixation of soil and
waste; extraction of ground water
onsite and treatment using air
strippers or ion exchange with
discharge to surface water;
construction of a slurry wall and cap.
$21,743,100 RD: 90/2 Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated 136,650 The level of treatment
Capital Cost RA: 92/4 cubic yards afforded by incineration, while
desirable, particularly for PCBs,
is not cost-effective for the LDI
site contaminants.
Miami County Incinerator, OH [06/30/89]
Excavation and consolidation of ash
wastes and contaminated soils with
disposal in north or south landfill and
capping, vapor extraction and
treatment of exhaust; extraction and
treatment (unspecified) of ground
water with discharge to POTW;
pretreatment of ground water
(unspecified) if necessary; alternate
water supply.
[F]
$1,700,000-
$3,500,000
Present Worth
RD: 92/1 Not Stated Not Stated Background 22,000 cubic Incineration would cost six to
RA: 92/2 Levels yards seven times as much as the
selected remedy (vapor
extraction) without providing a
proportionate benefit.
Incineration would leave a
residue which would need to
be disposed onsite or at an
appropriate landfill offsite.
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Midco I, IN [06/30/89] [RP]
Excavation and onsite treatment of $9,094,000
12,400 cubic yards of contaminated soil Capital Cost
and waste and 1,200 cubic yards of
contaminated sediments by a
combination of vapor extraction and
solidification/stabilization followed by
onsite disposal; installation and
operation of a ground water pumping
system to intercept contaminated
ground water followed by reinjection
into a deep well; installation of RCRA
cap.
RD:91/1
RA: 93/1
1242
1254
1248
44 ppm
Not Stated 122,400 cy Incineration is more expensive
(soil) than the selected alternative
1,200 cy and does little to further
(seds) reduce risk at the site.
Midco I, IN [06/30/89] [RP]
Excavation and onsite treatment of
35,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil
and waste, and 500 cubic yards of
sediments by solidification/stabilization
followed by onsite disposal of the
solidified waste; installation and
operation of a pumping system to
intercept contaminated ground water
followed by discharge to a deep
injection well; installation of RCRA cap.
$11,755,400 RD:91/1 Not Stated < 50 ppm Not Stated 35,000 cy Incineration is more expensive
Capital Cost RA: 93/4 (soil) than the selected alternative
500 cy and does little to further
(seds) reduce risk at the site.
Ninth Avenue Dump, IN [09/20/88] [F ]
Containment of the oil layer by
constructing a soil-bentonite slurry
wall extending into the clay layer 30
feet below the surface; extraction of
oil and ground water within the
containment area with treatment of
ground water using oil/water separator
and discharge into a ground water
$1,960,000
Capital Cost
RD: 90/3
RA: 92/1
1248
1254
1260
1,500 ppm Not Stated 250,000- Incineration not selected
700,000 because the oil layer is
gallons contaminated with chlorinated
dibenzo-dioxins as well as PCBs
and it may be difficult to find a
commercial incinerator
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A- 19
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
recharge system; temporary onsite
storage of contaminated oil in a
secondary containment structure
meeting RCRA and TSCA tank storage
requirements.
Ninth Avenue Dump, IN [06/30/89]
Excavation of oil contaminated waste,
fill, debris, and sediments from on- and
offsite surface water followed by onsite
thermal destruction in a mobile
incinerator; extraction, treatment
(unspecified) and reinjection of
contaminated ground water inside
slurry wall to promote soil flushing;
discharge of asmall quantity of ground
water outside slurry wall to
compensate for infiltration; capping.
[F]
$22,209,000
Present Worth
RD: 91 /3
RA: 93/4
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
36,000 cubic
yards
willing to accept dioxin
contaminated waste, and a
mobile incinerator may not be
cost-effective.
Incineration selected.
Outboard Marine/Johnson, IL [05/15/84] [F ]
Dredge, dewater and fixate the four $13,890,000 RD: 85/3 Not
contaminated "hot spots" containing Capital Cost RA: 91/4 Stated
with PCB contaminated soil and
sediments with offsite disposal. Total
amount of PCBs is estimated to be
771,200 pounds.
Outboard Marine/Johnson, Ml [03/31/89] [F ]
Amendment: Construction of three $19,000,000 RD: 90/2 Not
containment cells to hold Present Worth RA: 91/4 Stated
contaminated soil and sediment;
excavation of PCB-contaminated
sediment and soil with onsite thermal
or chemical extraction, (or an effective
alternative treatment) with offsite
disposal of extracted PCBs; placement
of treated sediment and
155,000 ppm 50 ppm 224,400 Fund balancing used to waive
cubic yards applicable laws. Incineration
not retained as a viable
alternative through preliminary
screening.
710,000 ppm > 500 ppm Not Stated There are no PCB extraction or
(sediment) >
10,000 ppm
(Soil)
soil treatment technologies
specified in this ROD. There is
no rationale documented in the
ROD concerning which
treatment technology will be
selected.
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A-20
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
soil in lined and capped containment
cells; treatment of dredge water by
sand filtration and carbon adsorption
with discharge to either an offsite
sanitary sewer or onsite.
(CONTINUED)
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Rose Township Dump, Ml [09/30/87] [S ]
Excavation of contaminated soil with $32,547,000 RD: 90/3 Not 980 ppm 10 ppm 50,000
onsite incineration and onsite or offsite Capital Cost RA: 92/3 Stated cubic yards
residual ash disposal; extraction and
treatment of contaminated ground
water using chemical coagulation, air
stripping, and activated carbon
adsorption with onsite discharge of
treated water; O&M.
Schmalz Dump, Wl [08/13/85] [F ]
Excavation and offsite disposal or offsite $2,088,300 RD: 87/4 Not 3,100 ppm Not 3,500
incineration and offsite residual ash Capital Cost RA: 89/1 Stated Stated cubic yards
disposal of contaminated building
debris.
Incineration selected.
Incineration is an option for
PCB- contaminated debris
removed from the site.
Summit National Liquid Disposal, OH
Excavation and onsite mobile
incineration of PCB contaminated soil,
sediment, and debris, including tank
contents with disposal of incinerated
residual in an onsite RCRA landfill;
pre-burn tests will be required to
demonstrate the type of thermal
destruction to be employed at the
site.
[06/30/88] [F ]
$25,000,000 RD:90/2 Not Not
Present Worth RA: 95/3 Stated Stated
Not
Stated
32,000
cubic yards
88,000
gallons
Incineration selected.
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A-21
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Wedzeb, IN [06/30/89] [F ]
Flushing and decontamination of sewer
lines; filtration of sewer water to
remove PCB contaminated sediments;
monitoring of the water and refiltering,
if necessary with discharge to a POTW;
analyze two barrels of sediment and 20
barrels of Rl generated waste; > 50
ppm PCB levels will be treated by
offsite incineration and levels < 50 ppm
PCB will be disposed offsite at a EPA
approved site.
$24,500
Present Worth
RD: 9112
RA: 93/3
Not
Stated
370 ppm
(seds)
10 ppm Not Incineration for PCB
Stated concentrations above 50 ppm,
offsite TSCA Land disposal for
concentrations below 50 ppm.
SUBTOTAL 24
REGION 06
French Limited, TX [03/24/88] [F ]
In-situ biodegradation of sludges and
contaminated soils using indigenous
bacteria with aeration of the lagoon
waste to enhance the degradation
process; residues from the treatment
process will be stabilized and disposed
onsite.
$47,000,000
Present Worth
RD: 90/1
RA: 95/2
Not
Stated
616 ppm
23 ppm 149,000 Incineration is more expensive
cubic yards than the selected alternative
and does little to further
reduce risk at the site.
Geneva Industries, TX [09/18/86] [S ]
Offsite disposal of surface structures to
hazardous waste landfill; excavation of
soils with > 100 ppm PCBs and drums
with offsite disposal to an
EPA-approved facility; construction of a
multi-layer clay cap and slurry wall;
extraction and treatment of ground
$14,992,000 RD:88/1 Not 1,750 ppm 100 ppm 22,500 The selected remedy offers the
Capital Cost RA: 91/3 Stated cubic yards same level of protection for
public health and the
environment. Since onsite
incineration was found to
generally cost more than
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A-22
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
water using carbon adsorption with
discharge to adjacent flood control
channel.
offsite remedies, offsite
disposal has been selected as
the remedy for this site.
Gurley Pit, AR [10/06/86] [FE]
Construction of an onsite pond water
treatment unit with discharge to
Bayou; removal of contaminated solids
from pond water and dispose with pit
sludge; removal of oil from pond water
using oil/water separator with
treatment using PCB-approved
incinerator; extraction and stabilization
of pit sludge with pond solids with
onsite disposal; excavation of soil and
sediments with onsite disposal with
stabilized material; cap stabilized
wastes; O&M.
$5,780,000
Capital Cost
RD: 88/4
RA: 91 /2
Not
Stated
20 ppm
Not 17cy(oil), The large increase in cost for
Stated 15,984 cy incineration for a small gain in
(sludge) containment weighted against
incineration of sludge waste. In
addition, a large quantity of
waste would have to be
transported to an incinerator.
This would increase the danger
of exposure of the public
through accidental spills.
Offsite incineration was
selected for the small quantity
of PCB-contaminated oil
removed from the ponded
water.
Hardage/Criner, OK [11/14/86] [ FE]
Extraction of surface and ground water
with separation of NAPL followed by
offsite incineration of organic liquids
with offsite disposal of ash residuals, or
onsite incineration with onsite disposal
of solid ash residuals, and either
recycle or treat (unspecified)residual
liquids followed by offsite discharge;
onsite treatment of soils
$68,000,000
Present Worth
RD:
currently
negotiating
with PRP:
89/1;
RA: assuming
RP judgment
92/4
1260
50 ppm Not 175,000 Determine soil treatment
Stated cubic yards remedy during remedial design.
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A-23
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SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
(CONTINUED)
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
and debris by one or more of the
following: chemical neutralization,
solidification, dewatering, chemical
oxidation/reduction, air stripping;
rotory-kiln incineration bench-scale
test to be conducted for moisture
content and reactions of soil/fluid
combinations and if successful, conduct
pilot study and emissions testing.
MOTCO, TX [03/15/85] [F ]
Excavation and offsite incineration of
PCB liquid organics at a permitted
TSCA facility; excavation and offsite
disposal of PCB-contaminated tars and
sludges at a RCRA landfill; extraction of
pit water and treatment at an
industrial waste water treatment
plant.
$42,300,000
Capital Cost
RD: 86/4
RA: 94/1
Not
Stated
100 ppm
Not Stated
18,000
cubic yards
Incineration selected.
Sheridan Disposal Services, TX [12/29/88]
Excavation and onsite biotreatment of
all sludges, debris, floating oil and
emulsion, and soils containing > 25 ppm
of PCBs; residuals, reduced to < 50
ppm PCBs, will be stabilized onsite,
returned to the pond and capped; if
the residuals are > 50 ppm PCBs, the
pond will be a RCRA compliant landfill;
decontamination and disposal of all
onsite tanks and processing equipment
with onsite treatment (unspecified) or
offsite disposal depending on contents;
treatment of storm and waste water
streams to remove solids, metal and
organics with discharge to surface
water; institutional controls.
[RP]
$28,346,000
Capital Cost
RD:91/1
RA: Not
Available
Not
Stated
223 ppm
25 ppm 44,000 Bioremediation significantly
cubic yards reduces mobility, toxicity and
volume and essentially
eliminates the source of
contamination to the ground
water. Incineration is
mechanically complex, using
highly specialized costly
equipment and operators and
would have required approved
offsite disposal of ash.
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
Sol Lynn/Industrial Transformers, TX [03/25/88] [F ]
Excavation and treatment of $2,200,000
contaminated soil with an alkali metal Present Worth
polyethylene glycolate (APEG) reagent
in a batch reactor; pretreatment, if
necessary, and discharge of liquid
by-products of treatment to a POTW;
APEG feasibility testing will be
conducted during the design phase.
RD: 90/4
RA: 93/2
Not
Stated
350 ppm
25 ppm 2,400 Incineration not selected
cubic yards because it is not cost-effective
and no additional protection
would be provided by this
treatment.
SUBTOTAL 7
REGION 07
Doepke Disposal Holliday, KS [09/21/89]
Removal and offsite treatment of
contaminated liquids ponded under
former surface impoundments;
construction of an impermeable multi-
layer cap over majority of waste area,
including soils contaminated with PCBs;
deed and access restrictions; and
ground water monitoring.
[RP]
$5,970,000
Present Worth
RD:91/1
RA: 93/3
1248
1254
1260
.07-.393 ppm Not Stated Not Due to the magnitude of waste
Stated and low PCB concentrations
further studies will be
performed to fully characterize
soils. Incineration not
considered as an alternative for
this operable unit.
SUBTOTAL 1
REGION 09
Lorentz Barrel a Drum, CA [09/28/88] [FE]
Extraction of PCB contaminated ground $3,238,000
water and onsite treatment using a Present Worth
packaged ozone-UV system with
discharge of treated effluent onsite to
a storm sewer.
RD: 90/1
RA: 9114
1221
1242
1254
1260
6.4 ppm
0.065 ppb Not Incineration was not discussed
Stated as a treatment alternative in
the ROD.
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A-25
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
MGM Brakes, CA [09/29/88] [FE]
Excavation of PCB-contaminated soil
with offsite disposal of soil; extraction
and treatment of wastewater from
dewatering process in a mobile
treatment system (unspecified) and
discharge of treated water either
onsite or to a POTW; soil containing >50
ppm PCBs will be transported to a
Class I TSCA-permitted disposal facility;
soil containing 10-50 ppm PCBs will be
transported to a Class II CA
DOHS-permitted facility; demolition of
processing building, crushing of the
concrete slab and excavation of the
underlying soil contaminated with > 10
ppm PCBs followed by transportation
and offsite disposal of the
contaminated concrete in an
appropriate disposal facility.
$5,369,300 RD: 90/4 Not 4,500 ppm 10 ppm 13,510 Incineration was not selected
Present Worth RA: 91/4 Stated cubic yards because of community
opposition and limited
availability of incinerators.
SUBTOTAL 2
REGION 10
Commencement Bay-Near Shore/Tide Flats, WA [09/30/89]
Source remediation involving control of $32,300,000
effluent sources; PCB-contaminated Total Cost
sediment remediation includes natural
attenuation and utilization, as
appropriate, of four alternatives
including in-situ capping, confined
aquatic disposal, confined nearshore
[RP]
RD: 93/4
RA: 94/4
Not
Stated
Not
Stated
1,500 ppm 1,181,000 Most problem areas are
sediment cubic yards characterized by significant
metals contamination, which is
not mitigated by incineration.
Additionally, marine
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A-26
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHLORS
PRE-TREATMENT
CONCENTRATION
EXCAVATION ESTIMATED RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
LEVELS VOLUME WAS NOT SELECTED
disposal, and removal and upland
disposal onshore; site use restrictions;
and sediment monitoring.
Commencement Bay/NTF, WA [12/30/87]
Excavation and stabilization of PCB
contaminated soils; extraction and
stabilization of ponded water and
sediments with onsite disposal of
treatment residuals and asphalt
capping of the entire stabilized matrix.
[FE]
$3,400,000
Present Worth
RD:91/1
RA: 92/1
Not
Stated
204 ppm
Northwest Transformer, WA [09/15/89]
Excavation, consolidation and
treatment of soils with PCB
concentrations > 10 ppm using in-situ
vitrification; well abandonment;
construction of soil cover; and ground
water monitoring.
[F]
$771,000
Total Cost
RD: 9114
RA: 93/2
1260
1-10 ppm
1 ppm
(soil)
2ppb
(ponded
water)
10 ppm
sediments were found to have
very low BTU content, making
incineration extremely energy
intensive and less cost
effective considering the
volume of contaminated
maten'al.
45,000 Incineration not selected as a
cubic yards viable alternative through a
preliminary feasibilty study due
to high cost.
1,200 The thermal destruction ion
cubic yards process best for this site was
determined to be vitrification
based on ease of mobilization,
lower cost, lack of residuals,
and local acceptance of
treatment process
Pacific Hide a Fur Recycling, ID [06/28/88]
Excavation of contaminated soil with
solidification of soils; installation of soil
cover over solidified soils with either
on- or offsite disposal; onsite
containment of contaminated soils if
solidification found to be not viable
through a pilot study; decontamination
of debris with either on- or offsite
disposal.
[RP]
$1,890,000 RD:89/4 Not Not
Present Worth RA: 91/4 Stated Stated
25 ppm
(restricted)
10 ppm
non-
restricted)
8,200 Incineration not selected as a
cubic yards viable alternative through
preliminary screening due to
difficulty of implementation.
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A -27
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(CONTINUED)
SITE NAME, STATE [ROD SIGN DATE] [LEAD]
COMPONENTS OF THE SELECTED REMEDY
COSTS
RD/RA
COMPLETE
AROCHI ORS PRE-TREATMENT
AROCHLORS CONCENTRAT|ON
EXCAVATION
LEVELS
ESTIMATED
VOLUME
RATIONALE WHY INCINERATION
WAS NOT SELECTED
Queen City Farms, WA [10/24/85] [FE]
Phase separation of sludge with
solidification and liquid stabilization.
Offsite disposal of contaminated soil.
$3,439,000
Total Cost
RD: 87/1
RA: 87/1
1260
125 ppm
Not 5,200 Incineration not selected due
Stated cubic yards to cost, limited incinerator
capacity and difficulty in
transportation.
Western Processing/Phase II, WA [09/25/85] [F ]
Conduct bench-scale tests using in-situ $18,100,000
solidification/stabilization; if successful, Present Worth
conduct pilot studies.
RD: 88/4
RA: 89/2
Not
Stated
1,128 ppm
2 ppm
(Offsite)
50 ppm
(Onsite)
10,650 Incineration not retained as a
cubic yards viable alternative through
preliminary screening.
SUBTOTAL 6
TOTAL 81
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A-28
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APPENDIX B
DIRECT CONTACT RISK CALCULATION
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Risk Calculations for an Individual Contacting PCB Contaminated Soil
Risk are calculated below for an individual in contact with PCB
contaminated soil at three concentrations, 0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, and 10
ppm. The pathways considered are soil ingestion, dermal contact and
inhalation of volatilized PCBs.
Soil Ingestion Scenario
Some of the PCB in the soil is going to volatilize throughout the
years. Therefore, if a more in-depth assessment is required, the
volatilization of PCB needs to be accounted for. The equations used
to account for the volatilization of PCBs from the soil over certain
period of time are derived in Appendix A of the EPA document titled
Development of Advisory Levels for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Cleanup (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
Exposure Factor
Child Ingestion
rate (mg/day)
Adult Ingestion
rate (mg/day)
Exposure Duration
for a child (yrs)
Exposure Duration
for an adult (yrs)
Exposure Frequency
(days/yr)
Body weight
child (kg)
Body weight
adult (kg)
Absorption fraction
Assumptions
Value Reference or Comment
200
100
24
365
16
70
30%
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
(30 - 6)
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA 1986a
Exposure = C x IR x EF x ED
BW x AT
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where,
C = concentration of PCB in soil
IR = intake rate
ED = exposure duration
EF = exposure frequency
BW = body weight
AT = averaging time (70 yrs for a carcinogen)
To estimate exposure, the average concentration of PCBs in soil over
the exposure period is calculated. The concentration of PCBs will
decrease with time due to volatilization. This concentration is
estimated using the equation A-35 from the 1986 PCB cleanup guidance
for an uncovered surface.
where,
Cs = average concentration of PCB in soil (ppm)
Cso = initial concentration of PCB in soil (ppm)
z = depth of contamination (cm)
= constant defined by
A X E
[E + PS x (1 - E) x Kd/H]
t = exposure time divided by 4 (sec)
Del = effective diffusivity (cm2/s) = D± x E1/3
D± = molecular diffusivity (cm2/s)
E = pore porosity (unitless)
Ps = bulk density of soil (g/cm3)
Kd = soil/water partition coefficient (mg/g soil ) / (mg/cm3 water)
H = Henry's Law Constant ( atm-m3/gmol )
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Example calculation for the following set of assumptions
Cso = 1 ppm
z = 25.4 cm (10 inches)
D± =0.05 cm2/s
E =0.35
Ps = 2 . 65 g/cm3
Kd = 1000 (mg/g soil)/(mg/cm3 water)
H = 8.37 x ID'3 (atm-mVgmol)
t = 6 yrs/4 = 1.89 x 108 sec/4 = 4.73 x 107 sec
C m 1 erf .z dz
25.4 21.53
This equation is solved by assuming different values of z and
evaluating the error function using the table attached. Then the
integral is evaluated numerically using the Trapezoidal Rule.
z (cm) erf (x)
0 0
5 0.2550
10 0.4847
15 0.6778
20 0.8116
25 0.9103
Using the Trapezoidal Rule:
f(x) dx - fr - a [f(xQ) + 2 f(xx) + 2 f(x2) + ...2 f(*„_!> + f(*n)]
2n
C «(25.4 - 0) [0 + 2(.02550) + 2(0.4847) + 2(0.6778) + 2(0.8116)
(25.4) (2) (5)
4- 0.9103]
Cs = 0.54 ppm
The same procedure is used to determine the average concentration for
a period of 30 yrs which yields a concentration of 0.28 ppm for the
adult exposure.
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Example calculation for soil ingestion by a child at an initial
concentration of 1.0 ppm
Exposure «• 0.54 mg x 200 mg x 365 days x 6 vrs x 1 x 1
kg day yr 16 kg 70 yrs
x vr x 10~6 kq
365 days mg
= 5.8 x 10~7 mg/kg-day
Similarly, the adult exposure is estimated.
Exposure => 0.28 mq x 100 mg x 365 days x 24 yrs x 1 x 1
kg day yr 70 kg 70 yrs
x yr x 10 kg
365 days mg
- 1.4 x 10 mg/kg-day
The total exposure is calculated by adding the child and the adult
exposure.
Total exposure = 7.2 x 10~7 mg/kg-day
Cancer risk is then calculated using a cancer potency factor for PCBs
of 7.7 (mg/kg-day)'1 and multiplying by an absorption factor of 30%.
The table below summarizes the total exposure and risk from soil
ingestion (child + adult) for the three concentration values.
Soil Concentration Total Exposure Risk
(ppm) (mg/kg-day)
0.1 7.2 x ID'8 2 x ID'7 [B2]
1.0 7.2 x ID'7 2 x 10-6 [B2]
10 7.2 x 1Q-6 2 x ID'5 [B2]
Dermal Contact Scenario
As in the soil ingestion scenario, the concentration of PCB in the
soil is needs to be averaged over the period of exposure to account
for the volatilization of PCBs. Exposure is estimated for both a
child and an adult. A child ages 3-18 years old wearing shorts and
short sleeve shirt is assumed to be exposed 3 times/week during the
spring and fall and 5 times/week during the summer months. The adult
is assumed to be wearing long pants and short sleeve shirt while
gardening 1 day/wk during spring, fall and summer.
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Errata Insert (p. 1-4)
Risk Calculations for an Individual Contacting PCB Contaminated Soil
Risk are calculated below for an individual in contact with PCB
contaminated soil at three concentrations, 0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, and 10
ppm. The pathways considered are soil ingestion, dermal contact and
inhalation of volatilized PCBs.
Soil Ingestion Scenario
Some of the PCB in the soil is going to volatilize throughout the
years. Therefore, if a more in-depth assessment is required, the
volatilization of PCB needs to be accounted for. The equations used
to account for the volatilization of PCBs from the soil over certain
period of time are derived in Appendix A of the EPA document titled
Development of Advisory Levels for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Cleanup (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
Exposure Factor
Child Ingestion
rate (mg/day)
Adult Ingestion
rate (mg/day)
Exposure Duration
for a child (yrs)
Exposure Duration
for an adult (yrs)
Exposure Frequency
(days/yr)
Body weight
child (kg)
Body weight
adult (kg)
Absorption fraction
Assumptions
Value Reference or Comment
200
100
24
365
16
70
30%
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
(30 - 6)
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA 1986a
Exposure = C x IR x EF x ED
BW x AT
where,
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C = concentration of PCB in soil
IR = intake rate
ED = exposure duration
EF = exposure frequency
BW = body weight
AT = averaging time (70 yrs for a carcinogen)
To estimate exposure, the average concentration of PCBs in soil over
the exposure period is calculated. The concentration of PCBs will
decrease with time due to volatilization. This concentration is
estimated using the equation A-35 from the 1986 PCB cleanup guidance
for an uncovered surface.
erf —2— dz
where,
C = average concentration of PCB in soil (ppm)
Cso = initial concentration of PCB in soil (ppm)
z = depth of contamination (cm)
a = constant defined by
B.,.JLJS
[E + Pf x (1 - E) x K/H]
t = exposure time divided by 4 (sec)
Del = effective diffusivity (cm2/s) = D± x E1/3
D± = molecular diffusivity (cm2/s)
E = pore porosity (unitless)
Ps = bulk density of soil (g/cm3)
Kd = soil/water partition coefficient (mg/g soil)/(mg/cm3 water]
H = Henry's Law Constant (atm-m3/gmol)
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Example calculation for the following set of assumptions:
Cso = 1 ppm
z = 25.4 cm (10 inches)
D± =0.05 cm2/s
E =0.35
Ps = 2 . 65 g/cm3
Kd = 1000 (mg/g soil)/(mg/cm3 water)
H = 8.37 x ID'3 (atm-mVgmol)
t =6 yrs/4 = 1.89 x 108 sec/4 = 4.73 x 107 sec
c-' inrT /elt -2T53 dz
This equation is solved by assuming different values of z and
evaluating the error function using the table attached. Then the
integral is evaluated numerically using the Trapezoidal Rule.
z (cm) erf (x)
0 0
5 0.2550
10 0.4847
15 0.6778
20 0.8116
25 0.9103
Using the Trapezoidal Rule:
b
ff(x) dx - b - a tf(x<,) + 2 f(x,) + 2 f(Xj) + ...2 f(xn.1) + f(xn)]
V 2n
TT- - f25.4 - 0) [0 + 2 (.02550) + 2(0.4847) + 2(0.6778) -I- 2(0.8116)
(25.4) (2) (5)
+ 0.9103]
CT - 0.54
The same procedure is used to determine the average concentration for
a period of 24 yrs, beginning with the final concentration of the
initial 6-year period, which yields a concentration of 0.17 ppm for
the adult exposure.
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Example calculation for soil ingestion by a child at an initial
concentration of 1.0 ppm
Exposure - 0.54 mq x 200 ma x 365 davs x 6 vrs x 1 x 1
kg day yr 16 kg 70 yrs
x yr x 1Q'& kg
365 days mg
« 5.8 x 10"r mg/kg-day
Similarly, the adult exposure is estimated.
Exposure - 0.17 mg x 100 mg x 365 days x 24 yrs x, 1 x 1
kg day yr 70 kg 70 yrs
x vr x 10'6 ka
365 days mg
- 8.5 x 10"8 mg/kg-day
The total exposure is calculated by adding the child and the adult
exposure.
Total exposure 6.7 x 10~7 mg/kg-day
Cancer risk is then calculated using a cancer potency factor for PCBs
of 7.7 (mg/kg-day)'1 and multiplying by an absorption factor of 30%.
The table below summarizes the total exposure and risk from soil
ingestion (child + adult) for the three concentration values.
Soil Concentration Total Exposure Risk
(ppm) (mg/kg-day)
0.1 6.7 x ID'8 2 x ID'7 [B2]
1.0 6.7 x ID'7 2 x ID'6 [B2]
10 6.7 x 1Q-6 2 x ID'5 [B2]
Dermal Contact Scenario
As in the soil ingestion scenario, the concentration of PCB in the
soil is needs to be averaged over the period of exposure to account
for the volatilization of PCBs. Exposure is estimated for both a
child and an adult. A child ages 3-18 years old wearing shorts and
short sleeve shirt is assumed to be exposed 3 times/week during the
spring and fall and 5 times/week during the summer months. The adult
is assumed to be wearing long pants and short sleeve shirt while
gardening 1 day/wk during spring, fall and summer.
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Exposure Factor
Surface area arms, hands
and legs (average 3 -18
yrs) (m2/event)
Surface area arms and
hands (adult) m2
Soil to skin adherence
factor (mg/cm2)
Exposure frequency
(child) (events/yr)
Exposure frequency
(adult) (events/yr)
Exposure duration
(child) (yr)
Exposure duration
(adult) (yr)
Body weight (child) (kg)
Body weight (adult) (kg)
Assumptions
Value
0.40
0.31
2 . 77
132
52
15
12
38
70
Reference
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
U.S. EPA, 1989f
j udgement
(18 - 3)
U.S. EPA 1989c
U.S. EPA 1989c
Absorption fraction
10
U.S. EPA 1988a
Exposure = C x SA x AF x EF x ED
BW x AT
where,
SA = surface area (cm2/event)
AF = soil - skin adherence factor
The absorption fraction is based on a study the was conducted by
Versar/Mobil to measure the dermal bioavailability of dioxin (TCDD)
and trichlorobiphenyl (TCB) sorbed to soil. Results of this study
will be incorporated into a draft report titled Dermal Absorption of
Dioxins and PCBs from Soil (U.S. EPA, 1988a) which is being revised
by Versar for the Office of Toxic Substances. In vitro dermal
absorption through human skin resulted in 8% absorption for TCB in
low organic content soil (0.77% organic matter) and 10% in high
organic content soil (19.35%). It is important to understand
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the uncertainties associated with these values. These are based on
only one experiment and the TCB content in the soil was 1000 ppm.
To estimate the exposure through the dermal route, the average
concentration of PCBs in the soil needs to be estimated and
volatilization of PCBs accounted for using the same procedure
described in the soil ingestion scenario. The average concentration
of PCB in the soil after a period of 15 yrs is 0.38 ppm which is used
for the child scenario and 0.28 after 30 yrs which is used for the
adult scenario.
Dermal exposure is estimated for a child exposed to soil with an
initial concentration of 1 ppm of PCBs.
Exposure « 0.38 mq x .40 m2 x 132 events x 2.77 mg x 15 vrs
kg event yr cm2
x 1 x 1 x yr x 10"6 ka x 104 cm2
38 kg 70 yrs 365 days mg Hi*5
» 8.6 x 10~6 mg/kg-day
In this case, as in the adult calculation event = day. The exposure
for an adult is estimated below.
Exposure = 0.28 mg x 0.31 m2 x 2.77 mg x 52 events
X 12
kg
yrs x 1
70
event
x 1
yrs 70
x
kg
cm*5
yr
365 day
yr
10~6 ka x
mg
104 cm2
m2
31 8.4 x 10 mg/kg-day
Then risk is estimated by multiplying the total exposure (child +
adult) times the cancer potency factor for PCB and multiplying by the
absorption factor of 10%. The table below summarizes exposure and
risk for the three soil concentrations.
Soil Concentration Total Exposure Risk
(ppm) (mg/kg-day)
0.1 9.4 x ID'7 7 x ID'7 [B2]
1.0 9.4 x ID'6 7 x ID'6 [B2]
10 9.4 x ID'4 7 x ID'5 [B2]
Vapor Inhalation Scenario
Exposure to volatilized PCB is estimated for an individual standing
on site. If risk estimates exceed the cleanup value range of
10~4 - 10~7, then off-site air concentrations need to be estimated
using dispersion models. In order to use dispersion models, site
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specific data such as meteorological data are necessary. On site air
concentrations are estimated by using a "box model" described in the
1986 PCB guidance document (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
C =
Ls X V x H
where,
Q = flux rate (g/sec) Q = Emission rate x Area
Ls = width dimension of contaminated area (m)
V = average wind speed at mixing height (m/s)
H = mixing height (m)
At the mixing height the V = 0.5 x wind speed. A wind speed of 10 mph
(4.5 m/s) which is the average in the United states is used. The flux
rate is estimated using the model described in the 1986 PCB guidance
document (U.S. EPA, 1986a). It is assumed that the contaminated soil
is uncovered and the depth of contamination is 25 cm.
Emission rates are tabulated below.
Soil Concentration (ppm) Emission rates (g/cm2-s)
0.1 9. 9 x ID'15
1.0 9. 9 x ID'14
10 9.9 x ID'13
To estimate the concentration in air, a mixing height of 2 m and a
width Ls of 45 m are assumed. These are the values assumed in the
1986 PCb guidance document (U.S. EPA, 1986a). Air concentrations are
tabulated below.
Soil Concentration (ppm) Air Concentration (g/m3)
0.1 9. 9 x ID'10
1.0 9. 9 x ID'9
10 9.9 x 1Q-8
Inhalation exposure is estimated for an adult using the assumptions
listed below.
Assumptions
Exposure Factor Value Reference
Adult Inhalation
rate (m3/day) 30 U.S. EPA, 1989f
Exposure Duration
(yrs) 30 U.S. EPA, 1989f
Body weight
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adult (kg) 70 U.S. EPA, 1989f
Absorption fraction 50% U.S. EPA 1986a
Exposure - 9.. ...9.. x 10"10 q K ?
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Uncertainties
Sources of uncertainty include measured values that may not be
accurate or representative, use of mathematical models which may not
reflect the physical or chemical process actually occurring and
assumptions on the selection of parameters in the models.
The analysis conducted used the physical and chemical properties
of Aroclor 1254 to estimate air emission rates because this will
yield the most conservative estimate. On the other hand, the Agency
derived a Cancer Potency Factor for Aroclor 1260, which is the most
toxic of the Aroclor, and uses it to be representative of other PCB
mixtures. However, emission rate results may not be affected
significantly since these two Aroclors have similar physical and
chemical properties.
Human behavior patterns can strongly affect exposure results.
Based on the limitations of our knowledge, the values for the
exposure duration and frequency for the pathways considered are
intended to be best reasonable upperbound estimates. For example, the
vapor inhalation scenario assumes that a person will be breathing at
a 30 mYday rate 24 hours/day for a period of 30 years. It also
assumes that the concentration indoors will be the same as the
concentration outdoors. These assumptions are considered reasonable
since it is possible to observe certain subpopulations (i.e.,
housewife) spending the majority of their time at their residence
without air conditioning.
In the soil ingestion scenario, the exposure values obtained do
not account for children with pica behavior. Exposure estimates that
will reflect this type of behavior will be considerably higher.
The rate of air emission through volatilization was calculated
using the model developed in the 1986 PCB guidance (U.S. EPA, 1986a).
The model is based on theoretical mass-balance equations to account
for fundamental physical/chemical transport processes. No empirical
data are available to validate the model. Values of the parameters
that are input into the model are based on soil characteristics such
as E and Ps, physical laws such as D±, or determined empirically such
as Kd. The latter is one of the major sources of uncertainty. The Kd
depends not only on the chemical but also in the soil characteristics
(i.e., organic carbon content) . A Kd based on highly adsorbable soil
was used which will result in a higher emission rate than if a less
adsorbable soil such as sandy soils is used.
There are also uncertainties with the values used for
absorption factors. For example, the absorbtion factor of 10% used
in the dermal exposure scenario is based on very limited data.
This assumption was based on one study which used a concentration
of tetrachlorobiphenyl of 1000 ppm in the soil. It is likely that
the absolute dermal absorption at lower concentrations in the soil
will tend to be less.
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APPENDIX C
DETERMINING APPROPRIATE LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT CONTROLS
DETAILED CALCULATIONS FOR CASE STUDY
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Introduction
To illustrate the process of determining the appropriate
long-term management controls for low-threat PCB contamination that
will remain at a site, an example analysis is provided. Several
source concentrations are evaluated.
The evaluation presented in this Appendix concentrates on
ensuring that PCBs remaining will not adversely affect the quality
of the ground water. Where concentrations remaining on site are
higher than levels determined to be safe for direct contact,
measures to prevent or limit access to the contaminated areas
should be instituted. For concentrations within an order of
magnitude of the health-based level, a soil or cement cover with a
deed notice may be sufficient. Higher concentrations will require
fencing and management of the cover over time.
The process used in this assessment involved two primary
steps:
1. Evaluation of potential cap designs and their impact
on infiltration through the contaminated zone.
2. Evaluation of the migration of PCBs to and into the
ground water.
Once this was completed the concentrations of PCBs in the ground
water was Compared to the drinking water standard, .5 ppb, to
identify the cap which prevented infiltration to the extent
necessary to prevent degradation of the ground water.
This first section of this appendix provides a description of
the site including the values of parameters necessary for the
evaluation of PCB migration. Next the cap designs considered are
presented with the description of the analysis of the infiltration
expected. Finally, the model which estimates PCB migration to
ground water is described and the resulting ground water
concentrations for the various scenarios considered is presented.
Description of Site and Variations
The description of the site focusses on the factors that would
affect the migration of PCBs and consequently indicate a need for a
different level of control. These include:
N Size of PCB source area -- area and depth
N Concentration of PCBs
N PCB biodegradation rate
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N Depth to ground water and thickness of saturated zone of
interest
N Flow of ground water
N Rate of infiltration through the contaminated zone
N Soil porosity
N Organic carbon content of soil
N Bulk density of soil
The values of these factors used in the scenario evaluated in this
example are discussed below.
Size of Site The site evaluated in this analysis covers 5 acres and
the contamination is assumed to extend 10 feet vertically.
Concentration of PCBs PCB concentrations are assumed to be the same
throughout the contaminated zone. Concentrations of 5, 20, 50 and
100 ppm were evaluated to provide examples where long term
management controls short of the minimum technology requirements
under RCRA and the chemical waste landfill requirements under TSCA
can usually be justified. (As shown in Table 3-4, in the unusual
case where PCBs at concentrations exceeding 500 ppm are left on
site, minimum technology requirements are generally warranted.)
PCB Biodegradation Rate Since the model evaluates PCB migration
over very long time frames (up to 10,000 years) it seemed
appropriate to incorporate some estimate of PCB biodegradation.
Several studies have documented highly variable PCB biodegradation
rates (Quensen, 1988; Bedard, 1986; Brown, 1987). A half life of 50
years was assumed in this analysis.
Depth to Ground Water/Thickness of Saturated Zone The ground water
table is encountered at 20 feet below the surface. A saturated
thickness of 5 feet was assumed since this represents a
conservative minimum screened interval for a well.
Flow of Ground Water The ground water is flowing at 310 feet per
year. This is a typical flow for a sand and gravel aquifer and
would be sufficient to provide 150 gallons per day with a 60-foot
wide capture zone from a well screened over the first five feet.
This is the minimum amount of water assumed to be used by a family
of four. This reflects a very conservative scenario since few wells
are screened through a thickness of only 5 feet. In most cases,
wider intervals would be screend and greater dilution of PCBs would
occur.
Rate of Infiltration Through the Saturated Zone The infiltration
values used in this analysis were developed using the Hydrologic
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Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP); version II, computer
program (U.S. EPA, 1984). This program was used to estimate runoff,
evapotranspiration, and infiltration rates through the four cap
designs considered, climatic conditions of the City of Seattle,
Washington, were used to model rainfall, temperature, and other
daily climatological data. Seattle was picked after preliminary
estimates showed that the combination of climatic conditions in
that city was one of the most extreme of all U.S. climates and
would therefore represent a conservative scenario. A more detailed
description of the use of the HELP model is presented below.
Soil Porosity The porosity of the soil was assumed to be 25% which
corresponds to a mixed sand and gravel (Fetter, 1980).
Organic Carbon Content of Soil The first 10 feet of soil was
assumed to have an organic content of 5%. The 10 feet below that
was assumed to have an organic content of .5%. The organic content
of the soil in the saturated zone was assumed to be .1%. This is a
farely typical range.
Bulk Density of Soil A bulk density of 1.97 g/ml was used based on
the porosity of .25 and the density of quartz, 2.63 g/ml.
Cap Designs/Infiltration Evaluation
Four different cover systems were considered. These are shown
in Figure C-l. As indicated cover system 1 is simply a 12 inch soil
cap, cover system 4 reflects the RCRA cover design guidance (U.S.
EPA, 1989d), and cover systems 2 and 3 reflect intermediate cover
systems. Given the fact that climatological conditions are the same
for all alternatives and that soil properties do not change, the
only variables are the number of layers, their type, and their
thicknesses. Brief descriptions of the physical properties of each
layer used in the design models are presented below:
Vegetative soil layer This layer consists of sandy loam. The
permeability of this soil is approximately 1 X 10~3 cm/sec. This
permeability is considered moderate-to-high when compared to other
soils .
Sand drainage layer This layer consists of clean, coarse sand. The
permeability of this sand is approximately 1 X 10~2 cm/sec. This
sand is considered a highly permeable soil.
Synthetic drainage layer (geonet) This layer is typically made of
two high density polyethylene (HDPE) strands bonded together in a
crossing pattern. Geonets are called geocomposites when they are
sandwiched between two layers of geotextile fabric. Geonets and
geocomposites are typically characterized by their
transmissivities. The transmissivity of a layer equals the
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Figure C-1
Cap Design Details
• 3-5%
Vegetation
.12" Soil Top Layer
DESIGN 1
Waste
• 3-5%
^- Vegetation
12" Soil Top Layer
.^24" Clay Soil--K=8.5xlO 'Zm/sec
'ffffffffff ^
Waste
.3-5%
DESIGN 3
,x-- Vegetation
24" Soil Top Layer
~FML 20 mil'-- K>lxlO' on/sec
^- rmi*£(j rail — R.=ixiu cnvscc
'$J§?j§**' 12" Covcr Soil" K=3.7xlO"4cm/sec
Waste
DESIGN 4
Vegetadon
24" Soil Top Layer
12" Sand ~ K=lxlO cm/sec
14
FML20mil--K=lxl0 cm/sec
-7
Ludflll *
Design j
(Minimum
Technology) |
I
•24" CTay--K*lxlO cm/sec
12" Cover Soil- K=3.7x 10 cm/sec
12" Sand - K=lxlO"2cm/sec (Lejchite collection) '
HML 30 mil - K=lxlO~ cm/sec (Liner) |
12" Clay ~lxlO'7cm/sec (Liner) I
12" Sand - K=lxlO cm/sec (Le«k detection) |
il--K=lxlO~ cm/sec (Liner) i
-36" Clay - K=lxlO"7cm/sec (Liner) i
' Original Subgrade
* RCRA Minimum Technology LautfUl bottom liner design for remedial actions requiring RCRA landfill oonitruction.
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permeability of that layer multiplied by its thickness. Therefore,
the permeability of a geonet can be calculated by dividing its
transmissivity by its thickness. A transmissivity of 5 X 10~4 m2/sec
is assumed for a 1/4-inch-thick geonet, corresponding to a
permeability of 7.8 cm/sec. This permeability is considered
extremely high when compared to permeabilities of soil classes.
Compacted clay barrier layer This layer consists of mechanically
compacted clay. The permeability of this layer is approximately 1 X
10~7 cm/sec. This clay is considered a highly impermeable soil.
Synthetic barrier layer This layer consists of a flexible synthetic
membrane (FML). Typically, FMLs are considered impermeable. Thus,
their effectiveness is measured by estimating the number and size
of holes or defects that would be expected from manufacturing or
installation operations. It is believed, for the purposes of
comparison, that the permeability of this layer is approximately
equivalent to 1 X 10~14 cm/sec. This permeability is considerably
lower than the permeabilities of soil classes. However in the
HELP-II model this layer is considered impermeable and a leakage
fraction, corresponding to the number and sizes of holes, is used
to estimate the inflow rate through this layer.
Cover soil layer This layer consists of firm sandy clay loam. Its
permeability is approximately 1 X 10~4 cm/sec. This permeability is
considered moderate, when compared to permeabilities of other
soils.
The Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP);
version II, computer program (U.S. EPA, 1984) is a quasi-two-
dimensional hydrologic model of water movement that was developed
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station in
Vicksburg, Mississippi, for the EPA Hazardous Waste Engineering
Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio. Help-II models water
movement across, into, through, and out of landfills. It uses
climatological, soil, and landfill design data. The model accounts
for the effects of runoff, surface storage, evapotranspiration,
soil moisture storage, lateral drainage, hydraulic head on barrier
layers, infiltration through covers, and percolation from liners.
The model does not account for lateral inflow of ground water or
surface water runon, nor does it account for surface slopes of the
cover for runoff. The program reports peak daily, average monthly,
and average annual water budgets. The HELP-II model, which is
currently being recommended by EPA for estimating infiltration
through cover systems, has readily available climatological data
for 102 U.S. cities, including Seattle, Washington. The
climatological data consists of daily precipitation values from
1974 through 1978. Other daily climatological data are
stochastically generated using a model developed by the
Agricultural Research Service
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(Richardson, 1984) .
The soil and cover design data are entered either manually or
by selecting default soil characteristics. Each landfill was
assumed to have the following design characteristics:
1. SCS RCN, 69; this value corresponds to a runoff curve
number, under average antecedent moisture conditions, for
a fairly grassed soil that has a moderate infiltration
rate.
2. Drainage media slope, 2 percent; this value represents
the minimum cover slope allowed by RCRA minimum
technology guidance; it has very little effect on the
HELP model when under 20 percent.
3. Drainage length (spacing between collectors), 500 feet;
this value was selected because RCRA does not require
collection pipes in the cover system and therefore, it is
unlikely to find any collectors on the cover.
Table C-l summarizes the pertinent values for the four cap designs
considered in this analysis. The infiltration value indicated is
the value used for the infiltration entering the contaminated zone
in the calculation of PCB migration to the water table.
PCB Migration To Ground Water
The PCB attenuation analysis was performed using EPA's one-
dimensional unsaturated zone finite-element flow and transport:
module, VADOFT (U.S. EPA, 1989g), coupled to the analytical
solute/heat transport AT123D (Yeh, 1981) . The finite-element module
was used to evaluate vertical PCB transport in the unsaturated zone
and to generate time varying mass flux rates at the water table
which were used as input to AT123D which was used to simulate mass
transport in the saturated zone (Figure C-2). AT123D was used to
determine a time series of depth averaged concentrations beneath
the PCB source. The results were then time averaged over the
seventy-year period representing the years of peak concentrations
occurring within a 10,000-year period.
VADOFT is a one-dimensional, non-linear, finite-element code
used to evaluate variably saturated groundwater flow and solute
transport. Solute transport in the unsaturated zone is described by
the following governing equation:
ovSwRv(dC/dt) = Dv(d2C/dZ2) - Vv(dC/dZ) - VOVSWRVC (1)
where: ov = the effective porosity
Sw = the saturation
Vv = the vertical Darcy velocity
v = the decay coefficient
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Table C-l
COVER DESIGN SUMMARY TABLE (ANNUAL VALUES)
Cover
Design
1
2
3
4
Site Area
(Acres)
2
2
2
2
Precip.
(Cu.Ft.)
258,877
285,877
258,877
285,877
Runoff
(Cu. Ft.)
3,349
78,164
127,318
94,262
Evapotrans.
(Cu.Ft.)
113,134
114,628
131,170
118,162
Infiltration
(Cu. Ft.)/
Acre
71,467
33,529
226
1
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C-l
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Rv = 1 + ( (Kdpb) / (ovSw) = the retardation coefficient (2)
Kd = the adsorption coefficient
and
pb = the bulk density of the soil
For transport simulations using a steady-state flow field and where
there is no decay, or the decay rate is not a function of the
saturation, the nonlinear flow analysis may be avoided for highly
adsorptive chemicals. For chemicals with large adsorption
coefficients (e.g., greater than 10) such as PCB's:
Rv (KdPb) / (ovSw) (3)
and the saturation terms in Equations (1) and (2) cancel and can be
disregarded. This circumvents the need for the nonlinear flow
analysis and allows the transport analysis to be performed using a
default Darcy velocity equal to the infiltration rate. Transient
finite-element solute transport analyses were performed for the
period of interest to generate time series of mass flux rates that
were used as a boundary condition for AT123D.
AT123D, an analytical method based on Green's function
techniques, simulates three-dimensional advective/dispersive
transport in porous media. The three-dimensional solute transport
equation on which AT123D is based can be written as:
Dx (d2C/dx2) + Dy(d2C/dy2) + Dz(d2C/dz2) - Vs(dC/dx) =
Rs(dC/dt) + Rs SC + ((qC)/(BoJ) + M/os (4)
where: x, y, z = spatial coordinates in the longitudinal, lateral
and vertical directions, respectively
C = dissolved concentration of chemical
Dx, Dy, Dz = dispersion coefficients in the x, y, and z
directions, respectively
Vs = one-dimensional, uniform seepage velocity in the
x direction
Rs = retardation factor in the saturated zone
t = elapsed time
s = effective first-order decay coefficient in the
saturated zone
q = net recharge outside the facility percolating
directly into and diluting the contaminant plume
B = the thickness of the saturated zone
M = the constant or time dependent mass flux rate
By taking the products of various directionally independent
spatially integrated Greens functions the model allows for the
application of linear, planar and volumetric mass flux sources to a
porous medium which is of infinite extent in the flow direction and
can be considered to be of either infinite or finite extent in
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the directions perpendicular to flow. Temporally, the Greens
functions represent instantaneous sources which are numerically
integrated with respect to time to allow for a constant mass flux
or a time variant mass flux source condition. The general
solution can be written as follows:
C(s,y,z,t) = (M/(ogRg) )Fljk (x,y,z,t;)d (5)
where: t = time of interest
= variable of integration
The term Fljk is the product of the three-directionally-independent
Greens functions (Yen, 1981) . Since the source term is a mass flux
rate, a decay term accounting for dilution due to infiltration of
water was utilized. This dilution factor is shown in the second to
last term of Equation (4). For these simulations the source was
approximated as a fully penetrating rectangular prismatic source
with a surface area equal to the source area. The fully penetrating
source was used to circumvent the need to depth average values of
the concentrations.
RESULTS
The results of the analysis described above are summarized in
table C-2. PCB concentrations in ground water were estimated for
each of the four cap designs and four different PCB source
concentrations. Based on this analysis, the following
recommendations for caps could be made:
5 ppm PCBs Source At this concentration the threat of PCB migration
to ground water at concentrations that would exceed the proposed
MCL of .5 ppb under the given site conditions is unlikely. The
maximum concentration averaged over 70 years (occuring after 945
years) is .099 ppb with only a soil cap. The soil cover would be
recommended for sites in residential areas to prevent contact with
concentrations above 1 ppm, the starting point action level.
20 ppm PCBs Source Again, the analysis indicates that the threat to
ground water is not significant. With only a soil cap, the maximum
concentration expected is .4 ppb. For sites in residential areas, a
cement cover and a deed notice may be warranted to prevent contact
with PCBs exceeding the 1 ppm starting point action level.
50 ppm PCBs Source At 50 ppm, PCB concentrations in the ground
water are projected to exceed the .5 ppb level slightly --
approximately 1 ppb. At this concentration, for the site conditions
presented, the second cap illustrated in Figure C-l would be
recommended. The combination of a low-permeability cover
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Table C-2
SATURATED ZONE DEPTH AND TIME AVERAGED CONCENTRATIONS BENEATH THE SOURCE (PPB) AND TIME OF PEAK CONCENTRATION (YEARS)
Soil Concentration 5 ppm
Cap
Design
1
.099
Cap
Design
2
.029
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Soil Concentration 20 ppm
Cap
Design
1
.396
Cap
Design
2
.116
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Soil Concentration 50 ppm
Cap
Design
1
.990
Cap
Design
2
.290
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
Soil Concentration 100 ppm
Cap
Design
1
1.98
Cap
Design
2
.580
Cap
Design
3
0.0
Cap
Design
4
0.0
I,.* (Years)
Cap
Design
1
945
Cap
Design
2
1645
Cap
Design
3
--
Cap
Design
4
--
SITE PARAMETERS
Source Area—5 Acres
Average Regional Flow 310 ft/year
Porosity of Soil-0.2
Bulk Density of Soil-1.97 g/ml
Time-Peak 70 years from 0-10,000 years
Contaminated Zone organic content—5.0%
Clean unsaturated zone organic content—0.5%
Saturated zone organic content—0.1%
PCB half-life-50 years
Depth of Contamination—10 feet
Depth to Groundwater—20 feet
Thickness of Saturated Zone—5 feet
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C-ll
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soil and the soil cap will prevent PCBs from migrating to the
ground water at levels that exceed .5 ppb. With the reduce
infiltration the maximum PCB concentration projected for the ground
water (occurring after 1645 years) is .3 ppb. Again, a deed notice
would be warranted to prevent direct contact with the soil in the
future. Consistent with Table 4-2, a fence and some ground water
monitoring (annual) would be recommended.
100 ppm PCBs Source At 100 ppm, PCB concentrations in the ground
water are projected to exceed the .5 ppb level slightly --
approximately .6 ppb, even with the addition of a low-permeability
cover soil. At this concentration, for the site conditions
presented, the third cap illustrated in Figure C-l would be
recommended. The addition of a flexible membrane liner reduces
infiltration sufficiently to prevent migration of PCBs to the
ground water. Consistent with Table 4-2, a deed notice, fence, and
periodic ground water monitoring would also be recommended.
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APPENDIX D
CASE STUDIES
PEPPER STEEL, FL AND WIDE BEACH, NY
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SITE NAME: Pepper's Steel and Alloys, Florida.
SITE DESCRIPTION: The site occupies 30-acres in Medley, Florida, approximately 10 miles northwest
of Miami overlying the Biscayne Aquifer. This aquifer is used as a sole source drinking water supply for a
large population. This location has been the site of a variety of businesses including the manufacture of
batteries and fiberglass boats, repair of trucks and heavy equipment and an automobile scrap operation.
Batteries, underground storage tanks, transformers, discarded oil tanks and other miscellaneous debris
have accumulated as a result of disposal from past and present operations at the site. Contaminants have
been identified within the soil, sediments and ground water.
WASTE DESCRIPTION: The contaminants of concern are poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organic
compounds and metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, mercury, zinc and
antimony. The quantities and concentrations of the primary contaminants are:
PCBs - 48,000 cubic yards of soil at 1.4 ppm to 760 ppm,
12,000 gallons of free oils with concentrations up to 2,700 ppm;
Lead - 21,500 cubic yards of soil at 1,100 ppm to 98,000 ppm;
• Arsenic - 9,000 cubic yards of soil at concentrations greater than 5 ppm.
PATHWAYS OF CONCERN: Of significant concern is ground water transport of PCBs and lead to
private wells and lead intake due to ingestion from direct contact with local soils. Air particulate matter
containing PCBs provides a possible inhalation exposure pathway to onsite workers and offsite to
neighboring residents.
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY SELECTED: The recommended remedial alternative involves the
excavation of PCB contaminated soils > 1 ppm and solidifying with a cement-based material followed by
onsite placement. Soils contaminated with > 100 ppm lead or > 5 ppm arsenic will be excavated and
chemically fixed (stabilized), thus reducing dissolution and diffusion rates. Free oils contaminated with
PCBs will be treated offsite at a Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) approved incinerator. The
offsite disposal of the free oil is cost-effective, implementable and satisfied the disposal requirements of
TSCA Part 761.60(a). The solidified mass will be replaced onsite approximately 4-5 feet above ground
water level.
EQUIVALENT TREATMENT: TSCA regulation 761.60(a)(4) requires that soils containing PCBs at
concentrations greater than 50 ppm be destroyed by incineration or disposed in a chemical waste landfill.
TSCA 761.60(e) provides for the approval of alternative methods of disposal which achieve a level of
performance equivalent to incineration and protective of human health and the environment. The TSCA
Spill Cleanup Policy (Part 761.120) covers spills which occurred since May 4, 1987. Spills which occurred
before that date are to be decontaminated to requirements established at the discretion of EPA, usually
through its regional offices. TSCA regulation 761.123 defines the relationship of the PCB Spill Cleanup
Policy to other statutes. The Policy does not affect cleanup standards or requirements for the reporting of
spills imposed, or to be imposed under other Federal statutory authorities including CERCLA. Where
more than one requirement applies, the stricter standard must be met. PCB spills at Pepper's Steel took
place during a period between 1960 through the early 1980's, therefore the PCB Spill Cleanup Policy is
not applicable to this situation.
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Incineration was deemed unacceptable due to high metal content in the contaminated soils. The
volatilization of the metals would result in significant air discharges even with the implementation of air
control mechanisms on the incinerator. Depending on the air control method used, scrubber waters or bag
house filters contaminated with metals, and metals in the incinerated ash, would require appropriate
disposal. Offsite disposal in a chemical waste landfill was eliminated as an option due to high cost,
inhalation risks and concerns of offsite transportation of the material.
The selected remedial action addresses direct contact risk reduction by rendering the PCB matrix
immobile through chemical fixation. In addition, the solidified mass will be covered with a 12-inch layer of
crushed limestone to further eliminate these threats. Since PCB contaminated soil with concentrations > 1
ppm will be solidified, the action is consistent with the TSCA PCB Spill Cleanup Policy (761.125) which
recommends a 10 ppm cleanup level for a site with nonrestricted access.
Of chief concern with the fixation method is the long term integrity of the fixed mass related to near
surface ground water or infiltrating rainwater which may contribute to migration of the contaminants. To
assess risk of injury to health or the environment, the EPA performed treatability studies on the solid mix
to define performance standards. The tests performed to verify the integrity of the solidified matrix were
Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), Extraction Procedure (EP) Toxicity, ANS 16-1 and a
modified MCC-11. Fate and modeling (method not provided) were used to establish ground water action
levels to monitor for failure of the technology. This remedial action warrants the submission of a waiver
under 40 CFR 761.75(a)(4) for chemical waste landfills. Under this regulation the EPA Administrator
may waive certain landfill requirements if it is determined that the landfill does not present an
unreasonable risk of injury or adverse effects to health or the environment. This alternative satisfactorily
addresses specific concerns in TSCA chemical waste landfill requirements by providing leachate
collection, monitoring wells and a liner or fill to maintain the solidified mass above the ground water table.
Parameters for the treatability studies were set using the Water Quality Criteria Standard of 0.079 ng/1
PCBs in water for PCBs at the property line several hundred feet from the solidified mass. Using ground
water modeling, a level of 7 ppb PCB in leachate from the solidified mass was established as the
maximum allowable concentration which would yield an acceptable risk at the receptor. Results from the
treatability studies all indicated concentrations of PCBs in leachate of less than the detectable limit of 1
ppb.
This remedial action can be viewed to be consistent with two areas of TSCA PCB disposal policies. The
solidification of the waste and leachate monitoring provide additional protective measures than are
required in the chemical waste landfill regulations. The action also achieves a level of performance
equivalent to incineration. Analysis of leachate from the solidified mass shows no PCBs at a detection
limit of 1 ppb, which supports the conclusion that the mobility of PCBs into the surrounding environment is
essentially destroyed.
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SITE NAME: Wide Beach, NY
SITE DESCRIPTION: The Wide Beach Development site is located in a small lakeside community in
Brant, New York, approximately 48 km south of Buffalo. The Development covers 22 hectares, 16 of
which are developed for residential use. The site is bordered on the west by Lake Erie, on the south by
wetlands and on the east and north by residential and agricultural property. Between 1968 and 1987, 155
cubic meters (approximately 744 barrels) of waste oil, some containing poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
was applied to roadways for dust control by the Wide Beach Homeowners Association. In 1980, the
installation of a sewer line resulted in excavation of highly contaminated soils and surplus soil was then
used to fill in several yards and a nearby grove of trees.
The Erie County Department of Environmental Planning investigated a complaint in 1981 of odors coming
from nearby woods. They discovered 19 drums in the woods and two contained PCB-contaminated waste
oil. Alerted to a potential problem subsequent investigatory sampling revealed the presence of PCBs in
dust, soil, vacuum cleaner dust, and water samples from private wells.
In 1985 the EPA performed an action to protect the public from the immediate concern until
implementation of a long-term measure. The action involved the paving of roadways and drainage ditches,
decontamination of homes by rug shampooing, vacuuming, and replacement of air conditioner and furnace
filters and protection of individual private wells by installation of particulate filters.
WASTE DESCRIPTION: The primary containment at the Wide Beach site is PCBs, found over the
majority of the site in all environmental media. The most significant contaminations were found in the
sewer trench wells, soils adjacent to the roadways and wetlands sediments. Maximum PCB
concentrations from the following areas were:
• drainage ditch samples - 1,026 ppm;
• yards and open lot samples - 600 ppm;
• unpaved driveway samples - 390 ppm;
• roadway samples - 226 ppm;
• sediment samples from marsh area - 126 ppm
The concentration of PCBs in one catch basin sample was 5,300 ppm. Investigations revealed that one of
eight monitoring wells, and all six sewer trench wells were contaminated with PCBs. Drinking water
sampling studies discovered PCB contamination in 21 of 60 residential wells, however, the level of
contamination was low ranging from 0.06 ug/1 to 4.56 ug/1.
PATHWAYS OF CONCERN: The primary pathway of concern is through the ingestion of PCB
contaminated soils. Additional potential concerns involve the environmental impact of contamination on
the surrounding marshlands.
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY SELECTED: The recommended remedial alternative involves the
excavation of contaminated soils > 10 ppm PCBs, onsite chemical treatment to destroy PCBs and soil
residual replacement. The recommended treatment will involve removing 5,600 cubic meters of soil from
the roadway, 8,500 cubic meters from drainage ditches, 1,500 cubic meters from unpaved driveways and
13,000 cubic meters from back and front yards. The chemical treatment for the 28,600 cubic yards of
contaminated soil consists of a two step procedure. First, PCB molecules are extracted from the soils
using solvents. The solvents are then treated with Potassium Polyethylene Glycol (KPEG), to remove
chlorine atoms from the PCB molecule. This slurry is then pumped to a jacketed, internally agitated, batch
reactor where the mixture is maintained at a soil moisture content of 2-3 percent for two hours at a
temperature of 140 degrees Celsius while
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the dechlorination reaction takes place. This stage is followed by several water washes, and solids
separation. The soils will be replaced onsite after the PCB contaminated matrix is treated to 2 ppm.
EQUIVALENT TREATMENT: TSCA regulation 761.60(a)(4) requires that soils containing PCBs at
concentrations greater than 50 ppm be destroyed by incineration or disposed in a chemical waste landfill.
TSCA 761.60(c) provides for the approval of alternative methods of disposal which achieve a level of
performance equivalent to incineration and are protective of human health and the environment.
Incineration was rejected as a remedial alternative option during the remedial investigation and was not
documented in the Record of Decision. Offsite landfilling of the PCB soils was rejected due to concerns
of excessive cost, dust release during excavation and possible exposure risks during transport.
Primary concerns with this treatment technology include the ability to attain the 10 ppm level for soil
decontamination, and the potential formation of toxic end products through use of the reaction vessel. To
address these concerns pilot plant treatability studies were performed to assess the effectiveness of
potassium polyethylene glycol in dechlorinating the PCBs, and to determine important design parameters
for the reaction vessel such as physical dimensions, operation temperatures and detention time. The
results from one run revealed a reduction from 260 ppm in soil to under 2 ppm in the treated residual.
Runs were performed on soil at 80 ppm PCBs which is the average concentration at the site. The results
indicated that the 10 ppm, PCB levels could be achieved consistently. Lab tests in the bench scale
treatability study revealed no mutagenic effects with the soil, indicating that the residuals are non-toxic.
The results of both KPEG bench scale and pilot plant treatability studies showed that PCB concentrations
or 10 ppm or lower can be achieved successfully without hazardous end products, which eliminates the
primary concerns with this treatment.
The 2 ppm cleanup level was derived by Best Demonstrated Available Technology (BOAT) values,
TSCA policy, and health-based criteria identified in the risk assessment. The TSCA policy for evaluating
whether treatment is equivalent to incineration (TSCA 761.60(e)) defines successful equivalent treatment
by the level of PCBs in the treatment residual. A concentration of 2 ppm is considered to indicate the
treatment has achieved a level of performance equivalent to incineration. The selected treatment destroys
PCBs in contaminated soils therefore eliminating the potential risk identified in the risk assessment (i.e.,
direct contact threats). KPEG also provides protection through permanent and significant reduction of
toxicity, mobility and volume of the waste, and complies with all relevant and appropriate requirements set
forth in TSCA. Since this method has achieved a level of performance equivalent to incineration through
pilot studies and it has been shown to be protective of human health and the environment, it is an
acceptable alternative to incineration.
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APPENDIX E
PCB DISPOSAL COMPANIES, COMMERCIALLY PERMITTED
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PCB DISPOSAL COMPANIES
COMMERCIALLY PERMITTED
Permitted to operate in all ten EPA Regions
COMPANY
INCINERATOR
ENSCO
ENSCO
General Electric
Pyrochem/Aptus
Rollins
SCA Chemical
Services
U.S. Department
of Energy/
Martin Marietta
Energy Systems
WESTON
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1957
El Dorado, AR 71730
P.O. Box 8513
Little Rock, AR 72215-8513
100 Woodlawn Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
P.O. Box 907
Coffeyville, KS
P.O. Box 609
Deer Park, TX 77536
11700 South Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
Federal Office Building
Room G-108
P.O. Box E
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
One Weston Way
West Chester, PA 19380
PHONE No.
501-223-4160
501-223-4100
413-494-3729
316-251-6380
713-479-6001
312-646-5700
615-576-0973
215-692-3030
ALTERNATE THERMAL
Ecova Corporation
Ogden Environmental
Services, Inc.
(formerly GA
Technologies, Inc.
J.M. Huber
Corporation
O.K. Materials
Corporation
12790 Merit Drive
Suite 220, Lock Box 145
Dallas, Texas 75251
P.O. Box 85178
San Diego, CA 92138-517f
P.O. Box 2831
Borger, TX 79007
16406 U.S. Route 224 East
P.O. Box 551
Findlay, Ohio 45839-0551
214-404-7540 *
800-876-4336 *
or
619-455-3045
806-274-6331
800-537-9540
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CHEMICAL
American Mobile Oil
Purification Co.
Chemical Waste
Management
Exceltech, Inc.
General Electric
General Electric
National Oil
Processing/Aptus
Niagara Mohawk Power
Corporation
PPM, Inc.
ENSR Operations
(formerly Sunohio)
T & R Electric Supply
Company, Inc.
Transformer
Consultants
Trinity Chemical Co.
Inc.
233 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10279
1550 Balmer Road
Model City, NY 14107
41638 Christy Street
Fremont, CA 94538
One River Road
Schenectady, NY 12345
One River Road
Schenectady, NY 12345
P.O. Box 1062
Coffeyville, KS 67337
300 Erie Boulevard West
Syracuse, NY 13202
1875 Forge Street
Tucker, GA 30084
1700 Gateway Blvd. S.E.
Canton, OH 44707
Box 180
Colman, SD 57017
P.O. Box 4724
Akron, OH 44310
6405 Metcalf, Cloverleaf 3
Suite 313
Shawnee Mission, KS 66202
212-267-7073
716-754-8231
415-659-0404
518-385-3134
518-385-3134
SOO-345-6573
315-474-1511
404-934-0902 *
216-452-0837
SOO-843-7994
SOO-321-9580 *
913-831-2290
PHYSICAL SEPARATION
ENSCO
National Electric/
Aptus
Quadrex HPS, Inc.
Unison Transformer
Services, Inc.
1015 Louisiana Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
P.O. Box 935
Coffeyville, KS 67337
1940 N.W. 67th Place
Gainesville, FL 32606
P.O. Box 1076
Henderson, KY 42420
501-223-4100
SOO-345-6573
904-373-6066
SOO-544-0030
PHYSICAL SEPARATION continued
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PHYSICAL SEPARATION continued
General Electric One River Road 518-385-3134
Schenectady, NY 12345
PCB TRANSFORMER DECOMMISSIONING
G&L Recovery 1302 West 38th Street 216-992-8665
Systems, Inc. Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
BIOLOGICAL
Detox Industries, 12919 Dairy Ashford 713-240-0892
Inc. Sugar Land, TX 77478
PIPELINE REMOVAL
Texas Eastern Gas P.O. Box 2521 713-759-5167
Pipeline Company Houston, Texas 77252-2521
CHEMICAL WASTE LANDFILLS
Casmalia Resources 559 San Ysidro Road 805-937-8449
P.O. Box 5275
Santa Barbara, CA 93150
CECOS International 56th St. & Niagara Falls 716-282-2676
Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14302
CECOS International 5092 Aber Road 513-720-6114
Williamsburg, OH 45176
Chemical Waste Alabama Inc. Box 55 205-652-9721
Management Emelle, AL 35459
Chemical Waste Box 471 209-386-9711
Management Kettleman City, CA 93239
Chem-Security Systems Star Route 503-454-2777
Incorporated Arlington, OR 98712
Envirosafe Services P.O. Box 417 208-384-1500
Inc. of Idaho Boise, ID 83701
SCA Chemical Services Box 200 716-754-8231
Model City, NY 14107
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CHEMICAL WASTE LANDFILLS continued
U.S. Ecology, Inc. Box 578 702-553-2203
Beatty, NV 89003
U.S. Pollution Grayback Mountain 405-528-8371
Control, Inc. Knolls, UT 84074
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U.S. EPA REGIONAL DISPOSAL CONTACTS
Region I
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Vermont)
Tony Palermo
Air Management Division
Environmental Protection Agency, Region I
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617) 565-3279, FTS 835-3279
Region II
(New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands^
John Brogard Dan Kraft
Air and Waste Management Division FTS 340-6669
Environmental Protection Agency, Region II
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10278
(212) 264-8682, FTS 264-8682
Region III
(Delaware District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia)
Edward Cohen (3HW40)
Hazardous Waste Management Division
Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 597-7668, FTS 597-7668
Region IV
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
Robert Stryker, PCB Coordinator
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch
Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30365
(404) 347-3864, FTS 257-3864
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Region V
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Sheldon Simon
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch (5S-PTSB-7)
Environmental Protection Agency, Region V
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-1428, FTS 886-6087
Region VI
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
Jim Sales Donna Mullins
Hazardous Waste Management Division FTS 255-7244
Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI
Allied Bank Tower
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733
(214) 655-6719, FTS 255-6785
Region VII
Kegion vii
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska]
Leo Alderman, PCB Coordinator
Doug Elders
Toxic and Pesticides Branch
Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
(913) 236-2835, FTS 757-2835
Region VIII
(Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming]
Dan Bench (303) 293-1732, FTS 330-1732
Tom Pauling (303) 293-1747, FTS 330-1747
Paul Grimm (303) 293-1443, FTS 330-1443
Toxic Substances Branch
Environmental Protection Agency, Region VIII
One Denver Place
999 18th Street, Suite 1300
Denver, Colorado 80202-2413
(303) 293-1442, FTS 564-1442
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Region IX
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam)
Greg Czajkowski (T-5-2)
Pesticides and Toxics Branch
Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 974-7295, FTS 454-7295
Region X
(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington)
Cathy Massimino (HW-114) Bill Hedgebeth
FTS 399-7369
Hazardous Waste Management Branch
Environmental Protection Agency, Region X
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-4153, FTS 399-4153
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APPENDIX F
LONG TERM MANAGEMENT CONTROLS AT PCB-CONTAMINATED SITES
SUPERFUND EXAMPLES
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SUPERFUND EXAMPLES-LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT CONTROLS
Superfund Site (ROD
Date)
1. Ottati and Goss,
Kingston, NH
(1/16/87)
2. Re-Solve, MA
North Dartmouth, MA
(7/24/87)
3. Chemical Control
Elizabeth, NJ
(9/24/87)
4. Wide Beach
Brant, NY
(9/30/85)
5. York Oil
Moira, NY
(2/9/89)
6. Mow bray Engineering
, AL
(9/25/86)
7. Pepper's Steel &
Alloys
Medley, FL
(3/12/86)
8. Belvidere Landfill
Belvidere, IL
(6/30/88)
9. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, ID
(8/26/88)
Initial Source & Problem
! Buried drums, sludge
! Waste oil spread on dirt
roads
! Solvent reclamation
facility
! Variety of waste in
drums
! Waste oil spread on dirt
roads
! 3 acre swamp
! Transformer repair plant
! 30 acres trash
! Landfill
! Drum Disposal
! Dumping area
! Recycling plant
Disposition
! Excavate
! Off-site incineration
!Cap
! Aeration
! Extract and treat groundwater
! Excavate
! Cap
! On-site treatment (dechlorination)
! Wetland restoration
! Extract and treat groundwater
! In-situ location
! Debris removal
! Storm sewer repair
! Secure site (fence)
! Excavation
! Chemical treatment
! Excavate
! Stabilize
! Off-site incineration
! Extract and treat groundwater
! Close sewer
! Excavate
! Stabilize
! Excavate
! Stabilize
! Off-site incineration
!Cap
! Extract and treat groundwater
! Excavate
! Off-site incineration
! Landfill
!Cap
! Extract and treat groundwater
! Secure site
! Excavate
! On-site incineration
!Cap
! Contaminant wall
! Extract and treat groundwater
! Secure site
Initial PCB
Concentration
Range (ppm)
143 (soil)
15-52,000
0-6
0.05-1026
.1-210
N.D.-62 (soil)
1.5-760 (soil)
9-51,000
0.34-14.2
Final PCB
Concentration
(ppm)
20 (soil)
25 (soil)
0-6
10
25
1
50
10
Geologic/Hydrogeologic
Conditions
! Groundwater: 0-2 feet
below surface
! Geology: glacial tills;
bedrock
! Groundwater: 50-60 feet
below surface
! Geology: sand, travel,
till, bedrock
! Groundwater: 1-3 feet
below surface
! Geology: sand/gravel
silty sand; till; bedrock
! Geology: silty
sand/gravel; silty/clay;
fractured shale
! Groundwater: 30 feet
below surface
! Geology: glacial
bedrock
! Groundwater: 18 feet
below surface
! Geology: sandy; clay,
rock; limestone
! Groundwater: 5-6 feet
below surface
! Geology: fill; peat
limestone
! Groundwater: 7 feet
below surface
! Geology: sand; gravel;
bedrock
! Groundwater: 10-15 feet
below surface
! Geology: outwash
sands
and gravels; lake clays,
silts, and fines
Cover Design
9 inches top soil
Regraded and
grassed
1-3 foot gravel layer
None (not feasible, a
residential
community)
None (stabilization
process leaves
treated soils
impermeable)
2 feet compacted
clay, 2 feet
vegetative layer, 2
feet sand, synthetic
liner
12 inches crushed
limestone
RCRA cover
2 feet clay and 6
inches vegetative
layer
Bottom Liners
! None
! None
! None
! Natural
impermeable
clays
! None
! None
! Natural
impermeable
clays
! None
! None
! None
! None
Leachate
Collection/Removal
and Leak Detection
Groundwater wells
planned for pump
and treatment
Groundwater wells
planned for pump
and treatment
None
None
Groundwater wells
planned for pump
and treatment
None
Down-gradient
groundwater wells
planned for pump
and treatment
Groundwater wells
planned for pump
and treatment
Groundwater wells
planned for pump
and treatment
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SUPERFUND EXAMPLES-LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT CONTROLS
Superfund Site (ROD Date)
10. French Limited
Crosby, TX
(3/24/88)
1 1 . Commencement
Bay/Near Shore
Tacoma, WA
(12/30/87)
12. Pacific Hide and Fur
Pocatello, ID
(6/28/88)
13.' Pinnett's Salvage Yard
Washburn, ME
(5/3/89)
14.b Sullivan's Ledge
New Bedford, MA
(Proposed 1/89)
15.' New Bedford Harbor-
Hot Spot Area
Buzzard's Bay, MA
(5/89)
16. ab Douglassville Disposal
Site
Berks County, PA
Draft (9/88)
17. ab Town of Norwood
Norfolk County, MA
Draft (1/89)
Initial Source & Problem
! 7.3 acre lagoon
! Scrap yard
! Transformers, capacitors
! Scrap yard
! Scrap yard
! Transformer dielectric
fluid spill
! Quarry
! Previous disposal
! Industrial discharge
! Oil recycling
! Electrical equipment
manufacturer
! Previous disposal
Disposition
! In-site biological treatment
! Stabilize
! Excavate
! Stabilize
! Cap
! Re-grade
! Excavate
! Stabilize
! Cap
! Land Disposal identified as an
alternative
! Excavate
! Stabilize
! Cap
! Extract and treat groundwater
! Restore wetlands
! Secure site
! Restrict use
! Long term monitoring
! Capping identified as an
alternative
! Capping identified as an
alternative
! Capping identified as an
alternative
Initial PCB
Concentration
Range (ppm)
N.D.-616
0-204
7.4-300
2,000 (soil)
500-400
(sediment)
ND-30,000
(soils)
10-26,000
(soils)
Final PCB
Concentration
(ppm)
23
1
10-25
10-50
Geologic/Hydrogeologic
Conditions
! Groundwater: less than
50 feet below surface
! Geology: topsoil; clay
! Groundwater: 8-12 feet
below surface
! Geology: fill; sand; clay
! Groundwater: 20 feet
below surface
! Groundwater: 0-20 feet
below surface
! Geology: sand and
gravel; clay and silty
clay; glacial fill;
bedrock
! Groundwater: 100 feet
below surface
! Geology: quarries
located in fractured
bedrock
! Groundwater:
contamination due to
diffusion from sediment
! Groundwater: les than 5
feet to 3 1 feet to surface
! Geology: fill; natural
over-burden bedrock
! Geology: fill; sand and
gravel; glacial fill;
bedrock
Cover Design
None
2 inches sealed
asphalt
Low permeability or
RCRA cap
4 inches asphalt; 12
inches stone; single
synthetic layer; fill
2 feet clay; 18
inches buffer soil;
12 inches sandy
soil; 2 feet
vegetative soil;
vegetation
3 feet sand/silt;
synthetic layer
Synthetic liner;
protective soil;
topsoil; vegetation
3 inches asphalt 2"
aggregate: HOPE
liner: 6" aggregate
geotextile fabric: fill
Bottom Liners
! None
! Natural
impermeable
clays
! None
! Low
permeability
clay added to
! existing
aquitard
Stabilized
material
to serve as
liner
! None
! None
! None
! None
! None
Leach ate
Collection/Removal
and Leak Detection
Groundwater wells
may be planned for
pump and treatment
Groundwater wells
monitoring system
proposed
None
Slurry wall
Groundwater wells
may be planned for
pump and treatment
None
Groundwater
barrier
None
'Capping/Land disposal identified as an alternative. bProposed Plan.
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Unites States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati OH 45268
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT NO. G-35
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use, $300
Please make all necessary changes on the above label,
detach or copy, and return to the address in the upper
left-hand corner.
If you do not wish to receive these reports CHECK HERE* ,
detach, or copy this cover, and return to the address in the
upper left-hand corner
EPA/540/G-90/007
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