United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response
(OS-230)
EPA/540/8-91/090
November 1991
xvEPA SUPERFUND
Region 10
Results
O
0)
^
O
CL
Printed on Recycled Paper
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ORDERING INFORMATION
The public may order additional copies of this document from:
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
(703) 487-4600 or (800) 336-4700
This document is one in a series that includes the following documents:
NPL Characterization Project: National Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 1 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 2 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 3 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 4 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 5 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 6 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 7 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 8 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 9 Results
NPL Characterization Project: Region 10 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: National Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 1 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 2 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 3 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 4 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 5 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 6 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 7 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 8 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 9 Results
CERCLIS Characterization Project: Region 10 Results
PB92-963304
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PB92-963306
PB92-963307
PB92-963308
PB92-963309
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PB92-96331 1
PB92-96331 2
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Publication 9345.1-10-10
EPA/540/8-91/090
November 1991
0}
SUPERFUND
CERCLIS CHARACTERIZATION
PROJECT:
REGION 10 RESULTS
U.S. Environment^ Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (.-L-12J)
^7 Wesi Jrcl'/rn G:-.":vrrd, 12th Floor
C,.:cago, IL 6C504-3^90
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The design and management of these studies was carried out by Penelope Hansen and
Caroline Previ of the Site Assessment Branch in the Hazardous Site Evaluation Division, Office
of Emergency and Remedial Response. Final publication of the documents was under the
direction of Suzanne Wells and Mary Latka. EPA also greatly appreciates the efforts of the
numerous people who collected, collated, and analyzed the data and helped finalize the
documents for publication. In particular, EPA would like to recognize Nermin Ahmad, Al Canepa,
Catherine Brock, Arthur Johnson, Jennifer Nauen, Amy Newell, Nikki Koch, James Skiridulis, and
Joe Vescio, who were instrumental in helping to design the study, coordinate data collection, and
analyze the information. We are also grateful for the many hours of work put in by our regional
contacts in their efforts to collect the actual data: Marcia Brooks, Diana Coker, Deb Duffy, Joan
Dupont, Debbie Flood, Angie Garcia, Bill Glasser, Pressley Hatcher, Joyce Harney, Sharon
Hayes, Kerry Herndon, Brian Holloway, Paul LaCourreye, Steve Maybury, Bill Messenger, Carl
Rodzewick, Bill Schaeffer, Dave Schaller, Betsy Shaver, John Toten, Steve Vaughn, and Murray
Warner. Finally, we would like to recognize Baxter Jones, Nancy O'Connor, and Brian Steglitz,
who helped prepare the documents for publication.
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Project Summary
1
1.1 Project Objectives 1
1.2 General Methodology 3
1.3 Results 4
1.4 Organization of Document 4
Chapter 2: Data Collection Methods 5
2.1 Data Collection Procedures 5
2.2 Source of Data 5
2.3 Quality Assurance/Quality Control 5
2.4 Data Collection Form 7
2.5 Data Collection Form Instructions 11
Chapter 3: Site Description 20
Chart 1: Site Setting 21
Chart 2: Area of Site 22
Chart 3: Predominant Land Uses in Site Vicinity 23
Chart 4: Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Activities Occurring at Site 24
Chart 5: Waste Easily Accessible to Public 25
Chart 6: Population Within 1 Mile 26
Chart 7: Population Within 3 Miles 27
Chapter 4: Owner/Generator Information 28
Chart 8: Owner/Operator of Site at Time of Preliminary Assessment 29
Chart 9: Owner/Operator of Site at Time of Contamination 30
Chart 10: Status of Site at Time of Preliminary Assessment 31
Chart 11: Industry Responsible for Generating Waste: Major Categories 32
Chart 12: Industry Responsible for Generating Waste: Manufacturing Category
Details 33
Chart 13: Waste Depositor 34
Chart 14: Waste Generator 35
in
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CONTENTS (continued)
Chapter 5: Regulatory and Response History
36
Chart 15: Types of PA-level Information Available and Used to Characterize CERCLIS
Sites 37
Chart 16: How Site Identified 38
Chart 17: When Site Identified 39
Chart 18: Regulatory Activities Prior to Preliminary Assessment 40
Chart 19: Lead Agency for Preliminary Assessment 41
Chart 20: Further Action Recommended 42
Chapter 6: Waste Description 43
Chart 21: Waste Present On Site 44
Chart 22: Physical State of Waste 45
Chart 23: Predominant Waste Types: Major Categories 46
Chart 24: Predominant Waste Types: Hazardous Category Details 47
Chart 25: Predominant Waste Types: Non-hazardous Category Details 48
Chart 26: Waste Quantity 49
Chapter 7: Environmental Information 50
Chart 27: Environmental Damage Reported 51
Chart 28: Type of Environmental Damage Reported 52
Chart 29: Surface Water Adjacent to/Draining Site 53
Chart 30: Presence of Sensitive Environment Within 3 Miles 54
Chart 31: Type of Sensitive Environment Within 3 Miles 55
Chapter 8: Water Use Information 56
Chart 32: Withdrawals for Drinking Water Supply Within 3 Miles: Source 57
Chart 33: Withdrawals for Drinking Water Supply Within 3 Miles: Type 58
Chart 34: Local Ground Water Uses Other Than Drinking Water 59
Chart 35: Operable Wells Within 1 Mile 60
Chart 36: Operable Wells Within 3 Miles 61
Chart 37: Local Surface Water Uses Other Than Drinking Water 62
Appendices 63
Appendix A: Responses from "Other" Category 63
Appendix B: Region 10 CERCLIS Map 67
IV
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CERCLA
CERCLIS
EPA
EPIC
ERRIS
FIFRA
FIT
GW
MRS
NFRAP
NPDES
NPL
NRC
OSHA
PA
PCS
POTW
PCP
PRP
QA/QC
RCRA
SI
SPCC
SW
TSCA
YR
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act
CERCLA Information System
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Photographic
Interpretation Center
Emergency and Remedial Response
Information System
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act
Field Investigation Team
Ground Water
Hazard Ranking System
No Further Remedial Action Planned
National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System
National Priorities List
National Response Center
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Preliminary Assessment
Polychlorinated Biphenyl
Publicly Owned Treatment Works
Pentachlorophenol
Potentially Responsible Party
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act
Site Inspection
Spill Prevention, Containment, and
Countermeasures
Surface Water
Toxic Substances Control Act
Year
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CHAPTER 1: PROJECT SUMMARY
Congress passed the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980 to
address the environmental threats posed by
the nation's uncontrolled waste sites.
CERCLA directed the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to identify the sites
that pose the greatest relative danger to
human health or the environment. In
response, EPA developed a site assessment
process to evaluate and screen sites within
the Superfund program. The main
components of the site assessment process
(see figure on next page) are:
CERCLIS. The CERCLA Information
System (CERCLIS) is EPA's data base to
record and track activities at all sites
discovered. EPA learns of sites in many
ways, including federal programs, state
and local programs, and citizen
notifications.
Preliminary Assessment. EPA or the
state conducts a preliminary assessment
(PA) at every site entered into CERCLIS.
The PA a relatively low cost review of
available information determines if the
site warrants further CERCLA action.
After the PA, EPA decides either to send
the site forward in the assessment
process or to classify the site as NFRAP
(no further remedial action planned
under CERCLA).
Site Inspection. The site inspection (SI)
involves more detailed data collection,
including environmental sampling.
Based on the SI, EPA either
recommends scoring the site with the
Hazard Ranking System (HRS) or
classifies the site as NFRAP.
Hazard Ranking System. The HRS
uses information gathered during the PA
and SI to screen and identify sites
consistently for the National Priorities
List (NPL). The HRS results in a
numerical score that is used to set
priorities for more detailed site
investigation. In general, sites scoring
28.50 and above are added to the NPL,
and sites scoring below 28.50 are
classified as NFRAP.
National Priorities List. The NPL
identifies sites that warrant more detailed
evaluation and possible remedial
response. Adding sites to the NPL is a
rulemaking processsites are proposed
for the NPL in the Federal Register, the
proposal is subject to public comment,
and those sites with HRS scores that
remain above 28.50 after public
comment become final NPL sites.
This report, which is one in a series
providing information on the nature of the
sites being evaluated by the Superfund site
assessment program, characterizes a
sample of Region 10 sites in CERCLIS.
Separate reports are available for the other
nine Regions and for the nation as a whole.
Other reports in this series cover the NPL
characterization project, which provides a
"snapshot" of sites on the NPL as of
February 1991. National and Regional NPL
characterization reports also are available.
1.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
In September 1988, EPA undertook a
project to characterize the 29,461 sites then
in CERCLIS. The project's main objective
was to develop a data base containing site-
specific information that could be used to:
characterize a sample of CERCLIS sites
that would be representative of all
CERCLIS sites; and
increase understanding of the types of
sites investigated under the Superfund
site assessment program.
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SUPERFUND PROCESS
Site Assessment Phase
NFRAP (Information Provided to States
& Other Regulatory Authorities)
Removal Actions May Occur at Any Stage
Remedial Phase
Removal Actions May Occur at Any Stage
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Because the characterization is based
on information collected during the PA stage
of the Superfund process, it does not
represent a comprehensive characterization
of CERCLIS sites. Hundreds of sites pass
through the PA stage annually. EPA's
understanding of sites may change after
more detailed investigations are conducted
during the remainder of the site assessment
and remedial stages of the Superfund
process. The figure on the previous page
illustrates the position of the PA stage in the
overall Superfund process. This report
provides a summary of the characteristics of
CERCLIS sites in Region 10 as they are
understood at the time of the PA.
1.2 GENERAL METHODOLOGY
EPA Regional contractor staff collected
information for the CERCLIS characterization
project by reviewing PA reports and other
PA-level information found in EPA Regional
site files. More detailed documentation from
later stages of the site assessment process,
such as SI reports, was not reviewed. Sites
with inadequate PA-level information were
not included in the project.
The CERCLIS characterization project
was based on a randomly selected sample
of CERCLIS sites. To avoid possible
Regional bias, a fixed percentage
approximately 8% of each Region's sites
was chosen for review. However, because
of the small number of sites in Regions 8
and 10, a higher percentage of sites from
these Regions was selected. A total of 2,386
sites was evaluated. The table below
indicates the number of sites evaluated for
each Region.
The substantial uncertainty in PA-level
information, the expected variability in the
results across sites, and the varying number
of CERCLIS sites in each Region were taken
into account when the sample size was
NUMBER OF SITES REVIEWED FOR CERCLIS
CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TOTAL
Number of Sites
in CERCLIS
1,765
2,876
3,375
4,691
5,753
3,750
2,074
916
3,029
1,232
29,461
Number of Sites
Reviewed
146
226
262
362
441
288
160
133
234
134
2,386
Percentage of
Sites Reviewed
8.3%
7.9%
7.8%
7.7%
7.7%
7.7%
7.7%
14.5%
7.7%
10.9%
8.1%
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determined. EPA decided that a sampling
error of 10% would be acceptable, as long
as there was a reasonable likelihood (i.e.,
90%) that sampling error would not exceed
this level. Thus, the sample size was chosen
to give 90% certainty that estimation errors
due to sampling would be 10% or less.
1.3 RESULTS
The results of this report are presented
in chart form in Chapters 3 through 8.
These charts include information about: site
description, owner/generator, regulatory and
response history, waste description, site
environment, and water use. The box at the
bottom of this page provides information to
assist the reader in interpreting the charts.
Listed below are notable findings cased
on the sample of Region 10 sites in the
CERCLIS characterization project.
About a third of the sites are located in
rural areas; over a third are located in
urban areas (Chart 1).
Slightly over 15% of the sites manage(d)
wastes in industrial landfills; more than a
quarter of the sites are spill sites (Chart
4).
More than half of the sites are owned by
private industry; 13% are owned by
private individuals (Chart 8).
More than half of the sites are active
facilities (Chart 10).
About half of the sites contain wastes
generated by manufacturing industries
(Chart 11).
A total of 60% of the sites are
recommended for further action (Chart
20).
1.4 ORGANIZATION OF DOCUMENT
This document consists of eight chapters
and two appendices. Chapter 2 provides
more detailed information on data collection
activities and includes the data collection
form and instructions. Chapters 3 through 8
present the results in chart form. Appendix
A lists all of the individual responses for the
"other" response category, which are not
displayed separately on the charts in
Chapters 3 through 8. Appendix B contains
a map that shows the locations of the
Region 10 sites in the CERCLIS sample.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHARTS
Data were generated by reviewing the files of a sample of Region 10 CERCLIS sites between
October 1988 and February 1989. Except where noted, charts depict information for all 134
sites reviewed approximately 10.9% of the 1,232 Region 10 sites in CERCLIS as of
September 1988.
PA-level information served as the primary source of information.
Percentages on some charts do not total exactly 100 percent due to rounding.
Percentages on some bar charts total to greater than 100 percent because multiple responses
to certain questions were possible.
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CHAPTER 2: DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Before the CERCLIS characterization
project, information on CERCLIS sites was
primarily accounting data and significant
program milestones (e.g., completion date of
the PA). The project compiled site-specific
information on the characteristics of
CERCLIS sites. This chapter describes the
data collection activities. The table on the
next page summarizes the process used to
collect data.
2.1 DATA COLLECTION
PROCEDURES
After developing the overall approach to
the CERCLIS characterization project, EPA
prepared a data collection form (see Section
2.4). The form was designed to capture
important site-specific information needed for
characterization. An instruction manual (see
Section 2.5) was developed to promote
consistency and accuracy in data collection.
The data collection form and instruction
manual should be consulted for a full
explanation of the definitions used in the
report. Data collection procedures were
tested on Region 10 sites. As a result, a few
modifications were made to the data
collection form. The modified form, as
shown in Section 2.4, was used in the other
nine Regions.
using PA-level information in Regional site
files because only PA-level information is
common to all CERCLIS sites. Many
CERCLIS sites are classified as NFRAP after
the PA, and, therefore, using information
from Sis and MRS packages would bias the
characterization toward the worst sites in
CERCLIS. After data for all the sample sites
were collected and verified, the
Headquarters project team compiled one
national data base. The data base was then
analyzed to calculate response frequencies
for each of the data fields.
2.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE/
QUALITY CONTROL
EPA performed extensive quality
assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks
on all the data collection forms completed
for the project to ensure accuracy and
consistency. The first level of QA/QC was
conducted at the Regional office, followed
by a second level QA/QC at EPA
Headquarters. After information on the data
collection forms was entered into the data
base, the data base was reviewed to ensure
that the information had been properly
transferred. In addition, the charts produced
for this and all other reports were checked
for consistency with the data base.
2.2 SOURCE OF DATA
EPA Regional contractor staff answered
the questions on the data collection form
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PROCESS USED TO COLLECT DATA
TASK
Training
Data Collection/First
Level QA/QC
Second Level
QA/QC
Data Entry/
Verification
Third Level QA/QC
Statistical Analysis
DESCRIPTION
Headquarters project team travels to Region to train Field Investigation
Team (FIT) in data collection/QA procedures.
FIT collects data and performs first level QA/QC.
Headquarters project team reviews data collected in Region for
consistency.
Headquarters project team enters information on data collection forms into
data base, then verifies that information on forms has been properly
transferred to data base.
Headquarters project team reviews information in Regional data bases for
completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
Headquarters project team compiles Regional data bases into national
data base, then performs statistical analysis of data to calculate response
frequencies displayed in charts.
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2.4 DATA COLLECTION FORM
CERCLIS Statistics Data Collection Form
Page 1 of 4
General Instructions: An entry must be made (or every item on this form. Fill in blanks and/or check the appropriate tiox(es)
as indicated.
RECORD INFORMATION
1) Site Number-.(fill in).
3) Form Completed By: (fill in) _
Organization: (fill in) _
2) Source of Information: (check all that apply and enter PA date) 4) Unacceptable Site File Characteristics (check all that apply)
D PA Form PA Date / / mm/dd/yy Q Little or No Information D Federal Facilities
D PA Report Q Other (fill in) D No PA Report or Form Q Site Not Found
SITE DESCRIPTION
1) Coordinates (fill in or check unknown)
N. Latitude
W. Longitude
' D Unknown
2) Setting (check one)
O Urban
D Suburban
D Rural
D Unknown
3) Location Land Use/Sit* Use
(check all applicable local/adjacent uses)
D Industrial Area
D Commercial District
D Residential
D Agricultural
D Forest/Reids
n Unknown
D Other (fill in)
4) Current Ownership (check one)
D Private - Industrial
Q Private - Individual
D Federal
DState
D County
Q Municipal
Q Indian Lands
_ D Unknown
_ D Other (fill in)
5) Ownership When Contaminated (check one)
D Private - Industrial
Q Private - Individual
D Federal
D State
D County
O Municipal
D Indian Lands
D Unknown
D Other (fill in)
6) Area of Site (fill in and check units
or check unknown)
D Acres
n Square feet
D Unknown
7) Site Status (check one)
D Active
D Inactive
D Unknown
D Other (fill in)
8) Years of Operation
(fill in or check unknown)
from (yr) to _
D Unknown
.(y)
9) Industry Responsible for Generating Material
(check all that apply)
DManufacturing (if checked, must check
one of sub-items)
D Food and Kindred Products
O Agnculture
D Textile Mill Products
O Lumber and Wood Products
Q Paper and Allied Products
O Construction
O Chemicals and Allied Products
D Petroleum Refining and Related Industries
Q Rubber and Plastic Products
D Primary Metals Industries
D Fabricated Metal Products
Q Electronic and Electrical Equipment
O Electric Power Production and Distribution
D Mining
Q Metals
D Coal
Q Oil and Gas
G Non-metallic Minerals
DOil and Gas Pipelines
OCoal Gasification
D Retail Sales
D Gasoline Stations
O Dry Cleaners/Launderers
D Pesticide Formulators
O Unknown
DOther (fill in)
10) Sit* Activities/Waste Deposition (check all that apply)
D Surface Impoundment (primarily liquid)
D Waste Piles (primarily solid)
O Municipal Landfill
D Industrial Landfill
D Industrial Monofill
D Industrial Dump (illegal)
D Open Dump - Drums
O Open Dump - Trash, White Goods, etc.
D Episodic Open Dump ("midnight dumping")
D Tanks - Above Ground
D Tanks - Below Ground
D Tanks - Wastewater
D Septic Tanks
D Land Treatment Facility
O Sewage Sludge Lagoons
D Sludge Spreading
Q Recycling Facility
D Underground Injection Well
(Class if known )
D Airborne Release
D Drum/Container Storage
D Spill
D Field Pesticide Applications
D Unknown
O Other (fill in)
Continued on Next Page
Revision 2 ' ^ 3' 38
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CERCLIS Statistics Data Collection Form
Page 2 of 4
SITE DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)
11) How Identified (check all that apply)
DCitizen Complaint
Dlnspection/Assessment Activity
D RCRA Notification
D CERCLA Notification
D State/Local Program
Q Incidental
D Unknown
DOther (fill in)
12) Material Deposited By (check one)
O Present Owner
D Former Owner
D Unknown
DOther (fill in)
14) Material Source (check one)
DOnsite Generator
Dotfsite Generator
DOnsite and Otfsite Generator
D Unknown
13) Date Discovered
(fill in or check unknown)
/ / (mm/dd/yy)
D Unknown
15) Waste Easily Accessible
(check one)
D Yes D No D Unknown
16) Further Action Recommended
(check one)
D Yes D No a Unknown
WASTE DESCRIPTION
1) Descriptive Information (if this question does not apply, check box at right) D
D No Waste Ever Present D No Waste Deposition Evident D De minimis Waste D Total Removal of Waste D Single Event
2) Solids - Waste Type: (check all that apply)
DNone
D Unknown
Q Hazardous (if checked, must check one of sub-items)
D Pesticides/Herbicides
D Metals
D Asbestos
O Smelting Wastes
D Laboratory/Hospital Wastes
D Paints/Pigments
D Organic Chemicals
D Inorganic Chemicals
D Unknown
D Other (fill in)
D Non-Hazardous Wastes (if checked, must check one of sub-items)
Q Municipal
D Industrial/Commercial
D Construction Debris
D Fly and Bottom Ash
D Mining Wastes
D Unknown
DOther (fill in)
Quantity/Units: (fill in one value for all solid wastes
and check units or check unknown)
D Unknown
D Tons D Cubic Yards
D Pounds D Cubic Feet
3) Liquids - Waste Type: (check all that apply)
D None
D Unknown
D Hazardous (if checked, must check one of sub-items)
D Oily Wastes
D Acids/Bases
D Pesticides/Herbicides
D Solvents
DPCBs
D Metals
CI Laboratory/Hospital Wastes
D Paints/Pigments
D Organic Chemicals
D Inorganic Chemicals
D Unknown
O Other (fill in):
D Non-Hazardous Wastes (if checked, must check one of sub-items)
D Municipal
O Industrial/Commercial
D Unknown
DOther (fill in)
Quantity/Units: (fill in one value for all liquid wastes
and check units or check unknown)
Q Unknown
^^^ O Gallons D Drums
4) Sludges Waste Type: (check all that apply)
DNone
D Unknown
D Hazardous (if checked, must check one of sub-items)
D Oily Wastes
D Metal Sludge
D POTW Sludge
D Organic Sludge
D Inorganic Sludge
D Unknown
D Other (fill in)
D Non-Hazardous Wastes (if checked, must check one of sub-items)
D Municipal
D Industrial/Commercial
D POTW Sludge
D Unknown
D Other (fill in)
Quantity/Units: (fill in one value for all sludges and
check units or check unknown)
D Unknown
Q Tons D Cubic Yards
D Pounds D Cubic Feet
Continued on Next Page
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CERCLIS Statistics Data Collection Form
Page 3 of 4
ENVIRONMENTAL / DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
1) Demographics
a) Distance to Nearest Population (fill in and check units
or check unknown)
n Feet, D Miles or D Unknown
b) Population Within One Mile7 (check yes, no or unknown.
If yes, fill in number if known)
O Yes
No D Unknown
c) Population Within Three Miles? (check yes, no or unknown.
If yes, fill in number if known)
CI Yes D No D Unknown
2) Actual Environmental Damage Reported, Potential Population
Affected (check yes, no, or unknown)
Q Yes (if yes, check all applicable impacts. For those checked
having a population affected column, enter potential affected
population or print unknown)
Potential Population Affected
Q Surface Water Impacts (3 miles)
O Ground Water Impacts (3 miles)
O Drinking Water Impacts (3 miles)
O Air Impacts (1 mile)
D Human Health Impacts
O Soil Impacts
O Flora Impacts
D Fauna Impacts
D Visual Impacts
D Other (fill in)
DNo
D Unknown
3) Water Supply Information for Three Mile Radius
a) Local Drinking Water Supply Source (check one)
D Surface Water
Q Ground Water
n Surface and Ground Water
n Unknown
O Other (fill in)
b) Total Population Served by Above System
(fill in or check unknown)
or D Unknown
c) Drinking Water Supply System Type (check all that apply)
Q Municipal
D Private
D Unknown
D Other (fill in)
d) Ground Water Data:
Other Local Ground Water Uses (check all that apply)
D Irrigation
n Stock Watering
n Industrial Process/Cooling
Q Unknown
D None
D Other (fill in)
Wells Within 1 Mile' (check yes, no or unknown.
If yes, fill in number if known)
D Yes D No D Unknown
Wells Within 3 Miles? (check yes, no or unknown.
If yes, fill in number if known)
Distance to Nearest Well (fill in and check units
or check unknown)
OFeet, D Miles or D Unknown
Depth to Uppermost Used Aquifer (fill in or check unknown)
(Feet) D Unknown
e) Surface Water Data:
Other Local Surface Water Uses (check all that apply)
D Recreation
D Irrigation
D Stock Watering
D Industrial Process/Cooling
D Commercial Fishery
Q Unknown
D None
D Other
Surface Water Adjacent to/Draining Site (check all that apply)
D Stream D Wetland
n River D Bay
Cl Lake D Ocean
DPond O Unknown
D None
D Other
Distance to Nearest Downstream Intake (fill in and check
units, or check unknown, not applicable, or none)
D Feet, D Miles
a Unknown
D Not Applicable
D None
D Yes D No D Unknown
4) Geological Information
Is Site In or Near Sensitive Environment? (check all that apply)
D Yes (if yes, check at least one sub-item and whether in or near that environment)
D Estuary Q100 Year Floodplain Q Critical Habitat
Din QNear £3 In D Near Din DNear
D No
D Unknown
D Barrier Island/Coastal High Hazard Area
Q In D Near
Continued on Next Page
Revision 2 'C.3' 33
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CERCLIS Statistics Data Collection Form
REGULATORY AND RESPONSE HISTORY
1) Regulatory Activities Prior to Preliminary Assessment 2) Lead Agency for Preliminary Assessment: (check one)
(check all that apply) D EPA
DRCRA D state
D NPDES D Other
D State/Local Regulations
D Emergency Action/TAT
D None
D Unknown
D Other
COMMENTS
(Briefly describe the nature of the facility/problem and any points of interest not adequately covered by this form.)
QA/QC (initial 4 date)
Revision 2 -3.3! 88
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2.5 DATA COLLECTION FORM INSTRUCTIONS1
The CERCLIS Statistics Data Collection Form has been designed to standardize hazardous
waste site information for input into a data base. This data base will be used to perform a
statistical characterization of waste sites in CERCLIS. A random sample of sites has been
chosen for each Region, and the site files will be reviewed for data compilation. The CERCLIS
Statistics Data Collection Form is designed so that all required information can be obtained by
a review of preliminary assessment (PA) files. Only PA files are to be reviewed because all
CERCLIS sites should have, at a minimum, a PA. Again, the goal of this study is to characterize
CERCLIS sites, and a PA is the only type of investigation that is common to all CERCLIS sites.
It is important that all questions on the form are answered even if the appropriate answer
is "unknown." Estimates based on best professional judgment are encouraged. In some cases,
the response "other" can be used along with a brief narrative if the available choices do not
adequately describe the site or situation. RESPONDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE THE
"OTHER" CATEGORY AS MUCH AS NEEDED. Additional information to support the use of this
category should be included in the "Comments" section at the end of the form.
The Data Collection Form contains six sections which are listed below. The name of the
site should be written on the front in the top margin. The form should be completed in dark
pencil so that later QA/QC corrections to the form will still result in an easily legible document
for data entry purposes.
Section 1 - Record Information, which provides basic identification information;
Section 2 - Site Description, which describes the ownership, status, and history of the
site;
Section 3 - Waste Description, which describes the type and quantity of waste present
at the site;
Section 4 - Environmental/Demographic Information, which provides information on water
supply, population, and environmental damage;
Section 5 - Regulatory and Response History, which covers any regulatory or remedial
actions that occurred prior to the PA;
Section 6 - Comments, which provides space for a brief description of the site and
comments on data availability or associated problems with completing the
form.
Section 1 - Record Information
1. Site Number: This number is the record key, or primary identifier, for the site. It is
essential that this number be entered correctly on the form. The site number is the
12-digit, EPA ID number for that site.
1 This section is a slightly edited version of the actual instruction manual that
accompanied the data collection form.
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2. Source of Information: This entry will identify the classes of PA-level information
that were available for data collection. Only information normally collected in
support of a PA can be used (exception: topographic maps from any source are
permitted). The primary source of information should be the PA report. Additional
information may be obtained from the PA form, usually completed at the same time
as the PA report. The file may also contain a revised PA report and/or form and this
type of information may be used in the data collection effort. Some files may not
contain a PA, but contain enough PA-type information to complete the form. Enter
the date of the most recent PA-type information used in "PA date." It is important
that information dated after this date be excluded. (Using such information would
bias the statistical analysis of the information in the CERCLIS data base.) Other
data in the file such as letters or reports dated prior to this date may be used and
recorded under the "other" entry.
3. Form Completed By: The data collector should enter his or her name and
organization in the spaces provided. This will facilitate QA/QC review.
4. Unacceptable Site File Characteristics: The purpose of this data field is to identify
the reasons for classifying a site as unacceptable. A file may be rejected from the
data collection effort for the following reasons:
a. The file contains little or no pertinent information collected at the PA
stage.
b. The file does not contain a PA report or form. If the file contains
sufficient information to complete most of the data collection form, the
file may be used. This determination is based in part on the
evaluator's professional judgment.
Unacceptable site files may contain sites with the following site characteristics.
These additional items should be identified in this data field, if applicable.
c. The site is a Federal facility. (Please note: A Federal facility is
considered unacceptable only if there is not enough information to
complete the form.)
d. In some cases, the site could not be located during the investigation.
This data field is the only one that need not be filled in. If the file contains enough
information to complete the form, then this data field does not apply and should be
left blank; go on to fill out the remainder of the form. However, if the site file is
deemed unacceptable, check all the appropriate boxes in data fields #1 -4 and stop.
The remainder of the form should not be filled out. Go on to the next site file.
Section 2 - Site Description
1. Coordinates: Enter the coordinates, latitude and longitude, of the site in degrees,
minutes, seconds, and tenths of seconds. If a tenth of a second is not available at
the site, enter zero in the appropriate space. Because latitude and longitude
provide necessary input for interaction with other data bases, it is particularly
important that these values be provided. If they are not available, leave blank and
check "unknown." In this situation, supply enough information (for example,
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township and range) on the site location in the "Comments" portion of the form to
locate the site at another time. An area map may be attached if available. Further,
if the values reported in the PA are known to be incorrect, please comment on this
and provide the correct coordinates if available. For this data field only, information
dated after the "PA date" may be used to obtain the correct coordinates.
2. Setting: Check the appropriate box to indicate the character of the area
surrounding the site. "Urban" indicates central city areas, "suburban" indicates sites
within metropolitan areas, and "rural" indicates sites outside metropolitan areas.
Select the one setting that best describes the site. This information may be derived
from the PA or from an accompanying map. Generally, the number of homes and/or
industrial buildings indicated on a map may be used to estimate the site setting.
Since the character of the area is relative to the population density, a site in the
center of a city like Roanoke Rapids, which is located in rural North Carolina, would
be classified as "urban."
3. Location Land Use/Site Use: The predominant land uses within approximately 1
mile of the site location should be determined and all appropriate descriptions
checked. This information may be obtained from the PA report text or from an
accompanying map. If the "other" category is used, provide information so that
QA/QC or data entry reviewers can determine the appropriate category. For
consistency, the following descriptors should be used, when appropriate, for the
"other" category:
park (park, parks, parks and recreation, etc.)
school
The following site uses, past or present, should also be identified in the "other"
category:
railroad (railroad yard, rails, rail yard, etc.)
airport (airstrip, runways, etc.)
mining
military
4. Current Ownership: Check the appropriate box to indicate the type of ownership
of the site at the time the PA was performed. For purposes of this data field,
ownership refers to owners and/or operators. If the property is leased, check the
box which best describes the operator of the site unless the property is leased from
a government entity. In this case, the government entity should be identified on the
form. Make a note that the site is located on leased property in the "Comments"
section.
5. Ownership When Contaminated: Check the appropriate box to indicate the type
of site ownership at the time of contamination. As in item #4, ownership refers to
owner and/or operator. If the property is leased, follow the procedure described in
item #4. Sites that are not, or have never been, contaminated should be identified
in the "other" category.
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6. Area of Site: Indicate the area of the site, along with the appropriate units, which
was/is contaminated, or check "unknown" and leave blank. If a map accompanies
the PA, it can be used to estimate the area of contamination. Use 0.1 square feet
as a default value to indicate that no waste was found. If the area of the site is
reported as a range, use the midpoint of the range. Again, this data field is
intended to capture the area of contamination. So, for example, if there is a large
facility but only a small area is actually contaminated, only the area of contamination
should be entered. If the specific area of contamination is unknown, use the area
of the facility, if reasonable (use best professional judgment), and note this in the
"Comments" section.
7. Site Status: Check the appropriate box to indicate the status of the site at the time
of the PA, not at the time of contamination. Active sites are those which treat, store,
or dispose of hazardous materials/wastes. Sites that have changed ownership or
operations are still considered active if the new operations involve hazardous
materials/wastes. Inactive sites are those at which treatment, storage, or disposal
activities no longer occur. Check "active" for those sites that currently have both
active and inactive storage or disposal units.
8. Years of Operation: Enter the beginning and ending years of waste treatment,
storage, and/or disposal at the site. If operations at the site are ongoing, enter the
PA date for the ending date. Check "unknown" if the beginning and/or ending years
of operation are not known. For consistency, if waste activities occurred during only
one year (e.g., one-time event, accidental spill), the years of operation of the facility
should be entered.
9. Industry Responsible for Generating Material: Check all boxes that indicate
industries responsible for generating the wastes that occur at the site. This refers
to the industry responsible for the wasfe, not the original product. For example, if
a hardware store has drums of pesticides which leak, the responsible industrial
category is "retail" and not "manufacturing." If not all of the waste can be associated
with specific industries, it is appropriate to also check "unknown." It is important to
try to categorize the industry into one of the types listed for statistical analysis. If
these listed industry types aren't applicable, check "other." Further information may
be provided under the "Comments" section of the Data Collection Form. Some brief,
and by no means inclusive, examples of the types of industries that may be grouped
into broader general categories listed on the form include:
manufacturing - agricultural: tractor manufacturing, seed treating, organic
fertilizer production
manufacturing - fabricated metals: car manufacturing plants, metal plating
industries
mining - oil and gas: drilling muds
For the majority of cases, the "other" category should be used if a specific general
or subcategory of another type is not obvious. Examples of "other" categories
include:
military POTW storage facility
DOE recycling municipal landfill
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One special case involves municipal landfills. Often, not all of the industries
responsible for generating the waste material deposited in a municipal landfill are
known. In this situation, check those industries that are known and also check "other"
with the notation "municipal landfill."
10. Site Activities/Waste Deposition: Check the appropriate boxes to indicate what type
of treatment, storage, or disposal operations occur/occurred at the site. Select all of
the appropriate waste deposition activities that are found at the site. Also, if product
or feedstock storage occurs at the site, identify this in the "other" category. With
respect to "tanks," if the type of tank is not known, assume above ground unless the
site is a gasoline retail station. "Airborne release" should be checked if an incinerator,
boiler, fire pit, excessive dust, etc., are present at the site. "Industrial monofill" should
be checked when only one specific waste type is landfilled at the site. For example,
if an industry generates only one kind of waste, and this waste is the only waste that
is deposited in the landfill, then industrial monofill should be checked. "Industrial
dump," on the other hand, refers to those situations where waste was/is dumped "out
the back door" (e.g., release of wastes directly to the ground). Once again, try to
categorize the activities or check "other" and supply a description. Examples of
"other" categories include:
fire pit
uncontrolled liquid releases to sewer system
product/feedstock storage
11. How Identified: Check the appropriate box to indicate how the site was initially
identified to the EPA Superfund Program. Note that there are major categories and
subcategory boxes that need to be checked. Examples of possible "other" categories
include:
congressional inquiry (e.g., Eckhardt List)
ERRIS listing
12. Material Deposited By: In indicating the source of the material, please note that the
categories for "owner" are intended to include "operators," or whoever is responsible
for the facility. Examples of the "other" category include:
no contamination/waste deposition evident
present and former owner
13. Date Discovered: Enter two digits for the month, day, and year that the site was
identified to the EPA Superfund Program. For example, June 27, 1982 would be
entered as 06/27/82. Because date discovered refers to the date that Superfund
became aware of the site, dates prior to 1980 are usually not acceptable. In the event
that the day or month is unknown, use "01" as the default value, for each. If the date
cannot be determined, check "unknown."
14. Material Source: Indicate whether the waste material was generated on site and/or
off site, as appropriate.
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15. Waste Easily Accessible: Indicate whether or not the waste is easily accessible to
the general public. On-site workers should not be included for this data field. Items
to be considered in judging accessibility include complete cover over the site or a
secure fence around the site. For example, waste material exposed at the surface in
a park or playground is easily accessible, while waste exposed at the surface of a site
surrounded by a locked chain-link fence is not easily accessible.
16. Further Action Recommended: If the PA indicates whether further action, under any
regulatory program, should be undertaken, include the recommendation as a "yes" or
"no" answer. Identify the specifics of the recommended action in the "Comments"
section. If no recommendation is made either way, check "unknown."
Section 3 - Waste Description
1. Descriptive Information: These items should be checked in the event that no waste
was deposited at the site, no waste was evident at the site, a de minimi's amount of
waste was generated at the site, or the waste previously deposited was totally
removed. These choices may be made if the file is comprehensive enough to
complete most of the form even though the site does not contain a reportable
quantity of waste. This item will provide an idea of the sites in CERCLIS that may not
contain significant quantities of waste. If these categories do not apply (i.e., there
is/was a significant quantity of waste at the site), please check the box directly to the
right of the data field heading. Even if one of these categories is checked, the
remainder of Section 3 must be completed.
For data fields #2-4, wastes have been divided into three major groupings based on the
physical state of the waste: solid, liquid, and sludge. The presence of each of these states at
the site needs to be determined. Each waste state grouping has been further divided into four
categories: "none," "unknown," "hazardous," and "non-hazardous." The procedure for completing
this section is as follows, and should be followed for each waste state.
2-4 Solids, Liquids, Sludges: First determine if the particular waste state being evaluated
("solid" will be used here as an example) is/was present at the site. If solid wastes
are/were not present, check "none." If it cannot be determined whether solid wastes
are/were present, then check "unknown." If hazardous and/or non-hazardous solid
wastes are/were present, then check "hazardous" and/or "non-hazardous" and also
check all of the subcategories that are necessary to characterize the particular waste
stream. It should be noted that it is possible to be certain that solid wastes were
disposed of at the site, but to be unsure of the particular waste stream. In this
situation, check the major headings "hazardous" and "non-hazardous" and then also
check the subcategory "unknown." If the subcategories listed are not sufficient to
characterize the particular waste stream, check "other." As with the previous sections,
the evaluator should try to use the categories presented if possible, or check "other"
and provide a brief description in the "Comments" portion. Examples of common
"other" descriptors include:
explosives oil/petroleum production
radioactive drilling muds (sludge)
dust scrubber waste (sludge)
agricultural
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In some cases, it may not be easy to distinguish between "hazardous" and "non-hazardous"
for the waste type. In these cases, professional judgment is encouraged. If an evaluator believes
that hazardous waste may reasonably be present in an otherwise non-hazardous waste stream,
the evaluator should check both "hazardous" and "non-hazardous." The waste streams within
these categories should also be identified using best professional judgment.
Some examples of this situation arise in evaluating the waste stream for municipal landfills
or foundry sands. For municipal landfills, under solids, the "hazardous" box would be checked
along with the corresponding subcategory box "unknown." In addition, the "non-hazardous" box
would be checked along with the corresponding subcategory box "municipal." For foundry sands
under solids, "hazardous" and "metals" would be checked along with "non-hazardous" and "other"
- foundry sands.
Section 4 - Environmental/Demographic Information
1. Demographics:
a. Distance to Nearest Population: If known, provide the distance from the site
boundary to the nearest population. Also, indicate the unit of measure that was
used. Population includes those persons occupying houses, apartment
buildings, schools, and businesses, as well as the temporary population (e.g.,
workers). Use maps, if available, to provide best estimates. If there is an on-
site population, use 10 feet as a default value.
b. Population Within 1 Mile?: If there is a population within 1 mile of the site,
check "yes" and enter the number of people within this radius. When a
reasonable estimate for the number of people in the population is unknown,
check "yes" and leave the number field blank. A map, if available, may be used
to determine if there is a population. If this information is not in the file, check
"unknown."
c. Population within 3 Miles?: If there is a population within 3 miles of the site,
check "yes" and enter the number of people within this radius. When a
reasonable estimate for the number of people in the population is unknown,
check "yes" and leave the number field blank. Again, a map may be used if
available. If this information is not in the file, check "unknown."
NOTE: If the site is active, then there are on-site workers and the 10 ft. default
value should be used for distance to nearest population. Also, this means
that population within 1 and 3 miles is automatically "yes."
2. Actual Environmental Damage Reported, Potential Population Affected: Indicate
whether actual environmental damage has been reported at this site. Note that this
does not include potential damage, only documented cases of actual impacts. For
example, if during the PA leachate was observed entering an adjacent stream or
wetland, this can be considered an actual environmental impact. If "yes," indicate the
type of damage that was reported and estimate the population that could potentially
be affected. If the potential population is not known, write "unknown" in the space
provided.
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3. Water Supply Information for a 3-Mile Radius:
a. Local Drinking Water Supply Source: Identify whether drinking water supplies
are drawn from surface water and/or ground water within 3 miles of the site.
If, for example, the local area has a municipal system fed by surface water but
some houses still use wells, then check "surface and ground water." If all
drinking water sources are outside of the 3-mile radius, this should be noted in
"other."
b. Total Population Served: If available, provide the number of people served by
the water supply system. Note that this population should reflect the population
served by a source within 3 miles of the site; it may be more or less than the
total population within 3 miles. For example, if a well located two miles from the
site is used to serve the population of a city of 60,000, the entire population
should be included even if the city is outside of the 3-mile radius. If there is no
drinking water population (all sources are outside 3-mile radius), use a default
value of 1.
c. Drinking Water Supply System Type: Indicate the type of water supply
system for the surrounding area. "Municipal" should be indicated for any
central water supply system, even if it is operated by a private water company,
utility, or individual (e.g., trailer park serviced by one privately owned well).
d. Ground Water Data: Check all appropriate boxes for predominant uses of
ground water other than drinking water supply. Monitoring wells should be
ignored. Some examples of "other" uses include:
agricultural
dust control
Wells Within 1 Mile?: If there are operable wells within 1 mile of the site, check
"yes" and indicate the total number of wells used for any purpose. Monitoring
wells should not be considered for this data field.
Wells Within 3 Miles?: If there are operable wells within 3 miles of the site,
check "yes" and indicate the total number of wells used for any purpose. Again,
monitoring wells should not be considered.
Distance to Nearest Well: Provide the distance from the site boundary to the
nearest operable well, excluding monitoring wells. Indicate what units of
measure were used. If the well is located on site, use 10 feet as a default value.
Depth to the Uppermost Used Aquifer: Provide the depth beneath the ground
surface to the uppermost aquifer that is or may be used. In many cases, this
will be the depth to the water table. If the uppermost aquifer is contaminated
but not used, and a deeper aquifer is used, the distance stated should reflect
the distance to the deeper aquifer. An exception to this is if the contamination
is due, or may be due, to site activities. In this case, provide the depth to the
uppermost (contaminated) aquifer. Always indicate the units of measure used.
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If a range of depth is given, use the midpoint value for the data field. Use a
default value of 1 foot if the site is located in the water table.
e. Surface Water Information for 3-Mile Radius:
Other Local Surface Water Uses: Check all appropriate boxes for uses of
surface water within the 3-mile radius, other than use for drinking water supply.
Surface Water Adjacent to/Draining Site: Identify all types of surface water
adjacent to or draining the site that could potentially be affected by overland
runoff from the site. Use professional judgment and MRS definitions as
necessary.
Distance to Nearest Downstream Intake: Provide the distance to the nearest
downstream intake in feet or miles, if known.
4. Ecological Information:
Is Site in or Near Sensitive Environment?: Sensitive environments are defined as
estuaries, 100-year floodplains, critical habitats (designated only), and some coastal
areas. If the site is in or near one of these environments, indicate the type of sensitive
environment and whether the site is "in" or "near" that environment. "Near" is
considered to be within a 3-mile radius.
Section 5 - Regulatory and Response History
1. Regulatory Activities Prior to Preliminary Assessment: Indicate any regulatory
activities that occurred at the site prior to the PA. Examples of these activities could
include RCRA notification or inspections, NPDES exceedences, and/or state health
department inspections of landfills.
2. Lead Agency for Preliminary Assessment: Indicate which agency performed the
most recent PA for the site. Check "EPA" if the most recent PA was performed by FIT.
Section 6 - Comments
This section is nor an optional segment of the data collection form. The "Comments"
section must be completed, at a minimum, with a brief narrative description of the site
conditions, including any discussion or clarification of the information presented elsewhere
on the form. Justification may also be provided on the inclusion of a file from the review
process. In addition, each form must be quality control checked for completeness, and
initialed by another evaluator in the lower right corner of page 4. The comments section
is a crucial component of the data collection form; verbosity is encouraged.
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CHAPTER 3: SITE DESCRIPTION
Chart 1: Site Setting
Chart 2: Area of Site
Chart 3: Predominant Land Uses in Site Vicinity
Chart 4: Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Activities Occurring at
Site
Chart 5: Waste Easily Accessible to Public
Chart 6: Population Within 1 Mile
Chart 7: Population Within 3 Miles
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REGION 10
Site Setting
29.1%
(2)
LEGEND:
1 Urban
2 Suburban
3 Rural
Not Shown - Not Specified (0.7%)
Note: This figure depicts information collected on the CERCLIS Statistics Data Collection Form in the
Site Description Section, Question 2, Setting.
Chart 1
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REGION 10
Area of Site
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