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TUT
A newsletter about soil, sediment, and ground-water characterization and remediation technologies
Issue 13
Along with other Federal Agencies, the USEPA is promoting the use of an integrated strategy
for limiting decision uncertainty at hazardous wastes. Tliis major initiative, called Triad, uses
systematic planning, dynamic work strategies, and real-time measurement technologies that
include field-based analyses. Recently, Triad practitioners have emphasized use of
multidisciplinary project teams and decision support tools such as FIELDS, SADA, and Scribe.
Tliis issue of Technology News and Trends focuses on recent Triad applications employed by
federal, state, and local agencies to minimize uncertainty while expediting site cleanup and
reducing project costs. Applications with realized cost savings are highlighted.
Systematic Project Planning: an iterative
process involving identification of key
decisions to be made, development of a
conceptual site model, and evaluation of
decision uncertainty.
Dynamic Work Strategies: an approach
for conducting site characterization,
remediation, or monitoring activities with
built-in flexibility for real-time decision
making in the field.
Real-Time Measurement Technologies: any mechanisms supporting real-time
decision making, such as imaging techniques, rapid turnaround of chemical data
analyses, and automated systems.
Use of Triad Cuts Disposal Cost in Half at
Wenatchee, WA, Pesticide Site
TheU.S. Array Corps of Engineers (USAGE)
first applied Triad during the late 1990s to
expedite cleanup of a test plot located at the
Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension
Center (WTFREC) in Wenatchee, WA. The
approach allowed for characterization,
excavation, and segregation of pesticide-
contaminated soil based on the results of rapid
onsite analyses using commercially available
immunoassay kits. Joint efforts in systematic
planning from the onset on the part of the
USAGE, EPA, site owners, and state regulators
significantly contributed to the success of Triad
at WTFREC.
Development of a conceptual site model (CSM)
based on site-specific historical records was
the first step in integrating site characterization
and remediation at the 2,100-ft2 test plot. Prior
to full-scale application of the Triad approach, a
pilot test was conducted to assess the suitability
of using onsite immunoassays and traditional
fixed laboratory methods. Pilot test results
demonstrated the applicability of DDT and
cyclodiene immunoassays and helped to
develop site-specific action levels. The project
team determined that negative results using the
EnviroGard® DDT immunoassay kit indicated
the target cleanup level of 5 mg/kg had been met
for individual compounds such as DDT, DDE,
and ODD. Using the RaPTD Assay® cyclodienes
immunoassay kit, a cleanup level of 0.086 mg/kg
was established for compounds such as dieldrin,
aldrin, and endrin. These levels were refined
during the project as additional data sets from
both the immunoassay and fixed-laboratory
analyses became available.
[continued on page 2]
July 2004
Contents
Use of Triad Cuts Disposal
Cost in Half at Wenatchee, WA,
Pesticide Site pagel
Triad Strategy Focuses Cou rse of
Vint Hill BRAG Site Characterization page 2
Key Triad References page 3
Triad Used forTargeted
Brownfields Assessment of
Former Cos Cob Power Plant page 4
Municipality Applies Triad
to Accelerate Brownfields
Redevelopment at Assunpink
Creek Site page 5
Dynamic Site Characterization
Used for Fort Lewis DNAPL
Contamination page 5
EPAand USAGE Assist East
Palo Alto Residents with
Pesticide Issues page 6
McGuire Air Force Base
Completes Rapid Characterization
at MILCON Project page 7
Triad Workshops, Training, and
Conference Sessions page 8
Triad Internet Resources
The U.S. EPAsTechnology Innovation
Program (TIP) providesquickaccessto
guidance documents, site-specific
application summaries, and training on the
Triad initiative through the CLU-IN web site at
http://www.cluin.org/triad. EPAalso has
partnered with other federal and state
agencies to develop the Triad Resource
Center web site (http://www.triadcentral.org)
as the one-stop shop for, case studies,
technical information, regulatory perspective,
and guidance. As another interagency effort,
the Brownfields technical Support Center
providesTriad support to EPAregions,
states, localities, and tribes involved in
brownfields redevelopment
(http://www.brownfieldstsc.org).
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with Soy/Carola Ink c*i paper trial
contains at least 50% recycled fiber
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[continuedfrom page 1]
Following the pilot test, a soil excavation
profile was developed in the field using
analytical results according to a decision
matrix developed by the USAGE. Several
phases of field activities were conducted
under a dynamic workplan (DWP) that
allowed for real-time decision making in the
field. The preliminary CSM assumed that soil
contamination existed only within the site's
fenced boundaries, but immunoassay
results obtained in the field indicated
otherwise. The workplan's dynamic nature
permitted the field team to expand
characterization and excavation beyond the
site boundaries for addressing the "surprise"
contaminants without incurring a second
mobilization.
A total of 271 samples were analyzed for
focused removal, characterization,
Figure 1. USAGE estimates that project
costs usng a DWP approach were half
the costs expected using a traditional
approach.
confirmation, waste profiling, and wastewater
analysis. Approximately two-thirds of the
analyses were performed in the field using
immunoassays.
Complete characterization and cleanup of the
WTFREC were accomplished within a single
four-month field mobilization. The project cost
was estimated to be 50% ($500K) lower than
that expected with a traditional scenario
(Figure 1) relying on multiple rounds of
mobilization, sampling, sample shipment,
laboratory analysis, and data assessment.
Waste disposal costs were reduced
significantly through the use of field analyses
to characterize and segregate wastes that
require costly incineration from those suitable
for less expensive disposal methods.
Details about this project are described in
the publication Innovations in Site
Characterization Case Study: Site
Cleanup of the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Test
Plot Site Using a Dynamic Work Plan
(EPA542-R-00-009), available at
http://www.clu-in.org.
For more information, contact Kira
Lynch, USAGE, at 206-764-6918 or
kira. v. lynch @ nws02. usace. army, mil.
Wenatchee Cost Comparison
Task
USACE planning and oversight
Field mobilization
Onsite and fixed laboratory analyses
Waste excavation and disposal
Second mobilization for "surprise" contamination
Sample analyses during second mobilization
Waste excavation and disposal during second mobilization
TOTAL
Traditional
$100,000
$155,636
$239,995
$389,317
$32,609
$101,354
$177,966
$1,196,877
DWP
$100,000
$158,267
$111,829
$218,916
$0
$0
$0
$589,012
Triad Strategy Focuses Course of Vint Hill BRAG Site Characterization
After spending $500K and three years of
characterizing a BRAC (base realignment and
closure) site in Fauquier County, VA, the Army
began implementing Triad last summer in order
to expedite the effort. A portion of the site
known as Vint Hill Farms was found to contain
tetrachloroethene (PCE)-caitaminated soil and
ground water as a result of past use of a photo-
neutralization pit. The source and extent of
PCE contamination, however, had not been
defined prior to transfer of the property (a
brownfield) to the public sector. Use of the
Triad approach contributed to a complete
cleanup by February 2004.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were
discovered in saturated soil and ground water
in the overburden during RCRA closure of the
neutralization pit. The Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality requested rapid site
characterization to determine whether VOCs
had reached an onsite drinking water well
located approximately 400 feet downgradient
of a suspected contaminant source.
A multidisciplinary technical and regulatory
team was formed to review the CSM for
potential data gaps and to prepare detailed
systematic plans. Using existing information,
the team developed a field decision logic to
identify the highest concentration of VOCs in
the overburden soil and ground water
upgradient of the neutralization pit. Following
one week of field work, analytical results were
disseminated to the team via a project-
designated web site and 3-D data visualization
software. Non-field personnel were brought in
to the real-time, field-based decision making
process through teleconferences held twice
weekly.
A membrane interface probe (MIP) with
electron capture detection (BCD) capability
and a direct sampling ion trap mass
spectrometer (DSITMS) was used to field test
soil and ground water for VOCs. Each round
of test results directed the location of
subsequent field tests. Collaborative samples
to be used in an updated risk assessment were
sent to a fixed laboratory for gas
chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/
MS) analysis (Figure 2).
Hie full characterization project (including
planning) at Vint Hill Farms was accomplished
with Triad in eight months at a cost of $260K.
The project team estimates that use of a
traditional, stepwise approach to site
characterization may have taken several years
and cost over $500K.
[continued on page 3]
-------
Figure 2. Onsite DSITMS results were
reviewed to identify key samples for
understanding the CSM, and co-located
samples were collected and sent offsite
for GC/MS analysis.
[continued from page 2]
For more information, contact Kira
Lynch, USAGE, at 206-764-6918 or
kira.p.lvnch@nws02.usace.armv.mil.
Onsite
Field
Sample
Number
1 F20(2)-TW-(8-18)
C18-TW-(5-15)
MW34-4-PDB-2
MW34-4-PDB-2D2
MW34-4-PDB-4
MW34-4-PDB-5
Carbon Tetrachloride
Onsite
DSITMS
Analysis
(ug/L)
12.7
<2.7
13.3
14.8
53.3
79.4
Offsite
Analysis
(ng/L)
21.2
<1.0
21.5
22.2
65.5
160
Trichloroethene
Onsite
DSITMS
Analysis
(ug/L)
2.0 J
<3.2
11.3
13.1
37.9
57.6
Offsite
Analysis
wy
3.9
<1.0
18.5
18.6
45.4
115
Dichloroethene1
Onsite
DSITMS
Analysis
(ng/L)
<4.1
<4.1
17.8
19.1
67.9
123
Offsite
Analysis
(W/L)
2.75
<1.0
45.9
47.4
116.8
371.9
Tetrachloroethene
Onsite
DSITMS
Analysis
(ug/L)
67.9
<4.4
3.0 J
3.5 J
7.9 J
9.6 J
Offsite
Analysis
(ug/L)
100
0.66 J
6.1
6.0
10.9
22.5
Compounds such as 1,1-dichloroethene, c/s-1 ,2-dichloroethene, and frans-1,2-dichloroethene
2Duplicate of MW34-4-PDB-2
J - reported value may not be accurate or precise (estimated)
TW - temporary well
PDB - passive diffusion bag
Key Triad References
More information about Triad and field-based characterization tools is available from the following guidance, technical publications,
and computer-based resources developed by various organizations -and all are offered online, at no cost:
General References
> Technical and Regulatory Guidance for the Triad Approach: A New Paradigm for Environmental Project Management,
ITRC. http://www.itrcweb.org/SCM-1 .pdf
> Using Dynamic Field Activities for On-Site Decision Making: A Guide for Project Managers, EPA/OSWER,
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/progranis/dfa/guidoc.htm
> Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE), EPA and USAGE, http://fate.cluin.org
> Several Triad "Internet Seminars" archived on EPA/TIP's CLU-IN, http://cluin.org/studio/seminar.cfm
> USACE "Engineer Manuals" (EMs), http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-docs/eng-manuals/em.htm
> Conceptual Site Models for Ordnance and Explosives and Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Projects
(EM 1110-1-1200)
^ Technical Project Planning Process (EM 200-1 -2)
Published Articles
> "Managing Uncertainty in Environmental Decisions," Environmental Science & Technology,
http://cluin.org/download/char/oct01est.pdf
> "In Search of Representativeness: Evolving the Environmental Data Quality Model," Quality Assurance,
http://cluin.org/download/char/dataquality/dcrumbling.pdf
> "Improving Decision Quality: Making the Case for Adopting Next-Generation Site Characterization Practices,"
Remediation, http://cluin.org/download/char/spring2003v 13n2p91 .pdf
Decision Support and Data Management Tools
> Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) geostatistical-based decision assistance software, EPA and NRG,
http://www.tiem.utk.edu/~sada/
> Scribe software tool for managing environmental data, EPA/ERT, http://www.ertsupport.org/scribe home.htm
> Fully-Integrated Environmental Location Decision Support (FIELDS) GIS/GPS-based decision assistance software,
EPA/Region 5, http://www.epa.gov/region5fields/htm/software.htm
-------
Triad Used for Targeted Brownfields Assessment of Former Cos Cob Power Plant
The U. S. EPA collaborated with the Town
of Greenwich, CT, in implementing Triad
to characterize a former power plant site
scheduled for redevelopment as a
waterfront park. Historical records and
past disposal of coal ash at the site, known
as the Cos Cob Power Plant, raised
concern that surface soil likely contained
elevated concentrations of contaminants
such as petroleum, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), and asbestos. Triad
was employed to obtain sufficient data
during a single field mobilization to
determine the nature and extent of surface
soil contamination.
The preliminary CSM suggested that
potential threats were limited to those
posed by direct contact with
contaminated surface soil and sediment.
A DWP was developed to allow for
expanded sampling and analytical
coverage after a limited number of samples
were analyzed by an offsite fixed
laboratory. In accordance with Triad, the
project team developed a decision tree
unique to the Cos Cob site (Figure 3).
Field analytical techniques included Site
Lab® ultraviolet fluorescence test kits for
total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and
total poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
EPAs x-ray fluorescence spectrometer was
used in the field for metal detection, and
GC/ECD equipment housed in EPAs
mobile laboratory was used to determine
PCB concentrations and to further guide
the investigation. An offsite fixed
laboratory analyzed samples for arsenic
on a 48-hour turnaround basis using trace
inductively coupled plasma atomic
emission spectrometry. The fixed
laboratory also confirmed field-based
identification of PCB-contaminated
samples.
Based on the initial field analyses, sampling
locations and depths were added or refined,
and the entire field effort was completed
within one week. Correlation of TPH/PAH
test kit results with offsite laboratory
analyses enabled the test kit results to define
the extent of TPH/PAH contamination in soil.
Investigation results confirmed that surface
soil contains arsenic, TPH, and PAHs at
concentrations exceeding the State's
residential direct exposure criteria.
Data indicated that the elevated contaminant
levels resulted from coal ash co-mingling with
PCB-contaminated soil in an area where
transformers had been situated. Information
gained through site characterization is
allowing the Town of Greenwich to work further
with the State and EPA to evaluate remediation
options, which include placement of a soil cap
on PCB hotspots.
The Triad approach yielded an estimated
cost savings of 50-60% when compared with
a traditional approach involving two
mobilizations and comprehensive analytical
methods at a fixed laboratory. Details on this
application will be available this summer
from the Brownfields Technology Support
Center in the report entitled Innovations in
Site Characterization Case Study:
Expedited Site Characterization Using the
Triad Approach at Cos Cob Power Plant
Site, Greenwich, Connecticut.
For more information, contact Kathy
Yager, U.S. EPA, at 617-918-8362 or
vaeer.kathleen @ eva. sov.
Start of sampling program
Divide site into 70-ft by 70-ft grid sectors
i
Collect sample from the 0- to 1-ft interval and
homogenize. Analyze sample for total TPH and
PAHs using field test kits.
s the concentration
greater than 100 parts per million
(ppm) TPH or greater than
0 ppm PAHs?
Figure 3. Field staff at
the Cos Cob Power plant
used a tailored logic
diagram to determine the
types, locations, and
numbers of samples to
be analyzed during site
investigation.
/Conduct offsite analyses on those samples with
/ concentrations of TPH greater than 100 ppm but
less than 500 ppm, or PAHs greater than 50 ppm
but less than 500 ppm. Confirmation analyses are/
not needed for samples that have concentrations/
greater than 500 ppm TPH or PAH. (Note 1)
If the TPH concentration is greater than 1000 ppm, or a
potential PCB release is suspected in the grid sector,
analyze samples for PCBs in the field. /
/No further field analysis is \
[ recommended. Send 10% of \
V these samples to an offsite J
\^ laboratory for analysis. ^/
Have PCBs or
potential PCB compounds
been detected in the
sample?
Yes
Send samples to an offsite laboratory for
confirmation of PCB results and continue
step-out sampling and analysis until the
nature and extent of the PCB contaminant
hot spot is constrained. (Note 2)
Evaluate Reuse Scenarios and Remedial Alternatives
ive?)
Notes:
1. TPH and PAH test kit values
for comparison to applicable
regulatory thresholds will be
adjusted based on statistical
analysis as the field data set is
compiled.
2. Based on historical data, PCB
concentrations greater than 2 ppm
are not expected. Because of this
fact and the concerns over PCB
occurrence at the site, any samples
in which PCBs are detected using
the field-based method are
recommended for further offsite
laboratory analysis.
4
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Municipality Applies Triad to Accelerate Brownfields Redevelopment at
Assunpink Creek Site
The City of Trenton, NJ, began
implementing the Triad approach in 2001 as
part of its program to redevelop a large number
of abandoned industrial sites, including
conversion to recreational use of 60 acres
comprising 11 land parcels along Assunpink
Creek. The extent of contamination was
unknown at the start of redevelopment, but
preliminary assessment indicated potential
presence of heavy metals, petroleum
hydrocarbons, PAHs, and PCBs. It also
identified a need to differentiate the impacts
on specific sites fromfill materials historically
used throughout the area.
Through systematic planning that involved
multiple stakeholder meetings, the project
team assembled a preliminary CSM and an
investigation approach involving two
phases. Phase I addressed the nature and
distribution of fill materials and specific
chemicals/areas of concern requiring further
investigation. This phase also included a
method applicability study to demonstrate
that proposed field-based methods could
produce data effective for decision making.
Based on the findings fromPhase I, the team
developed a DWP for a Phase II
investigation of particular areas of concern.
The workplan addressed tools for
enhancing real-time decision making in the
field, including:
> A CSM, decision rules, cleanup levels,
and potential field scenarios that could
drive further data collection;
> Analytical procedures including
Geoprobe® soil and ground-water sam-
pling with continuous soil conductiv-
ity measurement, field-based GC/MS
for PAHs, immunoassay test kits for
PCBs and TPH, and x-ray fluorescence
methods for metals;
> Data management and communication
criteria for field documentation and
communication protocols; and
^ Schedules and logistics.
The dynamic work strategy relied on a three-
tiered analytical program of collaborative
methods: (1) field-based methods for classes
of chemicals of concern with high sample
throughput (immunoassays); (2) field-based
methods with higher specificity (modified
Method 8270 in a mobile lab); and (3) off site,
state-certified fixed laboratory methods for
specific chemicals of concern to meet state
regulatory requirements.
Phase II investigation activities for areas of
concern along Assunpink Creek were
completed within one month. Overall, the
Triad approach eliminated costs associated
with follow-on investigation activities while
accelerating the redevelopment schedule
and reducing decision uncertainty. The
project team found that the approach
produced robust data sets supporting
stakeholder consensus in redevelopment
decisions, but that additional time and
involvement on the part of management staff
was required.
Phase II investigation activities at
Assunpink Creek are described in greater
detail in a case study to be available online
later this summer at Triad Central.
For more information, contact Leah
Yasenchak, City of Trenton, at 732-292-2624
orleah@nibrownfield.com.
Dynamic Site Characterization Used for Fort Lewis DNAPL Contamination
The USAGE recently employed Triad in the
dynamic site characterization of a contaminant
source area at the Fort Lewis Logistics Center
south of Seattle, WA. Activities at an onsite
motor base between 1946 and 1970 had
involved the disposal or burning of cleaning
anddegreasing agents. In 1983, EPA confirmed
the presence of trichloroethene (TCE) and
dichloroethene (DCE) in nearby residential wells
and over the following three years identified an
additional TCE plume under the logistics center.
Site investigation activities showed that the
TCE was part of a 13,000-ft plume (5 |jg/L
contour) emanating from an area of the
Logistics Center known as the East Gate
DisposalYard(EGDY).
A 1990 ROD for the area's Vashon Aquifer
designated a pump and treat system as the
preferred remedy for the EGD Y, but insufficient
information was available to determine if TCE
was present in the Sea Level Aquifer below.
Evaluation of the pump and treat system after
three years of operation indicated that the Sea
Level Aquifer also was contaminated, and that
TCE from the source was found to be bypassing
portions of the treatment system and entering
the Sea Level Aquifer. After additional site
investigations and completion of an engineering
evaluation/cost analysis, plans to add a thermal
treatment system for the TCE plume were
initiated in 2002.
The CSM for the EGD Y showed ground-water
flow towards surface water and a small town
below which both TCE plumes were migrating.
Site characterization involved a dynamic
investigation approach, systematic planning,
and real-time data collection. Due to funding
constraints, the site investigation was
conducted in two phases: Phase I in 1998-99
and Phase II in 2001-02. The primary data
quality objective of Phase I was to determine
if dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL)
was present beneath the EGDY Aerial
photography and an electromagnetic
instrument (EM-61) were used to locate the
disposal trenches; however, EM-61 results did
not show all the trenches observed in the aerial
photos, and the photos did not identify all the
contaminated areas found by EM-61.
Soil gas sampling also was conducted, but
the difference in concentrations between
known clean areas and the trenches was
[continued on page 6]
-------
[continued from page 5]
insignificant unless the soil gas sample was
collected immediately above NAPL.
Exploratory trenches found buried drums and
both chlorinated and non-chlorinated NAPL.
Contouring of drive point ground-water
sampling results showed three major hot
spots and concentrations exceeding
10,000 (Jg/L. Source removal involved
excavating over 1,000 drums and 50,000
pounds of TCE DNAPL.
The Phase n data quality objective was to obtain
data for design of the NAPL thermal treatment.
SCAPS lithium-induced fluorescence was used
to detect petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POLs),
but was not capable of pushing to the required
depth in the dense gravelly soil. Geoprobe's®
MIP also was used for both the POLs and
chlorinated VOCs. The probe worked well
despite the gravel layers but did not penetrate
to the desired depth. Sonic coring was used to
penetrate very deep gravel and to help locate
both continuous and discrete sources of NAPL.
Based on the information collected during
site investigation, efforts are underway to
remediate the major source areas. In addition,
the site's risk assessment was revised to
address the use of the lower aquifer for
drinking water, ecological impacts to the
nearby creek, and exposure to soils.
For more information, contact Kira
Lynch, USAGE, at 206-764-6918 or
kim.p.lvnch@nws02.usace.armv.mil.
EPA and USAGE Assist East Palo Alto Residents with Pesticide Issues
The City of East Palo Alto, CA, is helping
local homeowners and non-profit
organizations to cost-effectively address
pesticide contamination in an area formerly
used for agriculture. Suspected or known
contamination from the past use of
pesticides has slowed the area's
redevelopment, forcing homeowners to sell
below market rates or attempt to finance
the high cost of field investigation and
cleanup. The USAGE is helping the City
apply Triad at five land parcels, which will
serve as a model for characterizing other
parcels in the area. The U.S. EPA is
providing additional support to the City
through a Brownfields Program technical
grant.
A team of decision makers from the City,
regulatory agencies, and environmental
consulting firms set the primary project
goals early in the effort: (1) to cost-
effectively redevelop the area; and (2) to
ensure that any significant levels of soil
contamination were identified and removed.
The team also agreed to collect sufficient
data for the onsite management of soil
containing low concentrations of
pesticides. Project tasks planned by the
team were to:
1) Determine the presence of any pesti-
cide hotspots (concentrations exceed-
ing 10ppmDDTor2ppmcyclodienes);
2) Define the extent of pesticide applica-
tion residues;
3) Specify and confirm detected pesticides;
and
4) Conduct laboratory analyses to gener-
ate contaminated soil profiles support-
ing potential remediation.
Following a review of the site history and
previous site investigations, the team
developed a preliminary CSM that identified
data gaps to be filled in during the
investigation. Site cleanup goals reflecting
regulatory criteria established by the State
of California, as well as recommendations
provided by EPA/Region 9, were used to
select real-time measurement technologies
to be used in the field.
A collaborative data set was compiled from
data obtained through different analytical
methods. To manage contaminant
heterogeneity, the immunoassay
EnviroGard™ DDT and RaPID Assay™
cyclodiene test kits were performed in the
field and the EPA/Region 9 laboratory.
Organochlorine pesticide analysis (EPA
Method 8081) was conducted by a
commercial laboratory to provide analyte
specificity, aid the interpretation of
immunoassay data, and manage analytical
uncertainty.
The project sampling and analysis plan
integrated the CSM, cleanup criteria,
analytical methods, and sampling approach.
It dynamically adapted to unexpected
conditions, allowing the field team to quickly
resolve any project uncertainties. Decision
logic used by the field team relied on
sampling to identify any combination of
the following conditions: no
contamination, low-level pesticides
representing application residues, or higher
concentrations representing pesticide
mixing areas.
The quality of chemistry data was
evaluated throughout the field effort to
quickly identify inconsistent analytical
results. For example, during early field work,
immediate corrective measures were taken
when immunoassay results were
inconsistent with the preliminary CSM. The
test results suggested a uniform distribution
of contaminants across the entire study
area, including areas known to have
recently imported fill. The inconsistency
was traced to an error with the soil sample
extraction procedure, which was corrected
quickly. The project team recognized that
evaluation of collaborative data sets needed
to reflect inherent differences in analytical
methods, such as the positive bias
incorporated into the immunoassay
cyclodiene test kit (Figure 4).
During the course of field work, 78 primary
samples (plus nine field duplicates) were
analyzed by immunoassay, and 21 method
duplicates were analyzed in the laboratory.
The investigation revealed no pesticide
[continued on page 7]
-------
[continued from page 6] >
hotspots on any of the properties but did
find application residuals of DDT (and
breakdown products) and cyclodienes.
Upon review of the collaborative data set,
the State and Region 9 were satisfied that
the sites had been sufficiently characterized
and that little or no soil removal was
required.
The proj ect team estimates that a minimum
of one additional round of site investigation
was avoided through the implementation
of Triad. A detailed case study on this
project will be available later this year on
EPA's CLU-IN web site.
For more information, contact Bradley U.S. EPA/Region 9,
Call, USACE, at 916-557-6649 or lee.lily@epa.gov.
bradley. a. call @ usace. army, mil, or Lily Lee,
Cyclodiene Test Kit Bias
0 120
0 100 -
3* n nfin -
D3
En nfin -
-Q Q 040
CO
On9n -
Onnn
+ .^
^^
* ^^+
i>^>^ *
•*••
.UUU i i i
at 650-853-3122 or
1 Figure 4. Positive
bias was observed
in the cyclodiene
test kit results
obtained in the
field at the East
Palo Alto
pesticide-
contaminated area.
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00
Field (mg/kg)
McGuire Air Force Base Completes Rapid Characterization
at MILCON Project
The McGuire FASTRAC method employed
the Triad approach to expedite site
characterization at the McGuire Air Force
Base C-17 aircraft hangar, a MILCON project
scheduled for completion by July 2004. A
PCE plume was discovered during early 2003
in shallow ground water near the hangar, at
concentrations high enough to suspend
construction activities. Conventional site
characterization, risk assessment, and
remedial planning were expected to take
several years.
The Air Force Center for Environmental
Excellence assisted base management in
securing field contractors within two weeks.
Field operations completed within 14 days
involved:
> 15 MlP/cone penetrometer test (CPT)
soundings with more than 4,500 discrete
samples analyzed for aromatic and ha-
logenated compounds;
> 25 CPT soundings with geophysical
cones and fuel fluorescence detectors;
> 20 continuous soil cores logged by an
onsite geologist for comparison to CPT-
generated stratigraphic maps;
> 34 soil sampling locations with 234 dis-
crete soil samples, and 42 ground-water
sampling locations with 160 discrete
ground-water samples analyzed for
chlorinated VOCs using the DSITMS;
and
> 60 soil and ground-water samples col-
lected for confirmatory analysis by a
fixed laboratory.
Site characterization was completed one day
ahead of its six-week deadline. The project's
risk assessment led to immediate excavation
of approximately 500 yards3 of soil from the
area's unsaturated zone. In accordance with
the project's DWP, field activities were
adjusted to develop a data set of parameters
for evaluating natural attenuation, which
was found to be very active.
McGuire Air Force Base estimates that the
Triad approach facilitated a savings of 18-
24 months and $1.34 million. The project
results allowed state and federal regulators
to give conditional approval for an interim
remedial action plan involving natural
attenuation, and 12 natural attenuation
monitoring wells were installed shortly
thereafter.
For more information, contact John Pohl
at McGuire Air Force Base, at
John, pohl @ mcsuire.af.mil.
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Triad Workshops, Training, and Conference Sessions
Interested in learning more about improved decision making at hazardous waste sites? Opportunities ranging from introductory
training to detailed information exchange are offered at these upcoming events:
> 2004AFCEE Technology Transfer Workshop, San Antonio, TX, August 16-19, 2004
(http: //www. afcee.brooks. af. mil/products/techtrans/workshop/generalinfo. asp)
> Midwestern States Risk Assessment Symposium, Indianapolis, IN, August 25-27,2004
(http://www.spea.indiana.edu/msras/)
> Sampling, On-Site Analysis and Sample Preparation Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, September 16-17,2004
(http: //members. aol.com/l-mpacs/coiiferences/Conferences .htm)
> Streamlining Investigations and Cleanup Using the Triad Approach, St. Louis, MO, September 22-23,2004
(http://www.trainex.org/classdetails.cfm?courseid=300&classid=2042)
> Triad Approach—A New Paradigm for Environmental Project Management, Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council's Internet-based training, October 12,2004 (http://www.itrcweb.org)
> Annual Conference on Soils, Sediments, and Water, Amberst, MA, October 18-21,2004
(http://www.umasssoils.com/)
„ EPA is publishing this newsletter as a means of disseminating useful information regarding innovative and alternative treatment techniques and
° technologies. The Agency does not endorse specific technology vendors.
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