\
                 (3
                                                        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]

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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

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              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

-------
             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]

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[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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                            Technology
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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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