United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Emergency and
Remedial Response
EPA/ROD/R02-88/062
June 1988
»EPA
Superfund
Record of Decision
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50272. 1"'
REPORT DOCUMENTATION 11. REPORT NO.
PAGE I EPA/ROD/R02-88/062
12.
3. Recipient's Accession No.
.,. Autho,(s)
I : '0'1!\;?"J~ / 8 a
[ 8. Perlorminl( Orl(anization Rept. No.
10. Project/Task/Work Unit No.
.-
4. Title and Subtitle
SUPERFUND RECORD OF DECISION
~eacnwood/3erkeley Well, NJ
rst Remedial Action - Final
--
9. Perlormln. O..aniutlon Name and Address
C)
- -
-- -----
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11. ContractCC) or Grant(G) No.
(C)
C>
(G)
.
12. Sponsorin. Or.anizatlon Neme and Addre.s
U.S. Environmental Protection
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
U. Type 01 Report & Pe;;~ Covered"- .
- .
h.
Agency
800/000
14.
15. Supplementary Note.
lL AbstI'8Ct (Limit 200 words)
The Beachwood/Berkeley Well site, encompasses Beachwood Borough and Berkeley Township
in central-east Ocean City, NJ. The total population of the two municipalities is
approximately 23,000. In response to a public complaint of possible aluminum
contamination of drinking water, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP) sampled four potable wells and discovered the presence of lead in exceedanc~ of
the Federal Interim Primary Drinking Water Standard. Subsequent sampling confirmed the
esence of lead at approximately 4 times the standard. The Ocean County Health
w~partment, collected additional samples in the two municipalities. Results of analyses
indicated that 15 percent of the total wells sampled 1n the Borough and 3 percent of the
residential wells sampled in the Township exceeded the regulatory standard for lead in
drinking water, however, there was no distinct geographical pattern to the occurrence of
the lead contamination. By order of the NJDEP, an alternate supply of water was
provided to the affected residents. After extensive investigation of lead levels in
residential tap water, surface water, ground water, sediments, soil, and lead
concentrations in, and dissolution from plumbing systems, it was concluded that elevated
concentrations of lead in drinking water were not caused bj man-made or industrial
sources. Rather, the sources of lead include; a minor con~ribution from native area
(See Attached Sheet)
J
17. Document Analysi. a. Descriptors
Record of Decision
Beachwood/Berkeley Well, NJ
First Remedial Action
Contaminated Media: gw
~.e~en
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EPA!ROD/R02-88/062
Beachwood/aerkeley Well, NJ
First Remedial Act~on - Final
16.
ABSTRACT (continued)
o
ground water, lead packers used in well construction, and dissolution of lead from
lead-bearing materials of home plumbing systems, particularly lead/tin solder.
Remediation under the Superfund program of the documented existence of lead in
drinking water is precluded by law. The State of New Jersey is proceeding independently
of Federal Superfund financing to address the presence of and the problems posed by lead
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DECLARATION STATEMENT
RECORD OF DECISION
Beachwood/Berkeley Wells
SITE NAME AND LOCATION
c
Beachwood/Berkeley Wells, Ocean County, New Jersey
"
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This decision document presents the selected remedial action
for the Beachwood/Berkeley site, developed in accordance with
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and to the extent applicable,
the National Oil and Hazardous Substances POllution Contingency
Plan, 40 CFR Part 300.
STATEMENT OF BASIS
I am basing my decision on the following documents, which are
contained in the administrative record for the Beachwood/
Berkeley site:
- Background Investigation/Literature Search Report, prepared
by Roy F. Weston, November 1985;
- Site Investigation - Volumes I and II, prepared by Roy F.
Weston, September 1987;
- Selection of Remedial Response Objectives and Identification
of Alternatives, Roy F. Weston, May 19~8;
- Proposed Remedial Action Pl~~, Jun~ 1988;
The attached Decision Summary; ---.-----------
- The attached Responsiveness Summary, which incorporates
public comments received; and
- Staff surnmarie~ and recommendations.
DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED REMEDY
The selected alternative for the Beachwood/Berkeley site is to
to take no remedial action under the Superfund program. The
problem in the communities of Beachwood and Berkeley involves
elevated lead levels in drinking water. The remedial investi~
gation and related studies performed by the State of New Jersey
indicate that residential plumbing systems are the primary
cause for the lead contamination with a minor contribution
from the area's native ground water. No man-made or industrial
source of contamination was identified. Therefore, it is
recommended to initiate the administrative procedures to delete
the Beachwood/Berkeley site from the National priorities List.
The State of New Jersey will be addressing these types of lead
in drinking water problems at this site and other locations in
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DECLARATIONS
In accordance with Section l04(a)(3) of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as
amended, I have determined that no remedial action can be
taken at the Beachwood/Berkeley site. Section l04(a)(3),
Limitations on Response, precludes the use of Superfund
monies for remedial action in response to a release or
threat of release-(AJ of a naturally occurring Substance
in its unaltered form or (B) from products which are part of
the structure of residential buildings. At the Beachwood/
Berkeley site, the natural background level of lead in the
ground water contributes to elevated lead in the tap water.
In addition, the major source of lead in the drinking water
is from the residential plumbing systems. Therefore, no
action under the Superfund program can be taken.
o
The State of New Jersey has been consulted and agrees with
the determination to take no remedial action.
J L/ N\.. ~C I 1'iJ:P
Date
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DECISION SUMMARY
Beachwood/Berkeley Wells
L
I.
Site Location and DescriPtion
"
The Beachwood Berkeley Wells Superfund site encompasses the
Borough of Beachwood and the Township of Berke~ey in the central
eastern part of Ocean County, New Jersey (see Figures 1 and 2).
The entire Borough and Township were designated as the site for
purposes of Superfund based on the fact that the nature of the
problem was one of a known contaminant in drinking water, lead,
exhibiting no geophysical pattern for its occurrence and result-
ing from an unknown source.
Beachwood Borough is a community covering an area of about 2.7
square miles. It is located. directly south of Toms River and
contained within the larger boundary of Berkeley Township. The
Borough's approximate population of 8000 is concentrated into
an area bounded on the west by the Garden State Parkway and on
the east by Route 9. The Borough has no industrial base and
only a limited number of commercial establishments. The Town-
ship of Berkeley encompasses over 40 square miles of mostly
undeveloped Pine Barrens. The vast majority of the approximate
23,000 population resides east Of the Garden State Parkway which
runs in a north/south direction essentially dividing the Town-
ship in half. A limited number of industrial operations exist
in Berkeley Township with moderate commercial development
occurring in strip fashion along Route 9. The boundaries of
the Township are Cedar Creek to the south, Barnegat Bay to the
east, Toms River to the north, and Manchester and Lacey Town-
ships to the west.
The site is situated in the New Jersey Pinelands Area. Spec-
ifically, the northern portion of Berkeley Township is mapped
as being in the Pinelands National Reserve; the central portion
of the township is mapped as being in the Pinelands Protection
Area; and the southern portion of the township is mapped as
. being in the Pinelands Preservation Area. In terms of ground
water quality, Figure 3 shows that portion of the study area
affected by New Jersey's stringent water quality criteria
(Class GW-l) which is applied to the Central Pine Barrens Water
Quality Critical Area.
Ocean County lies in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The study
area is characterized by low relief and gentle sJopes starting
at sea level along Barnegat Bay and rising to an altitude of
60 feet above sea level in the center of the study area. The
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principally by small streams running east toward Barnegat Bay
or northeast to Toms River.
The soils of Ocean County are generally termed excessively
drained according to United States Department of AgricUlture,
Soil Conservation service, nomenclature. poorly draine~
soils occur in low-lying areas near streams and other bodies
of water. Soil drainage has a pronounced effect on the amount
of organic matter which accumulates in the upper soil horizons,
with poorly drained soils containing much more organic matter
than well-drained Soils. The soils in the study area are
typical of the soils over much of the "Pine Barrens" area in
southern New Jersey. The Pine Barrens soils typically have a
surface layer rich in organic matter underlain by sandy subsoils.
As rainwater perolates through the organic matter, carbonic
acid is produced by assimilation of carbon dioxide. Because
the subsoils are sands which are relatively chemically inert,
they do not buffer the acidic water (Means et. al. 1981).
Consequently, the ground water in contact with these soils
often is relatively high in acidity.
.
Two aquifers exist beneath the site area -- an undifferentiated
water table aquifer comprised of the Cape May Formation, the
Pennsauken Formation, and the Cohansey Sand and the deeper
Kirkwood Formation aquifer (see Figures 3 and 4). The Cohansey
and Kirkwood Formations are the predominant aquifers providing
water for potable supplies and irrigation purposes in the study
area. The Cohansey is estimated to be approximately 160 feet
thick in the study area, and the Kirkwood is first encountered
at a depth of approximately 340 feet and is roughly 140 feet
thick. Ground water from the Cohansey is generally acidic (pH
ranges from 4.4 to 6.7) and tends to be corrosive or soft.
Almost all of the private household wells in the study area
tap the water table aquifer. The Kirkwood Formation is the
most intensely developed aquifer in Ocean County providing
most of the water for the pUblic water supplies. Recharge to
the Kirkwood is principally by leakage from this water table
aquifer. The quality of the ground water from the Kirkwood is
similar to that of the water table aquifer.
The ground water quality in New Jersey is classified according
to the total dissolved solids (TDS) content. There are two
classes for the study area -- GW-I and GW-2. The GW-I class
has a TDS content limit of 100 milligrams per liter (mg/l) or
less. Figure 2 depicts the southwest corner of Berkeley Township
subject to New Jersey's stringent water quality criteria, GW-l,
for the Central Pine Barrens Water Quality Critical Area. This
area is intended by the Pinelands Commission to preserve the
highly fragile Pinelands ecosystem by ensuring that the water
quality of the Central Pine Barrens is protected. The remaining
part of the study area is classed GW-2 which has a TDS content
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(,
None of the surface waters within the study area are used as
public or private water supplies. The various streams and ponds
throughout the site area are used for recreational purposes with
water from a few of the streams and ponds occasionally used for
irrigation purposes. Stream flow in the coastal area consists
largely of ground water discharge.
II.
Site History
Origin of Problem
A.
In March 1982, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protect-
ion (NJDEP) responded to a public complaint of possible aluminum .
contamination of drinking water. Four potable wells in Beachwood
were tested for aluminum as well as other metals including lead.
In one of the four wells, the lead level exceeded the Federal
Interim Primary Drinking Water Standard of 0.05 mg/l and was con-
firmed by subsequent sampling at an even greater concentration,
at approximately four times the standard.
B.
Initial Response Actions
As a result of the above findings, the Ocean County Health Depart-
ment (OCHD) established a sampling program to determine the quality
of drinking water from domestic wells throughout Beachwood Borough.
Seven hundred samples were ultimately collected from 601 domestic
wells in Beachwood during the months of June, July and August
1982. Lead was measured in approximately 20 percent of the
ground water samples above the Federal drinking water standard.
This accounted for over 90' private wells or 15 percent of the
total wells sampled.
The OCHD extended its sampling efforts to the surrounding area of
Berkeley Township. Throughout the months of August and September
. 1982, 1004 samples from 935 domestic wells in the Berkeley Township
were sampled and analyzed for lead. Approximately four percent
of the samples and three percent of the residential wells were
above the lead standard. A frequency distribution of lead con-
centrations in the sampled wells for both communities is provided
in Table 1.
In addition to the sampling of domestic wells, five pOlyvinyl
chloride (PVC) monitoring wells were installed by NJDEP in areas
where high, intermediate, and low concentrations of lead were
detected in the domestic wells. These wells were sampled during
October and December 1982. The analytical results of these
samples provided inconsistent data which was not reproducible
during subsequent sampling.
Lead analyses were also performed on composite sediment samples
. collected during the drilling of one of the monitoring wells.
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(mg/kg). These values are not considered high, as typical lead
levels of New Jersey soils range from 1 to 180 mg/kg. Mineral-
ogical analyses of sediments taken from the COhansey Sand in
Beachwood and the Pennsauken Formation in Berkeley did not ident-
ify lead in the samples.
Surface water samples were Collected by OCHD in JUly 1982 from
Fisher's Gravel Pit, a suspected source of lead contamination.
The samples were taken from a lagoon and a pond fed by storm
runoff water. Lead was not detected in either of the samples.
C. Enforcement Actions As a Result of NJDEP's Recommendation
In August 1982, OCHD closed 92 private domestic wells in Beach-
wood because of elevated levels of lead in the drinking water.
NJDEP subsequently requested Beachwood to take the necessary
measures to extend the municipal water supply to service all
homes east of the Garden State Parkway ~ith public water. This
area of Beachwood was the only area not served by the public
community water suppy. Beachwood Borough complied with this
request by sUbmitting to NJDEP. on November 12, 1982, a Construct/
Application for Public Potable Works MOdification (Project No.
2-11-823260). The modifications proposed included extension of
the existing distribution system, construction of an additional
Supply source, expansion of the existing water treatment plant,
and enlargement of water storage facilities. NJDEP approved
the water suppiy expansion project on November 18, 1982.
On December 3, 1982, based on NJDEP's finding that emergency
circumstances existed relative to the need for safe drinking
water wi thin the Borough of Beachwood, -NJDEP issued --an--Adrni-ni
strative Order to Beachwood ordering the implementation of the
fOllowing remedial measures:
(1) Extend the pUblic water system to all homes in Beachwood
located east of the Garden State Parkway within 180 days of
receipt of the order;
(2) Require all homes within Beachwood to connect to the public
water supply system; and
(3) Sample and analyze quarterly all Beachwood supply wells for
lead.
Beachwood requested and was granted an Administrative Hearing to
object to the 180-day timetable as being inadequate to allow time
to obtain the necessary funding for the water system expansion.
Beachwood received a $1.9 million loan from the Federal Housing
Authority in March 1983, and subsequently executed an Adminis-
trative Consent Order with the Department on May 4, 1983 to
implement the provisions of the Administrative Order. Constr-
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It is noted that OCHD also closed wells in Berkeley Township
based on NJDEP's recommendations. NJDEP did not issue an
Administrative Order to Berkeley Township similar to that of
Beachwood because Berkeley Township did not have a public 'water
company to expand and its sparse population did not lend itself
to a community water supply at that time.
Residential Tap Water General Study
A total of 90 residences evenly divided between Beachwood and
Berkeley and broken down by three age categories (less than one
year old, one to five years old, and greater than five years
old) were sampled. The samples were obtained from the kitchen
tap at "first flush" after water resided in the plumbing system
overnight, and after the water was run for 60 minutes continuously.
The sample locations are shown in Figures 7 and 8.
, 12 homes of 45 in Berkeley and three of 45 in Beachwood
exceeded the 0.05 mg/l drinking water standard for lead.
, 10 of the 15 homes exceeding the lead standard were less than
one year old (nine of 12 in Berkeley).
, 51 of 90 homes exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's
contemplated maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead of
0.01 mg/l (30 from Berkeley and 21 from Beachwood). Of the
Berkeley residences, 26 of 30 were first flush samples and
13 of 30 were less than one year old. Of the Beachwood
residences, 20 of 21 were first flush samples. and 12 of 21
were less than one year old.
~-_..._---_. .-----
, 17 homes in Berkeley exceeded the 1.0 mg/l drinking water
standard for copper.
In the majority of the water systems tested, lead levels. dropped
after running the water for five to 10 minutes. However, running
the tap water for a period of time prior to consumption is not
a guaranteed measure for attaining the drinking water standard.
In a few cases, a slight increase in lead levels was observed
after running the tap water for ~o minutes. This apparent in-
crease may be attributed to mobilization of lead caused by
extensive and turbulent flushing of the plumbing system.
Residential Tap Water Flushing Study
Six of the 15 Berkeley homes less than one year old were chosen
to assess the response of lead concentrations to continued
flushing. In addition to a first flush and a GO-minute sample,
a time series of 17 to 18 additional samples during the one-hour
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, Three of the six homes had lead levels exceeding the lead
drinking water standard of 0.05 mg/l after 60 minutes with
a fourth home eXhibiting a lead level above the standard
after 50 minutes and a fifth home at the lead standard
after nine minutes of flushing.
, Lead levels were variable during the course of the one-hour
test span.
In addition to the tap water Sampling, testing was done on the
Plumbing system in an effort to pinpoint the source of lead
within the system. The results of this effort confirmed that
the Plumbing system was a significant contributor to the elevated
lead levels; however, they were inconclusive with regard to the
source within the system.
b
Surface Water and Sediment Investigation
In an effort to identify the sources of the lead contamination,
surface water and sediment samples were collected at 10 locations
throughout the study area.
, Sample results indicated that neither surface water nor
sediments contributed significant amounts of lead, other
metals, or organic Substances to the ground water underlying
the study area.
Ground Water Quality Investigation
Ten ground water monitoring wells of lead free materials (both
PVC and slainless ~teel) were installe~_~Dr~~ghout the siUdy area
to examine the native ground water quality.
.----
, Total and sOluble lead concentrations in all of the well
samples were below the lead drinking water standard indicat-
ing that the native ground water is acceptable as a potable
Supply. After well development, lead was not detected in
six of the 10 wells; the four other wells had lead levels up
to 0.025 rng/I.
, Data for wells constructed of PVC did not differ significantly
from the data for wells constructed of stainless steel.
Soils Investigation
Thirty-two SPlit-spoon soil samples were collected for analysis
at varying depths during the construction of eight of the ten
monitoring wells installed.
'Analytical results indicated low lead concentrations in all
of the soil samples. Elevated lead values of up to 0.035
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near surface samples (0-2 foot depth) suggesting that
atmospheric lead from possible sources such as auto and
industrial emissions may be reaching the ground surface.
, Lead concentrations overall decreased with depth.
, Based on the analytical results, the regional soils do not
appear to contribute significant amounts of lead to the
ground water.
Special Purpose Study of Lead Packers
The Background Investigation Report documented the fact that
many members of the drilling industry had historically used
lead as a packing material for new potable well construction.
In order to investigate the influence of lead packers, three
pairs of monitoring wells were installed in Beachwood with one
of the wells in each pair constructed utilizing a lead packer
bolted to the inside of the screened portion of the well casing.
, The developed well water samples from the lead packer wells
as well as the non lead packer wells were less than the
lead drinking water standard.
, The lead packer wells generally exhibited higher lead levels
than non-lead packer wells.
Manifold Study
A controlled laboratory study to investigate the leaching of lead
from soldered joints in simulated plumbing systems constructed
of copper pipe manifolds was performed. The variables manipula-
ted were (1) type of sold~r (lead/tin and silver/tin), (2) neat-
ness of solder application (neat or sloppy), (3) water source
(native Berkeley ground water and Beachwood municipal water),
and (4) water residence time in manifold (one or 12 hours).
The analytical results of the manifold study indicated:
, Lead concentrations in the Berkeley Township ground water
samples were significantly greater than those" in the Beachwood
municipal supply water which can be attributed primarily to
the pH treatment of the municipal supply.
, Higher lead concentrations were also generally found for
- the 12 hour samples vs. the one hour samples,
- the lead/tin soldered manifolds vs. the silver/tin soldered
manifolds, and
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Is is noted that, although higher lead concentrations were found
in the lead/tin sOldered manifolds, the silver/tin soldered
manifolds exhibited total lead levels above the lead drinking
water standard for both the Berkeley native ground water and
Beachwood municipal water after 12 hours and the Berkeley.ground
water after one hour. Silver/tin solders may contain up to 0.2
percent lead as an impurity and the lead content in pipes con-
nected to public water supply systems may contain up to eight
percent.
III. Community Relations History
Community involvement was solicited at the initiation of the
Remedial Investigation at a public meeting held on April 18,
1985 in Berkeley Township's Central Regional High School and at
the conclusion of the Remedial Investigation on June 7, 1988 at
the Berkeley Township Municipal Building. The Proposed Remedial
Action Plan with supporting attachments was released to the
public information repositories on May 27, 1988. The public
comment period, initiated on this date, solicited public comment
through June 25, 1988. Mun!cipal officials along with citizens
of the two communities and media representatives participated in
the meetings.
Specific concerns raised during the public comment period, in-
cluding comments made at the final public meeting, are addressed
in the attached Responsiveness Summary. A transcript of the
public meeting is available in the Administrative Record located
at the NJDEP office in Trenton, New Jersey.
IV. Alternatives Evaluation
The Remedial Investigation documents the fact that there is no
man-made or industrial contaminant source causing the elevated
lead in drinking water. Rather, the sources of the lead are
comprised of a minor contribution from native ground water in
the area, lead packers used in well construction, and dissolution
of lead from lead bearing components of home plumbing systems,
particularly lead/tin solder.
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) in Sec-
tion 104(a)(3) Limitations on Response states "The President
shall not provide for a removal or remedial action under this
section in response to a release or threat of release-
(A) of a naturally occurring substance in its unaltered form,
or altered solely through naturally occurring processes or
phenomena, from a location where it is naturally found;
(B) from products which are part of the structure of, and result
in exposure within residential buildings or business or com-
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(C) into public or private drinking water supplies due to deter-
ioration of the system through ordinary use."
Item A is applicable to this Superfund site in that a natural
background level of lead contributes to the lead concentration
in tap water for Berkeley Township residences with wells. In
addition, Item B is applicable because the lead solders used
in copper plumbing systems are the major source of lead in tap
water for both communities, particularly, the Berkeley Township
residences with wells tapping into the mildly corrosive ground
water of the Cohansey aquifer.
Accordingly, remediation under the Superfund program of the
documented existence of lead in drinking water in Beachwood
Borough and Berkeley Township is precluded by law and no eval-
uation of alternatives pursuant to the Comprehensive Environ-
mental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended,
is provided.
The State of New Jersey is proceeding independently of Federal
Superfund financing to address the lead contamination in drinking
water potentially affecting the entire State. This effort has
begun in earnest with public education.
The "Open Forum on Lead in Drinking Water", which was the second
portion of the June 7, 1988 pUblic meeting to present the Pro-
, posed Remedial Action Plan, was a part of this public education
effort. Remedial alternatives available to individual homeowners,
,'including point-of-use treatment devices potentially applicable
~ to remediating the elevated lead in drinking water, were presented
during this portion of the public meeting.
v. Documentation of Significant Changes
In view of the Site Investigation findings that the lead contam-
nation in drinking water occurs as a result of elevated levels
in the area ground water and the residential plumbing systems,
the no action alternative as described in the Proposed Remedial
Action Plan is not changed.
VI. Selected Remedy
The selected remedy for this site calls for no remediation of
the lead in drinking water in accordance with Section l04(a)(3)
of SARA, Limitations On Response. This is an administrative
decision mandated by Federal law.
The State of New Jersey is addressing the problems posed by
lead in drinking water from plumbing systems throughout the State
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~tatc o£ :ftclD 'c~.e,
DEPARTMEJ'\T OF E1\,\'IRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION OF HAZARDOUS SITE MITIGATION
401 E. State St., CN 413, Trenton. NJ. 0862S~13
. (609) 984-2902
Anthony J. FIITD
Direa.ar
RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
FOR THE
COMPLETION OF THE REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION STUDY
AT THE
BEACH~OOD/BERKELEY WELLS SUPERFUND SITE
BEACHWOOD BOROUGH ~~ BERKELEY TOWNSHIP
OCEAl' COUNTY
NEW JERSEY
This Community Relations Responsiveness Summary. prepared as . part of the
Record of Decision (ROD), is divided into the following sections:
1.
OVERVIEW
This aection briefly discusses the conclusions of the Remedial
Investigation Study (RIS) and summarizes public reaction to the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and-Un1ted.St~tes
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Proposed Remedial Action Plan
(PRAP) .
11.
BACKGRO~~ O~ COMM1~ITY INVOLV~~~T A~~ CO~CERNS
This section provides a brief history of
the Beachwood/Berkeley Wells Superfund
community relations activities conducted
and during the RIS.
community interest concerning
site and a chronology of
by NJDEP and USEPA prior to
111. S~~Y OF MAJOR QUESTIO~S ~~ COMME~TS RECEIVED DURI~G THE PUBLIC
CO~~~~T PERIOD ~\~ ~JDEP'S RESPO~SES
This is a summary of major questions and comments directed to NJDEP
during the June 7, 1988 public meeting regarding the results of the RIS
and sent to NJDEP during the public comment period. NJDEP'./USEPA's
responses are included in this section.
IV.
RD1AINING CO~CER.~S
, .
This is a discussion of remaining community concerns of which NJDEP and
U~EPA should be aware.
Nt...... Jtrs~ is an E4U/ll Opporruniry Employtr
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2
v.
ATTACHMENTS
A.
Agenda. Fact Sheet. Press Releases and Public Meeting Notice for the
6/7/88 Public Meeting.
Agenda. Fact Sheet. Press Release and Public Meeting Notice for the
4/18/85 Public Meeting.
C. . List of Speaker. at the 6/7188 Public Meeting.
1). Pt'oposed Remedial Action Plan - Beachwood/Berkeley Wells Sita. June
1988.
B.
1.
OVERVIEW
The Remedial Investigation Study (RIS) concluded that no industrial
.ource was the cause of the elevated lead levels found in the drinking
water of Beachwood/Berkeley. Rather. the aources of the lead are from:
(1) the dissolution of lead from plumbing aystem components by
corrosive water. particularly lead in aolder joints; (2) the
construction materials of the potable wells; and (3) a minor
contribution from the area's native ground water. Because the
contamination occurs as a result of residential building materials 8nd
the natural background level of lead in the aquifer. the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) precludes the use of
Superfund monies to remediate the lead contamination. Section
104 (a) (3). Limitations on Response, under SARA atates: "The President
ahall not provide for a removal or remedial action under this aection
in response to a release or threat of releaae -
(a)
of a naturally occurring substance in its unaltered form, or
altered solely through naturally occurring processes or phenomena,
from a location where it is naturally found;
(b)
from products 9.hich are part(;Tthestructure-o-f~d result-in
exposure within residential buildings or business or community
. structures; or
(c)
into public or private' drinking water supplies
deterioration of the system through ordinary use."
due
to
Based on comments received during the public comment period. Beachwood
Borough officials and residents are concerned about reimbursement for
expendituTes incurred 8S 8 result of a 1983 Administrative Consent Order
with NJDEP. Beachwood and Berkeley Township residents are concerned with:
effective ways for homeowners to remediate the lead contamination in
drinking water; the length of time from the discovery of the problem until
the completion of this study; and one resident's request to receive an
additional copy of well test results.
These concerns have been addressed both at the June 7. 1988 public meeting
and within this Responsiveness Summary.
II.
BACKGRO~~ ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ~~ CONCERNS
The discovery of lead levels exceeding the USEPA Interim Primary
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3
Borough and Berkeley Township stimulated active community interest and
involvement. In response to a routine complaint involving an alleged
case of aluminum poisoning, the NJDEP Division of Water Resources (DWR)
8ampled four private wells in Beachwood in Karch 1982. One well had a
lead level that exceeded 50 ppb. Subsequent .ampling of the 8ame
residential well in Kay 1982 revealed an even higher lead level (over
four times the 8tandard).
From June through September of 1982, NJDEP and the Ocean County Health
Department (OCHD) collected over 1700 samples from residential wells in
Beachwood (700) and Berkeley (1000). This widespread residential well
8ampling created increased awareness, involvement and concern by tbe
citizens of the two communities.
In August 1982, NJDEP D~~ announced the issuance of a draft
Administrative Order to Beachwood Borough. This draft order required
the Borough to extend the municipal water lines to service 950 homes
with documented or potential well contamination. Some Beachwood
homeowners formed Protect Our Wells (POW) to express their objection to
the requirements to connect to municipal water. The group hired an
attorney in an effort to stop the water line extension. By 1986
interest in the organization seemed to have waned.
An Administrative Consent Order (ACO) was signed between NJDEP and
Beachwood in May 1983. The ACO .resulted in the extension of the
municipal water system to all homes in the Borough east of the Garden
State Parkway. It also required quarterly sampling and analysis of all
public water supply wells .within Beachwood for lead. Construction for
the extension of the municipal water system began in September 1983 and
was completed in 1984.
----- .. --
.--- .---
.- --- ._----
Other organized
have included:
Citizens for
Association.
groups involved in the lead in drinking water issue
the Beachwood Senior Citizens Group, the Concerned
Pure Water, and the Berkeley Township Homeowners
'.
-------
Date
-
7/82
7/26/82
8/1/82
8/2/82
8/5/82
9/82
10/4/82
7183
1/23/84
4/84
3/29/85
4/8/85
4/18/85
4
CHRONOLOGY OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES
Event
Ocean County Health Department conducted a public meeting to
anlwer residents' questions. NJDEP attended the meeting.
An estimated 350 people attended.
An emergency meeting was held between the governing body of
Beachwood Borough and the NJDEP DWR.. The Borough mayor and
council authorized the Borough Engineer to begin preliminary
feasibility and cost studies for extending water lines
throughout the community.
')
Beachwood's governing body met with NJDEP Commissioner.
Robert E. Hughey, Senator Leonard Connors, and Assemblymen
John Hendrickson and Jorge Rod. A special task force was
established.
.
Representatives from Beachwood's governing body met with
New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean to discuss plans for seeking
aid.
A meeting was held between members of the task force to
develop preliminary plans for seeking state aid, Federal
Housing Administration loans, and other forms of assistance.
Protect Our Wells (POW) was formed in reaction to NJDEP'.
draft Administrative Order to Beachwood Borough.
Governor Thomas H. Kean announced an innovative cooperative
federal/stat~ assistance concept for water supply improvement
in Beachwood. Beachwood had made applications to the NJ
Department of Community Affairs for a $500,000 small cities
block grant and the federal Farmers Home Administration for
a loan/grant of over $1.8 million.
A draft Community Relations Plan (CRP) was prepared by
USEPA.
State and local officials were notified of a Cooperative
Agreement between USEPA and NJDEP for a $632,540 grant to
conduct a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS).
A final Community Relations Plan was prepared by NJDEP.
Notices were sent to those listed on the contacts list of the
CRP announcing the 4/18/85 public meeting.
A press release was issued announcing the 4/18/85
" public meeting.
A public meeting was held at the Central Regional High School
-------
5
people attended including citizens. local. state and county
officials and media representatives.
5/24/88
A press release was issued announcing the 6/7/88 public
meeting.
5/27/88
A press release was issued describing the Proposed Remedial
Action Plan (PRAP) and its availab~lity 81~nB with the
Remedial Investigation Study (RIS) documents in aeveral
repositories.
l'
The PRAP and the RIS reports were placed in repositories for
public review and comment at six locations: the Beachwood
Borough Municipal Building. the Beachwood Borough Library.
the Berkeley Township Municipal Building, the Berkeley
Township Library. the NJDEP in Trenton. and the USEPA in New
York. The public comment period was from May 27. 1988 to
June 27. 1988.
A meeting notice was sent to those listed on the contacts
list of the CRP announcing the 6/7/88 public meeting and the
availability of the PRAP.
5/31/88
NJDEP held 8 briefing for municipal officials of Beachwood
and Berkeley.
6/7/88
A public meeting was held at the Berkeley Township Municipal
Building to discuss the completion of the RIS and PRAP for
the Beachwood/Berkeley Superfund Site. Approximately 20
people attended including citizens. municipal. county and
state officials, and media representatives.
Telephone contact and written correspondence was maintained
between NJDEP and county and municipal officials and the
press (ongoing throughout the RIS).
III. SUMMARY OF MAJOR QUESTIO~S ~~ COMY.E~TS RECEIVED DURING THE PUBLIC
COMME~T PERIOD k'~ ~JDEP's RESPONSES
In May 1988, the Remedial Investigation Study (RIS) and the Proposed
Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) were placed in the following repositories
for review: Beachwood Borough Municipal Building, Clerk's Office. 315
Atlantic City Boulevard; Beachwood Borough Library. 126 Beachwood
Boulevard; Berkeley Township Municipal Building, Clerk's Office,
Pinewald-Keswick Road; Berkeley Township Library, 42 Station Road;
NJDEP. 401 East State Street. Trenton; and USEPA, Region II. 26 Federal
Plaza, New York.
NJDEP held a briefing for local officials on May 31, 1988. On June 7,
1988. NJDEP held a public meeting to present the results of the RIS
(see Attachment A: Agenda and Fact Sheet) and to receive
comments/questions. The meeting was held at the Berkeley Township
Municipal BuiJding. Notification of the public meeting and the
-------
6
press releases and direct mailing of notices to contacts listed in the
Community Relations Plan including municipal, 8tate and federal
officials, as well as identified concerned citizen. (see Attachment
A). Approximately 20 people attended including citizens, municipal and
atate officials, and media representatives. Two people commented
during the June 7, 1988 meeting.
The pUD1~;,; comment period "Ii'S f'.~:)t'I May '.7, ~ ~~~ t:hrough June 27, 1988.
The only comments were made during the public meeting and briefing. No
written ~omments were received by NJDEP during this period.
Following i. a summary, organized by subject, of all major
questions/comments received by NJDEP at the public meeting, briefing
and during the comment period. Major 8ubjects include:
Reimbursement by Superfund
Length of Study
Well Test Results
Ways to Remove Lead from Drinking Water
Reimbursement by Superfund
Question:
Is it true that the Borough of Beachwood will not be eligible
Superfund monies to reimburse residents for hookup fees
municipal water system as required by an NJDEP Consent Order?
for any
to the
Response:
That is correct. Federal law only permits use of Superfund monies when
there is a Superfund Hazardous Waste Site that is responsible for the
contamination. ~JDEP /USEPA are precluded by the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act (SARA) from using Superfund monies to remediate
the lead contamination in drinking water of the Beachwood/Berkeley area.
Question:
In 1982 the Borough of Beachwood was directed to build a $2 million
municipal water system and did 80. Now, after completing this study,
NJDEP has advised the Borough that these actions were unnecessary.
Response:
NJDEP /USEPA maintain that the best remediation for the lead in the
drinking water is replacement of private wells with a municipal water
supply. The municipal supply provides controls on the corrosiv1ty of
the drinking water before entering a home's plumbing while a private
well cannot. The corrosive water is the major cause of lead leaching
from the plumbing system into the drinking water. NJDEP's decision to
require the extension of the municipal water system 1n Beachwood was an
appropriate one because it provides for the central control of the
corrosivity of the drinking water. This allows for the monitoring of
naturally occurring lead in the drinking water and avoids problems
emanating from the construction materials used. in delivering potable
water to the tap. Although the decision was based in part on an
incorrect assumption (nam~ly, the existence of a ~azardous waste site)
-------
7
Question:
Is there any recourse for the Borough'. expenses?
<1
Response:
Although the department cannot and does not provide legal advice to the
Borough or any other person, it appears that there is no legal recourse
~or t~e Bo~~ugh to take. This document has already indicated that this
site is not eligib~.~ for Superfund ~onies. Although it is questionable
whether the Nev Jersey Spill Compensation Fund could entertain a claim
for reimbursement for damages caused by naturally occuring conditions,
here the statute of limitations has expired for filing such a claim.
Length of Study
Comment:
The April 18, 1985 public meeting left the impression that the study
would be completed in one year. Nov, in 1988, only eleven of fifteen
phases have been completed.
Response:
NJDEP/USEPA have completed the study. Step eleven vas the final step.
The remaining four steps would be necessary if this site had remained
eligible for Superfund remediation funding.
Comment:
The Borough of Beachwood was given 180 days to agree to a Consent Order
to be eligible for federal money from a Farmer's Home Loan during
1982-83. The fact that the study is complete and the exact causes are
now known is a credit to NJDEP/USEPA and the contractor, but it should
have been completed in one year, instead of 8ix.
Response:
There have been three unavoidable, but substantial ~elays -during the
course of this investigation. (1) Although NJDEP/USEPA held a public
meeting in April 1985, the contract approval process and authorization
for the contractor to begin work was not completed until 1986. This
was due to insurance and indemnification problems causing an eight-
month delay in the contract award. (2) The subcontracting laboratory
was decertified for use by NJDEP after the contract award, requiring
the procurement of a new subcontractor. (3) The discovery of new
scientific information required a complete renegotiation of the
project's Scope of Work. Initially the study sought to identify a
hazardous waste site or discharge point as the source of the
contamination. Simultaneously, NJDEP's Division of Science and
Research conducted a research study in conjunction with the United
States Geological Service (USGS) concerning lead in ground vater and
drinking water from private wells in New Jersey. Their research
developed conclusive results pointing to plumbing and vell materials
used in home construction as a source of lead contamination. It became
apparent that the Superfund study a6 initially planned, would not
adequately define the source of contamination unless it also considered
these potential sources. Therefore, the entire Scope of Work was
-------
8
Well Test Results
..........
..:a
Question:
A resident .tated that as a part of the .tudy, bis well was tested .tx
months after be had moved in. That test' 8 results were above tbe
allowable limit for lead in drinking water. Yet when the veIl was
. tested prior to his purchasing the home, the lead level was below the
.. .~1m1t. He was .;.,;l~ uy "oIiu..;cone c\t~he a;:ate",hat the lead was fr.om
the plumbing and, in time, a coating would develop in the plumbing and
the lead levels would drop. On the contrary, the levels increased
after .ix montbs.
Response:
Cenerally six months i. not enough time to remove all easily leachable
metals from plumbing or to form a protective coating. Because the
ground water in this case is corrosive, it is very "80ft" and there is
very little carbonate that would produce the coating or ".cale" in the
plumbing. That would take a much longer period of time.
Question:
The resident further inquired if the test was taken through his water
softener and whether a water softener would remove lead from drinking
water.
Response:
The .ample was taken through the water .oftener. All .amples were
taken from the kitchen tap to observe how a conditioner, .oftener or
filter might affect the test results although it is known that a
softener will not remove lead from drinking water. A water .oftener
basically exchanges sodium (like salt) for the calcium in the water.
The calcium is what makes water "hard". In fact, because most
corrosive water is "soft" by definition, a water softener may make the
water more corrosive and actually--~xacerbate_the -prpblem--of--~ead-
leaching from the s~!der joints in the piping beyond the water .oftener.
Question:
Finally, he asked how he could obtain a copy of the test results?
Response:
Mr. Charles McCarty of NJDEP. Bureau of Community Relations should be
contacted at (609) 984-3081 to obtain test results.
Ways to Remove Lead from Drinking Water
Question:
The resident also asked how lead can be removed from drinking water?
Response:
A variety of techniques are available to remove lead at the tap or
through a home system. These options include bottled water, municipal
water supply and flushing. Following the Part I-Superfund Study
meeting, a Part 2-0pen Forum on Lead in Drinking Water was held to
discuss these and other options available to a homeowner to remediate
the lead in drinking water.
-------
9
IV.
REMAINING CONCERNS
The NJDEP i8 precluded by Section l04(a}(3}(A} and (B) of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) from .pending. Superfund
monies to remediate the lead contamination in drinking vater for the
Beachwood IBerke ley area. There are t however t community concerns that
will need to be ad~ressed through other programs. Theae concerns
: .: :::-:':;'-:'McU: 1 '.tde :
t:
Reimbursement to the Borough of BeachwoQd and its. residents for
expenditures incurred as a result of ~JDEP'. 1983 Administrative
Conaent Order.
Effective vays for the homeowner to remediate the lead
contamination in the drinking vater.
.
------
- ---- _.-
~. -- ---
-------
. .
.': . .
.(j})~Public Meetirig"Agenda
to Discuss
Results of the Remedial Investigatfon Study
for the
Beachwood/Berkeley Wells Site
Beachwood Borough and Berkeley Township
Ocean County
7:00 PM
Tuesday, June 7, 1988
Berkeley Township Municipal Building
Council Chambers
Pinewald-Keswick Road (Route 618)
Bayville, NJ
Part 1 - Superfund Study
1.
Opening Remarks, Introductions
Ms. Grace Singer, Chief
Bureau of Community Relations
Division of Hazardous Site Mitigation
t\JDEP
2.
Site History and
Project Overview
Mr. Joseph Maher, Site Manager
Bureau of Site Management
Division of Hazardous Site Mitigation
t\JDEP
3.
Presentation of the
Remedial Investigation
Study
Mr. Joseph Tomalavage
Project Manager
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
4.
Comments/Questions
The floor will be open for comments
and questions regarding the study at
this time.
over...
..," New' Jersey ~ of EnWonmentaI Protection. Bweau. of ~y Relations (609), 984-30811;~~;
-------
&.n..-a-'"
f;
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT OF ENVJRONME!IIiAL PROTECTJOS
"
FACT SHEET
n
Reaulta of
Remedial Investigation Study
at
Beachwood/Berkeley Wella Superfund Site
Beachwood Borough and Berkeley Townahip
Ocean County
June, 1988
Site Description
The Beachwood/Berkeley Wells Superfund aite encompasses the entire Beachwood
Borough and Berkeley TownshiP.. The atudy area includes approximately 10
aquare miles in the two municipalities. In 1982 the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the Ocean County Health Department
(OCHD) collected approximately 700 water aamples from domeatic velIe in
Beachwood Borough and approximately 1000 vater aampl.s from dom.aUc vella
in Berkeley Township. The resulta of the analyse8 indicated that about 20
percent of the wells 8ampled in Beachwood and four percent of. the wells in
Berkeley Township exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) Interim Primary Drinking Water Standard for lead which is 50 parts
per billion (ppb). There is no obvious geographical pattern to the
occurrence of the lead in well water within these communities that could
point to an obvious 80urce or 80urces for lead.
Background
An Administrative Consent Order (ACO) was 8igned between NJDEP and Beachwood
Borough on Hay 4, 1983 which resulted in the extension of the Borough's
public water system to all homes in the Borough east of the Carden State
Parkway. The ACO also required quarterly 8ampling and analysi8 of all
public water 8upply wells within Beachwood for lead. In January 1984 the
NJDEP signed a Cooperative Agreement with the USEPA to conduct. Remedial
Investigation Study. A contract to conduct the atudy was awarded to Roy F.
Weston, Inc. of West Chester, Pennsylvania at a cost of approximately
$470,000. Of the 100 New Jersey aites listed on the National Priorities
List (Superfund), the Beachwood/Berkeley Wells lite is ranked 55th.
Status
The completed draft Remedial Investigation Study and the Proposed Remedial
Action Plan (PRAP) are available for public review at the following
repositories: Berkeley Township Library in Bayville; Berkeley Township
Municipal Building in Bayvillej Beachwood Borough Library in Beachwood;
Beachwood Municipal Building in Beachwood; USEPA Region II, Community
Relations Staff in New York City; and NJDEP Division of Hazardous Site
N~ J~rs~. is QfI Eqw:/ OpportW'IJ:ry Employer
-------
3
()
Factors that affect the concentration of lead in the drinking vater are:
corr08iveness of the vater - the more corr08ive the water the aora likely
that lead will leach from the plumbing; time of contact - the longer the
water ia in contact with the plumbing ayatem the higher the l.ad
concentration; age of the plumbing - newer plumbing ayaU.. (1eaa thaD 1
year old) have aore leachable lead available than older ayate..; type of
aolder and quality of conatruction - uae of lead-tin aolder and aloppy
conatruction allow aore lead to leach from the plumbing. The 8tudy a180
indicated that lead concentration8 generally decrease to leve18 below SO
parts per billion (ppb) with prolonged fluahing.
No Further Action Under Superfund
Section 104(a) (3). Limitationa on Reaponae of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA.) 8Utes. "The Pre8ident 8hall not provide for a
removal or remedial action under thia aection in re8pon8e to a release or
threat of releaae:
(A)
(B)
of a naturally occurring aub8tanc:e in its unaltered form. or
altered 80lely through naturally occurring proce88e8 or phenomena.
from a location where it is naturally found;
from products which are part of the 8tructure of. and re8ult in
exp08ure within residential buildings or busine88 or community
structures; or
into public or private drinking water .upplie8 due to
deterioration of the 8ystem.through ordinary uae".
(C)
The subject of lead in drinking water has come under con8iderable national
attention since the start of the Remedial Investigation Study in 1984. In
June of 1986. when Congress amended the National Safe Drinking Wllter Act.
two 8pecific provision8 were included about lead. One. is a ban on lead
ba8ed 80lder in all new plumbing in8talled whether in bomes or in water
distribution 8Y8tems. And two, required public notification by all public
water aystems that might have lead component8 in their aystem. of the
potential occurrence. the health effects. and ways to reduce the levels of
lead in drinking water. Attached is a pamphlet produced by the USEPA that
explains in greater detail many of the8e same points.
Also during this time period new health effect information was emerging
which indicated that the previou8 national goal for blood lead levels should
be lowered. Thi8 change in . overall lead exposure has resulted in a
rea88essment in the routes of exposure to lead and their acceptable levels.
The USEPA has released draft proposals that would lower the existing SO
parts per billion maximum contaminant level (MCL). The proposed standard 16
20 parts per billion (ppb). as a maxtmum level.
The attached pamphlet an8wen many questions regarding how to reduce the
level of lead, what treatment can be provided. what individuals are most
-------
Clouary of Terms .
Administrative Consent Order (ACO): A binding lelal docwaent between a
loverament alency and a relponsible party. It 11 11.ued by the loverum.nt
in the fOnD of an order that Ipecifie. lite aiUgation acUvit1e1 to be
und.rtaken by the r.lpon.ible party. .
Contract: The legal agn.m.nt that outlin.. f.deral and ltate gov.rnment
r.sponsibilit1el at USEPA-Iead lite. on the. National Priorities Lilt
(Superfund litel) al authorized by the Comprehen.ive Environm.ntal ae.ponaa.
Compenlation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and am.ndm.ntl.
()
Cooperative Agreement: An agreement whereby USEPA tranlferl fundi and
other resourcel to a Itate for tha accomplilhlllent of cartain ramldial
act1vit1e1 at litel on the RaUonal Priorithl L1It (Superfund aitea) al
authorized by thl Comprehenlive Environmental Relponle. Compenlation and
Liability Act (CERCLA) and amendmentl.
Engineering Design (Remedial Design): Folloving a flalibility Itudy. an
Inaineering delign ia executed to tranalate the aelected remedy in
accordanc. with engineeriDa criteria in a bid packale. enab11ng
implementation of the .ite remedy.
Focused Feasibility Study (ITS): A limited feasibUity Itudy which 18
performed on a certain aspect of lite remediation and/or when aore than on. -.
remedial aealure il considered technically viable for the immediate control
of a threat.
Immediate Removal AcUons (IRAs): Actions taken to prevent or .itisat.
immediate and .1anlflcant r1.k to human life. health or to the anvironment.
,
Initial Remedi.l Measures (IRMa): Action. that can bl taken
limit exposure or threat of expolure to a ailnHicant
environmental hazard at lite. where planning for remedial
underway.
quickly to
health or
actiona 11
- - --_.- -- ..
Monitoring Well: A well inltalled under Itrict delign .p.cifications
that. when lampled. will reveal hydrogeologic data at itl point of
inltallation. Monitoring weIll are in.talled at predetet'1llined location..
ulually in IrouPI. to gain Jc.nowledge of .ite condiUon. including: extent
and type of ground water contamination, IOU types, depth to Iround vater
and direction of Iround water flow.
NaUonal Conrtngency Plan (NCP): The badc policy directiva for faderal
response actionl under the Comprehensive Environmental Respon.e. Compenlation
and Liability Act (CERCLA) and amendmentl. It .etl forth the Hazard Ranking
SYltem and procedure I and .tandardl for responding to relea.el of hazardous
lubltanc... and contaminanta. The NCP i. a regulaUon lubject to regular
revilion.
National PrioriUu Li.t (NPL): A lht of the highest priority relea...
or potential releases' of hazardous .ub.tanc.., ba.ed upon State and U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional .ubmi88ionl of candidate
aitea and the criteria and methodology contained in the Hazard Ranking
System (HR.S), for the purpose of allocating funds for remedial response
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) and amendmentl. Published by the USEPA. the NPL 18 updated
periodically. Sitea on the ~~L are commonly called Superfund .ites.
-------
( STATEh"IDE)
No. 88/158
PUBLIC MErrING SET roR .:nm; 7
00 BF.ACf,aD-BERKE!..E'i \"lATER S'IUDY
Irmediate release:
May 24, 1988
TRENroN-The results of a Superfund remedial investigation/feasibility study
(RI/FS) of lead in drinking water in Beachwcod Borough and Berkeley 'I'ownship, Ocean
Cour.t}', will be the subject of a public meeting Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in the
Berkeley Township Municipal Building, Route 618, according to Commissioner Richard T.
Dewling of the state Department of Environme"1tal Protection (DEP).
The study by Fey F. Weston, Inc., of West O1ester, Pa. was contracted for by
DEP in 1985 at a cost of $470,000 after DEP~ean County Health Department researcl
showed that sane 20 percent of 700 water samples taken frail danestic \oIIIells in Beachwood
and fal%' percent of 1,000 water san-ples fran dcr.-estic wells in Berkeley 'I'own.sh.ip
---.-.-
_. -- --------'--
exceeded U.S. Environr.-ental Protection Agency (EPA) interim water st1\ndards for lead.
The study area of about 10 square miles in the ~ municipalities includes
the Borough of Beachwood and the Pint-wald section of Berkeley Township. 'Dewling said,
"We will announce shortly when the proposed remedial action plan, currently under
review by DEP and EPA, and the RI/FS will be available in local repositories for public
review and ccmnent.
All hanes east of the Garden State Parb,;ay in Beachwood have been connected
to the public water system due to the excessive levels of lead found in darestic \oIIIells.
This was done through a May 7, 1983 Adm:i11istrative Consent Order signed by DEP and
Beaclrwoc:rl.
.'
(lTOre)
[;--'2~f~=;£-r2li=1=~::=-='~t-'~' ~~. ~",~.y. -~ ~~'7~~~r.~~~-.,..":~.!,:{,,;~..,,, '.':'".,,,!,,,,!"":"'(
",',...'-"\'" .,," '" "'. ," ,., t'"o.-,,, '.'Jii'..!'\"""""'''...r:;„~ "'''",-,-,....",,!~,, ,.._'";>-~.,...
::'; ':.,-,:, ",':.<~..'.,,:'~. ;'-",,' ", . :)(:; ,,'g' 'LOJ' .);1' ~L'-!l~ :..' '-',,-t. ""':' , , ""':" :,'., "',' I ,..; . ,;I
.~..-. ".""':.-":'\1..' :"P.-~ .'';'" -''':_-'.'.'''.4 .:.~~, '~:~~4'~__...":"-.r.~~...,:./~..~...t4.'t::;"-"~ ._'~. ..!~.~
-------
(STAT&lIDE)
No. 88/163
~;
POOPOSET.:' ~IM.' 1C":'ICN pr ~,~ ro~
BFAOM:X>D/BERKELE'i WELLS SJ."l'E
IJmeti.a.te :ro'.ease:
May 27, 1988
~--DepartIrent of Envi.romenta1' Protectiat (DEP) Camdssiooer
Richard T. Dew1ing announced today that copies of the Proposed Renedia1 Action
Plan and the Rsredial Investigation Study d~ts for the Beachwood/Berkeley
Superfund site are 0C1W available for p.1blic review at six locations.
A June
7
p.1blic rreeting will be held by DEP and the U.S.
Environrrental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss the results of the Remedial
Investigation Study for the site.
Of 100 New Jersey sites on the National
Priorities List (SUperfund) the Beachwood/Berkeley site ranks 55th.
'!be Beachwood/Berkeley Wells site encanpasses Beachwood Borough and
Berkeley Tawnship, Ocean County.
'!be study area of this site is apprax:ima.tely
----
- - - _.- --
10 square miles of Beac~ Borough and Berkeley Township.
"'!be Raredi.al Investigation concluded that there is no man-made or
industrial cont.am.in.ant source causing the elevated lead in drinking water,"
Carmissioner Dewling said.
Rather, the sources of the lead are c::arprised of a
minor contribution fran native ground water in the area, potential lead packers
used in well construction prior to its ban, and dissolution of lead fran
lead-bearing cClTp:>nents of hare plumbing systans, particularly lead/tin solder.
"Unfortunately,
the SUperfund 1!mendrrents and ~autborization Act
(SARA)
precludes the federal governnent fran spen4ing federal nonies to
rerediate the lead contamination in drinking water for this site," Dewling
. .
(ncre)
-------
I.
u. S. Envirormental Protection At:}ercy
Region II
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(Contact: Isabel Funcia at 212-264-2515)
At ':he June 7 public meeting, both written and oral c::c:rrnents may be
"-;ent,:o -
" .~::.:.:- ;. 'j
, , ':~ hp 1d in the Berkeley ~ship Municipal
aJilding.
Written cx:mrents on the Proposed R.aredial' Action Plan may also be
subni. tt.ed \mtil the close of the 30-day ccmrent period on Wednesday, June 27,
1986 and may be sent to:
Ms. Grace Singer, O1ief
Bureau of CaTmuni ty Relations
New Jersey Department of Environrrental Protection
Division of Hazardous Site Mitigation
~413
401 East State Street, 6th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
CaTments and questions on how to minimize lead in drinking water
will be addressed by a panel representing the N.J. DepartJTent of Envirormental
Protection, the N.J. Departrnent of Health and the Ocean County Health
Department.
In addition, fact sheets on this subject will be available.
Further information. on the plan may be obtained by writing to the
DEP at the above address or by calling Charles McCarty at 609-984-3081.
-dep-
'.
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~ @ PubUc rVieeting Notice
I
lelultl of lemedial Inveltiaation!Fealibility Study
at .
f)
Beachvood-Berkeley ~.llJ 51;1
Beachvood Borough and Berkeley Town.hip
Ocean Ccnmty
.
A public meeting vitI be held by the Nev Jerley Department of Environmental
Protection to di.cu'l the relultl of the Remedial IDve.tisatioD! Fea.ibil1ty
.Study and the ru:edial alternative. for the Beachwood-Berlteley Well. .ite.
The meeting viII be held on:
Tuelday, June 7, 1988
. 7 : 00 PM
"Berkeley Township Municipal Buildina
P1nevald-Xeswiclt Road (Route 618)
Bayville, 5J
The draft Remedial Invutisat1on!re..ibility Study leport and the Propo.ed
Remedial Actlon Plan are avallable for review at the followlDa repolitor1ea:
Berkeley Town.hip Library
42 SUtion load
Bayville, NJ 08721
(Contact: Janice BuchanAD
at 201-269-2144)
Berkeley Townlhlp Munlclpal
Pinewald-lelwick Road
Bayville, NJ 08721
(Contact: Carmela V. Levi.
Bu1ldina
at 201-244-7400)
Beachwood Library
126 Belchwood Boulevard
Beachwood, NJ 08722
(Contact: Bette Smithbauer at
201-244-4573)
. Beachwood Municipal Build1Da
315 Atlantic City Boulevard
Beachwood, NJ 08722
(Contact: Elizabeth A. Kaltropalqua
at 201-286-6000)
New Jer.ey Department of Environmental Protection
401 East State Street, 6th floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
(Contact~ Charlea McCarty at 609-984-3081)
over. . .
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONl-IENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION or WASTE MANAGEMENT
HAZARDOUS SITE MITIGATION ADMINISTRATION
Public Meetins
on
Commencement of
Rem~dial r~vestigAt~on/reasibility Study
at '~~e .-.-
J~~~Uwouu/De~~~~.y ~~ll. Site'
Beachwood Borough and Berkeley Town.hip
Ocean County
Thursday, April 18, 1985
7:00 p.lD.
Central Regional High School
Forest Hills Parkway
Bayvllle, NJ
AGD."DA
1.
Opening Remark8;
Introduction of NJDEP personnel
Ms. Grace L. Singer, Chief
Office of Community Relation.
NJDEP
2.
Overview of Past History
and Current Situationi
Intro~uction of Contractor:
loy F. Weston, Inc.
Mr. Joseph Maher. Site Manager
Bureau of Site .~nagement
NJDEP
3.
Presentation: Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility
Study
Mr. Joseph Tomalavage,
Project Manager
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
4.
Questions and Answers
.'
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-2-
Beachvoo~ Berkeley Wells Site
Fact Sheet.
4/18/85
Phaae 1 Objective.
()
1.
Complle and evaluate existing dau concerning vell records,
sample analYle8, &eolo(1, land Ule, and vaste dilposal.
vater
2.
Con~uct a search
man-made sources
environment, and
of the scientific literature to determine natural and
of lea~, the mechaniscs for movement of lead in the
treatment technologies for lead control.
Potential Sources of Lead
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Plumbing Fixtures
Well-Conatruction Haterial.
Lead in Soils and HiDerals
Lakes and Strea..
Automobile Emislions
Waste Dhpolal
Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent.
Industrial Activity
Septic Tanks Effluents
Factors Affecting Lea~ Movement
1.
Soil anc! Water pH - Lend vill dissolve more real1lly iD the lev pH
vater (~.~ to 6.7) foun~ in Ocean County (pH 11 a measure of acidity
anc! alkalinity - vinegar has a lover pH and i. acic!ic, lime fertilizer
has. a high pH and is alkaline).
2.
Capacity of sedimenta to adsorb or complex (biDd) lead iD solution.
3.
Soil and Water Alkalinity - Moderate calcium carbonate cODcentration
in vater vill inhibit the dissolution of_leac!,_-----
4.
C02 pressure, vater temperature, and the presence of organic acids
(such as nDturally occur in the Pine BarreDs) affect dissolution,
movement, and precipitation of lead.
Treatment Technologies for Lead
At water treat~ent plants, one or more of the folloving techniques are used
to reduce lead cODcentrations in water.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Coagulation
Flocculation
Clarification
Filtration
Adsorption
R.everse 05m08ia
Electrodialysis
Distillation
At points of vater use, i.e. homes. cost effective treatment techniques are
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION OF WASTE ~~AGEHENT
HAZARDOUS SITE MITIGATION ADMINISTRATION
A Community Relations Program at Superfund Hazardou. Waste Site.
As part of the federal/state prograe of cleanup at hazardoul valte
lite., a Community Relations Program il conducted to receive local 1~put and
to advise local residents and officials about the planned remedial actionl at
the three major stagel of the cleanup: 1) remedial investigation/fealibility
Itudy 2) engineering design and 3) removal/treatment/construction. Local
briefings and meetings are conducted With elected officiall and residentl and
generally take place at:
1)
The commence~ent of a remedial investigation/feasibility Itudy 10
that local concerns can be accressed early in the procell.
2)
The completion of a feasibility Itudy to d18cuu the alternative
courses of remedial action. There i. a 30-day comment period after
public presentation of the alternative. during which the feasibil1ty
Itudy i. available in local repositories.
3)
The engineering design ltage to carry out the mandate. of the
.elected remedial alternative.
4)
The commencement of the --r.t:I()val/treatment/con&tructi~ -.tage-to
advi.e of the expected physical remedial action.
5)
Tbe completion of the remedial action.
.
In addition to the activities outlined above, there 1s lenerally
ongoing communication with local official. and resident. a8 required.
Depending upon whether the New Jersey Department of tnvironmental Protection
(DtP) or the United State. tnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) ha. the lead
in remedial action at a site, community relations activities are conducted by
the relevant State or Federal agency.
In ~ev Jersey. the DtP Community Relations Program 1. directed by Grace
Singer, Chief. Office of Community Relations (609) 984-3081. At Region II.
EPA. the contact person i& Lillian Johnson, Community Relations Coordinator
(212) 264-2515.
'-
.'
BS45:j.
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o
o
Berkeley Township (Ocean Countyt
STUDY ON BEACHWOOD-BERKELEY
WELL CONTAMINATION TO BEGIN
Immediate release:
A~ri1 8. 1985
TRENTON--A public meeting will be held by the state Department of
En~iro~menta1 Protection (DE?) on Thursday. April 18. 1985. to discus~ th~
initiation of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at the
Beachwood 50rough/Berkeley Township well contamination site in Ocean County.
. The site is in an area between the Garden State Parkway and Route 9
in Beachwood Borough and 5erkeley Township.
More than 100 domestic wells drawi~g
from the Cohansey Aquifer have been closed due to excessive levels of lead
contamination.
The contract for the RI/FS has been awarded to Roy F. Weston. Inc..
:!
The contract amount for this Superfund investigation is
of West Chester. P5.
u- ,- .. $377,838. -The Beachwood-Berke ley site .is -<:tJrrentlY-F-anked-53rd among New.-Jirsey I s
95 sites listed on the National Priorities 'List and its update.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Central
Regional Hiyn School on Forest Hilis Parkway in Bayville (Berkeley Township).
Additional information on the public meeting may be obtained by contacting
Grace Singer of the DEP Hazardous Site Miti9ation Administration at (609) 984-3081.
-dep-
'.
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. ,..." "
~J\ '.,..;.14
'~ ,:00-.' ,.
o. -... -..
'\ -- .
~~ ,.
~
MARWAN M $AOAT. P E
DIRECTOR
ftutr of ~rw iJrrsry
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
H4ZARDOUS SITE MITIGATION ADMINISTRATION
CN 028. Trenton. N.J. 08625
JORGE H 8ERKOWITZ PH,D
AOMINIS TRA TOR
1'OT1C[
Public Meeting To Discuss
Commencement of
Remecial Investigation/Feasibility Stucy
at
Beachwooc-Berkeley Wells
Beachwooc Borough/Berkeley Township
. Ocean County
A public meeting will be helc by the New Jersey Departtllcnt of EnviroMlental
Protection to discuss the initi"tion of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility
Study at the Beechwood-Berkeley Wells site.
The meeting will be held on:
Thursday, April 18, 1985
7:00 p.m.
Central Regional High School
Forest Hills Parkway
Bayville, NJ
(201) 269-1100
For further information, please contact Grace Singer at (609) 984-3081.
H585: j s
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o
Attachment C
List of Speakers at 6/14/88 Public Meeting
1.
Assemblyman Jeffrey W. Moran, 9th District
2.
Michael Mozal, Berkeley Township Resident
.
'.
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. 8. --. - -"':"'.~
($
~i"oposed
REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN
To Recipients of the Proposed Remedial Action Plan for
Berkeley Wells Superfund site (Ocean County):
the Beachwood/
Attached is the Proposed Remedial'Action Plan (PRAP) for the above mentioned
Superfund 8ite. Thi8 PRAP concludes that no man-made or industrial
contaminant 80urce is the cause of the elevated lead levels found in the
drinking water of Beachwood/Berkeley. Rather, the .ources of the lead are
from: (1) the dissolution of lead from plumbing system components,
particularly lead in soldered joints, by corrosive waters; (2) the
construction materials of the potable wells; and (3) a minor contribution
from the area'. native ground water. Because the contamination occurs a8 a
result of building products within residences and the natural background
level of lead in the aquifer, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act (SARA) precludes the use of Superfund monies to remediate this lead
contamination in the drinking water.
--
Questions and comments about the issue of lead in drinking water will be
responded to during the public meeting for this PRAP on June 7, 1988, at
7: 00 PM in the Berkeley TO\mship Municipal Building, Pinewald-Keswick Road
(Route 618), Bayville, ~J.
For further information, please contact Charles McCarty at (609) 984-3081.
. ..
. .
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\"..-.~.r-
'$
I
Proposed
REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN
::>
I'
BEACHWOOD-BERKELEY WELLS SITE
BEACHWOOD BOROUGH AND BERKELEY TOWNSHIP
OCEAN COUNTY
JUNE, 1988
Site Background
The Beachwood/Berke1ey Wells Superfund site encompasses the entire Borough
of Beachwood and the Township of Berkeley in Ocean County, New Jer.ey. In
1982 the New Jersey Department of' Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the
Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) collected approximately 700 vater
.amples from domestic wells in Beachwood Borough and approximately 1000
water samples from domestic wells in Berkeley Township. The results of the
analyses indicated that about 20 percent of the wells sampled in Beachwood
and 4 percent of the wells in Berkeley Township exceeded the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Interim Primary Drinking Water
Standard for lead of 50 parts per billion (ppb). There was no obvious
geographical pattern to the occurrence of the lead in well water within
these communities that could point to an obvlou. .ource of tbe
contamination. ..uch as a hazardous waste site.
Th18 occurrence of lead in drinking water resulted in the NJDEP .igning a
Cooperative Agreement with USEPA to conduct a Remedial Investigation Study
(RI). A contract to conduct the study was awarded to Roy F. Weston. Inc. of
. West Chester. Pennsylvania. The study concentrated on an approximate
la-square mUe area including all of Beachwood Borough-and -t6eP"inewald
.ection of Berkeley Township.
Prior to initiating the Superfund investigation. an Administrative Consent
Order (ACO) was signed between NJDEP and Beachwood Borough in May 1983 which
resulted in the extension of the Borough's public water system to all homes
in the Borough east of the Garden State Parkway. The ACO also required
quarterly sampling and analysis of all public water supply veIls within
Beachwood for lead.
Of the 100 New Jersey sites on the National Priorities List (Superfund)
Beachwood/Berkeley is ranked 55th.
Purpose of The Proposed Plan
. ..
This document provides: a summary of the results of the Remedial
Investigation documenting the nonexistence of 8 "hazardous waste site" 8S
defined under Superfund in accordance with the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response.
Compensation" and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund); a summary of options
available to individual residences to personally remediate elevated lead
levels in drinking water;. and documentation for the proposed decision to
take no further action under the auspices of SARA.
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3
The decision is based on the documents contained and referenced in the
administrative record, most importantly the Remedial Investigation.
Community Role
tJSEPA and NJDEP aolicit and incorporate public input in reaching decisions
on Superfund hazardous waste sites. This Proposed Remedial Action Plan and
the administrative record including the RI are available for review and
comment at the following r~positories:
Berkeley Township Library
42 Station Road
Bayville, NJ 08721
(Contact: Janice Buchanan
at 201-269-2144)
Berkeley Township Municipal
Pinewald-Keswick Road
Bayville, NJ 08721
(Contact: Carmela V. Lewis
Building
at 201-244-7400)
Beachwood Library
126 Beachwood Boulevard
Beachwood, NJ 08722
(Contact: Bette Smithbauer at
201-244-4573)
Beachwood Municipal Building
315 Atlantic City Boulevard
Beachwood, NJ 08722
(Contact: Elizabeth A. Mastropasqua
at 201-286-6000)
New Jersey Department of Envir~n~~n~~~_Protection
401 East State Street, 6th Floor .._-
Trenton, NJ 08625
(Contact: Charles McCarty at 609-984-3081)
-_._-"--
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 11
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(Contact: Isabel Funcia at 212-264-2515)
Although the proposed decision i6 the one presented by USEPA and NJDEP, a
decision will be made only after consideration of all comments received
during the 30-day public comment period. Written and verbal comments on the
proposed plan will be welcome through June 27, 1988 and will be documented
in the Responsiveness Summary section of the final Record of Decision
(ROD). All written comments should be addressed to:
Grace Singer, Chief
Bureau of COIT~unity Relations
Division of Hazardous Site Mitigation
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
401 EhSt State Street, 6th Floor
CN 413
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4
o
Notice of the final decision will be published and made avanable to the
public at the repositories listed previously. The final decision will be
accompanied by an explanation of any significant changea from the proposed
plan. Questions concerning the proposed plan may be directed .to Charles
McCarty of NJDEP at (609)984-3081.
Scope of Activi~
()
The Remedial Investigation consisted of four tasks including: T~. ~c 1 -
Background Investigation/Literature Search Report which present the compiled
and evaluated existing data and an extensive literature aearch of 1. ad and
its effects on potable water; Task 2 - Quality Assurance Plan. Health and
Safety Plan. Field Sampling Plan and Project Schedule; Task 3 - Site
Investigation Report (RI) which presents the operations. findings.
conclusions and recommendations of the field investigations; and Task 4 -
Selection of Remedial Response Objectives and Identification of Alternatives
which describes the assessment of the alternatives available for the
treatment of lead in potable water.
Task 1 provided an assessment of all previous data collected and a review of
existing literature to help identify the Bource or cause of the lead
contamination and formulate the field investigationa. The results of Task 1
provided the foundation for the hypothesis that the primary Bource of the
lead ~as likely the interaction of corrosive ground ~ater with lead bearing
components of the plumbing system. particularly the lead/tin aolder uaed in
copper plumbing. In addition to the primary Bource. other potential aources
included lead leaching from native 80i18 to ground water and lead component
materials in well construction.
--
Total and soluble lead concentrations in all of the ground water monitoring
__well samples were below the lead drinking water standard indicating that the
native ground water is acceptable-- -.s -. -potable-supply. (Atter well
development. 6 .of the 10 'Wells sho'oled non-detectable levels of lead while
the oth~r 4 'Wells had lead levels up to .25 ppb.)
Data for wells constructed of PVC did not differ significantly from the data
for wells constructed of stainless steel.
In conclusion. the Remedial Investigation documents the fact that there is
no man-made or industrial contaminant source causing the elevated lead in
drinking water. Rather. the sources of the lead are comprised of a minor
contribution from native ground water in the area. potential lead packers
used in well construction prior to its ban. and dissolution of lead from
lead bearing components of home plumbing systems. particularly lead/tin
aolder.
-------
.
5
Summaries of Options Available to Individual Homeowners
The .tudy identifies five option. potentially applicable for 1nd~v1dual
homeowners to remediate the elevated lead l'tvel. in drinking' vater and
available to the general public. These are:
9pti~1 - Calcite Treatment
~
In this option, the corrosivity of the vater .upply is changed by passing
vater through a fixed bed of calcite (calcium carbonate) via a point-of-use
treatment unit commercially avaUable to the public. The treatment uniU
are usually upright cylinders installed at locations remote from the tap
(basements, garages, cravl spaces) and connected to the incoming vater
.upply.
,
This option addresses the problem' of lead leaching from plumbing component.
by corrosive vater.
.
Option 2 - Zeolite Softening and Calcite Treatment
This option is an extension of Alternative 1 that addresses not only l.ad
leaching from plumbing components by corrosive vater, but lead entering the
home vater supply from .uch sources as native ground vater and lead leached
from lead packing in the supply veIl.
-
The zeolite softening is an ion-exchange process employing an exchange resin
vhereby .odium is exchanged for calcium, magnesium and other divalent
cations such a& lead. These removed compounds become absorbed on the
zeolite bed, but the capacity for removal gradually decreases as lodium i.
depleted. Therefore, the sodium zeolite must be regenerated periodically by
flushing salt brine through the bed.
In this option. zeolite softening is followed by calcite treatment to reduce
the corrosivity (raise the hardness through dissolution of divalent calcium
cations). The sodium zeolite treatment units are normally upright cylinders
8imilar to the calcite units. Both units vould be connected prior to
existing holding tanks to treat the water supply entering the home.
Option 3 - Reverse Osmosis with Carbon Polishing
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a membrane process employing a semi-permeable
barrier to preferentially remove specific components of a solution. Carbon
adsorption as a polishing step serves a dual purpose in both removing trace
amounts of lead and improving the flat taste of the water from the RO unit.
Filtering of the water prior to introduction into the RO module is also
included.
In this option. the prefil tering RO and carbon modules vould be connected
into the residential \Jater supply as a rear-tap installation, preferably
under the sink. Under this configuration. only the \Jater supplied through
the taps us~d for potable purposes \Jould be treated. A small holding tank
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.
6
Option 4 - Distillation
b
Di8tillation is a aeparation process based upon the difference in volatility
of the components of a aolution when heat 18 applied. The 8ignif1cant
difference in volatility between water and metal ions and aalta renders
distillation a viable alternative. Small uniu producing about 1.5 litera
..~our are comm~rcially available.
- "-.-
.\
f
In thi8 option, the diatillation still would be connected near the tap to
treat only the water for potable purposes but not in a confined apace auch
aa under the aink due to the aubstantial heat generated by the unit.
Separate taps for potable water would be required.
Option 5 - Partial Replumbing
In this option, a partial plumbing retrofit of new copper piping joined with
nonlead-bearing aolder for the water taps used for drinking, cooking, and
oral hygiene would be instituted.
Discussion of ~o Further Action
Section 104(a) (3), Limitations on Response, under the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act states, "Ihe President .hall not provide for.
removal or remedial action under this .ection in response to a rel.a.. or
threat of releaae -
(A)
of a naturally occurring lubstance in its unaltered form, or altered
aolely through naturally occurring processes or phenomena, from.
location where it is naturally found;
(B)
from products which are part
exposure within residential
structures; or
of the structure of,
buildings or business
and resul t in
or community
(C)
into public or private drinking water supplies due to deterioration of
the system through ordinary use."
Item A is applicable to this Superfund aite from the standpoint that a
natural background level of lead contributes to the lead concentration in
tap water for Berkeley Township residences on wells. . Item B is applicable
because the lead solders used in copper plumbing systems are the major
aource of lead in tap water for both communities, particularly, the Berkeley
Township residences with wells tapping into the corrosive ground water of
the Cohansey Aquifer.
The applicability of Items A and B precludes the federal government from
spending Superfund monies to remediate the lead contamination in drinking
water for the area. Accordingly, no further action can be taken under the
Superfun~ program to implement any remedial action.
At the public meeting on June 7, 1988 at the Berkeley TO'Wt1ship Municipal
Building, representatives of the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Prote~tion, the New Jersey Department of Health, and Ocean County Departcent
of Health will be present. to answer questions on the issue of lead in
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, "
.. (l) .. Community Re/~tions Program' .~.
. , '. i. '
~~,
at
Superfund
Hazardous
Waste
Sites
.~
As part of the federal/state program of cleanup at hazardous waste sites, a Community Relations
Program is conducted to receive local input and to advise local residents and officials about
the planned remedial actions at major stages of the cleanup. Local briefings and meetings are
conducted with elected officials and residents and generally take place at:
1) The commencement of a remedial investigation/feasibility study
so that local concerns can be addressed early in the process.
2) The completion of a feasibility study to discuss the alternative
courses of remedial action. There is a 21-day comment period
on the alternatives during which the feasibility study is available
In local repositories.
3) The commencement of the treatment/construction/removal
stage to advise of the expected physical remedial action.
4) The completion of the remedial action.
In addition to the activities outlined above, there is generally ongoing communication with local
officials and residents as required. Depending upon whether the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) or the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is the lead agency in remedial action at a site, community relations activities are conducted by
the relevant State or Federal agency.
In New Jersey, the DEP Community Relations Program is directed by Grace Singer, Chief, Bureau
of Community Relations (609) 984-3081. At Region II, EPA, the Community Relations Coordinator
is Lillian Johnson, (212) 264-2515.
'j;~1
Division of "'azardous Site Mitlgatl(ln
CMtr
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