United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Emergency and
Remedial Response
EPAIRODIR08-93/069
December 1992
PB94-964405
oEPA
Superfund
Record of Decision:
F. E. Warren Air Force Base,
WY
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u. S. Environmental P t t'
Regio~ 11/ Hazardous w~sI; Ion Agency
Te~hnfcal ~nformation Center ..
8~ 1 Chestnut Street 9th FI
Philadelphia. PA 9107 oor
Hazardous Waste Collection
Information Resource Center
US EPA Region 3
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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50272.101
REPORTDOCUMENTA~ON 11. REPORTNO. . 2. 3. Reclplant'a Acc888lon No.
PAGE EPA/ROD/R08-93/069
4. Tltla and Subtitle 5. Raport Data
SUPERFUND RECORD OF DECISION 12/30/92
F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY 6.
First Remedial Action
7. Author(.) 8. Performing Organization Rept. No.
9. Performing Organization Nama and Addr- 10 Project Ta.kJWoltt Unit No.
11. Contract(C) or Grant(G) No.
(C)
(G)
12. Sponsoring Organization Nama and Add..... 13. Type of Report & Parlod Covared
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, s.w. 800/800
Washington, D.C. 20460 14.
15. Supplamantary Nota.
PB94-96440S
16. Abstract (Limit: 200 words)
The F.E. Warren Air Force base site is part of a 5,866-acre active strategic air
command Base located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Land use in the area is predominantly
residential and agricultural. The site contains 831 onsite residential housing units
and personnel barracks. The site overlies a series of water-bearing formations known
as the High Plains aquifer. Historically, the base has been utilized for a number of
military functions, including cavalry outpost, quartermaster depot, and since 1958, as
an operation center for intercontinental ballistic missiles. From 1962 to 1986,
approximately 5 gallons per day of waste battery acid were drained from the sinks in an
onsite building into concrete lined pits, known as "acid dry wells." Prior to 1977,
unneutralized acid was discharged to the system, but subsequently the acid was
neutralized with baking soda or soda ash prior to disposal. In 1986, disposal of waste
acid was discontinued, and the wells and associated structures were removed. Later
that year, the Air Force removed 500 tons of contaminated soil for off site disposal,
filled the excavated areas with clean soil, and covered the areas with gravel. This.
ROD provides the first of seven remedial actions for this site and addresses the acid
dry well area, as OU4. Future RODs will address the spill sites, facility ground water,
landfills, fire protection and training areas, open burning and detonation areas, and
(See Attached Page)
17. Documant Analysl. a. Daacrlptora
Record of Decision - F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY
First Remedial Action
Contaminated Medium: None
Key Contaminants: None
b. IdentiliaralOpan-Endad Tarms
c. COSATI FlaldlOroup
18. Availability Statamant 19. Security Cia.. {ThIs Raport) 21. No. of Pag..
None 16
20. Security Cia.. {ThIs Page) 22. Price
None
(Saa ANSI-Z39.18)
5.. Instructions on R8V81'1U1
OPTIONAL FORM 272 (4.77)
(Formerty NTI8-35)
Dapertmant of Commarca
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EPA/ROD/R08-93/069
F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY
First Remedial Action
Abstract (Continued)
firing ranges, as OUs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Results from the RI for OU4
indicated that actions taken by the Air Force in 1986 have effectively removed all
contaminated soil from the acid dry well area and there are no current risks to human
health and the environment; therefore, there are no contaminants of concern affecting
site.
this
The selected remedial action for this site is no further action, with
monitoring. Previous actions taken by the Air Force have effectively
risks to human health and the environment from this site area. There
or O&M costs associated with this no action remedy.
ground water
removed all current
are no present worth
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OR GOALS:
Not applicable.
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DECLARATION FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION
ACID DRY WELL, OPERABLE UNIT 4
1.0 SITE NAME AND LOCATION
F E Warren Air Force Base
Cheyenne, Wyoming
2.0 STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE
This decision document presents the selected remedial action for Operable
Unit 4 (OU 4), the Acid Dry Well area (ADW) at F E Warren Air Force Base, in
Cheyenne, Wyoming. The selected ~ction, the first at F E Warrer- AFB, was chosen
in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986 (SARA), and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan (NCP). This decision is based on the Administrative Record for the
site. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (BPA) and State of Wyoming
Department of Bnvironmental Quality (WDBQ), as oversight agencies, concur with the
selected remedy. The United States Air Force (USAF) is the lead agency for the
site.
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED REl\1EDY
The selected remedy for the Acid Dry Well (ADW) area is that no further remedial
action is required. Ground-water monitoring will be continued, to confirm that
sulfate is not leaching out of the soil into the ground water and to ensure that no
unacceptable releases to the environment occur.
au 4 is the first of seven operable units to be investigated under the FFA.
The others are: au 1 - Spill Sites; OU 2 - Facility Ground water; OU 3 - Landfills;
OU 5 - Fire Protection Training Areas; au 6 - Open Burning/Open Detonation Area; and
au 7 - Firing Range(s). All of the investigations are being conducted in accordance
with the FFA. Ground water (OU 2) will be concluded when Records of Decision (RODs)
have been prepared for all other operable units.
4.0 DECLARATION STATEMENT
The USAF has determined, with the concurrence of EPA and the WDEQ, that no
further remedial action is required at the ADW area. Ground water monitoring
will be continued. Successful removal of the dry wells and the contaminated soil
was completed in 1986. The Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA) conducted in 1992, as
part of the remedial investigation concluded that sulfate and low-level metal
concentrations in the soil and ground water pose no threat to human health or the
environment.
CERCLA Section l21(C), 42 U.S.C. Section 9621(c), requires a five-year review in
the event that hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants remain on site after
completion of a remedial action. Sulfates attributable to the Acid Dry Well
operation remain in the soil. The Air Force will conduct a review five years after
issuance of this Record of Decision. Additionally, the USAF will have an ongoing
ground water monitoring program.
1
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5.0 SIGNATURE OF AGENCY ACCEPTANCE OF REMEDY (EPA)
The undersigned representative concurs with this Record of Decision for Operable
Unit 4 at F E Warren AFB, Wyoming.
~. 9t'!L---
James. er I
Regiona Administrator
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region VIII .
1J.t<- '!a.o I (1 , L-
Date
2
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:
DECISION SUMMA"OY FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION
ACID DR' ,VELL, OPERABLE UNIT 4
1.0 SITE NAME, LOCATION, AND DESCRIPTION
F B Warren Air Force Base (F E Warren AFB), occupies approximately 5,866
acres immediately adjacent to the west side of the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
F E Warren AFB was placed on the National Priority List on 21 February 1990.
Historically, F E Warren AFB has served a number of military functions, including;
cavalry outpost, quartermaster depot and intercontinental ballistic missile
operations base. Operations began at the US Army outpost named Fort D A Russell in
1867. The name was changed to Fort F B Warren in 1930. F B Warren AFB was a major
training facility during and after World War II. Fort F B Warren was transferred to
the newly formed US Air Force in 1947 and was subsequently named F E Warren AFB.
F E Warren AFB underwent extensive renovation after World War II. The majority of
the Army training facilities were torn down and not replaced. Construction since
that time has centered on facilities for Air Force operations. Beginning in 1958,
F E Warren AFB became a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base. Since then, F E Warren
AFB has served as an operations center for, first, the Atlas Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile (ICBM), followed by the Minuteman I and III and finally, the
Peacekeeper (MX) ICBMs. F E Warren )'3 is now part of Air Combat Command (ACC).
F E Warren AFB is bordered by ag: ,ltural land and rural or suburban
residential areas. F E Warren AFB ccins 831 residential housing units and
several unaccompanied personnel housi. , units (barracks), along with the services
required by residents. The nearest residences to Operable Unit 4 (OU 4), the Acid
Dry Well area, are in Carlin Heights, approximately 1,700 feet to the south; in
"Sergeant's Row", approximately 2,000 feet to the northeast; and four unaccompanied-
enlisted-personnel housing units approximately 1,500 feet to ,the southwest.
2.0 SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Operable Unit 4 (OU 4), the Acid Dry Well area (ADW), is located west of
Building 826 between Third and East Streets, in the Transportation Squadron. About
five gallons per day of waste battery acid were drained from sinks in Building 826
to concrete-lined, 6-foot deep pits referred to as acid dry wells. The wells were
used from 1962 to 1986. Prior to 1977, unneutralized acid was discharged to the
system. After 1977, the acid was neutralized with baking soda or soda ash and then
discharged to the wells. Disposal of the waste acid was discontinued in 1986. In
April 1986, the wells and associated structures were removed. In November 1986, 500
tons of contaminated soil were also removed. The debris from the wells and soil
were sent to an industrial disposal site in Utah. The excavation was filled with
uncontaminated soil and covered with gravel. The site clean up was conducted at the
request and under the direction of the WDEQ. .
On September 26, 1991, a Federal Facility Agreement (FFA) was signed between
the USAF, EPA, and the State of Wyoming. The agreement is required by Section
1.20 of CERCLA. The FFA provides the framework for EPA and WDEQ oversight of
continuing remedial investigations at F E Warren AFB and further identifies USAF
investigation activities and schedules. F E Warren AFB submits work plans and
reports to EPA and WDEQ for review and concurrence, in accordance with the FFA.
The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 4 is the first of seven operable units for
which RODs will be prepared. All RODs will be prepared according to EPA guidance.
3.0 IDGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The USAF has prepared and implemented a community relations plan (CRP) in
accordance with CERCLA requirements, and the FFA. The CRP describes community
involvement activities the USAF will undertake during remedial activities at F E
Warren AFB. The USAF has followed the requirements of the CRP, including issuance
of periodic fact sheets, holding public meetings, providing the opportunity for
public comment on the Proposed Plan, etc., throughout the OU 4 investigation.
1
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5.0 SIGNATURE OF AGENCY ACCEPTANCE OF REMEDY (USAF)
The undersigned representative concurs with
Operable Unit 4 at F E Warren AFB, Wyoming.
~~~U~
Commander, 90th Missile Wing
F E Warren AFB, Wyoming
this Record of Decision for
4
..'
29 DEC 1992
Date
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The Administrative Record has been established at an on-base location. A Record
Repository is located at the Laramie County Public Library. The USAF has prepared
and distributed fact sheets to all persons or groups identified on the CRP mailing
list (approximately 1450) .
The proposed Plan for au 4 was made available to the public on August 9, 1992,
through advertisements in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle on August 9, 1992 and in the
Casper Star-Tribune on August 11, 1992. These advertisements announced and outlined
the public comment period and public meeting. The public comment period was
initially scheduled from August 9 to September 8, 1992. A public meeting was held
at Cheyenne, Wyoming on August 18, 1992. Several oral comments were presented and
are found in the official transcript of the meeting. The transcript has been placed
in the Administrative Record.
Due to limited participation, the public comment period was extended for one
week, to September 15, 1992, to allow further public participation and comment. A
second, informational workshop, public meeting was held on September 1, 1992, at
Cheyenne, Wyoming. Announcements were placed in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle and the
Casper Star-Tribune on August 30, 1992, extending the public comment period and
scheduling a second public meeting. The official transcript of the meeting has been
placed in the Administrative Record.
In addition to the newspaper announcements, the
which resulted in articles published in the Wyoming
The Trader's Shoppers Guide on August 14, 1992; and
on August 28, 1992.
One written submittal with three comments was received during the public
comment period. Responses to comments on the Proposed Plan are presented in the
Responsiveness Summary of this ROD.
USAF issued press releases
Eagle on August 12, 1992;
the F E Warren AFB Sentinel
4 ".0 SCOPE AND ROLE OF OPERABLE UNIT
F E Warren AFB has been divided into seven operable units (OUs). These are:
OU 1- Spill Sites; OU 2- Facility Ground Water; OU 3- Landfills; OU 4- Acid Dry
Well; OU 5- Fire Protection Training Areas; OU 6- Open Burning/Open Detonation
area; and OU 7- Firing Range(s). OU 4 is the first of the seven units to be
investigated under the FFA. Prior to the investigation, it was considered a
potential soil contamination area and potential source for ground-water
contamination. The OU 4 remedial investigation/feasibility study confirmed that
the Air Force conducted a successful removal of the wells and associated struc~ures
and most of the contaminated soil in 1986. It was also confirmed that there is no
risk to human health or the environment from this operable unit. The OU 2
investigation will not be concluded until remedies have been selected for all other
operable units.
5.0 SITE CHARACTERISTICS
F E Warren AFB is underlain by a series of water bearing formations known as the
High Plains Aquifer. The Ogallala Formation is the first major water bearing
zone in the High Plains Aquifer. An alluvial zone (sediment layer), considered
part of the High Plans Aquifer, overlies the Ogallala Formation for under most of
the site. Base flows for Crow and Diamond Creeks are from the ground water at F E
Warren AFB.
A remedial investigation of the ADW area was initiated in January 1992. The
USAF characterized the operable unit, hydrologically and in terms of
contamination, with analytical results from soil .and ground water sampling. The
results of those sampling efforts, and risk assessment, are contained in the Draft
Final Remedial Investigation Report, dated July 29, 1992. The Draft Final
Feasibility Study Report, dated July 29, 1992, describes potential remedial
actions for the area. Potential pathways investigated were: contact with
.contaminated soil and ground water, airborne contamination and leaching of soil
contamination to ground water.
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INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
The.highest soil and ground-water contaminant levels found during the
remedial investigation follow:
PARAMETER
Lead
Cadmium
Zinc
Nickel
Sulfate
~I
22.0
ND (2.0)
28.5
8.5
7250
GROUND WATER
ND (.010)
ND (.005)
ND (.010)
ND (. 040 )
174
.,
Metal concentrations in soil were consistent with background conditions.
Sulfate levels remaining in the soil pose no public health risk. The potential for
sulfate leaching to the ground water at levels exceeding the Wyoming ground water
quality standard is of concern to the State of Wyoming. Sulfate concentrations in
ground water samples were below both the Federal secondary drinking water standard
and the State of Wyoming ground water quality standard of 250 mg/L. There is nc
Federal primary drinking water standard for sulfate.
ORGANIC CBEMI:CALS
Ground-water sampling and analysis showed organic chemical compound
contamination (Trichloroethylene (TCE) and its suspected degradation products),
but its source is not related to the ADW area. TCE detected in ground water
samples at OU 4 is the result of widespread contamination. The remedial
investigation report concluded that the ADW area is not a TCE contamination
source. F E Warren AFB TCE ground water contamination will be addressed during
theOU 2 investigation. .
6.0 SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS
As part of the remedial investigation and feasibility study, the USAF
prepared a Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA) which evaluated the risks associated
with the contamination at the Acid Dry Well area. The BRA consisted of human health
and ecological assessments, including the identification of potential contaminants
of concern, an exposure assessment, a toxicity assessment, risk characterization and
uncertainty analysis. The BRA characterized the current and potential threats to
human health and the environment posed by contaminants:
. migrating in ground water or surface water
. released to the air
. leaching through soil
. remaining in soil or
. bioaccumulating in the food chain
EXPOSCRB ASSESSMENT
Since the acid discharges occurred about six feet below land surface,
transport of contaminants by air and surface runoff were either negligible or
nonexistent. Contaminant concentrations, except sulfate, found in soil samples,
either approximated background, as in the case of metals, or were at levels,
negating a health concern. Sulfates in water were not considered in the exposure
assessment because of the low concentrations present in water, the short duration of
known health effects (diarrhea), and the lack of quantitative toxicity data.
1 Valu.. after ND (non detec:t8ble) are Ibe melhod detection level. Soil valu.. are in milligrama per kilogram (mglkg) and groundwater
valu.. are in milligrama per liter (mglL). Both are equivalent 10 parta per million (ppm).
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TOXICITY ASSBSSMBHT
Metals were detected in samples at concentrations consistent with background
conditione (Le., they are naturally occurring and do not increase risk). Most of
the detected organic chemical compounds were attributable to laboratory
contamination (methylene chloride and phthalates) or to ground water transport into
localized ground water and subsurface soil (i.e., TCB) from upgradient sources.
Scientific studies have found that ingestion of high levels of sulfate in
~ater can cause an acute response (diarrhea) in populations that are not
acclimated to the water. populations which are acclimated can tolerate higher
levels without any apparent health problems. However, the time necessary for
acclimation has not been fully identified. Limited scientific data indicates that
sulfate concentrations in water above 500 mg/L begin to cause a marked increase in
diarrhea in study populations. At sulfate levels above 1,000 mg/L the majority of
the study population developed diarrhea. Three studies on infants found chat when
they ingested water containing a sulfate concentration of 630 mg/L or greater, they
developed diarrhea. The study also found that diarrhea ceased when the intake of
water with sulfate at the above levels stopped.
Sulfate has no known chronic health effects. The Federal secondary drinking
water standard and the State of Wyoming standard for a Class I aquifer are both
250 mg/L. There is no Federal primary drinking water standard for sulfate.
Both the Federal and State standards are based on drinking water quality (taste and
smell) and not the higher levels associated with diarrhea. There are no standards,
on any regulatory level, for sulfates in soil.
The remedial investigation found that the highest analytical result
concentration for ground-water Bulfate, at 174 mg\L, waB below all of the Federal
and State standards identified above. The investigation also found that sulfate
concentrations were below those levelB identified as problematic in scientific
literature diBcusBed previously.
RISIt CHARACTDIZATIOH
The risk assessment found that no contaminantB are present which could pose
threats to human health. Only the posBible effectB on infants ingeBting
ground water with elevated Bulfate concentrations are of potential concern.
There are no drinking water wells in the vicinity of the ADW area. Further
Bulfate concentrations in ground water are below Federal and State standards, and
below the levels identified in scientific literature aB causing diarrhea.
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The results of the remedial investigation indicate there is no threat to
on-Bite biota, other wildlife, or vegetation.
CONCLtJSION
Sulfate in soil iB not a health risk. The current level of sulfate in water
is not a health risk, and is below Federal and State standards. Sulfate in soil
could possibly leach into ground water and raise the level of sulfate in water
above the standards or to a level (500 mg\L) which could cause diarrhea, if
consumed. A factor to consider is the leaching rate of sulfate from soil to
ground water. To date ground-water-monitoring results indicate that the leaching
rate is low. The purpose of the continued ground-water-monitoring program is to
verify sulfate leaching rates.
The conclusion arrived at in the baseline risk assessment was that no further
remedial action is required at the Acid Dry Well area, au 4 to adequately safeguard
human and ecological heal th from contaminant exposures. The actions taken by the
USAF in 1986 effectively removed contaminated soil and thereby mitigated threats to
human health and the environment. Because there is no risk to human health or the
environment, as determined by the Baseline Risk Assessment, additional soil
excavation and disposal is not appropriate.
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7.0 EXPLANATION OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The Proposed Plan, Operable Unit 4, Acid Dry Well area was released for
public comment in August 1992. The preferred alternative was that no further
remedial action is needed and that ground-water monitoring will be used to evaluate
sulfate leaching. The USAF, EPA, and WDEQ reviewed all written and verbal comments
submitted during the public comment period and determined that no significant
changes were necessary to the remedy proposed in the Proposed Plan.
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s
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RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
RECORD OF DECISION
ACID DRY WELL, OPERABLE UNIT 4
INTRODUCTION
""
The responsiveness summary is organized into sections as follows:
A. Overview
B. Background on Community Involvement
C. Summary of Comments Received
D. State Concerns
Attachment: community Relations Activities
at F E Warren APB
A. OVERVIEW
At the time of the public comment period, the preferred alternative for the
Acid Dry Well area, Operable Unit 4, at F E Warren AFB, had been selected by the
Air Force, with EPA and Wyoming DEQ concurrence and was presented in the
Proposed Plan. The preferred alternative is that no further remedial action is
required, with ground-water monitoring to be accomplished to verify that no
unacceptable releases to the environment occur at OU 4 and confirm that sulfate
is not leaching out of the soil into the ground water.
Based on the public's response and comments received during the public
comment period, there are no significant objections to the preferred
alternative.
B: BACKGROUND ON COl\-ll\fiJNlTY INVOLVEMENT
Community interest in CERCLA/IRP (Installation Restoration Program) activities
at F E Warren AFB has waxed and waned over the years since the records search and
interviews conducted for the Air Force in September 1985. No specific individuals
or organizations have been consistently involved over this period, although numerous
groups and persons have been involved from time to time. There were no concerns
expressed during the OU 4, Acid Dry Well area, Remedial Investigation/Feasibility
Study, p~ior to the public comment period.
C. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED
The public comment period on the Proposed Plan for the Acid Dry Well area,
Operable Unit 4, at F E Warren AFB was held from August 9th .to September 15th, 1992.
Comments received during this time are summarized below. Similar comments have been
combined where possible to prevent duplication of responses. There were no specific
legal or technical questions.
1. A comment or stated that they received the proposed Plan on the same day
as the public meeting. This commentator was on a mailing list developed as a
result of the USAF's Community Relations Plan (CRP) for the facility. One
commentor also discussed that another public meeting was being held in the City
of Cheyenne that same night and that the date for the meeting was also primary
election day. One comment or also asked that another public meeting be held.
One written comment referred to the "poor and deceptive publicity" for the
public meetings and that the words "hazardous waste" or "Superfund site" were
not used in relation to the second meeting. The commentor felt this did not
conform to the SPA fact sheet "Public Involvement in the Superfund Program."
Response: The USAF apologizes for the late mailings and for scheduling the
meeting for the same night as other public meetings and on primary election day.
A second, informational workshop, meeting was scheduled for September 1, 1992
and the public comment period was extended until September 15, 1992. These
mailings and announcements are not isolated events, but part of the approved
1
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Community Relations Plan activities which have included periodic status reports
and Fact Sheets that included OU4 information leading up to the Proposed Plan.
See the attachment for more information about community relations activities.
There is no known requirement to include "hazardous waste" or "Superfund Site"
in any public announcement or mailing.
2. A commentor asked how and why F E Warren AFB was placed on the National
Priority List (NPL).
Response: EPA used USAF information to rank F E Warren AFB using the Hazard Ranking
System. This system evaluates the potential or the actual risk to human health
and the environment and a numerical score is calculated. A score of 28.5 or
greater makes the facility eligible for placement on the NPL. F E Warren AFB
scored 33.5, based on the potential risks associated with ground water
contamination.
.-
3. A commentor suggested that ground water sampling for sulfates be
conducted for a minimum of three years, at a biannual frequency. Also that EPA
and WDEQ provide input on the sampling duration and frequency. Another
commentor had a question regarding the sampling frequency. A written comment
was concerned that ground water monitoring would only be accomplished for five
years and that potential contamination could take longer to show up.
Response: During the public meeting, the AF Remedial Project Manager stated
that quarterly sampling would be conducted .for at least a five year period. The
actual interval will be determined by USAF, EPA and WDEQ agreement. Currently,
semi-annual sampling is proposed, based on the rate of ground water movement
through the OU 4 site. The USAF will submit a work plan to both EPA and WDEQ
that will describe the sampling effort. The work plan will not be used until it
is reviewed and accepted by both EPA and WDEQ. A five year review of OU4
is required by the National Contingency Plan. The five year monitoring program
is planned to coincide with the five year review. The Air Force, EPA and State
recognize that new information may be developed during this period or that not
enough data will be collected such that the monitoring may be extended. If the
state or federal water quality standards are exceeded during this period,
alternative responses will be evaluated by the parties and an explanation of
significant differences or ROD amendment will be issued. It should be noted that
use of the Acid Dry Wells began 30 years ago, the wells were removed 6 years ago and
ground-water sulfate levels are currently within EPA and State standards.
4. one commentor asked how the USAF is now handling waste battery acid at.
F E Warren AFB.
Response:
F E Warren AFB is recycling batteries, including the battery acid.
5. one comment or had a question about the source of water flowing into
Sloans Lake and whether the facility is a source for any water into the lake.
Response: Sloans Lake is fed by a number of sources including storm water
runoff, a spring, and water piped in from the Round Top water treatment plant.
None of these sources are from F E Warren AFB. Sloans Lake is generally upgradient
of F E Warren AFB. .
6. One comment or asked why an excavation and disposal alternative was not
chosen. one commentor asked what the potential cost could be for excavation and
disposal.
Response: The USAF proposed the no further action alternative because the
Baseline Risk Assessment, conducted as part of the remedial investigation, found
no human health and environmental risk at the Acid Dry Well area. During the
public meeting, the Air Force project manager stated that the cost to dispose of
the soil and sulfates properly in the Cheyenne Municipal Landfill (i.e., landfill
fees) was estimated at $10,000. The total cost to remove the soil containing
sulfates and dispose of it (excavation, transportation, clean fill, fees, ete)
is estimated in the Feasibility Study Report to have a present worth of $79,000.
2
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.,
7. One commenter suggested that excavation and disposal be the chosen
remedy to alleviate ground water contamination.
a..pon..: As di.cussed in the Record of Decision (ROD), ground-water sampling
and analysis has shown that the SPA secondary drinking water and State of
Wyoming ground water quality standards are being met. There is no standard for
sulfate levels in soil. A factor to consider is the leaching rate of sulfate
from soil to ground water. While the ooncentration of sulfates in soils may
appear high, ground-water monitoring results indicate that the leaching rate is
low and is not affecting ground-water quality. One purpose of the continued
ground-water monitoring program is to determine sulfate leaching rates over a
long period of time. Because there is no risk to human health or the
environment, as determined by the Baseline Risk Assessment, excavation and
disposal is not appropriate.
8. One commentor asked why a public meeting was held to discuss the
proposed plan, when the preferred alternative was no further action.
R.spon.e: CBRCLA has a provision for public participation to discuss the
public's opinions of the proposed alternative. The public meeting and public
comment period on the proposed plan are one of the means to receive public
comments on the proposed plan and to find out what the public feels about the
issue.
9. One commentor asked if the facility sends any garbage to the Cheyenne
landfill.
Re.pon.e: The USAF contracts with the
the facility to the Cheyenne landfill.
sent to the landfill. Soil containing
if excavated.
City of Cheyenne to send solid waste from
Hazardous materials or waste are not
sulfates could be sent to the landfill,
10.
One commentor asked if the USAF recycles anything at F S Warren AFB.
Re.pOD'.: The USAF has instituted a recycling program at F B Warren AFB for
aluminum, newspaper, tin cans, steel and cardboard. Further recycling programs are
also being developed.
11. One commentor was concerned that BPA would not conduct remedial
activities at F B Warren AFB because of cost.
R.sponse: BPA will not be conducting any remedial activities at F B Warren AFB.
Congress established the Defense Environmental Restoration Account (DERA) which
provides the Department of Defense (DOD) with a funding mechanism to pay for
military facility remediation. DBRA is analogous to BPA's Superfund, but only
DOD agencies can request funding from the account. The Air Force is required to
seek sufficie~t funding to carry out remediation activities called for" in the
Federal Facility Agreement.
12. A written caament recommended that 002 (Ground water) be cleaned up
first because of the TCB contamination.
R..pon.e: The current, phased approach, is outlined in the Federal Facility
Agreement. since Operable units 1, 3, ", 5, 6 and 7 may be sources for the
ground water cCatamination, the Air Force, EPA and State of Wyoming agreed that
OU2 would be addre..ed last to allow for elimination of as many potential
sources as pos.ibl..
D. STATE CONCERNS
" The State of Wyoming is concerned that elevated levels of sulfate in the soil
at Operable unit" could leach into the ground water at the operable unit, raising
the sulfate level in ground water above the Wyoming standard of 250 mg/L for a
Class I aquifer. The monitoring program addresses the State's concerns.
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ATTACHMENT A
COMl\RJNlTY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES
AT F E WARREN AFB
ovnVJ:n
,,,
The unique community involvement needs of F E Warren AFB IRP/CERCLA
activities are addressed in the Communty Relations Plan (CRP). In late 1990,
during plan development, interviews were held with 56 people representing F E
Warren AFB, other Federal agencies, State, city and county agencies, community
groups, wel~owners, and other individuals. The most significant issues
identified in the interviews were concerns about potential drinking water
contamination and about the community involvement process. A brief description
of each of the activities which have been developed to address the unique F E
Warren AFB situation is contained in this attachment.
HISTORY OF COIGmNITY IRVOLV'BMBH'r
News releases and articles in the Cheyenne and F E Warren AFB newspapers have
been part of the IRP process since 1985. Briefings were provided to congressional
staffs, the Governor, and mayor in addition to Federal agencies, Wyoming State
departments, and local government officials directly responsible for resources
potentially affected by the IRP process. Presentations were made to various
community groups such as Optimist Club, Military Affairs Committee, Civilian
Advisory Council, Society of American Military Engineers, and Wyoming Against
MX. Information was disseminated at F E Warren AFB through the Commanders Call
which reaches all enlisted personnel through the command structure.
The Technical Review Committee was established as part of the IRP/Superfund
process and had its first meeting in May of 1988. The three initial public
members were nominated by the Governor of Wyoming, Mayor of Cheyenne, and
Laramie County commission. This committee's membership and a general knowledge
of the community, served as the initial basis for the selection of people to be
interviewed. One of the peripheral goals of the interview process was to
provide a list of potential candidates for the public representatives on the
TRC. .
An environmental display was presented in July 1990 in the Base Exchange
Mall. pictures of all IRP sites were displayed. Site specific fact sheets,
environmental brochures, and EPA literature were made available.
The process designed to tailor the CRP to local concerns, needs, and
conditions began in February 1990 with interviews of a former base commander and
a concerned citizen who are both involved in a variety of groups within the
community. Interviews were also held at the regular March meeting of Wyoming
Against MX, attended by 4 Air Force, 2 EPA, and 1 State official working on the
IRP/Superfund process, in addition to 10 members of the group itself. These
initial public contacts focused on identifying critical public concerns. .
The purpose of the community interviews was to identify groups and issues
which may relate to the F. E. Warren AFB IRP/Superfund process. Thirty-four
interviews were conducted with 56 people, either representing themselves or 20
groups within the area. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and
City/County Health were particularly helpful in accompanying interviewers.
Among the people interviewed were congressional staffers, an official Air
Force representative, F E Warren AFB housing residents, non-DOD Federal agencies and
state and local government agencies. Among community groups a wide range of
interests were sampled. There were three individuals identified as involved with a
variety of groups, but viewed as reputational leaders beyond their group
membership. .
Special emphasis was placed on interviewing those who rely on private wells
adjacent to F E Warren AFB for drinking water. An introductory letter, Fact Shee:.
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and discussion guide were prepared for the interviews. The Fact Sheet was actually
a ~tatus report on the IRP/Superfund process with a brief description of each of the
sites. The purpose of the status report was to provide information and a basis of
discussion for those who might not have heard of the program and included an
installation map with the sites and key features of P B Warren APB and immediate
surrounding area designated. These fact sheets and the introductory letter were
made available for distribution to all interested parties.
Interviews took place in October and November 1990, with a few follow-up
interviews and phone conversations continuing into December.
During the interview process it was recognized that some neighborhoods
located on the south boundary of P B Warren AFB depend on domestic wells for
drinking water. An agreement was made with the City/County Health Department and
Wyoming Department of Bnvironmental Quality to process a small number of water
samples, if residents requested it. Sample taking was done December 4th and 5th,
1990 by a conjunctive effort of DBQ, City/County Health, and BPA personnel.
ISSUBS AND CONCDBS
Based on the community interviews, IRP/Superfund activities are not a source
of significant concern to the greater Cheyenne coamunity. This is due prima:dly
to the fact that the contamination is seen as being contained within F B Warren
AFB. The potential for drinking water contamination is the most significant
issue associated with the IRP/Superfund process. Awareness of this issue beyond
those who were involved with the process was practically nonexistent.
None of the drinking water well users contacted in the interviews were aware
of the IRP/Superfund process or the potential contamination. The initial
reaction of wellowners was extreme concern. However, after being provided
information about the IRP/Superfund activities and an opportunity to have wells
tested by City/County Health and the Wyoming Department of Environmental
Quality, their concern decreased. They continue to have a high level of
interest and awareness, and want to be kept informed on a regular basis.
The need to keep the cOllllllUDity informed and involved was mentioned
frequently in the interviews. In the business community, there was confidence
in the Air Force's ability to solve the problem. Other groups, such as Wyoming
Against the MX, and the potentially affected neighborhoods, indicated a need for
greater community information and involvement than had been provided prior to
the interviews and adoption of the Community Relations Plan.
The community relations program for the IRP/Superfund activities is designed
to inform the public about and provide opportunities for participation in the
process. To be effective, the cOllllllUDity relations program will be responsive to
the level of interest expressed by the community. At this time, the primary
need voiced by the public is to be kept well informed of the status of
activities and involved in the decision making process.
The potential for TCB contamination in the ground water surrounding P B
Warren APB is the most sensitive issue identified in the community interviews
associated with the entire IRP/Superfund process. Continuation of the
arrangements for individual well sampling provides an immediate response to
public concerD8.
SPECIAL COJlSmDA'nOllS
Interviews with residents in the Knob Hill and Pair Acres neighborhoods
revealed that direct contact with members of the neighborhood is the most
effective method 6f providing necessary information.
ADMcrNISTRATrvw RECORD REPOSITORY
An Administrative Record Repository containing documentatiOn of the
IRP/CBRCLA process was established in October 1989 and is maintained at the
following locations to insure accessibility.
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Laramie County Library
Reference Section
2800 Central Avenue
Cheyenne WY 82001
Phone (307) 634-3561
90 CBS/CBVR
Environmental Restoration Section
300 Vesle Drive .
F. S. Warren AFB WY 82005-2793
Phone (307) 775-3468
This record is maintained according to SPA guidelines, by the Environmental
Restoration Plight, and is updated at least quarterly. The Administrative
Record Repository also functions as the required information repository. A copy
of the Administrative Record is housed in the Laramie County Library reference
section to insure public access. .
'0
TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMJ:T'l'BB
Procedures to establish the TRC began in November 1987. Actual meetings
began in May of 1988. They are held quarterly, generally on the fourth
Wednesday in January, April, July and October. TRC public members were
nominated by the Governor of Wyoming, Laramie County and the city of Cheyenne,
Wyoming. The purposes of the committee are as follows:
1.
The purpose of the TRC is to review and comment on Department of
Defense actions and proposed actions with respect to releases or
threatened releases of hazardous substances into the environment at
F E Warren AFB, as well as to ensure open communication and exchange
of ideas relating to the F E Warren AFB IRP and Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act - CERCLA,
1980, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, 1986, and the
Resource Conservation and Restoration Act, 1976.
2.
All TRC members understand and agree that the primary purpose and
function of the TRC is informational, specifically to foster
community and interagency awareness and understanding of P E Warren
AFB actions with respect to the IRP remedial actions related to the
releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at F E
Warren AFB , Wyoming, and to inform F E Warren AFB of community
attitudes. The TRC also serves as the entity to deal with public
concerns regarding hazardous substance releases and the IRP.
MAILING LIST
A major part of the public relations activities is the mailing list. In an
attempt to proactively contact the 2,300 wellowners identified in the EPA
Superfund ranking, F E Warren sent a general mailing to wellowners within a
3-mile radius. The Wyoming State Engineer's Office provided the
mailing list of wellowners. The mailing included a brief status report and a
coupon to be mailed back if the wellowner wanted to be added to the mailing list
for distribution of later status reports. This activity resulted in the
current list that has about 1450 names on it. The mailing list is maintained in
the P B Warren AFB Public Affairs Office. Anyone who desires to be included on
the list should contact either of the following offices.
90 'tIfIl/PA
5305 Randall Ave
F E Warren AFB WY 82005-2271
Phone (307) 775-3381
90 CBS/CBVR
300 Vesle Drive
F E Warren AFB WY 82005-2793
Phone (307) 775-3468
INFORMATION CORTACT
An information contact person has been designated within the F E Warren AFB
Environmental Restoration Section to maintain regular contact with the
ccmmunity. This person will be responsible for responding to requests for
i:: ormation and planning and scheduling activities included in the plan. The
preparation of materials for public distribution will be coordinated with the
Public Affairs Office. General public information requests should be directed
to (307) 775-3468. The media contact for F B Warren AFB is the Public Affairs
Office at (307) 775-3381.
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Additional environmental concerns may be presented through a 24-hour hotline
phone that has been established. The phone number is (307) 775-3242. This
phone is monitored on a daily basis by the Environmental Management Flight. The
hotline is publicized through quarterly status reports, in press releases and
public meetings.
DRIRXING WATER WBLL SAMPLING
City/County Health Department has been sampling wells south of F E Warren AFB
since 1988. At the outset of the interview process, it became evident that
owners of private drinking water wells south of F E Warren APB were not aware of the
IRP/Superfund process or any potential contamination. Air Force concern
prompted an agreement for water sampling made with City/County Health and
Wyoming State Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Section (WDEQ)
to provide for the testing of wells for concerned citizens. The agreement was
to cover less than 10 wells. During the interview process, some concerns
bordering on alarm were encountered. Such concerns were lowered with the
testing procedure. City/County Health and DEQ have a responsibility for
citizens health and safety. They did the testing as a part of their normal
activities. The testing was not part of the technical scientific sampling done
for the IRP/Superfund process because the criteria for sampling was solely based
on individual citizen concerns. The testing took place on December 4 and
December 5, 1990. In addition to the City/County Health and DEQ personnel, two
EPA staff from the Denver Office assisted. .
No significant concentrations of contamination were detected. The test
results were presented by individual meetings with all wellowners whose wells
were tested. These meetings were held by WDEQ with an EPA toxicologist present.
Courtesy copies were provided by DEQ to all involved agencies including the Air
Force. AF, DEQ, and EPA scheduled an availability session to provide an
op~ortunity for Nob Hill and Fair Acres residents to discuss DEQ testing.
au 4 RELATED ACTrvITIBS
Operable Unit 4 has been addressed in Fact Sheets, Status Reports,
newspaper advertisements and articles since Fact Sheet 1 was prepared in
October 1990 for the initial interviews. Fact Sheet 1 was mailed with the
wellowners letter in MAy, 1991. After the Federal Facility Agreement became
effective, a Status ~date Report was distributed on December 12, 1991 with
information on all of the operable units. On February 13, 1992 another Status
Update Report was issued with au 4 information along with a specific Fact Sheet
on au 4. On June 5, 1992 a third Status ~date Report provided additional OU 4
information. The Proposed Plan for Operable Unit 4 was prepare~in August,
1992. A display advertisement concerning the Proposed Plan and (first) public
meeting was placed in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle on August 9, 1992. Another
public announcement was placed in the Casper Star-Tribune on August 11, 1992,
and a copy of the Proposed Plan with the notice of the meeting was sent to all
persons on the mailing list. A copy of the unformatted (draft final) Proposed
Plan was placed in the Administrative Record and the Laramie County Library
Records Repository on August 10, 1992. The formatted (mailed\final) Proposed
Plan replaced the unformatted one in the Administrative Record and Repository on
September 21, 1992. Because of a mistake with the mailing, the public comment
period was extended until September 15, 1992 and a second, informational
workshop, meeting was scheduled. Display advertisements announcing the comment
period extension and the informational workshop were published on August 30,
1992 in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle and the Casper Star-Tribune. A notice was
sent to all individuals on the mailing list during the week of 24 August 1992.
All of the newspaper advertisements and the mailings were coordinated between
the Air Force, EPA and Wyoming DEQ before publication or distribution. In
addition to the paid advertisements, the Air Force issued press.releases which
resulted in articles published in the Wyoming Eagle on August 12, 1992; the
Trader's Shoppers Guide on August 14, 1992 and the F E Warren AFB Sentinel on
August 28, 1992. Following the informational meeting the Wyoming Eagle
published an article on September 3, 1992. On September 26, 1992 a series of
articles was published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, with references to all of
the Operable Units, including OU 4.
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