United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Emergency and
Remedial Response
EPA/ROD/R05-83/005
June 1983
Superfund
Record of
New Brighton Site, MN
(Interim Water Treatment)
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA/ROD/R05-83/005
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
SUPERFUND RECORD OF DECISION:
New Brighton Site, MN (Interim Water Treatment)
5. REPORT DATE
06/24/83
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final ROD Report
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
800/00
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
The municipal drinking water wells in the City of New Brighton/Arden Hills were
found to be contaminated with volatile organic solvents in June 1981. The City
opened two new wells in 1982 to reach a lower non-contaminated water aquifer. Sine'-
discovery of the contamination, the levels of hazardous substances have increased
the remaining undeepened municipal wells. The city is presently drilling two
additional deeper wells. However, these new wells will not be available until the
end of the year. Despite water restrictions, anticipated summertime peak demands for
water will not be met without drawing water from contaminated wells.
The cost-effective initial remedial measure (IRM) selected for this site is
treatment of the New Brighton/Arden Hills wells #5 and #6 with granular activated
carbon to meet anticipated peak summertime demands. The capital cost for this IRM
is estimated to be $150,400 and O&M costs are $30,526 for four months.
Key Words: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Potable Water Supply, DOD, Federal
Facilities, Off-Base Contamination, Fire Protection
7.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
Record of Decision:
New.Brighton Site, MN (Interim Water
Treatment)
Contaminated media: gw
Key contaminants: VOCs, solvents, TCE
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
None
21. NO. OF PAGES
24
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page/
None
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (R«». 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
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ROD ISSUES ABSTRACT
Site; New Brighton/Arden Hills, Minnesota
Region; V
AA, OSWER
Briefing Datet June 24, 1983
SITE DESCRIPTION
The municipal drinking water wells in the City of New Brighton/
Arden Hills were found to be contaminated with volatile organic sol-
vents in June 1981. The City opened two new wells in 1982 to reach a
lower non-contaminated water aquifer. Since discovery of the contami-
nation, the levels of hazardous substances have increased in the re-
maining undeepened municipal wells. The city is presently drilling two
additional deeper wells. However, these new wells will not be avail-
able until the end of the year. Despite water restrictions, antici-
pated summertime peak demands for water will not be met without drawing
water from contaminated wells.
SELECTED ALTERNATIVE
The cost-effective initial remedial measure (IRM) selected for this
site is treatment of the New Brighton/Arden Hills wells #5 and #6 with
granular activated carbon to meet anticipated peak summertime demands.
The capital cost for this IRM is estimated to be $150,400 and O&M costs
are $30,526 for four months.
ISSUES AND RESOLUTIONS KEY WORDS
1. A fast-track RI/FS was conducted to assess . Granular Activated
alternatives to provide the City with pota- Carbon (GAC)
ble water to meet anticipated summertime . Potable Water
peak demands. The FS recommended a hydrau- Supply
lie connection with a neighboring commu-
nity's water system. The City objected due to
taste and odor problems with the nearby system
and requested that granular activated carbon
(GAC) be used for treating the contaminated
wells. As a result the cost estimate for car-
bon treatment was reevaluated. Based on new
information from the prospective suppliers of
the treatment system, the revised costs were
estimated to be essentially the same as a con-
nection to the nearby water system. There-
fore, the feasibility study was amended and
carbon treatment was recommended.
-1-
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New Brighton/Arden Hills, Minnesota
June 24, 1983
Continued
ISSUES AND RESOLUTIONS KEY WORDS
Fund-financed response actions are not autho- . Federal Facilities
rized for releases from Federal facilities.
The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, a Fed-
eral facility, is one of several potential
sources of contamination. However, fund-
financed response actions were authorized
because it has not been determined that the
problems addressed in the IRM originate from
the Federal facility.
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JUN 24
RECORD OF DECISION
Initial Remedial Measure
SITE: New Brighton/Arden Hills Site
New Brighton, Minnesota
ANALYSIS REVIEWED:
I have reviewed the following documents describing the analysis
of cost-effectiveness of remedial alternatives at the New
Brighton/Arden Hills Site:
- Remedial Action Master Plan, New Brighton, CH2M Hill,
January 29, 1983.
- Focused Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study,
New Brighton, CHgM Hill, May 29, 1983.
- Resolution of the City Council of New Brighton
No. 83-69, May 24, 1983.
- Staff summaries and recommendations.
DESCRIPTION OF SCHEDULED OPTION:
- Interim Water treatment system for the City of
New Brighton wells #5 and #6 for peak demand
periods for the summer using granular activated
carbon (project duration 4 months).
DECLARATIONS:
Consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), and the National
Contingency Plan (40 CFR Part 300), I have consulted with the
State of Minnesota prior to determining the appropriate remedial
action. I have determined that the granular activated carbon
treatment for the New Brighton Site is a feasible and cost-
effective remedial action necessary to protect public health
and the environment. I have also determined that the action
being taken is appropriate when balanced against the resources
available in the Trust Fund and the need to respond at other
sites.
Lee M.Thomas
Acting Assistant Administrator
Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response
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I UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
f WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
June 22, 1983
OFFICE OF
GENERAL. COUNSEL.
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: New Brighton/Arden Hills Site
FROM: Lisa K.
Associate Generar Counsel
Solid Waste St Emergency Response
Division (LE-132S)
TO: Lee M. Thomas
Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste
and Emergency Response (WH-562A)
I concur in your decision to undertake an initial remedial
action (IRM) at the New Brighton/Arden Hills site on the follow-
ing condition: that the Agency has not determined that the
problems to be addressed by the IRM result from a release from
a Federally-owned facility.
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New Brighton/Arden Hills Site
Remedial Action
Briefing Document
Purpose of this briefing is to obtain AA approval for the initial
remedial measure recommended by the Region and the State for the
New Brighton/Arden Hills Site. A "Record of Decision" has been
prepared to document the approval.
The New Brighton/Arden Hills Site is contaminated with volatile
organic solvents found in drinking water. The plume has spread.
over approximately 18 square miles potentially contaminating
the drinking water supplies of 48,000 residents. Source(s) for
the contamination have not been positively identified.
This contamination was found in New Brighton 's municipal drinking
water wells in June 1981. The City of New Brighton deepened two
city wells in 1982 to reach a lower noncontaminated water aquifer.
Since discovery of the contamination, the levels of hazardous
substances have increased in the undeepened municipal wells.
The City of New Brighton is presently drilling two additional
deeper wells. Although this program is progressing as fast as
possible, these new wells will not be available until late this
year.
Despite water restrictions, anticipated summertime peak demands
for water will not be able to be met without drawing water from
contaminated wells. The New Brighton water system does not blend
the water as it is pumped from the municipal wells; therefore,
the contaminated ground water will not be diluted by blending
with uncontaminated water.
The City engineer of New Brighton estimates that an additional
2 million gallons per day (mgd) capacity will be required to
meet peak summer demands, although normal use should require
only an average of 1 mgd. Recognizing the need for expeditious
remedial action, EPA conducted a fast-track RI/FS to assess
available alternative actions.
CH2M Hill completed a RI/FS in May 1983,
were considered:
Three alternatives
Hydrologic connection to a
Minneapolis water reservoir
Treatment of New Lrighton
municipal wells #5 and #6
with granular activated carbon
Treatment of New Brighton
municipal wells #5 and #6
with air stripping
$185,209
$180,926
$144,865
2-3 weeks for
implementation
2-3 weeks for
implementation
6-7 weeks for
implementation
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— 2—
The costs noted above include the present worth cost of both
capital and 0 & M costs for the project life which is four (4)
months.
A public meeting was held in New Brighton, Minnesota on" May 23,
1983. Approximately 40 people attended. The State presented a
brief background .on what is known about the contamination problem.
The CH2M Hill Project Officer presented a summary of results and
the recommended initial remedial measure to those in attendance
for review and comment. The recommended alternative was connection
to the Minneapolis water supply. There was some concern among
those present regarding the pipeline connection to Minneapolis
due to perceived taste and odor problems with this water during
summer months. U.S. EPA informed the public that additional
comments could be submitted during the two-week period following
the meeting. Copies of the feasibility study were made available
to the public on May 26, 1983. The two-week public comment period
ended on June 9, 1983. The only written comment received was a
resolution from the City Council of New Brighton (See Attachment D)
The resolution requested treatment of the New Brighton wells with
granular activated carbon.
Based on consideration of public comments and review of the CH2M
Hill FS and addendum (copy attached), EPA has determined that
granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment of the municipal water
wells # 5 and # 6 is the appropriate initial remedial measure to
be implemented. The Regional Office of Drinking Water, the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of
Health and the City of New Brighton concur in this decision.
The installation of GAC constitutes one part of the IRM. Private
drinking wells and the City of St. Anthony will be addressed
later in a separate Record of Decision.
This "Record of Decision" certifies that:
The selected initial remedial measure is a cost-effective
remedy for the site.
- The selected initial remedial measure will effectively
protect the public health.
Monies are available in the Fund to finance the remedy.
Presently there is no enforcement action on-going with this site.
Letters were sent to potential responsible parties on June 6,1983
notifying the parties of the recommended IRM and giving them
seven (7) days to inform U.S. EPA if they wish to perform this
IRM.
The following actions are required to move this IRM into constructi
Approve recommended IRM AA, OSWER
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Enforcement release U.S. EPA - Region V
Notification time (7 days) to
potential responsible parties
Approve proposed cooperative agreement - Awarded June 17, 1983
Design IRM U.S. EPA - Region V
Construct IRM U.S. EPA - Region V
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Remedial Implementation Alternative Selection
New Brighton/Arden Hills Site
New Brighton, Minnesota
June 3, 1983
HISTORY
The New Brighton/Arden Hills Site is located immediately north of
Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Minnesota (See Attachment A). in June
1981, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) found solvent contamination
of the groundwater used for drinking water in the City of New
Brighton and surrounding communities. More than 150 area wells
have been sampled by the State of Minnesota, the U.S. EPA Field
Investigation Team (FIT), and Army contractors. Fifteen volatile
organic priority pollutants were found. Although the major
contaminant is trichloroethylene (TCE), each well contaminated
by TCE is typically also contaminated with other volatile organic
chemicals. Contaminant concentrations occur at levels warranting
serious concern over potential adverse impacts upon public health.
MDH has ordered several municipal and private wells closed.
Retests, although few in number, have indicated increasing
concentrations of some contaminants. The U.S. Army is a potential
source of contamination at the site. However, the RI/FS has not
been completed and it is not possible to determine that the
problems at New Brighton result from a release from a federal
facility.
The most probable source(s) of the groundwater contamination lies
within Ramsey County, northeast of the City of New Brighton, a
suburb of the Twin Cities. The identified plume of contaminated
groundwater underlies approximately 18 square miles of Ramsey
and Hennepin Counties. Several potential sites have been identified
so that each may be the primary and/or a contributing source of
the contamination.
A draft Remedial Action Master Plan (RAMP) for this site was
prepared and submitted to U.S. EPA Region V in late 1982. On
May 2, 1983, a feasibility study for a temporary water supply
for the cities of New Brighton and St. Anthony and several
private homes on private wells was authorized by U.S. EPA
Headquarters. A preliminary site investigation by the feasibility
study contractor (CH2M Hill), MPCA, and the regional U.S. EPA
Project Officer was conducted on May 9 to 11, 1983. Discussions
with City officials and MPCA staff indicated that, of the three
study areas, New Brighton had the most immediate need for a
temporary, drinking water source to augment existing supplies
over the peak (summertime) demand period. Without temporary
augmentation in New Brighton starting in June, either: (1) severe
water pressure drops could occur in the City distribution system
due to inadequate supply, thereby creating a significant risk
in the event of a major fire, or (2) contaminated wells would
have to be pumped, thereby violating an MDH ban on their use and
exposing the population to a contaminated water source.
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Because New Brighton's need is immediate compared to the other
two study areas, the feasibility study addressed only New Brighton,
The other study areas will be addressed in later feasibility
CURRENT STATUS
Prior to June 1981, New Brighton operated eight municipal wells,
designated Wells 2 through 9. Contamination was detected in all
wells but in significantly varying degrees. In response to a
MDH order, the City embarked on a program to provide residents
with a noncontaminated water supply. Following a comprehensive
study by the City, they concluded that the best long-term solution
was to deepen existing wells into the noncontaminated Mt. Simon/
Hinckley aquifer where possible, and/or develop new wells into
this formation if necessary. Wells 8 and 9 have already been
deepened. Wells 2 and 7 have trace levels of contamination.
Wells 2, 7, 8, and 9 are currently in service and supply a total
capacity of 5.1 mgd. However, during the summer peak-use period
(June 1 to October 1), maximum daily water demands run as high
as three times the average daily rate, or 7.5 mgd. Consequently,
City engineers are projecting a summer peak period shortfall of
approximately 2.4 mgd. The construction of Wells 10 and 11,
originally planned for startup in early 1983, has been delayed
due to unforeseen drilling problems. It is believed however
that these wells will be producing by late 1983.
In discussions with New Brighton City engineers, and a review
of historical water demands, it has 'been agreed that a temporary
summertime water augmentation of approximately 2.0 mgd will
provide the .City with enough capacity to meet their peak require-
ments and that an average quantity of 1 mgd will be required.
Further, if treatment and use of an existing well source is to
be considered, the only likely candidates are Wells 5 and 6 due
to their capacity (2.2 mgd total), location, and ability to
integrate a treatment system quickly. Wei Is 5 and 6 are currently
used only for emergency standby since the contamination levels
in the wells exceed State standards.
The feasibility study and addedum published by Cl^MHill in May
1983, identified three alternatives as an initial remedial measure
for the New Brighton/Arden Hills Site as follows:
Hydrologic connection to a $185,209*
Minneapolis water reservoir
Treatment of New Brighton Municipal
Wells 15 & 6 with granular activated carbon $180,926*
Treatment of New Brighton Municipal
Wells 15 & 6 with air stripping $144,865* +
* (Present worth cost for capital and O&M costs for life of
the project - 4 months).
+ Implementation would take 6-7 weeks as compared to 2-3 weeks
for the other alternatives.
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Each of the alternatives summarized above would provide adequate
protection of public health, welfare and the environment.
On May 23, 1983, at a public meeting in New Brighton, Minnesota
the findings 'and recommendations of the CH2M Hill report were
presented by the CH2M Hill Project Officer. MPCA, MDH, and
U.S. EPA Region V were also at the meeting. The residents in
attendance raised objections to the use of Minneapolis water due
to perceived taste and odor problems. Members of the City Council
of New Brighton also share this concern. The Minneapolis water
according to MPCA files does have trace amounts of contaminants
in it.
Following the public meeting, the feasibility study was made
available to the public for a comment period of two weeks. The
feasibility study was sent to U.S. EPA Headquarters for review
prior to release. Regional Counsel and the Regional Response
Branch also reviewed the feasibility study. The City of New
Brighton and MPCA also reviewed and commented on the feasibility
study prior to public release. Based on review of all available
data, findings, recommendations of current and past technical
studies, and public comments, the Region (in concurrence with
the Regional Office of Drinking Water Quality) recommend approval
of treating wells No. 5 and 6 using granular activated carbon.
The system would utilize 80,000 pounds of virgin activated carbon
approved for potable water service. The system would provide 13
minutes contact time at a total design flow rate of 1500 gpm.
The length of the project is 4 months. Total capital costs and
O&M costs are shown in Attachment B. Testing of the water for
water quality will be done by the City of New Brighton.
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE
Section 300.68(e)(l) of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances
Contingency Plan (NCP) states that initial remedial measures
should be taken when they are determined to be feasible, cost-
effective, and necessary to limit exposure to a significant
health hazard. Based on our evaluation of the cost-effectiveness
of each of the proposed alternatives, the comments received from
the public and the City Council of New Brighton, information
from the State (MPCA and MDH) and from the Regional Office of
Drinking Water, we have determined that the IRM utilizing granular
activated carbon meets the NCP criteria.
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PROPOSED ACTION
We request your approval of this IRM for granular activated carbon
for treatment of municipal water wells 5 and 6 in New Brighton,
Minnesota. Attachments B-D -provide additional information to
support the documentation for this decision.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Advise and receive bids U.S. EPA (CI^M Hill) Completed
Design and construction of Following bid receipt,
selected IRM tabulation, and recommendation
of award
If you have any questions please call Karen Waldvogel at
(312) 886-7573.
Attachments as noted
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1
ADDENDUM NUMBER 1
TO
DRAFT FEASIBILITY STUDY
TEMPORARY WATER SUPPLY
NEW BRIGHTON, MN
MAY 27, 1983
As indicated in a footnote in Section 9, page 9-1, of the
subject Feasibility Study, it was anticipated that the acti-
vated carbon system supplier, whose equipment and costs were
used in the study, would submit a revised proposal. This
proposal was received and evaluated and is the subject of
this addendum.
The purpose of any Feasibility Study is to evaluate alterna-
tives and recommend the most cost-effective solution to the
problem consistent with sound engineering principles and
judgement. VJith this in mind, the referenced Feasibility
Study recommended that a temporary pipeline be installed
from Minneapolis' Hilltop Reservoir to New Brighton's dis-
tribution and storage system at an evaluated cost of
$1.76/1,000 gallons of water used. The activated carbon
alternative was.evaluated at §1.98/1,000 gallons (See
Table 8-1).
The carbon system supplier's revised proposal contained
several significant addition's, at no additional cost, which
had the effect of eliminating the previously applied cost
contingency of $27,200 (Table 6-1) and reducing their evalu-
ated cost to $1.72/1,000 gallons. The table below summarizes
the revised carbon system costs. Refer to Tables 6-1, 6-2 and
8-1 for previous cost figures.
TOTAL COSTS
CARBON ALTERNATIVE (REVISED)
Carbon System Lease $136,000
Power & Pipe Connections 5,000
Subtotal, Facilities 141,000
Engineering, CM 9,400
Contingency . 0_
Project Capital Estimate . 150,400
O&M Costs • 30,526
Total .Project Cost $180,926
Water Rate, $/l,000 gallons $1.72
(At 105 days and 105 MG)
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Further, in an attempt to offset the potential risks with
the carbon system described in Sections 6 and 8 (pages 6-3,
8-1 and 8-3), the carbon system supplier has proposed to
1) provide an equipment or operational performance bond
equal to their proposal price ($136,000) at no additional
cost, and 2) provide up to an additional 80,000 Ibs of virgin
carbon if premature break through of contamina-
tion occurs before the 105 day performance period ends.
All of the above considerations, coupled with the New Brighton
water department and city council's expressed desire for an
activated carbon system over the pipeline alternative, have
necessitated a concerted and critical reevaluation of the
previous pipeline system recommendation. "At this time,
based on the available information, the most cost-effective
choice now appears to be the carbon system. Further, it is
believed that any accompanying risks with this acknowledged
novel system design can be offset by the proposed performance
bond. Consequently, the recommendation of this feasibility
study should be changed from the pipeline alternative to the
carbon alternative, subject to negotiation of contract terms
with the carbon system supplier.
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June 1, 1983
Ms. Karen Waldvogel
U.S. EPA
Region V
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
TEMPORARY WATER SUPPLY
CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON, MINNESOTA
Karen, enclosed is a resolution adopted by the New Brighton City
Council on May 24, 1983 requesting the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency to provide a temporary water supply to meet
Summer water needs and stating a strong preference for the carbon
adsorption option discussed in the May 26, 1983 draft feasibility
study prepared by CH2M Hill.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide City input.
Sincerely,
/ ^
Leslie J. Proper, P.E.
Director of Public Works
mh
End osure
cc: Steve Lee, MPCA
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RESOLUTION TlO 83-69
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON
RESOLUTION -REQUESTING U.S.- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO
PROVIDE TEMPORARY WATER SUPPLY AND STATING PREFERENCE FOR CARBON
ADSORPTION OPTION
WHEREAS, the City of New Brighton has had several of its
water supply wells contaminated with volatile organic hydro-
carbons ; and
j: ' WHEREAS, in order to comely with a directive from the
jj Minnesota Department of Health to provide non-contaminated water
|; to its residents, the City will need a temporary water supply
to meet Summer water peak needs in 1983; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has funded
a feasibility study to determine alternative methods of providing
the needed temporary water supply.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of
the City of New Brighton that the City hereby requests that the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provide a temporary water
supply to meet the City's 1983 Summer water needs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City strongly prefers the
carbon adsorption option outlined in the May 26, 1983 draft
feasibility study prepared by CH2M Hill.
Adopted this 24th day of
May
1983
fa /ft s?£r
X^g^<^^< "J /P*^^
Gregoj/y B.^ftarcus, Mayor
ATTEST:
fes F. Winkels, Acting City Manager ;
Margaret^A. Egan, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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