United States Office of
Environmental Protection Emergency and
Agency Remedial Response
EPA/ROD/R04-93/161
September 1993
c/EPA Superfund
Record of Decision:
USMC Camp Lejeune
(Operable Unit 3), NC
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50272-101
REPORT DOCUMENTATION
PAGE
1. REPORT NO.
EPA/ROD/R04-93/161
3. Recipient'* Accession No.
Title and Subtitle
SUPERFUND RECORD OF DECISION
USMC Camp Lejeune Military Reservation (Operable Unit 3),
NC
Third Remedial Action
5 Report Data
09/24/93
7. Authors)
a Performing Organization Rapt. No.
9, Performing Organization Name and Address
10 Project Task/Work Unit No.
11. Contract(OorGnnt(G)No.
(G)
12. Sponsoring Organization Nam* and Address
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
11 Typa of Report & Period Covered
800/800
•M.
1& Supplementary Notes
PB94-964016
16. Abstract (Umft: 200 word»)
The 210-acre USMC Camp Lejeune Military Reservation (Operable Unit 3) site is part of a
170-square mile Marine Corps Training Base located approximately 15 miles southeast of
Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina. The site borders Wallace Creek to the
north and lies two miles east of the New River, and consists of three sites (sites 6,
9, and 82) that were identified as part of the Department of Defense's Installation
Restoration Program (IRP). From the 1940s to the late 1980s, the 177-acre site €
reportedly was used for the disposal and storage of waste, supplies, and transformers
containing PCBs. Waste also reportedly disposed of at the site include PCBs, cleaning
solvents, electrolytes from used batteries, and waste oils. The wooded areas
surrounding the open storage areas are littered randomly with debris, including
communication wire, spent ammunition casing, and empty or rusted drums. Currently, part
of the site is used to store military vehicles and equipment, lumber, and other
supplies. The upper portion of a ravine at site 6 also was reportedly used as a
disposal area. Battery packs, drums, fencing, tires, wire cables, respirator
cartridges, empty drums, and other surficial debris are present at the site, confirming
(See Attached Page)
17. Document Analysis a. Descriptors
Record of Decision - USMC Camp Lejeune Military Reservation (Operable Unit 3), NC
Third Remedial Action
Contaminated Media: soil, gw
Key Contaminants: VOCs (benzene, PCE, TCE), other organics (PCBs, pesticides), metals
(arsenic, chromium, lead)
b. Identifiers/Open-Ended Terms
& COSATtHdoVGroup
ia Availability Statement
19. Security Class (This Report)
None
20. Security Class (This Page)
None
21. No. o» Pages
72
22. Price
(SeeANSI-Z39.ia)
S»» Instruction* on Rtmrtf
OPTIONAL FORM 272 (4-77)
(Formerly NTIS-3S)
Department of Commerce
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EPA/ROD/R04-93/161
USMC Camp Lejeune Military Reservation (Operable Unit 3), NC
Third Remedial Action
Abstract (Continued)
this report. The 2.6-acre site 9 borders site 6 to the south and is approximately 500
feet south of Bear Head Creek. Since the early 1960s, site 9 has been used as a fire
fighting training area and until 1981, onsite training exercises were conducted in an
unlined pit. The site currently contains an asphalt-lined fire training pit, an oil/water
separator, four above-ground storage tanks (ASTs), three propane tanks, and a fire tower.
Flammable liquids used in training activities include used oil, solvents, contaminated
unleaded fuels, and 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of JP-4 and JP-5 fuels. The oil/water
separator is located next to the fire training pit and is used to collect the water used
in the training exercises and storm water that falls into the pit. The free product
recovered in the oil/water separator is disposed of offsite. Site 82 forms the north
border of site 6 and contains about 30 acres of woodlands. This area is littered randomly
with debris, including communication wire, spent ammunition casings, and empty or rusted
drums. However, there is no known documentation of the quantity or location of the
disposal of VOCs. In 1983, an Initial Assessment Study (IAS) identified a number of areas
within the facility, including sites 6 and 9, as potential sources of contamination. From
1984 to 1987, subsequent investigations identified the presence of pesticide contamination
at site 6, and VOC contamination in ground water and surface water. A 1991 investigation
at site 82 revealed organic contamination in soil, sediment, ground water, and surface
water. In 1992, a detailed site investigation revealed organic contamination consisting
of PCBs, pesticides, VOCs, and SVOCs, and inorganic contamination consisting of barium,
cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and zinc in soil, ground water, surface water, and
sediment. In addition, various drums, containers, above-ground storage tanks (ASTs), and
other debris were noted throughout sites 6 and 82. A time critical removal action will be
implemented at OU3 to address the surficial debris. During this action, over 220 drums, 5
ASTs, and numerous small containers will be removed. In 1992 and 1993, further analyses
of contamination at OU3 and OU4 were conducted, respectively. This ROD .addresses a final
remedy for contaminated shallow and deep ground water originating from site 82 and
contaminated soil, as OU3. Future RODs will address environmental contamination at the 9
remaining OUs at Camp Lejeune. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the soil and
ground water are VOCs, including benzene, PCE, and TCE; other organics, including PCBs and
pesticides; and metals, including arsenic, chromium, and lead.
The selected remedial action for this site includes excavating and disposing of 2,500 yd^
of soil contaminated with PCBs and pesticides offsite; treating approximately 16,500 yd^
of VOC-contaminated soil onsite using in-situ vapor extraction; extracting and treating
ground water from the areas of the plume onsite using a treatment train that may consist
of filtration, neutralization, precipitation, air stripping, and carbon adsorption;
discharging the treated water onsite to surface water; implementing a long-term ground
water monitoring program; and implementing institutional controls, including deed and
ground water use restrictions. The estimated present worth cost for this remedial action
is $6,500,000, which includes an estimated annual O&M cost of $277,000 for years 1-5 and
$227,000 for years 6-30.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OR GOALS:
The chemical-specific soil cleanup standard for PCBs is based on TSCA guidance for an
industrial area and is 10,000 ug/kg. The other chemical-specific soil cleanup standards
are based on attaining a cancer risk level of 10~4, and include arsenic 23,000 ug/kg;
benzene 5.4 ug/kg; cadmium 39,000 ug/kg; DDT 60,000 ug/kg; manganese 390,000 ug/kg; PCE
10.5 ug/kg; and TCE 32.2 ug/kg. Chemical-specific ground water remediation standards are
based on the more stringent of Federal MCLs and State ground water standards. In the
absence of the above-mentioned criteria, the performance standard is based on attaining a
cancer risk level of 10~4 and a noncancer hazard index (HI) of 1. The chemical-specific
ground water standards include arsenic 50 ug/1; barium 1,000 ug/1; beryllium 4 ug/1;
chromium 50 ug/1; 1,2-DCA 0.38 ug/1; trans-1,2 DCE 70 ug/1; ethylbenzene 29 ug/1; lead 15
ug/1; manganese 50 ug/1; mercury 1.1 ug/1; PCE 0.7 ug/1; TCE 2.8 ug/1; vanadium 80 ug/1;
and vinyl chloride 0.015 ug/1.
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FINAL
RECORD OF DECISION
FOR OPERABLE UNIT NO. 3
(SITE 48)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, NEW RIVER
JACKSONVHJJE, NORTH CAROLINA
CONTRACT TASK ORDER 0133
Prepared For:
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
ATLANTIC DIVISION
NAVAL FACnJTIES
ENGINEERING COMMAND
Norfolk, Virginia
Under the:
LANTDIV CLEAN Program
Contract N62470-89-D-4814
Prepared By:
BAKER ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
JULY 26,1993
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UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
MC BOX M004
CAM* LEICUNE, NORTH CAROLINA «8«i OOO4 H fVSX* TO:
BEMD
10 NOV 199?
Ms. Gena Townsend, Project Manager
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV JUY 5 a
Attention: Camp Lejeune Remedial *** 1993
345 Courtland Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30365
Dear Ms. Townsend:
On September 10, 1993, Brigadier General L. H. Livingston,
Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, signed the
Record of Decision for Operable Unit #3 (Site £48). The Record
of Decision for Operable Unit £2 (Sites #6, #9, and £82) was
signed on September 24, 1993.
These records of decision are enclosed for your review. We \ >>
appreciate your agency's concurrence and we will now proceed with ^^^
the appropriate remedial designs.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Mr. Neal
Paul, Director, Installation Restoration Division, Environmental
Management Department, at telephone (919) 451-5063/5068.
Sincerely,
ROBERT L. WARREN
Assistant Chief of Staff
Environmental Management Department
By direction of
the Commanding General
Encl:
(1) Record of Decision for Operable Unit No. 2
(2) Record of Decision for Operable Unit No. 3
Copy to:
COMLANTNAVFACENGCOM Code 1823 (Linda Berry)
HQMC LFL (John Burieson)
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~ ia— LA>TDIV CODE is
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS BASE, CAMP LBJEONE
ACTION BRTEF
I
Staff Section: Assistant Chief of Staff, Environmental
Management
Subjl INSTALLATION RESTORATION SITE #48 RECORD OF DECISION
End: (1) Site #48 location map
(2) Site #48 site map
BaokoTToundy Discussion: Installation Restoration site #48 is
situated between Longstaff Road and the Mew River, aboard the
Marine corps Air station (refer to enclosures). From 1956 to
1966, this area of concern was utilized to dispose of mercury, by
either burial or dumping activities, from radar unit delay lines.
From August 1992 through the spring of 1993, a Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility study (RI/FS) was conducted at site
#48. This analysis consisted of the installation of monitoring
veils, in addition to the collection of .surface water,
groundvater, soil, fish, and stream sediment samples to detect
the presence and extent of mercury contamination. Due to the
lack of mtrcury detected in these media, the Environmental
protection Agency, Region IV and the State of North Carolina
superfund Section have approved the implementation of a "no
action* remediation alternative. Both regulatory agencies agree
the site posesses no human health or environmental hazard. This
option consists of executing no remedial action and allowing the
site to remain in its present condition.
On July 26, 1993 Baker Environmental Inc., in cooperation with
Marine Corps Base, camp Lejeune, the Environmental Protection
Agency, and the State of North Carolina, finalized a "No Action"
Record of Decision (ROD) far site #48.
Recommended Action; It is reconended that Marine Corps Base/
Camp Lejeune endorse the ROD via your signature on the document.
This will allow for the expeditious completion of all
investigative and administrative activities with respect to this
.site.
a 001
*OS0T L. WARREN
Assistant Chief of Staff
XnviroosMntal Management
Pate
ft1A
CG
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ARARs
bgs
CERCLA
CRDL
DoN
EPIC
FS
IAS
MCAS
MCB
MCL
MCLG
msl
NCDEHNR
NCP
NCWQS
NPL
PAH
PRAP
RA
RCRA
RI
ROD
SARA
TCE
USEPA
Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements
below ground surface
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act
Contract Required Detection Unit
Department of the Navy
Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center
Feasibility Study
Initial Assessment Study
Marine Corps Air Station
Marine Corps Base
Maximum Contaminant Level
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
mean sea level
North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
National Contingency Plan
North Carolina Water Quality Standard
National Priorities List
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
Proposed Remedial Action Plan
Risk Assessment
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Remedial Investigation
Record of Decision
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
trichloroethene
United States Environmental Protection Agency
in
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS iii
DECLARATION iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 1
3.0 SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES 4
4.0 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION 12
5.0 SCOPE AND ROLE OF THE OPERABLE UNIT 13
6.0 SITE CHARACTERISTICS 13
7.0 SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS 14
8.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE "NO ACTION" ALTERNATIVE 16
9.0 STATUTORY DETERMINATIONS 16
10.0 RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY 17
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Page
1 Location Map Operable Unit No. 3, Site 48 2
2 Site Plan - Operable Unit No. 3, Site 48 3
3 Soil Boring and Groundwater Monitoring Well Sampling Location Map 6
4 Surface Water and Sediment Sampling Locations 7
LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
1 Summary of Detected Parameters Per Media - Site 48 8
2 Comparison of Compounds Detected in Groundwater Samples to Federal
and State Criteria 11
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05/17/94 07:57 l.S. E.P.fl. - U. D. 004
DECLARATION FOR THF RECORD OF DECISION
REMEDIAL ALTERNATIVE SELECTION
Site Name and Location '
Operable UnitNo. 3
Site 48, Marina Corps Air Button Mercury Dump
Marino Corps Air Station, New River
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Statement of Basts and Purpose
This decision document presents the selected remedial action for the Marine Corps Air Station :
(MCAS) Mercury Dump, Site 48, developed in accordance with the Comprehensive :
Environment*! Recponee, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), a» amended by
the Superfand Amendment* and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and, to the extent practicable,
the National Contingency Plan (NCP). This decision it bawd on the administrative record for
Site 48.
The Department of the Navy (DoNVMarine Corp* has obtained concurrence from the State of
North Carolina «nd the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region IV
on this action.
Description of the Selected Remedy
The remedial investigation (Rl) and the risk assessments (RAs) conducted for Site 48 support a
no action remedial alternative. The RI and RAs addressed all media at the site, and therefore,
no other actions will be considered for Site 48.
Declaration
The selected remedy is protective of human health and the environment, complies with
Federal and State requirements that are legally applicable or relevant and appropriate to the
remedial action, and 1* cost-effective. The statutory preference for treatment is not satisfied
because no treatment was neceaaary for the protection of human health and the environment.
Contaminant level* detected in the media at the cite wen found to present no imminent or
substantial threat to human health or the environment. A five-year review will not be
necessary for this site.
<3ta.*^:
16
Signature (Commanding General, MCB Camp Lejeune) Date
1* H. LIVINGSTON
BGEN UCMC
CG.MCB.CAMLHJ
iv
'"94 7:51 404 347 5205 P«GE . 004
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DECLARATION FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION
REMEDIAL ALTERNATIVE SELECTION
Site Name and Location
Operable Unit No. 3
Site 48, Marine Corps Air Station Mercury Dump
Marine Corps Air Station, New River
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Statement of Basis and Purpose
This decision document presents the selected remedial action for the Marine Corps Air Station
(MCAS) Mercury Dump, Site 48, developed in accordance with the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by
the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and, to the extent practicable,
the National Contingency Plan (NCP). This decision is based on the administrative record for
Site 48.
The Department of the Navy (DoN)/Marine Corps has obtained concurrence from the State of
North Carolina and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region IV
on this action.
Description of the Selected Remedy
The remedial investigation (RI) and the risk assessments (RAs) conducted for Site 48 support a
no action remedial alternative. The RI and RAs addressed all media at the site, and therefore,
no other actions will be considered for Site 48.
Declaration
The selected remedy is protective of human health and the environment, complies with
Federal and State requirements that are legally applicable or relevant and appropriate to the
remedial action, and is cost-effective. The statutory preference for treatment is not satisfied
because no treatment was necessary for the protection of human health and the environment.
Contaminant levels detected in the media at the site were found to present no imminent or
substantial threat to human health or the environment. A five-year review will not be
necessary for this site.
Signature (Commanding General, MCB Camp Lejeune) Date
IV
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune was placed on the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Priorities List (NPL) on
October 4, 1989 (54 Federal Register 41015, October 4, 1989). The United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region IV, the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources (NC DEHNR) and the United States
Department of the Navy (DoN) then entered into a Federal Facilities Agreement for MCB
Camp Lejeune in February 1991. The primary purpose of the Federal Facilities Agreement
was to ensure that environmental impacts associated with past and present activities at the
MCB were thoroughly investigated and appropriate CERCLA response/Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action alternatives were developed and
implemented as necessary to protect public health and the environment.
Operable Unit No. 3 (Site 48), the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Mercury Dump, has been
the subject of a remedial investigation (RI). The feasibility study (FS), which normally
develops and examines remedial action alternatives for a site, will not be performed at Site 48
since the results of the RI and risk assessments (RAs) indicated that no remedial action is
required at the site.
This Record of Decision (ROD) has been prepared to summarize the remedial alternative
selection process and to present the selected remedial alternatives.
2.0 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The study area, Operable Unit No. 3 (Site 48) is one of 12 operable units located within MCB
Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. Separate investigations are being conducted for the
other 11 operable units. Figure 1 shows the location of Site 48. Site 48 is the only site included
under Operable Unit No. 3. All media at the site are represented by the operable unit.
In general, Site 48 is bordered by Longstaff Road to the west, an intermittent tributary of the
New River to the north, the New River to the east, and Building AS-811 to the south (see
Figure 2). The study area covers approximately 4 acres. As shown on Figure 2, the majority of
the land within Site 48 is grass covered. The grassed area is maintained and extends to the
banks of the New River. At the edge of the New River and the intermittent tributaries, heavy
vegetation and young saplings are present. No stressed vegetation has been noted.
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CAMP v „ LEJEUNE
MILITARY . RESERVATION
FIGURE 1
LOCATION MAP
OPERABLE UNIT No. 3, SITE 48
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, MEW RIVER
JACKSONVILLE. NORTH CAROLINA
OURCE: U.S.G.S. WATER-RESOURCES
NVESTICATIONS REPORT 89-4096
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FIGURE 2
SITE PLAN
OPERABLE UNIT No. 3. SITE 48
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION. NEW RIVER
JACKSONVILLE. NORTH CAROLINA
OURCE: LANTDIV. FEB. 1992
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Buildings AS-804, AS-805, and AS-807 are located within the Site 48 study area boundary.
Building AS-804 was constructed in 1955 and was used as the Administration Office and
Photographic Laboratory from 1955 to 1990. The building was vacant for a few months in
1990, but is currently being used as the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical instruction
classroom. The uses of the other two buildings on the site are not known. An above ground
storage tank is located behind Building AS-804. This tank replaced an underground storage
tank which had contained diesel fuel for a generator inside Building AS-804.
With respect to topography, Site 48 is a predominantly flat area located approximately 5 to 10
feet above mean sea level. The site elevations drop off sharply at the bank of the New River
east of the site and at the intermittent tributary north of the site. The terrain of the area
around Site 48 indicates that drainage would be towards the New River.
Site 48 lies on the west bank of the New River. The surface waters surrounding Site 48 are
tidally influenced. Surface water runoff at Site 48 tends to drain to the New River which
discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, and to an intermittent tributary that borders the site on the
north. The intermittent tributary flows into the New River. The Atlantic Ocean is
approximately 17 miles south of the site. A portion of the surface water runoff is collected in
the storm water sewers located along LongstaffRoad and Curtis Street.
3.0 SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
During the ten year period between 1956 and 1966, mercury was reportedly drained from
delay lines of radar units and periodically disposed at Site 48. Approximately one gallon of
mercury per year was reportedly hand-carried and dumped or buried in small quantities at
random areas around Building AS-804. The general disposal area was thought to be a 100- to
200-foot wide corridor extending from the rear of Building AS-804 to the bank of the New
River. Review of aerial photographs recently received from the USEPA Environmental
Photographic Interpretation Center (EPIC) appear to indicate that the disposal activities may
have occurred at other areas within the site (north and west of Building AS-804). The aerial
photographs date back to 1956.
In 1983, an Initial Assessment Study (IAS) was conducted at MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS
New River by a consulting firm. The study identified a number of areas within MCB Camp
Lejeune and MCAS New River, including Site 48, as potential sources of contamination.
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In 1984, a Confirmation Study was conducted at Site 48 which focused on the potential source
areas identified in the IAS. The study consisted of collecting a limited number of soil samples
and sediment samples which were analyzed for mercury. The results of this sampling
indicated that low levels of mercury were detected in both media.
On October 4,1989, Camp Lejeune was placed on the NPL. The DoN, the USEPA, and the
NC DEHNR entered into a Federal Facilities Agreement on February 13,1991.
A Supplemental Characterization Investigation was conducted at Site 48 in January 1991.
This investigation consisted of surface water and sediment sampling and analysis. Mercury,
the primary contaminant of concern, was not detected in any sample collected during this
investigation.
In 1991, a Site Assessment Report was prepared for the site. The assessment was based on the
results of the IAS, the Confirmation Study, and the Supplemental Characterization
Investigation. No additional sampling was conducted. A preliminary risk evaluation for the
site was also included in the Site Assessment. The risk evaluation did not indicate that
mercury was a contaminant of concern at the site. The risk evaluation results indicated that
the only potential contaminants of concern appeared to be cadmium, copper, nickel, and silver
in surface water. The risk evaluation indicated that the detected concentrations of these four
metals of concern may be representative of background levels for the area.
Baker Environmental, Inc. conducted an RI for Site 48 during 1992 and 1993 in accordance
with the requirements of the Federal Facilities Agreement. The field program at Site 48 was
initiated to characterize potential environmental impacts and threats to human health
resulting from previous mercury disposal activities. Soil, groundwater, surface water, and
sediment samples were collected during the RI. Figure 3 identifies the soil boring and
groundwater sampling locations. Figure 4 identifies the surface water and sediment sampling
locations. A summary of the contaminants detected per media and their concentration ranges
are presented on Table 1.
As shown on Table 1, the primary suspected contaminant of concern, mercury, was not
detected in any media sampled. The parameters detected in the surface soil samples included
pesticides and inorganics. These parameters do not appear to be related to disposal activities.
In addition, the detected concentrations do not pose a threat to human health or the
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NOTE: NO SAMPLES WERE
COLLECTED AT THE SECONDARY
SOIL BORING LOCATIONS
BECAUSE CONTAMINANTS WERE
NOT IDENTIFIED AT THE PRIMARY
LOCATIONS.
1 inch - BO Jt
SHALLOW GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELL
SOIL BORING (PRIMARY LOCATION)
SHELBY-TUBE/GRAIN SIZE SAMPLE BORING
SOIL BORING (SECONDARY LOCATION)
SUSPECTED DISPOSAL AREA
OURCE: LANTDIV. FEB. 1992
FIGURE 3
SOIL BORING AND MONITORING
WELL SAMPLING LOCATION MAP
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION. NEW RIVER
JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
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APPROXIMATE SITE
•«-m-sw/so
'/ I
LEGEND
SEDIMENT SAMPLING STATION
FIGURE 4
SURFACE WATER AND SEDIMENT
SAMPLING LOCATIONS
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
60 IM MO
±m±
1 Inch = 120 IL
SURFACE WATER/SEOIMENT SAMPLING LOCATION
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION. NEW RIVER
JACKSONVILLE. NORTH CAROLINA
iOURCC: LANTOIV. rCB. 1992
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TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF DETECTED PARAMETERS PER MEDIA
SITE 48
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
MCAS NEW RIVER, JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Detected Parameter
Organics:
4,4'-DDE
4,4'-DDD
4,4'-DDT
Acetone
Methylene Chloride
Trichloroethene
Pb«X>l
AOMUphllMtM
Bu (2*thjrlb««yl> PhlhakU
TollMO*
Total XyUoM
Carbon Bisulfide
Phenanthrene
Fluoranthene
Pyrene
Benzo (a) Anthracene
Chrysene
Benzo (b) Fluoranthene
Benzo (a) Pyrene
Indeno (1,2,3-cd) Pyrene
Benzo (g,h,i) Perylene
DETECTED CONCENTRATION RANGE
Surface Soils
(ug/kg)
12
3.6
7.4J
6J-9J
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Subsurface
Soils
(ug/kg)
ND
ND
ND
10J-220J
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Ground water
(ug/L)
ND
ND
ND
ND
12J
1.0
1J-3J
2J
1J-2J
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Surface Water
(ug/L)
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
3J
2J-4J
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Sediments
(ug/kg)
4.7J-149
17J-32
8.3J
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
3J
100J
57J - 160J
56J - 120J
72J
62J
73J
65J - 180J
44J
46J
Notes: ND = Not Detected above the Contract Required Detection Limit (CRDL)
pg/kg - microgram per kilogram
mg/kg = milligram per kilogram
pg/L = microgram per liter
J = value is estimated
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TABLE 1 (Continued)
SUMMARY OF DETECTED PARAMETERS PER MEDIA
SITE 48
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
MCAS NEW RIVER, JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Detected Parameter
Inorganics:
Aluminum
Arsenic
Cadmium
Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Mercury*
Potassium
Sodium
Vanadium
Zinc
DETECTED CONCENTRATION RANGE
Surface Soils
(rag/kg)
3,660-28,000
2.5J-3.4J
1.1J-3.6J
1190J-26.800J
7.3 - 37.3
6.6J
2,320 - 24,200
8.7J-23.7J
1,200
5.4J - 14.9J
ND
1,240
ND
18.8J-53.9J
9.8-24.8
Subsurface Soils
(mg/kg)
730-24,400
2.4J-4.6J
1.1J-4.4J
ND
3.2-32.8
31.5
371-37.400J
2.7-32.3
ND
5.7J - 15.6J
ND
ND
64.3J-75.6J
15.4J-44.3J
5.6-7.7
Groundwater
(ug/L)
382J-6830J
ND
ND
30,600-115,000
17.5
ND
1,900-11,900
ND
ND
38.1J-585
ND
ND
5,750-8,760
ND
30.3
Surface Water
(ug/L) -
365 - 2.070J
ND
ND
40,OOOJ-69,700J
ND
ND
298-3,650
3J
55,800 -173.000J
15.5J-48J
ND
19,300-66,000
485,000
ND
ND
Sediments
(mg/kg) ,
502J- 17,200 !
4.2 - 19.3
1.4J-5.6J
1320-7910
6.1 - 23.5
5.9J-42.5
801-40,100
2.2-86.2
1030-4,330
4J-69.4
ND
ND
1740J - 7,390
15.4 - 104
13.4 - 73.2
Notes: ND =
ug/kg =
mg/kg =
ug/L =
J
* Listed since it
Not Detected above the Contract Required Detection Limit (CRDL)
microgram per kilogram
milligram per kilogram
microgram per liter
value is estimated
is the primary contaminant of concern at Site 48.
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environment. The detected parameters in the subsurface soil samples were inorganics. The
contaminant levels of the inorganics detected in both the surface and subsurface soil samples
were generally similar. The contaminant levels detected in the soil samples were either
similar to background levels or else were detected infrequently and at low levels. In addition,
these compounds are not a result from previous disposal activities at the site.
In general, the groundwater samples contained low levels of organics including
trichloroethene (TCE), phenol, acenaphthalene, and two common laboratory contaminants:
methylene chloride and bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. In addition, groundwater samples
contained inorganics such as aluminum, calcium, chromium, iron, manganese, sodium and
zinc. Table 2 presents a comparison of the parameters detected in the groundwater samples to
Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
(MCLGs) and to North Carolina Water Quality Standards (NCWQS) for groundwater. As
shown on Table 2, one detection of methylene chloride exceeded both the MCL and NCWQS.
This detection of methylene chloride is most probably the result of laboratory contamination
and not a site-related contaminant. The detected concentrations of TCE, phenol,
acenaphthalene, and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were extremely low (all 3 ug/L or less) and
did not exceed any MCL/MCLG or NCWQS, where applicable. Five detects of iron and three
detects of manganese were above the NCWQS. However, elevated levels of iron and
manganese are reportedly present throughout MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River and,
therefore, may be naturally occurring in the environment.
With respect to the surface water samples collected at Site 48, two fuel-related compounds
(toluene and xylene) were detected at low levels. Since these two constituents were also
present in the New River upstream of the site, their presence is probably not related to any
release at Site 48, and no fuel related activities are suspected to have occurred at Site 48. In
addition, inorganics such as aluminum, calcium, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese,
potassium, and sodium were detected in the surface water. The detected inorganics were not
at elevated levels.
The detected organics found in the sediment samples included pesticides such as DDD, DDE,
and DDT, and polynuclear hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as phenanthrene, fluoranthene and
pyrene. Detected inorganics included: aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium,
copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, sodium, vanadium, and zinc. Based on the results
of the Risk Assessments conducted for Site 48, the detected concentrations of the above-
mentioned compounds do not pose a threat to human health or the environment.
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TABLE2
COMPARISON OF COMPOUNDS DETECTED IN GROUNDWATER SAMPLES
TO FEDERAL AND STATE CRITERIA
SITE 48
RECORD OF DECISION CTO-0133
MCAS NEW RIVER, JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Detected Parameter
ORGANICS:
Methylene Chloride
Trichloroethene
Phenol
Acenaphthalene
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
INORGANICS:
Aluminum
Calcium
Chromium
Iron
Manganese
Sodium
Zinc
Concentrations
Detected Above
Contract Required Limits
(ug/L)
12J
1
1J-3J
2J
1J-2J
382J-6.830J
30,600-115,000
17.5
1,900-11,900
38.1J-585
5,750-8,760
30.3
GROUNDWATER STANDARDS
NCWQS
(ug/L)
5
2.8
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
50
300
50
NA
5,000
Federal
MCL/MCLG
(ug/L)
5
5.0
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
100/100
NA
NA
NA
NA
Number of
Detects
Above NCWQS
1
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
0
5
3
NA
0
Number of
Detects
Above Federal
MCL/MCLG
1
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
Notes: ug/L = microgram per liter
NCWQS = North Carolina Water Quality Standard
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
MCLG = Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
J = Value is estimated
NA = Not Applicable
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The results of the benthic macroinvertebrate study and fish study conducted as part of the RI
did not indicate adverse impacts to the ecology of the New River or the marsh. The results of
these studies were comparable to the White Oak River, which was included in the study as a
reference station. Fish and crab samples collected for chemical analysis did not exhibit
mercury. Low levels of pesticides and inorganics were present in fish.
Since there were some contaminants detected at Site 48, a baseline RA was conducted as part
of the RI to identify media that are receiving or may be receiving site-related contamination.
Based on the analytical data, no source areas of contamination have been identified at Site 48.
The detected organic compounds were identified in only a few samples per media and at
concentrations that do not present a risk to human health or the environment. Although
various inorganic compounds were detected at the site in all of the media, no specific areas of
concern have been noted that would present a risk to human health or the environment. As
stated previously, the expected contaminant of concern, mercury, was not detected in any
sampled media at the site.
4.0 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The RI report and Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for Operable Unit No. 3 (Site 48),
the MCAS Mercury Dump, were released to the public on June 7, 1993 and June 18, 1993,
respectively. These two documents were made available to the public in the administrative
record at information repositories maintained at the Onslow County Public Library and at the
MCB Camp Lejeune Library. Also, all addressees on the Site 48 mailing list were sent a copy
of the Final PRAP and Fact Sheet. The notice of availability of the PRAP and RI document
was published in the "Jacksonville Daily News" on June 14-20, 1993. A public comment
period was held from June 21, 1993, to July 21, 1993. In addition, a public meeting was held
on June 21,1993, to respond to questions and to accept public comments on the PRAP for Site
48. The public meeting minutes have been transcribed and a copy of the transcript is available
to the public at the aforementioned libraries. A Responsiveness Summary, included as part of
this ROD, has been prepared to respond to the significant comments, criticisms and new
relevant information received during the comment period. Upon signing this ROD, MCB
Camp Lejeune and the DoN will publish a notice of availability of this ROD in the local
newspaper, and place this ROD in the information repository located in the Onslow County
and MCB Camp Lejeune libraries.
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5.0 SCOPE AND ROLE OF THE OPERABLE UNIT
The proposed remedial action identified in this document is the "No Action Alternative". This
decision is the only remedial action identified for Site 48. No future actions are. proposed for
the site. No previous removal or interim actions have been conducted. Operable Unit No. 3
encompasses all of the media at Site 48.
Note that Operable Unit No. 3 is one of 12 operable units at MOB Camp Lejeune and MCAS
New River. Separate investigations are being conducted for the other 11 operable units.
Therefore, this ROD is applicable to Operable Unit No. 3 (Site 48 only).
6.0 SITE CHARACTERISTICS
A brief overview of the site characteristics related to Site 48 is presented below. Site
characteristics include land use, meteorology, surface features, hydrology, geology,
hydrogeology, and ecology.
With respect to land use, there are no housing areas with the boundaries of Site 48. Buildings
within the site area are currently used for military operations.
Camp Lejeune's average yearly rainfall is approximately 52 inches. Measurable amounts of
rainfall occur on 120 days per year, on averaft Prevailing winds are generally from the
south-southwest ten months of the year, and from UM north-northwest during September and
October. The average wind speed for coastal otxtrrauon points in North Carolina is 12 miles
per hour.
The topography of Site 48 is predominantly flat with ground surface elevations between 5 feet
above mean sea level (msl) and 10 feet above owl Tot tiu elevations drop off sharply at the
bank of the New River east of the site, and at the inurnutttnt tributary north of the site.
The terrain around Site 48 indicates that surface wiur drainage would be toward the New
River. The site is approximately 17 miles north of tb* S«w River's outlet into the Atlantic
Ocean. A marsh area exists north of Site 48 aod drain* into the New River. The surface
waters surrounding Site 48 are tidally influenced Sit« 46 lie* above the 100-year flood plain,
which is 3 feet above msl.
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With respect to geology, the site is underlain by unconsolidated deposits of silty clay, silty
sand, and silt with clay and sand being the predominant soils. These soils represent the
Quaternary "undifferentiated" formation which characterize the surficial aquifer.
Based on the drilling activities conducted at the site and based on published information, the
surficial aquifer (water table aquifer) at the site extends to an average depth of 45 feet below
ground surface (bgs) at MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. The main water supply
aquifer underlying the site is the Castle Hayne. Groundwater was encountered during the
investigations at approximately five to ten feet bgs. Groundwater flow was found to be toward
the northeast in the general direction of the New River.
With respect to ecology, Site 48 has three classifications of wetlands, and various protected
species such as the American alligator. No other sensitive environments have been identified
within the boundaries of Site 48.
7.0 SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS
During the RI, a baseline human health RA and a baseline ecological RA were conducted to
evaluate the actual or potential risks to human health or the environment resulting from the
presence of contaminants identified at Site 48. A summary of the results of the baseline RAs is
presented below.
Human Health Risk Assessment
The baseline human health RA evaluated the potential for chemicals to affect human health,
both now and in the future, under a no action scenario. The baseline RA identified chemicals
of concern and corresponding environmental concentrations at the site with respect to the
physical characteristics of the study area. This information was used to estimate the extent of
potential exposure to hypothetical receptors. Finally, theoretical chemical intakes were
determined for each receptor. Each potential exposure route was then compared with the most
recent toxicological data to inferentially estimate the potential human health effects.
The components of the baseline RA include: identification of chemicals of concern; the
exposure assessment; the toxicity assessment; risk characterization; and uncertainty analysis.
14
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Human.receptors at Operable Unit No. 3 (Site 48) could be potentially exposed to
contaminants of concern in more than one medium and through multiple exposure pathways
associated with each medium. Under current and future land use conditions, Site 48 does not
pose an unacceptable risk to any potential receptor group by USEPA or NC DEHNR
standards. This is primarily because of the types of contaminants detected on site, as well as
the low concentrations present in each medium. Therefore, the quantitative RA concluded
that the existing use and potential future use of the site would not pose a threat to human
health or the environment.
Ecological Risk Assessment
The Ecological RA conducted at Site 48 consisted of: evaluating fish and benthic
macroinvertebrates for population statistics, and collecting fish and crabs for tissue analysis.
The study was conducted in the New River and in the marsh area north of Site 48. The results
of the Ecological RA indicated that the ecology in the New River and the marsh area appeared
to be healthy. No mercury was detected in any fish or crab samples. Pesticides and several
inorganics were detected in the fish samples. Based on the RA, the detected levels of these
compounds do not pose a threat to human health or the environment. The RA concluded that
these compounds were not site related. The results from the Ecological RA indicated that the
ecology of the New River and marsh area appears to be healthy and is comparable to other
similar waters (i.e., the White Oak River).
Risk Assessment Conclusions
Based on the results of the RI and the human health and ecological RAs, the current or future
land uses at Site 48 are protective of human health and the environment. Based on current
data, neither soil nor groundwater were impacted from any release or suspected release of
contaminants at the site. Contaminants detected in surface water and sediment do not appear
to be related to Site 48.
No further environmental investigations are recommended for this site. The sampling and
analysis performed is sufficient to characterize the site and develop conclusions with respect to
potential impacts to the public health and the environment.
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No remedial response actions are justifiable at Operable Unit No. 3, since the site media pose
no current or potential adverse impacts to public health or the environment.
8.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE "NO ACTION" ALTERNATIVE
From an analysis of all available and pertinent information for Site 48, MCAS Mercury Dump,
it is concluded that remedial actions are not necessary for the protection of human health or
the environment. Therefore, the selected remedial alternative for the site is No Action. This
alternative will consist of leaving the site as is. No additional sampling or monitoring will be
necessary since the conditions at the site are protective of human health and the environment.
This remedial alternative will have no costs associated with it.
9.0 STATUTORY DETERMINATIONS
A summary of the statutory determinations is outlined below.
• Protection of Human Health and the Environment
The selected remedy is protective of human health and the environment, as conditions
at Site 48 were shown in the risk assessments to pose no threat.
No unacceptable short-term risks or cross-media impacts will be caus;d by this
remedy.
• Attainment of Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements
(ARARs)
The selected remedy will attain all ARARs.
• Utilization of Permanent Solutions and Alternative Treatment Technologies or
Resource Recovery Technologies to the Maximum Extent Practicable
No alternatives were developed for Site 48 as the risk assessments showed there was
no risk to human health or the environment. The No Action Alternative is protective,
effective, attains ARARs, and is the most cost-effective solution for Site 48. Therefore,
treatment at this site is impracticable.
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• Preference for Treatment as a Principal Element
The preference for treatment as a principal element was not satisfied, due to the No
Action Alternative having been determined to be the best solution for the site.
10.0 RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
Overview
MCB Camp Lejeune and the DoN, with the assistance of USEPA, Region IV and the NC
OEHNR, selected a preferred alternative for Site 48, the MCAS Mercury Dump at MCAS New
River, Jacksonville, North Carolina. The preferred remedial action alternative specified in
the PRAP was the No Action Alternative.
Judging from the lack of comments received during the public comment period and from the
attendance at the public meeting, the local community does not appear to be concerned with
the proposed No Action Alternative for the site. No private citizens attended the public
meeting, and no comments were received during the comment period.
The purpose of this responsiveness summary is to identify the comments and concerns of the
local community regarding the selected alternative, and to document how MCB Camp
Lejeune/DoN considered the comments and concerns during the selection of the alternative.
Background on Community Involvement
No past community interest in the potential contamination at the MCAS Mercury Dump
(Site 48) has been documented. This may be due to the fact that the site is located within the
Marine Corps Air Station, and therefore, does not present concern to the community.
Summary of Comments Received During the Public Comment Period and Responses
No comments were raised during the Operable Unit No. 3 (Site 48) public comment period or
during the public meeting. Therefore, no responses to comments have been included in this
responsiveness summary. The comment period was held between June 21,1993 and July 21,
1993. The public meeting was held on June 21,1993.
17
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