United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Emergency and
Remedial Response
Washington. D.C. 20460
EPA 9360.6-07
October 1991
v»EPA Environmental Response Team
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Contents
History Behind the ERT 3
Overview 4
Alternative Technology 7
Contracts and Data Management 9
Operational Support 11
Safety and Air Surveillance 12
Site Investigation 15
Environmental Response Center 18
How the ERT is Activated 19
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History Behind the ERT
In 1978, the Environmental Response Team (ERT) was estab-
lished under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act to provide
on-site national expert assistance as required by the National
Contingency Plan (NCP) section on Special Forces.
In December 1980, Congress enacted the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), establishing legal mechanisms for cleaning up
abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Under this
legislation, the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) was mandated to take immediate action in
the event of any chemical release that poses an imminent
threat to public health and safety. In conjunction with the
passage of this Act, Congress broadened and strengthened the
emergency response capabilities of the NCP.
With the passage of CERCLA, the Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response (OSWER) was established within the
U.S. EPA for the specific purpose of administering both
CERCLA and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA). OSWER quickly became the focal point for a com-
prehensive, well-coordinated attack on hazardous waste prob-
lems. As a result, OSWER's responsibilities were significantly
increased under the 1986 Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA).
The ERT has evolved into a branch within OSWER and is
involved with oil spills, hazardous emergencies, potentially
hazardous situations, and long-term remedial activities. Today,
the ERT provides on-site national and international expertise;
represents a vital link in the U.S. EPA's battle to remediate
and limit environmental damage to air, land and water; and
evaluates threats to human health. The ERT is comprised of a
group of skilled experts in environmental emergencies who
provide on-scene assistance on a "round-the-clock-basis" to
deal with environmental disasters.
Characterizing hazardous waste in drums was an early ERT response activitv.
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Overview
Today's headlines and evening news reports are filled with
stories about oil spills or releases of hazardous substances into
our environment, whether it is air, land or water. These situa-
tions pose real threats to public health and safety, animals,
aquatic life and the environment. Expertise is required to iden-
tify and remediate the immediate problem and to prevent fur-
ther disasters. The ERT, a technical support service of the U.S.
EPA, provides this expertise throughout both the United States
and internationally.
The ERT functions in an advisory capacity to On-Scene Coor-
dinators (OSCs) and Remedial Project Managers (RPMs),
serving as the U.S. EPA's in-house consultants on Superfund
issues. The ERT plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the U.S.
EPA's mandates under the 1986 SARA and the 1980
CERCLA. This legislation requires the U.S. EPA to identify
hazardous waste sites, define potential health and environmen-
tal effects, and respond to chemical emergencies.
In addition, under the recently passed Oil Spill Pollution Act
of 1990, the ERT's expertise is being utilized in recommend-
ing remedial actions for immediate and long-term activities at
oil spill sites. Designing and implementing plans for monitor-
ing air, water and sensitive habitats are available to the oil
spill response community as well. The ERT is designated in
the NCP to supply scientific support coordination to the U.S.
EPA OSC for inland oil spills. The Scientific Support Coordi-
nator (SSC) addresses all the technical issues involved in
managing an inland oil spill by coordinating the available
scientific and technical resources within the U.S. EPA and
other response agencies.
The ERT's major functions include:
• Maintaining an around-the-clock emergency response
activation system.
• Assisting the U.S. EPA Regional and Program offices
in responding to environmental emergencies and un-
controlled oil and hazardous waste sites.
• Consulting on water and air quality criteria, health and
safety protocols, ecological risk assessment, interpreta-
tion and evaluation of analytical data, and engineering
and scientific studies.
• Developing and implementing site-specific safety pro-
grams.
• Providing technical expertise for SARA/RCRA en-
forcement activities.
• Providing specialized equipment to meet specific site
requirements such as monitoring, analytical support,
waste treatment, and containment and control.
• Developing technical manuals, policies and Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) for specialized equip-
ment, computer systems, and analytical processes.
• Assisting in the development of innovative technolo-
gies for use at environmental emergencies and uncon-
trolled hazardous waste sites.
• Training federal, state and local government officials
and private industry representatives in the latest oil and
hazardous substance response technology.
• Providing technical experts for presentations at public
meetings, enforcement conferences, and litigations.
• Designing and developing specialized computer soft-
ware to assist in hazardous material cleanup and
remediation.
• Managing the OSWER Integrated Safety and Health
Program.
The ERT is a group of highly qualified oil and hazardous
material specialists whose skills encompass such disciplines as
biology, ecology, chemistry, hydrogeology; civil, chemical
and environmental engineering; occupational and environmen-
tal health and safety; and computer science. The 24 team
members offer solutions, pioneer technological advancements,
and provide training in the area of oil and hazardous materials
release and response. Their skills include:
• Performing chemical, biological and physical treatment
and monitoring techniques.
• Performing control, restoration, disposal and contin-
gency planning.
• Operating and evaluating instrumentation and field
response systems.
• Sampling and analyzing air, water, and soil, using
state-of-the-art instrumentation.
• Providing on-site analytical laboratory support.
• Providing biological and ecological environmental
assessments.
• Providing on-site health and safety assistance.
• Training and supervising personnel in occupational
health and safety.
• Interpreting and evaluating data packages for making
critical environmental decisions.
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Hazardous Waste
Characterization
Training
Alternative
Technologies
Groundwater
Studies
ERT
Functions*
Bioassessment
Soil Contamination
Studies
Information
Management
Site Safety
Contingency
Planning
Ambient Air
Studies
Subsurface
Investigations
Indoor Air
Quality Studies
Exposure
Assessment & Risk
Analytical
Support
"Customized Multi-Disciplinary Teams To Solve Site Specific Problems
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The ERT serves the U.S. EPA in several ways. They are acti-
vated to respond to emergency situations, oil spills, threats to
air and water caused by chemical episodes and accidents in-
volving hazardous materials. The ERT can also be called into
service to assess the risks of "potentially" hazardous situa-
tions, and to evaluate and assist with sites requiring long-term
remediation efforts.
The ERT also responds to the needs of the remedial program
of Superfund. This program addresses long-term remediation
for oil and hazardous waste sites, using a multi-faceted pro-
gram to accomplish this goal. The ERT has been most useful
to regional project managers in resolving safety and health
issues and conducting mini-studies within a critical timeframe
to address a variety of issues that arise during a remedial
investigation feasibility study.
The ERT is organized into five sections, each addressing spe-
cific areas of environmental impact, analytical interpretation
or operational support. These sections interact to provide com-
prehensive solutions and advice to constituents. Following is a
description of each section's responsibilities and activities.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
OSWER
OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE
' AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
7
I
OERR
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY
AND REMEDIAL RESPONSE
7
I
ERD
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DIVISION
7
EERB
ilWIRONMENTAL RESPONSE
BRANCH (ERT)
7
CONTRACTS AND
DATA MANAGEMENT
SAFETY AND AIR
SURVEILLANCE
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Alternative Technology
The mission of Alternative Technology is to provide technical
expertise for the development and implementation of new
approaches to hazardous site assessments and remediation.
The Section's responsibilities include:
• Designing and performing multimedia bench-scale
treatability/feasibility studies.
• Demonstrating innovative and alternative technologies
at remedial and removal actions.
• Providing a technical basis for determining acceptable
cleanup levels.
Alternative Technology follows a stepwise approach in deter-
mining the most appropriate treatment technology for a spe-
cific site. The first step is to perform an engineering evaluation
of the site which considers the extent of contamination, physi-
cal parameters of the contaminated matrices, and hydro-
geology settings. Based on this initial evaluation, treatment
technologies are selected. The Section then designs and per-
forms site-specific feasibility, treatability, and pilot studies on
these selected technologies. Based on these studies and cost
analyses, the Section recommends the following: the most
appropriate treatment scenario for the site; process operating
parameters; an estimated time schedule for cleanup, guidelines
for handling residuals; and cleanup levels based on both risk
and treatment capability.
The Alternative Technology section has the technical experi-
ence and expertise to evaluate physical, chemical, thermal and
biological technologies, ranging from containment to the very
latest hazardous substance treatments such as anaerobic
declorination of pesticides.
The Section performs a variety of its treatability/feasibility
studies at the in-house Engineering Evaluation Unit in Edison,
NJ. These capabilities include:
Stabilization/Solidification studies, including:
• Pozzolanic binders
• Latex binders
Physical/chemical water treatment studies, including:
• pH adjustment
• Carbon adsorption
• Precipitation/Flocculation
• Air Stripping
• UV/ozonation
Physical/chemical studies, including:
• Potassium Polyethylene Glycolate (APRG\KPEG)
• Basic Catalyzed Decomposition (BCD)
• Alkylation
• Soils washing and leaching
Bioremediation studies, including:
• Shaker tests
• Plate counts
• Aerobic tray tests
• Anaerobic tests
Written protocols are developed for these in-house studies in
the form of SOPs. These protocols are then available to the
OSCs and the RPMs in the regions. The Response Engineer-
ing Analytical Contract (REAC) is utilized to support the
Environmental Response Center (ERC) with required studies.
The Section then oversees the performance of the testing, and
evaluates and interprets the results.
Case Study
The Alternative Technology section was requested by the Region DC OSC to evaluate treatment options for
soil and groundwater at a site which was contaminated with the pesticide Dinoseb. The ERT evaluated
bioremediation and soils washing. Biological action was apparently inhibited in the bench-scale studies, but
ex-situ soil washing with water proved very effective. Treatment of the wash water became the next objec-
tive. Activated carbon is known to be an effective treatment for this Dinoseb, however, disposal of the
carbon is a problem. Additionally, there was good evidence from the pesticide disposal industry that ultra-
violet light plus oxidation with ozone and/or peroxide may be used to destroy the material leaving no re-
sidual at all. The ERT conducted a pilot study using a mobile treatment trailer, and followed up with a full-
scale treatment action on-site. Solid residues (silts) from the soils washing operation were treated in a bio-
logical treatment bed constructed on-site for the purpose of eliminating all virtual traces of the pesticide.
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Treating contaminated leachate using UV/oxidation technology.
Case Study
The Alternative Technology section was requested by the Region IX OSC to provide treatment options for
soils contaminated with various volatile organics from a former solvent recovery operation. The ERT
evaluated three soil treatment technologies as alternatives to incineration: soil washing, low temperature
thermal desorption, and in-situ vapor/vacuum extraction.
Both soil washing and thermal desorption were judged unacceptable on the first day of bench scale testing
as the soil's high clay content presented possible material handling problems. Additionally, both of these
technologies would require excavation of the soils.
In-situ vapor/vacuum extraction (ISV/VE) of the upper portion of the vadose zone was selected for a pilot
study at the site. This pilot study was a necessity given the soil's high clay content and low permeability.
While ISV/VE technology would not usually be considered for a site with these soil characteristics, previ-
ous soil excavation and replacement during a buried drum removal action increased the porosity of the soils
and the feasibility of using IS V/VE at this site.
Eight extraction wells and eight injection wells were installed on the site. An exhaust fan was used to gen-
erate a small pressure differential of three inches of water. During the two days in which the pilot study was
conducted, approximately 20 kilograms of organics were drawn through the system. Analyses were per-
formed on-site using a field gas chromatography (GC) unit. Based upon the results of this study and an
independent soil gas study, the OSC directed the installation of a three stage ISV/VE system with 18 deep
and shallow well pairs and 16 injection wells.
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Contracts and Data Management
The Contracts and Data Management section oversees all of
the ERT's informational needs, analytical laboratory services,
and quality control and assurance requirements. As a result,
much of the Section's efforts center on the development of
innovative information technologies related to controlling and
remediating hazardous wastes.
This Section designs, tests, implements and supports special-
ized software on a regular basis. The goal is to create success-
ful, interactive computer-based tools that will permit wide-
spread application of ERT's knowledge; making its expertise
available to federal agencies, local municipalities, and the
private sector. The Contracts and Data Management section
identifies and integrates many innovative technologies in areas
such as robotics, digital imaging, data management, and infor-
mation systems.
A sophisticated telecommunications network is being devel-
oped with active participation by the Contracts and Data Man-
agement section. This network, which includes satellite down-
link capabilities and remote computer access, will offer techni-
cal information to the U.S. EPA Regions throughout the
United States and points worldwide. Use of video documenta-
tion for Superfund sites and technologies has become a prior-
ity, resulting in the development of ERTV, a series of half-
hour video documentaries focusing on current events in the
area of hazardous wastes. These communication strategies
offer ways to reach widespread audiences in an interesting and
informative manner.
The Contracts and Data Management section utilizes computer
technologies to provide necessary quality control and assur-
ance data for the activities of ERT's analytical laboratory. The
team is constantly exploring options to increase the potential
for these technologies. In addition, the Section generates tech-
nical information bulletins and a series of SOPs, defining
protocols for sampling analysis and other activities. The Sec-
tion also makes use of a variety of computer tools, and is ac-
tively involved in the development of computer-based quality
control programs.
Operation of the ERT's Edison, NJ analytical laboratory is
another major Contracts and Data Management function. This
innovative facility provides support to the Office of Foreign
Disaster Assistance, state environmental agencies, and all ten
U.S. EPA Regions. By analyzing soil, air, water, groundwater,
and sediment samples, the laboratory's skilled staff can char-
acterize the identity, quantity and concentration of hazardous
materials; information essential to the creation of cleanup and
prevention plans, assessment of safety and health risks, and
assurance that control objectives are met. The laboratory per-
forms a wide range of analyses, and when required, operates
from mobile field laboratories.
These activities are continually evaluated and refined, result-
ing in the development of analytical methods that have be-
come national standards for federally-mandated hazardous
waste monitoring actions.
Developing computer software for managing cleanup activities at hazardous waste sites.
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Case Study
The ERT's Contract and Data Management section was requested by the U.S. EPA Region IV OSC to
provide on-site analytical laboratory support to analyze dicamba and benzonitrile in the removal operations
at Shaver's Farm Disposal Site located in Walker County, Georgia.
This assistance included several factors, including setting up a mobile laboratory, creating an analytical
developmental method for a rapid turnaround analysis of dicamba and benzonitrile with strict quality assur-
ance/quality control criteria, and analyzing approximately 1000 soil and water samples between June-Sep-
tember, 1990. The mobile laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and qualified chemists,
was set up within the requested timeframe. Ninety-six soil samples were analyzed for dicamba and
benzonitrile within 36 hours after receiving the samples. This rapid turnaround of results enabled U.S. EPA
personnel to make quick and responsive decisions to direct the removal operation at the site.
Analyzing environmental samples collected from ERT responses around the world.
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Operational Support
The Operational Support section has two principal responsi-
bilities:
• Ensuring the effectiveness of Superfund cleanup activi-
ties in terms of both cost and actual results.
• Overseeing the ERT training programs.
To accomplish the cleanup activities, Operational Support
members work closely with OSCs and contractor personnel to
perform site engineering evaluations and cleanup cost analy-
ses. The results allow the Section members to recommend the
optimum treatment technologies for every specific site, and an
ideal plan for executing them.
It is in this role that Operational Support provides vital emer-
gency response assistance to U.S. EPA Regional offices; aides
in mitigation and cleanup efforts at oil and hazardous waste
spills; and serves as the ERT's contact point for any activation
involving radioactive materials. This ensures the utmost safety
and efficiency in cleanups at these locations. It is in the second
area of responsibility, overseeing the ERT training programs,
that Operational Support coordinates and supervises training
activities.
The ERT's Hazardous Materials Training Program, now
known as the Hazardous Materials Incident Response Training
(HMIRT) Program, was established in 1980, largely in re-
sponse to the U.S. EPA Safety Order 1440.2. This Order re-
quired forty hours of hazardous materials training for all U.S.
EPA employees going into the field. The courses are safety-
oriented with large components of industrial hygiene and
hazard recognition.
This training program was developed under the stewardship of
the ERT as a supporting technical resource for all ten U.S.
EPA Regional offices. Four different courses were held in the
Regions and at the ERT's Edison, NJ facility.
The training programs were successful from the start. The
attendance grew to include significant numbers of other fed-
eral agencies, state, local Hazmat and private industry person-
nel. The HMIRT has grown to a contractor staff of over 50,
including a full complement of 12 courses, and an annual
enrollment of more than 6,000 students. In addition, a second
resident teaching facility has been established in Cincinnati,
OH. The ERT personnel continue to provide technical over-
sight for course development and presentation.
The current HMIRT curriculum includes:
• Hazardous Material Incident Response Operations
(165.5)
• Emergency Response to Hazardous Material Incidents
(165.15)
• Treatment Technologies for Superfund (165.3)
• Air Surveillance for Hazardous Materials (165.4)
• Introduction to Groundwater Investigations (165.7)
• Sampling for Hazardous Materials (165.9)
• Removal Cost Management System (165.17)
• Safety and Health Decisionmaking for Managers
(165.11)
• Radiation Safety at Superfund Sites (165.6)
• Advanced Air Sampling for Hazardous Materials
(165.16)
• Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (165.6)
• Inland Oil Spills (165.18)
The Program also produces a number of full-field hazardous
material accident simulations annually. These simulations are
conducted at the request of U.S. EPA Regional Offices and are
designed to exercise and evaluate Hazmat Contingency Plans
and Operating Procedures. National Technology Seminars are
also conducted annually.
Training workers in appropriate level of protection for response activities at hazardous waste sites.
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Safety and Air Surveillance
The Safety and Air Surveillance Section encompasses two
critical areas of hazardous waste response and remediation:
Safety and Health and Air Surveillance. While these areas are
interrelated, each performs essential independent functions.
Safety and Health activities include, but are not limited to the
following:
• Managing OSWER's integrated Safety and Health
Program.
• Maintaining the employee database for tracking train-
ing and medical monitoring of all OSWER employees.
• Maintaining and distributing all personal protective
equipment required by OSWER personnel during site
visits.
• Serving as OSWER's national expert for safety and
health problems at hazardous material activities.
• Implementing the U.S. EPA's Worker Protection Stan-
dard 40 CFR 311.
• Developing and implementing safety and health proto-
cols, site safety plans, and emergency preparedness
procedures.
• Conducting site safety and health audits.
This Section within the ERT ensures the safety and health of
all U.S. EPA field personnel within OSWER. In addition, this
section assesses potential risks to all residents at or near a haz-
ardous waste site, to all personnel on-site, and to the environ-
Monitoring participate emissions from
burning oil wells in Kuwait.
Case Study
At the request of U.S. EPA Region VI, the ERT provided assistance at an abandoned chemical distribution
and packaging warehouse. The Safety and Air Surveillance section performed realtime air monitoring and
collected multimedia air samples to be analyzed for hydrocarbons, pesticides and metals. The ERT then
provided rapid analysis of these samples, in turn facilitating a rapid characterization of the hazards present
at this site.
Prior to this characterization, site workers had been operating in Level B protective clothing which, when
coupled with the high heat and humidity conditions, created an extremely stressful working environment.
The ERT's rapid assessment actions allowed site operations to be safely downgraded to a more comfortable
Level C. The ERT then created and assisted in the implementation of an ongoing air monitoring plan at the
site. The results of this plan showed no off-site migration of contaminants during removal actions, thus
alleviating the concerns of neighboring industry. The ERT also created a personnel monitoring plan to
assess compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Worker Protection Stan-
dard (29 CFR 1910.12)/40CFR 311). Finally, at the request of the OSC, a mock safety audit was also con-
ducted on both U.S. EPA and contractor personnel.
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tnent as well. To accomplish this task, section members de-
velop, implement and monitor a variety of sampling and study
activities in conjunction with the air surveillance activities.
On-site activities include: providing administrative control,
operational guidelines, respiratory fit testing, site safety plan
reviews, site safety audits, protocols for personal protective
equipment, and continuous training for all emergency re-
sponders.
In addition to these responsibilities, the Section coordinates
closely with OSHA, the U.S. EPA's Chemical Emergency
Preparedness and Prevention Office, as well as with U.S. EPA
Headquarters and Regional offices, other federal, state, and
local government entities, and international agencies.
Providing vital on-site technical support in occupational safety
and health is available to the U.S. EPA's Regional Removal
and Remedial programs. In the event of an impending OSHA
inspection, performing a pre-audit or participating in an an-
nounced audit, specialists in safety and health will work along
with the Regional representative and the OSHA inspector. The
Safety and Air Survellance section will also review and evalu-
ate existing site-specific safety and health plans, emergency
response plans, contingency plans, safety equipment, proto-
cols, standards, and guidance. The Safety and Air Surveillance
section develops agency guidance and protocols to clarify
regulations, facilitate compliance, and promote occupational
safety and health. Group members provide technical assistance
in the areas of air sampling and safety and health to various
research committees and advisory boards, ranging from Envi-
ronment Canada's Emergency Technology Division to the
International Association of Fire Fighters.
Air Surveillance activities include the following:
• Identifying actual volatile organic compound (VOC)
emission sources for indoor and outdoor air.
• Determining air emission rates during pilot cleanup
operations.
• Providing both on-site and field analyses of air
sampling.
• Conducting emergency, pre-planning, and long-term
exposure modeling.
• Developing and implementing air monitoring and
sampling.
• Providing technical input to the Office of Emergency
and Remedial Response (OERR).
• Developing and implementing industrial hygiene per-
sonnel monitoring.
Air Surveillance involves conducting crucial environmental
surveys to determine the fate and movement of airborne con-
taminants at the sites of oil and hazardous material spills,
uncontrolled hazardous wastes, and underground storage
tanks. Based upon results, air surveillance specialists create
and implement complex and very often unique methodologies
for air sampling and analysis.
Air Surveillance provides a broad range of technical and ad-
ministrative support for those involved with removal and
remedial actions beyond basic air monitoring and sampling
activities. Operating both on and off site. Air Surveillance is
able to implement innovative procedures for handling and
disposal of unstable materials, assess the stability and reactiv-
ity of hazardous materials, and monitor the residual products
from hazardous waste material fires, as well as industrial hy-
giene personnel monitoring.
Realtime measurement of airborne contaminants
open-path I-1 IK advanced technnlngv.
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Besides the standard air monitoring and sampling methods,
Air Surveillance can attack a problem with state-of-the-art
methodologies, such as remote optical sensing and direct air
sampling mass spectrometry. The remote optical sensing
method uses an open-path Fourier Transform Infrared Spec-
trometer (OP-FTIR) to measure in near realtime the total mass
of specific contaminants across a light path of up to several
hundred meters. These measurements can then be used to
calculate emission rates and/or the maximum concentration
present in the plume at the measured location or at any point
further downwind. The direct air sampling mass spectrometry
method uses a mobile Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer
(TAGA) 6000E Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer to
measure in realtime low parts per billion by volume concentra-
tions of preselected compounds even as the instrument itself is
being driven down a street.
Case Study
When complaints arose about noxious fumes within a U.S. EPA command post during a removal action at a
chemical recycling facility, the ERT was activated by the U.S. EPA Region II OSC. The ERT performed
extensive air sampling on-site using 10 sampling trains at each station and over 95 pumps daily. In addi-
tion, realtime air monitoring, selective media sampling, and a mobile TAGA were used. An important facet
of this activation included the completion of a comprehensive ventilation/indoor air survey within the com-
mand post to determine whether there were any contaminants present, and if so, to determine their origin.
The results of this study indicated no known contamination within the compound post. An air sampling
strategy was developed for implementation at the site if the noxious odors returned.
TAGA performs realtime analyses of selected
air contaminants at the low parts per billion by volume level.
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Site Investigation
The Site Investigation section designs and implements multi-
media extent of contamination and risk assessment surveys
tailored to the specific needs of the OSC or the RPM. Specifi-
cally, Site Investigation is responsible for the following:
• Designing and implementing representative sampling
programs which define the transport and fate of hazard-
ous chemicals at complex Superfund sites.
• Employing innovative sampling techniques, and adapt-
ing standard U.S. EPA sampling procedures to specific
site problems.
• Providing experienced interpretation of data coupled
with recommendations and verified analytical pack-
ages.
• Providing a knowledgeable assessment of environmen-
tal and public health risks.
• Developing site-specific cleanup criteria.
• Providing Technical Assistance to regional Biological
Technical Assistance Groups.
Determining the ultimate fate of hazardous pollutants and the
possible impact of these chemicals on public health and the
environment falls to Site Investigation. By conducting a wide
range of field studies, from initial site assessments to compre-
hensive site characterization studies, rapid determinations of
risks and remediation are possible.
A variety of techniques are employed in these field studies to
identify the presence and movement of contaminants in soil
sediments, air, biota, and both surface and groundwater. To
optimize data collection and minimize analysis turnaround
time, emphasis is placed on the use of portable field instru-
ments.
Site Investigation members are skilled in a wide range of full-
field study techniques for use at the scene of oil or hazardous
material spills, leaking underground storage tanks, and uncon-
trolled wastes. These capabilities include:
• Soil gas surveys to provide realtime definition of the
source and extent of volatile contaminants in the va-
dose zone and groundwater.
• X-Ray Fluorescence surveys to rapidly define heavy
metal contamination in soil over large site areas.
• Surface geophysical surveys for on-site location of
buried drums, tanks, former lagoons, and other waste
disposal areas.
• Borehole geophysical and downhole camera for strati-
graphic definition of soil surface soils and bedrock.
• Ecological Assessments to evaluate the impact and risk
to the environment associated with hazardous waste
sites. A major component of this is to develop cleanup
goals for the protection of the environment.
Searching for submerged drums of hazardous chemicals using a state-of-the-art
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROY).
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Complete groundwater investigations, incorporating
timely design installation and sampling of monitoring
wells to assess the fate and transport of chemicals
within diverse hydrogeological settings.
Site mapping (through the use of a total geodetic sta-
tion) to produce accurate scale drawings and vivid
graphics depicting sampling locations, pollutant migra-
tion pathways, contaminant plumes, and three-dimen-
sional views of waste disposal areas.
Underwater assessment of hazardous situations includ-
ing hazardous sediments and submerged drums. As-
sessments are conducted through the ERT Dive Team
and the use of a ROV.
The ROV is configured with a tracking system and SONAR to
search for drums in areas with limited visibility.
On a regular basis, the Site Investigation section designs and
reviews site plans, ensuring that they are technically sound,
cost effective, and able to provide statistically valid informa-
tion. Removal and remedial workplans are similarly reviewed,
ensuring they are conducted in environmentally sound man-
ners. Drawing upon their field activity experience, the Site
Investigation section members routinely produce SOPs. These
SOPs are designed to serve as guides for field surveys con-
ducted both by other ERT and U.S. EPA personnel. Updates in
sampling and analytical procedures are distributed through
ERT factsheets, which are created and issued periodically.
Core sampling in afresh water wetland contaminated by heavy metals
from an adjacent hazardous waste site.
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Case Study
Discharge from a metal plating facility resulted in a variety of metals and cyanide contamination of a wet-
land area and associated stream. At the request of a U.S. EPA Regional Office, the Site Investigation sec-
tion developed and implemented a multimedia site evaluation to delineate the magnitude and spatial extent
of contamination at the site. An ecological assessment was conducted to determine environmentally sound
cleanup goals.
After review of existing data, a sampling design was developed which incorporated both systematic and
bias sampling approaches to address potential contaminant sources, migration pathways, and both human
and ecological receptors. The flexible sampling design enabled the ERT to address both man-made sources
of contamination and the natural drainage patterns in the wetland.
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), a rapid field screening technique to determine metals concentrations soils and
sediments, was used as a cost-effective means to screen a large number of samples. Laboratory confirma-
tion of field results was performed on a statistically based subset of the samples, using an Atomic Absorp-
tion Spectroscopy.
Advanced mapping and geostatistical techniques were used to develop contour maps delineating contami-
nation isopleths, and evaluate the statistical validity of the data.
Solid phase toxicity testing was utilized in order to evaluate the toxicity of the contaminants and the poten-
tial threat to the environment. XRF analyses were used to screen sediment samples to obtain a statistically
based sample size covering the contaminant range of interest. This increased the interpretive power of the
toxicity tests while reducing the overall cost.
Preliminary toxicity tests were run to determine the most appropriate test organism and identify the range
of contaminants which may be environmentally acceptable. Based upon these results, sediments were col-
lected for solid phase toxicity testing in the concentration range indicated. Statistical evaluation of the test
results were made to select the concentration of contaminants which would not be expected to cause an
unacceptable environmental threat, thereby providing an environmentally sound cleanup goal.
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Environmental Response Center
The ERT participates in a number of technology transfer tech-
niques to share accumulated knowledge within the ERT and
U.S. EPA Regional offices. Most prominent of these is the
Environmental Response Center (ERC), a newly established
state-of-the-art facility in Edison, NJ. Staffed with technical
information specialists, and stocked with a varied collection
of computer-based materials, books, publications, slides, maps
and graphic charts, the ERC offers an effective approach to
information gathering. ERC material can be accessed in per-
son, by telephone, or via computer-based materials to answer
questions regarding the ERT's environmental activities. The
ERC also functions in a research capacity, providing the user
with research strategies for locating data within the wide vari-
ety of information material available. In-house computer sta-
tions offer access to the library system, catalog searches, data-
bases for chemistry and other scientific searches, CD Roms,
and Federal Register Chemical Hazardous materials.
The ERC's multimedia Conference Center accommodates
training sessions, seminars, research activities, and conference
needs of the ERT. The broad range of available video and
audio equipment allows viewing of broadcast cable and satel-
lite downlink television transmissions, as well as U.S. EPA
Headquarters and ERT produced videos and visuals accessed
from the Slide and Video Archive.
It is through the ERC that ERTV, the ERT's own video out-
reach program, is accessed and distributed. Developed in re-
sponse to the U.S. EPA's desire to highlight specific issues
through the video medium, ERTV's goal is to educate and
offer information on response preparedness, training, and
research, using animated simulations and the latest video pro-
duction techniques. These fast-paced video segments are
aimed at those in the environmental field, with the intent of
generating the viewer's interest in obtaining further data in
these vital areas.
Conferring at ERT's Environmental Response Center also includes the use of teleconferencing,
video, and other advanced communication technology equipment.
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How the ERT is Activated
The ERT maintains a 24-hour response capability. Once the
U.S. EPA OSC and/or RPM determines that ERT assistance is
needed to ensure a successful response, the following officials
can be contacted:
During working hours:
Call the Director of Emergency Response Division
Telephone: (202) 260-8720
During non-working hours:
Call the 24-hour Response Phone
Telephone: (908) 321-6660
The Director of the Emergency Response Division or his des-
ignee has the authority to activate the ERT. Upon activation,
appropriate ERT personnel (from the Sections outlined within
this brochure) and necessary resources are dispatched. Once
activated, the ERT functions under the direct operational con-
trol of the OSC or RPM.
Other federal or state agencies interested in activating the ERT
should contact the U.S. EPA Emergency Response Coordina-
tor within their U.S. EPA Region. The coordinator will then
contact the appropriate officials. International activations are
initiated through the U.S. EPA International Affairs Office.
In non-emergency situations, the Director of the Emergency
Response Division approves the activities of the ERT.
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