PB98-964017
EPA 541-R98-073
October 1998
EPA Superfund
Record of Decision:
Pensacola Naval Air Station OU 14
Pensacola, FL
9/25/1998
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-2-
EPA appreciates the coordination efforts of NAS Pensacola
and the level of effort that was put forth in the documenjts
leading to this decision. EPA looks forward to continuing the
exemplary working relationship with NAS Pensacola and Southern
Division Naval Faefilities Engineering Command as we move toward
final cleanup of. the NPL site.
Sincerely,
Richard D. Green
Director
Waste Management Division
cc: Elsie Munsell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Ron Joyner, NAS Pensacola
Bill Hill, SOUTHDIV
David Grabka, FDEP
bcc: Allison Abernathy, FFRRO/OSWE
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FINAL RECORD OF DECISION
SITE 17 (OPERABLE UNIT 14) - FORMER TRANSFORMER
STORAGE YARD
NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
SOUTHNAVFACENGCOM
Contract Number:
N62467-89-D-0318
CTO-083
Prepared for:
Comprehensive Long-Term Environmental Action Navy
(CLEAN)
Naval Air Station
Pensacola, Florida
Prepared by:
EnSafelnc.
5724 Summer Trees Drive
Memphis, Tennessee 38134
(901) 372-7962
August 19,1998
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Table of Contents
DECLARATION OF THE RECORD OF DECISION iv
1.0 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 1
2.0 SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVmES 4
2.1 General Site History 4
2.2 Site-Specific History 4
2.3 Removal Action 5
3.0 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION 6
4.0 SCOPE AND ROLE OF THE OPERABLE UNIT 7
5.0 SITE CHARACTERISTICS 8
5.1 Nature and Extent of Contamination 8
5.1.1 Soil/Sediment Contamination Assessment 9
5.1.2 Groundwater Contamination Assessment 11
5.1.3 Summary and Conclusions 11
5.2 Contaminant Fate and Transport 13
5.2.1 Contaminant Migration 13
5.2.2 Current and Potential Receptors 14
6.0 SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS 15
6.1 Area-Weighted PCB Concentrations 15
6.2 Discussion 16
6.3 Conclusion 18
7.0 THE SELECTED REMEDY 19
8.0 DOCUMENTATION OF NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES 20
9.0 REFERENCES 21
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List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Site Location Map 2
Figure 1-2 Site Area Map 3
Figure 5-1 Inorganics above PRGs and RCs in Soil/Sediment Samples 10
Figure 5-2 Organics above Preliminary Remediation Goals in Soil/Sediment Samples . . 12
Figure 6-1 PCB Threshold Analysis Diagram 17
List of Tables
Table 6-1 Site 17 Area Weighted Analysis Values
18
List of Appendices
Appendix A Glossary
Appendix B Responsiveness Summary
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List of Abbreviations
The following list contains many of the abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols used in this
document. A glossary of technical terms is provided in Appendix A.
ARAR Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirement
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
cy Cubic yard
FDER Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (since renamed Florida
Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP])
FFA Federal Facilities Agreement
NAS Naval Air Station
NCP National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
NEESA Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity since renamed Naval
Facilities Engineering Service Center
NPL National Priorities List
PAH Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
PRG Preliminary Remediation Goal
PWC Public Works Center
RAB Restoration Advisory Board
RC Reference concentration
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RI Remedial investigation
ROD Record of Decision
TRC Technical Review Committee
USC U.S. Code
USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
111
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DECLARATION OF THE RECORD OF DECISION
She Name and Location
Site 17 (Operable Unit 14) Former Transformer Storage Yard
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Pensacola, Florida
Statement of Purpose
This decision document (Record of Decision) presents the selected remedy for Site 17 at
Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida, developed in accordance with the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA),
as amended by the Supernind Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986,42 U.S.Code § 9601
et seq., and to the extent practicable, the National Contingency Plan (NCP), 40 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 300. This decision is based on the administrative record for Site 17 at the
NAS Pensacola.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection concur with the selected remedy.
Description of the Selected Remedy
This action is the final action planned for the operable unit. It was preceded by a removal action
which addressed a single PCB "hot spot" identified during the remedial investigation. After
removal of an estimated 6 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from this hot spot, the remedial
investigation, including the human health risk assessment, supports a no-action remedial
alternative for Site 17. The remedial investigation addressed all environmental media within
Site 17; therefore, no other remedial actions will be considered for the site.
Declaration Statement
A removal action completed at the site has addressed all risks posed by the site; no further action
is necessary at this operable unit. Because the no-action alternative was the only alternative
considered for the operable unit, the nine criteria analysis do not apply. Because this remedy does
not result in hazardous substances remaining onsite, a five-year review is not required.
ilM. Denkler, NAS Pensacola Date
iv
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19. 1998
1.0 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
Site 17 (Operable Unit 14) is at Hovey and Brown roads, near the center of the installation, as
shown on Figures 1-1 and 1-2. The site consists of an area roughly 150 feet by 250 feet mostly
covered by asphalt paving. The site is divided into three storage yards separated by chain-link
fencing. These yards are used by various departments of the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola
Public Works Center (PWC). The northernmost yard, known as the "Scrap Yard," currently
stores scrap metal. The center yard, the "Goat Yard," currently stores vehicle trailers. The
southern yard, the "High-Voltage Yard," stores various types of equipment, including vehicles,
transformers, and wooden utility poles. Access to the Scrap and Goat yards is controlled by the
PWC Tool Control Center, while the PWC Utilities Department controls access to the
High-Voltage Yard.
Hovey Road, about 100 feet south of the site, is a main east-west thoroughfare for commands and
facilities between Duncan and Taylor roads. A grassy landscaped area sparsely covered with trees
lies between the site and Hovey Road. Brown Road abuts the site to the east. This north-south
drive provides access to the Arriola Court housing area, about 200 feet north of the site.
Arriola Court Drive parallels the border of the site approximately 50 feet to the north, where it
intersects Brown Road. A grassy median is between the site and Arriola Court Drive. An asphalt
parking lot and a tree-covered landscaped area are between Arriola Court Drive and the housing
area. The area west of the site includes portions of the storage facilities described. The
High-Voltage Yard has two storm drains.
The Site 17 area is generally flat with a land surface elevation averaging 20 to 25 feet above mean
sea level. A number of other Installation Restoration Program (IRP) sites are about 1,200 to
1,500 feet northeast of Site 17. These include Site 8, the Rifle Range Disposal Area; Site 22, the
Refueler Repair Shop; and Site 24, the DDT Mixing Area. The nearest monitoring wells include
a Site 1 well cluster about 1,350 feet north of the site, and those installed for the IRP sites
mentioned above.
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HIGH VOLTAGE YARD
(CURRENT TRANSFORMER
STORAGE AREA)
- APPROXIMATE SITE
BOUNDARY
-X - FENCE
I - STORM DRAIN
60
SCALE
RECORD OF DECISION
SUE 17
NAS PENSACOLA
FIGURE 1-2
SITE AREA MAP
60
FEET
/97
MAUF-
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
2.0 SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
2.1 General Site History
In December 1989, the base was placed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA)
National Priorities List (NPL). A Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA) signed in October 1990
outlines the regulatory path to be followed at NAS Pensacola. NAS Pensacola must meet both the
regulatory obligations associated with its NPL listing and the requirements of a
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permit issued in 1988. That permit addresses
the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste and the investigation and remediation of
any releases of hazardous waste and/or constituents from solid waste management units.
RCRA and CERCLA cleanup activities are coordinated through the FFA, streamlining the
remediation process.
2.2 Site-Specific History
Until 1976, Site 17 was an open storage area for 200-300 transformers, some with polychlorinated
biphenyl (PCB)-laden dielectric fluids. No deliberate disposal of PCB oils occurred onsite;
however, leakage was suspected given the many transformers stored there.
A 1983 Initial Assessment Study performed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center
(formerly the Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity [NEESA]), noted a black oily
substance on the asphalt surface within the transformer storage area. Seventy parts per thousand
of Aroclor-1260, a PCB, were detected in a grab sample collected from the oily residue. Other
chlorinated hydrocarbons also were detected in the sample. A high degree of contamination was
suspected within the storage yard, with possible contamination of unpaved areas outside of the
yard's fence line. Further study of the site was recommended (NEESA, 1983).
Site 17 was further investigated in a 1984 Verification Study conducted by Geraghty and
Miller, Inc. (G&M). Three shallow borings were advanced through the pavement onsite, with soil
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola. Site 17
August 19. 1998
samples collected immediately below the pavement and at 12 and 24 inches deep. Samples from
one boring contained up to 9 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) Aroclor-1260, with most samples
containing less than 0.2 mg/kg of PCBs. The study suggested that PCBs had not permeated the
asphalt, but may have been washed through joints or cracks in the pavement. The study also
indicated the area of affected soil was small, and that it should be noted in the base master
development plan. No further environmental investigation of the site was recommended
(G&M, 1984).
2.3 Removal Action
The remedial investigation (RI) completed at Site 17 in September 1995 identified Aroclor-1260 at
4,200 micrograms per kilogram G^g/kg) above its preliminary remediation goal (PRO) of 83 ^g/kg
in surface soil at a single boring (17S01). Benzo(a)pyrene (97 A/g/kg) was also detected in surface
soil at that location above its PRG. A removal action was completed in January 1998 to eliminate
the single PCB "hot spot" identified at Site 17. An estimated 6 tons of PCB-contaminated soils
were removed from the site for disposal as a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)-regulated
waste at a licensed landfill. Soil samples collected at the extent of the excavation confirmed that
the contamination was removed to below its PRG.
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
- August 19. 1998
3.0 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Throughout the site's history, the community has been kept abreast of activities in accordance with
CERCLA Sections 113(k)(2)(B)(i-v) and 117. In January 1989, a Technical Review Committee
(TRC) was formed to review recommendations for and monitor progress of investigation and
remediation at NAS Pensacola. The TRC was composed of representatives of the Navy, USEPA,
Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (since renamed Florida Department of
Environmental Protection [FDEPJ), and the local community. In addition, a mailing list of
interested community members and organizations was established and maintained by the
NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office. In July 1995, a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was
established as a forum for communication between the community and decision-makers. The RAB
absorbed the TRC and added members from the community and local organizations. The RAB
members work together to monitor progress of the investigation and to review remediation
activities and recommendations at NAS Pensacola. RAB meetings are held regularly, advertised,
and are open to the public.
Before the removal action occurred at Site 17, a public notice was placed in the Pensacola News
Journal on January 8, 1998. After finalizing the RI, the preferred alternative for Site 17 was
presented in the Proposed Remedial Action Plan, also called the proposed plan. Everyone on the
NAS Pensacola mailing list was sent a copy of the proposed plan. The notice of its availability,
along with the RI document, was published in the Pensacola News Journal on December 4, 1997.
A public comment period was held from December 8, 1997, to January 22, 1998 to encourage
public participation in the remedy-selection process. In addition, the opportunity for a public
meeting was provided during the comment period. Responses to comments received during the
comment period are contained in Appendix B.
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
4.0 SCOPE AND ROLE OF THE OPERABLE UNIT
This selected remedy is the first and final remedial action for the site. The no-action alternative
is selected for Site 17 due to the lack of any unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.
This is the only Record of Decision (ROD) contemplated for Site 17. Operable Unit 14, which
consists of Site 17, is one of 13 operable units within NAS Pensacola. The purpose
of each operable unit is defined in the FY 1997 Site Management Plan
(SOUTHNAVFACENGCOM, 1996) for NAS Pensacola, which is in the Administrative Record.
Separate investigations and assessments are being conducted for the other operable units at
NAS Pensacola in accordance with CERCLA. Therefore, this ROD applies only to Site 17.
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pemacola Site 17
August 19. 1998
5.0 SITE CHARACTERISTICS
This section of the ROD presents an overview of the nature and extent of contamination at Site 17
with respect to known or suspected sources of contamination, types of contamination, and affected
media. Known or potential routes of migration of contaminants also are discussed.
5.1 Nature and Extent of Contamination
The sampling approach, methods, and sample locations for this investigation were detailed in the
RI report. The analytical results were compared to the following general and site-specific PRGs
to evaluate the nature and extent of contamination at Site 17.
SoU
Risk-based concentrations, soil ingestion scenario for residential soil (surface soil) and soil
screening levels, transfer scenario from soil to groundwater (subsurface soil) (USEPA,
1996a).
Selected Cleanup Goals residential scenario (surface soil)/leaching scenario (subsurface
soil) (FDEP, 1995 and 1996).
USEPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response draft revised Interim Soil Lead
Guidance (USEPA, 1994a).
Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 761.125 Requirements for PCB Spill
Cleanup (1988).
USEPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Soil Screening Guidance
(USEPA, 1994b).
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19. 1998
Sediment
Sediment Screening Values (SSVs; USEPA, 1995).
Sediment Quality Assessment Guidelines, Threshold Effects Levels (TELs)
(FDEP, 1994a).
Groundwater
USEPA Maximum Contaminant Levels and Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels
(USEPA, 1996b).
Florida Primary/Secondary Drinking Water Standards and Florida Groundwater Guidance
Concentrations (FDEP, 1994b).
In addition to the PRGs, soil and groundwater inorganics results were compared to
NAS Pensacola-specific reference concentrations developed by the Navy during the Site 1
investigation. These are equal to two times the detected mean for any given parameter
(E/A&H, 1996).
5.1.1 Soil/Sediment Contamination Assessment
Inorganics
Figure 5-1 illustrates inorganics detected above PRGs and reference concentrations (RCs) in soil
and sediment samples at Site 17. Iron was the only parameter in soil to exceed its PRG
(2,300 mg/kg) and RC (2,745 rag/kg).
The single sediment sample contained cadmium (4.1 mg/kg), copper (140 mg/kg), lead
(309 mg/kg), mercury (0.2 mg/kg), and zinc (408 mg/kg) above the USEPA SSV and/or
FDEP TEL.
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.17GR03
|FE 5870|
SCRAP
YARD
HIGH VOLTAGE YARD
(CURRENT TRANSFORMER
STORAGE AREA)
- APPROXIMATE SfTE
BOUNDARY
- FENCE
- STORM DRAIN
0 - SOIL BORING
A - SEDIMENT SAMPLE
9 - TEMPORARY SHALLOW
W WELL
PARAMETERS
AS 2.6 ARSENIC (MC/KC
BE 0.17 BERYLLIUM (MC.
CD 4.1 CADMIUM (MG/KG)
CU 14O COPPER (MG/KG)
FE 0460 IRON (MG/KG)
HG 0.2 MERCURY (MG/KC)
PB JOB LEAD (MG/KG)
ZN 408 ZINC (MC/KC)
ALL SOU. PARAMETERS FROM SURFACE
SOIL (0-V) INTERVAL
SOIL PRO
ARSENIC 1.M MG/KG (NASP RC)
BERYLLIUM 0.41 MG/KG (NASP RC)
IRON 2.745 MG/KG (NASP RC)
LOWEST SEDIMENT PRC
CADMIUM 0.076 MG/KC (FDEP TEL)
COPPER 18.7 MC/KC (FDEP TEL/USEPA SSV)
LEAD 30.2 MG/KG (FDEP TEL/USEPA SSV)
MERCURY 0.13 MG/KG (FDEP TEL/USEPA SSV)
ZINC 124 MG/KC (FDEP TEL/USEPA SSV)
60
SCALE
60
FEET
RECORD OF DECISION
SITE 17
NAS PENSACOLA
FIGURE 5-1
INORGANICS ABOVE PRGs AND RCs
IN SOIL/SEDIMENT SAMPLES
DATE: 12/t 1/97
NAME: S3S1IAP
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19. 1998
Organics
Figure 5-2 depicts organics detected above PRGS in soil and sediment samples. Surface soils at
two borings (17S06 and 17S08) in the Scrap Yard contained the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
(PAH) benzo(a)pyrene (110 to 160 Mg/kg) above its PRO (88
The storm drain sediment sample (17M01) contained numerous PAHs above the FDEP TEL.
These included 2-methylnaphthalene, 64 //g/kg; acenaphthene, 140 //g/kg; acenaphthylene,
41 jUg/kg; anthracene, 170/ug/kg; benzo(a)anthracene, l.OOO^g/kg; benzo(a)pyrene, 600^g/kg;
chrysene, 1,500 A*g/kg; dibenz(a,h)anthracene, 160 Mg/kg; fluoranthene, 2,400 Mg/kg; fluorene,
130 Aig/kg; naphthalene, 66 //g/kg; phenanthrene, 1,800 ^g/kg; and pyrene, 1,800 Mg/kg. The
pesticides 4,4'-DDE, 39 ^g/kg; 4,4'-DDT, 520 //g/kg; dieldrin, 91 Mg/kg; endrin, 530 /^g/kg;
and endrin aldehyde, 530 /ug/kg, were also present above USEPA and/or FDEP sediment
screening values, as was Aroclor-1260 (6,
5.1.2 Groundwater Contamination Assessment
None of the inorganics detected in groundwater exceeded its RC and the lower of the state or
federal standard. Organics detected in groundwater did not exceed their state or federal standards.
5.1.3 Summary and Conclusions
Iron was the only parameter in soil to exceed the PRG and RC. However, iron was not detected
in site groundwater samples above its standard, indicating no significant leaching of inorganic
parameters to groundwater is occurring at Site 17. None of the inorganic parameters detected in
groundwater exceeded its standard and RC.
Historical site use involved a good deal of vehicular traffic; therefore, the surface soil
benzo(a)pyrene concentrations above standards at borings 17S06 and 17S08 may have originated
from residual petroleum products which leaked from vehicles or machinery stored near these
sampling locations. Additionally, since samples from borings 17S06 and 17S08 were collected
11
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.17GR03
BENZO(A)PYRENE 160
I BENZO(A)PYRENE 11
SCRAP
YARD
GOAT
YARD
HIGH VOLTAGE YARD
CURRENT TRANSFORMER
STORAGE AREA)
2-METHLNAPHTHALENE 04
.ACENAPHTENE 140
ACENAPHTHYLENE 41
ANTHRACENE 170
BENZO(A)ANTRACENE 1000
BEN20(A)PYRENE 600
CHRYSENE 1500
DIBENZ(A.H)ANTHRACENE 160
FLUORANTHENE 2400
FLUORENE 130
NAPHTHALENE 66
PHENANTHRENE 1800
PYRENE 1800
17M01
PESTICIDES
4.4'-DOE 39
4.4'-OOT 520
WELDRIN 91
ENDRIN 530
ENORIN ALDEHYDE 530
AROCLOR 1260
- SOIL BORING
- SEDIMENT SAMPLE
APPROXIMATE SITE
BOUNDARY
FENCE
STORM DRAIN
- TEMPORARY SHALLOW
WELL
LOWEST SEDIMENT PRG
ALL SOIL PARAMETERS FROM SURFACE
SOUL (0-1') INTERVAL: CONCENTRATIONS IN UG/KG
LOWEST SOIL PRO
BENZO(A)PYRENE 88 UG/KG (USEPA RBC)
AROCLOR 1260 83 UG/KC (USEPA RBC)
LOWEST SEDIMENT PRC
2-METHYLNAPHTHALENE 20.2 UG/KG (FDEP TEL)
ANCENAPHTENE 6.71 UG/KG (FDEP TEL)
ACENAPHTYLENE 5.87 UG/KC (FDEP TEL)
ANTHRACENE 46.9 UG/KC (FDEP TEL)
BENZO(A)ANTHRACENE 74.8 U6/KG (FDEP TEL)
BENZO(A)PYRENE 88.8 UG/KC (FDEP TEL)
CHRYSENE 108 UG/KG (FDEP TEL)
DIBENZ(A.H)ANTHRACENE 6.22 UG/KC (FDEP TEL)
FLUORANTHENE 113 U6/KG (FDEP TEL)
FLUORENE 21.2 UG/KG (FDEP TEL)
NAPHTHALENE 34.6 UG/KC (FDEP TEL)
PHENANTHRENE 86.7 UG/KG JFDEP TEL)
PYRENE 153 UG/KC (FDEP TT '
4,4'-OOE 2.07 UG/KG (FDEP
M'-DOT 1.19 UG/KC (FDEP
WELDRIN 0.715 UG/KG (FDEP
ENDRIN 3J UG/KG (USEPA SSV)
ENORIN ALDEHYDE 3.3 UGAC (USEPA SSV)
AROCLOR 1260 21.6 UC/KG (USEPA SSV)
60
SCALE
60
FEET
RECORD OF DECISION
SITE 17
MAS PENSACOLA
FIGURE 5-2
ORGANICS ABOVE PRELIMINARY
REMEDIATION GOALS IN
SOIL/SEDIMENT SAMPLES
DATE-12/11/97
DWG NAME: 83S170AP
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
from soil underlying asphalt pavement, the PAH constituent may have also originated from the
asphalt. At any rate, the concentration and distribution of benzo(a)pyrene do not suggest a
significant source of contamination at this site.
Surface soil PCB contamination below PRGs (15 to 41 yug/kg) is limited to the High-Voltage Yard,
in the southern part of the site. This portion of the site, controlled by the PWC High-Voltage
Shop, stores equipment and materials associated with electrical utilities, including transformers.
The northern portion of the site area (Goat/Scrap yards) is used for different purposes and is
controlled by the PWC Tool Room. Assuming historical use is consistent with this, it may explain
the lack of PCB contamination in the northern two-thirds of the site.
Sediments collected from the storm sewer manhole on Site 17 contained numerous metals,
pesticides, PAHs, and Aroclor-1260 above PRGs. The storm sewer manhole at Site 17 has been
historically acting as a sink for parameters washed into it during storms. The sediments will be
addressed during the maintenance of the storm sewer system on a base-wide scale in accordance
with the Storm Water Management program. This recommendation is base-wide, and not reserved
for Site 17 alone.
5.2 Contaminant Fate and Transport
5.2.1 Contaminant Migration
Leaching of Soil Constituents to Groundwater
Soil constituents leach to groundwater primarily via downward percolation of rainwater. The
absence of most parameters in groundwater above their standards indicates that this pathway does
is insignificant at Site 17. Soil within the site area is very permeable, resulting in quick infiltration
and minimal contact time between percolating water and soil above die water table. Also, much
of the site is covered by asphalt, which limits percolation, causing precipitation to pool and
evaporate or run off via onsite storm drains.
13
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
Surface Water Transport
The site is surrounded by grassy and open patches of soil, as well as impervious surfaces which
affect the transport of surface water in different ways. Much of Site 17 is covered by asphalt, on
which precipitation either pools and evaporates, or is directed toward two storm sewer manholes
in the site's southern portion. Rainwater collecting on turf or exposed soil percolates to the water
table.
Groundwater Transport
Groundwater flows toward the southeast at Site 17 with an average calculated velocity of
0.5016 feet per day. The Intercoastal Waterway of Pensacola Bay is about 2,750 feet south of the
site. Assuming advective transport only (equal to the rate of ground water flow), travel time for
constituents to the bay would be about 15 years. In addition, only four parameters (iron,
beryllium, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide) slightly exceeded their surface water quality criteria in
groundwater samples collected at the site. Iron and beryllium were both detected below their
corresponding groundwater reference concentrations. The potential for the detected concentrations
to discharge to the surface water is not expected to be significant given the distance to the bay,
transport mechanisms of the aquifer (i.e., dispersion, retardation, sorption), and natural
attenuation.
5.2.2 Current and Potential Receptors
The current and potential receptors for site groundwater are the Intercoastal Waterway and
Pensacola Bay. No wetlands exist in the site's vicinity. Potential impacts to the bay will be
further addressed in the investigation for Site 42 - Pensacola Bay.
14
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
6.0 SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS
6.1 Area-Weighted PCB Concentrations
Surface soil Aroclor-1260 concentrations at Site 17 exceeded PRGs at one soil boring (17S01),
located in the southeast corner of the site. Because a person would not be expected to spend all
of his/her time onsite in exactly one spot, a simulation of potential PCB exposure was made based
on the assumption of uniform exposure to all surface soils within the investigative area. An
estimate of the potential chronic Aroclor-1260 exposure concentration was calculated for Site 17
by computing the area weighted average concentration for the whole site. Accordingly, the site
was divided by estimating the affected area around each soil boring where Aroclor-1260 was
detected. The surface soil Aroclor-1260 concentrations reported at these locations were used to
approximate the average concentration within each estimated affected subarea.
The area weighted average was calculated using the following equation:
[T]=(A/T)([A]) + (B/T)([B]> + (C/T)([C]) + (D/T)([D])... + ...
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19. 1998
[Z] represents Aroclor-1260 concentration (mg/kg) assumed for the unaffected area of the
site. For Site 17, V6 the CRQL for Aroclor-1260 (.015 mg/kg) was used for this
comparison.
[T] equals the area weighted average (mg/kg) for Aroclor-1260 for the site.
6.2 Discussion
Figure 6-1 diagrams the site apportionment used to compute the area weighted average
Aroclor-1260 concentrations for Site 17. Table 6-1 details the values calculated for the Site 17
area weighted analysis. To obtain the total area weighted average for the site, area weighted
concentrations calculated for both affected and unaffected areas were summed. This mean total
value was compared to the most stringent 40 CFR 761.125 standard, which details requirements
for decontaminating PCB spills in non-restricted access (residential) areas (USEPA, 1988), as well
as those spelled out in the USEPA Soil Screening Guidance (19945). The first document outlines
the Toxic Substance Control Act PCB decontamination requirement, which for residential
scenarios states soil will be decontaminated to 10 mg/kg by weight, provided 10 inches are
excavated and replaced with clean soil containing less than 1 mg/kg of PCBs. The second
document states a surface soil PRO of 1 mg/kg for PCBs. These values are ostensibly based on
potential risk to human receptors.
The area weighted analysis results show the estimated weighted average (mean concentration) for
the site as 0.1209 mg/kg. This concentration is well below the USEPA action level for
Aroclor-1260.
16
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HIGH VOLTAGE YARD
(CURRENT TRANSFORMER
STORAGE AREA)
LEGEND
- APPROXIMATE SfTE BOUNDARY
- SOIL BORING
- FENCE LJNE
- AROCLOR 1260 (MG/KG);AREA A [A]
- AROCLOR 1260 (MG/KG);AREA B [B]
- AROCLOR 1260 (MG/KG);AREA C [C]-REMOVED
- AROCLOR 1260 (MG/KG);AREA D [D]
- AROCLOR 1260 (MG/KG);AREA Z [Z]
SOIL BORINGS WITH DETECTED AROCLOR
17S01,17S02,17S03,17S04
TOTAL AREA = 40.753 FT.*
A = 2,520 FT?
B = 2.419 FT?
C = 1.024 FT*
D - 2.250 FT?
Z - 32.540 FT?
SCALE
45
FEET
RECORD OF DECISION
SITE 17
NAS PENSACOLA
FIGURE 6-1
PCB THRESHOLD ANALYSIS
DIAGRAM
DWG DATE: 06/04/98 I DWG NAME: 00835001
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
Table 6-1
Site 17 Area Weighted - Analysis Values
Area
Identifier
A
B
C
D
Z
T
R.'
2.520
2,419
1,024
2,250
32.540
40,753
Arodor-1260
Concentration
(me/kg)
0.015
0.041
4.20
0.026
0.015
NA
Area Weighted
Concentration
(ing/kg)
0.0010
0.0024
0.1055
0.0014
0.0120
0.1209
Remarks
Boring 17S03
Boring 17S02
Boring 17S01
Boring 17S04
Unaffected Area
Total Site Area
Note:
NA = Not Applicable.
6.3 Conclusion
Although one surface soil Aroclor-1260 concentration was identified above PRGs in a single
subarea at Site 17, using weighted averaging shows that the site overall is below required action
levels under 40 CFR 761.125 and USEPA (1994b) guidance. Consideration was given to FDEP's
concern for the surface soil PCB concentration at boring 17S01. Analysis of current and historical
land use of Site 17 revealed that the site has always had an industrial use, and it can be reasonably
anticipated that this use will not change. Hence, the concentration at 17S01 was compared to
twice the industrial CG for PCBs, as requested by FDEP (FDEP, 1996b). The concentration at
17S01 (4,200 Mg/kg) was under two-times the respective CG (7,000 ^g/kg; FDEP, 1995).
Thus, on an area-weighted basis, the presence of one PCB "hot spot" within the fenced
High Voltage Yard did not present an unacceptable human health risk under the conditions
modeled by the method described above. In further consideration of FDEP's position and their
reluctance to accept a weighted average approach, the single hot spot was the subject to a removal
action after completion of the RI. An estimated six tons of affected soils were removed in
January 1998 and sent to a TSCA-regulated land disposal facility. As a result, the maximum
detected PCB concentrations remaining at Site 17 are below the applicable PRG.
18
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19. 1998
7.0 THE SELECTED REMEDY
Based upon consideration of the requirements of CERCLA and the NCP, the lack of risk
associated with Site 17, and public and state comments, the Navy has selected the no-action
alternative as the preferred remedial action alternative for Site 17. The removal action eliminated
the PRG exceedance at the site. Based on the results of the RJ and the removal action, no remedial
action is necessary to ensure protection of human health and the environment. Because the no-
action alternative was the only alternative considered and there is no excess risk to human health
and the environment, the nine-criteria analysis does not apply. Because this remedy does not
result in hazardous substances remaining onsite, a five-year review is not required.
19
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Final Record of Decision
HAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
8.0 DOCUMENTATION OF NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The proposed plan for Site 17 released on December 8, 1997 identified the no-action alternative
as the preferred alternative. The no-action alternative presented in the proposed plan is the same
as the no-action alternative described in this ROD. No comments were received during the public
comment period.
20
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
9.0 REFERENCES
EnSafe/Allen & Hoshall. (1996). Final Remedial Investigation Report -Site 1, NAS Pensacola,
Florida, Memphis, TN, January 5.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (1994a). Approach to the Assessment
of Sediment Quality in Florida Coastal Waters, FDEP Office of Water Policy,
Tallahassee, Florida, November.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (1994b). Groundwater Guidance
Concentrations, FDEP Division of Water Facilities, Bureau of Drinking Water and
Groundwater Resources, Tallahassee, Florida, June.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (1995). Memorandum-Soil Cleanup Goals for
Florida. FDEP Division of Waste Management, Tallahassee, Florida, September 29.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (1996). Memorandum-Applicability of Soil
Cleanup Goals for Florida, FDEP Division of Waste Management, Tallahassee, Florida,
January 19.
Geraghty & Miller, Inc. (1984). Verification Study, Assessment of Potential Ground-water
Pollution at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, Geraghty & Miller, Inc. Tampa, Florida.
Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity. (1983). Initial Assessment Study of Naval Air
Station, Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida, Port Hueneme, California. (NEESA 13-015).
21
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Final Record of Decision
NAS Pensacola Site 17
August 19, 1998
SOUTHNAVFACENGCOM. (1996). Revised 1996 Site Management Plan of the Installation
Restoration Program for the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida,
Charleston, South Carolina.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1988). Requirements for PCB Spill Cleanup.
Federal Regulations 40:761.125.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1994a). Draft Revised Soil Interim Lead Guidance.
USEPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Washington, D.C., May 27.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1994b). Sott Screening Guidance. USEPA
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Washington, D.C., December
(EPA/540/R-94/101).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1995). Supplemental Guidance to RAGS: Region 4
Bulletins - Ecological Screening Values, Ecological Risk assessment Bulletin No. 2,
Atlanta, GA, November.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1996a). Risk-Based Concentration Table.
USEPA Region ffl, Office of RCRA, Philadelphia, PA.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1996b). Drinking Water Regulations
and Health Advisories. USEPA Office of Water, Washington, D.C., February (EPA-8-22-R-
96-O01).
QrVT.OI3\FCOLAUtOO\ite 17. «pd
22
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Appendix A
Glossary
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Glossary
This glossary defines terms used in this record of decision describing CERCLA activities. The
definitions apply specifically to this record of decision and may have other meanings when used
in different circumstances.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD: A file that contains all information used by the lead agency to
make its decision in selecting a response action under CERCLA. This file is to be available for
public review and a copy is to be established at or near the site, usually at one of the information
repositories. Also a duplicate is filed in a central location, such as a regional or state office.
AQUIFER: An underground formation of materials such as sand, soil, or gravel that can store
and supply groundwater to wells and springs. Most aquifers used in the United States are within
a thousand feet of the earth's surface.
BASELINE RISK ASSESSMENT: A study conducted as a supplement to a remedial
investigation to determine the nature and extent of contamination at a Superfund site and the risks
posed to public health and/or the environment.
CARCINOGEN: A substance that can cause cancer.
CLEANUP: Actions taken to deal with a release or threatened release of hazardous substances
that could affect public health and/or the environment. The noun "cleanup" is often used broadly
to describe various response actions or phases of remedial responses such as Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Study.
COMMENT PERIOD: A time during which the public can review and comment on various
documents and actions taken, either by the Department of Defense installation or the USEPA.
For example, a comment period is provided when USEPA proposes to add sites to the
National Priorities List.
A-l
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS: USEPA's, and subsequently Naval Air Station Pensacola's,
program to inform and involve the public in the Superfund process and respond to community
concerns.
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND
LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA): A federal law passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The act created a special tax that goes
into a trust fund, commonly known as "Superfund," to investigate and clean up abandoned or
uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
Under the program the USEPA can either:
Pay for site cleanup when parties responsible for the contamination cannot be located or are
unwilling or unable to perform the work.
Take legal action to force parties responsible for site contamination to clean up the site or
pay back the federal government for the cost of the cleanup.
DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION ACCOUNT (DERA): An account
established by Congress to fund Department of Defense hazardous waste site cleanups, building
demolition, and hazardous waste minimization. The account was established under the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act.
DRINKING WATER STANDARDS: Standards for quality of drinking water that are set by both
the USEPA and the FDEP.
i
EXPLANATION OF DIFFERENCES: After adoption of final remedial action plan, if any
remedial or enforcement action is taken, or if any settlement or consent decree is entered into, and
if the settlement or decree differs significantly from the final plan, the lead agency is required to
publish an explanation of any significant differences and why they were made.
A-2
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FEASIBILITY STUDY: See Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study.
GROUNDWATER: Water beneath the earth's surface that fills pores between materials such as
sand, soil, or gravel. In aquifers, groundwater occurs in sufficient quantities that it can be used
for drinking water, irrigation, and other purposes.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: Any material that poses a threat to public health and/or the
environment. Typical hazardous substances are materials that are toxic, corrosive, ignitable,
explosive, or chemically reactive.
INFORMATION REPOSITORY: A file containing information, technical reports, and
reference documents regarding a Superfund site. Information repositories for Naval Air Station
Pensacola are at The John C. Pace Library at the University of West Florida and the
NAS Pensacola Library in Building 633 on the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida.
MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL: National standards for acceptable concentrations of
contaminants in drinking water. These are legally enforceable standards set by the USEPA under
the Safe Drinking Water Act.
MONITORING WELLS: Wells drilled at specific locations on or off a hazardous waste site
where groundwater can be sampled at selected depths and studied to assess the groundwater flow
direction and the types and amounts of contaminants present, etc.
NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST (NPL): The USEPA's list of the most serious uncontrolled or
abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for possible long-term remedial response using money
from the trust fund. The list is based primarily on the score a site receives on the Hazard Ranking
System. USEPA is required to update the NPL at least once a year.
PARTS PER BILLION (ppb)/PARTS PER MILLION (ppm): Units commonly used to express
low concentrations of contaminants. For example, 1 ounce of trichloroethylene in a million
A-3
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ounces of water is 1 ppm; 1 ounce of trichloroethylene in a billion ounces of water is 1 ppb. If
one drop of trichloroethylene is mixed in a competition-size swimming pool, the water will contain
about 1 ppb of trichloroethylene.
PRELIMINARY REMEDIATION GOALS: Screening concentrations that are provided by the
USEPA and the FDEP and are used in assessing the site for comparative purposes before remedial
goals are set during the baseline risk assessment.
PROPOSED PLAN: A public participation requirement of SARA in which the lead agency
summarizes for the public the preferred cleanup strategy and the rationale for the preference,
reviews the alternatives presented in the detailed analysis of the remedial investigation/feasibility
study, and presents any waivers to cleanup standards of Section 121(d)(4) that may be proposed.
This may be prepared either as a fact sheet or as a separate document. In either case, it must
actively solicit public review and comment on all alternatives under agency consideration.
RECORD OF DECISION (ROD): A public document that explains which cleanup alternative(s)
will be used at NPL sites. The ROD is based on information and technical analysis generated
during the remedial investigation/feasibility study and consideration of public comments and
community concerns.
REMEDIAL ACTION (RA): The actual construction or implementation phase that follows the
remedial design and the selected cleanup alternative at a site on the NPL.
REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/rEASmiLITY STUDY (RI/FS): Investigation and analytical
studies usually performed at the same time in an interactive process, and together referred to as
the "RI/FS." They are intended to: (1) gather the data necessary to determine the type and extent
of contamination at a Supernind site; (2) establish criteria for cleaning up the site; (3) identify and
screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action; and (4) analyze in detail the technology and costs
of the alternatives.
A-4
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REMEDIAL RESPONSE: A long-term action that stops or substantially reduces a release or
threatened release of hazardous substances that is serious, but does not pose an immediate threat
to public health and/or the environment.
REMOVAL ACTION: An immediate action performed quickly to address a release or threatened
release of hazardous substances.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA): A federal law that
established a regulatory system to track hazardous substances from the time of generation to
disposal. The law requires safe and secure procedures to be used in treating, transporting, storing,
and disposing of hazardous substances. RCRA is designed to prevent new, uncontrolled hazardous
waste sites.
RESPONSE ACTION: As defined by Section 101(25) of CERCLA, means remove, removal,
remedy, or remedial action, including enforcement activities related thereto.
RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY: A summary of oral and written public comments received
by the lead agency during a comment period on key documents, and the response to these
comments prepared by the lead agency. The responsiveness summary is a key part of the ROD,
highlighting community concerns for USEPA decision-makers.
SECONDARY DRINKING WATER STANDARDS: Secondary drinking water regulations are
set by the USEPA and the FDEP. These guidelines are not designed to protect public health,
instead they are intended to protect "public welfare" by providing guidelines regarding the taste,
odor, color, and other aesthetic aspects of drinking water which do not present a health risk.
SUPERFUND: The trust fund established by CERCLA which can be drawn upon to plan and
conduct cleanups of past hazardous waste disposal sites, and current releases or threats of releases
of nonpetroleum products. Superfund is often divided into removal, remedial, and enforcement
components.
A-5
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SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT (SARA): The public law
enacted on October 17, 1986, to reauthorize the funding provisions, and to amend the authorities
and requirements of CERCLA and associated laws. Section 120 of SARA requires that all federal
facilities "be subject to and comply with, this act in the same manner and to the same extent as any
non-governmental entity."
SURFACE WATER: Bodies of water that are'aboveground, such as rivers, lakes, and streams.
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND: An organic (carbon-containing) compound that
evaporates (volatizes) readily at room temperature.
A-6
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Appendix B
Responsiveness Summary
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RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
Overview
During the public comment period, the U.S. Navy proposed the no-action alternative for
Operable Unit 14 on NAS Pensacola. This preferred remedy was selected in coordination with
the USEPA and the FDEP. The NAS Pensacola RAB, a group of community volunteers,
reviewed the technical details of the selected remedy. The sections below describe the background
of community involvement on the project and comments received during the public comment
period.
Background of Community Involvement
Throughout the site's history, the community has been kept abreast of site activities through press
releases to the local newspaper and television stations that reported on site activities. Site-related
documents were made available to the public in the administrative record at information
repositories maintained at the NAS Pensacola Library and The John C. Pace Library of the
University of West Florida.
On December 4, 1997, newspaper announcements were placed to announce the public comment
period (December 8, 1997, through January 22, 1998) and included a short description of the
proposed plan. The announcement appeared in the Pensacola News Journal. In conjunction with
the newspaper announcement, copies of the proposed plan were mailed to addresses on the
IRP mailing list. The opportunity for a public meeting was provided.
Summary of Comments Received During the Public Comment Period
No comments were received during the public comment period.
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