-------
TABLE E-4
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
l.pitttitCW*
^
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation - Highway Corridor
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Fencing
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
mmmmmmm^
-
••
-
2thru30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
'
P««ert Worth
: Mm
$5,900
$47,200
$55,755
$11,800
$5,310
$400,000
$20,100
$856.000
$1,402.065
$28,041
$56,083
$140.207
$70,103
$84,124
$42,062
$280,413
$2,103,000
$133,098
' $7,549
$7,642
$722,862
$871,151
$34,846
$43,558
$87,115
$174,230
$1,210,900
$3,314,000
*
Max
$5,900
$47,200
$76,110
$11,800
$5,310
$400,000
$20,100
$856.000
$1,422,420
v
$28,448
$56.897
$142,242
$71,121
$85,345
$42,673
$284,484
$2,134,000
$3,345,000
NOHAPRCl XLS8/24/98
-------
TABLE E-S
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
i,0iiieelCosi4
Institutional Controls •
Subtotal
1 Indirect €*#$
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
mt
LS
;
\
<&**&:
0
~
. ^
!
tlpftCes*.. .
0.00
••
-
-
Cost :
$0
$0
'
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
-. f •- _
$0
sTwcr
1
- "
,
••
-
-
s , % •• v
- - gyWiiN^
$0
$0
•;•-•. f
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
^
$0
B. O & M COSTS
J;J&*>t
-------
TABLE E-«
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
t,J»*%e»C««» " -
s .,
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level ffl A Reclamation
Level DI B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwaler to W. Springs Pond #3
Subtotal
•• i&BMIIKCBf O0Sfl . . :
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, ft Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
uwt
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
LS
- -
•• ; ••
<^**jrf
870
870
800
70
0
0
0
870
870
12
1
, ..,
fcwtco*
M»n
$100
$800
$945
12,435
$9,505
S5.600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
$3.100,000
-
Ma*
$1,290
$3,495
'
w»
$87,000
$696,000
$756,000
$170,450
$0
$0
$0
$174.000
$78,300
$40,200
$3.100,000
$5,101,950
$102,039
$204,078
$510,195
$255,098
$204,078
$153,059
$1,020,390
$7,551,000
Max
$1,032,000
$244,650
$5,452,150
$109,043
$218,086
$545,215
$272,608
$218,086
$163.565
$1,090,430
$8,069,000
V«wr»
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
I thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
-
-
:
•i
We»«
-------
TABLE E-7
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
UOttttt-C*** v v
V
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level II Reclamation
Level III A Reclamation
Level III B Reclamation
Level HI C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
£}Ad£i&:G$*tt •-"' ••••:''••
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection. & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O A M COSTS
\mgi!^:m^sa^i^ijiu^ - •.
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Stormwater Management
Subtotal
2 fctitrtetCesfc :
Supervision. Inspection. & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
lint* "
-
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
LS
••V.i
, -
-
"
-
vvxsxSiXfi
EA
AC
EA/5yr
LS
tjmwtjiy ;
425
425
0
425
0
0
0
425
425
6
1
' „
:
;
m^msif^mm
4
4.25
0.20
1
tMt ',- »ss %X
$59.825
$1)9.649
$299.123
$149.561
$119.649
$89.737
$598.245
$4.427.000
•• s
••
%
$5.715,000
Xt^Mf
-------
TABLE E-8
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WARM SPRINGS CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
i.DtertCost -
Institutional Controls •
Subtotal
— — • 2.&di»pp$- -
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
* ft*
LS
-
',--- ..
Qi*i$&..
0
•. -"
llaitCost
0.00
'
:- O^: — -
$0
so
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
. -. •.•.•.-.•.•. -,
$0
- 'V««!B
1
"•
\
'
f "• * ^
-
FwswtWcsfih '
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
\ s ••
$0
B. O & M COSTS
• ' },&««<%*"" - . s >
Site Review
Subtotal
2. Indirect Costs ,-
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
s
EA/5yr
- -> ,
s ••
, -
"
0.20
-
-
-
$3,330
.. %
$666
$666
••
$27
$33
$67
$133
$900
2 thru 30
-. • , , ,
-
$7,642
$7,642
-
$306
$382
$764
$1,528
•,
$10,600
-
$11,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District
NOWSNOAC XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-9
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WARM SPRINGS CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Capping (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
LDutdCW*
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Foundation Layer (ripping and compacting)
Geosynthetic Clay Liner
Protective Soil Cover (1 80
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Stonrmvater Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Consolidation
New Bridge
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegetation - riparian
Subtotal
2»tafiwc»e«J* -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B.O AM COSTS
LftffetCbsfe •• . -
Quarterly Inspection
Cap Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
fc.lttdj«c
..
•
QtuwSty
4
100
1
1
1
-*
:
,
4
0.01
0.20
• "• :
..taacast
$100
$2,850
$8,100
$22.500
$6,703
$1,290
$5,469
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
$5.37
$15,000
$4,493
$710
••
-
, X
' J
•.
$2,900
$13.462
$3,330
1^ _P<*t^ - ; '
S100
$2,850
$8,100
$22,500
$6,703
$1.290
$5,469
$90
$470
$200
$13,400
$537
$15,000
$4.493
$710
$81,912
"•
$1,638
$3.276
$8,191
$4,096
$4,915
$2,457
$16,382
$123,000
..
$11.600
$135
$666
$12.401
$496
$620
$1,240
$2.480
£ ....
$17,200
Yoai-s
.- ,X' s
%
f •-
',
^ v \ ..
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
'
:;..
••
,
%
:.. ftrwertWoittt'
$100
$2,850
$8.100
$22,500
$6,703
$1.290
$5,469
$90
$470
$200
$13,400
$537
$15,000
$4.493
$710
$81.912
, .. s
$1,638
$3,276
$8,191
$4,096
$4,915
$2,457
$16,382
$123,000
-
$133,098
$1,545
$7,642
$142,285
-
$5,691
$7,114
$14,228
$28.457
v
$197.800
-
$321,000
NOWSCAP.Xl
-------
TABLE E-10
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WARM SPRINGS CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
JkDJjtrtCwto
-,«.•, N ** %
VIobibution/Demobilizatkm
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level ID B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
New Bridge
Roads
Slormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegetation - riparian
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
2.fo«RX*CMfc -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O A M COSTS
LttwSCortt "
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
- Ztod»w*Co»tt
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Wt
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
LS
LS
AC
AC
AC
EA
..
•• ••
;
-
;
%
^
EA
AC
EA/5yr
••
<£*$&
l
1
0
0
0
0
4
-
..
*
X
4
0.01
0.20
s
UmrCott
Mm
$100
$800
$945
$2,43S
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$15,000
$1,638
$90
$4,493
$710
$3,350
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
Max
$16,610
-
-
Co*
Mm -
$100
$800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$4,S»
$200
$15,000
$1,638
$90
$4,493
$710
$13,400
$40,961
$819
$1,638
$4,0%
$2,048
$2,458
$1,229
$8,192
$61,000
%
$11,600
$13
S666
$12,279
$491
$614
$1,228
$2,456
$17,100
-
Mm
$16,610
$53,041
••
$1,061
$2,122
$5.304
$2,652
$3,182
$1,591
$10,608
$80,000
•*
Y«*n
'
••
-
f* ^ ~~ V
•. *
-
-
••
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
••
••
PWtentWpiA
'ifiB -
$100
$800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$4,530
$200
$15,000
$1,638
$90
$4,493
$710
$13,400
$40,961
$819
$1,638
$4,0%
$2,048
$2,458
$1,229
$8,192
$61,000
$133,098
$148
$7,642
$140,888
$5,636
$7,044
$14,089
$28,178
$195,800
$257,000
Ma*
$100
$800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$16,610
$200
$15,000
$1,638
$90
$4,493
$710
$13,400
$53,041
$1,061
$2,122
$5.304
$2,652
$3,182
$1,591
$10,608
,
$80,000
$276,000
NOWSRECl XISW34/M
-------
TABLE E-ll
NORTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WARM SPRINGS CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
}, Direct Costs
New Bridge
Excavation
Haul
Roads
Erosion
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Oust Control
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Mali and placement
Haul Backfill Matl, 1 mile it
Grading
Vegetation
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegetation - riparian
Subtotal
" 2, Indirect Costs;-
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
. w
LS
CY
CY
CY
CY
LS
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
AC
AC
Qaatfjty
1
1,400
,400
,400
,400
1
,400
,400
,400
4
500
500
10,000
1
1
1
UcfcCwt
$15,000
$1.50
$6.54
$1.17
$1.00
$1,000
$1.63
$0.05
$0.22
$3,350
$2.77
$1.91
$0.13
$1,290
$4,493
$710
Co$t
$15,000
$2,100
$9,156
$1,638
$1,400
$1,000
$2,282
$70
$308
$13,400
$1,385
$955
$1,300
$1,290
$4,493
$710
$56,487
$1,130
$2,259
$5,649
$2,824
$3,389
$1,695
$11,297
$85,000
VteBBSsssss
? ««SfiS:s™5S;
1
1
s
"•
**
-
. \. .
$15,000
$2,100
$9,156
$1,638
$1,400
$1,000
$2,282
$70
$308
$13,400
$1,385
$955
$1,300
$1,290
$4,493
$710
$56,487
\--
$1,130
$2,259
$5,649
$2,824
$3,389
$1,695
$11,297
"•
$85,000
$85,000
-------
TABLE E-12
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
: ; I", Jiiteet Ca$$ •; -
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
- &Ifctes&$i$^ ~""";:"-., - "--
Site Review
Subtotal
- .. 2<:fad.tti«t<]fests - - -
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
OnH
LS
%
••
--.
.. % "
,
«. v "•
EA/5yr
*•
^
...'.Osptl^. .;.
0
"•
••
,
V.
••
••
; t
0.20
..
t|HSt>''
$10,600
$11,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District.
OPHANOAC XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-13
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUB ARE A
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
I.IJfeseHSwte
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Stormwater Drainage Ditches (100 Lf/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
^ :-•• &lftS^C0$S» - ••"•-V. - -..j
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
KDtretfCfcrtf ;
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
2, IsdtrwtCosts
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tTait
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
" XC1
••
-;
-
*
..
-
EA
AC
EA/Syr
••
%
••
',
- ,' '
Qtttettfty
356
356
356
356
356
356
356
356
24
\-, ,,, ,.:
'"• s -, "" v :
v
.• .- .-:
v :
-
4
3.56
0.20
:
:
, !
^ -Voile** x -
$100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$5,469
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
-. s >,,<•.-.•.•.
s
"• f %"" s
*• f
-
. ,
'
-
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
"
f
f
-- -- Coti \
$35,600
$284,800
$2,386^68
$459,240
$1,946,964
$32,040
$167,320
$71,200
$80,400
$5,463,832
\" " " ""':_::..':.;;
$109^77
$218,553
$546,383
$273,192
$218,553
$163,915
$1,092,766
•• •'•'
$8,086,000
-
$11,600
$47,925
$666
$60,191
;
$2,408
$3,010
$6,019
$12,038
ss ^ ""
$83,700
,
1 \
Y«te» "
thru 2
thru 2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
•' ^0<-," - t*"^.
"• "• y .. ' ^ :
v --\ •*-. ff
,' "•ZljY':
-."•""•• 5 ••
"'
^ * X "••
V %% % f ••
--
,
•••. •,
*> , "•
'• N
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
V
-
•• "•
^ •
"
• •• :
^ s ftfesefttWuffe x-,-
$32,182
$257,459
$2,157,186
$415,153
$1,760,055
$28,964
$151,257
$64,365
$72,682
$4,939,304
•. ^ sw. ^ __ s % ^ ^
$98,786
$197,572
$493,930
$246,965
$197,572
$148,179
$987,861
1 .. ^
' $7,310,000
; l
$133,098
$549,888
$7,642
$690,628
$27,625
$34,531
$69,063
$138,126
, -. •. : ^ •, --
$960,000
s
$8,270,OOJk.
OPHACO'
-------
TABLE E-14
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
v ,, .3.,jpine&pwft x.. >.> -.
•. "" "" s s
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level ID C Reclamation
Drnl Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 If /AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
^s§s^^tetels8(!fi6i8i^^^^te
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
xi>i3fii&iSa«»-- ••••••"•• ! %
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
2;:;fcw&stt:Cds<», , .. -
Supervision, Inspection, &. Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
> 0*....,
-
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
i *
-. ••••'•
„ "
% s
\ ..''
•^
•••. •>
*• ..
" V ^
EA
AC
EA/5yr
-• -
•• l
s-
-
v.
"
••
Owmfty
356
356
142
214
0
0
0
356
356
6
^-% ,.
" v
%s
••
' ss '
s ••
4
3.56
0.20
••
''••''- %
Unit Cart
...*....m
$100
$800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
, ~
%
'•• ,
^ \
^ V "
••
-
-
•• -
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
s
••
.
1.. tfa
$1,290
$3,495
^ ' ""f •• f
" -. ^
s
-
"• f "•
v ^ "•
v
•• ^ " s
^
,
^
•.
-
Co*
kfiit
$35,600
$284,800
$134,190
$521,090
$0
$0
$0
$71,200
$32,040
$20,100
$1,099,020
m$mm*m$ii&
$21,980
$43,961
$109,902
$54,951
$43,961
$32,971
$219.804
*
$1,627,000
' "•
$11,600
$4,592
$666
$16,858
$674
$843
$1,686
$3,372
$23,400
-
-
Max .
$183,180
$747,930
$1,374,850
wsmmtmm -
$27,497
$54,994
$137,485
$68,743
$54,994
$41,246
$274,970
_. •
$2,035,000
•.
.•
Veaw
-
••
'
f
'
••
-
•• ^
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
PrwttttWorft
J*ttt
$35,600
$284,800
$134,190
$521,090
$0
$0
$0
$71,200
$32,040
$20,100
$1,099,020
^ ^ -.
$21,980
$43,961
$109,902
$54,951
$43,961
$32,971
$219,804
% N
$1,627,000
-
$133,098
$52,693
$7,642
$193,433
$7,737
$9,672
$19,343
$38(687
$268,900
: - -^
$1,896,000
• M«
$35,600
$284,800
$183,180
$747,930
$0
$0
$0
$71,200
$32,040
$20,100
$1,374,850
'
$27,497
$54,994
$137,485
$68,743
$54,994
$41,246
$274,970
' s. '
$2,035,000
$2,304,000
-------
TABLE E-1S
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
J.
\ ftweatWAft ---
Mb --
$4,^00
$36,000
$42.525
$9,000
$4,050
$250,000
$13,400
$1,000
$360,475
s •• -
$7,210
$14,419
$18,024
$21,629
$10,814
$72,095
s ^ % "•"• :
$541,000
S-. '" " s - """ - ' •, •.
$133,098
$6,661
$7,642
$1,147
$148,548
..
$5,942
$7,427
$14,855
$29,710
^
$206,500
r.. .-- . . \..-. -...
$748,000
-.-.,••
* ? 'M*t
$4,500
$36,000
$58.050
$9,000
$4,050
$250,000
$13,400
$1,000
$376,000
,.. ^ ^
$7,520
$15,040
$18,800
$22,560
$11,280
$75,200
-
$564,000
V\ •. """ "" •.
••
"•
?..r.. ..'.'. . ^ -.
$771,000
-------
TABLE E-16
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
xfcp^Gt*** ^"^ . ..." -'.
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
: - : ; ^iMftmttioifc s:_ " ™:- - " :
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
i.DbtW«&M*:% x^ '
Site Review
Inspections
Repair/Maint. of Prev. Reclaimed Area
Subtotal
.. i:j«id^tcos*s:. "-.....>. .•:...:
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
; W&1...
LS
^ S •••• %
f '•
^
^ "• "•
s%%
- ,
-
-
; •>
"
EA/5yr
EA
AC
- -
% ••
-
, -
-
QffiB^f
0
•, •. ^ -.-.
:
; s X
t f
..
'
s V ,
0.20
1
0.10
: -
-
•-%
%
••
:
, 11flitC«srt ^ -
0.00
'"
; -
: "u
%
1
, .... x ..
%^
-
$3,330
$500
$1,290
i
"•
'
" , ^Ci^
$0
$0
sX~ , " . , ••
SO
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
.. " i
$0
- - -
$666
$500
$123
$1,289
••
$52
$64
$129
$258
$1,800
v
liters
1
"
\
/
* ••
••
-
s
% s
f ^
^ '
' ._
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
••
% *•
V
"•
..
- - PreaenisWSrth.
$0
$0
"* -!"
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
-'•.•.-."
$0
••
$7,642
$5,737
$1,406
$14,785
•' '"-.
$591
$739
$1,478
$2,957
~
$20,600
"• "•
$21,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District
OPSVNOAC.XLS9O4S8
-------
TABLE E-17
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
t.ptawtCort. t]mmi
••
MobJUzaoon/Dcmobuizaaon
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level ffl A Reclamation
Level in B Reclamation
Level HI C Reclamation
Dust Control
Sloimwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
- - 'Ztj&fjitijt'&niit-t v/ •.«'.«--
Field bidkcct (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bond* (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O A M COSTS
t.£iw*fc*» - %
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
fcfctttttCo* ,
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0*M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
*P,, ,
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
:""« "" "
s ^ "
f •.-.-. V
•.
\v
-
, ••
* ..
EA
AC
EA/5yr
*• ''
f
"•
.^flipft,.^
491
491
300
191
0
0
0
491
491
6
""$ sX"-* "" sC"
, , '-,
-, •, ^
_.
-
',
- '•
^
4
4.90
0.20
V
' ,
•.
. ••
' '
t»Co»»
^ Mfe
S100
$800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
* i1-
"• x
' . ^
..
••
'
\
"" "
, --
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
••••
%
••
..
^ l*»
$1,290
$3,495
f
"•
%s ^
'
"'
- ,
%
^ \ •"
M,,,-,,,,,,^,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
fc&_ ^
$49,100
$392,800
$283,500
$465,085
$0
$0
$0
$98,200
$44,190
$20,100
$1,352,975
V :' •"• ^ ••
" >
$27,060
$54,119
$135^98
$67,649
$54,119
$40,589
$270,595
s
$2,002,000
-
$11,600
$6,321
$666
$18,587
•\
$743
$929
$1,859
$3,717
"*
$25,800
MM
$387,000
$667,545
$1,658,935
' ' s" V«
$33,179
$66,357
$165,894
$82,947
$66,357
$49,768
$331,787
„ " ::: '' X
$2,455,000
' -
-
'
Y«M-"
-
f* f f.', fJV,
\
•., ~ «
'••
•. •.
s ,
s%»C" S'
^ ^ i ^ ,' X
% •"
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
"
%
••
'
„, lllllfcw««lWcrt»mii^
MB
$49,100
$392,800
$283,500
$465,085
$0
$0
$0
$98,200
$44,190
$20,100
$1,352,975
•"••- ;•"•••••
$27,060
$54,119
$135,298
$67,649
$54,119
$40,589
$270,595
" "u" s ,™ X <
$2,002,000
•.' •. ' ™ - , ••
$133,098
$72,527
$7,642
$213,267
«
$8,531
$10,663
$21,327
$42,653
*• •.•.•.
$296,400
$2,298,000
-' ' s - -
^ - "-.Mmt-x
$49,100
$392,800
$387,000
$667,545
$0
$0
$0
$98,200
$44,190
$20,100
SI, 658,935
, ,X-^ *X"XC1\ .
$33,179
$66,357
$165,894
$82,947
$66,357
$49,768
$331,787
'•• ••••
$2,455,000
;
-. s f •.
z %\
v "-s X. s ss
$2,751,000
-------
TABLE E-18
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
" -"- •.-'fc'Eta«»d«>(i»^-- Mf- %-«-"
•• -.-•.-. - , vi'S •> ,' ..
Mobffization/Demobikzation
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level ffl A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level ffl C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwatcr Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
S4:;ii?i«13i;3K»«»:!6iS: - xx
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6S)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS'
fcDi*S;Coi** - -
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Stormwater Management
Subtotal
\ ^ % fttttottOMTs.:: - *
Supervision, Inspection, ft Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
- m,~
* ,
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
LS
A •••%•.•. % ""%N * .
v>
-
v
'.''XvV' ^ %%s
,X X% X -
-
1
.. ,-« , •••
" - " I
;
EA
AC
EA/5yr
LS
s ,- ,
•• ,
-
-
v s •• ••
V
"
-.:- <^a^f -
^
475
475
0
475
0
0
0
475
475
6
1
% %" •." s%s
v
•-s \ *
^, •.•.
^ *"X v •. :
sV
•- JS ^ -. ^
-,\ -.....-. «
- - :
,"•• v !
4
4.75
0.20
1
v % "• "• ^ "•
;
!
,. ••
•• tWtOftrt •
- Wfc--
$100
S800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
$60,000
V. %"
••
-
-«
^^ ••
-•• t" '
»
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
$8,000
••
.. ^ ""
^
"•^
"•
Mte
$3,495
^ f f v
" , -.-.-. '"
•.' : •, •. ;
' :
•• %v ;
:
% X ;
..
, &*?? & ,
x - ,"Mfe-* ,- .
$47,500
$380,000
$0
$1,156,625
$0
$0
$0
$95,000
$42,750
$20,100
$60,000
$1,801,975
«' .. ^
$36,040
$72,079
$180,198
$90,099
$108,119
$54,059
$360,395
s •• •• •• v :: •.:•.:•. ::
$2,703,000
^
$11,600
$6,128
$666
$8,000
$26,394
••
$1,056
$1,320
$2,639
$5,279
- -
$36,700
'
-
^
- M*x
$1,660,125
$2,305,475
. wmmtm -
$46,110
$92,219
$230,548
$115,274
$138,329
$69,164
$461,095
-\-- o i
$3,458,000
1
'•'• ";
- y««
V
% % ^
-'
UNII'III - -T
x%
h ••
\"" vf
, %-
^ V. "" X^
••t r
" ^
^ ^
sligiiiil?--
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
-
ft«*«nf18fiflnfc
fc&
$47,500
$380,000
$0
$1,156,625
$0
$0
$0
$95,000
$42,750
$20,100
$60,000
$1,801,975
•• - ,,,,
$36,040
$72,079
$180,198
$90,099
$108,119
$54,059
$360,395
;xi,.-v, ,x s ^
$2,703,000
t ,
$133,098
$70,307
$7,642
$91,792
$302,839
- ••'
$12,114
$15.142
$30,284
$60,568
s s
$420,900
«•• ••
$3,124,000
% .. - *
M«-..\ ....
$47,500
$380,000
SO
$1,660,125
SO
$0
$0
$95,000
$42,750
$20,100
$60,000
$2,305,475
._
$46,110
$92,219
$230,548
$115,274
$138,329
$69,164
$461,095
-
$3,458,000
,,,
•.
s s
'
$3,879,000
OPSVPRCL.XLSM4JM
-------
TABLE E-19
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
OPPORTUNITY PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
£gmm%' — \"- x ^
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
'• ,t> vft^li&8»::i?5Sii*t •••- '• -• ••
, '4.;wM«BSil.;5ii«H»» " '
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
o , -ypteiKi^ioi^; ^"> - ^-
Site Review
Inspections
Repair/Maint. of Prev. Reclaimed Area
Subtotal
- '^5«dlrectC«»8 ; : Yv.;...,
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
" Pit^
LS
-, rt.
"""*
.. s
" - •• •. ,
'•, v. ^ "V
"X- ,, - «,
"- ^ ^ "
^ '
'• -. -.
-. +
EA/5yr
EA
AC
"" A
-"
-
11 ..
x
/ f
••
';'•
Quantity
0
v"
\ •
' ^
s
-%
; ' •* i*~ M.X'-.-.v.
•* •& V * v \
"k--- , AV"
I- f & -s •>
; •• v ssvs O
f f •,
; % \ \'
0.20
1
0.21
•• ' ••
•. f °"
s , ,
s %
-
•. v s
-.
- T$m&® ••
0.00
S- s f :
••
< " "
•"
;
-
"-.' -.v, •.'•. X-.S -. !;-"
^J'':\ c^
-. % V ^A i ^ "*"""•
\\£/'X^ '-'"
-™;i- .•x'"' """
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ % v. ,
™ % %v XC-I1 "*
$3,330
$500
$1,290
-
:
'-
"„
-
\ -
- roa* \ ..
$0
$0
-. ••••
*"
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
so
$0
V "XX? T" " •• ° " ' " "
$0
x- -= - , - -,x ; x" , -
S666
$500
$271
$1,437
-.-.X •.
$57
$72
$144
$287
f "
$2,000
"""• %
•. •••••.
- To«r -
l
.
^ ^
s •• "" f
•"•_._.
', *• •"• _,
-.
,. - ' %
-.-•-S.^ v w. s-..
"V?,^ ?\^-^\-
•" -X" ^ f "*JVN%
•-, /i Ov- \
> i;-t*K s"fi
"'"•^rvx-i/ ""xx"
1 VX "« S, ™XX "•
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
^ *" -.s-.
\ ,- ^;- '-
"•"• ;
^ •" ••
"• % * «. s^
^ •. -.^
-•;
v
rtS
•:"-":pr«ettWoKfl^ >.>.V
$0
$0
X ' S s •"•••.' s s s ,
s .. '•••••
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
**XX?""" »*"•'• s^ *
$0
\:> :-; "- >,- :-/i>
$7,642
$5,737
$3,108
$16,487
V SW^ '•% ^ ^ A -.S S S X ^
$659
$824
$1,649
$3.297
••> " X v ^ * 's % s
$22,900
% „ " •• ^"
$23,000
Already established through Waste Management Development District and Superfund Overlay District
OPOPNO^M9/24/
-------
TABLE E-20
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
OPPORTUNITY PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
,, - %j,i*witcb*& * \ ,;
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Stormwater Drainage Ditches (100 L£/AC)
Roads • Temporary
Consolidation
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
N3.fttt**Gtt*" -£;x;vx
Field Indirect (2%)
_ ... . ft *-\ i i s it»f \
supervision, inspection, & c/vcrncad (•*/•)
S* F\ *• XI4\*'V
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
- - •• f. Direct Costs * ;
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
v ^, |odJ««tC<>$t» " ^
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
., U&
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
CY
AC
EA
, «S^ .. % H ^ ,
X" "" ""• ^
..•. V J : : :
•. ^ H-. •. s
-.-. -.-.
, ", "
,
•• '
- , """
s
1
EA
AC
EA/5yr
x %%v •• •> ••
-
s
• •. s"" %
-, -.
"
"*
Quta^ty
2,508
2.508
2,508
2,508
2,508
2.508
2,508
74,100
2,508
156
- x ,, „ ,
•% s S
•. ^ -,.-•,
% % v ••
i-.-. •- -. 11
•. -.
: -.ss -.-. v
'
%
%
4
25.08
0.20
••
-
%s
\ •• %
tWMjest
S100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$5,469
$90
$470
$5.37
$200
$3,350
•. •. '. V-t
V jvi X-X -• A
•- ^
ST \ s x
•. % ff fff. ••
: ;.
*. f.f f
%
%
/
-
••
$2,900
$13,462
$3.330
-
••
1 '
.
.. ;
«
•'
c<« ^ ;~
$250,800
$2,006.400
$16,811,124
$3,235,320
$13,716^52
$225,720
$1,178,760
$397,917
$501,600
$522,600
$38,846,493
' -- -' - „"- ••".*• - ~,-*,,
$776,930
V>,8V4,O4y
$1.942,325
$776.930
$776,930
$7,769^99
-~
$56,327,000
$11,600
$337,627
$666
$349,893
-
$13,996
$17,495
$34,989
$69.979
-
$486,400
••
•' •'•'
L Toto I
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
"•• .. ' •• X
^ s ^^ •'•• ..' '
?W{ ," ?^'s«
"^ " ^ " ^
- "^>.J \
..>. .rs....!1..^. ..
- :
;, ; ;, , w
•• -"X
-
*•'• ^
\ ^
"•
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
: -•• :
-
S
-
-
}*resent WortB '•
$176.162
$1.409^95
$11,808.133
$2,272.489
$9.634^95
$158,546
$827,961
$279,497
$352,324
$367,074
$27,285,777
* % •.**-'•'• t •• ••
$545,716
> 1 ,1/7 ] ,43 1
$2,728,578
$1,364,289
$545,716
$545,716
$5,457,155
$39,564.000
'
$133.098
$3,873,932
$7,642
$4,014.672
-. ,s s
$160,587
$200,734
$401,467
$802,934
$5,580.400
$45,144,000
OPOPCOV.XLS9/74/98
-------
TABLE E-21
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
OPPORTUNITY PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
..' -UJSwtCwito
"
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level 1 Reclamation
Level D Reclamation
Level ED A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
Consolidation of Toe Area
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
Igi^i^Sg^SiifiS&iCSHii^^^^^f ""'
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
1. DirMCoits " • -
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Sile Review
Subtotal
J.IMirtCiCOstt
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O«M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
is*
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
CY
AC
EA
-
,»
-
EA
AC
EA/5yr
-
-------
TABLE E-22
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
OPPORTUNITY PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
,. ^ , J.OfeKtCoati - *. -.. - •
\ - ••
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation - wind/wild life corroidor
Surface Grading
Rock Amendment! (4" of pea gravel)
Air Monitoring
Dust Control
Consolidation of Toe Area
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Subtotal
- .•:..%-- $v]HitMft6Mi .:: v\\>... -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
Otttt ..
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
AC
CY
AC
*\%
^
%s
Omtty
•
2,308
2,508
362
2,146
2,146
36
2,508
74,100
2,508
- •••• ;
„
BnfcCost
'" Mia . ;
$100
S800
S945
$2,275
$16.316
$3,350
S200
$5.37
$90
: % X s :
MM
$1,290
s
v ••
^
B. O & M COSTS
l.ip»e«iO«U *
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Rock Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
IMirtMCortl
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
••
EA
AC
AC
EA/5yr
-
'
4
25.08
11
0.20
>
$2,900
$1.290
$16,316
$3,330
: l >
-
•••••• ••
S*t - --*'
. && \
$250,800
$2,006,400
$342,090
$4,882,150
$35.014,136
$120,600
$501,600
$397,917
$225,720
$43,741,413
-••-
$874.828
$1,749,657
$4,374,141
$2,187,071
$874,828
$874,828
$8.748,283
- -
$63,425,000
M»x "'.,
$466,980
$43,866,303
^
$877,326
$1,754,652
$4,386,630
$2,193,315
$877,326
$877,326
$8,773,261
-
$63,606,000
$11,600
$32,353
$175,071
$666
$219,690
$8,788
$10,984
$21.969
$43,938
-
$305,400
- Y««t :
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
1 thru 6
* ' r :
' " -.i
» '•
'* , '•
• ':
s •" :
.,
"• ^
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
*
:
-
IrlKJKUt IVlMQ **"• 'f
' '"j^ '""••-
$199,261
$1,594,085
$271,791
$3.878,868
$27,818,731
$95.817
$398,521
$316.145
$179,335
$34,752,553
" x /•••••
$695,051
$1,390,102
$3,475,255
$1,737,628
$695,051
$695,051
$6,950,511
••
$50,391,000
MM
$199,261
$1,594,085
$371.016
$3,878.868
$27,818,731
$95,817
$398,521
$316,145
$179,335
$34,851,778
•. '
$697,036
$1,394.071
$3,485,178
$1,742,589
$697,036
$697.036
$6,970,356
'
$50,535,000
$133,098
$371,221
$2,008,761
$7,642
$2,520,722
$100,829
S126.036
$252,072
$504,144
:
$3.503,800
, ••
$53,895.000 | S54.039.000
OPOPPRCL XLSW24/98
-------
TABLE E-23
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
OPPORTUNITY PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative • Land Reclamation/Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
,-l&N*fOi*» -
O s > •. «-
MoHization/Dcniobihzation
She Preparation
Level DI C Reclamation - adjusted
Sofl Cover (6P)
Haul (2 milei)
Vegetation
Dust Control
Consolidation of Toe Area
Slormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
XmmaGa* '-.-'
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
tttr"
..
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
CY
AC
EA
; %
-.-•
V.
'
-
-------
TABLE E-24
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
OPPORTUNITY PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Rock Amendment (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
" , -" - Lt»beetCo«tKi " - :
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Surface Grading
Rock Amendments (4" of pea gravel)
Consolidation of Toe Area
Roads
Air Monitoring
Dust Control During Construction
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Subtotal
-Nt~ -tiliiittKSSttt" ^ ,;-:
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
- .. ? i:)Di^o»t$ " "" ...
Quarterly Inspection
Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
2, bdtrectCosts -
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
SQcTAIs/AWERNATIVE COSTS
trait
AC
AC
AC
AC
CY
AC
EA
AC
AC
•"- , \" ' ,-x
"• .. o ' %""
™u
"" ",'-V
\ *" ^ o ^ * '*'•,
"• "•?'' •.'" X \
i-
\ .. -
••
EA
AC
EA/5yr
^
^
Quantity
2,508
2,508
2,508
2,508
74,100
2,508
36
2,508
2,508
;"• •" "" "" -. "" ^ i
s < ;
"• ^ ""X :
: ' - '•
- :
4
25.08
0.20
UnttCost
$100
$800
$2,275
$16,316
$5.37
$470
$3,350
$200
$90
, , , „„ t,,* ,
' "V,^v % ' *v« *"z ^
-'-""\ -\- ""
, , - ^ " "
_•. -• ^ -.%-, f -l '•••••'
..'•" ^ I \'^
•.".-, "•
„
•0 % -. •.
-
$2,900
$16,316
$3,330
--
"•
. \ -^ ^
»^x.. ./ . M. >
-. X*"A^ OX^-C^ ^ __•-
•. •. "*•.'"''
,>i;;;i:.;r;
"sTX'S>'^*i ""
¥•.*&, «"'
', Si s /
: v '"•-"»
" "
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
l^aaeat Worth* "
$199,261
$1,594,085
$4,533,179
$32,511,359
$316,145
$936,525
$95,817
$398,521
$179,335
$40,764,226
,.%" / f f f •, : s
$815,285
$1,630,569
$4,076,423
$2,038^11
$815^85
$815^85
$8,152,845
'$59,108,000
$133,098
$4,695,221
$7,642
$4,835,961
$193,438
$241,798
$483,596
$967,192
v
$6,722,000
$65,830,000
OPOP
-------
TABLE E-25
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
CELL A AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
I. Owect Costs
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
- & JodimjtOosfc " " x , %
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
; ; tPireciCosfc
Site Review
Subtotal
ifti!ptf$tf»s ,
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
ttfc
LS
"
°"%
.,
-~
EA/5yr
i <^tantjty
0
'
" "
••
" '
-
v
-
*
0.20
'
%
trnttCtost
0.00
_
"
;
" - '
^
"•"•
, r -.
: ...
-
$3,330
,v
,.
""
€o«i ' -
$0
$0
$0
so
$0
$0
so
$0,
so
-
$0
' •.-.-, ^vs ^^
$666
$666
v
$27
$33
$67
$133
J
$900
;
f '•
y«ftt»
i
-
- >'
-
•• -
"
-
;
-
\^
2 thru 30
<
, ,
- -'
%
-
..
-
P)fiSB>ll;3S5cBTO. ^
$0
$0
0 .. ^
$0
so
so
so
$0
$0
$0
so
H-T%A •>••' •*• %*'""*
$7,642
$7,642
."V: " « .- xr ; V-
$306
S382
$764
$1,528
"* •••,
$10,600
^ ' "• ^
$11,000
Already established through Waste Management Development District and Superfund Overlay District
-------
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
CELL A AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover
A. CAPITAL COSTS
- , * }xBitt#C«&, ' "
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Haul ( 2 miles)
Vegetation
Stormwater Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
-i2;iB$i!»r- - ^
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
}, Direct Costs
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
- ; ,;llndirjertCosts^ ,
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Wt
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
•• .. :
..
EA
AC
EA/5yr
\
- s ;
"" %
>
Qtu»atjf
198
198
198
198
198
198
198
198
6
••
-
•. -
4
1.98
0.20
tJflitOlSt
100
800
6,703
5,469
1,290
90
470
200
3,350
%
-.
,.
v s
; '
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
:
*•
-
,. ^
O» v
$19,800
$158,400
$1,327,194
$1,082,862
$255,420
$17,820
$93,060
$39,600
$20,100
$3,014,256
$60,285
$120,570
$301,426
$150,713
$180,855
$90,428
$602,851
/
$4,521,000
%
$11,600
$26,655
$666
$38,921
$1,557
$1,946
$3,892
$7,784
$54,100
-
Ycat$
-
>
-
\
"•
•• ..
-
••
- -
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
1 * PM^tWottii
$19,800
$158,400
$1,327,194
$1,082,862
$255,420
$17,820
$93,060
$39,600
$20,100
$3,014,256
•.
$60,285
$120,570
$301,426
$150,713
$180,855
$90,428
$602,851
-...-. -.
$4,521,000
$133,098
$305,837
$7,642
$446,577
-
$17,863
$22,329
$44,658
$89,315
$620,700
$5,142,000
Op.a.cov xls9/2B(88
-------
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
CELL A AREA OF CONCERN
Alternitive - Land Reclamation
A. CAPITAL COSTS
J.KrtctCflSs
••
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level 1 Reclamation
Level II Reclamation
Level III A Reclamation
Level III B Reclamation
Level III C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
• - .• ..- Mts8fe«Costs
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
J.DISgfcCJWtS
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
' 2 ittdr«xaC$sw
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL OAM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tfoft
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
%
••
EA
AC
EA/5yr
QuaMitf
198
198
0
0
0
0
198
198
198
6
;
4
1.98
0.20
DWKSW
Min
$100
$800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5.600
$4.530
$200
$90
$3,350
*
%
$2.900
$1,290
$3,330
Mm
$16,610
-
-
•;-co*
fcfin
$19,800
$158,400
$0
$0
$0
$0
$896.940
$39.600
$17,820
$20,100
$1,152,660
' -
$23,053
$46.106
$115.266
$57,633
$69,160
$34.580
$230,532
$1,729,000
$11.600
$2,554
$666
$14,820
$593
$741
$1,482
$2,964
$20.600
t
Max
$3,288.780
$1,152,660
«
$23,053
$46.106
$115,266
$57,633
$69,160
$34,580
$230,532
$1,729.000
Yw*
:
iir-'-lT-llnmiir
% ••
s
-
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
Pj^&HI
Min
$19,800
$158.400
$0
$0
$0
$0
$896.940
$39.600
$17,820
$20,100
$1,152,660
-. .. .. v , ^
$23.053
$46.106
$115,266
$57,633
$69,160
$34,580
$230.532
-
$1,729,000
•
$133,098
$29,307
$7,642
$170,047
-
$6.802
$8,502
$17.005
$34,009
$236,400
$1,965,000
W
-------
TABLE E-26
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
CELL A AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Rock Amendment (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
- -, Ji,pifw*00sfc
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Surface Grading
Rock Amendments (4" of pea gravel)
Roads
Air Monitoring
Dust Control During Construction
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Subtotal
' N ^ " ,s - 1 18djrtct€^ts ; *:: v
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Prmtrnrfnr RrmHi (WA%\
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
LtfewsiCests ,-
Quarterly Inspection
Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
* tl»&»!t<>»t$ • >
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
JOJAkAIJERNATIVE COSTS
' Unit
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
AC
AC
.. -.,-. •. , :-. -.
(
!• ->v __
-
•.
,. .. *•
"•
s
^
-
^
EA
AC
EA/5yr
-
"" ^ * X*
•.
~
%
••
Quantity
198
198
198
198
198
6
198
198
.,"•"• "• ^ •" v
' ,
"%*
....
^
^ •.
% •• ••
"• "•"•
; ^ s
"•
4
1.98
0.20
: -
,
liiSCefflt
S100
$800
$2,275
$16,316
$470
$3,350
$200
$90
: s
* ^
"•
: "" % s
,
'
$2,900
$16,316
$3,330
-
'
•. •. %
"•
€ost
$19,800
$158,400
$450,450
$3,230,568
$93,060
$20,100
$39,600
$17,820
$4,029,798
' !"', ' '- ^ v> "-"
$80,596
$161,192
$402,980
$201 490
$241,788
$120,894
$805,960
'
$6,045,000
: , ;
$11,600
$32,306
$666
$44,572
$1,783
$2,229
$4,457
$8,914
-
$62,000
.
Yeats
v™
% ''' ..
^ ™ ,/'
'", -• -% ' •• '
' , x- " "
^
•. f A"" %~V % H
•." •: '
- ' ,
•• "•
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
%
-
Pwsewi Worib.
$19,800
$158,400
$450,450
$3,230,568
$93,060
$20,100
$39,600
$17,820
$4,029,798
\» " , "" "^
$80,596
$161,192
$402,980
H701 4QO
$241,788
$120,894
$805,960
s
$6,045,000
••
$133,098
$370,675
$7,642
$511,415
$20,457
$25,571
$51,142
$102,283
$710,900
- - , , - -
$6,756,000
-------
TABLE E-27
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUB ARE A
SOUTH LIME DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
1. infect Cast*
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
£i#Er«ftt <$»»* " \- «,-
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B, O & M COSTS
hP4»et-Cj»tt -, 0,",-; s";
Site Review
Subtotal
: v — &iitd^£$*£ - v "'-'<'•,; <; *
Supervision, Inspection, ft Overhead (4V.)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tftst
LS
,
V •. •*•
^
, ?
n
*
-.
-
"•
-
EA/5yr
* f ""X
"•s % '"i^"-.
' : •• •• " *-
-- x-
-
1
.•%
•• *•
-
-------
TABLE E-28
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SOUTH LIME DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Capping (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
-:*:... .> i, &«&&*» -
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Foundation Layer (ripping and compacting)
Geosynthetic Clay Liner
Protective Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Storm water Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
- - »&IMM*atiftN--^ .0. .
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
x M&wtCwtt -.-" "
Quarterly Inspection
Cap Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
« fc}ftirt<}ta>»&s V ^ ; :
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4*/o)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
' tfi&
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
-
- -
••••-* v
- - x •• ,
;.. ; x 5 »
S , „
" . " •.*
EA
AC
EA/5yr
«
•>
.. ,. ,. ..,
v
••
s -
.^..GmM.
196
196
196
196
196
196
196
196
196
196
12
•?s •• \°'\"-
s S *vT s *
-\\T\,,-"-" ; o
, , -,\ „
«v*
•."
\
^
4
1.96
0.20
w.
K
s
"•."•.
\ S
-
••
••
mm
SIOO
S2.8SO
$8.100
$22,500
$6,703
$1,290
$5.469
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
0 ' •> '••
, ..-.3. -.-.
•. •v.v. : w.
""""X ^ V % '
.. S % ^^C™™
•" s sV'-'' "" %
^^ * -X %' v-v
"• v % ""
0
- -" " "
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
x
••
•• ^
CM*.,*:...:- . '-r...
$19,600
$558,600
$1,587,600
$4,410,000
$1,313,788
$252,840
$1,071,924
$17,640
$92,120
$39,200
$40,200
$9,403,512
•"• " ',,-.'
$188.070
$376,140
$940,351
$470,176
$376,140
$282,105
$1,880,702
-
$13.917,000
•
$11,600
$26.386
$666
$38,652
1 -.-.
$1,546
$1,933
$3.865
$7,730
$53,700
-
"•
-Vism
"'V v,'*% ?5
„ ^ %-
•XX-. "• % ^ ^ ' '
" TV ",vX- xx-=-
"• * C "^ •. f
•"•,^X>\; v ^
1 ; f,s
-.-.""'*•. ••
-
"
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
-
I^N««^Wwi... .
$19,600
$558,600
$1,587,600
$4,410,000
$1,313.788
$252,840
$1.071,924
$17,640
$92,120
$39,200
$40.200
$9,403,512
-. v. A •• ••
$188,070
$376,140
$940.351
$470.176
$376,140
$282,105
$1,880,702
$13.917,000
*
$133,098
$302,747
$7,642
$443,488
•• .,
$17,740
$22,174
$44.349
$88,698
$616,400
$14,533,000
OPSLCAP XLS9/24/94
-------
TABLE E-29
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUB ARE A
SOUTH LIME DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
, s - I.ttfieclCoMi*
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul(l mile)
Stormwater Drainage Ditches (100 Lf/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
iL8wii«HaC*«S :
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (4%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
i;Dir&t{te$t$ - .."
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
2. in&re
,
*•
-.
• ' -'
^
EA
AC
EA/5yr
"" •?%•.%
s ..
.. '
- o
-
"•
Qpwtiy
196
196
196
196
196
196
196
196
12
:
•>
--
'
i
-
% ^ %
"
, -.
••
4
1.96
0.20
s
l> nit Cost
$100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$4,066
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
> ,
s
ff ''
• -
-
.- - -
\
-
•, ""* :
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
\
"•
-
-Cost -
$19,600
$156,800
$1,313,788
$252,840
$796,936
$17,640
$92,120
$39,200
$40,200
$2,729,124
$54,582
$109,165
$272,912
$136,456
$163,747
$109,165
$545,825
V „ s
$4,121,000
$11,600
$26,386
$666
$38,652
, <.
$1,546
$1,933
$3,865
$7,730
-
$53,700
Y««S
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
•. -.
-" } "
-.^ -. <
:
: , -J ,
s V % '
'%'•-• >
*• ''""
\ %v-- *"•
x- s
•.-.-.
\- ^
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
' '
: , v » -
,%
PresallWoHh'" -
$17,718
$141,747
$1,187,664
$228,567
$720,430
$15,947
$83,276
$35,437
$36,341
$2,467.128
^ -" v , * ~~ ^x ™%
$49,343
$98,685
$246,713
$123,356
$148,028
$98,685
$493,426
' » " «
• $3,725,000
s " s 5 "••,-; ™;s ^
$133,098
$302,747
$7,642
$443,488
' "" " -'-,,- '. --•?': '
$17,740
$22,174
$44,349
$88,698
- \-* - "."•••• ;'\\^
$616,400
0
$4,341,000
OPSLCOV.,
-------
TABLE E-30
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SOUTH LIME DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Lind Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
: jv pumji CMW ••
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage ( 1 00 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
- 2. Indirect 0Nte •• ''••
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
LOoMtCotti
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
2,;taJifirtCOrt»
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL OAM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
-. -.unit
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
•.
-
._
>
"•
;
EA
AC
EA/5yr
^
-
>
QlliHfUj
196
196
0
0
0
0
196
196
1%
6
; •
'
,
~*
..
4
1.%
0.20
••
tMlll*utt
M&
$100
$800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
, V " ^
- 'l
\ ^
-
': ,
- " , : •."
••
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
Mw
$16,610
- •• ^
s
«
-
t^QSt. •-
Wfe -:
$19,600
$156,800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$887,880
$39,200
$17,640
$20,100
$1,141,220
- ' .. *
$22,824
$45,649
$114,122
$57,061
$68,473
$34,237
$228,244
$1,712,000
$11,600
$2,528
$666
$14,794
$592
$740
51,479
$2,959
$20,600
*" *•"•
W*X
$3.255,560
$3,508,900
v •-•.
$70.178
$140.356
$350,890
$175.445
$210.534
$105,267
$701,780
-
$5,263,000
••
V»*t*
^ •• •• '
f
'
; ,
••
s«
,' "•;
, -
.. "•
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
..
j^tncut wuitw
Man
$19,600
$156,800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$887,880
$39,200
$17,640
$20,100
$1,141,220
•" ^ "* s
$22,824
$45.649
$114,122
$57,061
S68.473
$34,237
$228,244
" ' •. -
$1.712,000
-
$133,098
$29,011
$7,642
$169,751
$6,790
$8,488
$16.975
$33,950
••
$236,000
$1, 948,000
MM
$19,600
$156,800
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,255,560
$39.200
$17,640
$20,100
$3,508.900
••
$70,178
$140,356
$350,890
$175,445
$210,534
$105,267
$701,780
$5,263,000
'
$5,499,000
OPSIRECI XLSW24/M
-------
TABLE E-31
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SOUTH LIME DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
t Direct Costs
Excavate/Load/Haul/Unload/Disposal
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Mali and placement
Haul Backfill Mall, 1 mile rt
Grading
Vegetation
Subtotal
ItWireetCost*
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (1%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
8P
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
;
-
-
<&a»$ty
,900,000
,900,000
,900,000
,900,000
,900,000
,900,000
1,900,000
36
530,000
530,000
2,370,000
490
-
Jfll&Cost
$5.51
$0.18
$1.17
$0.10
$1.62
$0.05
$0.03
$3,350
$2.77
$1.91
$0.13
$1,290
••
"•
- $ajje
$10,469,000
$342,000
$2,223,000
$190,000
$3,078,000
$95,000
$57,000
$120,600
$1,468,100
$1,012,300
$308,100
$632,100
$19,995,200
-
$399,904
$799,808
$1,999,520
$999,760
$399,904
$199,952
$3,999,040
$28,793,000
"•
Iftwr .
thru6
thru6
thn»6
thru6
thru6
thru 6
thru6
thru6
thru6
thru6
thru 6
thru 6
-
-
-
j .,
-
-
^ p$i$iift&. ..^;:*
$8,317,621
$271,719
$1,766,174
$150,955
$2,445,471
$75,478
$45,287
$95,817
$1,166,405
$804,272
$244,785
$502,203
$15,886,186
$317,724
$635,447
$1,588,619
$794,309
$317.724
$158,862
$3,177,237
••
$22,876,000
$22,876,000
OPSIREMV XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-32
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
SOUTH LIME DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
ks ; j;j«r»etO«^ " ^
Excavate/Load/Haul/Unload/Disposal
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Matt and placement
Haul Backfill Marl, 1 mile rt
Grading
Vegetation
Subtotal
<*rtiiiHMi* : *
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (1%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
*W*
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
..
-
% *" •> •
.,
N
%
:...$s&
423,000
423,000
423,000
423,000
423,000
423,000
423,000
18
211,500
211,500
540,000
112
••
-
- „" "
"•
. .- IMSSW*
$5.51
$0.18
$1.17
$0.10
$1.62
$0.05
$0.03
$3,350
$2.77
$1.91
$0.13
$1,290
-
••
-------
TABLE £-33
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
TRIANGLE WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
--• i. Direct Costs
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
£Jad!reE*O*tt$
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
i.ftinMU&te :
Site Review
Inspections
Repair/Maint. of Prev. Reclaimed Area
Subtotal
2. Jndir^Cosijis
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
mt-
LS
-
'-
._
; -
,
--
-
EA/5yr
EA
AC
%
'
Quantity
0
;
%
: C %
s
'
' -
0.20
1
0.07
s
UoitCost
0.00
s
f
:
"•
s
-
: \
: : . ...... ^
:
-
$3,330
$500
$1,290
-
" Co$t.
$0
$0
'
$0
$0
• $0
$0
$0
$0
$0
"• •• f
$0
.. *• %
$666
$500
$84
$1,250
$50
$62
$125
$250
$1,700
*1fears
1
v
,
'
\
' * * '*
'• v -I
•• * \ "" ""
~
• %s
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
*•
v s
!>waw*Wc«lk ~ ;^ -
$0
$0
^
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
-.-.'' " ' t ^ "•
$0
•. "" •.'
$7,642
$5,737
$962
$14,341
,
$574
$717
$1,434
$2,868
••
$19,900
%
$20,000
Already established through Supertund Overlay District
OPTWNOj
)^M£9/2
-------
TABLE E-34
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
TRIANGLE WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
, " !.tfaKt£Mff ' * ' ^ -
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (1 mile)
Stormwater Drainage Ditches (100 LtfAC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
"- - - ^vi^^ciSfer , - " :
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
J. Direct Costs
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
- Tliaiitr«*C0*te: - " - -
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tfs! '
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
"*
., s",
EA
AC
EA/5yr
^
\ •> v
-
Quantity
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
18
•~ -. ..
, , - ;
4
3.00
0.20
Unit Cost
$100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$4,066
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
« - -
: "
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
-
* '<&&-
$30,000
$240,000
$2,010,900
$387,000
$1,219,800
$27,000
$141,000
$60,000
$60,300
$4,176,000
^" ^'
$83,520
$167,040
$417,600
$208,800
$167,040
$125,280
$835,200
N
$6,180,000
$11,600
$40,386
$666
$52,652
-
$2.106
$2,633
$5,265
$10,530
$73,200
~
' *#x&
I thru2
Ithru2
Ithru2
1 thru 2
1 thru2
1 thru 2
Ithru2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
-
H f , ^^
.. ^ ^
ff •. -.
-
- ,
sX" « "••
-"
;
••
£r«5WitW$i'&
$27,120
$216,960
$1,817,854
$349,848
$1,102,699
$24,408
$127,464
$54,240
$54,511
$3,775,104
"• f ••
$75,502
$151,004
$377,510
$188,755
$151,004
$113,253
$755,021
' $5,587,000
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
$133,098
$463,389
$7,642
$604,129
'
$24,165
$30,206
$60,413
$120,826
••
$839,700
'•
$6,427,000
OPTWCOV.XLS8/24/98
-------
TABLE E-3S
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
TRIANGLE WASTE AREA OP CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 1)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
I.EfcortCorti
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level D Reclamation
Level in A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level in C Reclamation
Dust Control
Slormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
2, ikfitttfCtttt ••--
FieM Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
a o & M COSTS
t< &KCt:C6ltt •••-•-•-., ..
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
fc fcdftici&dtt
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tiir.
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
••
, -
••
1 X
-. ""X-!"
•. *. •,
—*
.^ "• ••
"i
EA
AC
EA/5yr
N %
-
""
%
....
<^wea%
••
300
300
0
0
75
0
225
300
300
6
•.
%
-
f ••
,•'•••
f A
-
•* ^
••.*•.-.
4
3.00
0.20
'
•.
UaitCoMt
Mm
$100
$800
S945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
-
'
^
'
s - ••
^
' _^-.
f f j
,
"'•,
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
Mfe -:
$1 1,180
$16,610
-
^
••
-
- ••
-
' - . ..
* "•
••
-
••
, , ,
$3,122,000
••
$11,600
$3,870
$666
$16,136
'
$645
$807
$1,614
$3,227
$22,400
••
......... ..
Mai
$838,500
$3,737,250
$4,952,850
^
$99,057
$198,114
$495,285
$247,643
$198,114
$148,586
$990,570
s%
$7,330,000
'
••
Y«mi
% v ^
'••"•
'••
^
^ %
••
•,'''•.
2 thro 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
"•
s
: -.
%% %
!»««*« WorA
: fcfe
$30,000
$240,000
$0
$0
$712,875
$0
$1,019,250
$60,000
$27,000
$20,100
$2,109,225
"" -
$42,185
$84,369
$210,923
$105,461
$84,369
$63,277
$421,845
' ^ '
$3,122,000
' s " v' '"•, , ..
$.133,098
$44,404
$7,642
$185,144
$7,406
$9,257
$18,514
$37,029
$257,400
-
$3,379,000 I
* -. % ^
- s ite' --
$30,000
$240,000
$0
$0
$838,500
$0
$3,737,250
$60,000
$27,000
$20,100
$4,952,850
v^ ^X "" v ,0 :
$99.057
$198,114
$495,285
$247,643
$198,114
$148,586
$990,570
"" >•' -^ "• .. :
$7,330,000
\ \ % s
.
™ u
$7,587,000
OPIWRECl
-------
TABLE E J6
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
TRIANGLE WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
v"t,;BKi*i;8i» --—;•-• ^
V ^ •.
Mobffization/Deinobuization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation - windVwfld Hfe corridor
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
- 5 ^SiSKiftiGNtt - •." -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
R O A M COSTS
1, DirtcfCoito •.--•'•
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Stormwater Management
Subtotal
J;BliKw
-------
TABLE E-37
OPPORTUNITY PONDS SUBAREA
TRIANGLE WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
tCftect Costs
Excavate/Load/Haul/Unload/Disposal
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Mat! and placement
Haul Backfill Mali, 2 mile it
Grading
Vegetation
Subtotal
isndiiiiii^. ;
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (1%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
lfofc
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
j;
*
Quantity
,600,000
,600,000
,600,000
,600,000
,600,000
,600,000
,600,000
60
485,000
485,000
1,452,000
300
s
*
Papjost^ t
$5.51
$0.18
$1.17
$0.10
$1.62
$0.05
$0.24
$3,340
$2.77
$2.26
$0.13
$1,290
-
"
-. v
-
Co$t
$8,816,000
$288,000
$1,872,000
$160,000
$2,592.000
$80,000
$384,000
$200,400
$1,343,450
$1,096,100
$188,760
$387,000
$17,407,710
•.
$348,154
$696,308
$1,740,771
$870,386
$348,154
$174,077
$3,481,542
$25,067,000
Yew
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
thru 10
..
s \
,
*"
_. u
f v
PKssot Wottib
$6,192,358
$202,291
$1,314.893
$112,384
$1,820,621
$56,192
$269,722
$140,761
$943,639
$769,901
$132,585
$271,829
$12,227,176
- , s;
$244,544
$489,087
$1,222,718
$611,359
$244,544
$122,272
$2.445.435
"*
$17,607,000
$17,607,000
OPTWREMV11 S9/74/98
-------
TABLE £-38
OLD WORKS/STUCKY RIDGE SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
J.tSteet Costs
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
- - .. ^'B$M#$
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
; - •™i;JD&CMt<£Mii» xx-T - -
Site Review
Inspections
Repair/Maint. of Prev. Reclaimed Area
Subtotal
Z:JMSwct Carts ;
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Unit
LS
"*
!
*
s
"\
--
% ' •.•.\
\ "• -.
,••••
EA/5yr
EA
AC
-
*
"•
Quantity
0
%
- ••
••
V %
11 Xs •.
: ^ ""
'
0.20
1
0.23
,.: tifaftCost
0.00
~
--
^
ft ••
i
- ;
^
-. •. s *
"\
: "i < "• ..
$3,330
$500
$1,290
^
..
Cost
$0
$0
-
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
if- , ' • ..", ™ ,
$0
' > ; v "
$666
$500
$290
$1,456
*"•
$58
$73
$146
$291
$2,000
1
y«arA
1
'-••
^
\-
, -;_. ;
^
-
•* ••
1 ,„,,-•.
^ ^\ f -. f .?' ,,-v' •
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
•"
^
••
Present Worth
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
-X"'
$0
•• : :
$7,642
$5,737
$3,330
$16,709
-
$668
$835
$1,671
$3,342
$23,200
s
$23,000
Already established through Superrund Overlay District
OWHANOAC.XLS9Q4/96
-------
TABLE E-39
OLD WORKS/STUCKY RIDGE SUB ARE A
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
!.»««*€!«*& - —"
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Storm water Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Dozer Basins
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
a;t»ft*0*«» ;:.<-" i
Field Indirect (2V.)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5V.)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
i,oi«<*ei!»!» : :.:.:...: .;
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
$, {ittdJRXptMHAt r |
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
IS*
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC •
AC
AC
EA
s
••
"• s
-
•.
f
EA
AC
EA/5yr
;•
%
-
- <&*<&&
80
80
80
80
80
80
12
80
80
6
-
.. s
,
'
-. f .
•. " :: %i%
"f "" S
..'
4
0.80
0.20
••
UwtCttst r
$100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$5,469
$90
$500
$470
$200
$3,350
,--••-
..% % %
-
" ' X ] "" '•:
' ,
•. _, % % -.vs %
xrt ti"i ;-
tw
f
$2,900
$13.462
$3,330
**
,
c»sr..,..\^.x
$8,000
$64.000
$536,240
$103,200
$437.520
$7,200
$6,000
$37,600
$16,000
$20,100
$1,235.860
: v
$24,717
$49,434
$123.586
$61,793
$74,152
$37.076
$247,172
!•""•"* "£•
$1,854,000
$11,600
$10,770
$666
$23,036
,
$921
$1.152
$2.304
$4,607
$32,000
"• s
V«K8
,
- ;
"- , , \ -
,
-. /*
-_ , -
""^v. ^ ••
f % f J--.
^•A "• fj "" "~
%
s
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
•
%
'
...; i.pjw^wwfti :: " >
$8.000
$64,000
$536,240
$103.200
$437.520
$7,200
$6,000
$37.600
$16.000
$20,100
$1,235,860
< - % ' - x
$24,717
$49,434
$123.586
$61,793
$74,152
$37.076
$247.172
• ,
$1.854.000
••
$133.098
$123,570
$7.642
$264,310
••
$10.572
$13.216
$26.431
$52,862
% ^ %
$367,400
••
$2.221.000
-------
TABLE E-40
OLD WORKS / STUCKY RIDGE SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternitive - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
.... J.ttfMetCafc
.. .. ™O%S s «\ - « « ••„•••• •.«-
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level II Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level DJ B Reclamation
Level in C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
*•'• -, ^ 2» fiwiteftf CJWw-.1- "* "" s "•'•'' •.'•'•••
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, Si Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonda (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
I,plwrtCo*1$ " T"
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
,"
^
••
-- Qa*&f
"• "•
80
80
0
69
IS
0
0
80
12
80
6
; -.
"• "•
-••
•.^
••
•• ••
4
0.80
0.20
^«
-
••••
ttttifCojt
Min "
S100
S800
S945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$500
$90
$3,350
V •. ..
\ ^
-.-. :
-.-. •.' Xs
s .-
'
-
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
••
••
WEwe'
$3,495
$11,180
1 '
%
/
^
••
- •
fioat "
VMfc
$8,000
$64,000
$0
$158,275
$142,575
$0
$0
$16,000
$6,000
$7,200
$20,100
$422,150
- - -
$8.443
S16.886
$42,215
$21,108
$25,329
$12,665
$84,430
: •" * -. .
$633,000
$11,600
$1,032
$666
$13,298
$532
$665
$1,330
$2.660
$18,500
-
MM
$227.175
$167,700
$516,175
•" •- •. %
$10,324
$20,647
$51,618
$25,809
$30,971
$15,485
$103,235
$774,000
- y«w*
••
V ..
•••• •. -
^ ^ A %
•• '
: s " s
•• ^ s
^
s
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
ttlHtfiiif •'ttfjuftl
i iucm. wonzi %
Mitt
$8,000
$64,000
$0
$158,275
$142,575
$0
$0
$16,000
$6,000
$7,200
$20,100
$422.150
"" %
S8.443
$16.886
$42,215
$21,108
$25329
$12.665
$84,430
'• ~" *' ""
$633,000
-
$133,098
$11,841
$7,642
$152,581
'
$6,103
$7,629
$15,258
$30,516
$212,100
$845,000
-
MM
$8,000
$64,000
$0
$227,175
$167,700
$0
$0
$16,000
$6,000
$7,200
$20,100
$516,175
..
$10,324
$20,647
$51.618
$25,809
$30,971
$15,485
SI 03,235
-
$774,000
-
$986,000
OWHMECl. XLSW3VM
-------
TABLE E-41
OLD WORKS / STUCKY RIDGE SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative . Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
I.DfewtCostt •
••
Mobilizatian/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I RecUnution - Highway Corridor
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Fencing
Air Monitoring
Route Slormwaler to Opportunity Pond*
Subtotal
2,fedtai€*» " -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bondi (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
ROAMCOSTS
I.Dit«Co«t» - . .
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Stormwater Management
Subtotal
J, fn4jr$$C4ffr
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O4M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
m. -
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
LF
EA
LS
••
*
-
•• ^ "
^
%
.."
EA
. AC
EA/5yr
LS
••-
-
f
-
-
'
llfflBffiflLn
'
24
24
24
24
2
24
6,600
6
1
,
, ..
^ z
• v
; s
••
4
0.24
0.20
1
"
-
%
.. ^
" * 1s
IMCort
. . *6*
$100
$800
$945
$200
$500
$90
$10
$3,350
$0
•• %
, s
^
••
N
-
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
$9,000
,
Mw
$1,290
«
'
••
V
••
••
1,,,,,m,m,,,M^,,,,,,,,,,1hu
1 *$*' \
$2,400
$19,200
$22,680
$4,800
$1,000
$2,160
$66,000
$20,100
SO
$138,340
..
$2,767
$5,534
$13,834
$6,917
$8,300
$4,150
$27,668
; •.
$208,000
'
$11,600
$310
$666
$9,000
$21,576
$863
$1,079
$2,158
$4,315
, "
$30,000
.. >.
••
,-•. Max
$30,960
$146,620
% •.
$2,932
$5,865
$14,662
$7,331
$8,797
$4,399
$29,324
\
$220,000
' s _
%
- -
*
••
mill,y«t«
•
\
"
- "•. '• •.••''• '•;
: , , ^ :
'
-. . ...,.:'• \
x
-
v
••-
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
••
>
fte«ea»Waat
Jute . :
$2,400
$19,200
$22,680
$4,800
$1,000
$2,160
$66.000
$20,100
$0
$138,340
T ;
$2,767
$5,534
$13,834
$6,917
$8,300
$4, ISO
$27,668
'• ' t '' ^ -. * V.
$208,000
'---
$133,098
$3,552
$7,642
$103,266
$247,558
V. V,
$9,902
$12,378
$24,756
$49,512
•. -
$344,100
V ,
$552,000
-- .. - vs \X","
M» .-.L
$2,400
$19,200
$30,960
$4,800
$1,000
$2,160
$66,000
$20,100
$0
$146,620
• , •• , s
$2,932
$5,865
$14,662
$7,331
$8,797
$4,399
$29,324
s
$220,000
x, '; s -, "
^ X--^ ^ s Xs
X ^ X -."X •:
•• •• - ,"\ v
$564,000
-------
TABLE E-42
OLD WORKS/STUCKY RIDGE SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
i.OitectCosW " v s
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
^ ^to ,
" •••.
^ -.V v.^
-
..-. ••
....
0
EA/5yr
EA
AC
v
N
•
Qas&tjty
0
-.
s
•• •• s
-
"" ^ *'-.''•
-s
• , " ,'
," ,
0.20
1
1.39
..-
!
tfait Cost
0.00
....
"-
^
,
s s %
% V/ ^ s^
\ -SX s % '
, -"-
:'•<••
V , •.
$3,330
$500
$1,290
.,
"•
Cost
$0
$0
: %
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
s r x ^ -\
$0
, ••
$666
$500
$1,793
$2,959
$118
$148
$296
$592
: " ••
$4,100
Tws
l
- -
-
'
•• ^
j^.*: x..
« " '
„ ,,
% ^ Sff f •. S
, ,\ S,
~f * •.
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
••••
>
FwawtWdrfli
$0
$0
•s
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
'
$0
v -. •. ,,
$7,642
$5,737
$20,574
$33,953
-
$1,358
$1,698
$3,395
$6,791
"* •. ''
$47,200
$47,000
* Already established through Superfund Overlay District, covenant restrictions on Ueland property, and development restrictions on Old Works Trail System
parcel, Golf Course parcel, Ballfields/Industrial Park parcel, Stucky Ridge parcel, and Sewage Lagoon parcel.
OWSVNOAC XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-4J
OLD WORKS / STOCKY RIDGE SUBREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative • Land Reclamation (Revision 1)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
i,&fepiCto*» -
1 ^ ' ••
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level 1 Reclamation
Level D Reclamation
Level ID A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level 01 C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Storniwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
Z«S$i!S*££*a
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection. & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5V.)
Design (2V.)
Resident Engineering (2V.)
Contingency (20V.)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
a o A M COSTS
i.Dfee
-------
TABLE E-44
OLD WORKS / STOCKY RIDGE SUBREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
---- t,»«*C«»(*i ,„,-, iu||| „
x " %
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Pomb
Subtotal
*x" -,-~-Sfc»»«Si«-
$127,000
Sl,016,000
$0
$3,092,450
$0
$0
$0
$254,000
$635,000
$114,300
$60,300
$890,000
$6,189,050
•• s % -^-. ^ ^^
$123,7*1
$247,562
$618,905
$309,453
$123,781
$123,781
$1,237,810
••;
$8,974,000
•.
: Mb»
$4,438,650
$7,535,250
- - - •• :
$150,705
$301,410
$753,525
$376,763
$150,705
$150,705
$1,507,050
$10,926,000
Yfl*s
^
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
1 thru 3
% X-.
"* ""'"''•.
V? S,
- CWs
V
«•
f
•" f
"• JnffikOQl WMft
. 'Wt.
$111,083
$888,661
$0
$2,704,863
SO
$0
$0
$222,165
$555,413
$99,974
$52,742
$778,453
$5,413,356
% ,. %
$108,267
$216,534
$541,336
$270,668
$108,267
$108,267
$1,082,671
\
$7,849,000
' Max
$111,083
$888,661
$0
$3,882,339
SO
$0
$0
$222,165
$555,413
$99,974
$52,742
$778,453
$6,590,832
$131,817
$263,633
$659,083
$329,542
$131,817
$131,817
$1,318,166
$9,557,000
B. O & M COSTS
l,0w«*Coi& --
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Slormwaler Management
Subtotal
a.JnifenctCwftl
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
*
EA
AC
EA/5yr
LS
4
12.70
0.20
1
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
$130,000
$11,600
$16,383
$666
$130,000
$158,649
$6,346
$7,932
$15,865
$31,730
"*
$220,500
%
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
$133,098
$187,979
$7,642
$1,491,620
$1,820,339
$72,814
$91,017
$182,034
$364,068
$2,530,300
$10,379,000 | $12,087,000
OWSVPRCVXISWM/M
-------
TABLE E-4S
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
l.DiiectCosts
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
* -" 1'lwJS^Ow^ '
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
|;fti!mi
-------
TABLE E-46
SMELTER HILL SUB ARE A
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
. ^ujrewvwsu -v - .;
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18™)
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Storm water Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Dozer Basins
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
< Subtotal
- ---" &fedii«kOtt$r \-K™v
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
wrot
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
- %<- - -^ *
~"-rv^ ;
••
520
520
520
520
520
520
468
520
520
36
•• -••-••
,"V ,
$100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$5,469
$90
$500
$470
$200
$3,350
•- f"~ v '' t
s •, ^
$52,000
$416,000
$3.485.560
$670.800
$2,843,880
$46.800
$234,000
$244,400
$104,000
$120,600
$8,218.040
% ,\ \\
$164,361
$328,722
$821,804
$410.902
$328,722
$246,541
$1,643,608
•••••••• * "" s-, s ••
$12,163,000
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
"•;,
«. s V ^
'
, '
""
•• '
;- - t --^
\---' - ix';s\ •
•• x
, ••
••
....*•. XyiMtwUI ni^lm
$47,008
$376.064
$3,150,946
$606,403
$2,570,868
$42,307
$211,536
$220,938
$94.016
$109,022
$7.429.108
-
$148.582
$297.164
$742,91 1
$371,455
$297,164
$222,873
$1,485,822
•. -° ''
$10,995,000
B. O & M COSTS
J.DJrectCostt - - ':
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
- - J.fodiwrtCwfc , , , - - .
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
...-. ....
EA
AC
EA/5yr
••
•X •.
V •- ••
4
5.20
0.20
-
, > -
%
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
%
$11,600
$70,002
$666
$82,268
'
$3,291
$4,113
$8,227
$16,454
$114,400
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
>
V
^
,
"
$133,098
$803,208
$4
$936,310
- -
$37.452
$46.815
$93.631
$187,262
•
$1,301.500
$12,297,000
SHHACOV XLS9/24/91
-------
TABLE E-47
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative • Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
' - -{.StMtOtMtt - •;•
* -,-x ,- - *- •• ••--•••. ^ -
MobiHzitioo/Danobifization
She Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level D Reclamation
Level in A Reclamation
Level in B Reclamation
Level HI C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Slomwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
mmtm^ffl&iiiw&ito - -- - -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B.O4M COSTS
- i< &8$®^®$m$m& .
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
- %ft$jft*&>*tt
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (9%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
^ B^M,
~-
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
-' "• ' :
- v
^ ^
V
.. s
',
••
,
EA
AC
EA/5yr
••••
llimfl!«i«fci;,
-
520
520
260
260
0
0
0
520
468
520
12
..
s ..
1
_. ••
^ *
"•
•-
'' "•
4
5.20
0.20
,
..^.IJjjjtrMm
Mb
$100
$SOO
S945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$500
$90
$3,350
••' .. -
f
-
••
•.
*•
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
..
^
-••
ii** ...
$1,290
$3,495
,s " ^\ "•
^
•.
--
,
,„ I111111I.jjSi{;11I1111IIII;1
:• Mt-.?
$52,000
$416,000
$24^700
$633,100
$0
$0
$0
$104,000
$234,000
J46.800
$40,200
$1,771,800
,
$35,436
$70,872
$177,180
$88,590
$70,872
$53,154
$354,360
* '''* : !
$2,622,000
$11,600
$6,708
$666
$18,974
$759
$949
$1.897
$3,795
"•
$26,400
-
V^
." «a«
$335,400
$908,700
$2,137,100
V
$42,742
$85,484
$213,710
$106,855
$85,484
$64,113
$427,420
s ', '' "*
$3,163,000
"" •* ^ "•
•• s
^
' ,
$*».
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
•• s^ ^ s
^
•• ' ' :
' ' •• :
"'••'•• \.
•• % o
^ •• :
•• :
-
' •• '
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
,
-
'•
••
imi;rimii|wi^*e*ii
t&t
$47,008
$376,064
$222,113
$572,322
$0
$0
SO
$94,016
$211,536
$42,307
$36,341
$1,601,707
.
$32,034
$64,068
$160,171
$80,08$
$64,068
$48,051
$320,341
' » - •• % " Xv.-.
$2,371,000
>
$133,098
$76,968
$7,642
$217,708
$8,708
$10,885
$21,771
$43,542
•••••. x
$302,600
$2,674,000
'nmmmmiiiim^Mii,,;',,?,
- - ite '
$47,008
$376,064
$303,202
$821,465
$0
$0
$0
$94,016
$211,536
$42,307
$36,341
$1.931,938
illss;^
$38,639
$77.278
$193.194
$96,597
$77,278
$57,958
$386,388
$2,839,000
v ^ -•• ' ^
, ••••'•'• * <• f
^ •. "•"• X"1 s
•. %
$3,162,000
-------
TABLE E-48
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
HIGH ARSENIC SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
; - igirwtgMfe ' - x -
-. v * "• "• s X v\
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation - Highway Corridor
Dust Control
Dozer Buins
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Fencing
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
v — %— afldWfcUfc* , x™k-x- < -
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
a o & M COSTS
l,£toetC«*l* „ ' x
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Slormwater Management
Subtotal
** "^ •• 2» ^DliliVCUt *3U$li . "" .:
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (1%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
t&it
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
LF
EA
LS
, " .. v
"• ;
%
% "" "• -T
•.
•• s
••
^
\ X,
EA
AC
EA/Syr
LS
..
^
-
v
"•
fewti* :
20
20
20
20
20
20
56,000
6
1
_, '•
•. "• '
\ -. ""
" - \" ':
•
-
••
•!''"•.''• •
4
0.20
0.20
1
'
^
-
-
UoitCwt
Mm
$100
$800
$945
$200
$22
$90
$10
$3,350
$422.000
""• "". ^
'^ , ••
-.^
v
x - " ;
*• % ^
-
"-% ^••¥, •*
$2.900
$1.290
$3,330
$70,000
JMJiii ;
$1,290
, :
-
s
K .
%
,',,.:. . ..^ ^
"• f\
- Cw« - '
Mtn
$2,000
$16.000
$18,900
$4,000
$440
$1.800
$560,000
$20,100
$422,000
$1,045,240
$20.905
$41,810
$104,524
$52,262
$62,714
$31,357
$209,048
•• , ;
$1,568,000
$11,600
$258
$666
$70,000
$82,524
$3,301
$4,126
$8.252
$16,505
$114.700
MIX
$25,800
$1,052,140
••
$21,043
$42,086
$105.214
$52,607
$63,128
$31,564
$210,428
-
$1,578,000
-
' t**»
..
s •.'-.
, •.'"
\ ' y
;
"• ;
•• • -
;
-
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
ta**iTON$f> "
Mfe
$2,000
S16.000
$18,900
$4,000
$440
SI. 800
$560,000
$20,100
$422,000
$1,045,240
^
$20,905
$41,810
$104.524
$52,262
$62,714
$31,357
$209,048
$1,568,000
•.'*'"
$133.098
$2.960
$7,642
$803,180
$946,880
$37,875
$47.344
$94.688
$189,376
$1,316.200
%
$2,884,000
,
MEM
$2,000
S16.000
$25,800
$4,000
$440
S1.800
$560,000
$20,100
$422,000
$1,052,140
$21,043
$42,086
$105.214
$52,607
$63,128
$31,564
$210,428
V V
$1,578,000
% "•
s
-
$2,894,000
-------
TABLE E-49
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
< 'tJSi^CiaiJfc - *
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
£i£8tfek&fe. ;-v ^
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
Ll»»*
••
f
EA/5yr
-
••
-
,
. ;. % V. S s
$7,642
$7.642
\ .. ' .. " -
S306
$382
$764
$1,528
s V.X %
$10,600
, : '• ' S \
$11,000
Already established through Superrund Overlay District, conservation easements on WH Ranch Company property, and covenants on the Willow Glen Property.
SHSVNOAU|M^24
-------
TABLE E-SO
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
-{;CSrm*CoHr ,••:,,,
•. ^ » x - "'
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Prepantian
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level in A Reclamation
Level HI B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Stoimwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
' £to«w*cwft ., - .'- -
field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
mt
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
* N
•. ""C *
,. !
qmfo
%
2,466
2,466
1,233
1,233
0
0
0
2,466
2,220
2,466
30
% % ^ %
•?
IJhitCort
ik ..
$100
$800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$500
$90
$3,350
*£* :
$1,290
$3,495
\ ;
-
f f \
''•
,,,,^rl •;,<»* -"""" .'
vJHfc
$246,600
$1,972,800
$1,165,185
$3,002,355
$0
$0
$0
$493,200
$1,110,000
$221,940
$100,500
$8,312,580
..-. ^ ~ * - ••
$166,252
$332,503
$831,258
$415,629
$166,252
$166,252
$1,662,516
$12,053,000
itot
$1,590,570
$4,309,335
$10,044,945
v -
$200,899
$401,798
$1,004,495
$502,247
$200,899
$200,899
$2,008,989
$14,565,000
Tfttw
1 thru 5
1 thru 5
I thru 5
1 thru 5
1 thru 5
1 thru 5
1 thru 5
1 thru 5
1 thru 5
llhru}
1 thru 5
\,
"" -. •• ^ *• ^^
\ _\ A. ^ -.
,; ^
., ~" ~" "~ : f
^ ''•.''''
••
^ ••
-
ftw«*1Wort(k
kftt
$202,212
$1,617,696
$955,452
$2,461,931
$0
$0
$0
$404,424
$910,200
$181,991
$82,410
$6,816,316
^ :
$136,326
$272,653
$681,632
$340,816
$136,326
$136,326
$1,363,263
;
$9,884,000
^
iu«.:
$202,212
$1,617,696
$1,304,267
$3,533,655
$0
$0
$0
$404,424
$910,200
$181,991
$82,410
$8,236,855
"i *•
$164,737
$329,474
$823,685
$411,843
$164,737
$164,737
$1,647,371
$11,943,000
B. O & M COSTS
t.OsentCoite
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
tiMKffcSC***
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 04M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
EA
AC
EA/Syr
% s - -
u
••
4
24.66
0.20
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
;
$11,600
$31,811
$666
$44,077
--
$1,763
$2,204
$4,408
$8,815
$61,300
"•
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
-
$133,098
$365,004
$7,642
$505,744
$20,230
$25,287
$50,574
$101,149
$703,000
; /•
$10,587,000 | $12,646,000
SHSVAECLXlSMMt
-------
TABLE E-51
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
IKtwtCwte ••
MobflJzitknvDemobibzation
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level ID A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level ID C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Bums
Slormwatcr Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Pondi
Subtotal
!ti £)tffl!nc$ CwlK ••
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (1 OS)
Contractor Bomb (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
l
-------
TABLE E-S2
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
ANACONDA PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
, tD^Cosfe
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
^llfii
-------
TABLE E-S3
SMELTER HILL SUB ARE A
ANACONDA PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
1 LBtawaCfcws- " %-
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing)
Soil Cover (18")
Additional Soil Amendment - manure
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Storm water Drainage Ditches (100 L0AC)
Roads - Temporary
Roads - borrow area (2,000 10
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
2ilwainx*'C0*<* ~"™ ""« ""
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4*/»)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds ($'/•)
Design (4*/*)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
1 fHfeqtCb**
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
•~'iL&diiis$Bttste * \y
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20V»)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
m
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
LS
AC
EA
ss •• >
% -
" v S
-
> % V, ,
' '«, "•
s ' -
"*
••
••
EA
AC
EA/5yr
% ••
'
•. ,
,
s , ..•
s% '
, V V
^
•• . .:..
Qttea&y
449
449
449
449
449
449
449
449
1
449
30
- %
••••
,
•f v.
ss -. s
* ', ~ 'v
H X,
s
^
••
4
4.49
0.20
x-
-
f
, •• v-
,
" ' - "
••
f
••
tMCast
$100
S800
$6.703
$2,252
$1,290
$5,469
$90
$470
$9,400
$200
$3,350
o-' v!w- ^ x ' '
-. S % f fff
-.-
S > X
•XX -. * XX^ ""* -.
fff. % -. •"
H '<'^-s..f' ,.i > -
% -X % ?"" X
'
•• :
$2.900
$13.462
$3,330
''"'•.
•' •' •'
f
^X
** r \
... " ....v...? :.:..
- ^ "£n*^""" --
$44,900
$359,200
$3,009,647
$1.011,148
$579,210
$2,455.581
$40,410
$211,030
$9,400
$89,800
$100,500
$7,910.826
OX ., ^ Ayt.%^%-. s, -~\ "
$158.217
$316,433
$791,083
$395.541
$316,433
$237.325
$1,582.165
* ^ ' s
$11.708,000
'
$11,600
$60,444
$666
$72,710
-
$2,908
$3,636
$7.271
$14.542
% ^ -!"s • ••••
$101,100
:s
, , - •. '
Y«a»
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
thru 3
x% ; v -. •
'\ ;c - s- x
« ^ «
%Xv •• ^ ^~-
;„ \^\'^ : ,
•SXv.sV\^ •- XX ^N.^-.
f s •*•*• . \ >. .
•*• '•X''1' ^i '"XsX-^ X*
•. \ f fv.^
s
••
f f f
1 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
''"'-. - ••
% "•.
' , 'V '' ^ ''
;% x "
— , •:•
^^;
:
••
PttstenJWohk " "
$39,273
$314.180
$2,632,438
$884,417
$506,616
$2,147,815
$35.345
$184.581
$8,222
$78.545
$87,904
$6.919,336
v s s v "• ••
$138.387
$276,773
$691,934
$345,967
$276,773
$207,580
$1,383.867
^ S ^ •. -.V f .. , , ^^
$10,241,000
-
$133.098
$693,539
$7,642
$834.279
- ' -
$33,371
$41,714
$83,428
S166.856
fft . •» s •• ^
$1,159.600
v
$11,401,000
SHAPCOVXLS9S24/9S
-------
TABLE E-S4
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
ANACONDA PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
•4. KmctCa* \ -,-\--x -
I •• " "
Mobffization/Dcfnobiluation
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level ID B Reclamation
Level in C Reclamation
Dint Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
.... ' Xfeffewrftt* .. - ,
Fieldlndirccl(2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B.O&MCOSTS
{. BjwmCoitj -
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
fc jbdto*C4tt
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O4M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
OWt ,,
••
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
s ••
%
^ s
v» •. V %
^
..
- ^
"*
EA
AC
EA/5yr
••••
"
••
<&**&-„
449
449
0
0
0
0
449
449
449
6
,"
;••
•• -
.., ,
,
^
"•
4
4.49
0.20
%
- iMCwt
k«ji
sioo
$800
S945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$8,550
$200
$90
$3,350
>. •-•- -•
"
'' ''
••
-
" ,
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
« « Xv
MM
$21,160
-- ,X
,
.." \ ••
"'
'
•.
-, , m M *»«
Maf ;
$44,900
$359,200
$0
SO
$0
$0
$3,S3(,950
$89,800
$40,410
$20,100
$4,393,360
•• t v " '
$87,867
$175,734
$439,336
$219,668
$175,734
$131,801
$878,672
s, i
$6,502,000
$11,600
$5,792
$666
$18,058
$722
$903
$1,806
$3,612
$25,100
s
Mat!
$9,500,840
$10,055,250
s . . S
$201,105
$402,210
$1,005,525
$502,763
$402,210
$301,658
$2,011,050
"
$14,882,000
unnlm,,,,,,
X
' -
••
'
"• ^
-.-.
^
--'
"•
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
im(ft^ Worth
Wt
$44,900
$359,200
$0
$0
SO
$0
$3,838,950
$89,800
$40,410
$20,100
$4,393,360
V ,
$87,867
$175,734
$439,336
$219,668
$175,734
$131,801
$878,672
'
$6,502,000
$133,098
$66,459
$7,642
$207,199
'
$8,288
$10,360
$20,720
$41,440
$288,000
$6,790,000
Max
$44,900
$359,200
$0
SO
SO
$0
$9,500,840
$89,800
$40,410
$20,100
$10,055,250
* .- N
$201,105
$402,210
$1,005,525
$502,763
$402,210
$301,658
$2,011,050
$14,882,000
'
$15,170,000
SHAPRECLXLSW24/M
-------
TABLE E-S5
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
ANACONDA PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Redunitlon (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
,- i.DiwsCota - -
-
MobiHzatkm/Dcmobuization
She Preparation
Level I Reclamation - wind/wild life corridor
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
&;SiiiSrtc
':
':
"•
, •• ;
4
1.79
0.20
1
** ;
DUO** ,IMm,,,v
M» '• : 'Mtt
$100
$800
$945 $1,290
$200
$90
$3,350
$0
<
'
..
•" .,
-
^
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
$15,000
'
:' ' *3^jJr|M
fctfe
$17,600
$140,800
$166,320
$35,200
$15,840
$20,100
$0
$395,860
-
$7,917
$15,834
$39,586
$19,793
$23,752
$11,876
$79,172
: - 5
$594,000
$11,600
$2,309
$666
$15,000
$29,575
$1,183
$1,479
$2,958
$5,915
^
$41,100
'
Max
$227,040
$456,580
*
$9,132
$18,263
$45,658
$22,829
$27,395
$13,697
$91,316
-
$685,000
•> -
- Y*»r» -
„
•- X '*
'' X" > v
^
••
„ ^ s.
2thru30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
-
-
•>
)h!wt!«Wart«.:--
W6b
$17,600
$140,800
$166,320
$35,200
$15,840
$20,100
$0
$395,860
«» - - •.
$7,917
$15,834
$39,586
$19,793
$23,752
$11,876
$79,172
1 •. ^ v
$594.000
••••;•- -•;-••;'
$133,098
$26,495
$7,642
$(72,110
$339,345
-
$13,574
$16,967
$33,934
$67,869
-
$471,700
^ •;
$1,066,000
"--" n-iTiniii
"•"•••• lltt •:.-
$17,600
$140,800
$227,040
$35,200
$15,840
$20,100
$0
$456,580
.. ••
$9,132
$18,263
$45,658
$22,829
$27,395
$13,697
$91,316
' s
$685,000
' "•. -
-
- s^
$1,157,000
-------
TABLE E-56
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
ANACONDA PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
AHenutlvc - Land Reclamation/Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
v - <• -."(btifewsfca*!* - ;r*v^
x" *x x* * s™ ^-.V"1-" -s
Mobffization/DeinobQization
Site Preparation
Level in C Reclamation - adjusted
Soil Cover (6')
Vegetation
Haul (2 mfles)
^ust Control
Sloimwatcr Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
\ x- 2, ft»$i$£$ilMgF: , ,.N~ .
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bond* (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O A M COSTS
i,C*w*Coib, \...7.^...-..?...
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
£ B«Jirt«C«#» " " ,-
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL OAM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
—tss -
xs\ -X
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
<• * o
s' V X
t XVXX'
^ •• ""-
X ' ™-
\ % * s s*
•• % '"'""'
'
-
-
*, •.
EA
AC
EA/5yr
-
- \
"• "• ^ ••
v
s '•: '•'•'• '•
-
,--^BM%-'
•• 0s-.
449
449
449
449
449
449
449
449
6
;s \ v %
> X v - !
\ N %
%0 X C"
\ s •. ^ s
«
X"
4
4.49
0.20
11 v s
, "
v ^
, s
^ \,
-
••
," IWlCsrt ..
Wfc -
$100
$800
$8,550
$2,234
$1,290
$5,469
$200
$90
$3,350
\-X-. ::•;.•. ^ \ '
__ f : •*.•*, •. ~"
Xs ^ X ^ -
"•
sX-iC ''
X-X % \
-•• X "" '' %
sX,"
^ •. -w ""
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
• ••
-
-
- ••
- -ite '
$21,160
•• ^ ~:'".Z •..•.. ^
r "• -v •? ..
•" AS
: •. •. ^
s , \.
•• X%""
*• "*""•."" %"*%X
N s VA
-.-.
sx % •••;i-
fs
,
'
••
: -XX-X-tp"^ -''
- "--l&i s '
$44,900
$359,200
$3,138,950
$1,003,066
$579,210
$2,455,581
$89,800
$40,410
$20,100
$1,431,217
f s *"
$168,624
$337,249
$843,122
$421,561
$337,249
$252,937
$1,686,243
^ %
$12,478,000
f- %
$11,600
$5,792
$666
$18,058
s ,
$722
$903
$1,806
$3,612
$25,100
«
•"
•• V »
x\ - i&t
$9,500,840
$14,093,107
> ,% %
$281,862
$563,724
$1,409,311
$704,655
$563,724
$422,793
$2,118,621
"•", , '
$20,858,000
v~-
% ' ••
"\
, Y«B»- - :
•„
;,
11 C "" ^s % ;
f f •* •• •
' -,' " ™ " ;
..
',-•? ^ virr
••"•/< ^ •* •. ;
^ '' '
- -..-- ;
•• %
X- s " \
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
••
1
li^MAMM*. tiiw^k \ ""
I'UMM&WOm
^fe
$44,900
$359,200
$3,838,950
$1,003,066
$579,210
$2,455,581
$89,800
$40,410
$20,100
$8,431,217
*sy ••
$168,624
$337,249
$843,122
$421.561
$337,249
$252,937
$1,686,243
•> "• f
"• -,f ..:
$12,478,000
™ ,,,
$133,098
$66,459
$7,642
$207,199
»
$8,288
$10,360
$20.720
$41,440
•.-•.' •
$288,000
V
$12,766,000
-
\ '.'J&X
$44,900
$359,200
$9,500,840
$1,003.066
$579,210
$2,455,581
$89,800
$40,410
$20,100
$14,093,107
•> •• ,-- ,
$281,862
$563,724
$1,409,311
$704,655
$563,724
$422,793
$2,818,621
-
$20,858,000
-.-.
•f
;
$21,146,000
-------
TABLE E-57
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
ANACONDA PONDS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Rock Amendment (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
. t&»**<&S»\ * * "
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Surface Grading
Rock Amendments (4" of pea gravel)
Roads
Air Monitoring
Dust Control During Construction
Stormwater Drainage (200 LF/AC)
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
'"V&immm ^~:.: \ ^
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20V.)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
: t DsrcetCpsfc ;
Quarterly Inspection
Repair
Site Review
Stormwater Management
Subtotal
- &w&**$«is :..: , .:
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
-' iNr -
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
AC
AC
LS
^ "• ^ "-^ ^-:..
•.'*..
*\
, '
--
" " ' , "-
•* " *
"'""••' - -x
' ,
X " v
'
EA
AC
EA/5yr
LS
- -
•.
.• •
f S S •.
s
." -
' •• ••
••
: "QuAn^r % '
449
449
449
449
449
12
449
449
1
*' ""• f ^ W *'?* *
* V
s ""•.'" •.-!'"•. ••
s%
"-
^
f f ••••••
4
4.49
0.20
1
1 - ••
"• v
" ^
' ,
,
' '
- tM.:• f .,
' •>
VeftiS "*
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
,f. - >"--r
^ ^ „?*"'"
• -, s V* - 5!.
J1 % > * '
: --" x»
" \\ -5. -
, , ,* " -
"..- ' "-"--
*X •. " " "•*"
,
s'
* i
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
••" N
' "
^ : '••
"• *
"•
'•. '•
*•
' *"• ftelxtto WWtb •' '
$40,590
$324,717
$923,413
$6.622,599
$190,771
$36,341
$81,179
$36,531
$0
$8.256,141
•tf> "•£• •. ^v s s ^ s ^ •• •" i s
-. -.s ^ •• -^
$165,123
$330,246
$825,614
$412,807
$330,246
$247,684
$1.651,228
\ - •• «•• x " '
$12^19.000
- ' - \ -«
$133.098
$840,572
$7,642
$172,110
$1,153,422
V .. •..."
$46,137
$57,671
$115,342
$230,684
-.-
$1,603.300
f.
-------
TABLE £-58
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
DISTURBED AREA AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
- > lWti#&ifc."\^* < .
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
" ,~% i :\liyi(^&»&' ^-r" ^
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O &. M COSTS
, :: > v - . ;i; Di^*m\: r "- . A/ * -\
Site Review
Inspections
Repair/Maint. of Prev. Reclaimed Area
Subtotal
^ -„ ^ %wm*G**&2^
Supervision, Inspection, &. Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
- im -
LS
™VX°"\'V^
"•Iv. ^"vXU X •!*
^ > ^v* :-,&-.
\ •• •- •.-.•-
•. NS f, S •.
\XXXX 'j^ ''
\ *•-'*•
"vxxxxxr,?
V. -.-.W % ^sv.^ S
EA/5yr
EA
AC
X"?** X" T
. > n • • i M fh rfi hi 1 1 1
'" ^ %v
'„,;:-- \, -
s * --"
•. -A fV" ""
s s-X"1"-. X"""" "• %S
V.S W. N s S S
' S^^C.V
O»Ni^.."..
0
s% vis %-. ^% ^xj, f
"* •.-,•,•.
"..".. ^.^ - -,
X ^ •-••
N *SW.X^ ^ •.
,!- \,-- ;, v, , •
X SSX -X s "*
f' "• 0 ^"1
vS $. C
•• •• X"""" '
0.20
1
0.79
•• •• %
-
- ,/ - -
% "•
%
X
v~%«s ~
-.-.^ •• •-
imom* . -"
0.00
-"" '*• ^'" XX«v^X:
1VXV^VC'« " X^X''
^^ " v',\ ••X" ,"* s'
; -" ^ x^-i---"'x;
x^l^:^-.^'
Xs^s"* >.i.^ ^W ''..•X'K'X'
S f v%% % vw. j ^ v. ••
> "•
*™* **f,t\t%:
$3,330
$500
$1,290
""Xs "" "" ""-.'" %
%
-•• -
~" " - s- ,
•. •.
••
i , ^
: - - "•
- "'"O)«t '
$0
so
' '' ' '• ^ '.
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
-.-IV-y- •£• '^ JC^ %S ^ "•"•••• -.^^ •" *" ^ > / A
$0
f™" s^J^'"™ v*' ';•• %x \, ,"'i%"
$666
$500
$1,019
$2,185
* s ; o -\- , -A"
$87
$109
$219
$437
, - - ^ «^ x «sx
$3,000
5 '', !- ( 4 -. ^ >
•• ••
..r..r.«»» ,
1
"" "•. "" s %
.., " " v
..-".."...^/.>>" ;•-
* "" ''jv'^.' \-v''' ' \:
"-TXXX ^'CX-J [**
*. Vv -.%""-.-.
...•:..... x . >. . . x . >( . >.
% , '* \r ^" * -
%••<• •• •-•;•••• ••
ff "-X v.
s £**'• V\ s
"'\t&s^,'
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
"• "• %
''-. "" \
% > ••
^ \v f f
"L
- ,:"•,-_•-••
\ S V. •,
--
"- \' ,
-"
; - I^BJISJl'WOKdl ' / '
$0
$0
'• •. ••'••'•.-. ^
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
% / '*'•'• ^" ^ ^""Xv X* v "" '
$0
> - ;---•• \\x-', \ » ,' "\i> ,
$7,642
$5,737
$11,693
$25,072
' ''," ,
$1,003
$1,254
$2,507
$5,014
,,•"•" ^"^ ' ' ', '•
$34,800
' N -*-'" ;;^--- v- ,"-
$35,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District
SHDANOAC.XLS»2«S8
-------
TABLE E-59
SMELTER HILL SUB ARE A
DISTURBED AREA AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
^aftettCmtfl X "•••••••-••;•";
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (2 miles)
Storm water Drainage Ditches (100 LtfAC)
Dozer Basins
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
1 ' £irigiMU&i*'" . s .\. i
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
_i r» J /fmt \
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
LBftmi^^HU . :
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
2. Indirect Co*» ' , :
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
"tfi»r
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
-
V "
••
1
s
••
>
.." ,
EA
AC
EA/5yr
v : ;/
-
•" ..
' ,
'••' Qfta&ifor -
522
522
522
522
522
522
418
522
522
36
' '
%
%
'
-. f .••.-.••
""
-" x ' "-\-; 7
*
4
5.22
0.20
«
-
^ -
Va»0««t"^
$100
$800
$6,703
$1,290
$5.469
$90
$500
$470
$200
$3.350
S % ':
, - ^ •.-••-•.-.
%V •.""
' % •• %" %
"" -Is ''^'i
w. ^ X 'f j ~" 's.
' '••"- - '
O
%
"•
$2.900
$13.462
$3,330
,
%
'
: -- - - OW*
$52,200
$417,600
$3,498,966
$673.380
$2,854.818
$46,980
$209.000
$245,340
$104,400
$120,600
$8,223.284
$164,466
$328,931
$822,328
Ml 1,164
$328,931
$246,699
$1.644.657
' *"
$12,170,000
$11,600
$70,272
$666
$82,538
s ~,
$3,302
$4.127
$8.254
$16,508
;
$114.700
,Yww
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
.
' •, '• X^ j "
-i' tX s' C
-."•"' N v N ASv^
-i" s* ™% '
iiriniilMiMinnrMnlii
^ •* ^ '••''• ^
"-" ' \ ,
,
,-
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
v
,
-
-
PxtsonrWortlt -""-
$47.189
$377.510
$3.163.065
$608,736
$2,580,755
$42.470
$188,936
$221,787
$94.378
$109.022
$7,433,849
x--* % s ' X"" % -X'v'"
$148.677
$297.354
$743,385
$371,692
$297.354
$223.015
$1.486,770
,.
$11,002,000
•• ••
$133,098
$806.297
$7.642
$947,037
: ^ "• "•
$37.881
$47,352
$94,704
$189.407
..
$1.316,400
••
$12,318.000
SHDACOV.
-------
TABLE E-60
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
DISTURBED AREA AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
....^Tf.Jl^Coftk mf ,.„;,„, „ „>„
" •. " "v
Motrifizatioii/Dctnobilization
Site Preparation
Level 1 Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level ID C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Banns
Stormwaler Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
'•^fiKfce«*-Ca»* '< ^
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 A M COSTS
* JUDirtsKlW* s---
Quartctly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
- $;»*»««<$(»«« ,
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (10%)
TOTAL O4M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
, $*:.>.
•• ,
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
" v
•>
.,
N *
, «, S,,S
••
••
%
EA
AC
EA/Syr
..
v
-
..
nnflffifffor;,,,,
522
522
40
250
0
232
0
522
4IS
522
12
..
.. .. «
- ",,\
- *
••
4
5.22
0.20
..:....«*«*$..,
1Mb
$100
$800
$945
$2,345
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$500
$90
$3,350
- — "% « - -•.
%% ^~
s
„'
% > " ~ ,..
•• •• v
-
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
""
-
M« .
$3,495
$8,000
•. f ?
\~- v "• %
-
1 ••
^
%^ " vv
'
^ _. •"
•• •• •••••• ••••••
»
W- s " *
m
$52,200
$417,600
$37,800
$586,250
SO
$1,299,200
$0
$104,400
$209,000
$46,980
$40,200
$2,793,630
, %
$55,873
$111,745
$279,363
$139,682
$111,745
$83,809
$558,726
"•
$4,135,000
-
$11,600
$6,734
$666
$19,000
$760
$950
$1,900
$3,800
$26,400
Mas
$873,750
$1,856,000
$3,637,930
, ,
$72,759
$145.517
$363,793
$181,897
$145,517
$109,138
$727,586
, ,,
$5,384,000
..
., ,$m,,, ,,i
thm2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
i. •
•• "
', ' ,
X%" ^ •
™ ;
" :
;
A:
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
.mnii ,,$!ftwyififan „
m
$47,189
$377,510
$34,171
$529,970
$0
$1,174,477
$0
$94,378
$188,936
$42,470
$36,341
$2,525,442
- , ,-.,
$50,509
$101,018
$252,544
$126,272
$101,018
$75,763
$505,088
.. " :
$3,738,000
$133,098
$77,264
$7,642
$218,004
••
$8,720
$10,900
$21,800
$43,601
$303,000
$4,041,000
Mac
$47,189
$377,510
$34,171
$789,870
$0
$1,677,824
$0
$94,378
$188,936
$42,470
$36,341
$3,288,689
•• ... .
$65,774
$131,548
$328,869
$164,434
$131,548
$98,661
$657,738
-
$4,867,000
*•
$5,170,000
SHOARECI.XLSV24AI
-------
TABLE E-61
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
DISTURBED AREA AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
kC*wtCoafc
Mobffization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level n Reclamation
Level in A Reclamation
Level ID B Reclamation
Level in C Reclamation
Dust Control
Dozer Basins
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
2.fe«t«e&ix*:Ca#t -
Supervision, Inspection, ft Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 04M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
t&St
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
LS
^
.."....
'
V ,
'-,"-,
* *
^.."s
% " '
EA
AC
EA/Syr
LS
s ^ W
;
• •
- ,
: -
"
V
<3B**V" |
-
110
110
8
52
0
50
0
110
88
110
6
1
-
*
"..
» ••/ ,
vX "! \
" :
,-h % %\ .\
S * s
4
1.00
1.10
1
'
'
:
iiiUnJtC»j«t|ii
__ , Awl
$100
MOO
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$500
$90
$3,350
SO
-
..
-
,
," "O
% ...• .:• X.- J
S ^ •-•.
$^900
$1,290
$3,330
$40,000
%
: - Mw
$1,290
$3,495
$8,000
^
•
^
'
" ^ «
>
"•
CA$T
Mm
$11,000
$88,000
$7,560
$126,620
$0
$2(0,000
$0
$22,000
$44,000
$9,900
$20,100
SO
$609,180
$12,184
$24,367
$60,918
$30,459
$36,551
$18,275
$121,836
.<•,.. : .••.:•:".".:..••:
$914,000
,
$11,600
$1,290
$3,663
$40,000
$56,553
$2,262
$2,828
$5,655
$11.311
$78,600
M» -
$10,320
$181,740
$400,000
$787,060
;•
$15,741
$31,482
$7»,706
$39,353
$47,224
$23,612
$157,412
.'....f. -..-.". f ....V^-
$1,181,000
"• *
-
-
nm-nJ&WL,,-,
-
: '
-
•*' •• ••;•• ,
s »%S
••
%s As"
•• , C"; »
-sV , , ;
: M %0V A.i J'"->%>%
: f •, *•
••••
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
-
••
l*rt«nr Wortfc--
t&> --
$11,000
$88,000
$7,560
$126,620
$0
$280,000
$0
$22,000
$44,000
$9,900
$20,100
$0
$609,180
-
$12,184
$24,367
$60,918
$30,459
$36,551
$18,275
$121,836
«.&££• ^vci^^ s"s •• -,
$914,000
! - v ••-,'-••-
$133,098
$14,801
$42,029
$458,960
$648,889
""v"" %
$25,956
$32,444
$64,889
$129,778
- - -, .. , ;
$902,000
•• s -.
$1,816,000
-
' xx Ma* - • ;
$11,000
$88,000
$10,320
$181,740
$0
$400,000
$0
$22,000
$44,000
$9,900
$20,100
SO
$787,060
..
$15,741
$31,482
$78,706
$39,353
$47,224
$23,612
$157,412
"'t> N * S
$1,181,000
, ^ "• \\ X XX
••
^ "-^ •-•• v s
"^ " ^
$2,083,000
SHOAMCl
-------
TABLE E-62
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
EAST ANACONDA YARD WASTES AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative • No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
^ {.IJtocfGoftj '
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
r , ^ %wm&*
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
* - ju IMit^$t$ -- ; x % -
Site Review
Subtotal
" , - 2, Indirect Costs
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
VWt
LS
s -. v. ^
•. «. s
..
-
s -.
s
EA/5yr
\
-
<3ow*it?
0
"
-
-
%
-
0.20
-
! UeitCost
0.00
' * "" •.
-
I
, , * - -
s~- '
,'' ""
^
%
%
<• :
$3,330
••
<&>& " '
$0
$0
: ^ s
$0
$0
SO
$0
so
so
so
so
••
$666
$666
$27
$33
$67
$133
-
$900
••
./.¥$«?.
1
,\ ' - ' ,
tff % ft \: ^
••• ••
. % AS "*
, V. ,'
S •' •. ' '
1 .... "• \O%
2 thru 30
••••
-
,-s-
|riMji|iS«!^l}X
$0
$0
"•
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
1 "
$0
,
$7,642
$7,642
-
$306
$382
$764
$1,528
$10,600
,'
$11,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District and covenant restrictions on East Anaconda Yard Parcel.
SHEYNOAC XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-63
SMELTER HILL SUB ARE A
EAST ANACONDA YARD WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Capping (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
i';$ii«*OMAf -; " - -:
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Foundation Layer (ripping and compacting)
Geosynthetic Clay Liner
Soil Cover (18")
Vegetation
Haul (4 miles)
Stormwater Drainage Ditches (100 Lf/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
^todiwrtCW&V - - -\
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4*/«)
Contractor Profit ( 1 OK)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
1 }. Direct <2ostt
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
2.}ttd|r ••
$87,639
$175,278
$438,194
$219.097
$262,917
$131,458
$876.388
'.'.'. ••
$6,573.000
"• %
$11.600
$11,577
$666
$23.843
, s
$954
$1,192
$2.384
$4,769
.. , %
$33.100
,
' V««M^ ;
S , v
V t * ' ~~
X % ""
-,
N X 0 X1 > '
% % '•'•fjf ^ X %"X-
"" f "~ X X % X-
% v ^ '' •.
°-\
-
-
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
s
'
-
,
-
-,. Pwis«* Worth" -^:. .x"
$8,600
$245.100
$696.600
SI. 935,000
$576,458
$110,940
$730.484
$7,740
$40,420
$17,200
$13.400
$4.381.942
"•' « ' , v ' - s ••
$87,639
$175.278
$438.194
$219,097
$262,917
$131,458
$876,388
'
$6,573,000
- •• • -
$133,098
$132,838
S7.642
$273,578
% "*
$10,943
$13,679
$27,358
$54,716
'• f
$380.300
-
$6.953.000
-------
TABLE E-64
SMELTER HILL SUB ARE A
EAST ANACONDA YARD WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
%t, 0&** ; * —
Field Indirect (2"/»)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
1. Direct Casts ;•
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
&hdtiWftl
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Umf
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
-
EA
AC
EA/5yr
QtwrJty
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
4
* " %% Vs
%
"
w
"•
4
0.08
0.20
OnitCoat
S100
$800
$6.703
$1,290
$8,494
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
, " .. % :
'
^
;
X..*,
- s
s - -
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
Cost
$800
$6,400
$53,624
$10,320
$67,952
$720
$3,760
$1,600
$13,400
$158,576
1 s
$3,172
$6,343
$15,858
$7,929
$9.515
$4,757
$31,715
' -
$238,000
$11,600
$1,077
$666
$13,343
$534
$667
$1,334
$2,669
$18,500
Years
1
» - ---••« :
s ,
f
^
%
X ••••••v^ ^
\ %%
1 ''• ^
"•
% ^
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
PiCMDlt W0fi6
$800
$6,400
$53,624
$10,320
$67,952
$720
$3,760
$1,600
$ 13.400
$158,576
V. •. ^
$3,172
$6,343
$15,858
$7,929
$9,515
$4,757
$31,715
^ -.-.-. ^
$238,000
$133.098
$12.357
$7,642
$153,097
$6,124
$7,655
$15,310
$30,619
;
$212,800
$451.000
SHEYCOV XIS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-65
SMELTER HILL SUB ARE A
EAST ANACONDA YARD WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
J> DattfCssts
Excavate/Load/Haul/Unload - cover mat'l
Remove RR Tracks and Ties
Offsite Disposal of Ties
Excavate/Load/Unload
Haul
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Backfill and Placement - onsite cover mail (1 )
Backfill and Placement - oflsite borrow mail
Haul Oflsite Backfill matl - 4 miles rt
Railroad Bed Subgrade w/ borrow matl
Replace Railroad Lines (4 total)
Infrastructure - Sewer
Infrastructure - Water
Infrastructure - Power
Grading
Vegetation
Subtotal
' t tedfrfclGos*
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tfmt
CY
LF
TON
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
CY
LF
LF
LS
LS
LS
SY
AC
: .• -
-
r
Quantity "
246,000
40,300
6,100
459,000
459,000
704,800
704,800
704,800
704,800
459,000
950,000
36
246,000
430,000
430,000
14,400
14,400
1
1
1
417,200
86
'
- IMCast '
$5.51
$16.25
$14.00
$4.92
$3.00
$0.18
$1.17
$0.10
$1.62
$0.05
$0.04
$3,350
$8.27
$3.00
$3.51
$60
$170
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$0.13
$1,290
,
,-
••••
-
- cos
$1,355,460
$654,875
$85,400
$2,258,280
$1,377,000
$126,864
$824,616
$70,480
$1,141,776
$22,950
$38,000
$120,600
$2,034,420
$1,290,000
$1,509,300
$864,000
$2,448,000
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$54,236
$111,198
$16,447,455
$328,949
$657,898
$1,644,746
$822,373
$986,847
$493,424
$3,289,491
- .
$24,671,000
••
Ycm
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru6
thru 6
thru6
thm6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru 6
thru6
thru 6
thru6
thru 6
1 thru6
^
"•
-
" Iteseat Wtw& x -
$1,076,913
$520,298
$67,850
$1,794,203
$1,094,027
$100.793
$655,157
$55,996
$907,141
$18,234
$30,191
$95,817
$1,616,347
$1,024.905
$1,199,139
$686,448
$1,944,936
$15,890
$15,890
$15,890
$43,091
$88,347
$13,067,503
v % " •. *
$261,350
$522,700
$1,306,750
$653,375
$784,050
$392,025
$2,613,501
% ''
$19,601,000
$19,601,000
SHEYREMV.XLSW24/98
-------
TABLE E-66
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
EAST ANACONDA YARD WASTE AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
: . -\. :.J,JPIwet.O>«ts
Excavate/Load/Unload
Haul
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Mat! and placement
Haul Backfill Mat'l, 4 mile rt
Grading
Vegetation
Subtotal
& indirect Costs "
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Unit
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
v "• "•
- - -
: ~ - s
-
Quantity
103,500
103,500
103,500
103,500
103,500
103,500
103,500
103,500
6
103,500
103,500
37,700
8
-
tlaitCost
$4.92
$3.00
$0.18
$1.17
$0.10
$1.62
$0.05
$0.04
$3,350
$2.77
$3.51
$0.13
$1,290
•. *" •!"'"•.
-
"•
Cost
$509,220
$310,500
$18,630
$121,095
$10,350
$167,670
$5,175
$4,140
$20,100
$286,695
$363,285
$4,901
$10,320
$1,832,081
V
$36,642
$73,283
$183,208
$91,604
$109,925
$54,962
$366,416
-
$2,748,000
Years
"• s :
f
"• f *. -.:
%
^ f f
~~
Reseat Wot«b
$509,220
$310,500
$18,630
$121,095
$10,350
$167,670
$5,175
$4,140
$20,100
$286,695
$363,285
$4,901
$10,320
$1,832,081
••
$36,642
$73,283
$183,208
$91,604
$109,925
$54,962
$366,416
$2,748,000
$2,748,000
SHEYPRMV XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-67
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
MAIN GRANULATED SLAG AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
l,Bit«etCosfc
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
lfe<«)K!*5tO»«
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
' W
LS
-
Quantity
0
s
-
I - ;
' IP&OiL .
0.00
: -
v
. .'•€**
$0
$0
so
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
so
Y«*»
1
-
-
*•
, X
,
" ..
v
^
"' '
,
Pyt?wt WtHth
$0
$0
s s
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
so
$0
B. O & M COSTS
J,I>fc»<5tO>*$ *
Site Review
Subtotal
2. Indirect Costs
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
EA/5yr
;
-
0.20
-
$3,330
1 ' ^ " ' ""
$666
$666
$27
$33
$67
$133
s
$900
' "•
2 thru 30
'- " " •••.''
'
•• ••
•.
-. "•
- s\ -
$7,642
$7,642
, v " , v^x
$306
$382
$764
$1,528
* H «; s
$10,600
,,
$11,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District
SHMGNOAC XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-<8
SMELTER HILL SUBAREA
MAIN GRANULATED SLAG AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Rock Amendment (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
^ " , tDirecttfost* " ^ %
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Surface Grading
Rock Amendments (4" of pea gravel)
Roads
Air Monitoring
Dust Control During Construction
Wind Fence (21 high)
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Subtotal
s $ $&!&& C$sb " ~ x ,,- I
Field Indirect (2%)
. . _ _ -_ _ - S*ttf\
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
D 'A t 17 *•' ' /'lO/ \
Kesiucm cliguiccl llig (j /a)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
ij. joined Costs
Quarterly Inspection
Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
1 tmJtrttf Costs
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
JEBJAMUERNATIVE COSTS
"" "tOfalf "
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
AC
LF
AC
-- '- ''
;
-
^
^ %
%
••
EA
AC
EA/5yr
^ ^
s
Quantity
88
88
88
88
88
6
88
9,000
88
s % "" X :
"• s :
"• s
..
"-- ~ % ' -:
"•'
^
4
0.88
0.20
-
- s ;
tMtCosi ^
$100
$800
$2,275
$16,316
$470
$3,350
$200
$2
$90
•. s * '•. ^ . 1
'
V
^ s -. ^
V \ ^ XV s
Vv. ,..
^ ^ 1 •.
"•
$2,900
$16,316
$3,330
,
4-
^
j4,OUO
$364,038
*x
$2,730,000
-
$133,098
$164,745
$7,642
$305,485
••
$12,219
$15,274
$30,548
$61,097
v *•
$424,600
$3,155,000
SH^
-------
TABLE E-69
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No-Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
l.£ir«stCo$» " -- "
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
& feinMieQ«tir "
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
i>J>brectC*istsx -
Site Review
Subtotal
•2, Iw&srfOafcr
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Unit
LS
*•
-
o „ -
-
EA/5yr
-
••
" -
' Quantity
0
,
"*
- %
••
-
. >x ^
**
-
"•
0.20
Unit Cost
0.00
••
-
^
••
-
^
'
, "
~ v
$3,330
*•
I - -
-
- ^: ~ Cost -- -
$0
$0
so
$0
$0
so
$0
so
so
$0
' - ,
S666
S666
$27
$33
$67
$133
$900
! 'Y«os
\
. •> :
-
.1.S
^ ;
J
-.-. , :
-
2 thru 30
• V
"> s^\
••
" ..
- f>r<»*ot W«r& - »* "-
$0
$0
-%""
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
V % "
$0
- - -„ ' ^ -
$7,642
$7,642
' ' \ f*~ "" ^ H
$306
$382
$764
$1,528
^ ' ~ , v "
$10,600
s -
$11,000
1 Already established through Superfund Overlay District, Open Space Development Review District, conservation easements on WH Ranch Co, and
covenant restrictions on Willow Glen property.
SOBSNOAC 3UL2/I \/96
-------
TABLE E-70
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
v ^JS*fi*Oo«t»^.. ,
- % v <• ,
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level D Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level m B Reclamation
Level III C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stoimwaler Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
- ' • £i»iiiiftfl'~v. xx
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B.O&MCOSTS
i.epHjsw* r
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
'mMmMtiKaSiieKfiiiiK^ -.
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL OAM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
tM
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
, s ,"• "
••-•*
•. '
V
EA
AC
EA/5yr
^
..
^ <$»«(%„„•
'
342
342
171
171
0
0
0
342
342
6
v X.
•• !
i
'
4
3.42
0.20
' :
~
••
u*ewi
Mm
$100
$800
$94]
$2,43$
$9,505
$5,600
$4,530
$200
$90
$3,350
;
..
^
..
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
Mm
$1,290
$3,495
*
!
; ee •-'" \
Mb
$34,200
$273,600
$161,595
$416,385
$0
$0
$0
$68,400
$30,780
$20,100
$1,005,060
^ ••
$20,101
$40,202
$100,506
$50,253
$40,202
$30,152
$201,012
$1,487,000
•. •.
$11,600
$4,412
$666
$16,678
$667
$834
$1,668
$3,336
$23,200
^
i*«
$220,590
$597,645
$1,245,315
». . . . .":
$24,906
$49,113
$124,532
$62,266
$49,813
$37,359
$249,063
$1,843,000
A t
,„„„&„„„
^
% "X / *
'•",''• '• ..
'
'
-
'
•".
2thru30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
RwmtWw*
: W»
$34,200
$273,600
$161,595
$416,385
$0
$0
$0
$68,400
$30,780
$20,100
$1,005,060
,
$20,101
$40,202
$100,506
$50,253
$40,202
$30,152
$201,012
$1,487,000
$133,098
$50,621
$7,642
$191,361
$7,654
$9,568
$19,136
$38,272
$266,000
$1,753,000
•.
Mfci
$34,200
$273,600
$220,590
$597,645
$0
$0
$0
$68,400
$30,780
$20,100
$1,245,315
- s
$24,906
$49,813
$124,532
$62,266
$49,813
$37,359
$249,063
$1,843,000
'$mwKt$m
$2,109,000
SOSVKECl XlSVMOt
-------
TABLE E-71
SOUTH OPPORTUNITV SUBAREA
SPARSELY VEGETATED SOILS AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
*<.OtefltC<*» --
..
Mobffization/Dcmobilization
She Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level D Reclamation
Level m A Reclamation
Level HI B Reclamation
Level m C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Air Monitoring
Route Stormwater to Opportunity Ponds
Subtotal
itosmmm
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. 0 & M COSTS
l,DB**C*U:ss
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Stormwater Management
Subtotal
2> Ihdapct CMi
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
m -
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
LS
-
^
••
,
EA
AC
EA/5yr
LS
,.<£*»%-
,
200
200
200
0
0
0
0
200
200
6
1
- :
,
._ :
.. >
4
2.00
0.20
1
-
,
-.-.
s
'
MM j***f** "
fcfe
$100
$800
$945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4,»0
$200
$90
$3,350
$290,000
-
$2,900
$1,290
$3,330
$28,000
,
M**
$1,290
' - ..
•• -
^
, mimin*&*mnM,n,n,
JMfe
$20,000
$160,000
$189,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$18,000
$20,100
$290,000
$737,100
$14,742
$29,484
$73,710
$36,855
$29,484
$22,113
$147,420
„
$1,091,000
$11,600
$2,580
$666
$28,000
$42,846
$1,714
$2,142
$4,285
$8,569
*
$59,600
-
Wiit
$258,000
$806,100
f ^
$16,122
$32,244
$80,610
$40,305
$32,244
$24,183
$161,220
, ,
$1,193,000
- -
^
IIMII111fwt»limil
-
-
"
-
"
', ..
s- ..
'
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
^
••
cmiiiiimc|P»*wf«tai* -
WSn
$20,000
$160,000
$189,000
$0
$0
SO
$0
$40,000
$18,000
$20,100
$290,000
$737,100
$14,742
$29,484
$73,710
$36,855
$29,484
$22,113
$147,420
' -- ,t •\\,V"\«X >«
$1,091,000
s ^
$133,098
$29,603
$7,642
$321,272
$491,615
••
$19.665
$24,581
$49,162
$98,323
$683,300
..,•• ,
$1,774,000
-
&b* "'
$20,000
$160,000
$258,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$18,000
$20,100
$290,000
$806,100
x •• -
$16,122
$32,244
$80,610
$40,305
$32,244
$24,183
$161,220
"\ * XS , ^
$1,193,000
1 s s
-
s ^ •-
$1,876,000
i.ui^hai
-------
TABLE E-72
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
BLUE LAGOON AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
4.DiiWtCflsis ^ -
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
,: - &faiiiiBBK£Mift ™- s ,,
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
^vm --
LS
- ;
\
-
.>.$»#$
0
-
\v "--,".*
; ,_ •.
t&itcfcsr
0.00
: \ ?•.
; ,t ^
s ' "
;
&*.."*
$0
$0
-.-. -.-. ss ^
$0
$0
$0
$0
so
$0
$0
r " '
$0
Twt?.:...:.
i
'
,
'
"-
1 AV % ^
'
,
Pwsctit Woiih
$0
$0
- ••
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
' --
$0
B. O & M COSTS
, *; h-i>j8&o>!& ; - - -
Site Review
Subtotal
1 Indirect Casts
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
"
EA/5yr
.
0.20
s
$3,330
-•• ,
$666
$666
$27
$33
$67
$133
:
$900
*•'•'• '•'•••
2 thru 30
-
-
1 l '
$7,642
$7,642
$306
$382
$764
$1,528
$10,600
$11,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District and Open Space Development Review District.
SOBLNOAC XLS9Q4/98
-------
TABLE E-73
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
BLUE LAGOON AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
tDiweiCesis
Excavation
De watering
Roads
Erosion
Haul
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Mat'l and placement
Haul Backfill Mat!, 6 mile rt (20 cy/truck)
Grading - Blue Lagoon
Vegetation - Blue Lagoon
Backfilling -RR
Rebuild RR
Compensation for Down Time
Subtotal
1 Indirect Costs
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
IP..:...
CY
LS
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
CY
LF
MO
"•
%
. . "• f
...QB&Hi.
84.000
1
84,000
84.000
84,000
84,000
84,000
84,000
84,000
4
5,000
5,000
9,600
2
77,400
500
12
*•
s
_tJi$Osa_
$3.99
$1,000
$1.17
$0.10
$6.54
$0.08
$1.63
$0.05
$0.23
$3,350
$2.77
$6.17
$0.13
$1,290
$17
$200
$20,000
%
: - •.
••
-
% '
-
, ,- ,
i :.$m" ,--
$335,160
$1,000
$98,280
$8,400
$549,360
$6,720
$136,920
$4,200
$19,320
$13,400
$13,850
$30,850
$1,248
$2,580
$1,315,800
$100,000
$240,000
$2,877,088
$57,542
$115,084
$287,709
$143,854
$172,625
$86,313
$575,418
$4,316,000
:.$m
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru2
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
..
' -
-
,-. " .
-
•"•' -. ••
s X" ''
-
-
% W&W&&..." ":.:.
$302,985
$904
$88,845
$7,594
$496,621
$6,075
$123.776
$3,797
$17,465
$12,114
$12,520
$27,888
$1,128
$2,332
$1,189,483
$90,400
$216,960
$2,600,888
s s -'•'• ; "'"
$52,018
$104,036
$260,089
$130,044
$156,053
$78,027
$520,178
^ S -.v ••
$3,901,000
$3,901,000
S06LREMV XLS9Q4Q8
-------
TABLE E-74
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
BLUE LAGOON AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Removml (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
- -", - l.DJRCtCwto - 5, ,„ -
Excavation • Blue Lagoon
Dewatering
Roads
Erosion
Haul
Mob/Demob
Other (HAS, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Dccon
Dust Control
Culvert Under RR
Air Monitoring
Excavate Backfill Marl and placement
Haul Backfill Marl, 6 mik it (20 cy/truck)
Grading
Vegetation
Sofl Cover for RR - Geoccfl
Soil Cover for RR - Topsofl - haul
Soil Cover for RR • Topsofl - place
Sofl Cover for RR - Hydroseed
Subtotal
.:'2;:lojKttc*Co*» ,•?--- r
Field Indirect (2H)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
a o & M COSTS
- l.OB*s»CO«s
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
% *• "• .& ifouKAct CAM ^ -. '"''•• s
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Man
CY
LS
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
EA
CY
CY
SY
AC
SF
CY
CY
AC
« i«
•• ^. -. %
, ,
x«
; "•
;
.,
% *•
....
••
EA
AC
EA/5yr
:, •"!:
.
^
' s
: ^
X
s ••
:\
-------
TABLE E-75
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WILLOW CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
"- ' '-V J;$$*«O>$ts -..., T * . ?. .
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
; " *-'% ir«U^C<>$iter -
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
\m
LS
"• "•
': -
^
* ..t^awfiji....:
0
;
;
' ..
.. .^Cpst
0.00
V
\
^ ,
B. O & M COSTS
!;&«<*€<*& . '-
Site Review
Subtotal
- ifaj&*c4eost*
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
': ' •
EAJSyr
'•
.,
•" :
°\ •. s *" i
0.20
"* ^ •-
-
.-.-
' s «.s\ s •. '
$3,330
"•% "• s "" * :
-
..
••' :-"Cwt
so
so
f f \ •.-.•.•.
so
so
$0
so
so
so
so
•• * "" % A .• r ..
$0
::::.. %em..::...
i
-
••
^
% %
V '
-. ^ ^ \ *
' '
*• - f>»««^w
-------
TABLE E-76
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WILLOW CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Capping (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
^ ? . i.OjfoqJOwW , - -,
Mobilized on/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Foundation Layer (ripping and compacting)
Geosynthetic Clay Liner
Protective Soil Cover (1 81)
Vegetation
Haul (4 miles)
Stormwiter Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Consolidation
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegetation - riparian
Subtotal
o - a.taigw»Gi»& ,:-, - - -,
Field Indirect (2V.)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5V.)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
}, Direct Cost) •• s"
Quarterly Inspection
Cap Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
" ir«8rflptC»$<*
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
* -lW»fr '
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
CY
AC
AC
sW s ""
- - -
•s
v.-- •• ""
"• ._
-
• -
EA
AC
EA/5yr
••
; •.
;
s ••
%
O«wfty
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
49
6
500
IS
15
% .
: ' % :
: s % C1 ' s s"1 !
^
N :
•• ••
4
0.49
0.20
-
.
^
s\ n
••
••
warftar..^
$100
$2,850
$8.100
$22,500
$6,703
$1,290
$8,494
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
$5.37
$4.493
$710
- . \\
/ "" •. C" •.''•.
vV - :>"..
%
•• ••
-
$2,900
$13,462
$3,330
> V#» "- * -
$4,900
$139,650
$396,900
$1,102,500
$328,447
$63,210
$416,206
$4,410
$23,030
$9,800
$20,100
$2,685
$67,395
$10.650
$2,589.883
.
$51,798
$103.595
$258.988
$129,494
$155,393
$77.6%
$517,977
$3,885,000
"•
$11,600
$6,5%
$666
$18,862
$754
$943
$1,886
$3,772
-
$26,200
,
Yw»
^ % % %
•• ^
^"" " s^ "
'^ *•.
-, ' %" ^V%% %%\
"* f^ ^. ^
-
-
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
..
%-
JwsenfWiM*- - -- ;
$4,900
$139,650
$3%,900
SI, 102,500
$328,447
$63,210
$416,206
$4,410
$23,030
$9,800
$20,100
$2,685
$67,395
$10,650
$2,589,883
s % •"
$51.798
$103,595
$258,988
$129.494
$155.393
$77,6%
$517,977
'
$3,885,000
-
$133,098
$75,687
$7.642
$216.427
$8,657
$10,821
$21,643
$43,285
$300.800
+ :
$4.186.000
SOWCCAP.XI S9/24/9*
-------
TABLE E-77
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WILLOW CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
t.Wt*t<&tt • - -
"• ^ f V. "•••
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level II Reclamation
Level III A Reclamation
Level II B Reclamation
Level III C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwiter Drainage (100 LF/AC)
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegelation • riparian
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
ftr •* ** t - **. >»j| , |j,
Jii tnfltfcctlXWI
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3V.)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
a o & M COSTS
•• "- t> DfefeKMttt
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
- 3, fetdtoet&Kto , ;
Supervision, Inspection, &. Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 04 M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
Ornl
/
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
»
'
,
•..••• "•
s
'
••
EA
AC
EA/5yr
^
s-"
* (^Mftfey
^
65
63
0
0
0
0
65
65
65
15
15
6
-
*
,-'
'"-; \
-.-• -• **
"• ' f "•
*
"•
"• ^
4
0.65
0.20
- - -
••
*
,x
'
-
m&*
M» ..,
SIOO
$800
S945
$2,435
$9,505
$5,600
$4.530
$200
$90
$4,493
$710
$3,350
"'
••
-'
^•.^ ' ^
«\
*• •*
f f f
%
$2,900
$1.290
$3,330
-
~ -
M&
$16,610
-••'••
:
s :
^ :
X"^ s \ % :
•> *"vs % •
v % v -. ';
:
•. :
% ;
.Co* ^ '-
~ I***...'' ".
$6,500
$52,000
SO
$0
SO
SO
$294.450
$13.000
$5.850
$67.395
$10,650
$20,100
$469,945
, %
$9,399
$18,798
$46,995
$23,497
$28,197
$14,098
$93,989
- ..- ••
$705,000
••
$11,600
$839
$666
$13,105
-
$524
$655
$1,310
$2.621
$18,200
-
***
$1.079,650
$1,255,145
>
$25,103
$50,206
$125,515
$62,757
$75.309
$37,654
$251,029
, :-,
$1,883,000
*•
'••
*W»
%y ,_ .
% ^ :
-
"" "-." *" 4.^ :
JV- f* ^ -, :
^sso% ^ ^ *••• ^
' ~^V " ;
*V v» i
% -
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
„
_1_ ;
-
.
< x *te*#W*uV=-.
.?..* TNIto^" .. '-
$6.500
$52.000
SO
$0
SO
$0
$294,450
$13,000
$5.850
$67.395
$10,650
$20.100
$469,945
X v'^ ^'
$9,399
$18,798
$46,995
$23,497
$28,197
$14,098
$93,989
""•.%V% "• s' v
$705,000
"» '
$133,098
$9,621
$7,642
$150,361
- \
$6,014
$7,518
$15,036
$30,072
.. ss N v, \ ^
$209,000
... .'. ,. .^
$914.000
; ^,; « ~ ,- -•••.
.,'- si»vs.\"
$6,500
S52.000
SO
$0
$0
SO
$1,079,650
$13.000
$5.850
$67.395
$10.650
$20.100
SI ,255, 145
vv. •.
$25,103
$50,206
$125,515
$62,757
$75,309
$37,654
$251,029
„•.' ^'s >%" X"
$1,883,000
•• •• % •"• s ; "" "•
...1." '.. ^"~-
? ••
$2,092.000
SOWCRECL.XLSMVM
-------
TABLE E-78
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WILLOW CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
, - - , &0$i*ciHi» : v *
Excavation
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Haul
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Grading
Vegetation
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegetation - riparian
Subtotal
t.|«Kl*$tC*<& ,
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (1%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
vm^
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
SY
AC
AC
AC
-
- -
"•
v s
^
-
• ••
- Quantity
185,500
185,500
185,500
185,500
185,500
185,500
185,500
185,500
12
242,000
50
15
15
..
-
« %
-
...$*&&&*..'.*
$3.99
$0.18
$1.17
$4.54
$0.08
$1.63
$0.05
$0.14
$3,350
$0.13
$1,290
$4,493
$710
- -
•.
- -
;, *" \ Cose...; v
$740,145
$33,390
$217,035
$842,170
$14,840
$302,365
$9,275
$25,970
$40,200
$31,460
$64,500
$67,395
$10,650
$2,399,395
: - , |
$47,988
$95,976
$239,940
$119,970
$47,988
$23,994
$479,879
: -.: -f : : "• .
$3,455,000
: f«t?
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
,':•, '' r "/"
"• " •• v '
> ^ ^ s
-
% ^
•.
;
, - , ^:
^
•• ••
.. Presort Worth
$669,091
$30,185
$196,200
$761,322
$13,415
$273,338
$8,385
$23,477
$36,341
$28,440
$58,308
$60,925
$9,628
$2,169,053
, ., ..
$43,381
$86,762
$216,905
$108,453
$43,381
$21,691
$433,811
$3,123,000
$3,123,000
SOWCREMV.XLS
-------
TABLE E-79
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
WILLOW CREEK SST AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Partial Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
; 1-piwelOsfts. -- /
Excavation (Acid Plant)
Clear/Grub and Erosion
Roads
Haul
Mob/Demob
Other (H&S, Survey, Office, Security, etc)
Decon
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Grading
Vegetation
Stream Bank Erosion Control
Revegetation - riparian
Subtotal
' ^iMJ&tCt&gei " s
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (4%)
Resident Engineering (2%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
...;..»;....
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
SY
AC
AC
AC
-
, •...,
••
-
•"•
;
\
- •.
•>
-
- ---: < Cost'
$383,838
$17,316
$112,554
$436,748
$7,696
$156,806
$4,810
$13,468
$40,200
$21,398
$43,860
$8,986
$1,420
$1,249,100
r ' •• ,
$24,982
$49,964
$124,910
$62,455
$49,964
$24,982
$249,820
- •
$1,836,000
: Jbm.:..
thru 2
thru 2
thru2
thru2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
: X- , -
X"" %•:''''
"• "• ^^X" *
y.^
,. %
% % \s
, s ""
" V
:
.,,''. ^Pwsi^W5*9tx^ \.
$346,990
$15,654
$101,749
$394,820
$6,957
$141,753
$4,348
$12,175
$36,341
$19,344
$39,649
$8,123
$1,284
$1,129,186
x
$22,584
$45,167
$112,919
$56,459
$45,167
$22,584
$225,837
~;%*
$1,660,000
$1,660,000
SOWCPRMVXLS
-------
TABLE E-80
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
YELLOW DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - No Further Action (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
"""" t&toctCo&f """""""""" "
Institutional Controls *
Subtotal
, ;-^™ fcteiittttift* : "
Field Indirect (0%)
Supervision, Inspection, &. Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (0%)
Resident Engineering (0%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
, ,-i;wm®#» ^-s,\/ v
Site Review
Subtotal
2 Indirect Costs •• -
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
spir
LS
- r "
•• •.
-
*• •.
cxx , *• *
s V : „ ^ -
s \^ ^ ^ V
-", -
- X "-
EA/5yr
-
- -
••
..Qppity
0
••" ••
••
"
% -1-1
"" 5 f
,,,
1- , , ---, -. \
-™'
""v
••
"• X "•'••^
0.20
^ •,
-
trait $m
0.00
*• •. ""
^
'• ^
: - % v 5.,
%•. f '"'* \
; ' ~" "" ^ '' ^ s
%%ss«. f v
' •• •• .
; ^ :
"• %N<* -. •"• % ^
' ' -. ":. * '•:
$3,330
':" " -
*•
<5o«
$0
so
^ •. -V
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
v X •. * •••-•>•-' ff Vjv
so
-''. - - "- ''..." -"":5 - -N
$666
S666
•>
$27
$33
$67
$133
-
$900
:
-
?m\.
i
••
,„
V
' ' •.
'• :."-"- ""
" "" "" f"~
v '•'•. %\
i V£ ^ ' \ *
•r-. ' '' Z.-.
"• ••
v % %-.%•: ' -v
v "" s *" .. **
2 thru 30
% v ' «
•••• ^
"•"''"
- %
Ptiiiiiiliim , ' '
$0
$0
-
$0
$0
$0
$0
so
$0
$0
" - '
$0
% s s ,
$7,642
$7,642
•, \
$306
$382
$764
$1,528
H
$10,600
.. ..............
$11,000
Already established through Superfund Overlay District and Open Space Development Review District.
SOYDNOAC XLS9/24/98
-------
TABLE E-81
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUB ARE A
YELLOW DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Capping (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
- 1, Direct Costt 4
Mobilization/Demobilization
Site Preparation (clearing and grading)
Foundation Layer (ripping and compacting)
Geosynthetic Clay Liner
Protective Soil Cover (18')
Vegetation
Haul (4 miles)
Storm water Drainage Ditches (100 LF/AC)
Roads - Temporary
Dust Control
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
feiMtifttiM**
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection. & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit ( 1 0%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3V.)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
i,&ta*€&$
Quarterly Inspection
Cap Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
- &?&&**{&*• ", \
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL 0AM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
. flnft
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
: \ f SX
w -\
^ •. v.
"«' <" ' \' ,,
> •, f V, .JJ^X^S'.'A
f.-.-, .". %
* •»
V, X ^ "•
*•*• v. ^
s '
'
'f s %
EA
AC
EA/5yr
- ' - s*s ^
,^ «"
v , ,'
•f •". -,
,
•• -
•. .^.,_
...'.Qswifir
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
4
11 ^* " ' - v- t
•" '"• s s
V
-"" *. s.'s^Jt.
% ' ...... « •.v.-.xX''
<•' ';.-. -.^ ^
;^v ,, --
^ ^ %\ \
*• *" :
'• *• f s
-
-
4
0.10
0.20
x •. * *
••
-
-
\" "
v- '' f
'' f
-
s " ..
.If&iC&r,.^
S100
$2,850
$8,100
$22.500
$6,703
$1,290
$8,494
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
.':•.:•:•::. .'^.^'^..:i."'-
"• -., ^ -.5 i\
* " "v %v% : ^^•••"^
XM V 'L', S$
'y- .." z&
^ - ^f"
*'" -?x ^ -
•.'•'•'• ••
f
-' \
$2.900
SI 3,462
$3,330
-vw. %
'
•. . .. "*
V.
s f
-
s > *• '
ff
"•
.-. : «^, ,j
$11,600
$1,346
$666
$13,612
Vv ' '
S544
S68I
$1.361
$2,722
v'' '' ' S *" S -^
$18,900
; *s
1 ; %
- -yj•^>. . . .-j n . p f.
..Y->r ,v^
^xf\ s^ \K" x
"" '* .••••.'• ••
^ •!* f
•;- -
-.-.•• „.;•.
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thro 30
%%
, , ^ n
..
"
- ' \ , s
"•
*
'
\:..:.....fmsai:M^k :...lr.
$1.000
$28.500
$81,000
$225,000
$67,030
$12.900
$84.940
S900
$4.700
$2.000
$13.400
$521,370
% •••••• \ ••' % v s ...... ',"
$10,427
$20,855
$52,137
$26.069
$31,282
$15,641
$104,274
V ' ™ -> - " ^ - :- i
$782,000
^ '••••• ••
$133.098
$15.446
$7,642
$156.186
' •.
$6,247
$7,809
$15,619
$31.237
•.' *
$217.100
••
$999.000
SOYOCAP.
14/98
-------
TABLE E-82
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUB ARE A
YELLOW DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Soil Cover (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
f.wre4B4i^*^x -^tr ^ ,, ; -
Field Indirect (2V.)
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
B. O & M COSTS
s- . tPiltttCDg^
Quarterly Inspection
Cover Repair / Vegetation
Site Review
Subtotal
-- *7?HMM$HI" *' *
Supervision, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL O&M COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
«m* '
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
EA
•» \ w. % .. :
\ «
•.% %s %
s ^ .. ..
v^ i\X :
', - •
..
••
-
EA
AC
EA/5yr
• " -
..
•.•.•." , , \
\\ "- "
-. •. ^ ..'".,
"
*"
-
yBBPSy^
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
4
••;;•. v^ •••••.,
'• "• - f
•• "" "" ^
^M
^
s *" \ ™
- , '••"' ; v
-•.••••
%s
4
0.10
0.20
*•
,••
•• ..••
v ••" !; *
,
,
- UJWVOST
$100
$800
$6,703
$U90
$8.494
$90
$470
$200
$3,350
%si" ™'vf'®-^^ v^
-J^« f- \ "
% ^'*^'' ••v'% j [
A ' ' ^s "«'
^ ^ xc- M *
s"vX ^XC'C* ^ ••
"••• s •"•• -^ "" v
.---'"'-
-' ,--" ,
% ••
$2,900
$13.462
$3.330
%
- , ..
s
x
s
-. '•'• ••
' "" > f
-. _. ^
•. ^% f •• x-
.*w
$1,000
$8,000
$67,030
$12,900
$84,940
$900
$4,700
$2,000
$13,400
$194,870
„ j- v « « v %% rf •• ,\«s *;
$3,897
$7.795
$19,487
$9.744
$11.692
$5,846
$38,974
v ^ s A / f
$292,000
'
$11,600
$1,346
$666
$13,612
••
$544
$681
$1,361
$2.722
' f ^ % -L /"• t' ' <%
$18.900
% •• ' vw
•. , * •• --
jews
<\ XX" " ^"'
^ .sJ^V :•.
- '5v-^- C"s
^ f f V ,,
'••"•'• ' ^V
-1-V ,r~
%X% -.'$ ^f "" ^v
ti,-- - "- -'
' "• "" v %
o \ •• ^
"%••••
, ;,
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
.. ••
•.
' -
%
s
•• •: '
^
1
nuianwnrw
$1.000
$8.000
$67.030
$12.900
$84.940
$900
$4,700
$2,000
$13,400
$194,870
fff\f v. S^%X%S'*AS'--' -.
$3,897
$7,795
$19,487
$9.744
$11.692
$5.846
$38,974
^-.•".%" ' •• "
$292,000
;, ', - -
$133,098
$15.446
$7,642
$156,186
" - ••- ' ~' ' ••-• -••• -•
$6^47
$7,809
$15,619
S3 1,237
.-"" •••. "" * s ^' " r ' ' s ' " % "
$217,100
'
$509,000
SOYDCOV XLS9/24/94
-------
TABLE E-M
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
YELLOW DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Land Reclamation (Revtsioa 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
- "-V-"- ItifMStCMttt "; -' x-
.-. •. -.-.^ ^ ' •• „ ,, ^ ,,
Mobffizao'on/Demobilization
Site Preparation
Level I Reclamation
Level II Reclamation
Level ID A Reclamation
Level ffl B Reclamation
Level ID C Reclamation
Dust Control
Stormwater Drainage ( 1 00 LF/ AC)
Air Monitoring
Subtotal
& &wMtt'GAtft ' "• ^
Field Indirect (2H)
Supervinon, Inspection, & Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (6%)
Resident Engineering (3%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
a o <» M COSTS
i.OfewSdwiS"
Quarterly Inspection
Vegetation Repair
Site Review
Subtotal
JlviwWWCMJftatt ""% >. .'.
Supervision, Inspection, A Overhead (4%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL OAM COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
/-"..twk" ',
'"
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
AC
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AC
EA
\ X" ,
^
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AC
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10
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0
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10
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4
0.10
0.20
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$16,610
,
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$1,000
$8,000
SO
$0
so
$0
$45,300
$2,000
$900
$13,400
$70.600
$1,412
$2,824
$7,060
$3,530
$4,236
$2,118
$14,120
J; ^ „•; s%x
$106,000
jv v "••• '*'"' ""
$11,600
S129
$666
$12,395
! , ,
$496
$620
$1,240
$2,479
-
$17,200
•• ••
^X:^^ v\sO
•~™ )mk ,
$166,100
$191,400
.. -
$3.RS
$7,656
$19,140
$9,570
$11,484
$5,742
$38,280
' """"X % %
$287,000
% ""
\x
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2 thru 30
2 thru 30
2 thru 30
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^
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$1,000
$8,000
so
so
so
so
$45,300
$2,000
$900
$13,400
$70,600
*,"••, -
$1,412
$2,824
$7,060
$3,530
$4,236
$2,118
$14,120
.-. ^ \-n / - *;
$106,000
% % 0 "•••• %
$133,093
$1,480
$7,642
$142,220
V ' •- V
$5.689
$7,111
$14,222
$28,444
- l" •; , \ •;
$197.700
-
$304,000
,-^\ <"""" ^ --i V"XXX"
-"•• ""• --WCt ^x--\x
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$8,000
$0
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$166,100
$2,000
$900
$13,400
$191,400
"• % % "• ^ ^ * 1-\1- ••
$3,828
$7,656
$19.140
S9.570
$11,484
$5,742
$38,280
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«j^ •.^ ^ •?
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-------
TABLE E-84
SOUTH OPPORTUNITY SUBAREA
YELLOW DITCH AREA OF CONCERN
Alternative - Removal (Revision 2)
A. CAPITAL COSTS
* ^v; „ * ;• i;B$ietVi:^'
Field Indirect (2%)
Supervision, Inspection, &. Overhead (4%)
Contractor Profit (10%)
Contractor Bonds (5%)
Design (2%)
Resident Engineering (1%)
Contingency (20%)
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE COSTS
- fEST:'
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
CY
EA
CY
CY
SY
CY
..X-^^ts" "
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*\
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-:.<&*«».:.
140,000
140,000
140,000
140,000
140,000
140,000
140,000
140,000
8
140,000
140,000
44,444
8,900
s w. %\.VL X ». ^% v^,^1 %
s" ^ viX" ww / "*
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,:. .^SifcCSil^.r.^
$3.99
$0.18
$1.17
$6.54
$0.08
$1.63
$0.05
$0.14
$3,350
$2.77
$3.51
$0.13
$4.06
_ ~^; s ^\^\ ^
^ «s^v.
•• s
-'••' '-. ,
v-T * s "* "v
„.
^-r-
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,'•. \\-\\
•• % s •,,, \s A.
*• '•'•'• ^ "• SS vt w. \% A
r:,.r?:: ->«*...:..- ;
$558,600
$25,200
$163,800
$915,600
$11,200
$228,200
$7,000
$19,600
$26,800
$387,800
$491,400
$5,778
$36,134
$2,877,112
'f" Xs s%X s? v, -.'"' ^ %Vs "«'•'•
$57,542
$115,084
$287,711
$143,856
$57,542
$28,771
$575,422
v* -r* ** *" "• _^s
$4,143,000
*• } \ -*>•*. •.'•*
..L..W&»^\
thru2
thru2
thru2
thru2
thru2
1 thru 2
Ithru2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
1 thru 2
Ithru2
Ithru2
1 thru 2
-% % /'•. -.-.
fsT ;^
T\71 i"
/ \" t '"?<.', '
"' Xv.^ ^. ,\
;
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^vv ,-, V ,
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:
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$504,974
$22,781
$148,075
$827,702
$10,125
$206,293
$6,328
$17,718
$24,227
$350,571
$444,226
$5,223
$32,665
$2,600,909
Xv •.•!"" •FA •" %v v " "X <'^ ^
$52,018
$104,036
$260,091
$130,045
$52,018
$26,009
$520,182
\ -. ""'' $'\ '"' '•J'1S ' ' < ••, *•
$3,745,000
$3,745,000
SOYDREMV XLS9Q4S8
-------
RECORD OF DECISION
RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
ANACONDA REGIONAL WATER, WASTE, AND
SOILS OPERABLE UNIT
Anaconda Smelter National Priorities List Site
Anaconda, Montana
SEPTEMBER 1998
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
-------
RECORD OF DECISION
ANACONDA REGIONAL WATER, WASTE, AND SOILS OPERABLE UNIT
ANACONDA SMELTER NPL SITE
ANACONDA, MONTANA
September 1998
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region VIII, Montana Office
Federal Building, Drawer 10096
301 South Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59626
(406)441-1150
(Lead Agency)
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
2209 Phoenix Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
(406)444-1420
(Support Agency)
-------
RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS RS-ii
1.0 INTRODUCTION RS-1
1.1 OVERVIEW RS-1
1.2 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BACKGROUND RS-1
1.3 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING PUBLIC
COMMENT PERIOD AND AGENCY RESPONSES RS-4
2.0 RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS RS-5
2.1 RESPONSES TO LOCAL COMMUNITY CONCERNS RS-5
3.0 RESPONSES TO STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY COMMENTS RS-19
4.0 RESPONSES TO ARCO'S COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED PLAN RS-31
4.1 INTRODUCTION RS-31
4.2 PART I. CONCEPTUAL REMEDIATION DESIGN WORK PLAN .... RS-31
4.2.1 GENERAL RESPONSES RS-31
4.2.2 SPECIFIC RESPONSES RS-32
4.3 PART II. ARCO LEGAL AND TECHNICAL COMMENTS RS-38
4.3.1 SPECIFIC COMMENTS RS-38
TABLES
Table 1 ARWW&S OU Public Comment Summary Table
APPENDICES
Appendix A Transcript of the Proceedings (heard at Anaconda Senior High School, January
15, 1998)
RS-i
-------
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ALDC
AMC
ARAR
ARCO
ARTS
ARWW&S
AWQC
BAF
BERA
BOR
COM Federal
CEC
CERCLA
CIA
COC
CPSA
EAC
EC
ENSR
EPA
ERA
ERL
FS
HI
HQ
h.t.
mg/kg
LOAEL
LRES
MCL
MCLG
MLR
NCP
NEC
NOAA
NOAEL
NRD
O&M
OU
PBERA
PCEL
ppm
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
Anaconda Minerals Company
Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirement
Atlantic Richfield Company
Anaconda Revegetation Treatability Studies
Anaconda Regional Water, Waste, and Soils
Ambient Water Quality Criteria
bioavailability factor
Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment
Bureau of Reclamation
CDM Federal Programs Corporation
cation exchange capacity
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act
Citizens in Action
contaminant of concern
Comprehensive Plant Stress Analysis
Environmental Advisory Council
effect concentration
ENSR Toxicology
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ecological risk assessment
effects range - low
Feasibility Study
hazard index
hazard quotient
habitat type
milligram(s) per kilogram
Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level
Land Reclamation Evaluation System
Maximum Contaminant Level
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
multiple linear regression
National Contingency Plan
no effect concentration
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
No Observable Adverse Effect Level
Natural Resources Damage
Operations and Maintenance
Operable Unit
Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment
plant community effects level
parts per million
RS-ii
-------
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS (Continued)
PRAO Preliminary Remedial Action Objective
PRP Potentially Responsible Party
RAR Relevant and Appropriate Requirement
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RDM RDM Multi-Enterprises
RI Remedial Investigation
RI/FS Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study
RRU Reclamation Research Unit
SC specific conductance
SO2 sulfur dioxide
STARS Streambank Tailing and Revegetation Study
TAG technical assistance grant
TOC total organic carbon
TRY toxicity reference value
VA vegetation area
WER water effects ratio
WMA waste management area
RS-iii
-------
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 OVERVIEW
EPA prepared this responsiveness summary in conjunction with the Decision Summary portion
of the ROD to document EPA's responses to issues raised by ARCO and the public regarding the
RI/FS, the Final BERA, and the preferred alternative as presented in the Proposed Plan for the
ARWW&S OU of the Anaconda Smelter NPL site. EPA received comments prior to, during,
and after the formal public comment period, which ran from October 22, 1997 to January 30,
1998, and EPA's responses to these written and oral comments are presented here. EPA
evaluated and considered all comments before making the final decision on a cleanup remedy for
the ARWW&S OU.
For the most part, those members of the public who commented on EPA's preferred alternative
did not express outright opposition. However, they questioned specific aspects of the proposal,
and indicated a desire for more detail in the plan, and a seat at the table during the design
process. They also expressed concern about dust suppression for the tailings ponds, requested
additional protective actions (such as removal) on the stream side tailings of Warm Springs
Creek, and reminded EPA about private property issues associated with any cleanup on private
property.
The State of Montana submitted comments during the public comment period through the aegis
of four of its departments: Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Natural Resources and Conservation,
Environmental Quality (EPA's support agency at the OU), and the Natural Resources Damage
Program of the Montana Department of Justice. The State indicated its desire for additional
cleanup measures, but did not oppose the remedy as presented in the Proposed Plan.
ARCO, as well as the State agencies and some general public members, have submitted
extensive comments which are addressed in the Comprehensive Response to Specific Legal and
Technical Questions. Additionally, EPA responds to a series of comments ARCO submitted that
address issues such as the ecological risk assessment (BERA). For organizational clarity, EPA
has approached those issues separately from the general responsiveness summary, as each ARCO
issue and response is lengthy and detailed. Some issues will cross over both the general public
comments and the specific technical and legal comments.
1.2 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BACKGROUND
EPA has conducted community involvement activities for the Anaconda Smelter site in
accordance with CERCLA, the NCP, and EPA guidance documents since 1983. However, as a
result of working on the Anaconda site and with the public for over 15 years, EPA has developed
additional means of involving the public in the decision-making process.
The first group EPA heard from was Citizens in Action (CIA), which formed during demolition
of the smelter and was concerned especially about dust blowing off Smelter Hill. They lobbied
EPA to use the new Superfund law at Anaconda. CIA's county-sponsored successor, the
RS-1
-------
Anaconda-Deer Lodge Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) worked toward two goals: to be
informed about site activities, and to obtain on-site monitoring by EPA of demolition activities.
Based on these goals, in 1985 EPA hired a part-time community relations liaison. That position
assisted EPA in its efforts to increase the community's awareness of and participation in the
Superfund process, and facilitated EPA's effort to be more accessible to the general public. In
1991, EPA received office space in the Anaconda courthouse for the liaison, thus increasing
public availability. After the position ended, Bureau of Reclamation construction oversight
personnel used the space in much the same manner. EPA's Montana Office also hired a full-time
Community Involvement Coordinator and a full-time contractor to work in Butte (and Anaconda
if needed) in 1990, thus increasing EPA's ability to communicate with the public. To address
EAC's other goal, EPA initiated on-site monitoring using a contractor.
The EAC also served as a forum for the concerns of Mill Creek residents during the investigation
and relocation; then the residents formed the Mill Creek Residents Association. Over time,
EAC's focus shifted to economic development, and became the Anaconda-Deer Lodge
Reclamation Advocates. EPA also worked with the Arrowhead Foundation, which formed to
advocate development of a Jack Nicklaus golf course, the Opportunity Concerned Citizens,
which formed to oppose parts of the Warm Springs Ponds 1989 Proposed Plan, and historic
preservation groups. The latter activity resulted in a programmatic agreement between federal,
State, and local governments and agencies calling for a comprehensive approach to addressing
important historic resources throughout the entire area affected by Superfund activities. The
product of the agreement is a Regional Historic Preservation Plan, which has addressed historic
preservation issues from Butte to Anaconda, and provided for development of an historic trail in
the Old Works area.
In December 1992, EPA produced a Revised Community Relations Plan for the Anaconda
Smelter Superfund Site. Within this document, EPA presented the concerns expressed by
citizens during interviews conducted in 1992. The key concern expressed at that time (after the
Mill Creek and Flue Dust RODs, prior to the Old Works and Community Soils RODs) was the
citizens' desire for immediate action. They said that Anaconda faced economic disaster, and that
living with the stigma of Superfund would only delay economic recovery. While people also
expressed varying levels of concern about the potential threats to human health, they indicated
that they did not, for the most part, believe their health was at risk from exposure to
contamination.
EPA has struggled with the question of economic development and Superfund, and how to make
decisions that allow for the former. In Anaconda, EPA worked diligently to enable the County to
buy property from ARCO without threat of future liability, and to craft a decision that would
allow development of the Old Works as a world class golf course. EPA pushed schedules in
response to the concerns expressed during community interviews and other meetings. EPA has
also worked closely with the community in determining preferred land uses and the
corresponding cleanup levels. While EPA did not compromise human or environmental health
protection, the agency always strove to remove Superfund obstacles to economic development
where possible.
RS-2
-------
Another issue raised in the interviews was the continuing need for clear and constant
communication from EPA about site activities. They stressed that they heard from ARCO
frequently, largely due to ARCO's office being located in Anaconda. EPA increased its
informational activity in Anaconda with a comprehensive site update in May 1993, which
addressed all of the information needs expressed in the interviews. This was sent to every
mailing address in Anaconda (over 3000 addresses), and included a post card sign up to get on
EPA's Anaconda mailing list. About 300 people responded. Also, the EPA Remedial Project
Managers and other staff spend significant time in the community meeting with local government
and civic leaders, environmental group representatives, and other concerned citizens both
collectively and individually. EPA's Bureau of Reclamation construction oversight manager
addresses issues that might arise on a day-to-day basis.
In 1994, EPA funded a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) for the Anaconda site. The TAG is
unusual in that its purpose is to analyze site activities in terms of public policy, not necessarily
technical issues. EPA has worked closely with the technical advisor and members of the
Arrowhead Foundation, which was awarded the TAG, to clearly explain site activities and the
impacts of potential and existing cleanup remedies. EPA and BOR staff have also met with civic
and environmental groups to keep the public informed. In the last 18 months, EPA has made a
concerted effort to inform the public about all aspects of the impending decision. Listed below
are just a sample of the many meetings and other public outreach activities EPA has been
involved in at the Anaconda site.
September 1993
May 1994
November 1994
February 1995
March 1996
March 1996
July 1996
October 1996
February 1997
June 1997
Old Works/East Anaconda Development Area OU Proposed Plan
Opportunity Public Meeting on well sampling
"EPA Cleanup Reshaping Old Works" site update
"EPA Looks at Health Risks to Anaconda Residents" site update
Anaconda Superfund Update: "EPA studies nearing end, final
projects underway."
Public Meeting on Community Soils, ARWW&S, and Old Works
Community Soils Proposed Plan mailed out to over 300 people
Superfund Remedy Summary, Community Soils OU
ARWW&S OU Feasibility Study Public Meeting
Meeting with the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the
Skyline Sportsmen's Association, and the Anaconda Sportsmen's
Club.
RS-3
-------
October 1997
October 1997
October 1997
November 1997
November 1997
January 1998
1990-1998
News Conference in Anaconda Court House to release Proposed
Plan to public and describe the preferred alternative.
Full page display advertisement for Proposed Plan in Anaconda
Leader
Mailed Proposed Plan to over 700 people on EPA's mailing list
and Anaconda Local Development Corp's mailing list.
Three-day Open House in Anaconda to discuss preferred
alternative.
Public Meeting/Open House in Opportunity to discuss preferred
alternative.
Formal Public Hearing to accept oral public comment.
Numerous (at least monthly) meetings with County officials, civic
leaders, and others (including individuals) to discuss site activities
and various proposals for site cleanup.
In the process of meeting with Anaconda citizens and leaders and discussing site issues, EPA
incorporated comments, suggestions, and other information in the documents that have resulted
from site investigations. Only comments received since October 1997 (and during the FS as
relates to ARCO comments) are addressed in this responsiveness summary.
1.3 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING PUBLIC
COMMENT PERIOD AND AGENCY RESPONSES
The comment period on the draft FS and the Proposed Plan lasted from October 22, 1997 until
January 30, 1998. EPA originally set a 60-day public comment period, but extended it at the
request of the County and civic leaders. EPA received 30 separate comments during the public
comment period, as well as 60 separate legal and technical comments from ARCO throughout
the final FS. EPA has collected all comments and categorized and summarized them by issue or
concern. Table 1 presents a list of community and local government issues and concerns. EPA
responds to specific legal and technical questions in Section 2.2. Most of the State and Federal
agency-submitted comments are addressed in Section 3. As mentioned above, ARCO comments
are addressed separately due to their length and level of detail. Responses to ARCO comments
are presented in Section 4.
RS-4
-------
2.0 RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS
2.1 RESPONSES TO LOCAL COMMUNITY CONCERNS
1. Public Participation
The County, the Anaconda Local Development Corporation (ALDC), the Arrowhead
Foundation, and individuals all called for public (County) involvement in the design of the
remedy. The County said "the Record of Decision should specify a meaningful level of
involvement."
Response: EPA has increased public involvement in the design process at other operable units,
especially Warm Springs Ponds. EPA is committed to informing the public on a regular basis
about the design process. The final remedy calls for development of a site management plan to
help track and communicate remedial action on an annual basis. EPA will work with the
community to develop other specific ways to communicate implementation of the remedy.
2. Dust Suppression
Numerous people voiced concern about dust from tailings ponds and the slag pile, and
questioned whether the remedy would adequately address dust storms. One commenter said he
was unable to attend a public meeting due to suffering the ill effects of a dust storm. Another
indicated that the dust "has stopped my plans to create a nice place to live and thrive...! see no
future here...."
Response: Dust suppression is an important consideration. EPA is not only concerned with
existing tailings ponds and slag piles releasing dust to adjacent areas, especially residential areas,
but also with any dust that might be created during remedy implementation. The remedy, as
presented in the Record of Decision, calls for dust suppression at the Opportunity and Anaconda
Ponds by implementation of an 18" vegetative growth media, and requires dust suppression
activities during remedy implementation. ARCO is currently performing some dust suppression
activities, but given the number of complaints about blowing dust. EPA will evaluate the
effectiveness of ARCO dust suppression activities.
3. Time Frame for Remedy Implementation
Several comments dealt with the time frame for remedy implementation. Most expressed concern
that the remedy would take many years to complete. The County said that" a remedy that takes
30years to implement" does nothing to "mitigate the negative connotations that are associated
with being one of the nation's largest Superfund sites." Another individual wrote "if we have to
wait 30 years or more for complete dust suppression that is the same as doing nothing at all" as
the average person's working life is about 30 years.
RS-5
-------
One person, however, indicated that he "would like to see this work stretched out over a longer
period of time. " He was concerned that a remedy implemented in a shorter period of time (two
to three years) would require hiring a lot of "outside " contractors versus hiring locally.
The State senator for Anaconda also suggested that the community "not rush through a
project...and then have to have it redone...a few years later. "
Response: For a site the size and complexity of Anaconda, it is virtually impossible to
determine exactly how long a cleanup project will take. Still, based on acreage and actions
planned, EPA estimates that a minimum of 10-15 years will be necessary to completely
implement the final remedy for the entire Anaconda site. This estimate will be refined over the
next two years, as design activities progress. Additionally, EPA will look at prioritizing
remediation on those lands (e.g., Opportunity Ponds and Smelter Hill) which continue to pose a
more immediate need for dust suppression. EPA understands the community's concerns about
the negative image associated with Superfund, and is looking at options to delist parts of the
Anaconda site that may have completed remedies.
4. Institutional Controls and Funding
A commenter told EPA to reconsider the use of institutional controls; that "if these sites were
cleaned up to a proper level, there would be no need for ICs which only restrict access and
exposure to 'residual contamination.'" The comment continued with concerns about the
County's ability to "live up to " its responsibilities at the Old Works. The commenter said the
County has failed to make required annual inspections or file required reports. He concludes by
questioning EPA for proposing to "give an under-staffed under-funded County more
responsibility for ICs and O&M on ARWW&S." The County also expressed concern about the
Proposed Plan's lack of specificity about how to adequately fund the County's Development
Permit System through the establishment of a trust fund.
Response: Consistent with CERCLA and the NCP, this remedy does not use ICs as a substitute
for active response measures (e.g., treatment or containment off source material, restoration of
ground water to beneficial uses) as the sole remedy, unless active measures are deemed not
practicable, based on a balancing of trade-offs among alternatives that is done during remedy
selection. The ICs supplement engineering controls to prevent or limit exposures to hazardous
substances. Institutional Controls are an integral part of this remedy in order to assure protection
of human health and the environment (as is the case with ICs for ground water, which is
technically impracticable to remediate) and to assure the integrity of certain remedial actions
(such as the zoning and deed restrictions on the Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds).
The comment about ADLC and its ability to implement institutional controls is a serious
consideration. EPA must be assured of a County's ability to successfully deal with all the issues
that arise in the implementation of institutional controls. EPA has funded Arrowhead
Foundation additional grant funds to hire technical advisors who can assess the institutional
controls program and how best the County can implement them. This issue is specifically
addressed in Section 9.7.4, Institutional Controls Funding, of the Decision Summary.
RS-6
-------
5. Restoration and Remediation Conflicts
Many comments addressed the issue of restoration versus remediation. All encouraged EPA to
work with the State andARCO to settle the issue. (The comments preceded the State and
ARCO 's June 1998 settlement offer on many areas of the Clark Fork basin Natural Resource
Damage suit.) Some comments dealt with the proposal to waive ground water cleanup standards
in the East Valley; others with the revegetation plans (and previous attempts), and called for
more trees to be planted versus "weedy species of grass. " ARCO stated that the company wants
this final site remedy to be complete and "the settlements (to) be global. ARCO indicated that
they wanted to close out all concerns and liabilities regarding remediation and restoration
before they "embark on this cleanup. "
Response: EPA is committed to the settlement agreement that the State and ARCO devised in
June 1998, and in areas where cleanup has not yet occurred, EPA intends to work with the State
to integrate restoration with selected remedial actions where EPA believes the actions can be
coordinated. EPA has also encouraged ADLC and others to work with the State of Montana
Natural Resources Damage (NRD) Program to address ground water restoration and
compensation issues in the East Valley, as EPA cannot require restoration.
In those areas where EPA is requiring ARCO to revegetate, EPA will require the appropriate
species to be planted. "Appropriateness", as set forth in Appendix A, and consistent with
ARARs, is based on those species that are native or adapted to the area and would provide
diverse and abundant vegetative canopy. In some instances, formerly grass and forb areas will
not be able to be reclaimed because of lost soil resources, and in those cases, tree and shrub
species will have to be satisfactory.
6. Lack of Detail in Proposed Plan
Several commenters expressed concern that the Proposed Plan did not contain enough detail for
them to understand what EPA really planned to do and thus for them to comment on the plan in
a meaningful manner.
Response: EPA guidance encourages agency personnel to summarize as much as possible the
information contained within a site feasibility study when preparing a proposed plan for public
distribution. In fact, Regional guidance suggests that proposed plans should be about eight to ten
pages in length. Montana Office staff struggled with writing the ARWW&S OU proposed plan
because of the sheer size of the operable unit and the many associated areas of concern. We
opted to craft a shorter plan that summarized in table form much of the information, recognizing
that for some readers even that much information would be too much, while other readers would
criticize the lack of detail. For the latter reader, however, the plan referred to the feasibility
studies, which had more detail than any proposed plan could have without rewriting them in their
entirety. We believe that our approach made the most sense because it allowed a wider audience
to have at the very least a sense of the type of activity that EPA proposed, and the areas that
activity could be expected to take place.
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7. Ground Water. Technical Impracticability
One commenter took strong exception to EPA's decision to waive ground water ARARs in the
East Valley based on a technical impracticability study. He said the "no further action
alternative which is based on 'prohibitive cost' and the convenient excuse of technical
impracticability is totally unacceptable and is in direct conflict with NCP criteria that 'must be
met by the remedial action.'" He wrote that "there is no justification for 'writing ojf millions of
gallons of ground water " and suggested that "EPA has apparently forgotten what their mandate
is. "
Response: EPA did not forget that our mandate is to protect and restore ground water resources.
The National Contingency Plan (NCP) states that:
EPA expects to return usable ground waters to their beneficial uses wherever practicable,
within a time frame that is reasonable given the particular circumstances of the site.
(NCP §300.430(a)(l)(iii)(F) emphasis added).
EPA and MDEQ required extensive site investigations on the regional ground water system
which were conducted over ten years (1985 -1995). This information was used during the
Feasibility Study which assessed the practicability and time frames for ground water remediation
in the Anaconda area. EPA determined that at a cost of >$2.2 billion to remove waste materials
and the impracticability of removing soils over +28,000 acres and no ability to pump and treat
the bedrock aquifer, a technical impracticability waiver was appropriate for this site. CERCLA
allows for waiver of specific ARARs (in this case meeting the State of Montana arsenic ground
water standard of 18 /ug/L) and the case of a waiver, EPA's general expectations are to prevent
further migration of the contaminated ground water plume, prevent exposure to the contaminated
ground water, and evaluate further risk reduction. This final remedy meets the alternative goals
when ground water cannot be remediated.
8. Ground Water. Lost Resource
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County stated that "it is not possible for us to accept the premise...that
this plan identifies substantial (ground) water contamination and then proposes that this
community live with that contamination forever." They "insist that...ground water be treated... in
a manner that acknowledges its importance as a resource for today and tomorrow, not only for
this community, but for those downstream."
Response: EPA, consistent with CERCLA and the NCP, has determined that it is technically
impracticable to restore ground water for much of the ARWW&S OU. Where it is practicable,
EPA is requiring standards to be met through source control and natural attenuation. The
impracticability of restoration of much of the ground water is carefully documented in FS
Deliverable No. 3A (EPA 1996a) and presented in Appendix D. EPA acknowledges the value of
the lost ground water to the community but believes the selected remedy best meets the
objectives to prevent further migration of the plume, prevent exposure to contaminated ground
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water, allows alternative uses (industrial or agricultural, if appropriate), and provides reduction of
arsenic into the aquifers by implementing wide-scale land reclamation.
9. Economic Development
EPA received conflicting comments on economic development and the agency's role in
increasing economic activity in the Anaconda area. Most commenters stated their belief that
EPA must cooperate with the County andARCO in order to leave Anaconda with a viable
community after cleanup. However, one commenter accused EPA of "putting economic
development ahead of the NCP threshold and balancing criteria. " He stressed that EPA should
not work with local community groups in any way that "interferes with or compromises the
scope or effectiveness ofSuperfund remediation. "
Response: EPA walks a tightrope between conflicting community interests. While EPA works
closely with local governments to devise site remedies that are mutually acceptable, the agency is
sometimes asked to do more for the purposes of economic development than the agency is able
to do under CERCLA. In past discussions, EPA has told the public that Superfund does not have
an economic criterion, and that economic issues cannot be taken into account in our decision-
making process. However, EPA strived to consider economic development in situations where
there were two equally protective remedies. Thus, the agency worked with ADLC and ARCO to
facilitate development of the Old Works Golf Course, and EPA continues to work with the
community to devise remedies that will not preclude economic activities. Our mandate remains
protection of human health and the environment, but where there is more than one way to meet
that mandate, a community's needs, as expressed by their elected officials and civic groups, can
sometimes be addressed at the same time.
10. Technical Assistance Grant
One comment addressed the technical assistance grant EPA awarded to the Arrowhead
Foundation. Stating that it was given to the Anaconda Local Development Corporation (ALDC),
the comment was "EPA has no business assisting ALDC in any way that interferes with or
compromises the scope or effectiveness ofSuperfund remediation. "
Response: EPA awarded a technical assistance grant (TAG) to the Arrowhead Foundation in
1994 for the Anaconda Smelter site. Their intent was to hire technical advisors to analyze
Superfund activities in terms of public policy. The existence of a TAG should not compromise
Superfund remediation; however, the input received from a TAG can be influential on a decision,
as such input has its basis in at least a portion of the community. EPA encourages all citizens to
be aware of and active in the TAG in their community so that they have another forum for their
views to be represented to the agency. EPA will still listen to individuals, although as with the
TAG, EPA may not be able to satisfactorily address all concerns and desires.
11. Waste Disposal Areas
ADLC stated that Cell A in the Opportunity Ponds should be remediated to the extent necessary
and Cell B should be recognized as ADLC's waste disposal area.
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Response: EPA originally identified Cell A of the Opportunity Ponds as the location of the
proposed County's mine waste repository based on the 1992 Master Plan. Subsequent to the
Master Plan adoption, ARCO extended a railroad spur and constructed unloading facilities for
disposal of the Lower Area One Removal mine tailings (Silver Bow Creek/Butte Addition NPL
Site). This active disposal in the Opportunity Ponds was ceased in 1997 in favor of disposal in
Silver Bow County at a nearer location.
ARCO owns all property of the Opportunity Ponds. The County and ARCO will have to
determine the most appropriate location for disposal of mine wastes slated for removal and
relocation into the Ponds. It is apparent to EPA and MDEQ that Cell B2 has certain factors
which favor continuing use as an active disposal facility: infrastructure in place. However, if the
County and ARCO agree that Cell A is more appropriate, this location is also agreeable to EPA.
The point is that an active repository must be sited somewhere on the Ponds, and all remaining
properties, either in the Cell A or Cell B2, must be reclaimed to meet the requirements of the
ARWW&S remedy.
12. Health Risk Associated with the Site
Most comments did not address this issue, but the few that did indicated that human health
concerns were not a priority for them. One person said he had worked in the smelter for 34
years and "I guess I'm still alive...I don'(have cancer or all these bad things. " ARCO stated
that they " will proceed the best we can with this cleanup...we want to be sure... we are dealing
with real risk and effectuating things that really mean something." Another person said she
"managed to survive in what other people have felt is a terrible environment...and I have
survived well."
One commenter indicated dust from the Main Slag Pile had made him ill.
Response: As discussed in Section 2 of the Decision Summary, EPA's initial actions at the site
(i.e., Flue Dust ROD, Old Works ROD) were focused on the most immediate human health
threats. The ARWW&S OU ROD addressed the remaining current and potential health risks . In
accordance with CERCLA and the NCP, the human health risk assessment characterized the
current and potential threat to human health that was posed by contaminants migrating to ground
water or surface water, releasing to air, leaching through soil, remaining in the soil, and
bioaccumulating in the food chain. EPA believes the ARWW&S OU remedy is protective of
human health and the environment, and although current and potential risk may not be as evident
to the community as earlier human health concerns, dust suppression remains a major goal of
cleanup activities.
13. Level of Cleanup
Some comments directly questioned how EPA selected cleanup levels (e.g. l.OOOppm in
recreational areas); others wondered if it was necessary to do much because many trees and
wildlife had already returned (since smelter closure, assumedly). One asked what the County
really needs, and "do we need the impossible...or can we let some of this thing take care of
itself? "
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Response: EPA based its risk-based cleanup levels on determinations made in its site risk
assessments. While EPA acknowledges that some site recovery may occur without cleanup
actions EPA analyzed this alternative and determined that the No Action Alternative was not
protective of human health and the environment and was not compliant with ARARs, and
therefore, did not meet the NCP threshold criteria for selection of the remedy. The agency
asserts that the ARWW&S OU remedy will allow a more immediate reduction of risk to human
health and the environment and more rapid recovery of plant and wildlife resources. This is
explained more fully in Sections 6 and 9 of the Decision Summary and Section 4 of the
Responsiveness Summary. The Land Reclamation Evaluation System (LRES), discussed in
Section 9 and Appendix C of the Decision Summary, will take into account whether a certain
discrete area is "taking care of itself and will take that into account in remedial design and
remedial action.
14. Private Property Rights
Citizens United for a Realistic Environment commented that "it's imperative that everyone
recognize that (ARCO holdings in the East Valley) are private property holdings" andARCO
"should have the right to determine the use of their property within the confines of the law. "
Response: EPA does not disallow the takings clause of the United States Constitution. However,
the majority of CERCLA actions throughout the nation take place on private property and EPA
has the authority to act consistent with CERCLA and the NCP on private property as well as
public property. EPA does, however, take current and reasonably anticipated use into account in
remedy selection. For example, the county's zoning of the Ponds for waste management is
reflected in a greater allowed arsenic contamination level (1,000 ppm) than the arsenic level for
residential use (250 ppm). See Section 4 of the Responsiveness Summary for EPA's response to
ARCO comments on this private property issue.
15. Desire for Cost-Effective Remedies
Several comments touched on the need for a remedy or remedies that reduced risk in a cost-
effective manner.
Response: CERCLA requires EPA to take cost into account in evaluating remedies, and if EPA
can meet threshold criteria, and achieve other criteria such as short- and long-term effectiveness
and implementability, EPA will choose a less expensive of two equally protective remedies.
EPA also works to refine costs, and in fact did an extensive evaluation of costs after release of
the Proposed Plan to further refine the agency's cost estimate for the Anaconda remedy. At this
point, EPA estimates that the remedy will cost between 80 and 150 million dollars, compared to
the estimate of $180 million in the Proposed Plan. Those cost estimates (and hopefully the actual
costs) will be further refined during design and implementation of the remedy.
16. Support for RDM's Use of the Slag
An employee of RDM Multi-Enterprises asked for "input" on what could be done to support
RDM continuing to use slag material for commercial purposes. The company president
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expressed RDM's hope that "a long term contract with ARCO can be negotiated for continued
development of the slag. "
Response: EPA works with local government and the local economic development group to
overcome any obstacles created by Superfund. However, success is not always possible and EPA
cannot guarantee the success of a specific commercial enterprise. RDM must work out contract
issues with ARCO without EPA assistance.
17. Other Uses of Slag
EPA received a letter about the potential for slag to be used in Portland Cement. No specific
comment was offered other than that the writer "was pleased to see the comments 'No Further
Action' or the rock amendment "for the slag.
Response: EPA acknowledges the comment. If any information or assistance is needed in
determining potential uses for the slag, EPA will be pleased to cooperate with any request.
18. Mechanism in ROD to Allow Economic Development Opportunities
A commenter asked that the ROD contain "a mechanism...that would allow for " economic
development opportunities in the future.
Response: While there is no specific mechanism that EPA can put in the ROD to allow for
economic development opportunities in the future, EPA is committed to involving the
community in the design of the remedy, and will work to address economic development issues
as they arise. The remedy is based on the County's Master Plan, which designates expected uses
of land. If this were to change in the future, the County's Development Permit System will
require further remediation of lands to meet more stringent clean-up criteria.
19. Land Use Changes
ARCO submitted a letter regarding the County's desire to obtain changes on restrictive
covenants on transferred land. ARCO expressed its dissatisfaction with the County's proposal
that "removing the restrictive covenants (at the proposed prison site) is not considered a barrier,
therefore emphasizing the need for greater degrees of remediation than those proposed." ARCO
wrote that the company could revise its restrictive covenants to prohibit modifications if it felt
forced to do so.
The County Planner asked EPA to re-examine remedies proposed for areas where previously
development was not expected.
Response: EPA looks to local government in EPA's determination of current and reasonably
anticipated land uses on a Superfund site. In the Anaconda area, much of the property is owned
by ARCO or has been transferred to other entities with restrictive covenants attached. EPA
understands both the County's and ARCO's frustration, but has no authority over restrictive
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covenants on private property. EPA based its remedies on protectiveness and effectiveness and
on the County's own Master Plan for land use.
20. Desire for Year Round Recreation Opportunities
A representative of the Anaconda Sportsmens' Club asked for "clean water, like Silver Bow
Creek (remedy) and fish in the creek...birds in Opportunity Ponds, and access sites when the
projects are completed. " They also want to create a shooting range.
Response: EPA's selected remedy is protective of human health and the environment. A result
of this should be more fish in Warm Springs, Mill, and Willow creeks, and birds and other
wildlife around the Opportunity Ponds. As for access sites, the Anaconda Sportsmens' Club
should work with the property owners to gain access. Any desired use of County lands will have
to be addressed by the County, but as long as the cleanup of a specific area does not preclude
recreational use, there should be no human health reason to reject a shooting range.
21. Cleanup of Warm Springs Creek
One person commented that ARCO "should have fixed the Warm Springs Creek channel before
they built a golf course next to it. " He wrote that after the closure of the smelter, water
previously used for the plant was allowed to flow through to the creek, but now that a pipeline
was installed to Butte there would be diminished flow.
Response: EPA required ARCO to stabilize the Warm Springs Creek stream bank during the Old
Works cleanup. The surface water quality of the creek is actually quite good as it flows through
the Old Works area. As for the water being diverted to Butte, EPA does not have jurisdiction
over water rights issues.
22. Contaminated Soils in Anaconda
The extension service agent for Deer Lodge County asked that boulevard/sidewalk soils be
addressed in the community soils remediation to enhance tree plantings downtown. The County
stressed that all identified non-vegetated areas should be remediated to pre-smelting conditions.
An individual asked for more information about what would be done for his agricultural soils,
which he said tested at over 1,800 (ppm) arsenic.
Response: The final remedy will address effects of metals and arsenic in wastes and soils on
vegetation. Reclamation, removals, and/or soil covers are the options available for addressing
site-specific concerns. EPA is generally aware of the problem with urban tree planting within the
community of Anaconda, and expects that part of the problem is related to residual wastes
remaining underneath sidewalks and roads. While the sidewalks and roads provide a "cover"
over waste material, and therefore provide a barrier and protection for any human health risks,
the wastes are phytotoxic to trees and shrubs. EPA and the County can develop a specific
program to address removal or remediation of these areas during remedial design.
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The County asks for remediation of non-vegetated areas to "pre-smelting conditions." EPA
cannot restore lands impacted by smelter emissions to a "pre-smelting" or baseline condition.
EPA does require remediation of the soils to reduce risk to human health and the environment
through in situ revegetation or soil cover treatments and planting of native and adapted plant
species capable of creating a self-sustaining plant community. The specifics of the type of
revegetation will be developed based on site-specific factors and following the process outlined
in Appendix C, Land Reclamation Evaluation System (LRES).
For the individual that raised concerns about his agricultural lands in the South Opportunity
Subarea, EPA contacted the individual in June 1998 to respond to immediate concerns about
arsenic concentrations in soils and ground water. EPA will continue to work with individual
property owners throughout the remedial design process to identify areas of concern, assess
vegetation and erosion conditions on the properties (using the LRES), and develop site-specific
remediation plans.
23. Alternate Methods of Cleanup and Revepetation
EPA received a letter applauding the cooperative attitude of both EPA andARCO, and their
willingness to solicit community input and flexibility to incorporate community wishes. The
writer expressed hope that the needs of the community would continue to be balanced with
environmental decisions. She asked that we "not insist on return(ing) our area to its pristine
state. " She cited that schoolchildren successfully planted trees on the hills in Anaconda, and
suggested this type of project could "help restore vegetation without tremendous cost. " She also
made a plea that millions of dollars not be spent on cleaning up contaminated ground water if
another source is available, and asked that as little waste material be moved as possible because
of the hazards of blowing dust and transport. She encouraged deep-tilling and liming of soils
instead.
Response: EPA appreciates the comment, and intends to continue to work closely with the
community to achieve a satisfactory remedy. The agency does not believe that it is possible to
return Anaconda to a pristine state, nor does EPA have the authority to return the site to pre-
mining conditions, even if is was desired by all parties. EPA recognizes that community efforts
over the years have helped to revegetate parts of Anaconda, and hopes to build on those efforts.
The agency would certainly not discourage additional citizen efforts, but will focus on remedy
implementation through other means to ensure completion. EPA has determined it is technically
impracticable to clean up the ground water in the East Valley, but may require alternate sources
of drinking water for Anaconda should such a need develop. Finally, EPA does intend to do
deep-tilling and lime additions where possible.
24. Lack of Public Response
The County Planner wrote that he believed that the size and diversity of the site made it difficult
for the average citizen to comprehend all of the impact that any remedy may have on this area.
He said that is why there was little citizen response at the public meetings and the hearing. He
also indicated that the citizens trusted their elected officials and community based groups to
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represent their interests. He said that trust is why it is imperative that those officials and the
groups' representatives be included in the design process.
Response: EPA agrees that the size, complexity, and diverse nature of the contamination may be
difficult to take in and comment upon a proposed plan to deal with the site. EPA was gratified
that so many people attended the various information sessions and hearing, and believes that their
listening to other comments may have been satisfactory to them. EPA also assumes that local
government and community groups represent the interests of some significant segment of the
local population, and evaluate their comments accordingly.
As stated earlier, EPA intends to involve County, TAG, ALDC, and other citizens in the design
process as much as possible. EPA will rely on the above-named public entities to disseminate
information about the design meetings until design is completed, and EPA will require a design
report to be published and hold a public briefing.
25. North Slag Pile
The County engineer reminded EPA that he had submitted a report that identified the north slag
pile as a potential source of contamination being detected in the County's land/ill monitoring
well. He said this concern should be fully addressed and a solution implemented.
Response: EPA named the slag pile located north of the Main Granulated Slag as the Anaconda
Landfill Slag. As noted in the Decision Summary of this ROD, the slag pile is currently being
marketed for commercial use and is almost depleted. The area will have to be characterized and
an appropriate closure and cleanup plan that is consistent with surrounding land uses will be
approved as part of the final remedial action for this area.
During the site-wide ground water remedial investigations (1991 - 1993) EPA assessed potential
loading of arsenic and cadmium into the alluvial aquifer from the Anaconda Landfill Slag. No
arsenic has been detected in the area. EPA determined that the cadmium loading identified could
not be tied to the Anaconda Landfill Slag. If, during the monitoring phase of the RD/RA,
cadmium is detected in the closed county landfill monitoring wells, EPA can reassess potential
loading from the slag source area.
26. Georgetown Lake Contaminated Railroad Beds
The County engineer said that an investigation of potentially contaminated railroad beds in the
Georgetown Lake area should be conducted.
Response: Railroad beds located within the town of Anaconda were addressed in the Community
Soils ROD (1996) which calls for construction of an engineered cover over all contaminated
materials and a separation of the railbed from residential and commercial/industrial areas with a
barrier to restrict access and to control surface runoff through the use of retaining walls and/or
curbing. This remedy was selected because some homes within Anaconda are built next to
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railbed material that was constructed from mine tailings and which exceed COC clean up action
levels.
The Georgetown Railroad Site is an abandoned railroad spur located east of Georgetown Lake.
It runs north-northeast for approximately 5.5 miles to the community of Southern Cross. The
Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (now MDEQ) conducted a
CERCLA Preliminary Assessment (PA) for the Georgetown Railroad site in 1991. The PA
reports elevated levels of heavy metals along an abandoned Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway
line. Fine-grained tailings and waste rock material appear to have been used for ballast in the
railroad bed and most of the railings were removed in 1924. The site investigations were limited
to the area around Georgetown Lake since no target populations existed elsewhere along the line;
two residential areas are located down-gradient of the railroad grade near Highway 1 and another
is located adjacent to and on the rail bed. This area is listed as a separate site under CERCLA
and CERCLA authorities and an appropriate response action will be taken for the Georgetown
Lake railroad beds.
27. Solid Waste at the Main Granulated Slag Pile
The County engineer said that ARCO has been permitted to place solid waste at the southeast
corner of the main slag pile. He believes that the Montana Code Annotated, the Administrative
Rules of Montana, and County Ordinances require that waste to be placed in a Class-II landfill.
Response: The County Engineer is correct in noting that solid waste material (construction and
demolition debris) has been disposed of at the southeast corner of the Main Granulated Slag Pile
during the Mill Creek relocation effort, Flue Dust remedial action, Johnson's Corner demolitions,
and other site work conducted by the PRP. EPA and MDEQ have identified the Federal and
State RCRA Subtitle D and Solid Waste Requirements as applicable for this site. Final
delineation of this solid waste repository will be conducted during Remedial Design on Smelter
Hill and an appropriate solid waste management and closure plan approved.
28. Provision to Address Unidentified Issues
The County engineer requests language in the Record of Decision that will provide a basis for
addressing "the unknowns. "
Response: EPA provided this language in Section 9.2 "Miscellaneous Waste Materials" of the
Decision Summary. EPA expects that there may be additional wastes identified on the site in the
future and generally calls for waste consolidation into a WMA.
29. Ground Water Contamination Affecting the Mill-Willow Bypass
Trout Unlimited submitted a letter with specific questions regarding the contaminated ground
water plume under the Opportunity Ponds. These questions are:
1. Who will be responsible for sampling the wells? A private or public entity?
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2. Will the testing schedule conform to the hydrology of the plume? Specifically in
frequency as the -water table dictates.
3. What specific parameters and limitations will be prescribed for any exceedances and
will the said guidelines be included in the ROD?
4. At the determination of said exceedances, what remediation/procedures will be
undertaken? What time interval will there be between the detection of exceedances
and subsequent remediation?
5. What provisions will be established in the ROD for the public to access the sampling
data?
The author of the letter also expressed concern about the tailings in the Warm Springs Creek
floodplain. He suggests another evaluation be made of the tailings and that they eventually be
removed.
Response: The PRP is responsible for all ground water monitoring across the site, including the
Point of Compliance (POC) at the edge of the Opportunity Ponds. ARCO may elect to contract
with an independent party to collect and report sampling data, however, EPA reviews the
technical and professional qualifications of ARCO's contractors and has final approval of
contractors working on the site. All data will be reported to the agencies and made available to
the general public. Proposed details of monitoring (locations of wells, parameters, data quality
assurance, reporting) were presented by EPA in FS Deliverable No. 4 (in an appendix to FS
Deliverable No. 5). A final monitoring plan will be completed as part of the RD/RA work plan.
EPA set a POC for attainment and protection of applicable Montana ground water standards at a
location near the Opportunity Ponds which will detect any potential future movement of
contaminated ground water in plenty of time before the water would recharge to the Mill-Willow
Bypass. If contaminated ground water exceeding the ROD COCs is detected at the POC, EPA
will require assessment of ground water controls (interception trench, slurry walls or extraction
wells). These controls could include treatment and disposal of water.
There are no specific provisions in the ROD for public to access the sampling data. All data
collected by EPA is public information and will be accessible. EPA would gladly solicit
suggestions from the local community about ways to make monitoring data readily accessible.
EPA, MDEQ and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks have had continued
discussions since October 1997 about floodplain tailings in Warm Springs Creek and long-term
channel stability. EPA initiated a more extensive investigation of the creek in September 1998
and will be using this data to further define the extent of the floodplain tailings problems and
design appropriate channel stabilization, tailings stabilization and selective removal options for
the Remedial Action Work Plan.
30. Land Ownership
An individual expressed concern about ARCO transferring land to the County, and potential
conflicts that may result if there are conflicting claims to the land.
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Response: EPA cannot regulate land transfers between private parties and local governments.
Land claims must be addressed through normal channels. EPA will work with property owners
regardless of their affiliation to protect human health and the environment.
31. Desire for Cooperation Between EPA. ARCO. and the County
Several people encouraged EPA, ARCO, and other entities to work cooperatively.
Response: EPA intends to work with ARCO to negotiate a consent decree to conduct all cleanup
work at the Anaconda site. The County will be involved to the extent possible, except in legal
negotiations with ARCO.
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3.0 RESPONSES TO STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY COMMENTS
EPA received six sets of comments on the ARWW&S OU Proposed Plan from State of Montana
and Federal agencies. Responses to each set of comments are outlined in this Section.
1. Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, from C. Richard Clough, Regional Supervisor, Montana
Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Re: EPA's Proposed Plan for the ARWW&S
OU, Anaconda/Deer Lodge County, Montana, January 28, 1998.
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) commends EPA on developing a
remediation plan for the site and raises specific concerns about Warm Springs Creek.
Presence of tailings within the Warm Springs Creek flood plain
"...problems with tailings...when a significant flood occurs in the future, it is likely these tailings
will be eroded into and along the creek and Clark Fork River... could cause additional metals
loadings and serious problems for the trout... the presence of these tailings prevents the
Department, and possibly others, from implementing projects to restore the natural channel and
habitat of Warm Springs Creek."
Response: During the Remedial Investigation for the Anaconda Regional Water and Waste
(ARWW) OU, two separate field reconnaissances were conducted to attempt to identify stream
bank tailings which may be contributing to periodic metals exceedances in Warm Springs Creek.
Approximately 1200 cy of tailings were identified on the RSN Johnson Ranch and were slated
for removal as part of the Proposed Plan. Furthermore, the BERA identified these stream bank
tailings and overland run off from aerially contaminated soils as the source of metals loading
causing exceedances of ambient water quality criteria which posed a potential threat to aquatic
life in the stretch of stream from the Old Works OU to the confluence with Silver Bow Creek.
"...terminated a project of this nature [projects to restore the natural channel and habitat of Warm
Springs Creek] in the vicinity of the Gochanour, Johnson and Ueland ranches after significant
quantities of mine tailings were discovered in the project area...the Department requested that
ARCO voluntarily provide the financial assistance necessary to remove and dispose of these
tailings. The Department's request was declined."
Response: EPA recognizes the Department's long term desire to protect and improve aquatic
habitat on Warm Springs Creek, in special regard to the importance as critical spawning habitat
to trout from the Clark Fork River. Where the Department identifies specific projects to enhance
channel renaturalization, an assessment of the possibility of tailings and the potential threat they
pose to the aquatic environment should be conducted. In 1998 EPA initiated a more intense site
characterization of the geomorphology of the creek to help the agencies understand where
potential creek movement is occurring, and what, if any, threat exists from tailings in the old
creek channels. This information will be used to address immediate or potential threats from
contaminated stream bank erosion under appropriate CERCLA authorities. The MDFWP may
also use this information in conjunction with independent Department approved habitat
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renaturalization projects. If the Department's projects impact areas where tailings could pose a
problem for stream water quality, EPA will apply the appropriate CERCLA remedial authorities.
"It is the Department's opinion that removal of the tailings and other wastes along the entire
Warm Springs Creek corridor (from the city of Anaconda to the Clark Fork River) is necessary
to allow the creek along this stretch to be restored and to preclude a re-contamination of the
creek and the Clark Fork River from future flooding and other erosive events. Such removal
would be consistent, at least to some degree, with the removal of tailings which is to occur along
Willow Creek under the proposed plan and along Silver Bow Creek under the ROD for the
Streamside Tailings Operable Unit. We do not favor reclamation using the STARS technique in
this area for a number of reasons, including the high probability of future erosion and stream
channel migration."
Response: The definition of a remedial action under CERCLA permits only actions taken "to
prevent or minimize the release of hazardous substances so that they do not migrate to cause
substantial danger to present or future public health or welfare or the environment." 42 U.S.C.
9601(24). EPA is not authorized to take action for restoration of habitat. To date, EPA has
identified limited areas with tailings that are posing a current or future threat to the aquatic
habitat of Warm Springs Creek. However, EPA recognizes that long-term stability of the creek
is of concern and has initiated site studies to assess the geomorphology of the creek to assess
potential problems related to stream migration and release of buried tailings. EPA has proposed
in this final remedy a combined remedial design of selective removal and stream stabilization
techniques to minimize the release of contaminants into the creek.
It is also noted that the tailings deposition on Silver Bow Creek, Willow Creek and Warm
Springs Creek are all very different. While Silver Bow Creek has extensive deposition of barren
fluvially deposited tailings, Warm Springs Creek has limited pockets of tailings which are
covered with uncontaminated soils and are generally well vegetated with riparian vegetation. In
contrast, Willow Creek is impacted by a very thin veneer (less than 2 inches) of tailings just
below the surficially clean material, tailings which were from historic flooding from Silver Bow
Creek crossing the joint flood plains. EPA believes that the removal option should be selective
to the site conditions and that in the case of Willow Creek and Warm Springs Creek, other
options (partial removal, STARS, engineered controls) have merit in meeting the objective of
minimizing release of COC into the surface waters. Remedial designs, which may include some
STARS treatment will be available for review and comment by the Department.
2. Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, from Greg Mullen, Montana Natural Resource Damage
Litigation Program, Re: DOJ/NRDLP Comments to EPA On the Anaconda Proposed
Plan, January 28, 1998.
"The State's Natural Resource Damage Litigation Program generally supports the proposed
EPA actions at the Anaconda Smelter Site for the Anaconda Regional Water, Waste and Soils
Operable Unit... EPA concluded that metals and arsenic dispersed by smelter emissions and
waste disposal continue to pose a risk to the vegetation, the primary energy producer in the
ecosystem 'sfood web and primary determinant of wildlife diversity and abundance. The State's
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studies fully support this determination... The Proposed Plan acknowledges that clean up of
ground water is technically impracticable...Neither the State's Restoration Determination Plan
nor EPA's proposed remedy if implemented, would bring all of the injured resources back to
baseline conditions in the foreseeable future. However, if implemented the plans would restore
some of the resources over time and jump start the recovery of other resources."
Response: EPA acknowledges these comments.
Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds
"// is not clear what specific reclamation measures will occur at these ponds...the State cautions
that if a capping scenario is used, observance of proper cap placement techniques is
warranted..."
Response: The final remedy does not call for a capping scenario. Final remedy of the ponds will
be accomplished through attainment of 18" of growth media to support a permanent vegetative
cover which can be achieve through a soil cover, in situ (ARTS) treatment, or a combination of
both.
Upland Reclamation
"...there are areas that are not included in the Proposed Plan that the State's Restoration Plan
proposes should be addressed. Most of these areas are located in the Mount Hoggin Area."
Response: EPA conducted an assessment of the areas on the site thought to have been impacted
by smelter emissions in the past and in which our regional soils studies indicated that metals and
arsenic levels in the soils continue to pose a phytotoxic risk to vegetation communities. EPA
carefully addressed current environmental risk posed by metals. During this time frame, the
State was properly informed about the BERA assessment and the issue of current environmental
risk within the State's identified injured areas was not raised. If the State had data and
information about potential risk to injured areas in the Mount Haggin area, this information
should have been brought forward during the RI/FS. EPA believes that we have accurately
identified the areas of concern for remedial action.
"Also, the State, through its assessment found much of the upland areas was forested in the past.
Approximately 70% of both the Smelter Hill and Mount Haggin areas were forested... therefore,
the State's Restoration Plan call for extensive tree planting in these areas, whereas the Proposed
Plan does not."
Response: EPA does not have authority to require restoration of injured resources to baseline
conditions. EPA believes that the reclamation plan outlined in the Decision Summary provides
for reduction of risk by revegetation. EPA acknowledges that in some areas of the site, steep
slopes prohibit active tilling of areas and planting of trees and shrubs may be an appropriate
remedy. However, planting of trees to attain a restoration goal of 70% tree coverage is an issue
the State will have to negotiate with the PRP in settlement of restoration claims.
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3. Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, from Matt Marsh, MDEQ, Re: Anaconda Regional
Water, Waste & Soils OU - Proposed Plan and Draft Feasibility Study, January 30, 1998.
"DEQ generally supports and concurs -with the remedies selected for these areas with those
exceptions listed below..."
1. High Arsenic Soils, Sparsely Vegetated Soils, Opportunity Ponds, Anaconda Ponds,
Smelter Hill Disturbed Areas and other Waste Areas
" DEQ disagrees with the determination that Reclamation Levels I and II should be the selected
remedy in all cases...a preference should be stated in the ROD for soil cover... there are
numerous borrow sources within zero to 10 miles of several of the sites requiring remediation...if
reasonable quality is available within a cost effective distance...the soil cover alternative would
then become the selected remedial action rather than reclamation levels I and H (ARTS)."
Response: Based on the comments received by DEQ, EPA and ARCO agreed under an
Administrative Order on Consent amendment to conduct a more detailed review of available
quantities and quality of borrow material nearer to the site than the original estimated 50 mile
round trip haul distance. Preliminary results indicate that material is available near site and EPA
adjusted cost factors for cover soil haul distance from 4 to 2 miles round trip (see Appendix E,
Decision Summary). The final remedy allows for either cover soil, in situ reclamation (ARTS),
or a combination of both to meet the design criteria of 18 inches growth media at these locations.
2. Cell A of the Opportunity Ponds
"DEQ support ADLC 's comment about changing their selection of a waste disposal site from
Cell A to the B2 Cell of Opportunity Ponds... the ROD should include requirements that the waste
disposal site comply with solid waste laws, similar to other waste disposal sites throughout the
State, and that the ROD also include a revegetated soil cover or similar appropriate remediation
for the finished portions of this disposal site."
Response: EPA notes that this request has been made by ADLC. Final location of a county mine
waste repository will have to be decided by the land owner (ARCO) and the County and could
potentially be located anywhere within the Opportunity Ponds system. EPA has changed the
final remedy to reflect that where-ever the waste disposal site is located, it must comply with
appropriate solid waste laws (including a closure plan) and that both Cell A and Cell B2 will
include a revegetated closure plan for remaining areas not designated the active repository.
3. Main Slag Pile
"The selected alternative... is "No Further Action"... it should be noted that the slag pile will be a
contaminant source area until such time that the pile is consumed...slag will continue to be
transported from the pile by wind...clean cover soil caps adjacent to the slag stockpile which
could be recontaminated with metals and arsenic contained in the slag... A temporary cover
would be more protective of the adjacent land uses by preventing wind-borne transport of slag.
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Covering the slag with either a temporary or permanent cover would also be more protective of
human and ecological health..."
Response: EPA has attempted to accommodate community and PRP interests in maintaining use
of the slag as a marketable product while protecting human health and the environment through
the duration of use. The ROD calls for guaranteed long-term contracts allowing commercial use
of the material as a base resource, and until these contracts are in place, EPA cannot predict the
life of the operation of slag mining. This time line will have to be assessed during the site
management planning phases and areas slated for cover or in situ reclamation near the slag will
have to assess the potential recontamination problem. The ROD also calls for operation of the
mining facility on the slag so that it is in compliance with other applicable regulations.
Minimization of blowing slag will be a key requirement. The ROD requirements provide the
best balance of objectives and allow continued use of the slag as a product.
4. South Lime Ditch and Triangle Waste
"DEQ disagrees with the preferred remedy (Land Reclamation I and II or ARTS) for these
areas...an adequate soil cover should be the remedy in certain of these cases..."
Response: The final remedy in the ROD allows a choice of soil cover, in situ reclamation or a
combination.
5. Warm Springs Creek, Willow Creek, and Blue Lagoon
"Removal of tailings and waste material within or adjacent to an active stream channel is the
best alternative..."
Response: The ROD allows for selective removal and stream stabilization in active channels.
The remedy for Willow Creek and Blue Lagoon will be partial removal.
6. Yellow Ditch
"DEQ concurs with the soil cover alternative."
Response: Comment noted.
7. East Anaconda Yards
"The proposed plan incorrectly listed 8 inches of cover soil rather than 18 inches... (need)
monitoring data to determine if 18 inches of cover soil is sufficient to intercept all of the
precipitation and water movement at this site... 18 inches of cover soil may be insufficient to
maintain the vegetative cap..."
Response: Reclamation in the East Anaconda Yards has primarily occurred under the Flue Dust
and Old Works/East Anaconda Development Area RODs. Soil cover ranging from 12-18
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inches has been placed across the site. The final remedy calls for 18 inches of soil cover across
the yards. Ground water monitoring will be conducted during O&M to determine whether there
are increasing concentrations of arsenic and to monitor for plume migration. The vegetative cap
will be assessed using final performance criteria to be developed in remedial design.
8. Ground Water
"...DEQ believes only those areas which meet the requirements of a technical impracticability
•waiver can avoid remediation of ground water... EPA should prevent farther migration of the
plume(s), prevent exposure to the contaminated ground water, and evaluate further risk
reduction... DEQ agrees future additional evaluations of ground -water will be critical. DEQ also
believes a more proactive approach to ground water cleanup should be taken..."
Response: EPA has incorporated these general objectives into the final remedy and
acknowledges the importance of ground water as a state and local community resource. The
long-term ground water monitoring plan, O&M, source controls (land reclamation), and
contingencies for proactive remediation are all important aspects of the final remedy.
9. Surface Water
"DEQ believes remediating a majority of the ARWW&Ssite should help reduce the impacts to
surface water. DEQ agrees future additional evaluations of surface water will be critical. DEQ
also believes a more proactive approach to surface water cleanup should be taken as explained
in the comments above. (Ground water comments.) "
Response: Comments noted.
10. Storm Water Control
"...there is an inherent conflict between the construction of sediment detention basins and the
requirements of clean up efforts to further minimize contamination and degradation of ground
water if ground water cannot be restored. Since significant infiltration of storm water to ground
water typically occurs from sediment detention basins and transport ditches, speciality
evaporative lined detention basins and possibly ditches may be required to control storm water
infiltration to ground water."
Response: EPA notes these comments and believes they will be addressed in the remedial design
phase of the project.
11. Opportunity Ponds, Anaconda Ponds
"DEQ believes other methods in addition to those mentioned need to be evaluated for these sites:
soil cover..., combination soil cover/reclamation, wetland establishment, and any new or
development technologies."
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Response: All these proposals have been incorporated into the final remedy.
12. Stucky Ridge Pilot Project
'DEQ agrees that the development of a system such as the LRES would be a very valuable tool
for use in delineating areas in need of remediation..."
Response: The LRES system was Further developed and expanded in 1998 and has been
incorporated into the final remedy (see Appendix C).
13. Reuse
"...In the future, it is relevant to postulate that the tailings may also have some economic value
for reuse. The ROD should leave the door open to this possibility. Since any reuse would in all
likelihood result in the further detoxification of tailings materials, it is an appropriate
consideration, both economically and environmentally."
Response: EPA believes that if site conditions change to accommodate reuse of tailings material,
the remedy can be changed to continue to be protective of human health and the environment.
14. Reclamation
"DEQ objects to EPA's use of the word "reclamation" to describe this proposed remedy...should
this remedy truly be a reclamation remedy, consistent with the reclamation laws of Montana, a
much more complex and extensive and costly remedy would be required. "
Response: EPA uses the word "reclamation" in a broader meaning than is implied by the State in
these comments. In the literature, "reclamation" is applied to the remediation of drastically
disturbed lands. Land managers have employed a continuum of light- to heavy-handed
techniques to address these types of lands. EPA has chosen a remedy which meets the primary
objectives of CERCLA, protection of human health and the environment, and requires
reclamation of lands that were disturbed by smelting and mine waste disposal activities.
IS. EPA's titled "Partial Reclamation " alternative
"DEQ agrees that the partial reclamation remedies fail to meet the NCP criteria."
Response: Comment noted.
16. Storm Water
"DEQ objects to storm water requirements being met only at construction completion. DEQ
believes that these requirements can and should be met during the remedial action rather than at
construction completion. In addition, construction completion is not defined in the proposed
plan and could be many years into the future. DEQ also objects to the time limitation for the
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storm water monitoring program. Monitoring must be ongoing through out construction and
continue a minimum of three years to determine compliance -with state water quality
standards..."
Response: EPA did not mean that storm water requirements would not be met until construction
completion of the entire site. EPA envisions that there will be many phases of remedial design
and project specific construction completions. When individuals areas are complete, storm water
issues will have been addressed (either through BMPs, engineering controls, or a combination of
both) and monitoring will begin for attainment of ARARs. Storm water controls to address
construction specific problems will be implemented during construction activities.
17. Conclusion
"... challenges lie ahead in defining what quality of reclamation will be performed and how the
success of these efforts will be evaluated...flexibility in implementing the remedy is essential, but
it is also necessary not to be so flexible that ARCO takes the lead on defining the character of the
remedy to suit financial constraint rather than environmental quality..."
Response: EPA agrees that implementation of these remedy will need to balance flexibility to
address area specific needs against criteria to maintain the protectiveness of the remedy.
Remedial design/remedial work plan negotiations will be important in outlining this balance.
4. Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, from Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, Re: Anaconda Regional
Water Waste and Soils Operable Unit - Proposed Plan & draft Feasibility Study, January
30, 1998.
/. Ground Water Restoration and Waste Management Areas
"...it appears from the proposed plan's definition of Waste Management Areas that EPA may
determine that State ground water standards do not apply beneath an area designated by EPA as
a Waste Management Area. DEQ objects to this dismissal of State applicable ground water
standards as an unreasonable and an impermissible interpretation of the NCP andCERCLA...."
DEQ provides a lengthy discussion in support of this argument.
Response: EPA disagrees. EPA's definition of WMAs is well supported in the NCP and the
preamble to the NCP. The NCP provides that EPA may eliminate remedial alternatives, during
the "screening step," before each alternative is studied in detail.' However, a remedial alternative
may not be "screened out" unless it is either: 1) not effective; 2) not implementable; or, 3) too
costly.2 These criteria ensure that a remedial alternative will not be screened out without first
i
40C.F.R. §300.430(e)(l).
2 "Alternatives providing significantly less effectiveness [or] that are technically or administratively
infeasible ... may be eliminated from further consideration.... Costs that are grossly excessive compared to the
overall effectiveness of alternatives may be considered as one of several factors used to eliminate alternatives." 55
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being seriously considered and evaluated. Only after an alternative is deemed impractical, based
on one of the three criteria listed, will it be discarded.
In the case of the ARWW&S, EPA screened out waste removal and ground water restoration
alternatives based on inordinate cost of removal. Waste removal was eliminated as an
alternative. Ground water ARARs cannot be met because it is impracticable to restore ground
water beneath wastes-left-in-place. Here, if waste removal is eliminated as an alternative, it is
unlikely that ground water ARARs will be met, because waste removal is one of the few methods
available for reclaiming ground water.
Essentially, the decision to screen out removal in this case is also a decision to create a "waste
management area." A "waste management area" is simply an area where wastes will remain in
place, instead of being removed.3 It is well supported in the NCP that compliance with ground
water ARARs is measured at the edge of a waste management area, not directly underneath it.
The NCP acknowledges, first, that when EPA recognizes an ARAR, EPA must also decide
where and how that ARAR is to be implemented, or, its POC.4 Second, the NCP recognizes that,
for waste management areas, the appropriate POC is at the edge of the area. The NCP states,
"[Tjhere are general policies for establishing points of compliance. For ground water,
remediation levels should generally be attained throughout the contaminated plume, or at
and beyond the edge of the waste management area, when the waste is left in place... ."$
Because ground water ARARs will not be met inside the waste management area, the decision to
screen out removal and to create a waste management area has the same practical effect as a
technical impracticability waiver. Under either approach, the end result is that ground water
ARARs will not be met. The primary difference between screening and issuing a waiver is a
matter of timing. Screening takes place early in the RI/FS process whereas technical infeasibility
waivers come into effect at a later stage, after removal has been studied as an alternative.
C.F.R. § 300.430(e)(7XIMiii).
3 The term "waste management area" is mentioned several times in the preamble to the NCP, see 55 FR at
8713 and 8753. Although not defined in the NCP, it seems clear that the term is borrowed from the RCRA concept
referred to as the "waste management unit" or "land disposal unit." See the discussion at 55 FR 8758-60. CERCLA
AOC's, or, "areas of contamination", are defined as areas of "continuous contamination of varying amounts and
types at NPL sites. These are considered to be the CERCLA counterparts of RCRA "land based units" or "landfills."
See 55 FR at 8760. Thus, it seems safe to say that a "waste management area" is an area of continuous
contamination which will be left in place.
4 See 40 C.F.R. § 300.430(0(5)(iii), stating:
"The ROD shall... [indicate, as appropriate, the remediation goals ... that the remedy is
expected to achieve. Performance shall be measured at appropriate locations in the ground water.
55 FR at 9713.
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Aside from this difference in timing, the screening process is substantially similar to the ARAR
waiver provisions of CERCLA and the NCP, because the two types of decisions employ
essentially the same criteria. ARARs may be waived where it would be "technically
impracticable from an engineering perspective" to meet them.6 ARARs may also be waived if
the engineering needed to comply with an ARAR is inordinately costly.7 Similarly, a remedial
alternative may be screened out for technical impracticability or grossly excessive cost.8
Because the screening analysis is virtually the same as the process for waiving ARAR
requirements, screening should not be interpreted as a less rigorous or less responsible approach.
On the contrary, the early screening of non-viable options is sensible and consistent with the
emphasis in the NCP on making the superfund process more efficient.9 Where it is clear early in
the RI/FS process that a remedial alternative does not meet one of the three criteria, it would
waste energy and resources to wait and do a technical infeasibility waiver at the tail-end of the
process. By screening out removal early on, EPA avoids carrying through the RI/FS process,
which is costly and time consuming, regarding a remedial alternative that is not technically or
economically feasible.
2. Feasibility Study Potential ARARs
"...further refining is necessary between the agencies prior to finalization of the feasibility study
ARARs and the ROD ARARs...."
Response: EPA responded to MDEQ's request for further refinement of the ARARs as presented
in Appendix A, Decision Summary.
5. Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, from Fred Staedler, Anaconda Unit Manager, DNRC, Re:
Input on the Proposed Cleanup at the Anaconda Superfund Site, January 30, 1998
"...The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) manages the
following school trust lands... Old Works/Stucky Ridge Subarea - 480 acres Nl/2, N1/2S1/2
Section 36 T5NR11W; North Opportunity Subarea - 320 acres W 1/2 Section 16 T5N R10W;
South Opportunity Subarea - 640 acres Section 36 T4N R11W... The Stucky Ridge tract has
potential for single family residential dwellings, condominiums and other commercial uses. In
order to develop this tract, it will require soils which are cleaned up to residential standards and
a supply of drinking water...Our tract in the North Opportunity Subarea was productive dry land
pasture... The soils on this tract appear to have been heavily impacted by heavy metal
6 See CERCLA § 121(d)(4XC), 42 U.S.C. § 9621(d)(4)(C) and 40 C.F.R. 300.430(f)(l)(ii)(C)(3).
7 See 55 FR at 8748.
8 See 40 C.F.R. 300.430(e)(7)(ii) and (iii).
9 "EPA agrees ... that focusing the development of alternatives only on those that show promise in
achieving the goals of the Superfund program is a significant means by which the program can streamline the
process and achieve a more rapid cleanup." 55 FR at 8714.
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contamination. At a minimum this land needs to be returned to a condition which supports a
healthy native grass community. ..lam concerned that the proposed method of handling the site
specific cleanup would place substantial financial burden on the State, its lessees, licensees and
contractors. This additional cost would result in reduced revenue to the Trust..."
Response: In the LRES process, cleanup action levels for a specific area (e.g., residential or open
space/recreational) will be based on land use. For the State Trust lands on Stucky Ridge, if
residential and commercial uses are determined to be the appropriate land use, the remedial
design will call for attainment of those action levels. EPA did not identify State Trust lands in
the North Opportunity Subarea within our "areas of concern". If the State has additional
information on the effects of metals in soils affecting vegetation, these properties can be assessed
during the remedial design phase of the project. Land use will be a critical determining factor in
choosing the initial clean up action levels and degree of land reclamation. EPA is committed to
working with all land owners on the site, including the State of Montana, in assessing the
reclamation needs of each individual piece of property.
6. Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, from Robert Stewart, Regional Environmental Officer,
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Re: Comments on the Anaconda
Regional Water, Waste & Soils OU Proposed Plan, January 29, 1998
/. The ROD should specify a Cabbage Gulch and Yellow Ditch water quality monitoring
program be developed and implemented to determine whether source control and removal have
achieved attainment of ambient water quality criteria. The ROD should also specify the time
lapse after completion of the removal action when those criteria will be met, and if not, what
actions will be implemented to achieve compliance.
Response: The final remedy in this ROD describes a requirement for a water quality monitoring
program to assess attainment of the water quality standards. A schedule for meeting water
quality criteria will be included as part of the remedial design process which will detail the
frequency of monitoring and determination of attainment of the water quality standards.
2. The ROD should address the environmental protectiveness of the revised human health
arsenic action level for soil and waste sources and the 1,000 ppm cleanup action level proposed
for remaining lands used for waste management, agricultural/grazing and recreational/open
space land uses.
Response: The 315 ppm arsenic phytotoxic value was used solely as a screening tool to help
determine where elevated levels of arsenic may be posing a risk to vegetation. Where the site
investigations have determined the probability of arsenic soil concentrations >1000 ppm, there is
a continuum of vegetation diversity and abundance. The selected remedy in this ROD calls for
reducing total surficial arsenic concentrations to below 1,000 ppm for protection of human
health. The EPA believes that soil cover or deep tillage will bring the total concentrations
significantly below 1,000 ppm and reduce the phytotoxicity of the soils. Appropriate
amendments, seed mixture (possibly more metals and arsenic tolerant species), and plowing
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depth (for better dilution) will be tailored to the site specific conditions, significantly reducing
risk to the environment.
3. The ROD (and/or attached scope of work) should specify that final reclamation include
vegetation with primarily native species and that noxious weeds will be controlled.
Response: As noted above, EPA believes that through either soil cover or deep tillage plus
amendments, total arsenic concentrations should be significantly below 1,000 ppm arsenic. EPA
and their contractors have experience in using native, metals and arsenic tolerant plant species
that are considered early successional plant species on these drastically disturbed lands. The State
of Montana mine reclamation ARARs listed in Appendix A and the LRES reclamation decision
process both require use of native and adapted plant species . Noxious weeds will also be
controlled. Specific plant performance criteria will be developed as part of the remedial design
package and these performance criteria will take into consideration site specific needs.
4. A copy of any detailed analysis of impacts to wetlands and associated Mitigation Plans
should be provided to the Fish and Wildlife Service for review prior to implementation.
Response: EPA outlined use of the wetlands evaluation and mitigation planning process in the
ROD. Wetlands ARARs, and the associated consultation role of the Fish and Wildlife Service,
are included in the ARARs section of the ROD. Specific details of coordination will be outlined
in any consent decree negotiations.
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4.0 RESPONSES TO ARCO'S COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED PLAN
4.1 INTRODUCTION
ARCO's comments on the ARWW&S OU Proposed Plan were submitted to EPA on January 30,
1998. Accompanying the cover letter was a two-part presentation: Part I - Conceptual Remedial
Design Work Plan; and Part II - ARCO's Legal and Technical Comments on EPA's Proposed
Plan for the Anaconda Regional Water, Waste & Soils Operable Unit, Anaconda Smelter NPL
Site. The legal and technical comments were supported with twelve separate attachments which
expanded on ARCO's conceptual remedial design work plan and their legal and technical
arguments to support their premise that, "...the Preferred Alternative in the Proposed Plan is not
authorized under CERCLA, exceeds EPA's authority and is inconsistent with the NCP."
EPA has chosen to structure the agency's response to all ARCO comments in the same order as
presented. The following are specific responses to the issues raised in Parts I and II of the cover
letter: Attachment A - Reclamation Plan; Attachments G/H - Menzie-Cura and ENSR comments
on the BERA; Attachment I - Dirt Bike Rider and Trespass Scenario; Attachment J -
Supplemental FS Comments; and Attachment L - ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments.
EPA believes that the remaining attachments specifically address remedial design issues. EPA
will submit a Remedial Design/Remedial Action Scope of Work which will incorporate concepts
as presented by ARCO in the comments on the Proposed Plan. Attachments which are not
responded to in detail include: Attachment B - Re vegetation Success Criteria; Attachment C -
Storm Water Management Plan; Attachment D - Institutional Controls Management Work Plan;
Attachment E - Performance Standards; Attachment F - Site Management Plan; Attachment K -
Conceptual O&M Plan.
The following are responses to ARCO's comments on EPA's Proposed Plan for the ARWW&S
Operable Unit, January 30, 1998.
4.2 PART I. CONCEPTUAL REMEDIATION DESIGN WORK PLAN
4.2.1 GENERAL RESPONSES
Since the development of the Stucky Ridge Pilot Project, EPA and the State have worked with
ARCO to refine the Land Reclamation Evaluation System (LRES) and apply it throughout the
ARWW&S operable unit. Many of the ideas and concerns expressed by ARCO in their
Conceptual Remedial Design Work Plan were incorporated into the LRES and used during the
1998 field work. The following sequence of events demonstrates EPA's willingness to
incorporate ARCO's reclamation ideas, where they are anticipated to meet EPA's remedial goals,
into reclamation planning.
February and March 1998 - EPA and the State reviewed the remedial actions presented by
ARCO and developed a list of conditions at the site (e.g., steep slopes, low soil pH, etc.) that will
require specific reclamation approaches. Based upon these conditions, EPA developed a list of
applicable reclamation technologies, and then combined these into 11 reclamation alternatives.
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During this process, EPA incorporated ARCO's SAM (surface broadcast seeding plus
amendments) and PTSG (plant, tree, shrub, and grass) alternatives and many of ARCO's
reclamation ideas into the set of reclamation alternatives.
March through June 1998 - EPA and the State developed and validated (in the field) the
numeric portion of LRES and made the LRES Work Plan available for ARCO review.
July 1998 - EPA and the State met with ARCO and their subcontractors to address their
comments and concerns. EPA and the State revised the numeric portion of the LRES based upon
ARCO's comments and conducted additional validation.
July - September 1998 - Representatives of EPA and the State worked with ARCO and their
subcontract personnel in the field refining and applying the LRES to specific areas throughout
the operable unit.
EPA and the State anticipate continuing to work interactively with ARCO during the synthesis of
the LRES data into the ARWW&S Conceptual Reclamation Design Report, which is scheduled
for completion by December 1998.
4.2.2 SPECIFIC RESPONSES
Reclamation Work Plan
Responses to comments from Page 5.
ARCO's spacial delineation of land units and the selection of reclamation technologies for those
units was accomplished using aerial photographs and without detailed knowledge of the physical
and chemical site conditions. This resulted in a very optimistic estimation of the acres to which
reclamation is needed and the level (intensity) of reclamation required. ARCO's reclamation
plan was prepared with some first-hand knowledge of site conditions, but without the level of
knowledge required to make design-level decisions. ARCO is now discussing with the agencies
development of a Conceptual Remedial Design using the LRES, as discussed above.
The following table provides EPA comments on the reclamation treatments suggested by ARCO.
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ARCO Reclamation Treatments and EPA Comments
Treatment Components EPA Comment
No Further Action Treatments
WV
A
RA
OT
Well Vegetated lands
have a minimum of
25% live plant cover.
Agricultural lands will
not be treated.
Existing or planned
Remediation Areas.
Other features or
structures not requiring
remediation.
ARCO's designation of areas that have >25% live plant cover estimate is
very optimistic since these areas were delineated from aerial photographs
and the recollection of personnel; and must therefore be field truthed.
ARCO designated a high percentage of land in certain Areas of Concern,
such as the Barren/Sparsely Vegetated areas as being well vegetated
(WV). The use of a "25%" criteria does not address vegetation quality.
EPA's field reconnaissance trips in 1995, 1996, and 1997 indicate that
many of these areas are dominated by noxious weeds. The WV
designation also includes areas that ARCO believes are "recovering" fast
enough to preclude active reclamation. Based upon EPA's field work, the
number of acres where range condition is improving (at a substantial rate)
is much less than ARCO's optimistic estimation. Even in areas exhibiting
improved vegetation cover, some intervention, such as weed spraying or
interseeding, will be required to meet remedial goals in a reasonable
amount of time. ARCO has also neglected monitoring of these lands,
which is required. EPA also disputes the use of a 25% live plant cover
criteria. These criteria have yet to be developed but will depend upon the
composition of the plant community capable of developing on a site and
the measurement technique used.
Some of these areas may require treatment.
Areas "planned" for reclamation are not precluded from EPA's remedial
action, and all reclaimed areas will be monitored and repaired or
reclaimed as necessary.
These must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Cover-soiling and Capping Treatments
CAP
CAP/
SEED
6" veneer cap of
coversoil, lime rock,
industrial, and/or slag.
Smelter Hill caps.
ARCO's treatment would be for the tailings ponds. Six inches of
coversoil is too thin to meet the remedial action objectives/goals and slag
would be inappropriate because of potential for fugitive dust.
Soil cover would be used in the Smelter Hill area and would be similar to
the caps already in place.
Ecosystem Enhancement and Land Reclamation Treatments
PTSG
ACT
Plant trees, shrubs,
and/or grass plugs into
sparse vegetation
where access is too
difficult or terrain too
steep for equipment.
Using standard farming
equipment to till to 6-
8".
This approach to vegetation enhancement has merit; however, ARCO's
assessment of where the use of equipment would not be possible is very
conservative. Many areas designated by ARCO for PTSG have slopes
that are shallow enough (i.e., slopes between 3.5 and 2: 1) to till.
ARCO's assessment of where this treatment could be applied is very
optimistic. For example, ARCO designated this treatment for large tracts
of land in the eastern portion of Stucky Ridge. Based on data colleted by
EPA during the 1997 field reconnaissance trips, metal and pH levels
below 8" present risks to vegetation, which would make shallow plowing
an ineffective treatment.
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ARCO Reclamation Treatments and EPA Comments
Treatment
Components
EPA Comment
SAM
Surface broadcasting of
seed and fertilizer, or
fertilizer alone.
Herbicide applications
where necessary and
surface scarification.
This is a minimal-type treatment that will have utility. Again, however,
ARCO has overstated the acreage to which this treatment can be applied.
A thorough testing of this treatment is warranted in several areas having a
range of surface metal and pH levels.
DT
Deep tilling to
incorporate
amendments to 18".
Similar to EPA Level II; appropriate for many areas.
A-SM
ARTS technology
applied to the Smelter
Hill area.
This is applicable to Smelter Hill; however, ARCO's reclamation plan
does not include the use of ARTS technology for the Anaconda or
Opportunity Tailings Ponds.
OPP
Opportunity Tailings
Pond mosaic.
Combinations of reclamation treatments will likely occur for the very
large tailings ponds due to economic considerations. However, not all the
treatments mentioned by ARCO will be appropriate (see above and
responses to Attachment A).
ARCO plans on performing treatability tests to determine the efficacy of SAM, AGT, ARTS, and
DT treatments. EPA will provide a detailed review of the sampling and analysis plans for these
projects. The agencies will also participate actively in selecting the treatability test sites and in
soil sampling.
Opportunity and Anaconda Tailings Pond Reclamation (beginning on page 7)
ARCO's Cap Reclamation (page 7)
Six inches of pit-run overlain by 6 inches of finer material will not meet the remedial action
objectives/goals and is therefore an unacceptable remedial action. This treatment would not
reduce the amount of water percolating to the ground water and may increase the amount of
noxious weed cover on the ponds, which would necessitate additional maintenance.
Wetland Development (page 7)
Wetland development may be an acceptable outcome of remedial actions at the ARWW&S OU.
It must be bourne in mind, however, that the creation of wetlands involves a high level of
engineering design and sophisticated construction. The operational definition of jurisdictional
wetlands in the Clark Fork Basin by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers excludes open water
areas deeper than 6.6 feet. This requirement may effectively limit the amount of borrow material
removed if ARCO intended to create a jurisdictional wetland. A cost/benefit analysis should be
performed to determine if creating wetlands will be desirable in relation to the amount of borrow
material that would be obtained from the excavated area. Additionally, plant communities in
areas where wetlands could be created (i.e., where ground water is near the soil surface) may
possess certain attributes, such as high species diversity and cover, that the agencies may not
want destroyed just to remove a relatively small amount of borrow material. The EPA requires
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that these and other issues surrounding borrow source areas and wetlands creation/enhancement
be addressed during the remedial action phase of this project.
Page 7, Third Bullet
Creating unlined wetlands in the D cell for storm water control may be appropriate. The Dl cell
has been historically used as a water clarification cell before discharging to the Warm Springs
Ponds. However, EPA would require testing of the water to see if it is contaminated and whether
it poses a risk to wildlife, and whether the impoundment of water in this area would increase the
quantity of contaminated water percolating through tailings material and reaching ground water.
These effects may be counter to EPA's remedial action objectives/goals for the tailings ponds.
Page 7, Fourth Bullet
Slag would be an inappropriate cover by itself since this material is also susceptible to being
entrained by wind. Any material used to cover the tailings ponds that has fine particles will
provide rooting media for invading plant species. The initial colonizing species will be noxious
weeds which will require constant, active control. Therefore, the physical attributes of the
borrow material used for capping should be carefully examined to help limit weed infestations.
Page 7, Demonstration Plots
Any experimentation with remedial techniques for the tailings ponds is welcomed, but will
require the full scrutiny and participation of the agencies. The EPA may require ARCO to
initiate reclamation of the Anaconda and Opportunity Tailings Ponds immediately following the
ROD using known reclamation techniques (i.e., ARTS), which would be prior to having the
results of the new experiments suggested by ARCO. If new reclamation techniques are
discovered during these experiments, they can be incorporated into the on-going reclamation of
the tailings ponds.
Page 9, First Paragraph
ARCO states that approximately 5,350 acres are adequately vegetated based on the 25% live
plant cover criteria and that this is "considered adequate to meet the remedial action goals of
minimizing wind and water erosion". First, a large portion of the area designated by ARCO as
well vegetated actually has a significant component of noxious weeds. These areas are,
therefore, good candidates for vegetation enhancement techniques such a herbicide application
and broadcast seeding, as the remedial alternative. Field verification will be required of site-
specific vegetation conditions that would allow the selection of the No Further Action
alternative. Second, the use of a 25% live vegetation criteria for all range sites at the ARWW&S
OU is erroneous simply because many environmental conditions affect a site's erosivity and
ability to support vegetation. EPA's land reclamation evaluation system (LRES) provides a
logical methodology to quantify an area's erosion potential and quality of vegetation, and to
decide whether active remedial action is necessary. Once this is determined for a particular area
(i.e., a Remedial Unit), an evaluation of the appropriate data types (from existing or newly
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collected data) will allow the decision makers to decide which remedial alternative best meets the
remedial action objectives/goals. This LRES decision tool will be used by EPA at the
ARWW&S OU during remedial action design.
Page 9, First Paragraph
EPA agrees that plant community condition is improving in some areas of the ARWW&S OU;
however, ARCO's use of the term "natural recovery" implies that these communities are
progressing toward pre-smelting conditions. This assumption is erroneous; no evidence has been
presented demonstrating that environmentally sensitive, pre-smelting plant species are invading
the site. Some areas may be experiencing an influx of hardy, metal-tolerant species such as
redtop and Great Basin wildrye, species which may help stabilize areas against erosion.
Furthermore, use of 1988 and 1997 aerial photographs to indicate that some areas are
"recovering" is also erroneous because 1988 and 1997 were, respectively, very dry and wet years.
Due to differing soil moisture regimes during these two growing seasons it is likely that plant
canopy coverage was significantly less in 1988 than in 1997.
Using the LRES decision tool in the field during remedial design, EPA may require only
monitoring of some of these "recovering" areas because vegetation and erosional parameters are
being met or are likely to be met within a short time frame. Conversely, EPA may require the
use of vegetation enhancement techniques, such as herbicide application, interseeding, or
planting trees, shrubs, and/or grass plugs, where vegetation invasion will not likely meet the
remedial action objectives/goals in a reasonable time frame.
Page 9, Second Paragraph
EPA disagrees that the remedial action objectives/goals would be met for all areas of the
ARWW&S OU by applying ARCO's treatments. In general, ARCO's proposed land
reclamation treatments are less intense than what is required to meet the remedial action goals.
EPA agrees that the revegetation success criteria must be geared to site-specific micro-climatic
conditions (see EPA response to Attachment B - Revegetation Success Criteria), and plans to
develop a comprehensive set of criteria during remedial design.
Storm Water Control and Surface Water Plan
Page 10, Third Paragraph
EPA requires removal of the Toe Waste and their consolidation into the Opportunity Tailings
Ponds because the location of these materials is outside this waste management area (WMA) and
therefore represent a release of contaminants.
Page 10, Fourth Paragraph
ARCO suggests using constructed wetlands as a "hydrologic boundary to reduce the potential
flow of impacted ground water from beneath the ponds to downgradient areas". This implies that
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these constructed wetlands would be used as mixing zones to dilute contaminated water. EPA
may reject use of jurisdictional wetlands, as defined by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to purposely dilute contaminated water. Depending on the
quantity of waters being mixed, water quality in these wetlands may not meet water quality
criteria or wildlife drinking water standards. The EPA requires an evaluation of the resulting
water quality expected in these areas.
Ground Water Management Plan
Page 11
Comments acknowledged.
Main Granulated Slag
Page 11, Last Paragraph
The selected remedy for the Main Granulated Slag pile is No Further Action, provided that it is
used as a resource. If the mining of this material is abandoned, other alternatives for this waste
will be evaluated by EPA.
Institutional Controls Work Plan
Page 12, Second Paragraph
ARCO indicates that they intend to have several entities manage the ICs for their property in
perpetuity. The ROD allows for appropriate private and governmental ICs (including the county
and state controls) to become part of an approved package of ICs.
Operations and Maintenance Plan
The O&M Plan presented in FS Deliverable No. 5 (FSD 5) was not intended solely for the
purpose of estimating O&M costs. Rather, the FSD 5 O&M Plan provides a detailed plan for
implementing O&M at the ARWW&S OU. For example, the FSD 5 O&M Plan provides a list
of ground water wells and a schedule for their sampling. For the monitoring and maintenance of
revegetated areas, the FSD 5 O&M Plan provides a schedule for the type and frequency of data
to collect. On the other hand, ARCO's three page conceptual O&M plan (Attachment K)
provides little information for developing a useful O&M plan. EPA intends to prepare a revised
version of the FSD 5 O&M Plan for the ARWW&S OU during the remedial design phase.
Vegetation and Engineered Cover
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Page 13, First Paragraph
Comments acknowledged. Also, vegetation performance criteria will be developed by EPA
during the remedial design phase and will be based upon the work of reclamation scientists at
Montana State University and in consideration of criteria used for other reclaimed sites in the
Clark Fork River Basin (e.g., Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit).
Ground Water Monitoring
Based upon additional discussions between ARCO, the State, and Anaconda-Deer Lodge county,
EPA will prepare and implement a revised version of the FSD 5 O&M Plan, which will include
the identification of the ground water monitoring network.
Surface Water and Sediment Monitoring
Any media that transports contaminants is of concern to EPA, especially sediments that could
move contaminants to a perennial stream. EPA agrees that the frequency of surface water
monitoring should be adjusted based upon the on-going results. The surface water monitoring
frequency will be established in the O&M Plan, which will be developed during remedial design.
Monitoring and Maintenance Drainage Ditches and Storm water Control Structures
Comment acknowledged.
Performance Standards
Surface water runoff performance standards will be established in the Remedial Design/Remedial
Action Work Plan based upon EPA's determination of the pertinent ARARs for this operable
unit.
Site Management Plan
The Site Management Plan for the ARWW&S OU will be developed during the beginning of the
remedial design phase of site work. The plan will be developed jointly by EPA and the State,
and will meet standards set by the agencies.
43 PART II. ARCO LEGAL AND TECHNICAL COMMENTS
4.3.1 SPECIFIC COMMENTS
1. EPA's Proposed Plan relies on a fundamentally flawed and inadequate characterization
of human health and ecological risk.
Response: EPA generally disagrees with ARCO's comment. EPA may take a response action
itself or allow another party by agreement to take response action "(w)henever (A) any hazardous
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substance is released or there is a substantial threat of such a release into the environment, or (B)
there is a release or substantial threat of release into the environment of any pollutant or
contaminant which may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or
welfare...." See CERCLA section 104(a)(l). EPA may order a party to take action whenever
"there is an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare because of an
actual or threatened release of a hazardous substance...." See CERCLA section 106(a).
2. Remediation to address phytotoxicity cannot be justified by EPA's Final Baseline
Ecological Risk Assessment ("BERA ")for the site.
Response: EPA disagrees. EPA stands by the Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment. EPA
responds in detail to ARCO's assertions concerning ecological risk in its Responses to
Attachments G and H to ARCO's letter of January 30,1998 commenting on the proposed plan
fortheARWW&SOU.
3. EPA's analysis of risk to terrestrial and aquatic biota is likewise flawed.
Response: EPA disagrees. See answer to A, above.
4. Remediation of soils at the ARWW&S OU cannot be justified on the basis of risk to
human health.
Response: EPA disagrees. EPA stands by the Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment
("BHHRA"). EPA responds in detail to ARCO's assertions concerning human health risk in its
Responses to Attachment I to ARCO's letter of January 30,1998 and the RODs for OW/EADA
(1994) and Community Soils (1996) and their Responsiveness Summaries.
5. Reclamation of the Anaconda and Opportunity Ponds cannot be justified by human
health or ecological risk
Response: EPA disagrees. EPA believes that remediation of the Anaconda and Opportunity
Ponds is well justified, as explained fully in EPA's Responses to Attachments G, H, and I to
ARCO's letter of January 30, 1998. ARCO implies in this section that EPA may take action only
where there is "substantial danger" to public health from the possible migration of hazardous
substances as provided in the definition of "remedial action" at CERCLA section 101(24). EPA
disagrees. EPA's authority to take or require action to address threats to human health or the
environment is governed under sections 104 and 106 of CERCLA, discussed above, not by the
definition of "remedial action" at section 101(24) of CERCLA. As provided for at section
104(a)(l) of CERCLA, EPA may take "any response measure consistent with the [NCP] which
[EPA] deems necessary to protect the public health or welfare or the environment...."
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6. EPA's Preferred Alternative thus is not authorized by CERCLA and the NCP because it
goes beyond measures required to address human health and ecological risk.
Response: EPA disagrees. As supported in the references mentioned above, the action set forth
in the ROD to address human health and environmental risk at the ARWW&S OU is well
justified.
7. The Proposed Plan relies on faulty analysis of the criteria for remedy selection under
CERCLA and the NCP.
Response: EPA responds to ARCO's letters of March 18,1997 and May 12, 1997 in the
Responses to Attachment L of ARCO's letter of January 30, 1998.
8. In the Proposed Plan, EPA has improperly rejected any reclamation alternatives less
extensive or intensive than EPA's alternative on grounds that they do not meet the
threshold requirements for remedy selection.
Response: EPA has not rejected reclamation alternatives less extensive or intensive as outlined in
the final selected remedy (Section 9) and further explained in Appendix C, Land Reclamation
Evaluation System. EPA has gone to great lengths to continue to refine the appropriate
reclamation alternatives to be applied to a vast and varied topographical area. This effort was
initiated in 1997 with the Stucky Ridge Pilot Project, part of the Feasibility Study Administrative
Record. ARCO provides no mention or acknowledgment of this effort. EPA appropriately reject
the "partial reclamation" scenario assessed in FS Deliverable No. 5 as not being protective of
human health and the environment and not attaining ARARs. The partial reclamation scenario
was included in the detailed analysis of alternatives to assess ARCO's 1996 proposal to EPA
(and reiterated to the National Remedy Review Board) that only the visual corridors along local
highways needed to be revegetated.
9. A refined reclamation approach .. . meets and exceeds the balancing criteria and should
have been selected as the Preferred Alternative.
Response: EPA agrees that a refined reclamation approach should be used in addressing the risks
at the ARWWS OU. That is why EPA conducted the pilot test on Stucky Ridge in 1997 as
reported on page 10 of the Proposed Plan. That pilot test resulted in the Land Reclamation
Evaluation System, which will be applied during the remedial design process to tailor
remediation of the ARWW&S OU acre by acre. EPA therefore has adopted a "refined"
approach. ARCO emphasizes the need to "control costs" in its comments and makes much of the
plan it submitted to the National Remedy Review Board in 1997. However, although ARCO's
"plan" was not expensive, it was not a legitimate remedy as it simply provided for cosmetic work
to address unsightly areas of barren ground and mine waste where they could be seen from
roadways and from the town of Anaconda.
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10. EPA's cost estimates are not accurate.
Response: EPA has always provided the most accurate estimates of costs possible at any point in
time. EPA has provided accurate costs in Appendix E.
11. A POC downgradient of the Anaconda Ponds and the Red Sands mound is not required
to comply with ground water ARARs.
Response: EPA has dealt with this issue in its Responses to Attachment L to ARCO's letter of
January 30, 1998 (response to letter of September 17,1998 concerning ARWWS POC for
ground water ARARs).
12. Consolidation of Toe Wastes is not required for protection of human health and the
environment nor compliance with ARARs.
Response: EPA discusses the ditches that drain the Opportunity Ponds, including the D-2 drain,
in the BERA, specifically as a drinking water source to wildlife. The D-2 Drain, which passes
through the Toe Wastes and empties into the Warm Springs Ponds, exceeds water quality
standards for arsenic. EPA believes that the high arsenic levels in the drain are partially due to
the arsenic levels in the Toe Wastes. Remediation of these wastes would reduce arsenic levels in
the ditch.
13. Numeric effluent limits for monitoring storm water discharges are inappropriate.
Response: EPA addresses this issue in its Responses to Attachment L to ARCO's letter of
January 30, 1998 (response to letter of October 16,1996 concerning storm water discharge
ARARs).
14. EPA's Proposed Plan fails to incorporate National Remedy Review Board
recommendations.
Response: ARCO's assertion that EPA has failed to incorporate the NRRB's findings hi the
Proposed Plan is wrong. As already mentioned, the LRES as described at page 10 of the
Proposed Plan is EPA's response to the NRRB's recommendations to tailor remediation to
ecological endpoints and to focus the intensity of remediation work. ARCO emphasizes the need
to implement a remedy that is "cost effective." EPA agrees that a cost effective remedy is
important. However, cost effectiveness continues to be only one of 9 criteria that EPA is
required by law to consider. See 40 C.F.R. § 400.430(e)(9). Cost effectiveness is not even one
of the 2 threshold criteria, protection of human health and the environment and compliance with
ARARs, that every remedial alternative must meet. See 40 C.F.R. § 400.430(f)(l)(I).
15. In accordance with NRRB's recommendation to "tailor remediation driven by ecological
endpoints to those areas where the results are reasonably expected to be sustained," EPA
must refine acreages to reflect current land use and land ownership which are
inconsistent with those endpoints.
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Response: ARCO accuses EPA of choosing a remedy in the Proposed Plan which is inconsistent
with the land uses at the ARWWS OU. Since most of the land is designated for use as WMAs
and since it is privately owned, argues ARCO, it is improper to require "grasslands or otherwise
to maintain land in a condition optimal for wildlife habitat." See letter of January 30, 1998, at
page 29.
EPA agrees that land use is an important component in determining risk to human health or the
environment and in choosing a remedy to address that risk. However, the mere fact that much of
the land at the ARWW&S OU has been designated for use as WMAs and is privately owned by
ARCO does not mean that there is no risk to human health or the environment there, that no
remedy should be implemented there, or that EPA has no authority to require remedial action
there. See Response to Attachment L to ARCO's letter of January 30, 1998 (response to letter of
May 27, 1997 concerning wildlife habitat as a remedial objective). EPA's BERA and BHHRA
demonstrate that there is both human health and environmental risk at the WMAs in spite of the
fact they are WMAs and are privately owned by ARCO. Remedial action there is therefore
entirely proper.
16. As the NRRB stated, to "take advantage of existing soil or hydrogeologic characteristics
to refine and focus the extent or intensity of remediation -work," requires that EPA (I) rely
on "monitored natural attenuation"for acreages which will recover naturally within a
reasonable amount of time; (ii) relyonfield-truthed "recipes" (or "recipes" proposed for
future pilot testing) for reclamation and vegetation success criteria.
Response: Both of these recommendations by the NRRB were addressed in the Stucky Ridge
Pilot Project and the LRES. The LRES will allow for monitoring of areas deemed to be
improving with the goal toward eventual delisting. Reclamation specialists working in the Clark
Fork Basin have had 10+ years of experience implementing certain levels of land reclamation
and this body of knowledge will be used for development of reclamation and vegetation success
criteria. Other types of land reclamation posed by ARCO and included in this final remedy (e.g.,
modified Seeding and Amendments or SAM) have been approved by EPA for field
demonstration beginning fall 1998. The final remedy calls for an O&M Plan which will
continually incorporate information into future land reclamation decisions.
17. EPA cannot require natural resources restoration at the AR WW&S OU in the guise of
remediation.
Response: EPA has addressed this issue in its Responses to Attachment L to ARCO's letter of
January 30, 1998 (response to letter of March 18,1997 concerning the authority to restore natural
resources).
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18. EPA's initial identification ofARARsfor the ARWW&S OU is flawed and is not
authorized under CERCLA.
Response: EPA disagrees. EPA has provided detailed response to all letters from ARCO raising
issues concerning ARARs. The letters listed by ARCO are all addressed in EPA's Response to
Attachment L to ARCO's letter of January 30,1998.
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Response to ARCO Comments in Attachment A
In Attachment A, ARCO presents a conceptual reclamation plan for the ARWW&S OU.
Included are definitions for each of ARCO's proposed reclamation technologies and maps on
which ARCO has identified where their technologies should be applied. It is very difficult to
provide a definitive statement with respect to the adequacy of ARCO's reclamation plan. The
spatial application of any given remedial technology to a specific ground location is a function of
the physical and chemical conditions of the current condition and the degree to which these
conditions require alteration during reclamation. Furthermore, the remediated condition must be
in alignment with EPA's long term objectives for revegetation success, and not merely an
improvement in the existing condition. Incremental improvement in ecological condition will
occur without remedial intervention; however, EPA's mandate is to apply remedial technologies
of sufficient intensity to reduce risk and improve the ecological condition of the site, thereby
reducing the release of metals and arsenic to the environment, rather than relying on stabilization
of the site through natural successional processes occurring over decades to centuries of time.
While the exact approaches suggested for remediation remain suspect, ARCO is to be credited
with moving ahead in considering how and where remediation is to occur at the site. And even
though ARCO has presented sweeping plans for remediation, the selected ARCO remedial
technologies are generally within the realm of plausible alternatives. Meetings between ARCO
and the Agencies during 1998 have resulted in a refinement of the reclamation technologies that
are applicable to the range of environmental conditions at the site. These ideas will be integrated
with the results of the LRES 1998 field work and presented in the Conceptual Land Reclamation
Plan in December, 1998.
With the disclaimer stated that remedial design can only be performed with data, and the data is
absent at the present time to initiate remedial design, some professional judgement can be
applied to the reclamation intensity postulated by ARCO. Using sites where some specific
investigation has been performed and the reclamation intensity generally known, a rough
validation of ARCO's approach was performed. The result of this validation is that ARCO's
reclamation intensity is toward the low end of the spectrum for what would be reasonably
expected to yield good reclamation success. While ARCO's technology classes may not result in
automatic failure of remediation, they should be considered higher risk. An example would be
the eastern end of Stucky Ridge.
The soils of eastern Stucky Ridge are highly erosive, barren or sparsely vegetated across an area
of approximately 1,000 acres. ARCO has recommended agricultural tillage, presumably with
lime amendments. Based upon Agency field work, low pH conditions persist deeper than the 6-8
inch tillage depth achieved by agricultural tillage. Deep tillage with lime, therefore, is probably
required. Deep tillage would allow for dilution of surface metal and arsenic levels, removal of
active erosion channels and establishment of vegetation cover that would reduce erosion and
likely meet remedial objectives. While agricultural tillage would improve the site condition, it is
likely that the level of improvement would not be of sufficient magnitude to warrant the cost.
The results of deep plowing would be far superior to agricultural tillage at only a slightly higher
cost. In short, many other examples across the site serve to validate the opinion that the
techniques suggested by ARCO are a technology or two less intense than the approach that would
be expected to yield an acceptable result.
Attachment A - Page 1
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In providing a conceptual reclamation plan ARCO has been careful not to suggest any action
outside areas previously defined by EPA. During the course of the 1998 LRES field work EPA
has identified areas that will likely be removed from remedial consideration. Conversely, some
areas need to be added that have not here-to-for been considered for remediation. It must be
bourne in mind that EPA's current remedial boundaries, as presented in the Proposed Plan, are
not rigid; some adjustment will be required during remedial design. Furthermore, EPA's
Proposed Plan should be considered as a preliminary concept that was useful for general
planning.
ARCO's reclamation plan is a good first step toward a conceptual remedial design for the
ARWW&S OU. Much additional soils and vegetation data have been obtained in 1998 and the
discussions between EPA, the State and ARCO have helped solidify the thinking about what
reclamation technologies have efficacy and where additional data need to be collected in order to
complete more detailed designs. Currently, ARCO and the Agencies have fundamental
agreements about reclamation technologies and intensities appropriate for the site.
Attachment A - Page 2
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Response to ARCO Comments in Attachments G and H
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
I. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT EPA DID NOT FOLLOW ITS OWN
GUIDANCE G/H-1
II. RESPONSE TO ARCO'S CRITICISM THAT EPA HAS NOT ESTABLISHED
CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ARSENIC AND
METALS CONTAMINATED SOILS AND STRESSED VEGETATION G/H-4
A. INTRODUCTION G/H-4
B. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT PHYTOTOXICITY EFFECTS
CONCENTRATIONS ARE UNREASONABLY CONSERVATIVE AND
LITERATURE AND SITE-SPECIFIC STUDIES USED TO DERIVE
THEM ARE NOT SCIENTIFICALLY DEFENSIBLE G/H-14
C. FURTHER DESCRIPTION AND CLARIFICATION OF THE CPSA
MODEL G/H-15
D. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM IN THE ABSENCE OF
SIGNIFICANT DOSE-RESPONSE STATISTICAL CORRELATIONS
BETWEEN VEGETATION ENDPOINTS AND SOIL METAL
CONCENTRATIONS G/H-19
E. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT THE AGENCY HAS NOT
ACCOUNTED FOR EFFECTS OF pH ON VEGETATIVE AREAS OF
CONCERN G/H-20
F. SENSITIVE VERSUS TOLERANT PLANT SPECIES TO MINING
IMPACTS G/H-22
G. REBUTTAL OF ARCO'S CLAIM THAT THE FINAL BERA DID
NOT ADDRESS HISTORIC INFLUENCES OF SO2 EMISSION
EFFECTS ON EXISTING VEGETATIVE STRESS G/H-24
HI. RESPONSE TO CRITICISMS OF WILDLIFE RISK ESTIMATES AND RE-
EVALUATION G/H-26
IV. RESPONSE TO ARCO'S REASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC RISKS ON THE
ANACONDA SMELTER SITE G/H-26
V. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT THE FINAL BERA IS SIMPLY A
COLLECTION OF SCREENING LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT PRACTICES. G/H-27
VI. RESTORATION VERSUS REMEDIATION G/H-28
VII. DESCRIPTIONS OF INACCURACIES AND ERRORS IN ENSR' S REVIEW
OF THE BERA G/H-28
G/H-i
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VIII. INSERTION OF LEGAL TERMINOLOGY IN ARCO'S "SCIENTIFIC
REVIEW" OF THE FINAL BERA G/H-30
IX. REBUTTAL OF ARCO'S CLAIM THAT EPA HAS CONTINUED TO IGNORE
CRITICAL COMMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FINAL BERA:
HISTORY OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ARCO AND EPA ON THE
ANACONDA SMELTER G/H-31
X. MATRIX OF RESPONSES TO ARCO'S (MENZIE-CURA'S) SPECIFIC
COMMENTS ON ANACONDA BERA G/H-33
XI. RESPONSES TO ARCO'S ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO VEGETATION
BY MULTIPLE STRESSORS AT THE ANACONDA SMELTER NPL SITE
PREPARED BY MENZIE-CURA & ASSOCIATES, INC., MARCH 3,1997 .. G/H-65
XII. REFERENCES G/H-73
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Kaputska Phytotoxicity Scores Versus Metal Concentration and pH
Figure 2 Bivariate Expression of Kaputska Phytotoxicity Scores with pH and Total Metals
Concentrations
Figure 3 Kaputska et al. (1995) Toxicity Score Line in Reference to Soils Collected in EPA
1995 Survey of Vegetation Areas (VAs)
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I. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT EPA DID NOT FOLLOW ITS OWN
GUIDANCE
Several ARCO comments suggest that the EPA did not follow their own guidance in the
preparation of the risk assessments for the Anaconda Smelter Site. These comments relate to
general, nonspecific comments that EPA did not follow guidance, and specific comments that the
use of phytotoxicity data fails to establish that an actual risk exists, and that the use of screening
level tools to draw final conclusions is not in accordance with guidance. In doing so, the
commenters make selective use of statements within guidance material and use them in generic
conclusive statements. For example, ARCO reviewers suggest that EPA guidance mandates that
in the absence of clear stressor-response relationships, there is no demonstrable ecological risk
by which the agency may take remedial action. Clearly, in its entirety, EPA guidance warrants a
weight-of-evidence approach describing potential uncertainties. EPA Region 8 feels that this has
been done in the risk assessment work completed to date at the Anaconda Site. ARCO reviewers
are apparently unaware of the most recent ecological risk assessment guidance for Superfund
(EPA 1997), since they cite older versions of guidance and guideline documents in their
comments (EPA 1995, 1996). ARCO reviewers should be cognizant of the distinction the
Agency draws between "Guidelines" and "Guidance". EPA offers "guidelines" which are not
program specific, but are generic enough to be used for several different programs and
applications. "Guidance" is program specific, and supersedes the more generic "guidelines".
ARCO reviewers have focused their critiques on this subject-matter toward "guidelines", rather
than on the "guidance" under which the Final BERA was drafted (Ecological Risk Assessment
for Superfund, EPA 1997). It should also be noted that the risk assessment guidance documents
do not preclude the use of professional judgement in applying these practices to specific sites.
EPA strongly disagrees with ARCO's assertions that EPA did not follow its own guidance in
preparing the various risk assessment documents for the Anaconda Smelter Site. On the
contrary, EPA has followed appropriate and current risk assessment guidance at every step of the
risk assessment process, for every iteration of the report, from the screening level document to
the final BERA, as shown in the following table:
Anaconda Risk Assessment Document
Phase 1 Screening Level Document, COM Federal 1994
Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PBERA),
COM Federal 1995a
PBERA Supplement, COM Federal 1995b
Draft Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA), CDM
Federal 1996
Final BERA, CDM Federal 1997
EPA Guidance in Effect at the Time of
Document Preparation
EPA 1992, 1994
EPA 1994, 1995
EPA 1994, 1995
EPA 1995
EPA 1997
ARCO should note that the information presented in the Draft Final BERA was reorganized in
the final BERA to demonstrate that the approaches used followed the eight-step process, as
outlined in the most current guidance (EPA 1997). A thorough review of the various ecological
G/H-1
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risk assessment documents prepared for the Anaconda Site since 1994 demonstrates to the reader
that EPA did follow guidance in the assessment of potential ecological risks for this site. A/so,
ARCO reviewers seem to have lost sight of the fact that the assessments of risk were done in an
iterative process, incorporating site-specific data (much of it from ARCO), to continue refining
areas of greatest concern while systematically eliminating areas that do not have elevated
contaminant levels, have mitigating factors to counteract contaminant of concern (COC)
concentrations, or that appear to be naturally recovering.
The steps to be included in an ecological risk assessment, per EPA guidance (EPA 1997), include
the following:
1. Screening level problem formulation and ecological effects evaluation
2. Screening level exposure estimate and risk calculation
3. Baseline risk assessment problem formulation
4. Study design and data quality objectives process
5. Field verification of sampling design
6. Site investigation
7. Risk characterization
8. Risk management
Each of these components was addressed in the assessment of risks for the Anaconda Smelter
Site. This process included the development of the Phase I Screening Level Ecological Risk
Assessment, the Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PBERA) and Supplement,
the Draft Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA), and the final BERA, and is briefly
summarized below.
Phase I Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment
This document was prepared prior to the publication of EPA's current eight-step guidelines for
conducting ecological risk assessments, but included pertinent components of the first two steps
as recommended in the current guidance. This document used data that were readily available at
the time, and included documentation of problem formulation to identify:
• environmental setting and contaminants known or suspected to exist at the site;
• contaminant fate and transport mechanisms;
• mechanisms of ecotoxicity, and likely categories of receptors;
• complete exposure pathways that may exist at the site; and
• selection of endpoints to screen for ecological risk.
The screening level document also presented a preliminary ecological effects evaluation by
presenting conservative thresholds for adverse ecological effects. The site data were then
evaluated to calculate exposure levels for use in the risk calculations. The risk characterization
was conducted by comparing arsenic and metal exposure levels in soil, sediment, and surface
water to the conservative threshold values.
G/H-2
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The outcome of the screening level risk characterization was the identification of broad habitat
areas of the site that may require further study, and to eliminate areas unlikely to be at ecological
risk. This analysis did not indicate that all areas selected as habitats of concern represented areas
of risk to ecological receptors; rather, that these were areas to be evaluated in greater detail in the
next phase of the project to determine the likelihood for potential ecological risks.
Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment, and Supplement to the Preliminary
Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment
These documents expanded upon the problem formulation phase in the screening level analysis
by more specifically identifying potential receptors, identifying complete exposure pathways,
specifying assessment and measurement endpoints, incorporating site-specific data into the
effects evaluation and risk characterization, developing a site conceptual exposure model, and
identifying data gaps requiring further study to reduce uncertainties. A deliberate effort was
made to incorporate site-specific data from several lines of evidence to help ascertain whether
there is a causal relationship between metals contamination and ecological effects, and to identify
further studies where these data could be acquired. Nearly 60 site-specific documents were
reviewed to obtain media data, ecological survey results, and toxicity testing results in this effort.
Following the completion of these documents, and identification of known data gaps, a field
sampling program was planned and initiated, with design input and sampling participation from
ARCO and its contractors. The additional field sampling was conducted in late summer 1995.
Draft Final and Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment
The results of the 1995 sampling effort were integrated with the information presented in the
PBERA, to develop the Draft Final BERA, and a range of No Observable Adverse Effect Level
(NOAEL) and Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL)-based toxicity reference
values (TRVs) were used to provide the risk manager with more information regarding the range
of potential risks. Further modifications are provided with this responsiveness summary to
incorporate modified bioaccumulation factors into the wildlife food chain model, per ARCO's
suggestions. In addition, a comprehensive plant stress analysis (CPSA) method was introduced,
to qualitatively consider non-chemical stressors that may be cofactors influencing phytotoxicity.
ARCO reviewers fail to recognize the significance of this approach in the identification of areas
of potential concern, compared to the identification of areas not considered to be of concern, due
to other factors that may mitigate the effects of high soil metals concentrations. In addition, EPA
guidance (EPA 1997) lists four lines of evidence that can be used to demonstrate whether site
contaminants have the potential to cause adverse effects on the assessment endpoints:
1. Comparing estimated or measured exposure levels to chemical X with levels that are
known from the literature to be toxic to receptors associated with the assessment
endpoints;
2. Comparing laboratory bioassays with media from the site and bioassays with media from
a reference site:
G/H-3
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3. Comparing in situ toxicity tests at the site with in situ toxicity tests in a reference body of
water; and
4. Comparing observed effects in the receptors associated with the site with similar
receptors at a reference site.
A thorough review of the Anaconda ecological risk documents will demonstrate that several lines
of evidence have been reviewed and used to show that virtually the same portions of the site have
the potential for ecological risks, regardless of the source of data reviewed, and regardless of the
year of publication.
In response to new EPA guidance issued in 1997, the information presented in the Draft Final
BERA was reorganized to demonstrate that all eight steps recommended in the guidance had
been addressed. This document includes maps that spatially demonstrate portions of the site
where potential risks occur to vegetation, maps that indicate the relative contribution of each
COC to the predicted risks to vegetation, maps showing the portions of aquatic habitat that are
potentially at risk, and recommendations for a biomonitoring program to gather additional
information regarding potential risks to wildlife. This information will be used by the decision
makers to make informed decisions regarding remediation at the site.
II. RESPONSE TO ARCO'S CRITICISM THAT EPA HAS NOT ESTABLISHED
CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ARSENIC AND METALS
CONTAMINATED SOILS AND STRESSED VEGETATION
A. INTRODUCTION
Another of ARCO's comments claimed that the use of phytotoxicity data by EPA failed to
establish that an actual or potential threat exists at the site, per EPA guidance. EPA strongly
disagrees with this statement, and ARCO has misinterpreted the guidance on this issue. Under
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), EPA
has a mandate to protect human health and the environment, and to demonstrate the potential for
risks. EPA risk assessment guidance was never intended to require years of study to show
precisely-correlated risks. There should be an attempt to show a stressor response, but if this is
not possible, the data will either lead to the conclusion that there are no risks, or if there is not
enough statistical power to show a correlation, the Agency allows qualitative and
semiquantitative analysis to demonstrate whether there are potential risks at the site. In
accordance with EPA guidance, EPA took the risk analysis to the appropriate level needed to
make decisions about the site. If the screening level analysis had indicated no potential for
ecological risks, the assessment would have stopped at that point. On the contrary, the potential
for ecological risks was shown, through various lines of evidence, and therefore, the analysis was
taken to a BERA. In the baseline assessment, EPA incorporated site-specific data, including data
provided by ARCO, to reduce uncertainties associated with the screening level assessment. EPA
is not required to confirm that risks exist, only that the potential for risk is present. The weight
of evidence is overwhelming in support of our conclusions that the potential exists for risks to
ecological receptors in some portions of the site. ARCO fails to acknowledge that EPA has not
G/H-4
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indicated that all portions of the site having the potential for risk represent areas that must be
remediated, or that EPA supports the evaluation of potential risks to wildlife receptors through
additional biomonitoring beyond the BERA. Further, EPA guidance (EPA 1997) states that a
risk can be demonstrated to exist if 1) the stressor has the ability to cause one or more adverse
effects, and 2) it co-occurs with or contacts an ecological component long enough and at a
sufficient intensity to elicit the identified effect. The numerous studies used in the assessment of
potential risks add strength-of-evidence in support of potential risk to ecological receptors in
certain portions of the site.
A synopsis of studies that document the historic and current environmental conditions at the site
is provided below.
Vegetation Conditions in the Anaconda Area; Pre-Smelting and Current
The climax vegetation in and around Anaconda is represented by three range/forest sites, each
dominated by native, perennial plant species (Ross and Hunter 1976).
1) Silty range sites are dominated by perennial grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, rough and
Idaho fescue, needle-and-thread, prairie junegrass, western and thickspike wheatgrass,
green needlegrass, and basin wildrye), forbs (danthonia, sticky geranium, arrowleaf
balsamroot, larkspur and prairie smoke), legumes, and shrubs (winterfat and big
sagebrush).
2) Saline lowland range sites are dominated by perennial grasses (basin wildrye, alkali
sacaton, alkaligrass, cordgrass, slender and western wheatgrass, and inland saltgrass), and
shrubs (greasewood and buffaloberry).
3) Subalpine fir, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce forests with an understory composed of
grasses, forbs and shrubs such as pinegrass, basin wildrye, Idaho fescue, grouse
whortleberry, arnica, huckleberry, beargrass, and serviceberry.
The primary rangeland habitat types (h.t.) found in the vicinity of the Anaconda Smelter Site
classify into either the rough fescue or Idaho fescue climax series (Mueggler and Stewart 1980).
1) Rough fescue series consists of either the rough fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass h.t. (needle-
and-thread phase) or the rough fescue/Idaho fescue h.t. (Richardson's needlegrass phase).
2) Idaho fescue series consists of the Idaho fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass h.t. (western
needlegrass phase).
In addition to these plant communities being dominated by native perennial plant species under
climax or near climax conditions, each would be very diverse and productive, and provide
excellent wildlife habitat. This is in sharp contrast to the current plant communities in many
areas of the Anaconda Smelter Site that are dominated (or co-dominated) by weedy, introduced
plant species, and exhibit low density, canopy coverage, and above-ground production.
G/H-5
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In general, plant canopy coverage and plant community diversity within the Anaconda Smelter
Site increases with distance from the smelter complex. In areas not contaminated from smelting
activities, upland forests are generally dominated by Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and juniper,
while upland shrublands are composed of willows, alders, red osier dogwood, chokecherry,
buffalo berry, low bush cranberry, and silver berry (RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995; MNRDP 1994;
Taskey 1972). Grassland/native range in uncontaminated areas is composed of native species of
wheatgrasses, fescues, and bluegrasses. In contrast, grasslands in contaminated and disturbed
areas are dominated by weedy species such as spotted knapweed and Canada thistle, metal-
tolerant grass such as basin wildrye, and the non-native redtop (RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995;
MNRDP 1994).
Environmental Contaminants
The Anaconda Smelter Site contains large volumes of wastes, debris, and contaminated soil from
copper ore milling, smelting, and refining operations that took place from 1884 to 1980. Various
smelter operations occurred in and around the town of Anaconda, along Warm Springs Creek,
and on Smelter Hill. These operations produced an average of from 180 to 500 tons of copper
per day.
Byproducts of smelter operations included slag, slime wastes, and tailings that were generated
during the copper concentrations process, and aerial emissions of arsenic, metals, and sulfur
compounds during smelting. A study conducted in 1907 found that the average daily release
from the main chimney in Anaconda was more than 37 tons of arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc
(RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995). Between 1911 and 1916 the average arsenic concentration in smoke
ranged from 40 to 62 tons per day, and between 1914 and 1918 arsenic emissions were about 75
ions per day. Emission controls began in the 1920s; the total emission of arsenic, copper, lead,
zinc, and sulfur in October 1976 was 578 tons. Slag and tailings production averaged 4,500 and
8,000 tons per day, respectively, during the life of ore-processing in Anaconda.
Dustfall has been and continues to be a potential problem at the site. From July 1989 to March
1991 the maximum monthly concentrations of arsenic and metals in dustfall from the re-
entrainment of wastes on Smelter Hill was 115,333 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) arsenic,
10,800 mg/kg cadmium, 390,000 mg/kg copper, 51,333 mg/kg lead, and 199,677 mg/kg zinc
(RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995).
In 1995, ARCO conducted a geostatistical modeling of the Anaconda Smelter Site using kriging
analysis as part of the Smelter Hill remedial investigation. This analysis indicated that arsenic
and metal concentrations in the soil surface are elevated in an area surrounding the smelter
complex greater than 200 square miles. Today, the area and volume of tailings and other waste
material at the site are approximately 6,159 acres and 258,245,116 cubic yards. Soils and ground
water having elevated levels of the COCs cover more than 13,000 acres.
G/H-6
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Environmental Impact Investigations
Early Beliefs and Studies
Taskey (1972) provides a detailed history of Anaconda smelter operations and the impacts that
stack emissions and the release of ore-processing wastes had on the environment. In the early
years of smelting, it was recognized by the public and the Anaconda Copper Company that the
release of smelting and ore-processing wastes was having a deleterious effect on plant and animal
life throughout a large portion of the Deer Lodge Valley, especially in the vicinity of Stucky
Ridge, Smelter Hill, Mount Haggin, and the Anaconda and Opportunity Ponds. Most of the
effects were believed to be due to the large amounts of sulfur dioxide being released; however,
early in the 1900s researchers began to realize that other pollutants in "flue dust", especially
arsenic but also copper and lead, were contributing to the observable harmful effects on
vegetation and livestock. Surface soil samples collected by Hay wood in 1906 and 1907, who
was working for the Anaconda Copper company, showed levels of copper sulfate recognized as
being detrimental to plant growth (Taskey 1972). Formally acknowledging the dangers of
releasing large amounts of pollutants from the Anaconda smelter, U. S. Attorney General George
W. Wikersham formed the Anaconda Smelter Smoke Commission in 1911 to monitor the
discharges of arsenic into the atmosphere (see previous section on stack discharges).
Taskey (1972) reported an inverse relationship between metal concentrations in the soil and plant
coverage and diversity. Douglas fir and lodgepole pine seedling growth was greatly reduced
when grown in soil with greater than 1,000 mg/kg of metal. This corresponds to an area
approximately five miles in radius from the smelter complex. Poor growth may have been due to
the abnormal growth of plant roots in the contaminated soil. Taskey (1972) recommended
prioritizing active reclamation in the Anaconda area. First priority areas include Smelter Hill and
Weather Hill, Stucky Ridge, and hills north of Lost Creek, while second priority areas are the
hills in the Mill Creek and Warm Springs Creek drainages.
Olsen-Elliott (1975) used infrared aerial photographs coordinated with on-the-ground
reconnaissance to detect unusual patterns of plant community distribution, unusual infrared
reflectance characteristics, and areas with low vegetation coverage. The most striking feature
was the zonation effect of increased bare ground, reduced vegetation coverage, reduced species
diversity, and stressed vegetation within approximately three miles northeast, east, and southeast
of the smelter complex. Also observed was the very slow reestablishment of trees on north and
north-western slopes. Olson and Elliot (1975) concluded that the observed vegetation effects
were generally due to chronic, abiotic stress caused by sulfur dioxide fumigation, low levels of
soil moisture due to the lack of topsoil, on-going wind erosion, and chemical components of the
soil.
Recent Environmental Impact Investigations
According to the State of Montana Natural Resource Damage Program (MNRDP), approximately
18 square miles (11,400 acres) of upland areas have been visibly altered by smelting activities
(MNRDP 1994). These alterations include near total elimination of native plant communities
and extensive topsoil loss from lack of vegetation, and shifts in plant community structure.
G/H-7
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Specifically, areas that were forests with open grasslands are now predominantly bare ground or
sparse grassland, composed primarily of weedy metals-tolerant species (RCG/Hagler, Bailly
1995). Historical photographs of the Old Works (circa 1886) indicate that Stucky Ridge was
formerly vegetated by arid grassland and open steppe communities on exposed slopes and forest
communities in the moist drainages (RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995). Today, Stucky Ridge is barren
of vegetation or sparsely vegetated with predominantly metals-tolerant species. The surface of
Smelter Hill presently consists of large areas of bare ground and evidence of stressed vegetation,
and is also composed primarily of metals-tolerant species (RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995).
Additional information can be found in Olsen-Elliot (1975) and Taskey (1972)
Recognition of Plant Stressors and Revegetation Efforts
Substantial portions of this summary of reclamation and revegetation efforts within the Clark
Fork River Basin, and specifically at the Anaconda Smelter Site, has been excerpted from a
literature review prepared by the Reclamation Research Unit (RRU) of Montana State University
and published in the Anaconda Revegetation Treatability Studies Phase I Final Report (RRU
1993).
Reclamation and revegetation activities in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin and Anaconda area
over the past 55 years have been performed by diverse parties working on behalf of the Anaconda
Minerals Company (AMC), ARCO, the State of Montana, and local citizens groups. Although
the exact purpose, timing, and technical approach to reclamation has varied, all parties shared the
common interest of mitigating environmental impacts caused by historic ore extraction and
processing activities.
As early as the 1920s, fugitive dust emanating from the dried and unvegetated surfaces of the
Anaconda tailing impoundments was recognized as a serious problem that required active
intervention. In the 1937 AMC report on tailings disposal, W.F. Flynn considered fugitive dust
the "... most serious problem ..." associated with operating the Anaconda tailing pond system.
Although many dust suppression techniques were tried, revegetation was recognized early on as
the best long-term solution to preventing wind dispersal of tailings material. According to
Richmond and Sjogren (1972), "The Anaconda Company recognized that revegetation is the
ultimate answer for permanent stabilization of concentrator wastes." The search for a solution to
the dusting problem was the initial impetus for reclamation/revegetation research in the
Anaconda area. During the early stages of this research, the phytotoxic nature of tailings material
and contaminated soils was acknowledged and ways to ameliorate those toxic properties were
sought through site-specific greenhouse and field demonstration projects.
Attempts at dust suppression during the 1920s and 1930s included the use of snow fences,
maintaining water on tailing surfaces, or covering tailings with a slime product, oil, slag, or earth
(Flynn 1937). These approaches quickly proved unsuccessful. During the 1940s, the addition of
wood chips, gypsum (phosphate plant filter cake), and chemical treatment to tailings material
was attempted. It was believed that soil covering was the best solution, though wood chips had
appeal as E.P. Dimock (1944) stated"... when the wood rots, a soil capable of supporting plant
growth might result."
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An interesting reclamation discovery was inadvertently made during chemical analysis of the
tailings that were reprocessed between 1941 and 1946. During this period the ponds that
received lime materials mixed with tailings (Bl) had a pH of 7.2-7.8, while wastes found in other
ponds had much lower measured levels of pH (3-4). By this time (mid-1940s) it was clear to the
vegetation researchers working in Anaconda that the success of revegetation efforts was
dependent upon ameliorating the toxic properties of the tailings and selecting plant species that
were resilient to the harsh growing conditions.
In June 1957, a program was initiated to study the tailings areas and to assemble information that
would lead to successful revegetation. A vegetation survey identified 30 species of plants
growing in the Anaconda area including grasses, legumes, weeds, shrubs, and trees. It was
believed that vegetation was on the increase in certain areas where the pH was in the range of
6-8. Eliason (1958) stated that "it will be necessary to carry on considerable experimental work
with plant life and soil treatments to arrive at practical solutions." Under the direction of AMC,
greenhouse experiments made during 1958 and 1959 indicated that soil condition and location
had a greater influence on survival than did other factors. Lime was applied, as burnt lime
(calcium hydroxide), to toxic soils immediately prior to tree planting, though it was believed that
liming should be performed a year prior to tree planting "... to give plenty of time for the reaction
process ahead of planting." (Eliason 1959a). Greenhouse testing of grasses planted in tailing
soils amended with a variety of chemical and organic amendments demonstrated
"...outstanding..." (Eliason 1959b) results. Though good one year plant response may have been
attained in the greenhouse, the lack of understanding of pyrite oxidation, acid generation, and
acid neutralization processes may have been a significant technological limitation of this early
tailing revegetation (stabilization) research, resulting in insufficient quantities of lime addition
and poor long-term vegetation success.
By 1960, real progress had been made in understanding what it took to establish vegetation on
disturbed lands in the Anaconda area (Eliason 1959c, Holderreed 1959). In addition to the use of
vegetation to stabilize toxic salts and tailings, greenhouse and field plant response trials were
conducted using manure, fine burnt lime, straw, clay, gravel, irrigation (sprinklers and flooding
to leach salts), oil, emulsified asphalt, slag, a mixture of calcium chloride and acid plant
precipitator effluent, bentonite, chemical binders, phosphate plant waste, lumber mill wastes,
limestone, and lime kiln wastes (Eliason 1959c, Richmond and Sjogren 1972). Besides
revegetation, all other approaches to tailings stabilization were considered short term solutions.
Stabilization with vegetation was regarded as the most promising long-term solution.
The tree planting activity of 1958,1959 and 1960 was monitored, and in 1961,16,921 live trees
were growing of the original 32,014 trees planted, representing a 53% survival rate (Eliason
196la). These results and others were presented by Leonard Eliason in December of 1961
(Eliason 1961b) to the Northwest Mining Association Meeting in Spokane, Washington. The
text of his presentation reflected an advanced level of understanding of the revegetation problems
present in the Anaconda area. He stated: " The common toxic inorganic salts are iron, copper,
zinc and aluminum which are soluble under acid conditions..." and "The toxic salts were
rendered insoluble by changing the pH with a treatment of lime, and by introducing fertility and
microorganisms with barnyard manure." Further the generation of acid from tailing material was
recognized as Eliason remarked:"... concentrator wastes in two years time through weathering
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and oxidation changed from 7.7 pH and 0.22% soluble salts to a 2.55 pH and 1.18% water
soluble salts..." The general text of the paper suggests optimism that revegetation will become a
major part of the tailing stabilization program in Anaconda, yet the revegetation efforts were not
wholly successful.
Subsequent revegetation efforts by AMC were performed by different individuals that departed
from the in situ revegetation of waste materials performed by Eliason and the Extractive
Metallurgical Research Division. The ensuing reclamation efforts focused primarily upon
capping toxic materials with coversoil, followed by revegetation. This preference for using
coversoil caps was due to the researchers being unaware of the in situ revegetation efforts or
because of the variable results obtained with the in situ approach. As mentioned, poor plant
growth results on amended tailings was probably due to an incomplete understanding of the
chemical nature of the tailings material, which resulted in the application of too little lime, the
wrong type of lime, or the wrong grain size for complete acid neutralization.
Other approaches to stabilizing the tailings ponds (and encouraging the establishment of
vegetation) were the addition of water and sewage. Sewage effluent was added to the entire
Opportunity Pond system beginning in the late 1950s. Vegetation was well established in this
area as a consequence of water and nutrients from the sewage effluent, resulting in enough grass
that hay was harvested from the Opportunity B and C Ponds in the 1960s (Schafer 1986). The
Opportunity Ponds were described by Richmond and Sjogren (1972) as a "...lush, semi-aquatic
environment..." used by migratory waterfowl. Vegetation established quickly following the
dewatering of areas treated with sewage sludge by grass seed carried to the pond by wind and
water (Richards 1984). The dominant plant species in this area were metal tolerant grasses
(redtop and tufted hairgrass) requiring relatively wet soil conditions. Beginning in 1980 and
proceeding slowly through the mid 1980s, the tailing ponds were allowed to dry, resulting in
acidic metalliferous soil and very sparse vegetation cover (RRU 1993).
During the 1980s, reclamation and revegetation demonstration plots, known as the Texas Avenue
Study plots, were established by Roger Gordon in Butte, Montana using two to six inches of lime
reject material (
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season (1992) the vegetation was thriving in the amended tailing material (RRU 1993). Findings
from the STARS experimental plots were applied to the reclamation of one-half mile of tailing
contaminated land adjacent to the Clark Fork Raver below the Warm Springs Ponds (The
Governor's Demonstration). Successful stabilization of the stream channel and revegetation of
the adjacent land was accomplished without the use of capping material (Schafer and Associates
1991). Other reclamation related work was performed in the Anaconda area early in the 1990s
using soil amendments to moderate the phytotoxic effects of tailings material and contaminated
soils (Dutton 1992, Jensen 1992, Holzworth et al. 1993).
Additional in situ stabilization/revegetation test plots were implemented to address tailings and
contaminated soils at the Anaconda Smelter site; these are referred to as the Anaconda
Revegetation Treatability Studies (ARTS). Plant growth on these plots in 1995 (after two
growing seasons) was remarkable: with the right combination of amendments and the use of
thorough incorporation techniques even pure tailings could be revegetated. Furthermore, through
a combination of high plant density and proper surface manipulation, erosion was reduced by
more than 90 percent. These plots continue to support very good plant growth. In the mid-1990s
ARCO began reclaiming portions of Smelter Hill, Stucky Ridge, and the Old Works area using
the knowledge gained from the ARTS investigation.
ARCO's Risk Assessment for the Upper Clark Fork River
In 1994, ARCO completed an ecological risk assessment for riparian areas in the Upper Clark
Fork River Basin, which included sampling stations located adjacent to Warm Springs Creek
approximately three miles east of Anaconda (ARCO 1994). The general objectives were to
evaluate the relationships between plant communities and tailings deposits in riparian habitats
and to evaluate food-chain transfers of metals to selected wildlife species. The bioaccumulation
of metals was evaluated in vegetation, terrestrial invertebrates, and deer mice. Potential
reproductive effects in deer mice were evaluated by direct measurements. For other wildlife
species, bioaccumulation was interpreted in the context of food web exposure models. As stated
by ARCO, the focus of this investigation was the riparian areas and the results should therefore
not be extrapolated to other habitats. However, some extrapolation may be appropriate and these
are explained below.
The primary results from ARCO's investigation were as follows:
• Using multiple linear regression (MLR), results indicated that the sum of the soil metal
(arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc) concentrations and soil pH were the primary
factors that contributed to a prediction of plant biomass and species richness (i.e., the
plant community endpoints). None of the other ancillary soil parameters improved this
prediction. The soil moisture variable only improved the predictive ability of the model
where the soil pH was greater than 7.0. Soil pH in much of the metals-impacted area at
Anaconda is less than 7.0.
• ARCO developed a plant community effects level (PCEL) predictive model based on the
MLR. The PCEL model predicts how phytotoxic effects should manifest themselves in
riparian plant communities along Warm Springs Creek; as the sum of the soil metals
G/H-11
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increases and/or the pH decreases, there should first be a loss in species and the plant
community should demonstrate a decrease in biomass. Based on a review of the kriged
maps prepared for the Anaconda Regional Soils Operable Unit Remedial Investigation
Report (ARCO 1997), a significant portion of the Anaconda site is expected to show a
loss of species and a decrease in biomass due to elevated soil metal concentrations. This
cursory review of the kriged maps shows that the total concentrations of the five COCs in
many of the kriged cells exceed 3,500 mg/kg and the pH values are less than 5.5, which
should have a negative effect on plant communities over a large area of the site.
• An apparent threshold for significant reductions in the number of plant species relative to
the reference sites was observed at a pH value of approximately 5.5.
• Waste affected areas are dominated by redtop and tufted hairgrass, species tolerant of low
pH soils. Along a gradient of increasing metals concentrations and decreasing soil pH,
there is a sharp threshold for the transition from a meadow dominated by redtop and/or
tufted hairgrass (i.e., the tolerant species) to a more diverse community that includes
many of the more sensitive species.
• According to the ARCO report, health risks to primary and secondary consumers was not
significant.
Summary
Per EPA guidance (EPA 1997), one of the lines of evidence that can be used to ascertain whether
site chemicals are causing adverse effects on vegetation is to compare observed effects in site
vegetation to vegetation at a reference site. Numerous studies have been published and
summarized above to demonstrate sharply-contrasting conditions and shifts in plant community
structure between vegetation communities associated with the Anaconda Smelter Site and nearby
reference areas (Ross and Hunter 1976, Mueggler and Stewart 1980, RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995,
MNRDP 1994, and Taskey 1972).
In addition, historical accounts by the Anaconda Copper Company itself have documented that
the release of smelting wastes was having a deleterious effect on plant and animal life throughout
a large part of Deer Lodge County. Since the 1920s, researchers working in the Anaconda area
have known that smelting activities, which result in sulfur dioxide, arsenic, and metal emissions,
were at least partially responsible for the loss of vegetation and the lack of plant recolonization of
impacted areas. The results of plant response research conducted since then indicates that raising
soil (or tailings) pH with liming agents will reduce the direct phytotoxic effect to plant roots of
high hydrogen ion concentration and will reduce the plant available metals, which are also
known to cause phytotoxic effects at elevated concentrations.
Further, ARCO's own risk assessment for the upper Clark Fork River showed that as the total
arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc (the Anaconda COCs) concentration in the soil
increases, there is initially a loss of plant species from the community followed by a reduction in
above-ground plant biomass. Using ARCO's plant community effects model and the results of
their kriging analysis, it is indicated that the soil in a large portion of the Anaconda site has total
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COC concentrations that could cause phytotoxic effects. This is consistent with results from
EPA's risk assessment which delineate a large area where soil COC concentrations exceed the
established phytotoxic effect concentrations (ECs) and therefore could be providing a potential
risk to the establishment and growth of plants. Vegetation data collected by EPA in 1995
confirms that, in the absence of moderating influences such as a high soil moisture regime, soil
having COCs in excess of the phytotoxicity ECs are often barren of vegetation or only sparsely
vegetated. These areas also have less canopy cover and production, and have fewer species than
would be typically found on these range sites in the absence of contamination.
What ARCO reviewers have neglected to acknowledge is that EPA has implemented a CPSA
model and the Land Reclamation Evaluation System (LRES) to demonstrate reasonableness in its
current approach to defining areas of the site requiring remediation.
For example, the essence of any environmental risk assessment should be to establish a common
thread among sources, complete pathways of potential exposure, document increased exposure
and uptake, and ultimately either document that effects are occurring or have the potential to
occur. For vegetation at the Anaconda site, this entire string of evidence has been noted as
illustrated below:
Is there a source?
Does a complete
pathway exist?
Is vegetation
exposed?
Are there
documentable
effects or is there
potential for risk?
Yes, tailings and elevated metals concentrations in soils from smelter
emissions.
Yes, metals in contaminated soils are available for roots to take up metals.
Yes, ARCO's own comments on the Final BERA document elevated
levels of metals in plants from Anaconda soils compared to those from
reference areas.
Yes, historical information documents ongoing phytotoxicity for several
decades and limited ability for vegetation to re-establish. The question as
to whether or not sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions were the original cause
of devegetation is a moot point. When one considers EPA's reasonable
and potentially rather liberal phytotoxicity benchmarks (see below), the
potential for phytotoxicity in site soils remains quite strong.
Obviously, this is only a brief description of the complicated aspects of phytotoxicity on the site.
It does, however, point out the fact that EPA has been reasonable in its current approach and has
gone well beyond this simplistic viewpoint by developing the CPSA model, as presented in the
BERA. This model considers soil and environmental factors, other than soil ECs, that may have
a mitigating effect on phytotoxicity. See Section C for clarification of the CPSA model.
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Furthermore, the agency realizes the uncertainty in such an analysis and is incorporating more
data collection in an effort to more definitively refine areas of remediation via the LRES during
the remedial design phase.
Additional work has been done by EPA using field reconnaissance, aerial photographs, infrared
images, and other information to provide a preliminary identification of areas where vegetation is
at risk from soil COC concentrations and where remedial action may be warranted. These areas,
which are within the phytotoxiciry zones, are identified in the Feasibility Study (FS) and the
Proposed Plan. The Barren/Sparsely Vegetated Area of Concern is one of the areas identified.
Using the LRES decision making tool, EPA conducted a test in 1997 at the site to identify areas
that require some type of remedial action. This tool was applied within areas where soil COC
concentrations exceeded the phytotoxicity ECs and therefore posed a potential risk to the
vegetation. The quantitative portion of the decision making tool scores the condition of the
vegetation and the potential for COC movement via wind or water erosion. In general, the lack
of vegetation or low plant canopy coverage was an indicator of existing toxic effects and the
potential for COC release. The LRES is currently being refined and will be used in 1998 to
identify remedial units and the pool of reclamation techniques that may be applicable to each unit
and to determine the types of additional data that the decision makers will need to select the most
appropriate reclamation approach.
Several additional comments from ARCO reviewers offered both a challenge to defend the
technical merit of work presented in the Final BERA, and clarification of the models and
assumptions used in the determination of vegetative risk on the site. Therefore, the following
several paragraphs are EPA's response to both the technical challenges and some additional
analyses and descriptions for clarification.
B. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT PHYTOTOXICITY EFFECTS
CONCENTRATIONS ARE UNREASONABLY CONSERVATIVE AND
LITERATURE AND SITE-SPECIFIC STUDIES USED TO DERIVE THEM ARE NOT
SCIENTIFICALLY DEFENSIBLE
The following table (and it's appropriate references) list several phytotoxicity benchmarks used
quite readily for screening purposes in the development of terrestrial ecological risk assessments.
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Literature-Based Phytotoxicity TRVs
Source
COM Federal ( 1 996) pH<6.5
pH>6.5
CH2M Hill (1987a and b)
Efroymson et al. (1997)
Rice and Ray (1984)
Kabata-Pendias and Pendias (1992)
Lowest
Range
Highest
Phytotoxicity TRVs (in parts per million)
Arsenic
136-315
224-315
100
10
200
15-50
10
315
Cadmium
5.1 -20
8.6 - 40
100
4
5
3-5
3
100
Copper
236 - 750
1,062-1,636
100
100
400
60-125
60
1636
Lead
94 - 250
179-250
1000
50
NA
100-400
50
1000
Zinc
196 - 240
379 - 500
500
50
NA
70 - 400
50
500
What is important to note from examination of the table, is that EPA has not used unreasonably
conservative values in the development of the ECs for screening purposes in the assessment. A
more legitimate argument could very well be that EPA's values were not conservative enough.
This further points out the fact that EPA incorporated site-specific data derived from site-specific
toxicity tests and went well beyond typical screening tools and furthers EPA's position to be
described below that the Final BERA is more than what ENSR toxicologists argue as nothing
more than a collection of screening tools.
The primary basis for the phytotoxicity benchmarks were two-fold; the East Helena studies
completed by CH2M Hill, and the toxicity assays completed by Kaputska et al. (1995).
Appendix B contains peer-reviews of the East Helena studies provided to the primary author of
the document, D. Neuman of the RRU at Montana State University. It is provided as
documentation that both the compilation of literature and the phytotoxicity studies completed on
Anaconda soils have been peer-reviewed and judged on their scientific merit by several scientists
and that EPA was far from arbitrary in deriving these values.
C.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION AND CLARIFICATION OF THE CPSA MODEL
Introduction
Some of the information in this section has been taken from the Final BERA (COM Federal
1997) and from responses to ARCO comments on the BERA. The last section herein provides a
detailed description of how the concentration of the COCs and the other plant growth
environmental factors were used to estimate the primary sources of plant stress in the vegetation
areas (VAs) at the ARWW&S OU.
The concentrations of the COCs in the soil are just one of many influences on plant growth and
development at the ARWW&S OU. These, together with the soil texture, landscape features and
land-use all contribute to the current assemblages of plants in a given area of this OU. To assess
the effects of the COCs on vegetation and plant community characteristics, EPA used a CPSA
model to evaluate the relative influence of the COCs and the other physicochemical soil
components, landscape factors (including slope steepness, slope aspect and landscape position),
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and land-use history on the potential to cause plant stress at the ARWW&S OU. This was
accomplished using data and information gathered during the 1995 EPA survey, data from other
researchers who had worked at the site, and remote sensing data. Specifically, the CPSA 1)
compares surface soil COC concentrations to established soil ECs that are protective of
vegetation (i.e., phytotoxicity ECs) and 2) assesses the relative impact of other factors that affect
plant growth and development. Qualitative assessments of vegetation and wildlife habitat
condition conducted by EPA and others were also discussed in the BERA.
An important aspect of the CPSA is that it does not rely on any one piece of data, such as
phytotoxicity ECs, to help define areas of potential risk. Rather, the CPSA uses the phytotoxicity
ECs along with other physicochemical soil data and landscape characteristics in a weight-of-
evidence manner to identify general areas where smelter and ore processing wastes may
significantly contribute to plant stress and change the composition of the plant communities,
habitats, and wildlife populations. The vegetation discussion in the BERA includes a
comparison of the existing vegetation at the ARWW&S OU to what should be present under
climax vegetation conditions and to what currently exists in German Gulch.
Potentially Phvtotoxic Areas
The locations of the phytotoxicity zones delineated in the BERA were derived by comparing the
preliminary results of the regional (general relative) kriging of soil data conducted by ARCO as
part of the Soils Remedial Investigation to the soil ECs (Table 5.1-1 of the BERA). The regional
(general relative) kriging results represents the most mathematically accurate method available
for estimating surface soil concentrations of the COCs throughout the site. Based on the kriging
results, four progressively harsher zones of soil COC phytotoxicity are identified in the BERA as
follows:
Zone 1 This area is defined by the Low Phytotoxicitv Line and encompasses the area
where the concentration of at least one COC in soil exceeds a low (i.e.,
minimum) phytotoxicity EC;
Zone 2 This area is defined as the High Phvtotoxicitv Line and encompasses the area
where the concentration of at least one COC in soil exceeds a high (i.e.,
maximum) phytotoxicity EC;
Zone 3 Within this area, concentrations of all the COCs in soil exceed the low
phytotoxicity ECs; and,
Zone 4 Within this area, concentrations of all the COCs in soil exceed the high
phytotoxicity ECs.
The Low Phytotoxicity Line represents the outer boundary of EPA's area of concern for
vegetation receptors. This line is based on the low phytotoxicity EC developed from data
collected by the State of Montana (RCG/Hagler, Bailly 1995) (Table 5.1-1 of the BERA).
Within this area, one or more of the COCs have a surface soil concentration that has the potential
to adversely affect plant growth and community structure. The High Phytotoxicity Line was
G/H-16
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derived from a review of the toxicological literature, including the exhaustive review conducted
to support the East Helena Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) (CH2M Hill 1987a
and b). A thorough discussion of the development of phytotoxicity boundaries for COCs at this
site was presented in Appendix 7 of the BERA.
Soil Phvsicochemical Properties and Other Plant Influences
In addition to the COCs, the CPSA utilized soil results from the 1995 EPA Survey that were
analyzed for specific conductance, pH, cation exchange capacity, extractable N, P, and K, and
organic carbon. These results were compared to the level of these constituents typically found in
rangeland soils. The other environmental factors affecting plant development assessed during
and subsequent to the 1995 EPA Survey were soil moisture regime, surface irrigation, slope
steepness, slope aspect, grazing impacts, and the presence or lack of topsoil.
Vegetation Parameters
The plant community attributes evaluated during the field survey and used in the CPSA were:
percent canopy coverage of herbaceous perennial and annual/biennial plants species; herbaceous
plant composition; and bare ground. These results are presented in Table 5.1-2 of the BERA for
each VA.
Environmental Parameter Scoring
CDM Federal compared the absolute values for the COC to the high phytotoxicity ECs. This
comparison could have been done using the low phytotoxicity ECs; however, EPA felt that using
the upper end of the phytotoxicity ranges (for each COC) represented soil concentrations that
were likely to impart some type of phytotoxic influence. The results of these comparisons are
shown in Table 5.1-3 of the BERA. A "yes" indicates that the COC concentration exceeds the
EC. Phytotoxicity due to the collective influence of all the COCs was evaluated by tallying the
number of COCs that exceeded the high phytotoxicity ECs. The results of this semi-quantitative
scoring are shown in the "Soil Metals" column in Table 5.1-4 of the BERA.
The absolute values for the ancillary soil parameters and the information on landscape
characteristics and land-use were compared to typical rangeland conditions in southwestern
Montana to estimate which parameters were potentially having an abnormally positive or
negative effect on the vegetation. "Typical" rangeland condition information was obtained from
standard texts and through discussions with rangeland/reclamation scientist Frank Munshower
(RRU 1996, Valentine 1971). Each soil, landscape, and land-use parameter was given a score of
"-", "0", or "+" using the criteria listed below.
• Specific conductance (SC): 0 = nonsaline to slightly saline; - = moderately saline to saline
pH: - = <5 and >8.5; 0 = between 5 and 8.5
Cation exchange capacity (CEC): - = <5; 0 = 5-30; + = >30
Potassium (K) (mg/kg): - = <125; 0 = 125-250; + = >250
Nitrogen (N) (mg/kg): - = <5 (low); 0 = 6-10 (normal); + = > 10 (above normal)
Phosphorus (P) (mg/kg): - = <14; 0 = 14-25; + = >25
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Organic carbon (OC): - = <2%; 0 = 2-3%; + = >3%
• Soil moisture regime (from Soil Conservation Service data): + = wet bottomland
generally subirrigated; 0 = well drained bottomland that is not subirrigated or areas with
topsoil and moisture-conserving exposures (i.e., non-southern exposures);
- = well-drained upland or areas with moisture-depleting exposures
Slope: - = >30%; 0 = 15-30%; + = <10%
• Aspect: - = primarily south; 0 = east and west; + = primarily north
Stone and rock (cover): 0 = 0 to 6%; - = 7 to 12%; -,- = >! 2%
• Grazing: - = heavy; 0 = moderate; + = light to none (some areas are not utilized due to
lack of vegetation)
• Surface soil type: - = disturbed soil or little to no topsoil; 0 = topsoil intact, some erosion
or surface disturbance; + = little to no disturbance or topsoil erosion
Plant Community Scoring
Plant community characteristics are thoroughly discussed for each VA in the PBERA
Supplement (COM Federal 1995b) and in the Final BERA (COM Federal 1997). In the final
BERA, the quantitative canopy coverage measurements (Table 5.1-2 of the BERA) were
compared to the typical range conditions and scored using the following criteria.
Herbaceous perennial cover: - = <30; 0 = 30-60%; + = >60%
Annual/Biennial cover: + = <5%; 0 = 5-15%; - = > 15%
• Composition (relative cover) of bare ground: - = > 60%; 0 = 30-60%; + = <30% (percent
bare ground cover/ [100 - percent stone and rock cover] x 100)
• Composition (relative cover) of herbaceous perennials: + = >85 (high); 0 = 75-85
(moderate); - = <75 (low); ([percent herbaceous perennial vegetation cover/total percent
herbaceous cover] x 100)
These criteria were also obtained through discussions with Frank Munshower and from Bob
Rennick's experience in conducting range surveys in southwestern Montana. The summary of
the vegetation scoring is presented in Table 5.1-4 of the BERA. As an example, the herbaceous
perennial coverage at station number 1 within VA17 was 29 percent, which was less than the 30
percent criteria. Therefore, for this parameter the plant community scored a "-" for having
relatively low coverage by the perennial species. At station number 2 in VA17 the coverage of
non-desirable plants (i.e., the annual and biennial species) was less than 1 percent. Since this is a
desirable characteristic of the plant community (according to rangeland ecologists and managers)
it scored a "+".
Plant Stress Evaluation
The information presented in Table 5.1-4 of the BERA was used as the principle reference for the
next step in evaluating potential plant stress at the ARWW&S OU: deciding whether the factors
were having a positive or negative affect on plant germination and growth. Because of the
complicated interactions between the plant species and plant growth factors, and among plant
species at any given sampling location, no attempt was made to numerically rank the plant
growth factors in terms of which was having the most or least affect on the vegetation.
G/H-18
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Table 5.1-6 of the BERA provides a summary of the estimated effects that the principle plant
growth factors may be having on the vegetation at the ARWW&S OU. For each VA, the type of
influence that the plant growth factors are believed to be having on the vegetation were grouped
in categories: positive influences, negative influences, non-negative or neutral influences, and
variable influences. Except for the soil metals, each parameter was scored as follows.
Category
= Negative Influence
= Non-negative or Neutral Influence
"+" = Positive Influence
If the score varied between the sample depths or stations, the parameter was placed in the
Variable Influence category.
For the soil metals the scoring was applied as follows.
Number Exceeding
Phvtotoxicitv EC Category
< 5% = Non-negative or Neutral Influence
> 5% = Negative Influence
Different scores for a station within a VA resulted in placing the COCs in the Variable Influence
category.
The only exception to these criteria was used for categorizing COC influence in VA8A. In this
VA, the zinc results (618 and 522 mg/kg - Table 5.1-3 of the BERA) were only slightly higher
than the zinc EC (500 mg/kg - Table 5.1-1 of the BERA). These exceedances represent 20% (2
out of 10) of the results for all the COCs. Based on the low absolute values for zinc, the COCs
collectively were considered not to have a negative influence on the plant community in this VA.
Therefore, in Table 5.1-6 of the BERA the COCs are placed in the Non-negative/Neutral
category.
As a fatal-flaw type of evaluation, the categorization of the COC and ancillary parameters in
Table 5.1-6 of the BERA were compared to the raw plant community data collected in 1995 and
to aerial photographs for all the entire VA (not just where the sampling stations were located).
Based on this analysis, no adjustments were made to Table 5.1-6 of the BERA.
D. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM IN THE ABSENCE OF SIGNIFICANT DOSE-
RESPONSE STATISTICAL CORRELATIONS BETWEEN VEGETATION
ENDPOINTS AND SOIL METAL CONCENTRATIONS
ARCO authors of the comments appropriately point out the high probability of Type I statistical
errors (erroneously concluding an effect is occurring when one truly is not) while trying to
determine stressor-response relationships between arsenic and metals soils concentrations and
plant community endpoints, but fail to objectively discuss the probability of Type II errors
(erroneously concluding that there.are no effects when there truly are) in such relationships. As
G/H-19
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ARCO contractors have repeatedly identified, and fully acknowledged by EPA, other stressors
besides metals in the soils impact plant communities. The high number of co-factors (>13;
which are quantified in Tables 5.1-3 through 5.1-6 of the Final BERA) are too numerous to
determine through grueling statistical applications a true dose-response relationship.
Determining dose-response on this landscape level would require several more basic research
questions to be answered. Variability in dose-response of individual metals and metals mixtures
for several species of vegetation can occur with homogenous soil characteristics let alone under
the heterogenic conditions of the site soils of Anaconda. It has been accurately stated by both
ARCO and EPA scientists that pH has a very strong influence on metals bioavailability.
However, even this relationship is not exactly straightforward. Consider the relationship
between pH and metal ion speciation illustrated in distribution curves of copper and zinc ion
hydrolysis. The percentage of the bioavailable cupric ion (1,0) is highly dependent on both pH
and copper concentration. When the concentrations in solution change from 10 "5 m to 0.1 m, the
pH at which 80% of ionic makeup of the solution becomes the cupric ion (Cu++) shifts from 7.5 to
5.5 respectively. What this may infer is that lower soil concentrations of copper may actually not
necessarily need low pH soils to create as much bioavailable copper as more contaminated soils.
Similar shifts in the ionic composition of the zinc solutions are dependent on concentrations that
do not occur. Contaminant physical-chemical variability of exposure and effects of demographic
endpoints of metals and plants has obvious complications.
EPA, therefore, feels that using statistical methods alone to establish stressor-response
relationships in the complicated mechanisms involved with phytotoxicity and all their potential
co-factors would lead to a high probability of type II errors. EPA recognized this early in the
RI/FS process and sought the consultation of vegetation restoration specialists at Montana State
University. It was recognized by these experts through the research they have completed in the
ARTS program, that true dose-response relationships on a landscape level would never be
identified because of the numerous potential co-factors. As has been more thoroughly explained
above, the CPSA used in the Final BERA was designed to address vegetative risk in a rather
atypical manner and may be the reason for the high level of confusion behind the model. Since
true dose-response relationships would never be established on a landscape level and no true
dose-response phytotoxicity studies have been completed on site soils, the CPSA model was
designed to use the research these experts have developed to ask the question: what physical-
chemical properties of the soil must be addressed before vegetation can exist? Through the
model analyses, when elevated metal concentrations were the predominant factor preventing
vegetation growth in each Vegetation Area (VA), it was identified as a VA with metals
concentrations posing significant risk to vegetation. See additional comments below on the
CPSA model.
E. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT THE AGENCY HAS NOT ACCOUNTED
FOR EFFECTS OF pH ON VEGETATIVE AREAS OF CONCERN
EPA Region 8 concurs with ARCO's position that pH may influence phytotoxicity on Anaconda.
As a consequence of that position, EPA had used two separate soil toxicity effects concentrations
in the Final BERA: one for soils above pH of 6.5 and one for soils below 6.5. However,
additional ARCO criticisms pointed out differences in the critical pH value used in the effects
G/H-20
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concentrations (6.5) and that used in the CPSA model (5.5). This comment is directly answered
in the specific responses below, however, the general concept is more thoroughly addressed here,
using data from Kaputska et al. (1995), and addresses the more general claim that pH and not
metals is the primary determinant of phytotoxicity in Anaconda soils.
Kaputska et al. (1995) studied the phytotoxicity of 20 soils collected from upland areas within
the Anaconda Superfund Site. Tests were performed in pots under greenhouse conditions. Test
species included three different agricultural crops (alfalfa, lettuce, and wheat). Measurement
endpoints included seed germination rate, root/shoot length ratios, root mass and shoot length. A
scoring system ranging from 0-72 was used to quantitatively describe toxic response of all three
species compared with plants grown in control soil. A low score in this study indicated little
evidence of toxicity, while a high score indicated a phytotoxic response.
Results from this study are summarized below:
Score
<0.5
0.5-9
9.1- 18
18.1-36
36.1 -72
Description
Nontoxic
Mildly toxic
Moderately toxic
Highly toxic
Severely toxic
Number of Samples
2
3
3
11
1
As seen, only two of the site samples did not cause measurable phytotoxic effects, and a majority
of the samples (15 of 20) yielded clear phytotoxic responses (>9). In general, the order of
sensitivity among the three test species was alfalfa > wheat > lettuce, and the order of endpoint
sensitivity was: root length > root mass > shoot height > total mass > shoot mass > germination
rate.
In Figure 1, the phytotoxicity scores for each sample are plotted versus the concentration of each
metal of potential concern, and versus soil pH. As seen, the relationship between the
phytotoxicity score and the concentrations of the individual metals show little evidence of a trend
for increased score with increasing metal concentration. There is an apparent trend for scores to
increase as pH decreases. Figure 2 plots the bivariate relation between pH, metal levels, and the
resulting phytotoxicity score. The figure is based on the sum of all five metals (arsenic,
cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc). In almost all cases, the controls (open circles) and site
samples which did not display phytotoxicity (open squares) lie in the bottom right quadrant of the
figure, while most of the samples which had elevated toxicity scores lie in the upper left
quadrant. The line drawn in each figure segregates the data points into regions of phytotoxic
response and non-phytotoxic response. These lines (derived by simple visual inspection) are
given by the following equations:
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Total Metals = 520-pH - 2300
That is, phytotoxicity is not expected if:
520-pH - 2300 - (Total Metals) > 0
Based on this equation, upland soil samples taken from VAs on Anaconda may be predicted to be
either phytotoxic or non-phytotoxic (Figure 3). From the predictive equations in Figure 3, only
VAs 21,15 and 24 have at least portions that would not be phytotoxic. This is consistent with
the determinations previously made in the final BERA.
In interpreting these predictions, it is important to remember the following potential limitations:
> The study used lettuce, alfalfa and wheat as receptors. It is not known whether these
agricultural plants are more or less sensitive to metals and pH than native and introduced
plants.
* Because the study soils contains a mixture of metals, the relative contribution of each
individual metal to the phytotoxic response and the potential interactions among
individual metals (antagonism, synergism) cannot be determined.
*• Because the predictive curve was generated under laboratory conditions with consistent
soil parameters of moisture, top soil, etc., the predictive power of this equation does not
necessarily extend beyond that potential influence of pH.
In summary, this analysis demonstrates that pH alone is not primary factor influencing the lack of
vegetation on the site, that several sites indicated in the final BERA as presenting risk to
vegetative species from metals concentrations in the soils, are consistent with laboratory testing.
This finding is not entirely surprising as the final soils effects concentrations were based on
Kaputska et al. (1995). It does, however, more straight-forwardly display the influence of at least
one major co-factor: pH.
F. SENSITIVE VERSUS TOLERANT PLANT SPECIES TO MINING IMPACTS
The sensitive plant species listed below are those that Tom Keck of the Natural Resource
Conservation Service used as indicators of smelting-related impacts. Dr. Keck conducted the
soil survey for the Anaconda area, and therefore, has intimate knowledge of vegetation and soil
conditions throughout the valley and foothills that includes the ARWW&S OU. In addition, it is
the experience of Bob Rennick (CDM Federal range ecologist) and RRU staff that these species,
which should be present on these rangeland sites under climax conditions, appear to be sensitive
to environmental perturbations.
Plant species that are tolerant of harsh environmental conditions are those that can be found on
all rangeland sites and are often the only species found on severely impacted, high soil-metal
sites near the Anaconda Smelter complex.
G/H-22
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The climax plant species listed in the table are the dominant plant species on most rangeland
sites under climax conditions in the ARWW&S OU. Observations by Bob Rennick (COM
Federal range ecologist) during the past ten years indicate that these species are not the
dominants, and are often not even present, in plant communities of the Anaconda area. However,
many of these species have been observed at locations near Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, near
German Gulch, at a site in the foothills seven miles north of Anaconda, and at high elevations
west of Anaconda.
Common Name
Sensitive Plant Species
Rough fescue
Lupine
Idaho fescue
Heart leaf arnica
Strawberry
Tolerant Plant Species
Redtop
Great basin wildrye
Baltic rush
Spotted knapweed
Wood's rose
Sedge
Western wheatgrass
Whitetop
Oregon grape
Juniper
Rabbitbrush
Douglas fir
Limber pine
Leafy spurge
Tufted hairgrass*
Inland saltgrass*
Aspen*
Greasewood*
Canada thistle
Climax Dominant Plant Species
Bluebunch wheatgrass
Rough fescue
Green needlegrass
Idaho fescue
Sticky geranium
Mi Ik vetch
Lomatium
Hairy eoldenaster
Latin Binomial
Festuca scabrella
Lupine spp.
Festuca idahoensis
Arnica cordifolia
Fragaria virginiana
Agrostis stolonifera
Elymus cinereus
Juncus balticus
Centaurea maculosa
Rosa woodsii
Car ex spp.
Agropyron smithii
Cardaria draba
Berberis repens
Juniperus spp.
Chrysothamnus spp.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Pinus flexilis
Euphorbia esula
Deschampsia caespitosa
Distichlis stricta
Populus tremuloides
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Cirsium arvense
Agropyron spicatum
Festuca scabrella
Stipa viridula
Idaho fescue
Geranium viscosissimum
Astragalus spp.
Lomatium spp.
Heterotheca villosa
Reference
1,2,4,5
1,4,5
1,4,5
1
1
1,4,5
1,2,4,5
4
1,4,5
1,2,4
5
4,5
1,4,5
,4,5
,5
,5
5
1,4,5
3,4
1,3.4
3,4
1,3,4,5
3,4
3,4
3
3
G/H-23
-------
Common Name
Pussytoes
Phlox
Buckwheat
Arrowleaf balsamroot
Snowberry
Skunkbush sumac
Big sagebrush
Latin Binomial
Antennaria spp.
Phlox spp.
Eriogonum spp.
Balsamorhiza sagittate
Symphoricarpos spp.
Rhus trilobata
Artemisia tridentata
Reference
3,4
3,4
3
3,4
3
3
3
G.
1 Referenced by Dr. Tom Keck, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Deer Lodge, Montana
(personal communication; memo from S. Jennings to B. Rennick, June 5, 1998; Keck et al.,
Mapping Soil Impact Classes on Smelter Affected Lands).
2 Personal communication with Dr. Frank Munshower, Montana State University, Bozeman.
J Rangesite Description and Condition Guide. USDA-SCS-Montana, April 1982. Northern Rocky
Mountain valleys, foothills and mountains west of the continental divide in the 10-14 and 15-19 inch
precipitation zones.
4 Field observations by Bob Rennick, COM Federal Programs Corporation, Helena, Montana.
5 Reconnaissance conducted by the Reclamation Research Unit, ARTS Phase I Final Report. 1993.
* Found on sites with specialized conditions such as a high water table or salty soils.
REBUTTAL OF ARCO'S CLAIM THAT THE FINAL BERA DID NOT ADDRESS
HISTORIC INFLUENCES OF SO2 EMISSION EFFECTS ON EXISTING
VEGETATIVE STRESS
EPA takes issue with the ARCO reviewer's broad brush statements that EPA "failed" to consider
the effects of SO2 fumigation in the assessment of ecological risks for the Anaconda Smelter Site.
In actuality, through the various iterations of reports, from the Phase 1 Screening Level
Ecological Risk Assessment (CDM 1994), to the PBERA (COM 1995a), to the PBERA
Supplement (CDM 1995b), to the Final BERA (CDM 1997), EPA has responded to ARCO's
earlier comments and incorporated greater discussion of SO2 and other non-chemical stressors in
the assessment of potential risks at the site.
EPA recognizes and never debated the fact that there were historical SO2 effects on vegetation at
the Anaconda Smelter Site. The State of Montana regulated SO2 for more than 100 years,
resulting in litigation and institution of environmental controls for SO2 emissions. It was a
known constituent resulting in environmental damage to plants, cattle, and crops. EPA does not
argue that SO2 did not have a significant impact to the local environment, but such effects are
currently overshadowed by the effects of metals concentrations in some areas of the site where
metals levels exceed phytotoxicity ECs. If SO2 was the primary factor resulting in current
vegetation condition in some parts of the site, then natural recovery and ecological succession
would be expected to occur after the fumigation ceases. As discussed in the State of Montana's
Findings of Fact legal document in support of the MNRDP case, the only residual effects that
would remain following cessation of fumigation would be reduced pH and acidification of the
soils. Site data reveal, however, that soil pH levels throughout most of the site are within ranges
typically found in soils in southwestern Montana. At many of these locations, metals
concentrations are high and vegetation is either absent or represented by a near-monoculture of
metals-resistant species.
G/H-24
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ARCO's reviewers from ENSR make a further comment that EPA failed to consider rates of
recovery at other sites to evaluate the likelihood that the hypothesized stressor has caused the
adverse effects. ENSR reviewers must not have reviewed the State of Montana's Findings of
Facts document, where Larry Kapustka discusses that in studies of other ecological systems
recovering from SO2, grassland and forb communities have recovered within two decades after
the emissions were removed, and canopy forest was re-established within 30 years. Therefore,
one would expect to see a substantial recovery in areas of the site impacted by SO2 emissions if
SO2 was the only controlling factor, because all SO2 emissions ceased in 1980 with the closure of
the smelter. ENSR reviewers further commented that EPA introduces the site's historical
legacy, but fails to describe the historic emissions and probable effects of a known site stressor,
sulfur dioxide. In support of their position, they present Figure 4 to show the estimated levels of
emissions of SO2 from the smelter. This figure also supports Larry Kapustka's deposition and
EPA's position that sufficient time has passed from the reduced emissions starting in the late
1930s to the cessation of emissions in 1980 for recovery to be occurring.
Historical effects notwithstanding, CERCLA and the Superfund process require the assessment
of current and future transport, fate, and risks of the identified COCs. The Ecological Risk
Assessment is designed to answer CERCLA-mandated analysis of whether or not metals pose a
potential risk to the environment in Anaconda. In consideration of the potential effects of
non-COC stressors, however, the final BERA evaluates COCs in relation to all other major
physical/chemical plant growth factors of soil, and identifies areas on the site where COCs are
the major factor in the existing vegetation condition or ability of those sites to recover
floristically.
As stated numerous times in the BERA, the CPSA considers both chemical and non-chemical
stressors in the identification of areas of concern for ecological receptors. EPA never claimed
that this analysis would result in a point by point identification of "risk areas" requiring
remediation. In fact, EPA has developed an LRES for the selection of sites requiring
remediation. The LRES is a decision tree that takes COC as well as non-COC stressors into
consideration when recommending sites for remedial action.
For example, if SO2 fumigation occurred in a certain area, and this resulted in plant loss and total
soil erosion to bedrock, no remediation would be recommended for the area. If an area appears
to be slightly impacted, but plants are starting to get a foothold in relation to diversity and
abundance, and little or no erosion appears to be occurring, remediation would not be
recommended for the area. Other areas might have conditions that would result in a
recommendation to interseed and monitor, but not do full scale remediation. ARCO has been
aware of the development of this decision making document but appears to have not
communicated this to their reviewing subcontractor.
ARCO makes numerous comments that it is inappropriate to develop a strategy to evaluate
COCs, not SO2 Based on the discussions above, EPA strongly disagrees with these comments.
Numerous scientific/management decision points occurred throughout the development of the
risk assessment documents for this site, and the problem formulation was deliberately designed
to evaluate potential risks from metals. Regardless of the initial effects of SO2, EPA is using all
G/H-25
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available site data to determine why the site is not showing recovery in many areas. In many
cases, this is because there are other ecological stressors at the site, namely, elevated metals
concentrations in the soil. Therefore, the risk assessment is not focused on the causes for loss of
vegetation in the past, it is focused in prospective way on identifying the extent and magnitude of
continued stressors in the environment.
III. RESPONSE TO CRITICISMS OF WILDLIFE RISK ESTIMATES AND RE-
EVALUATION
After reviewing ARCO comments on the terrestrial wildlife portion on the Final BERA, EPA
Region 8 was compelled to reevaluate the results to specifically address many of their concerns.
The modeling effort in the initial document was never meant to be a final interpretation of
wildlife risk on the Anaconda Smelter Site. Note that the opening paragraph of the Appendix 10
in the Final BERA states the following: "The purposes of this modeling include 1) identifying
the range of potential health risk to wildlife at the site; 2) identifying the trophic levels that are
potentially at risk; and 3) identifying the trophic levels at the greatest risk. This information will
be used by the risk managers to design future risk-related sampling efforts and post-remediation
biomonitoring programs." These statements throughout the section clearly and transparently
identifying the use of the results make ENSR's attack on the procedures not only completely
useless, but quite confusing and erroneous. To the end of bettering the focus of soon-to-be
proposed wildlife studies on the site, however, EPA Region 8 scientists have seriously
considered suggestions by ENSR and incorporated many of their comments in the re-analysis in
Appendix B of the ROD.
IV. RESPONSE TO ARCO'S REASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC RISKS ON THE
ANACONDA SMELTER SITE
It is apparent that the strategy put forth by ARCO in this reassessment is primarily two fold: 1) to
refute the possibility of toxic levels of metals and arsenic reaching the river from overland flow
and erosion from hillsides highly contaminated with metals and arsenic by demonstrating no
response of organisms currently inhabiting the creeks and thereby eliminating the need of
revegetation as a remedial alternative on the site; and 2) document examples of what ARCO feels
are the most appropriate techniques for assessing aquatic risk in anticipation of the release of
future risk assessments in the Region, specifically the Clark Fork River OU. EPA concurs with
the general conclusions of minimal demonstrable impacts to aquatic life within most of the area
within the Anaconda site. In fact, the ROD requires a reasonable and moderate approach to
protect aquatic resources from future potential impacts from COCs. It is for that specific reason
why more site data will be collected in 1998 to answer questions of aquatic risks.
EPA evaluated the potential of surface water and sediment loading of arsenic and metals from
erosion of non-vegetated hillsides as part of the site-wide fate and transport of COCs. The
results of the analysis concluded that the groundwater influx of arsenic and loading from
erosional overland flow would serve as a constant source of metals and arsenic to Anaconda
streams and its downstream confluences. Although there may be currently low risk to aquatic
receptors in Anaconda streams, it is very feasible that allowing contaminated hillsides to
G/H-26
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continue to contribute metals and arsenic into the watershed during the course of natural
revegetation could convert low risk to potentially more grave circumstances.
V. REBUTTAL TO ARCO'S CLAIM THAT THE FINAL BERA IS SIMPLY A
COLLECTION OF SCREENING LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT PRACTICES
ARCO contractors erroneously conclude that the Final BERA was nothing more than a screening
level risk assessment ignoring site-specific data by characterizing risks only from risk screening
tools. The text from ENSR Toxicology states: "The BERA inappropriately draws its final
conclusions based upon the results of a collection of screening risk assessment tools that
variously report potential or possible risk."
It is recommended that ENSR risk assessors read pages 2-9 to 2-13 of the Final BERA, which
provide a summary of screening-level problem formulation and risk characterization. In doing
so, one would note that the first attempt at the characterization of ecological risks on Anaconda
was completed in the Phase 1 Screening Level Ecological Assessment (CDM 1994), in an
attempt to conservatively eliminate media, by geographic reference, that would be of no potential
concern. As stated in the text, surface water, sediment, and soils were screened using
conservative benchmarks of abiotic media to indicate areas of potential concern. The next step in
the process was to further evolve the ecological risk assessment in the PBERA (CDM Federal
1995a). More specific ecological receptors were identified, refinement of assessment and
measurement endpoints was completed with a concurrent effort in the development of a site-
conceptual model. Areas of concern were further refined from the Phase 1 screening utilizing
additional site-specific data while data gaps were identified and a field data collection program
was designed to address the major data gaps. It was decided at that time that phytotoxicity was
of primary concern and that although wildlife receptors may be at risk as well, those areas not
identified as a risk to vegetation would also not be identified as a risk to wildlife receptors.
Therefore, wildlife data collection was not initiated at that time and the focus shifted to potential
phytotoxicity.
ENSR toxicologists on page 1-17 contend "While focusing on phytotoxicity, and following an
approach congruent with the State's MNRDP injury assessment, EPA has not adequately
addressed potential risks to wildlife under the proposed plan". Clearly, by EPA completing 2
levels of screening assessments and collection of vegetation data from the site, it is inconceivable
how an objective scientist can read these three documents and come to the conclusion that EPA
has focused on vegetation risk simply to have a "...congruent approach with the State's MNRDP
injury assessment..." EPA toxicologists agree with ENSR risk assessors that additional
characterization of wildlife risk needs to be completed as per the proposal indicated in the
beginning of these responses.
The Final BERA incorporated numerous site-specific investigations, including site-specific
investigations by ARCO and the state and federal trustees.
G/H-27
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VI. RESTORATION VERSUS REMEDIATION
Throughout the ENSR comments, several references are made towards the proposed plan being
one of restoration and not remediation. Rader (1997) and others (Galbraith et al. 1995,
Kaputska et al. 1995) all indicate the most phytotoxic soils in the Anaconda area are either of low
pH and/or high metals. It was concluded by these authors (and supported by comments offered
by Menzie-Cura & Associates in ARCO comments on the BERA), soils of low pH can both be
directly phytotoxic and/or lead to increased availability of metals for uptake by plants in the soils.
Historically, remedial actions taken by EPA have often been completed to reduce exposure of
contaminants to receptors by source control. In this case, vegetation is the primary receptor of
concern. Liming treatments described by restoration experts will raise pH levels in soils and,
therefore, reduce metals bioavailability and lower the potential for toxicity to plants.
Concurrently, through stabilization of contaminated soils by revegetation, the potential of highly
contaminated dust transporting from tailings piles and other contaminated areas for exposure to
humans and wildlife are also reduced. As recent as 1981-1991, maximum concentrations in
dustfall wastes on Smelter Hill were 115,333 parts per million (ppm) arsenic, 10,800 ppm
cadmium, 390,000 ppm copper, 51,333 ppm lead, and 199,677 ppm zinc (RCG/Hagler Bailly,
1995). Stabilization of the tailings areas became a prime concern in the 1920s as a means of
controlling dust from dried and unvegetated surfaces of the tailing impoundments and
reclamation activities by various owners of smelters on the Anaconda site. The Anaconda
Company understood that revegetation was the primary means by which dust control should be
done: "The Anaconda Company recognizes that revegetation is the ultimate answer for
permanent stabilization of concentrator wastes" (Richmond and Sjogren 1972). ARCO has
continued to do research into the ability to revegetate areas of Anaconda to reduce the probability
of dusting. EPA feels that in this case, some restoration is occurring through remedial action.
Thus, what ENSR insists upon as restoration technology inappropriate for EPA's mandate of
remediation is not only consistent with historic actions taken by EPA to reduce exposures to
receptors at risk, it is an innovative way to also begin restoring the ecology of the site beyond the
ENSR proposed climax community of lichens.
VII. DESCRIPTIONS OF INACCURACIES AND ERRORS IN ENSR'S REVIEW OF
THE BERA
It is ironic that ENSR risk assessors (ARCO contractors) "scold" EPA for using bad science in
the Final BERA, while the reviewers used very poor scientific practice in describing their
concerns. The following are numerous examples:
1. The document makes many over-generalizations which do not accurately characterize the
work completed in the document. For example, the text states: "The BERA
inappropriately draws its final conclusions based upon the results of a collection of
screening risk assessment tools that variously report potential or possible risk." This is a
misleading and false statement. Although screening applications were used in wildlife
risk models presented in Appendix 10 of the BERA, EPA clearly states in the text on
page A10-4: "This information will be used by the risk managers to design future risk-
related sampling efforts and post-remediation biomonitoring programs." Besides
wildlife, however, the BERA incorporated site-specific data collected on vegetation
G/H-28
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communities (COM Federal 1995a), vegetation toxicity studies from the site (State of
Montana 1995), water effect ratio testing (ENSR 1996) from site waters, and numerous
other examples which will be discussed in a later response which directly answers the
charge that EPA did not go beyond a screening level assessment in the Final BERA.
2. The comment authors have numerous misrepresentation of citations. The authors state
draft EPA guidances and guidelines for Superfund in 1995 and in 1996 when current
guidance with which the Final BERA was written under is clearly stated on page ES-1 of
the document as the interim final "Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund:
Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments" from June of 1997.
On page B-3 and B-10 of ENSR's comments, the author makes reference to "EPA Region
8 toxicity reference values for dietary exposure of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and
zinc" proposed in July of 1997. These values apparently come from a draft document
released to state and federal trustees by EPA for their review and comment. Much of this
document was written by ENSR personnel and was not released as a. final product of any
form representing the position of EPA regional scientists. Currently, the region has no
finalized ingestion TRVs for metals exposure to trout and continue to be developed for
their use in the Clark Fork River OU ecological risk assessment. Similarly, on page 1-24,
the commenters from ENSR described the mammalian arsenic TRVs as being overly
conservative when in fact, it was ENSR risk assessors Heidi Tillquist and Frank Vertucci
who had proposed the values used in the Final BERA in cooperation with EPA Region 8
ecotoxicologist Dale Hoff. In spite of the misrepresentation of the citation, however,
EPA is interested in having the best available information in the development of the
TRVs and will consider changing the values as ENSR authors suggested in their
comments.
3. In an attempt to demonstrate mathematical errors in models used in the wildlife screening
assessment, and in the presentation of a proposal for changing bioavailability factors
(BAFs) for plant uptake of metals and arsenic, ENSR risk assessors have themselves
made erroneous data presentation and mathematical errors.
• In figures 12-16 on pages 1-44 to 1-48, ENSR risk assessors attempt to document
the relationship between metal and arsenic concentrations in the soil with
concentrations of the same in herbs/shrubs. In such a relationship, the
independent variable should be concentrations in the soil while the dependent
variable is the concentration of metals and arsenic in plant tissues. ENSR
illustrations are respectively the opposite of this appropriate relationship.
However, the concept of using this site data to determine a site specific equation
in the development of the most appropriate BAF is noted and is applied in the re-
analysis of the wildlife modeling described in comments above.
• On page 1-28 ENSR risk assessors present their "belief of how hazard quotients
(HQs) were summed to develop a hazard index (HI). The numerator represents
exposure concentrations in soils, and denominator represents a TRV. In their
example they added 3 fractions by finding a common denominator:
G/H-29
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Example 1. 1/2 + 3/4 + 2/3 =
6/12 + 9/12 + 8/12 =
23/12 =
1 11/12
In the Final BERA, the HQs were summed by adding the products from the
division of each fraction. To illustrate this point, EPA uses the same example:
1/2 + 3/4 + 2/3 = equals 0.5 + 0.75 + 0.666
6/12 + 9/12 + 8/12= equals 0.5 + 0.75 + 0.666
23/12= equals 1.916
111/12= equals 1.916
However, EPA does understand how ENSR risk assessors could be confused by
the methodology as documented in the Final BERA. Furthermore, it agrees that
better resolution as to what proportion individual chemicals are contributing to the
summed HI factor. In Appendix B, additional wildlife risk modeling addresses
this concern in text, tables and figures.
VIII. INSERTION OF LEGAL TERMINOLOGY IN ARCO'S "SCIENTIFIC
REVIEW OF THE FINAL BERA
As scientific critics of the Final BERA, ENSR risk assessors use several references of legal
terminology with no clear understanding of their scientific benefit.
1. On page 1 -1: "This review documents that the BERA...inconsistent with CERCLA and
the NCP and arbitrary and capricious."
Response: It is not appropriate to conclude in this scientific review that a remedial action is
"arbitrary and capricious" nor is it appropriate to come to such a judgement based upon only one
of the nine remedial decision criteria set forth in the NCP. EPA's decision as to remedy selection
are based on the nine criteria set forth in the NCP, not any one criterion alone. It is not possible
to judge EPA's final decision based upon only the outcome of a risk assessment. Any conclusion
that EPA action is arbitrary and capricious should be based upon all the factors considered by
EPA, including all none criteria. In any event, ARCO's claim that a remedial decision based on
the BERA would be "arbitrary and capricious" is simply wrong, as explained in detail in EPA's
responses to ARCO's comments on the BERA.
2. On page 1-3: "Response actions to improve habitat impacted by SO2 emissions and
factors other than release of hazardous substances is outside CERCLA's remedial
authority."
Response: See response to issue 24b, EPA's responses to ARCO's letter of January 29,1998,
Attachment L. In general, EPA does have authority to take remedial action to address threats to
human health and the environment posed by the release of hazardous substances. EPA has gone
to great effort to document this risk in human health and environmental risk assessments.
G/H-30
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Nowhere does ARCO show that any such threat has been caused by something other than a
hazardous substance.
3. On page 1-16: "...supports ARCO's position that the site specific WER adjustment to the
AWQC is relevant, appropriate, and protective of sustaining aquatic uses in the Clark
Fork River and its tributaries."
Response: It is not appropriate to make the finding claimed by ARCO in a scientific document.
The terms "relevant", "appropriate", and "protective" are essentially legal terms. "Relevant" and
"appropriate" are defined in the NCP. These scientific documents do not make any of the
findings necessary in order to reach the conclusion that WER adjustment is "relevant" and
"appropriate".
4. On page 1-28: "Response actions described in the Proposed Plan are not supported by the
findings of the BERA." .
Response: See comment concerning 1-1, above. ARCO should limit itself to technical comments
only in its technical documents.
IX. REBUTTAL OF ARCO'S CLAIM THAT EPA HAS CONTINUED TO IGNORE
CRITICAL COMMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FINAL BERA:
HISTORY OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ARCO AND EPA ON THE
ANACONDA SMELTER
Throughout the process of developing the ecological risk assessment on the Anaconda site,
ARCO has been involved in not only the review of documents, but in the design of site studies.
EPA Region 8 has acknowledged ARCO's comments and has made an effort to incorporate those
comments and concerns, when appropriate, during ALL phases of the project. In fact, a review
of all past EPA documents and ARCO comments shows how many times EPA has incorporated
ARCO data into the reports and modified text in response to comments made by ARCO
reviewers. Section X contains a matrix identifying specific comments presented by ARCO's
various contractors during the development of several documents, and EPA's specific responses
to these comments. It is important to note here two of EPA's frustrations that have led to
perceived communication problems between ARCO and the Agency. First, contradictory
opinions often arise when given comments from different contractors on the same subject manner
and represented to the Agency as ARCO's technical position. Such examples are noted below in
the response matrix designed to address specific comments. It is quite difficult for EPA to
respond to comments from "ARCO", when the Agency is given confusing positions. Second,
ARCO appears to have the impression that because the Final BERA does not express ARCO's
view of ecological risk that the Agency has ignored their comments. Indeed, there is a
fundamental disagreement between ARCO and the Agency as to the existence of vegetative risk
at the site. Just because the Agency disagrees with ARCO that there is no such thing as
phytotoxicity on the Anaconda Smelter Site, does not mean we have not considered the
comments.
G/H-31
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The response matrix in the following section addresses the specific comments received from
ARCO, dating back to the earliest documents produced by COM Federal on behalf of the
Agency, to demonstrate that EPA considered and incorporated ARCO's previous comments.
Based on the most recent comments prepared by ARCO, it appears that current reviewers have
not become familiar with historical dialog and resolutions between ARCO and EPA.
G/H-32
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X. MATRIX OF RESPONSES TO ARCO'S (MENZIE-CURA'S) SPECIFIC COMMENTS
ON ANACONDA BERA
DOCUMENT LIST:
Document
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Date
11/95
4/11/96
11/1/96
1 1/1/96
3/4/97
1/30/98
1/30/98
: • ...'.:.:; : ' Document/Deliverable Description
ARCO Comments from Steve Dole on Final PBERA (before Supplement)
ARCO's Final Comments on PBERA Supplement, Flack to OalSoglio
ARCO's Preliminary Comments on EPA's Draft Final BERA for the ARWW&S OU, Flack to DalSoglio
ARCO Editorial Comments on Draft Final BERA, Bullock to DalSoglio
Menzie-Cura's Assessment of Impact to Vegetation by Multiple Stressors at the ARWW&S OU, Flack to
DalSoglio
Comments on EPA's Proposed Plan for the ARWW&S OU, Attachment G
BERA, prepared by Menzie-Cura, Stash to DalSoglio
Comments on EPA's Proposed Plan for the ARWW&S OU, Attachment H
BERA, prepared by ENSR, Stash to DalSoglio
- ARCO Comments on Final
- ARCO Comments on Final
SPECIFIC COMMENTS:
Doc.
No.
Page
••.: --:: Comment • ;:. :.••". . -;-;: .'. ' ':
: Response Notes
Issue: General Comments
1
1
1
1
1
2
5
2
3
3
The PBERA does not include pertinent ecological
data (PTI Ecorisk report, Smelter Hill phytotoxicity
report, Keammerer, Redente, and Reiser reports for
NRDA litigation, and fish populations in area
streams).
PTI's Regional Ecorisk Field Investigation is not
discussed in the PBERA (yet PBERA indicates this
report was a source for the development of soils ECs).
The PBERA requires a consistency check regarding
sources of information used.
The use of a LANDSAT image requires further
discussion (i.e., date of image, scale, type of coverage,
etc).
The PBERA references a USFWS report regarding
impact of SO2 emissions on vegetation, but no
citation was provided nor a discussion of the
conclusions.
Some of these data were not available when the PBERA was
prepared, but were added to the PBERA Supplement and carried
through all the way to the BERA.
PTI's report was reviewed in the PBERA Supplement, and results
were described in the BERA in appropriate context of the riparian
zones on the Anaconda Site. However, although the data was
described in the text, the document was not appropriately cited at
the end of the chapter.
In the Final BERA (Appendix 3), PTI's report was evaluated in
the development of BAFs for plants, invertebrates, and deer mice.
Furthermore, the CPSA model will be validated using
relationships between pH, total metals, and biomass and taxa
richness.
Agreed, revised in the BERA.
The sources of imaging were USD], USGS, and the Earth Science
Information Center, acquired from the High Altitude Photography
Program. The image date was August 24th, 1984 at a scale of
1 :58000. They were enlarged for CDM Federal purposes to
1 :29000. See Appendix 2, page 8 in the BERA.
In the PBERA Supplement (see page 23 of PBERA Supplement)
and the BERA, results from this investigation (Carlson 1974) were
discussed. This included the conclusion that SO2 impacted trees
in the area north of the smelter.
G/H-33
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Doc.
No.
2
3
3
3
3
7
7
5
7
Page
8
2
2
4
13
1-1
1-2
2
1-1
Comment
Internal consistency checks are needed between tables
and text in PBERA Supplement.
ARCO's preliminary comments on the Draft Final
BERA mandate substantial revisions to the final
document consistent with Menzie-Cura's comments
to be considered a scientifically valid assessment of
ecological risk to receptors within the ARWW&S
OU.
The BERA relies on highly uncertain ECs to
characterize risk, without concern to ecological
relevance, bioavailability, effects of multiple
stressors, or weight-of-evidence from evaluation of
multiple assessment and measurement endpoints.
ARCO incorporates, by reference, their comments on
the PBERA into their comments on the Draft Final
BERA, indicating that the Draft Final BERA fails to
address many of the previous comments.
The Draft Final BERA does not adequately
differentiate between risks posed by chemicals of
concern and other stressors, which should be
evaluated more quantitatively. Site soil pH levels
could be compared to levels expected to result in
direct phytotoxicity; statistical correlations could be
developed between areas of potentially stressed
vegetation and COCs, and soil parameters and
characteristics. It may be useful to use multi-factorial
statistical procedures to discern effects associated
with COCs vs. other factors.
The Draft Final BERA also fails to provide a
methodology for weighting, comparing, and
reconciling multiple lines of evidence.
EPA's approach to assessing risks to terrestrial
vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic biota is critically
flawed and not a valid basis for remedial decisions.
The approach and conclusions of the BERA would
not stand up to scientific peer review.
The (phytotoxicity) data on which EPA relied has
failed to establish that an actual or potential threat
exists at the site, per EPA guidance.
The BERA does not evaluate or characterize
ecological risk, and does not follow EPA guidance for
ecological risk assessments.
Response Notes
Agreed, revised in the BERA.
EPA disagrees with the overall finding of ARCO's interpretation
in Menzie-Cura's report that metals are having no impact because
of lack of correlative metal stressor-response statistics. Menzie-
Cura re-established what EPA concluded several years previously
and, consequently, moved more towards an ecologically holistic
approach with the CPSA. It is important to note that none of Dr.
Menzie's comments demonstrated that the CPSA model is invalid.
Further, Menzie-Cura did not say that EPA's approach was
scientifically invalid. See response in Section IIB.
The BERA did consider ecological relevance and other site factors
such as bioavailability and ecological stressors. We discussed
four zones of phytotoxicity, discussed multiple stressors and
endpoints, and ranked vegetation areas based on metals in
vegetation and water. ARCO and EPA agreed upon the sampling
design and number of samples to be collected, and there are not
enough samples, given the spatial extent of the site, to adequately
perform multivariate analysis.
Uncertainties associated with the ECs are thoroughly discussed in
the BERA (Section 5.5). The uncertainty section was extensively
revised from the Draft Final BERA to the Final BERA to account
for ARCO's concerns.
EPA has considered all of the comments supplied to EPA from
ARCO, some of which were incorporated into the Final BERA
and some of which are addressed below.
See Table 5.1-4 of the BERA. Very few areas on the site actually
have dramatically low pH.
EPA addressed, to the extent possible. This comment is in
contradiction to the Menzie-Cura comments.
See responses in Sections 1, IIB, C, D, E, F, G, III, IV, V, and VI.
EPA welcomes any type of reasonable peer review proposed by
ARCO.
EPA wholly disagrees with this statement (see responses in
Sections I and IIB).
See responses in Sections I, III, IV, and V, and Appendix B of the
ROD.
G/H-34
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1-5
Comment
The BERA's calculation of HQs by comparing the
site COC concentrations and effects thresholds, as a
measure of risk w/o further evaluation, is inconsistent
with EPA guidance.
Response Notes
See responses in Sections I, HB, C, E, G, III, IV, and V, and
Appendix B of the ROD.
Issue: The BERA is a Screening Level Assessment
3
3
7
7
2
3
1-1
1-1
In reviewing EPA's 1996 guidance, ARCO finds the
Draft Final BERA to be a screening level assessment,
and therefore inadequate to support remedial
decisions.
The Draft Final BERA relies on screening level
criteria to characterize risks to fish, wildlife, and
habitats. Additional lines of evidence should be
incorporated into the risk characterization as part of a
weight-of-evidence approach. The weight-of-
evidence approach in the Draft Final BERA is limited
to selecting effects concentrations from multiple
literature sources and studies. Per EPA guidance, a
weight-of-evidence approach will require that
different types of data are evaluated together, such as
toxicity test results, assessments of existing impacts
onsite, or risk calculations comparing estimated doses
with toxicity values from the literature. The strength
of evidence from the different studies, and the
precedence that one type of study has over another,
should have been determined prior to the assessment
to avoid bias.
The BERA should reconcile the results of the
measurement endpoints associated with each
assessment endpoint using a clear and consistent
methodology.
The BERA draws conclusions based on screening risk
assessment tools that report potential or possible risk,
and adds more screening assessments which should
have been used to establish a stable risk hypotheses
based on site data and to evaluate stressor-response
gradients.
Weight-of-evidence is claimed to have been used, but
is not.
See response in Section V.
EPA concurs that a weight-of-evidence approach can include a
triad approach addressing toxicity test results, literature values,
and field surveys. EPA guidance (EPA 1997) lists the type of
lines of evidence that can be used, but does not state that they are
"required". A thorough review of EPA documents from the
screening level ERA through the I99S sampling program and the
BERA will demonstrate that multiple lines of evidence, coupled
with a field-truthing mapping exercise, were selected and used
(some in response to ARCO's requests), in the characterization of
risks.
Literature reviews, toxicity assays, animal demographic studies,
plant community data and chemical determination from several
sources listed below were incorporated into a weight-of-evidence
evaluation.
Literature Review: CH2M Hill (East Helena). These reports
reviewed the value and applicability of individual studies and
were applied in the BERA.
Site toxicity assays: MNRDP Assessment, STARS and ARTS.
Field Demographics:
Historic Mining company work: Richmond and Sioeerund (1972);
Olsen and Elliot surveys; Eliason (1958-1962); Natural Resources
Council.
LANDSAT photos: ARCO and State; Regional Soils RI (1995);
NRDA survey; numerous theses.
Chemistry: RI; EPA 1995 survey; ARTS and STARS; NRDA
collection.
See above and response in Section V.
See above.
G/H-35
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7
7
7
7
7
7
P«g«
1-3
1-3
1-4
1-10
1-17
1-17
1-18
Comment
The BERA is a screening level assessment of
theoretical risk that is not consistent with EPA's risk
assessment guidance.
The BERA has not:
- evaluated which of the possible stressors is most
responsible for observed effects on the
vegetation;
- evaluated relevant risk hypotheses with site-
specific data;
- established stressor-response relationships; and
- assessed risks beyond a screening level.
ARCO states that evaluation of the site-specific risk
hypothesis indicates stressor levels are not correlated
with measures of effects, and no stressor-response
gradient is identified using relevant site data. The
hypothesis that risks are not occurring is supported.
Risks in the BERA are based on screening level
assessment findings, and no ecologically sound
weigh t-of-evidence approach is used.
Instead of questioning the assumptions in the
screening assessment tools used, site-specific data are
discounted or ignored by EPA when they contradict
screening risk characterization results.
All risk assessment documents for Anaconda focused
on theoretical risk through refinement of screening
tools.
With proper problem formulation, the results of the
(screening) phytotoxicity assessment could have been
rigorously tested with field experiments.
EPA presents only a screening risk evaluation for
wildlife risk from metals and arsenic in surface soil,
water, and forage. Several of these screening tools
have limited value compared with a more appropriate
use of site-specific data.
EPA fails to consider the likelihood of wildlife
exposures in their screening estimates of risk.
EPA has assembled a set of four unrelated,
disintegrated screening assessments of possible
wildlife risk (bullets on page 1-18).
Response Notes
See responses in Sections I, II, and V.
See responses in Sections II, III, and V, and Appendix B of the
ROD.
See response in Section V.
EPA concurs and proposes that ARCO complete such a study. As
it stands, EPA stands by the assertion that metals phytotoxicity is
occurring, based on the large amount of current and historic data
available.
EPA agrees, as clearly stated on page A 10-4 of the BERA. See
Appendix B of the ROD for proposal for continued biomonitoring.
The analysis is designed to predict the most pertinent pathways to
complete biomonitoring, and as such, this variable was not a
focus.
See Appendix B of the ROD.
Issue: Soils Data Used
2
5
ARCO provides example text for expanding the
discussion on soil sampling method.
ARCO's description of collection technique is accurate. A
complete description of the soils collection is in the SAP which
references a SOP. There were no significant alterations in the
techniques described in the SOP.
G/H-36
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1-19
1-23
Comment
Some kriged soil concentrations are highly uncertain,
in that the mean error for copper and zinc at the site
are large. These values should be given less weight in
determining phytotoxicity zones or areas of concern at
the Anaconda Site.
The geometric mean soil concentrations in Table
3-5, from which daily doses are calculated and
compared with TRVs to estimate the hazard quotient
listed in Table 3-8, are not the same as the geometric
mean soil concentrations shown on Table 3-9. The
protective soil concentrations are miscalculated.
Finding this sort of obvious yet important error calls
into question how exactly risks were calculated and
quality was assured in this document.
Without a proper citation for the regional background
soil data set, the representativeness of the data is
questionable.
Response Notes
It is important to note that kriging was completed by ARCO to
estimate areas of residential cleanup. EPA recognizes that kriged
soil results are only estimates, but to date, this is the most
comprehensive and best available information for site-wide
characterization. Therefore, in both human health and ecological
health RODs and remediation plans, confirmatory sampling will
be done .
This was not an error. The soil concentrations in Table 3-5 were
those that were used in the PBERA. The soil concentrations in
Table 3-9 were obtained for use in the BERA, and included
updated soil data. If the PBERA geometric mean soil calculations
were used instead for Table 3-9, arsenic values would not change,
and protective soil values for cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc
would be higher by a maximum of 65 ppm, 1400 ppm, 500 ppm,
and 1 100 ppm, respectively.
ARCO is correct. The citation is ESE 1996. Anaconda Regional
Water and Waste Operable Unit Final Draft Remedial
Investigation Report. Prepared for ARCO, Anaconda, Montana.
September.
Issue: Assessment Endpoints (focusing the assessment on vegetation and habitat)
7
7
1-5
1-17
Site data show that assessment endpoints and
management goals are not being significantly
impacted by site contaminants. Overly-conservative
methods are used to estimate "risk", and ecologically
more relevant site data are ignored.
Potential risks to other aquatic systems that may act as
a conveyance of storm water, such as the drainage
ditches, are not trout habitat and are not directly
relevant to the management goals and assessment
endpoints.
EPA disagrees that site data show that assessment endpoints and
management goals are not being significantly impacted by site
contaminants. See responses in Sections 11 A, B, and C, and
Appendix B of the ROD. It is not a unique practice in risk
assessment to use conservative assumptions in the absence of site
data. If the question is important enough to get site data, it is
completed. In the Proposed Plan, chronic risks to aquatic species
is not considered to be at a level to warrant remedial action, and
therefore, these conservative values in the risk assessment have
little impact in the Proposed Plan.
EPA recognizes that these conveyances such as the Blue Lagoon,
Slag Gulch, and Nazar Gulch are not trout fisheries. These
resources were looked at as wetlands environment and are not
being addressed in remedial planning as a trout fishery. In section
5.2.8 of the risk characterization, the AWQCs are focused towards
the protection of aquatic life, not only trout. Furthermore, as
noted in the PBERA on page 215: "An adult stage trout fishery at
this site is considered protective when metals in surface water and
sediments do not cause adverse effects on adult trout or their
prey."
Issue: Development and Use of TRVs (General)
3
3
Literature-based threshold concentrations should be
developed for each individual contaminant for each
group of potential receptors.
In the Final BERA, ECs were developed for individual
contaminants for each group of potential receptors.
G/H-37
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4
Comment
Many of the ECs used in the Draft Final BERA
contain a high degree of uncertainty and may result in
significant overestimates of risk. Some of the ECs are
based on the protection of human health, rather than
ecological receptors. Others were developed from
toxicological studies using agronomic plants or
livestock. Further, the Draft Final BERA does not
consider other toxicological benchmarks that are
readily available from the scientific literature.
Response Notes
In the Final BERA, several steps were taken to reduce uncertainty.
Several sources of information were incorporated for EC
consideration including: sediment ECs from Ingersol et al. (1996)
which included Clark Fork River sediments; surface water ECs
which included WERs for site-specific consideration; and wildlife
TRVs proposed by ENSR lexicologists Frank Vertucci and Heidi
Tillquist which were incorporated into the BERA. Furthermore,
uncertainty in the ECs was reduced by conducting a ground-
truthing field survey to observe actual effects in the field. This
resulted in the identification of areas most likely to demonstrate
phytotoxicity based on numerous lines of evidence. The site
survey was particularly important since it allowed the
consideration of mitigating site-specific physical parameters that
may result in reduced phytotoxic effects, in spite of elevated soil
metals levels. Had we relied only on literature data regarding
phytotoxic levels in soil, the NOAEL value that would have been
used for each of the COCs would have been much lower, resulting
in a much larger area of risk to terrestrial receptors. This
illustrates that EC values may have just as easily underestimated
risk. For example, ECs for phytotoxicity are effect concentrations
and NOT illustrative of no effects. The EC values selected fall
within the less conservative range of phytotoxicity values
extracted from the literature for a variety of species, including
agricultural as well as native plant species. Additionally, VAs of
concern for metals phytotoxicity were identified from the high
ECs. In lieu of considering site-specific mitigating factors, a
conservative reasonable maximum exposure scenario could be
used to develop the terrestrial ECs, and the resultant area of
terrestrial risk recalculated. EPA also expended a considerable
effort to summarize uncertainties and their likely affect on the
over- or underestimation of risk in Table 5.5-1. See response in
Section IIB.
Issue: Development and Use of TRVs (Sediment)
1
3
4
9
It is a misrepresentation that ECs for sediment could
be construed as "national media quality criteria".
Further, the NOAA values are of questionable
relevance to the freshwater creeks in the Anaconda
area.
The Ontario sediment guidelines may simply reflect
statistical variation within environmental data, rather
than true effect levels, and should not be used for
judging risks.
The language in the Final BERA was edited to remove statements
that ECs for sediment represent national media quality criteria.
EPA agrees with the limited usefulness of NOAA sediment
guideline values, and they were no longer considered as sediment
ECs in the Final BERA. To evaluate other information in a
weight-of-evidence approach, and to provide information
regarding a full range of potential effects, several other studies
were considered in the development of sediment ECs for the Final
BERA, including Ontario sediment guidelines, sediment effects
concentrations developed by Ingersoll et al., (1996), and regional
sediment and benthos studies conducted by Essig and Moore
(1992) and McGuire (1996).
The Ontario values were considered, along with other sources of
sediment toxicity data (see above) to provide information on the
range of potential effects in assessing the potential for risks to
aquatic receptors. In the final assessment of risks, however, site-
specific data were used to assess risks, and the Ontario guidelines
were not.
G/H-38
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10
11
Comment
All of the studies used to develop the sediment ECs
are based on bulk concentrations. Studies have
shown that toxicity of divalent metals in sediments
cannot be predicted from bulk sediment
concentrations, but rather from the available fraction
in pore water. This fraction can be predicted using
Acid Volatile Sulfides (AVS) and Simultaneously
Extracted Metals (SEM) measurements.
The use of sediment ECs in the ERAs should be
tempered by a critical evaluation of their differences
and an understanding of the limitations of their
appropriate uses.
Response Notes
EPA recognizes the utility of AVS and SEM measurements, but at
this point, such measurements are not needed. EPA does not
consider metals in sediments of Anaconda streams to be major risk
drivers, and therefore, further data collection is not merited.
These uncertainties are discussed in the PBERA, PBERA
Supplement, and in the Final BERA in the appropriate references
of respective ECs.
Issue: Development and Use of TRVs (Surface Water)
1
3
1
1
2
3
2
4
6
5
6
11
9
12
It is unclear whether 1994 or 1995 data were used for
the WERs for copper. ENSR's final results (end of
1995) differ, and should be used in recalculation of
WERs. The geometric mean for each creek should be
calculated and applied consistently throughout each
creek.
The water quality ECs exclude important site-specific
toxicity information, namely, WER data.
COM Federal used the incorrect method for
developing dissolved AWQC from the total
recoverable AWQC. All figures and text discussions
will need to be revised.
Use of an avoidance behavior test for trout to evaluate
chronic effects is highly questionable.
Avoidance behavior test for trout is a poor indicator
of chronic toxicity.
Acute and Chronic ECs for aquatic receptors are not
included in Appendix A of the Supplement.
The Draft Final BERA should not use avoidance
behavior data to judge ecological risks.
ARCO disagrees with the assertion that the use of
total recoverable method is warranted, and requests a
citation for the statement that in some situations,
dissolved may underestimate the effective
concentration (contradicts EPA guidance).
In the Final BERA, the source for WERs was 1994 and 1995 data
was used as reported in ENSR 1996, Phase 3 WER Program.
In the Final BERA, site-specific toxicity data (WERs) were used
to develop a range of potential aquatic surface water impacts to
biota. See page 4-4 (Section 4.3.4) and Appendix A of the Final
BERA.
Corrections were made using an updated method in the Final
BERA, based on the Federal Register May 4, 1995.
The use of avoidance behavior was not used in the Final BERA in
the evaluation of chronic toxicity in fish, but rather A WQCs and
WERs were considered.
The use of avoidance behavior was not used in the Final BERA in
the evaluation of chronic toxicity in fish, but rather A WQCs and
WERs were considered.
The use of avoidance behavior was not used in the Final BERA in
the evaluation of chronic toxicity in fish, but rather AWQCs and
WERs were considered.
When data are available to assess dietary exposure, then it is more
appropriate to use the dissolved rather than the total recoverable
method, in general. When dietary exposure data are not available,
the dissolved method alone does not account for all exposure
pathways. Therefore, it is conservatively assumed that the use of
the total recoverable method is useful in covering most routed of
exposure for metals.
Issue: Development and Use of TRVs (Vegetation)
2
5
Some of the phytotoxic concentrations reported
represent more bioavailable forms than others. The
phytotoxicity thresholds are not "known" if they fail
to address the degree of bioavailability.
This comment is without relevance to EPA's risk assessment. In
the PBERA Supplement, this section was a summary of the
opinions of those authors and it would be inappropriate for EPA
authors (even if EPA would disagree) to misrepresent the opinions
of the authors in the a summary text of studies completed on site.
G/H-39
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Comment
Response Notes
Both the high and low range of soil ECs for plants are
highly uncertain and may be overly protective of
native species. For each COC, the true non-toxic
level for the test species used could be considerably
greater.
EPA does not agree that these ECs are highly overprotective.
Although there are areas with higher soil concentrations that
support vegetation, there are also several areas with similar soil
levels and no vegetation. Therefore, although the ECs may not be
highly predictive, they are more than reasonable for use with the
CPSA model to identify vegetation areas most at risk. It is the
assertion of the EPA that although the true toxic levels for plants
may be greater, they may also be considerably lower for some
species. Studies done at MSU with 4 native grasses and arsenic
indicate effects levels well within the range of low and high ECs
used in the Final BERA.
In Appendix 3 of the Final BERA, the low and high ECs for
vegetation are illustrated and one should note that they represent a
large range of endpoints, soil characteristics, and exposure
mechanisms. Therefore, EPA feels that vegetation ECs are both
comprehensively and reasonably conservative, and representative
of both literature- and site-specific values. See response in
Section IIB.
The zones of phytotoxicity in the Draft Final BERA
do not appear to correlate with potentially impacted
or stressed areas. The BERA should provide
phytotoxicity values based on studies with site soils,
or soils with similar properties, native plants of
concern, and controls to account for various soil
conditions.
For the purposes of this assessment, to identify the areas most at
risk from metals concentrations in soil, the phytotoxicity zones do
generally agree with areas identified as impacted and are
imminently useful in identifying those areas where remediation
should be focused. It was never the intent of this assessment to
use point-by-point evaluations on the ground to compare to ECs
and draw specific conclusions regarding risk at any given point.
Rather, this assessment was intended as a tool to identify areas for
potential remediation, and is quite applicable for that purpose.
Reasons why the phytotoxicity zones don't specifically relate to
impact areas in all cases have to do with the large size of the site.
the spatial scale and abundance of sampling data used for kriging,
and that other site-specific factors appear to be positively affecting
plant growth in many cases. EPA used a comprehensive approach
to attempt to tease out major factors effecting plant growth in each
major study area. It is worth reiterating that the Final BERA did
use studies with site soils from the NRDA investigations for
designating ECs and did consider multiple species through the
East Helena studies. Also see responses in Sections IIB and D.
The Draft Final BERA concludes that the phytotoxic
benchmarks are "poor predictors of vegetation
conditions." As such, they cannot form the basis for
identifying soil metals levels as a threat to plants or to
justify remediation where metals levels exceed
benchmarks.
By themselves, the phytotoxic ECs are not necessarily indicative
of vegetation condition, but they are potential indicators of
phytotoxicity. Vegetation condition and phytotoxicity may be two
entirely different things. EPA disagrees that ECs cannot be used
to identify areas of potential phytotoxic threat and it is not EPA's
position that these values be used as remedial goals. See response
in Section II.
ARCO challenges the development of high
phytotoxicity values from tests done with agronomic
species, but further states that available data for native
species were conducted in sand, and that these data
would not be representative of site soils or
bioavailability.
EPA agrees that the development of phytotoxicity ECs from
studies based on agronomic species may not be representative of
native species. However, ARCO has presented no evidence to
suggest that native species are more tolerant to soil metals than
agricultural species. On the contrary, a review of the literature
values presented on tables in Appendix 7 of the BERA show that
for many native species grown in soil other than sand, effects
levels (i.e., LOAELs) are within the range of phytotoxicity ECs
presented in the BERA, and in many cases, below those values.
G/H-40
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Comment
Response Notes
6-7
The NRDA phytotoxicity study was not designed to
yield benchmark or threshold values, and had no
concentration ranges or dilutions of native soil. The
true nontoxic levels could be considerably greater.
The tests exposed plants to mixtures of metals, and it
is inappropriate to designate phytotoxicity zones by
the exceedance of the soil EC for one metal.
Toxicity ranges based on agricultural species are not
appropriate to use for developing soil ECs for native
plants or perennials used in reclamation.
The development of soil ECs does not account for
variable effects of other factors besides soil COCs.
EPA recognizes this fact and that is why we put them in context
with literature values. EPA does not believe that true phytotoxic
levels are considerably higher, and the literature review
demonstrates that true nontoxic values may be lower. See above
response and response in Section IIB.
EPA recognizes this fact and that is why we put them in context
with literature values of single chemicals. High ECs were
reflective of individual metals and plants. Phytotoxicity Zone 4
was comprised of areas in which all metals concentrations exceed
the high phytotoxicity values.
EPA is not aware of documentation that describes agricultural
species being much more or less sensitive to native species. The
use of literature in which agronomic species were used is a useful
tool for developing ECs. Both agronomic and native species (e.g.,
silver sage brush, western wheat grass, bermuda grass, tall fescue)
were used in the East Helena studies in the development of the
literature ECs. Also see response to comment on Document No.
3, pg. 6.
Per a conference call with COM Federal, EPA, and Larry
Kapustka, the BERA text was modified to provide clear language
regarding EPA's approach of using multiple sources of data,
coupled with site-specific surveys and evaluation of additional
mitigating factors, to set response ranges in the BERA. It should
be further noted that EPA guidance (EPA 1997) supports the use
of professional judgement and latitude regarding exposure and
effects assumptions and the incorporation of site-specific data.
Had EPA relied solely on literature values, and not considered
site-specific conditions, a much larger geographic area of risk
would have been designated.
28
The Draft Final BERA benchmarks are poor
predictors of vegetation conditions.
See response in Section II.
Soil pH is not adequately considered in the
development of soil ECs. The cutoff of pH levels
greater than 6.5 to be effective in reducing
bioavailability of metals to plants should be further
researched, and incorporate dose-response studies.
Also, using pH 6.5 as the cutoff value for soil ECs
contradicts the classifications used in the CPSA
model, which used categories based on soil pH less
than or greater than 5.0.
EPA acknowledges pH as a primary influence on bioavailability
and agrees that more dose-response data could be helpful.
However, changes in the "critical" value of pH would only slightly
alter areas identified as phytotoxic concern and not change the
overall conclusions. See response in Section HE.
The pH value of 5.0 is classified by rangeland biologists as a value
of concern for general rangeland species in areas not
athropogenically influenced with metals (Table 5.1-7).
Furthermore, EPA notes that if a pH of 6.5, instead of 5.0, were
used in the BERA, pH would have been predicted to have less of
an influence on phytotoxicity; again, this would only slightly alter
areas identified as a phytotoxic concern and not change the overall
conclusions.
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3
Page
1-6
1-8
12
Comment
ARCO presents graphs showing that Zones 2 and 3
classified sites that span a wide range of hazard
values, indicating the insensitivity of this scheme.
They also claim lack of correlation between
phytotoxicity zones and peak standing crop, as
measured by EPA.
By their literature review, EPA should have
determined which of the stressors has a steeper dose-
response phytotoxicity threshold.
The Draft Final BERA relies upon plant ECs which
are based on the protection of either livestock or
human health. More appropriate values can be found
in the scientific literature (i.e., the evaluation of risk
to herbivores compares plant tissue concentrations to
literature regarding mineral tolerances of domestic
mammals, some which are designed to protect
humans consuming the meat.) Further, the ingestion
rates, metabolic processes, detox mechanisms, and
other physiological parameters of test species are
expected to differ from those of site wildlife.
Recommend using ORNL benchmark values.
Response Notes
ENSR lexicologists erroneously presented the information to draw
conclusions of lack of stressor-response for several reasons: 1)
The lexicologists misassigned independent and dependent
variables; 2) the presentation is of a screening level of which EPA
acknowledges no clear dose-response relationship, and therefore,
used the CPSA model to more comprehensively evaluate impacts
by metals versus impacts of other stressors; 3) the ENSR analysis
includes data points from VAs where it has been acknowledged by
EPA that there is no phytotoxic risk. Because of the basic and
fundamental errors presented by ENSR toxicologists, it is
inconceivable how the investigators can draw conclusions of clear
evidence of stressor-response relationships.
ENSR toxicologists site EPA ERA guidelines as published in
1995 with "Hills" epidemiological approach to draw this
conclusion. EPA points out to ENSR that guidelines are not
program-specific and are not analogous to EPA guidance as cited
by ENSR. For the BERA, the 1997 ERAGS guidance was
applied.
EPA agrees that benchmarks for wildlife would be more
appropriate if based on wildlife rather than domestic animals.
Therefore, EPA has reviewed literature and developed ECs that
incorporate the techniques presented by Opresko to develop
ingestion rates for water and food, but more formally incorporated
uncertainty factors for the development of toxicity reference
values as per the proposal from ENSR toxicologists Frank
Vertucci and Heidi Tillquist.
Issue: Development and Use of TRVs (Wildlife)
2
2
3
7
II
12
II
1-23
Use of livestock water quality criteria is questionable,
and relevance to wildlife unsubstantiated.
Further, water quality criteria for the protection of
livestock are no longer provided by the province of
Ontario. Similar Canadian water quality criteria for
livestock watering include a higher value for arsenic,
and none of the measured total arsenic concentration
in Willow Creek exceeded this value.
The drinking water ECs are highly uncertain since
they are based on livestock and poultry and not
wildlife. The BERA should incorporate readily-
available lexicological benchmarks. Recommend
using ORNL benchmark values.
Wildlife TRVs presented in Appendices 3 and 10
were substantially different. Because the uncertainty
factors in Appendix 10 are conservatively biased, they
were intended to be overly protective. This can be
useful as a screening tool.
It is a common practice in ecological risk assessment to base the
assessment of risks to an organism on the use of toxicological
thresholds from surrogate species. However, in the Final BERA,
wildlife-specific TRVs were developed.
In the Final BERA, wildlife-specific TRVs were developed and
arsenic ECs did increase, but, as such, was still a concern in some
water bodies.
In the Final BERA, wildlife-specific TRVs were developed and
arsenic ECs did increase, but, as such, was still a concern in some
water bodies. EPA disagrees that "readily-available toxicological
benchmarks" justifies values as being technically correct. After
doing a more extensive review of toxicological literature, EPA
developed more defensible values for the Final BERA.
EPA agrees the overall approach is generally conservative but
NOT overly protective. Most extrapolations have total uncertainty
factors <5 and almost all are
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Response Notes
1-20
The model is highly uncertain, and uses questionable
BAFs derived from "site" and literature data. The
plant BAP is based on four collocated plant and soil
samples collected along Warm Springs Creek, and are
not representative of the site. The data set collected
by EPA in 1995 is not used to establish soil to
vegetation BAFs.
A comparison of plant BAFs used at other Montana Superfund
sites shows that the values proposed in the BERA were lower by
one to two orders of magnitude, for example, that those developed
by ARCO for use at the Clark Fork River. Following ARCO's
recommendation to use site-specific data, EPA recalculated BAFs
using the 1995 Survey data. It must be clarified here, however,
that the BAF represents total metals to evaluate exposures to
herbivores eating the plants. These BAFs were calculated from
plants that were not washed.
1-21
ARCO presents graphs showing site data vs. surface
soil concentrations and the white tail deer LOAEL to
show the magnitude and duration of exceedances.
ENSR lexicologists presented confusing figures in graphs 12-16
with no documentation and erroneous data presentation,
preventing an adequate response by EPA.
1-23
BAFs do not account for the well-known relationship
between the variation in bioregulated metal uptake as
a function of soil concentration, and the assimilation
of COCs by receptors is assumed to be 100%.
Site data on gut contents versus feces could have been
collected by EPA to determine the percentage of
assimilation for each metal. By relying exclusively on
screening assessment tools, EPA has not advanced the
assessment beyond the screening level.
As presented in Appendix B of the ROD, for the re-evaluation of
the food chain model, plant BAFs were recalculated using EPA's
1995 Survey data while small mammal and invertebrate BAFs
were adapted from those suggested by ARCO for use at another
Superfund site in Montana. Where statistical analyses indicated
variability in uptake, the appropriate regression equation was used
for the BAF based on the soil concentration. If uptake did not
appear to be variable, the mean BAF was used.
EPA disagrees that such a crude level of investigation would truly
answer the question of bioavailability, and believes much more
sophisticated investigative techniques would be required. For
example, true control animals would have to be obtained and
administered a known dose; mass balance distribution of metals
throughout blood, tissues, urine and feces would then have to be
calculated. Studies to this level of specificity are not required to
make remedial action decisions, but will ultimately be addressed
in the biomonitoring program.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Vegetation (General)
CDM Federal has made a good faith effort to
incorporate existing data, and the effort will be more
comprehensive in the BERA using the recently
completed data compilation by PTI. However, use
care in comparing data collected using different
methods or over different areas to conditions in
specific VAs.
Data collected using different methods were not used in a
quantitative way. It is worth noting here that as early on as the
PBERA, ARCO recognized EPA's efforts to use site-specific data
which continued and was expanded upon in later drafts. However,
one of the most recent ARCO reviewers (ENSR) suggested that
little site-specific data was used and represents an inconsistent
position taken by different contractors for ARCO and complicates
EPA's ability to respond in a consistent manner to the PRP,
ARCO.
Discussions of the ERA for Streamside Tailings
should focus on data and conclusions specific to the
reach of Silver Bow Creek within the ARWW&S
OU, since that reach is significantly different from
upstream reaches in tailings and vegetation
distribution.
EPA recognizes that Streamside Tailings conditions are different
from Anaconda riparian areas, and were therefore not
extrapolated.
G/H-43
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Response Notes
Plant community effects levels should be discussed as
a method of screening soil phytotoxicity in riparian
areas, since these were developed using a regional
data set.
EPA agrees that the PCEL information presented by ARCO in
PTI's report is a valid analysis in terms of the riparian areas of
Anaconda. PCEL quantification was not done, however, soil data
from the PTI report was used to compare concentrations with
EPA phytotoxic ECs and in the Final BERA, the results of the
PCEL were qualitatively discussed. Page ES-20 of the Final
BERA states: "In addition, diverse and productive plant
communities are found within the portions of the riparian areas
identified as potentially at risk to phytotoxic effects of COCs in
soils and are believed to be the result of the positive effects caused
by other soil physicochemical attributes such as high soil moisture
content, organic content, and plant available nutrients". In effect,
EPA's CPSA model validated PTI PCEL models in that metals
and pH affect biomass and taxa richness. Also see responses in
Sections 1IC and E.
ARCO disagrees with EPA's interpretation of
Keammerer's conclusions regarding plant growth on
Mount Haggin.
EPA did not interpret Keammerer's conclusions, rather, raw data
was evaluated and it was concluded that metals, low pH, and
organic matter content could potentially impact plant growth. .
The area east of the airport becomes more mesic, vs.
more xeric, as stated in the PBERA Supplement.
Comment noted and concurred.
10
ARCO disagrees that soil compositing from 0-12
inches would dilute the exposure of metals from
surficial soils. They point out that data from surface
vs. rooting zone samples should be applied to
different aspects of plant phytotoxicity. Further claim
that elevated metals or low pH near the surface may
not deter reproduction and success of all but
shal lowly rooted grasses and forbs.
Long-standing plant growth may be evaluated by 0-12 inch
samples, however, to assess phytotoxicity in terms of seed
germination, growth, and establishment, the 0-2 inch samples are
most pertinent to reproductive parameters. EPA agrees that deep-
rooted species will not necessarily be affected by surface soil
contamination. ARCO's observation is consistent with EPA's
conclusion, that sexually reproducing plants have limited
establishment because of surface soil contamination, while well
established plants may reproduce vegetatively in spite of surface
contamination.
12
Additional data from ARCO regarding vegetation
condition on north- and south-facing slopes and the
southeast corner on the dikes of Anaconda Ponds
should be included in the analysis.
EPA notes and agrees with ARCO that during the PBERA, data
from other reclaimed areas were not identified and discussed.
However, these areas help support the conclusions in the Final
BERA that vegetation can exist in areas only with extreme
restoration modifications to soils with pH and lowered
bioavailability of metals. Future biomonitoring programs will
include these reclaimed areas.
12
ARCO's evaluation of long-term vegetation
monitoring and ARTS plots on Smelter Hill should be
included in the analysis.
EPA notes and agrees with ARCO that during the PBERA, data
from other reclaimed areas were not identified and discussed.
However, these areas help support the conclusions in the Final
BERA that vegetation can exist in areas only with extreme
restoration modifications to soils with pH and lowered
bioavailability of metals. Future biomonitoring programs will
include these reclaimed areas.
VI
The bioavailability of arsenic and metals is not
addressed in the Draft Final BERA.
Bioavailability is addressed indirectly as a function of ECs noted
in the East Helena studies and their inherent reflection of levels of
available metals exposed to plants. EPA recognized that this was
not site-specific, and therefore included dosing studies conducted
by state NRDA teams with Anaconda soils in an attempt to
recognize factors on the site affecting bioavailability.
G/H-44
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Response Notes
1-11
Dialog between the risk manager and the risk assessor
should have resulted in the development of more
appropriate risk assessment questions under
CERCLA, particularly in reference to recovery rates.
In the past, and currently, dialog with risk managers and risk
assessors did occur and is occurring between EPA, EPA
contractors, and ARCO managers and scientists. EPA has
recognized that areas under natural recovery need to be
considered. Some of the questions raised by ENSR toxicologists
will need to be addressed during the biomonitoring program
currently under development with ARCO input. Furthermore, this
is yet another example how multiple contractors from ARCO have
given inconsistent input for regulatory consideration.
7-8
Inappropriate soil depths were used (0-2 inches) in
the State's phytotoxicity studies. Plants are exposed
at greater depths, where concentrations are lower.
Therefore, exposure to plants is overestimated.
EPA disagrees. The State's phytotoxicity tests were based on
early seedling growth studies, conducted over a two week period,
and evaluated germination, shoot height, root length, shoot mass,
root mass, and total plant mass as endpoints. Germination and
early seedling growth occur in surficial soil, not soil at greater
depths. Also see response in Section IIA.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Vegetation (Non-chemical Stressors)
1
The PBERA does not discuss adverse effects of SO2
emissions, logging practices, forest fires, and the
resultant erosion of topsoil and subsoil as significant
historical Stressors.
More attention should be given to the possible effects
of these Stressors so that impacts are not confused
with potential impacts from metals in soil.
A discussion of other non-chemical Stressors was included in the
PBERA, the PBERA Supplement, the Draft Final BERA, and the
Final BERA. Most of this discussion was based on information
gathered in 1995 to fill these data gaps in response to ARCO
concerns. See responses in Sections IIC, E, and G.
ARCO disagrees with the use of the 20-year-old .
Olson-Elliott map (completed when the smelter was
in operation) of stressed vegetation likely due to SO2
emissions.
The Olson-Elliot map was completed with data 30 years after peak
SO2 emissions (as noted in ENSR comments to EPA in January
1998) and used as weight-of-evidence that the area has not
improved dramatically after nearly 20 years following the end of
sulfate emissions. It could be argued that this information, in fact,
supports the hypothesis that although SO2 emissions may have
initially devegetated the landscape, high metals concentrations
may still be limiting germination and establishment.
Discussion of non-chemical Stressors in PBERA is
inadequate, and should not be deferred until
evaluation of remedial alternatives.
EPA agrees with ARCO, and therefore, greater discussion of other
non-chemical Stressors was included in the PBERA Supplement,
the Draft Final BERA, and the Final BERA. Most of this
discussion was based on information gathered in 1995 to fill these
data gaps in response to ARCO concerns. Also see responses in
Sections IIC, E, and G.
In the discussion of historical, non-chemical Stressors,
there is no discussion in the PBERA of many years of
SO2 emissions and resultant soil erosion, or that this
is a data gap that could be addressed by reviewing
historical data on vegetative effects.
In the Final BERA, EPA did consider other factors having an
adverse effect on plants and identified those factors having the
major influence on plant growth (see BERA Table 5.1-6). Also
see responses in Sections IIC, E, and G.
Non-COC parameters that contribute to plant stress,
such as soil and landscape characteristics, should
have been semi-quantitatively evaluated.
EPA disagrees. Both a quantitative (soil ECs) and semi-
quantitative (CPSA model) approach was taken to an appropriate
level of scientific inquiry with available techniques. Effects from
soil erosion resulting from several historical factors were
semiquantitatively analyzed in the CPSA model (see Table 5.1-6)
by including endpoints of top soil estimates, percent organic
matter, etc. Also see responses in Sections IIC. E, and G.
G/H-45
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Response Notes
pH affects bioavailability of the COCs, and hence,
affects the toxicity of metals in soils. Soil pH is
inadequately characterized in the BERA, and
confounding results of pH studies are not considered
in analysis of phytotoxicity.
In the Final BERA, EPA considered pH levels, along with other
factors, in the assessment of vegetative risks. It is important to
note that Dr. Menzie is uncertain about kriged estimates of pH.
However, EPA used co-located measured values of pH and metals
concentrations.- More intensive collection of both metals
concentrations and pH data is necessary to more adequately
impact remedial decisions. Furthermore, most of the VAs
quantified with vegetative stress were neutral to basic pH. See
response in Section HE.
ARCO requests mention of the use of broadleaf
herbicides to control knapweed in the North Hills,
and a discussion of grazing pressures.
Comment noted, and was addressed in Final BERA.
The assessment of risks to vegetation from metals in
soil is confounded by previous operational conditions,
physical disturbance, and poor soil conditions.
Although the Draft Final BERA acknowledges the
importance of these factors, it does not address them
in a quantitative manner. Instead, the BERA
presumes that risks are related to metals in soil, and
proceeds to interpret observations and estimate risks
on this basis.
In the Final BERA, EPA did consider other factors having an
adverse effect on plants and identified those factors having the
major influence on plant growth (see BERA Table 5.1-4). EPA
disagrees that it is possible to address all these factors in a
quantitative manner. Also see response in Section II.
The Draft Final BERA concludes that vegetation
conditions are due to phytotoxicity from metals in
surface soil, based on analysis of spatial distribution
of bulk metals in soil to areas of poor vegetation
growth and bare ground. These spatial relationships
are weak, and EPA failed to analyze relationships
between other environmental factors and vegetation
condition.
In the Final BERA, EPA did consider other factors having an
adverse effect on plants and identified those factors having the
major influence on plant growth (see BERA Table 5.1-4). EPA
disagrees that it is possible to address all these factors in a
quantitative manner. Also see response in Section II.
in
ARCO's spatial analysis of the 1995 survey data
shows that the BERA phytotoxic benchmarks are poor
predictors of vegetation condition; bulk
concentrations of metals arc not correlated with
vegetation condition; soil properties such as
potassium, organic carbon content, topsoil condition,
and cation exchange capacity correlate significantly
with vegetation parameters; for some areas of the site,
poor vegetation condition may reflect poor soil
quality or grazing, rather than phytotoxicity; and in
some areas, metals, poor soil moisture, and topsoil
erosion coincide with poor vegetation quality.
These results are not unexpected since these parameters are some
of the major soil factors that affect plant growth in general. As
presented in the BERA, EPA believes that total vegetation canopy
coverage and production (which are not appropriate indicators of
plant community and habitat health) in some areas of the site are
controlled primarily by soil factors other than COC
concentrations. It should be noted that ARCO found significant
and positive correlations between topsoil condition (which
includes whether the topsoil has been eroded) and plant canopy
coverage and production. This is important because the loss of
topsoil from steeper areas of the ARWW&S OU is believed to
have been caused, in part, by the elimination of vegetation through
the deposition of smelter emissions. The resultant lack of topsoil,
by itself, is a primary reason why some of these areas have not
been able to recover floristically. The lack of topsoil continues to
present a potential risk to the germination and growth of native
seed from the surrounding areas. Elevated soil COC
concentrations in these areas may also be contributing the stress of
seedlings.
This situation is acknowledged in detail in the BERA and is
discussed above. Table 5.1-4 of the BERA indicates that soil
COC concentrations are likely not having a negative influence of
vegetation in VA2A (North Hills) and VAIS (East Hills).
G/H-46
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Response Notes
in
(Continued from above)
(Continued from above)
EPA acknowledges this situation in the BERA, but also believes
that the soil COC concentrations in these areas are high enough to
have a significant negative impact on the growth and development
of the vegetation (see BERA Table 5.1-4). Each of these areas
had soil COC concentrations that exceeded at least one of the high
(liberal) phytotoxicity benchmark values; in some cases most of
the high arsenic and metal benchmark values were exceeded (see
BERA Table 5.1-5).
Future biomonitoring with application of the LRES will be taking
these factors into account with more spatially specific detail. Also
see response in Section II.
Although the Draft Final BERA acknowledges the
importance of environmental factors, other than
metals, on plant growth and community structure, it
does not address them quantitatively.
This comment is contradictory to comments by Or. Menzie listed
above that EPA did not recognize other environmental factors
influencing plant growth and community structure.
29
Soil properties, such as potassium, organic carbon
content, topsoil condition, and cation exchange
capacity correlate significantly with vegetation
parameters.
These results are not unexpected since these parameters are some
of the most basic and major soil factors that affect plant growth in
general. However, EPA does not recognize how this directly
supports the hypothesis that metals are not having an effect
because of the lack of a 2-dimensional correlation between
vegetation communities and arsenic and metals.
29
For some areas of the site, poor vegetation condition
is likely the result of poor soil quality and/or physical
stressors, such as grazing.
EPA concurs that there are areas, such as the North Hills and East
Hills, which have negative soil characteristics (other than metals)
and physical stressors impacting vegetative growth and
community structure, and as such, using the CPSA model, these
areas have been removed as an area of concern for the remedial
design.
29
In some VAs, metals, poor soil moisture, and topsoil
erosion coincide with poor vegetation quality.
EPA concurs. In the CPSA, however, the relative impact of
metals contamination was used to distinguish if vegetative stress
was influenced by metals or other soil parameters.
ARCO's analysis of the 1995 field data indicate that
soil quality is correlated with the vegetation condition
at the site, and there is little evidence that a negative
(i.e., phytotoxic) effect of soil metal concentration on
the plant community exists.
These results are not unexpected since these parameters are some
of the most basic and major soil factors that affect plant growth in
general. However, EPA does not recognize how this directly
supports the hypothesis that metals are not having an effect
because of the lack of a 2-dimensional correlation between
vegetation communities and arsenic and metals.
12
ARCO presents a series of tables providing their
spatial comparison (by VA) of observed vegetation
conditions of an area to the magnitude of chemical
and non-chemical stressors, and the predictive ability
of the soil ECs.
EPA agrees with the conclusion from these tables that using
phytotoxic benchmarks alone are poor predictors of vegetative
risk. However, EPA IS NOT basing remedial decisions solely
based on phytotoxic benchmarks. Phytotoxicity benchmarks were
used to provide a general indication of areas where soil
concentrations may be high enough to be phytotoxic under most
environmental conditions. However, because of the myriad of
environmental factors influencing vegetation, an integrated (plant
stress) analysis was subsequently performed in the BERA. This
approach considered soil physicochemical and other
environmental factors in identifying portions of the site most in
need of remediation. Also see response in Section II.
G/H-47
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Response Notes
1-2
ARCO disagrees that current vegetation conditions
are well-correlated with contaminant concentrations
in soils, and claims little evidence that observed
vegetation effects are caused by surface soil
contaminants.
ARCO further claims that EPA failed to fully consider
the effects of SO2 fumigation as a causative factor for
soil conditions that influence vegetation condition
and rate of recovery.
ARCO misconstrued EPA's use of the term "correlated". EPA
acknowledges that no clear and significant statistical correlation
occurs throughout the site between arsenic and metals and
landscape level plant community effects. EPA has agreed that
there are a few areas with high metals concentrations with decent
vegetative health. However, ARCO reviewers should be
reminded that most of the areas with high metals concentrations
above the high phytotoxic benchmark are sparsely vegetated or
barren. Furthermore, EPA is taking these considerations into full
consideration during remedial design and in the use of the LRES.
EPA does not argue that SO} did not significantly impact the local
environment in the past, but is evaluating current effects at the
site. Once SO2 fumigation had stopped, ecological recovery
would be expected to occur. Also, if SO2 was the primary factor
influencing current vegetation conditions, site soils would show
reduced pH. In actuality, most site soils are within the range
typically found in southwestern Montana. Also see response in
Section IIG.
1-7
ARCO feels that we used a priori assumptions as to
the stressors responsible for the effects, and that we
did not evaluate all possible stressors. They remind
us that EPA guidance states that risk management
policy an risk assessment are to be kept distinct
EPA references ENSR toxicologists to the 1997 ERAGS Interim
Final Guidance, pg. 1-9, Exhibit 1-2, which clearly delineates
scientific management decision points to promote strong risk
assessor and risk management communications. These
communications occurred throughout the process. Again, EPA
would like to point out the difference between non-program
specific general guidelines for agency use that ENSR Toxicology
cites and programmatic guidance used to develop the Final BERA.
Also see response in Section II.
1-10
EPA fails to review the literature on the effects of
smelters on vegetation, and the relative importance of
SO2 and metals effects was not evaluated. Rates of
recovery at other sites could have been used to
evaluate the likelihood that the hypothesized stressor
has caused the observed effects.
EPA does not disagree that SO2 emissions may have originally
caused devegetation on the site. However, the assessment
addresses current vegetative risk conditions in a weight-of-
evidence approach with what is known about phytotoxic
concentrations of metals in soils and the historic impacts to draw
meaningful conclusions about risk. Also see response in Section
II.
MO
The BERA did not contrast the likelihood of exposure
and effects from SO2 with that of effects from surface
soil metals. ARCO provides an example evaluation.
The Final BERA did not assess the loss of vegetation from past
SO2 emissions; it focuses on current stressors in the environment.
1-12
By focusing on whether the system is at risk from
COCs in the soil, the approach is inappropriate since
it doesn't answer the question of what caused the
observed effects. While possible stressors are
identified, their likelihood of causing the effects is not
evaluated.
EPA disagrees with ARCO's fundamental approach that EPA is
not to assess risks from COCs. The purpose of risk assessment
under CERCLA is to identify contaminant sources, releases,
pathways, receptors, and either observed or potential effects. The
Final BERA has done just that. EPA has documented several
times that there are other stressors which could have and are
impacting vegetative health. It is the job of the RI/FS process to
identify potential risks from COCs to receptors that occur and
could occur on the site. The bulk of the phyto-toxicological
literature strongly supports EPA's position that COC
concentrations in soils are high enough to potentially cause
phytotoxic effects. These ECs are from documents that have been
peer reviewed (East Helena studies; CH2M Hill 1987a and b).
These peer reviews are in the EPA Administrative Record and are
therefore available for review. Furthermore, high phytotoxic
concentrations (with the exception of cadmium) used in the BERA
are more liberal than those used in the study.
G/H-48
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Response Notes
1-12
(Continued from above)
(Continued from above)
The assessment addresses current vegetative risk conditions in a
weight-of-evidence approach with what is known about phytotoxic
concentrations of metals in soils and the historic impacts to draw
meaningful conclusions about risk. See response in Section II and
response to Document No. 5, pg. 12.
Provide detailed info regarding the CPSA and how it
is used to identify areas of potential phytotoxicity due
to COCs in soil or other factors.
It appears that zones are defined by comparison of
COCs to high and low soil ECs, w/o consideration of
non-COC stressors.
BERA relies on screening level criteria to characterize
risks to habitats, and should incorporate additional
lines of evidence as part of a weight-of-evidence
approach.
EPA feels that the CPSA model was taken to the level of detail
needed to identify general areas of phytotoxic concern. In the
Remedial design process, more detailed information will be
collected to make more detailed remedial decisions (LRES). See
BERA Table 5.1.4 and response in Section IIC.
This is yet another example of contradictory comments by ARCO
contractors. Menzie-Cura acknowledges that new data was
collected to address data gaps identifying non-COC stressors,
while ENSR lexicologists state several times that the assessment is
no more than a screening level assessment not addressing other
potential stressors than the metals contaminated soils. An
observant review of the Final BERA will demonstrate that non-
COC stressors were adequately considered in the CPSA model.
Furthermore, in the Remedial Design process, more detailed
information will be collected to make more detailed remedial
decisions (LRES) on nearly an acre-by-acre basis.
EPA would request that ARCO identify the non-COC stressors not
identified in the CPSA model (Table 5.1-6) and suggest
methodology to satisfactorily quantitatively assess their relative
impact. See responses in Sections I, II, and V.
2-3
There is insufficient rationale for basing quantitative
risk estimates on soil concentrations of COCs, and
there is no statistical analysis of correlation between
the many stressors that may be affecting plant growth
and health.
See responses in Sections IIC, D, E, and G.
Spatial variability in soil pH is not adequately
characterized. Variability in pH must be analyzed to
examine its role in phytotoxicity. Hand contouring of
soil pH may not be sufficient to characterize the
spatial variability of pH at the site. In addition, the
BERA assumes that soils in upland areas are always
equal to or less than pH 6.5. The BERA ignores site-
specific data and overestimates phytotoxicity.
See responses in Sections IIA and E.
1-7
The BERA fails to describe historic emissions and
probable effects of SO2. ARCO provides a graph of
estimated levels of emissions, and modeled estimates
of areas of the site where historic concentrations
exceeded thresholds of effects.
See response in Section IIG and response to Document No. 7, pg.
1-2.
1-7
Estimated and measured concentrations of SO2
exceeded vegetation effects thresholds by orders of
magnitude over large areas surrounding the smelter.
EPA agrees with this comment. See response in Section IIG and
response to Document No. 7, pg. 2.
G/H-49
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Response Notes
1-7
The probability of acute and chronic effects to
vegetation, given the duration and magnitude of SO2
concentrations, is exceedingly high.
Sensitive plant receptors were continuously fumigated
by high concentrations of SO2 for over 80 years, and
the probability of exposure was I.
See response in Section 1IG and response to Document No. 7, pg.
2.
1-8
EPA should have evaluated if the pattern of
widespread vegetation loss is more consistent with
j effects or surface soil metals levels.
The BERA should have applied an evaluation of
Hill's factors (in Suter 1993) in assessing the
likelihood that factors other than metals caused the
observed effects on vegetation at the site.
The pattern of historic SO2 exposure and metals
deposition are congruent, so patterns of specific
effects of one may not be easily distinguished from
the another.
EPA did evaluate the patterns of smelter emissions as part of the
Site-Wide Fate and Transport of COCs as discussed in all phases
of the BERA, Smelter Hill RI Report, Regional Soils RI Report
and FS Deliverable #2. Historic emissions of SO2 and metals do
correlate. Current and future lingering physical soil effects from
the SOj emissions are lowered pH. pH was measured and
documented, and with the exception of areas directly around
Smelter Hill and the tailings piles, pH was relatively neutral to
basic. As stated numerous times above, EPA does not dispute that
SO2 fumigation could have had as strong, or stronger an influence
on vegetation around Anaconda when compared to historic metal
emissions. Phytotoxic ECs in the BERA were primarily focused
on endpoints and on the ability of plants for reestablishment of
vegetation communities (germination rates, root growth, etc). To
that end, the question of what historically impacted the area is less
of a concern for CERCLA action than as to what factors would be
currently limiting the ability of plant species to reestablish
themselves on the Anaconda site. Within the same book and
chapter cited by ENSR toxicologists (Suter 1993), the author also
uses Koch's postulates as another example of how to apply
environmental epidemiology in ecorisk. Below are the four
postulates followed by text, in which one could also argue quite
strongly that metals are impacting vegetation on Anaconda:
Koch's Postulate # I: The injury, dysfunction, or other putative
effects of the toxicant must be regularly associated with exposure
to the toxicant and any contributory causal factors. The author
cites other scientists who have stated "consistent conjunction
(between cause and effect) may be difficult to demonstrate
because measurement error or variation in the way that individual
units respond to exposure may obscure a true conjunction" Suter
goes on to state that responses of communities and populations
may not always be sensitive enough to truly state that no true
dose-response relationships are occurring because of the
variability of inira- and interspecific responses of members within
communities. Such is the case, EPA believes, with data sets from
Anaconda. We do however know that most areas of high metals
contamination are populated with more metals-tolerant species as
compared to areas which have less metals contamination.
Koch's Postulate #2: Indicators of exposure to the toxicant must
be found in the affected organisms:
On .Anaconda, elevated levels of arsenic and metals have been
found as compared to reference sites. ^^
G/H-50
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Response Notes
1-8
(Continued from above)
(Continued from above)
Koch's Postulate #3: The toxic effects must be seen when normal
organisms or communities are exposed to the toxicant under
controlled conditions, and any contributory factors should
contribute in the same way during the controlled exposures.
On Anaconda, NRDA laboratory studies have indicated that
contaminated site soils have effects on reproductive endpoints in
plants dependent on pH and metals concentrations.
Koch's Postulate #4: The same indicators of exposure and effects
must be identified in the controlled exposures as in the field.
On Anaconda, those species which are re-populating metals
contaminated soils are rhizomatous species which reproduce
vegetatively, below the relatively much more contaminated surface
soils.
EPA agrees, and because of this very point, the BERA focused on
current and potential risks. Also, it is confusing that ENSR would
assert, without reservation, in most of their text, that SO2
exposures were the cause of vegetative loss while concurrently
identifying the problem in making such a claim. In essence, where
there was high SO2 fumigation, there were also tons of metals
released daily.
1-9
Surface soil metals concentrations do not explain the
observed patterns of vegetation effects, and the
absence of a dose response for soil metals is
significant. The strength of spatial correlation
between effects, metals in soil, and historic SO2
should have been measured using CIS.
See response to document number 7, pg. 1-8. Also see response
II.
EPA encourages ARCO to pursue correlations with vegetative
community endpoints with estimated releases of SO2. Since
ENSR has already successfully argued that historic SO2 exposure
and metals deposition are congruent so patterns of specific effects
of one may not be easily distinguished from one another, it is
anticipated that little correlation, if any, would be found.
1-9
EPA should have discussed the overall pattern and
magnitude of effects, the impacts to deeply rooted
long lived trees, pH effects on contaminant
bioavailability, and inhibited recovery in acid soils.
See response to document number 7, pg. 1-8. Also see response
in Section II.
1-9
The hypothesized cause is inconsistent with observed
measures of effects.
See response to document number 7, pg. 1-8. Also see response
in Section II.
1-10
to
1-11
The lack of correlation between measures of risk,
phytotoxicity benchmarks, and plant abundance and
cover is very important.
There is no clear metals stressor response gradient
relationship.
Since ENSR has already successfully argued that historic SO2
exposure and metals deposition are congruent so patterns of
specific effects of one may not be easily distinguished from one
another, it is anticipated that little correlation, if any, would be
found. Also see responses in Sections I and II.
G/H-51
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Response Notes
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Vegetation (1995 Sampling)
2
2
2
2
2
6
1
1
2
5
ARCO disagrees with our statement that "The 1995
survey results are consistent with the State's data
showing that spotted knapweed made up 27% of the
plant cover on Smelter Hill". The State actually said
that 27% of the sites on Smelter Hill were dominated
by spotted knapweed.
More detailed information is needed in the PBERA
Supplement for the 1995 survey : site selection, soil
sampling procedures, cover estimation, and
determination of plant productivity.
In the discussion of the 1995 site survey, it should be
discussed that sites were not randomly selected, and
that detailed sampling information is available from
only one or two sites within each VA. It is therefore
impossible to determine if a site is representative of
the entire VA. This is not a criticism, but a
recognition of the limits of the study when comparing
the data to other investigations.
Within the PBERA Supplement, the text and tables
imply a level of precision far greater than is possible
using the Daubenmire method to estimate plant cover.
Example of reporting cover estimates to a greater
degree than method warrants.
What the State actually said was that spotted knapweed made up
27% of the total plant coverage on Smelter Hill. That is, the
Smelter Hill plant community was composed of 27% spotted
knapweed. The points being made on page 1 1 of the PBERA
Supplement reflect an accurate representation of the plant
communities on Smelter Hill, which are: 1) PTI's vegetation data
was collected in 1988' and does not accurately represent current
vegetation conditions on Smelter Hill. In 1988, spotted knapweed
may not have invaded Smelter Hill or 1988 could have been a low
production year for this biennial species. And 2) The State's and
EPA's data are similar in that they show that Smelter Hill is
generally dominated by weedy species such as spotted knapweed.
Procedures for collecting and reducing vegetation and soil data are
described in the sampling and analysis plan prepared by EPA.
PTI provided detailed oversight of EPA vegetation procedures in
the field; PTI field records will confirm that the procedures in the
SAP were followed. Soil information and data were collected by
PTI for ARCO.
During the survey, a reconnaissance of each VA was conducted by
trained scientists who established transects using best professional
judgement in areas that represented the major plant community. If
major disparities in the vegetation within a VA were observed,
more than one transect was used in order to collect data that would
be representative of the range of plant community characteristics
within that VA. EPA has repeatedly stated, and does so again in
the final BERA, that vegetation results are generally representative
of the major plant communities, but do not accurately represent
the vegetation in all parts of every VA. The usefulness and the
limitations of this approach are fully discussed in the uncertainty
section of the final BERA. The commenter states that care must
be exercised in comparing the 1 995 EPA Survey data to that
collected by other researchers at the site. This is true for any data
comparison exercise. Comparisons of Anaconda data sets were
carefully scrutinized by EPA prior to the release of the PBERA
Supplement and the final BERA. The important points here are
that 1) EPA's data are accurate characterizations of the major
plant comminutes throughout the Anaconda site, 2) EPA's data
are consistent (or the differences explainable) with respect to
previous results collected by other researchers and, 3) other
researchers will obtain similar results if they survey the plant
communities in the areas evaluated by EPA.
Cover estimates made in the field were to the nearest percent;
therefore, the results presented in the text and in Table 6 are
accurate representations of the data collected in the field. They
represent an average over the 10 Daubenmire quadrats on each
transect.
See previous comment.
G/H-52
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2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Page
2
3
3
6
6
6
6
6
7
Comment
COM should clarify comparisons of site data from
1995 with previous data, attempting to use data from
same areas for comparison, and noting factors
contributing to differences.
ARCO assumes that PTI field data will supplement
the discussions of opportunistic sitings of wildlife and
plants, not along the transect, but in the vicinity of the
sites.
Calculations of percent cover should be checked
where there are two sample sites per VA. (Example
provided).
Text should be revised to reflect recalculated mean
cover values, per previous comment.
Comparison of plant productivity between Smelter
Hill and undisturbed rangelands may not be
appropriate.
A citation is needed for the native plant species
expected to occur at VA17.
ARCO challenges the comparison of EPA's and
ARCO's assessment of barren ground in VA17.
ARCO disagrees that conifers in VA18 were planted.
A citation is needed here and in similar discussions
regarding production figures for undisturbed
rangeland. (i.e., Mueggler and Stewart 1980).
Response Notes
Because COM Federal scientists were aware of how results can
vary among researchers working on large sites such as the
ARWW&S OU, a thorough evaluation of the sampling methods,
sampling station location, precipitation patterns and frequency
prior to vegetation sampling, study objectives, and other factors
was conducted before any comparisons were made between the
1995 EPA Survey data and data from other studies at this site.
EPA and COM Federal were very careful not to use the previously
collected data unreasonably. To ensure this, the previously
collected data and statements made by other researchers about the
vegetation or habitat in any particular area were not used unless
that information was consistent with results from the 1995 EPA
Survey. Inconsistencies between data sets are thoroughly
discussed in the PBERA Supplement and in the final BERA. As
is pointed out in the comments, "COM has made a good effort to
incorporate existing data", and this effort was more
comprehensive and carefully refined in the final BERA.
In the field the COM Federal and PTI scientists conferred about
the opportunistic wildlife sitings; this information was recorded by
COM Federal and presented in the final BERA.
The raw data from all transects were used in calculating the mean
cover values for the VAs that are presented in the un-numbered
tables in the text portion of the document. The figures have been
re-checked and only minor discrepancies (e.g., rounding errors)
found that do not affect data interpretation.
EPA has re-checked calculations and they were not inaccurate. In
the field, canopy coverage was estimated to the nearest percent,
not within coverage classes. It is, therefore, appropriate to display
the coverage values in the tables to the closest percentage.
The PBERA Supplement and the final BERA repeatedly
acknowledge that disturbances from logging, fire, grazing, and
other anthropogenic sources all contributed to current ecological
condition at the site. This will be abundantly clear to anyone who
takes the time to thoroughly review these documents; the
statements made in this paragraph are therefore not out of context
as the comment suggests.
The source of information on native species expected to occur and
present on Smelter Hill is contained in Mueggler and Stewart
(1980) and many of the other reports cited in the PBERA
Supplement and in the final BERA, including reports from ARCO
and their contractors.
The comparison made is between the 1995 EPA Survey results
and results from PTI's Rocky Barren/Bald and Horsebrush
Shrubland types. These rangeland "types" are similar to areas
within VAI7, even if some of these "types" happen to be found
also in VA 1 8. Therefore, these comparisons are legitimate and the
comment has no merit.
Trees have been planted in portions of VA18 lying adjacent to
VA2 1 . These plantings may have included conifers.
Unnecessary - the source of the production figures for native
rangeland in southwestern Montana is presented in numerous
locations in the PBERA Supplement.
G/H-53
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Response Notes
When discussing percent of each VA that is barren or
exceeds phyiotoxicity thresholds, use
"approximately" rather than "more than", which
implies a subjective bias.
EPA disagrees that the use of the terms "more than" or "less than"
imply a subjective bias. Moreover, the use of these terms is more
accurate since the "approximate" percentages are not known.
Furthermore, substituting the term "approximate" would not
change data interpretation.
In the discussion of VA22 (portion of Stucky Ridge),
the discussion of State data should only focus on data
from Stucky Ridge. (Also applies to comment 20 on
page 8)
The discussion in the PBERA related to the phytotoxicity of
Stucky Ridge soils is merely a reiteration of the results obtained
by the State. The information presented in the PBERA is
therefore an accurate summary of the State's beliefs regarding
phytotoxicity on Stucky Ridge.
ARCO wants conclusions re: the relationships
between plant conditions and soil metals
concentrations in VAI6 to be postponed until the
results of the ecological risk analysis, including data
from 1995 survey, are completed. Neither the
Keammerer nor the Redente data, nor the data
presented by the MNRDP, define robust phytotoxicity
thresholds.
Defining "robust phytotoxicity thresholds" is not attempted in
these paragraphs nor in other places in the PBERA Supplement.
This text merely brings forth the results of Keammerer's and
Redente's work and discusses in a balanced and rational way how
those results may be related to the observed structure of the
existing plant communities.
Several 199S survey sites were misplotted on Plate I
in the PBERA Supplement.
These have been checked and corrected for the final BERA.
There is insufficient data to support the statement that
one transect is more representative of VAI5. The
possibility of historically high grazing pressure should
also be discussed.
The discussion about the vegetation in VAI5 implies that the
researchers believe that the vegetation data from transect 15-2 is
more indicative of the general condition of the vegetation within
this VA than the data from transect IS-1. This is absolutely true.
Many miles of rangeland were surveyed in traveling to and from
these two sampling points and it is the researchers professional
opnion that most of the land observed is in poor condition (i.e.,
has low composition of perennial species, high percentage of bare
ground, and low plant species richness). Effects on the plant
communities in VA15 from land-use practices such as intensive
grazing is discussed in the final BERA as the probable major
cause of poor vegetation condition in portions of this VA.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Vegetation (Natural Resource Damage)
ARCO provides rebuttals to State's claims that ARCO
utilized methods to overestimate quality and quantity
of vegetation and wildlife in impacted areas, and feels
the PBERA Supplement should have evaluated these
criticisms in light of the NRDP investigations.
One of the purposes of the Supplement was to present the data,
results and researcher opinions on the natural environment at the
Anaconda site. This was done in a balanced manner to give the
reader a complete picture of current environmental conditions.
The statements in the Supplement that ARCO is referring to are
simply a reiteration of what the State consultants said in their
report. The State believes that the ARCO consultants may have
biased their sampling in a way that overestimates the quality of the
habitat and the use of these areas by wildlife species. Also
presented in this pan of the Supplement are opinions by ARCO's
consultants regarding, what they believe, are biases in the State's
approaches to interpreting environmental cause and effect
relationships at the site. In short, both sides of these
environmental questions were presented in the Supplement.
The discussion of VA19 does not include any
information from the State or ARCO NRDP surveys.
Following the initial reconnaissance of the operable unit in the
summer of 1995, EPA and ARCO decided that VA19 would not
be surveyed because on the great abundance data available for that
area, and because it was unlikely that major reclamation work
would be conducted in this area because of the very good cover of
Great Basin Wildrye. Therefore, the authors of the Supplement
made a conscious decision to limit the discussion of vegetation
conditions in this VA.
G/H-54
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Response Notes
The concerns voiced by the State do not invalidate the
use of Redente's data in the Supplement.
Furthermore, Redente presents limitations with the
State's phytotoxicity investigation that should be
considered in the use of the State's data.
Also applies to comment 24 on page 8.
Again, information from both the State's and ARCO's contractors
are presented in the Supplement, in conjunction with data from the
1995 EPA Survey, to provide a balanced picture of environmental
conditions at the site. EPA has not implied, as is suggested by
ARCO's comment, that opinions voiced by the MNRDP
"invalidate" the results of ARCO's contractor. On the contrary,
many of the conclusion and opinions of ARCO's consultants were
corroborated by EPA's work at the site.
ARCO wants language from the State that recovery of
impacted soils would take hundreds or thousands of
years, that this is a misinterpretation of the NRDP
regulations.
EPA believes that the State's statement is generally true; that it
will take many years (perhaps hundreds or even thousands of
years) to reestablish the nutrient cycling dynamics in the soils of
the Anaconda area to levels capable of supporting diverse
assemblages of plants and animals unless some type of remedial
intervention is taken. Some ecosystems in the Anaconda area
have already shown substantial regeneration, but in other areas the
natural regeneration has been very slow or is not evident. For
these areas, some type of active intervention is required to prevent
the continual movement of COCs. Land reclamation alternatives
seek to do this by accelerating the reestablishment of plant and
animal systems.
Much data collected prior to 1995 was collected to
respond to allegations of natural resource damage.
Questions pertaining to natural resource damage may
differ from those pertaining to ecological risk. ARCO
experts have pointed out limitations in the approach
taken by MNRDP that were not portrayed in the
PBERA Supplement (examples provided).
Conversely, the supplement clearly points out
criticisms against ARCO.
From the beginning of the risk assessment process EPA was aware
that all previously collected data and information would have to
be screened for applicability in assessing risk using EPA guidance.
EPA desired to use, to the extent possible, all existing data in
order to be cost effective during this process. To this end, the
Supplement was used as a forum to present the existing data and
information along with newly collected environmental data, and
did so in a balanced and unbiased way. As pointed out in
previous responses, the Supplement presents the data and
conclusions by the State and ARCO that relate to environmental
perturbations, current ecological risk, and the potential for the
recovery of ecological systems. EPA's conclusions regarding
existing and potential risks to the flora and fauna at the Anaconda
site are throughly presented in the Final BERA and this
Responsiveness Summary using site-specific data and EPA-
approved risk assessment methodologies.
1-17
It is unusual that risks to wildlife are given a
secondary role in an ERA. EPA's approach follows
the State's NRDA injury assessment where injury to
vegetation is alleged to be due solely to metals
phytotoxicity.
One reason that it may appear as though the risk assessment
focused on vegetation is that vegetation traditionally takes a
secondary role to wildlife in risk assessments. In the case of the
Anaconda risk assessment (Final BERA), vegetation and wildlife
were given equal attention. As discussed, the Supplement was
used to present the data and conclusions from past environmental
investigations, while the Final BERA relied upon the use of EPA
guidance and site-specific data.
G/H-55
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Response Notes
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Aquatic Ecosystems (General)
1
2
7
6
3
1-17
The comparison of instantaneous grab samples to
surface water AWQCs is uncertain, since the AWQC
is based on a 96-hour average.
ARCO reiterates their comments on the PBERA, and
states that they have still not been addressed by the
PBERA Supplement (i.e., concerns regarding
sediment ECs; recent WERs were not used, and the
ones used were applied incorrectly; risks should be
based on dissolved concentrations; method for
calculating dissolved AWQCs is not the current
method.) Figures and conclusions will need to be
revised. ARCO requests that these problems be
addressed before the Final BERA.
Remediation to protect against theoretical risks to
aquatic receptors is not warranted when site data
document no adverse impacts under current
conditions.
EPA agrees in principle that grab samples can be uncertain. This
uncertainty is identified in the Final BERA on page 5-143.
All of ARCO's comments regarding the assessment of aquatic
risks from surface water and sediments were addressed in the Final
BERA. Specifically, while NOAA sediment guidelines were used
as sediment ECs in the screening-level assessment and the
PBERA, they were no longer considered in the Final BERA, due
to limitations in their use. Instead, regional/site-specific data
developed by Ingersoll et al., (1996) were used as sediment ECs in
the Final BERA. Further, the BERA made an effort to use site-
specific data and to provide information regarding a full range of
potential effects. To this end, the WER data developed by ARCO
(ENSR 1996) were used and applied correctly in the BERA.
Finally, EPA did assess risks to aquatic receptors based on
comparison of dissolved metals in surface water to the surface
water ECs. We also chose to evaluate potential risks based on
total metals in surface water, to characterize a range of potential
risks. The method used to calculate dissolved AWQC is the
current method, as published in the May 4, 1995 Federal Register.
This is a confusing statement when the proposed plan has outlined
very little remedial action directly focused on aquatic risks. The
primary remedial action of revegetation is aimed at protecting site
streams from overland runoff of metals in the site water bodies.
Also see response in Section IV.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Aquatic Ecosystems (Fisheries)
1
1
2
2
3
8
4
11
Interviews do not provide quantitative data for
characterizing risk. In particular, although healthy
self-sustaining fisheries were reported to exist
upstream of Anaconda, no data were presented to
show that lower reaches do not provide conditions
supportive of fish spawning and rearing.
It is inappropriate to use AWQC and sediment ECs as
measurement endpoints, actual status offish
populations provides more evidence regarding
whether there are adverse effects on these
populations.
Both the Supplement and the PBERA place undue
emphasis on the use of sediment and water ECs as
predictors of risk, but downplay the fact that the
creeks support viable fish and benthic communities
that do not appear to be affected by metals toxicity.
Citation needed to support statement about decline in
health of fishery in Warm Springs Creek.
Information obtained from interviews was used to qualitatively
characterize risks, and was not used in a quantitative manner.
Further, it is true that EPA did not conduct fish population or
reproduction studies in lower reaches of Anaconda rivers.
However, exceedances of a variety of surface water ECs in
portions of these lower reaches show that some stretches would
not be supportive offish spawning and rearing.
It is not inappropriate to use surface water and sediment ECs to
evaluate the potential for risk to aquatic receptors. Information
from additional studies, such as population studies or toxicity
studies, can be considered in a weight of evidence approach to
evaluating the potential for such risks.
See above. In addition, ARCO's comment is misleading by
stating "...while downplaying the fact that the creeks in the area
support viable fish and benthic communities that do not appear to
be affected by metals toxicity." This may be true for certain
stretches of certain streams, but site-specific macroin vertebrate
surveys have shown that certain portions of the streams in the
Anaconda area demonstrate adverse impacts to benthic
macroinvertebrate communities from exposures to metals.
The information was stated as such from a direct interview with
state fisheries biologist Wayne Hadley. No data was available for
quantitative analysis. The statements were made from Wayne
Hartley's professional judgement.
G/H-56
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7
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1-3
1-13
Comment
No evidence is provided in the BERA that documents
that metals and arsenic are currently causing adverse
impacts or pose an unacceptable risk to aquatic biota.
They cite data that show that under present
conditions, the streams support a diverse and
abundant benthic macroinvertebrate community and a
self-reproducing viable trout population that meets or
exceeds conditions in other regional streams.
The weight-of-evidence overwhelmingly documents
that current conditions are not having an adverse
impact on aquatic biota at the site.
ARCO provides tables showing brown trout data and
macroinvertebrate data.
ARCO provides table indicating that the
macroinvertebrate community composition of
Anaconda streams is not significantly different than
reference streams.
Response Notes
ARCO's comment is misleading to state that "No evidence is
provided in the BERA that documents that metals and arsenic are
currently causing adverse impacts or pose an unacceptable risk to
aquatic biota." In fact, comparisons of surface water and sediment
concentrations to nationally accepted and regionally-based effects
concentrations show the potential for risk to aquatic receptors in
certain stretches of streams in the Anaconda area. Further, ARCO
reviewers appear to have not read the uncertainty section that
explains the uncertainties associated with using a single survey for
5 of the 6 sampling stations. While conclusions may indicate that
the benthic macroinvertebrate community is unimpaired, a single
snapshot in time may not reflect long-term health of the
macroinvertebrate community for each stream segment surveyed.
It is therefore, inappropriate to make a broad-brush statement that
"...the creeks support viable fish and benthic communities that do
not appear to be affected by metals toxicity." While aquatic
habitats are not considered to be the habitats most at risk for this
site, this does not preclude the weight of evidence that supports a
potential risk to aquatic receptors in certain portions of the site.
See above comment. In addition, ARCO's comments using
brown trout as an example are misleading. Brown trout have been
shown to tolerate wanner and more turbid waters than rainbow
trout, and are a little less sensitive to metals (e.g., copper) than
rainbow trout. The goal is not to ensure survival and growth of
brown trout, but to support a fishery habitat that is conducive to
the survival of other species as well.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Aquatic Ecosystems (Total vs. Dissolved)
1
3
5
7
Risks are calculated using total concentrations in
surface water, which is not an appropriate measure of
the bioavailable fraction. Risks should only be
calculated based on dissolved concentrations.
The BERA should not evaluate aquatic risks using
total concentrations of metals in surface water.
EPA calculated risks based on both total and dissolved,
recognizing that dissolved is more representative of the
bioavailable fraction. Total concentrations were also considered
as a way to evaluate potential risks from sediment contamination
and food chain exposures.
EPA calculated risks based on both total and dissolved,
recognizing that dissolved is more representative of the
bioavailable fraction. Total concentrations were also considered
as a way to evaluate potential risks from sediment contamination
and food chain exposures.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Aquatic Ecosystems (Sediments)
1
6-7
ARCO challenges the weight-of-evidence
consideration of sediment ECs used in the PBERA, in
that the NOAA ERLs and Ingersoll NECs should not
be given equal weight. Further, Ingersol states that
the use of his values should be for screening, not for a
definitive assessment of the toxicity of sediments.
Sediments, like surface water, were never found to have a
magnitude of risk necessary for further study. In the Final BERA
and ultimately in the proposed plan, aquatic risks were realized
not to be risk drivers and responsible for remedial action.
G/H-57
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Response Notes
COM Federal used Milltown sediment data to
generate NEC values, which may be useful in
screening, but are overly protective for an assessment
of true ecological risks. Using the same data, PTI
developed LOAELs, which may be a more
appropriate predictor of true toxic effects. To
evaluate the bioavailable component, ARCO suggests
correcting for the acid volatile sulfides and organic
carbon in the sediments to assess partitioning of
metals between sediment and pore water (pore water
concentrations should be used to assess risks).
Sediments, like surface water, were never found to have a
magnitude of risk necessary for further study. In the Final BERA
and ultimately in the proposed plan, aquatic risks were realized
not to be risk drivers and responsible for remedial action.
ARCO challenges COM Federal's use of Essig and
Moore data from Clark Fork River and Silver Bow
Creek to develop NECs. Inappropriate to extrapolate
from conditions in Silver Bow Creek to creeks in
Anaconda area, since macroinvertebrates in Silver
Bow Creek are known to be affected by stressors (i.e.,
ammonia) other than metals. Plus, other
characteristics related to spatial and temporal
differences in the invertebrate and sediment chemistry
samples provide very weak evidence of sediment
toxicity.
Dan McGuire collected site data in an attempt to reduce the
uncertainty in this data gap. Also, this comment is directly
contradictory to ENSR's reassessment of aquatic risks in which
data from Clark Fork River was extensively used. Again, it is an
example of ARCO's contradictory positions taken by different
contractors and presented to EPA. In McGuire's report, the only
reach that suggested only moderate impacts from metals was from
lower reaches of Warm Springs Creek. In the Final BERA, the
uncertainties in using data from a single survey were discussed.
II
Attributing differences in the benthic community of
Warm Springs Creek to "metals pollution" is purely
conjectural.
EPA disagrees with this statement, and further rebuttal is not
possible without further explanation of ARCO's position.
1-14
ARCO states that their evaluation of McGuire's data
shows, by weight-of-evidence, that impacts to benthic
organisms are not occurring, even though McGuire's
synthetic biointegrity scores may indicate
impairment.
ARCO points out that EPA guidance recommends against using
synthetic indices, yet ARCO uses the biointegrity score in
comparison to sediment and surface water concentrations to
support their statement that impacts to benthos are not presently
occurring. EPA even states that impairment seems to be
diminishing. McGuire's data do not suggest severe impairment
and the Final BERA never stated such.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Wildlife (General)
1
1
The PBERA evaluated risks in nine wildlife use areas,
then the focus changed to 20 subareas based on
vegetation cover and condition, where the 1995
sampling occurred. To avoid confusion, future
discussions should focus on the vegetation areas.
EPA concurs, and this change was made in the BERA.
Citation needed when identifying species of special
concern that could have occurred at the site.
This comment was specific to the PBERA. EPA has since
completed informal Section 7.0 consultation with the USFWS
and, as a result of the consultation from Mr. Bill Olsen, the Final
BERA was appropriately adjusted. See Final BERA citation
labeled USDI/USFWS. 1997. Letter from K. McMaster to Julie
DalSoglio.
G/H-58
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Comment
The BERA wildlife risk assessment is incompletely
documented, full of errors and inconsistencies, and
demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of
wildlife risk assessment, (five bullets provided as
examples):
- assessment endpoint doesn't specify evaluation of
wildlife risk from ingestion of contaminated soil
or prey, but the food chain model does this;
- assessment of relative risk does not report the
precise methods used or the calculated HQs or
His. In the mapping, the class of hazard factors 0
to 1 .99 includes locations where relative risk does
and does not exceed background;
- since the food web model includes estimation of
forage tissue doses, the risks due to ingestion of
. forage are not in addition to food chain risk (ES-
24);
- the food chain risk from ingestion of plants is not
compared with the screening assessment of plant
ingestion, and the plant tissue data collected in
199S are not used in the food chain;
- possible risks to wildlife based on geometric mean
soil concentrations indicate only nominal risks to
wildlife, whereas the hazard factor approach
suggests that wildlife are up to 1000 times more at
risk than in background sites. HQs from which
HFs are calculated are not presented. These
inconsistencies should have been resolved prior to
publication of the BERA. These wildly different
assumptions and findings contribute to ARCO's
position that the Proposed Plan is not based on a
defensible finding of risk.
Response Notes
Some of ARCO's recommended changes have been addressed in a
re-evaluation of Appendix 10 of the BERA (Appendix B of the
ROD).
The BERA assessment endpoint states: Protection of wildlife
species by ensuring the COC levels in forage and surface water
are low enough to minimize health risks. ENSR is asserting that
term forage may only apply to herbivorous species eating
vegetation. This is highly erroneous. It is been highly acceptable
to refer to prey species by carnivores as forage items within the
diet. Furthermore, incidental ingestion of soil is part of a dietary
fraction and therefore part of the forage. ENSR attempts to
discredit the application of an assessment endpoint through the
inappropriate use of semantics.
As stated in the BERA, this comment is accurate, however, the
map range statement should have read >0 to 1.99. See revisions
in the re-analysis of wildlife risk models included in Appendix B
of the ROD.
Both forage assessment via the food web modeling and
comparisons of metal concentrations in vegetation were used for
comparison to TRVs for two independent approaches and were
NOT additive. The food chain analysis confirmed estimates of
risk that were completed through only estimates of forage and
water.
The plant tissue data collected in I99S was used to calculate BAFs
in the additional re-analysis of wildlife risks mapping exercise.
See Appendix B of the ROD.
The geometric mean analysis was done early in the process when
limited comprehensive soils data were available. The text in
Appendix 3 of the BERA was meant to give some site history of
decision making for focusing on vegetative receptors. Subsequent
to this initial analysis, further soil characterization (kriging,
completed in late 1996) was completed and more appropriate
TRVs identified. Since the kriging process was completed at the
latter end of the ERA process, EPA felt compelled in the BERA to
reanalyze these endpoints and receptors in risk characterization.
This represents a scientifically valid approach to using the most
current and relevant site-specific data as the project progressed,
not "wildly different assumptions and findings".
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Wildlife (Wildlife Health)
1
9
Identification of areas of concern for wildlife, based
on indicators of effects on plants, is unjustified.
Wildlife populations on Stucky Ridge, Smelter Hill,
and Mount Haggin are quite healthy.
In the PBERA Supplement, EPA has addressed the reviews of
several ARCO wildlife population studies and those from the
State of Montana. The Olsen-Elliot line was not used to identify
areas of risk for wildlife risk in the Final PBERA Supplement.
G/H-59
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Comment
Response Notes
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Wildlife (Estimation of Risks)
2
7
7
7
7
10
1-5
1-21
1-28
1-26
The ARCO reviewer attempts to clarify EPA's
description of FIT s report. ARCO disagrees with
EPA's descriptions of risks to the kestrel when a
conservative lOx uncertainty factortvas used in the
TRV.
The primary purpose of HQs based on NOAELs is to
screen out COCs and receptors. A NOAEL HQ>1
does not quantify risk or indicate that exposures will
cause effects.
The screening level evaluation of risks from ingestion
of drinking water and vegetation have not been
confirmed to exist. This does not evaluate the
likelihood of risk or the likelihood of exposure.
EPA does not evaluate the size and seasonality of the
potential wildlife drinking water sources and the
likelihood of exposure.
Evaluation of risk to wildlife receptors requires more
than the rudimentary analysis set forth in the BERA.
Thus, there is no basis for concluding current
conditions pose an unacceptable risk to wildlife.
His are an inappropriate summary measure since
COCs at Anaconda have separate modes of action
affecting different organs and systems.
Comment noted.
EPA agrees and further descriptions of both NOAELs and
LOAELs are included in the re-analysis of the food chain model.
EPA clearly states in several portions of the document the
modeling effort was not intended for clear quantifiable measure of
absolute risk.
The BERA did not assess risks from ephemeral water bodies.
Furthermore, several bodies of water exceed drinking water TRVs
within what could be considered a single receptor's home range.
It is not necessary for EPA to document damage or effects, only
that the potential for risk exists.
Further re-analysis of the food chain model more clearly identifies
both relative and absolute estimates of risk to wildlife receptors by
both describing geographic areas of concern as well as pertinent
pathways of exposure. Also, future biomonitoring will confirm or
contrast modeling results.
In the re-analysis of the food chain modeling, maps were
produced identifying the individual additions of risk from each
chemical contributing to the HI.
Issue: Assessment of Risks to Wildlife (Hazard Quotient Does Not Equal Risk)
7
7
1-4
1-27
EPA's use of HQs is not equivalent to risk.
Actual ecological risk is related to the probability of
effects given exposure to the stressor, and the
probability of exposure to the stressor.
Where site data demonstrate that the current
conditions of exposure are not causing adverse
effects, the risks are nominal.
HQs and His are not measures of risk, and should not
be confused with measures of risk. They are
indicators of potential risk and possibly severity
measures.
The HQs and His ignore other important
probabilities, such as exposure and source, (i.e., the
probability that the entire diet of the receptor comes
from one 70-acre plot is likely to be less than one).
EPA has never claimed that the HQ approach is an absolute
measure of risk, but rather, relative indications of potential risk.
Furthermore, the exercise is needed in order to appropriately
design sampling events aimed at confirming or contrasting
modeling results. Again, this was clearly stated several times in
the Final BERA.
Currently, EPA is not interested in further defining modeled
parameters. Efforts will be spent to quantifiably measure
exposure and effects in wildlife species in the field during future
biomonitoring programs.
G/H-60
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Comment
Response Notes
Issue: Risk Mapping
1-17
The screening tool invented by EPA for this
assessment, based on the so-called "hazard factor", is
not properly documented, is shown to be
mathematically incorrect, and is not a measure of the
relative potential for risk to wildlife from food chain
exposures.
The hazard factor may not have been clearly documented in the
BERA, but all documentation from the mapping was entered into
the administrative record and furthermore, revisions of Appendix
10 (i.e.. Appendix B of the ROD) more clearly describe the
documentation. EPA has checked calculations and as noted in
Hoff comments above were not mathematically incorrect EPA
absolutely disagrees that this exercise is not a measure of relative
risk from food-chain exposures.
1-21
EPA provides a crude screening level RELATIVE
assessment of risk to wildlife for each kriged cell
surface soil concentration versus background soil
potential risk.
We agree and EPA never claimed in the BERA that is was much
more than a screening level assessment for wildlife receptors.
Clearly, the focus of ecological risk on the site and the majority of
proposed remedial focuses on vegetative risk.
1-22
ARCO could not fully review the BERA since
methodology or risk calculation and results of
exposure model were not documented. While the
components of the hazard factor approach are
supposedly in the Administrative Record, it is
ARCO's understanding that the Administrative
Record may not have the correct assessment data.
is inappropriate for EPA to have released a final
document without this information.
In the rewrite of Appendix 10 (Appendix B of the ROD), all the
documentation will be provided for replication by independent
investigators of the technique. Also, it is again important to note
that this was meant to be a screening exercise for wildlife
receptors as the focus of the assessment was vegetative risk.
1-22
The HQs are based on a new set of TRVs that include
conservative uncertainty factors, while the same food
chain model is used.
The text in Appendix 3 was meant to give some site history of
decision making for focusing on vegetative receptors. Subsequent
to this initials analysis, further soil characterization (i.e., kriging,
completed in late 1996) was completed and more appropriate
TRVs were identified. Since the kriging process was completed at
the later end of ERA process, EPA felt compelled in the BERA to
reanalyze these endpoints and receptors in risk characterization.
In Appendix 10, kriged soil coverages were used as comparisons
to the geometric mean of the entire site. In the re-analysis of
Appendix 10 (i.e., Appendix B of the ROD), the food chain model
was changed.
1-22
The BERA only maps "hazard factors" based on the
NOAEL, and not on the LOAEL. The BERA
misuses this index to quantifying "relative potential
risk" when it infers this ratio is related to risk.
Comment noted. EPA has never claimed that the HQ approach is
an absolute measure of risk, but rather relative indications of
potential risk. See Appendix B of the ROD.
1-26
The hazard factor approach to screening risk is
apparently a new assessment tool, used here for the
first time, and has not been subjected to peer review.
This document uses several sources of information that has not
been peer-reviewed and published in the literature. Two such
examples are the WER data that were used and incorporated in the
text, and Hayden-wing wildlife surveys that have not been
published in peer-reviewed journals. It is not apparent to EPA
why all data and techniques used in an ecological risk assessment
must be peer-reviewed before they are useful in the document. It
is worth noting that ENSR has previously stated that the
phytotoxicity ECs are scientifically invalid, when indeed, these
values, which were taken from East Helena studies were
successfully peer-reviewed (see attached). Therefore, it is EPA's
conclusion that even if the technique had been subjected to a high
level of peer-review, ENSR commenters would have still
concluded that the technique was invalid in their opinion.
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1-27
Comment
The calculation of the HF is mathematically incorrect,
does not measure relative risk, and is ecologically
meaningless. The resulting maps are invalid and do
not indicate relative or potential risk.
As a ratio of ratios, the components responsible for
the magnitude of the "risk" cannot be identified and
the uncertainty is obscured.
The extent and magnitude of wildlife risk is
misrepresented in the BERA. It is customary to
account for naturally occurring background by
subtracting hazards from a reference site of similar
geochemistry.
BERA erroneously states "Assuming that the risk
calculated for background conditions represents the
"risk" from arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc
under uncontaminated conditions for the selected
receptors, this comparison [ratio of site HI to
background HI] provides an estimation of additional
risks to wildlife." ARCO provides an example to
show how it may be interpreted that the hazard to one
receptor may appear to be greater than the risk to
another receptor, when the individual HQs wouldn't
show this.
The underlying mathematics used to create the HF is
apparently flawed. Only the HQs for the same
chemical should be ratioed, His cannot be ratioed.
Response Notes
This is not true. As noted above, the method is not
mathematically incorrect. See discussion in Appendix B of the
ROD.
In the re-analysis of Appendix 10 (Appendix B of the ROD), both
estimates of relative risk (HI site/Hi background) and absolute
(HI site-HI background) are included.
In the re-analysis of Appendix 10 (Appendix B of the ROD), both
estimates of relative risk (HI site/Hi background) and absolute
(HI site-HI background) are included.
In the re-analysis of the food chain modeling, maps were
produced identifying the individual additions of risk from each
chemical contributing to the HI. See Appendix B of the ROD.
In the re-analysis of the food chain modeling, maps were
produced identifying the individual additions of risk from each
chemical contributing to the HI. However, ENSR's example
showing fractions is incorrect, we added products of the division
(i.e., '/2 = .5), and when the products are used, the same results are
always achieved.
Issue: Relationship Between the Proposed Plan and the BERA
5
5
1
2
EPA cannot justify reclamation measures at
Anaconda on the basis of the Draft Final BERA's
phytotoxicity benchmarks for metals in soil.
EPA has no authority to require further remedial
action to address arsenic and metals-impacted soils
unless it can provide a scientifically defensible basis
for doing so.
This comment indicates that ARCO reviewers do not understand
the integration of the Final BERA, the Proposed Plan, and the
LRES scoring system. While the phytotoxicity benchmarks for
metals in soil provided the first step in the BERA to identify
terrestrial areas potentially at risk, numerous additional
environmental parameters and existing vegetation conditions were
taken into consideration by the Comprehensive Plant Stress
Analysis (CPSA) model to refine the areas identified as posing a
potential risk to vegetation. These areas are identified in the
Proposed Plan as High Arsenic Soils, Sparsely Vegetated Soils,
and Waste Material. The preferred alternative for these areas
include reclamation and limited or partial removal of waste
material and soils followed by revegetation. The LRES is used as
a tool to prepare a site-specific ranking of the need for reclamation
and spatial delineation of the remedial units. In this way, EPA is
not justifying reclamation measures at Anaconda on the basis of
the BERA's phytotoxicity benchmarks for metals in soil. EPA,
with ARCO's involvement, will apply the LRES to the OU July,
August, and September 1998. From this, a Conceptual Remedial
Design Report will be prepared.
See response to Menzie-Cura comments in Section XI.
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Response Notes
1-1
The BERA is so critically flawed that any remedial
actions based on the findings of this assessment (or
earlier versions) would be inconsistent with CERCLA
and the NCP, and would be arbitrary and capricious.
The critical flaws are based on errors begun in
problem formulation and propagated throughout the
assessment.
EPA wholly disagrees with ARCO's statements; see Sections I
and VII.
1-2
It is inappropriate for EPA to document a need for
remedial actions based on an assessment that doesn't
go beyond a screening level characterization of risks,
especially when site ecological data contradict results.
See response in Section V.
1-2
The BERA does not support response actions
described in the Proposed Plan.
See above response to Document No. 5, pg. I.
1-3
Based on previous comments, ARCO feels that there
is no risk to aquatic receptors, therefore, there is no
basis for remediation on Stucky Ridge (proposed to
minimize transport of contaminants to surface and
groundwater), based on the premise of protecting
aquatic receptors.
Further, they state that response actions to improve
habitats impacted by SO; is outside CERCLA
remedial authority.
See response in Section IIG.
1-4
ARCO claims the BERA starts with an assumption
that metals and arsenic have caused any observed
effects, and seeks data to support this assumption, and
excludes consideration of ecologically sound
alternative hypotheses.
Forced reclamation of habitat under CERCLA is not
appropriate if the habitat loss resulted from the effect
of historic SO2 fumigation.
See response in Section V, and Appendix B to the ROD.
1-5
Since the streams have the capacity to produce
healthy trout populations that are comparable to other
streams in the region, there is no risk basis to require
remediation to mitigate against theoretical risk to
these receptors.
Again, this is a broad-brush statement that fails to recognize that
EPA has identified the potential for risks to aquatic receptors in
certain portions of certain streams at the site. These risks are
usually associated with high spring run-off in which the streams
receive increased loadings of metals that exceed surface water
ECs and likely affect early life stages of aquatic organisms.
1-6
Since there is an absence of a clear stressor-response,
the Proposed Plan is not based on a defensible finding
that phytotoxicity from metals is responsible for the
observed vegetation condition.
See response in Section II.
1-12
EPA has not evaluated the risks of remedial
alternatives. Disturbance of surface soil and existing
vegetation through proposed remedial efforts may in
the short term reduce vegetative cover and habitat,
increase soil loss, increase loading to surface water,
while doing little to mitigate ecological threats.
This comment again suggests that ARCO reviewers do not
understand the language in the Proposed Plan. EPA has
repeatedly and iteratively incorporated results from ground-
truthing of site conditions in the selection and recommendation of
the number of acres requiring remediation. As a result, the
acreages recommended for remediation are only barren or sparsely
vegetated areas. There will be no disturbance of existing
vegetation cover and habitat.
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1-17
Comment
While focusing on phytotoxicity, and following an
approach congruent with the State's NRDA injury
assessment, EPA has not adequately addressed
potential risks to wildlife under the Proposed Plan.
The Proposed Plan projects that remedial actions to
reduce phytotoxicity will also be protective of
wildlife.
The Proposed Plan is improperly designed to improve
vegetative cover and wildlife habitat by mitigating
hypothetical phytotoxicity. However, data in the
BERA fails to establish that the Proposed Plan will
mitigate against theoretical or actual risks to wildlife.
Response Notes
See Appendix B of the ROD.
See Appendix B of the ROD.
Issue: NRDA vs. Ecological Risk Assessment
4
Editorial comments on two pages, regarding edits to
remove language pertaining to injury, impairment, the
State's conclusions regarding injury to the site, and
the State's restoration goals.
Appropriate editorial changes were made in the Final BERA.
G/H-64
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XL RESPONSES TO ARCO'S ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS TO VEGETATION BY
MULTIPLE STRESSORS AT THE ANACONDA SMELTER NPL SITE
PREPARED BY MENZIE-CURA & ASSOCIATES, INC., MARCH 3,1997
This response to the conclusions presented in ARCO's report is prefaced by explanatory text that
puts forth some of the key premises on which the BERA is based. This is provided to make
EPA's position clear on: 1) the definition of phytotoxicity; 2) the selection and use of
phytotoxicity benchmark values in the BERA; 3) concepts of phytotoxicity and measuring
phytotoxic response in the natural environment; 4) observed differences between the existing
composition of plant communities at the ARWW&S OU and plant communities on
uncontaminated areas and those that would be found at the ARWW&S OU under climax
conditions; 5) the use of the risk analysis to delineate areas for potential remediation (in the FS);
and 6) the use of an integrated environmental (plant stress) analysis in the BERA to define areas
of potential risk to vegetation from soil COCs (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc). This
text is intended to simplify the responses to each of ARCO's conclusions in the above-referenced
report, which are provided at the end of this document.
Fundamental Concepts of the ARWW&S OU Ecological Risk Assessment
Phytotoxicity and Phytotoxicity Benchmark Values Used at the ARWW&S OU
Phytotoxic effects due to a particular chemical can range from sub-chronic effects such as
slightly reduced germination or shoot elongation to more acute effects such as limited
germination, low plant density, and plant death. The concentrations of the COCs in the soil of
the ARWW&S OU are just one of many soil chemical factors that are affecting the growth and
development of individual plants. The chemical composition and physical attributes (i.e.,
texture) of the soils, landscape features (including slope angle, aspect and position), and land-use
all contribute to the current assemblages of plants in a given area of the operable unit. In any
environment these interactions are extremely complex. For the ARWW&S OU, which covers
nearly 200 square miles and many different range sites and habitat types, the difficulty in
assessing the influences of soil COCs and other soil factors on vegetation becomes more
problematic. As Suter et al. (1996) points out, "an assessor must realize that these soil
characteristics [pH, Eh, cation exchange capacity, moisture content] play a large part in plant
toxicity and incorporate these site-specific considerations in the evaluation of the potential
hazards of a chemical". EPA's solution was the use of an integrated environmental (plant stress)
analysis that evaluates the primary plant growth soil characteristics and plant community
attributes by comparing these to risk-based values and plant community characteristics for
uncontaminated sites and for these range sites under climax conditions.
The intent of the ARWW&S OU risk assessment is to identify the relative degree of ecological
risks across the site so that the FS team can prioritize areas and select appropriate remedial
alternatives. To this end, the BERA compared regional soil (general relative) kriging results with
site-specific phytotoxicity benchmark values and delineated areas of decreasing potential risk as
distance increased outward from the Anaconda smelter complex. This analysis was used to
delineate four phytotoxicity zones (Plates 2 and 3 in the BERA - CDM Federal 1997) that
G/H-65
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strongly suggest a general and positive relationship between soil COC concentrations and field
observable phytotoxic effects. This premise is supported by the data, information, and opinions
of other researchers working in the Anaconda area (see CDM Federal 1996).
Ecologists working in the ARWW&S OU have observed plant communities with high diversity
and canopy coverage in some portions of the site having high soil COC concentrations. This
includes Zone 4 where the concentration of all the COCs in the soil exceed their respective high
phytotoxicity values. EPA believes that this response is due to the positive affects that other
environmental factors (other than the COCs) are having on plant community composition and
structure. These factors fall under the broad headings of physicochemical soil properties,
microclimate, and anthropogenic influences and includes factors such as high soil moisture,
abundant organic matter, non-steep north slopes, and limited grazing. Under the right
circumstances, some of these other factors, working alone or in concert, are believed to be
moderating, or offsetting the affects of elevated soil COC concentrations on the vegetation.
Table 5.1-7 (attached) from the BERA rates the principal soil physicochemical properties and
other environmental influences from each VA at the ARWW&S OU in terms of whether they are
potentially having a negative, positive, or neutral affect on plant performance. This table shows
that soil COCs are potentially having a negative impact on vegetation in or near Smelter Hill and
Weather Hill (i.e., VA17), in the area adjacent to Weather Hill lying south of Mill Creek (i.e.,
VA16), in the Southern Lowland area (i.e., VA13A and VA14), in the well-vegetated Northern
Lowland area (VA1), and in areas near proposed waste management areas (WMAs) (i.e., VA4,
VA6, VA7, VA9, VA11, and VASN). With the exception of VA16 and VA1, these VAs
correspond to areas within the operable unit that are barren/sparsely vegetated or have poor
vegetation growth/condition. The diverse and productive nature of the vegetation in VA16 and
VA1 is believed to be the result of other mitigating environmental factors, especially favorable
soil moisture regimes, slope aspects, and topsoil condition, that are having a strong enough
compensatory influence to overcome the affects of phytotoxic COC soil concentrations.
National criteria or guidelines for soil values protective of vegetation are not available because
the toxicological response varies widely for individual species, populations, and communities.
Therefore, during the development of the BERA EPA used the best regional and site-specific
information presented in the Terrestrial NRDA completed for the State of Montana (State of
Montana 1995) and an extensive toxicological literature review completed for the assessment of
arsenic and metal toxicity to plants in the Helena Valley (CH2M Hill 1987a and b) to derive
phytotoxicity benchmark values for the ARWW&S OU. It is important to understand that these
values were used as general (screening level) indicators of where soil concentrations may be high
enough to be phytotoxic under most environmental conditions. Conversely, they were not
intended to be used to delineate specific boundaries between COC-affected and COC-unaffected
vegetation. Because of the myriad of environmental factors influencing vegetation, an integrated
environmental (plant stress) analysis was subsequently performed in the BERA.
Integrated Analysis of Plant Stress
EPA used an integrated environmental analysis to assess the relative influence of the COCs and
the other physicochemical soil component, landscape factors, and land-use history on the
G/H-66
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potential for plant stress and existing plant community composition at the ARWW&S OU. This
is presented in the BERA and was accomplished using data and information gathered during field
reconnaissance and sampling events conducted by EPA, data from other researchers at the site,
and remote sensing data. This analysis included a comparison of the existing vegetation at the
ARWW&S OU to what should be present under climax vegetation conditions and what is
present in German Gulch (which was used by the State as a reference area).
The integrated environmental analysis did not rely on any one piece of data, such as phytotoxicity
benchmarks, to define areas of potential risk. Rather, this analysis used the phytotoxicity
benchmark values along with other physicochemical soil data and landscape characteristics in a
weight of evidence manner to identify general areas where smelter and ore processing wastes
may be significantly contributing to plant stress. This approach to assessing potential risks, and
the data and information used to define areas of potential risks (or no risks), are discussed in
detail in the BERA.
The data collected in the Vegetation Areas (VAs) during the 1995 EPA Survey provides a
general representation of soil conditions and plant community characteristics for each VA. As
such, these characterizations do not accurately reflect soil and vegetation conditions in all
portions of each VA. Furthermore, the existing site data only approximate vegetation conditions
in the Areas of Concern used in the FS and likewise do not accurately represent actual conditions
in all areas. The boundaries of the Areas of Concern delineated in the FS (where remediation is
proposed for implementation) will be modified following more intensive field investigation
during the design phase of the ARWW&S OU project.
Climax, Reference, and Existing Vegetation Condition at the ARWW&S OU
Ross and Hunter (1976) classified the climax (i.e., uninfluenced by current human activity)
vegetation in the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site into three range/forest sites.
1) Silty Range Site (10- to 19-inch precipitation zone) Vegetation on this range site is
dominated by perennial grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, rough and Idaho fescue, needle-
and-thread, prairie junegrass, western and thickspike wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and
basin wildrye), forbs (danthonia, sticky geranium, arrowleaf balsamroot, larkspur and
prairie smoke), legumes, and shrubs (winterfat and big sagebrush).
2) Saline Lowland Range Site (10- to 14-inch precipitation zone) Vegetation on this
range site is dominated by perennial grasses (basin wildrye, alkali sacaton, alkaligrass,
cordgrass, slender and western wheatgrass, and inland saltgrass) and shrubs (greasewood
and buffaloberry).
3) Subalpine Fir and Douglas Fir Climax Forests (20- to 45-inch precipitation zone)
Typical overstory composition is 65% Subalpine fir, 25% Douglas fir, and 10%
Engelmann spruce. Climax understory species include many grasses, forbs and shrubs
such as pinegrass, basin wildrye, Idaho fescue, grouse whortleberry, arnica, huckleberry,
beargrass, and serviceberry.
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The primary rangeland habitat types (h.t.) found in the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site classify into
either the rough fescue or Idaho fescue climax series (Mueggler and Stewart 1980).
1) Rough Fescue Series This series consists of either the rough fescue/bluebunch
wheatgrass h.t. (needle-and-thread phase) or the rough fescue/Idaho fescue h.t.
(Richardson's needlegrass phase).
2) Idaho Fescue Series This series consists of the Idaho fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass h.t.
(western needlegrass phase).
Under climax or near climax conditions the plant communities on these range/forest sites and in
these habitat types would be highly productive and composed of a variety of native perennial
plant species. This is in sharp contrast to the plant communities in many areas of the Anaconda
Smelter NPL Site that exhibit low canopy coverage and annual above-ground production, or are
dominated (or co-dominated) by weedy, introduced plant species. Many of the plant species
listed above were not observed in the ARWW&S OU during EPA's reconnaissance trips or
vegetation surveys conducted in 1994 and 1995. Likewise, many of these species are absent
from the reports of other ecologists who have studied the vegetation in this OU.
In general, plant canopy coverage by native perennial species, species richness, and plant
community diversity within the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site increases with distance from the
smelter complex. In areas not contaminated from smelting activities (in German Gulch or under
climax conditions), upland forests are generally dominated by Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and
juniper, while upland shrublands are composed of willows, alders, red osier dogwood,
chokecherry, buffalo berry, low bush cranberry, and silver berry (State of Montana 1995;
MNRDP 1994; and Taskey 1972). Native range in uncontaminated areas is composed of
perennial species of wheatgrasses, fescues, and bluegrasses. Grasslands in contaminated and
disturbed areas of the site are dominated by weedy species such as spotted knapweed and Canada
thistle, metal-tolerant grass such as basin wildrye, and the non-native redtop (State of Montana
1995; MNRDP 1994). Areas subjected to intense grazing typically contain a greater density of
opportunistic weedy species including spotted knapweed, thistle, and dandelion (State of
Montana 1995).
Plant community diversity and density vary considerably depending on the characteristics of the
soil and physical environment that include the concentration of smelting-related contaminants,
soil moisture, total organic carbon (TOC) content, pH, nutrient status, slope, aspect, reclamation
activities, and other activities such as logging history, irrigation, and grazing. Previous
investigations and field reconnaissances conducted in 1995 have noted areas of barren soil and
stressed vegetation, especially in the vicinity of Stucky Ridge, Smelter Hill, Mt. Haggin, and the
Anaconda and Opportunity Ponds (State of Montana 1995; Monninger 1992; Olsen-EUiott 1975).
Based on one estimate, approximately 18 square miles (11,400 acres) of uplands near Anaconda
have been visibly altered by previous smelting activities (MNRDP 1994). These alterations
include near total elimination of native plant communities and extensive topsoil loss from lack of
vegetation. Additionally, there has been a shift in plant community structure from forests with
open grasslands to predominantly -bare ground or sparsely vegetated grassland having low plant
G/H-68
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species diversity and being composed of monocultures of weedy metals-tolerant species (State of
Montana 1995). For example, historical photographs of the Old Works (circa 1886) indicate that
Stucky Ridge was formerly vegetated by arid grassland and open steppe plant communities on
exposed slopes and forest communities in the moist drainages (State of Montana 1995). Today,
Stucky Ridge is either bare soil or is sparsely vegetated with predominantly metals-tolerant
species. The surface of Smelter Hill presently consists of large areas of bare ground and
evidence of stressed vegetation, composed primarily of metals-tolerant species (State of Montana
1995). Formerly forested slopes to the south and west of Mill Creek, as far as the Continental
Divide, are currently devegetated and show extensive soil loss (State of Montana 1995). The
drainages of Mill and Warm Springs Creeks, once covered by dense riparian forests and
shrublands, are currently either unvegetated, or composed of stressed or metals-tolerant
vegetation (Taskey 1972). Of the approximately 11,400 grossly injured acres, about 20 percent
of the total (2,200 acres) are greater than 40 degrees in slope (MNRDP 1994). The devegetation
in these areas exacerbated erosion and soil loss.
The aforementioned areas of the ARWW&S OU are those that demonstrate obvious and
dramatic changes in the composition of the plant communities and wildlife habitat. Data
collected during the 1995 EPA Survey supports this assessment of vegetation condition on
Stucky Ridge and Smelter Hill, and also indicates that the soil COC concentrations in other areas
of the site have likely altered plant community composition and still pose a potential risk to the
germination and growth of vegetation. These other areas, some of which have abundant plant
growth, are generally composed of only a few metal tolerant species. EPA believes that the
surface soils in many of these areas are still toxic to seedlings and that this has hindered the
recovery of these areas.
Application of Remedial Measures
The FS (CDM Federal 1997) evaluated remedial options to reduce environmental and human
health risks at the ARWW&S OU. The potential application of land reclamation techniques,
which in most cases would significantly disturb and thereby eliminate some of the existing
vegetation, was evaluated against the potential risks to vegetation if reclamation was not
implemented (i.e., under the no action alternative). A basic premise of the FS was that plant
communities with adequate diversity, composition, and production would not be disturbed to
implement reclamation, even though some of these areas may have soil COC concentrations that
exceed the phytotoxicity benchmark values. Depending on the plant species present, sparsely
vegetated areas might be interseeded, thus avoiding full tillage and the destruction of existing
vegetation. This logic was also used during the calculation of the acreage within the waste
management areas to which reclamation might be applied; areas having adequate vegetation were
not included in the total acreage requiring reclamation.
To fully appreciate how this approach has reduced the amount of acreage to which remedial
efforts might be applied, the reader should compare the FS map showing the areas slated for
remediation to the phytotoxicity maps in the BERA. Such a comparison clearly shows that some
areas are not recommended for reclamation even though soil COC concentrations exceed
phytotoxicity benchmark values. EPA believes that other soil factors (e.g., high soil moisture)
are reducing plant stress that would occur under "average" soil conditions (e.g., moderate to low
G/H-69
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soil moisture). EPA recognizes the value of these diverse plant communities and wildlife
habitats and intends to keep them intact.
Response to ARCO's (Menzie-Cura & Associates. Inc.) Comments on the BERA
Section 6.0- Summary of Results
Comment 1 ARCO states that the phytotoxicity benchmarks are poor predictors of vegetation
condition and gives examples of areas having high plant canopy coverage and high soil COC
concentrations, and vice versa.
Response 1 The BERA clearly discusses the intended use of the phytotoxicity benchmark
values. These values were selected as the best indicators of potential phytotoxic risk under what
was considered to be "typical" environmental conditions in southwestern Montana. It is
important to realize that the phytotoxicity benchmark values were not chosen to account for other
soil characteristics that might significantly enhance or stress site vegetation. Furthermore, the
phytotoxicity benchmark values were used to identify areas of the site where the soil COCs may
be high enough to be phytotoxic under most environmental conditions. These values were not
intended to be used alone in defining absolute phytotoxicity or to delineate areas requiring
remediation. EPA recognized at the outset of the risk assessment process that other site
information, such as the other physical and chemical soil properties, landscape conditions, land-
use, and the existing vegetation, would need to be assessed before the areas requiring
remediation could be determined.
EPA, COM Federal, and MSU have known from the outset of the risk assessment process that
there were areas of the site where plant community condition did not correlate with the
phytotoxicity benchmark values. The reasons for this lack of correlation in the areas identified
by ARCO (the Northern Lowland Area, the Southern Lowland Area, the East Hills, and the
North Hills) are thoroughly discussed in the BERA. In essence, the lack of correlation is due to
the influences of physical and chemical soil factors (other than the COCs), landscape
characteristics, and/or land-use practices that either enhance or diminish plant germination and
growth, and the subsequent development of the plant communities and wildlife habitat.
Because of the multitude of physical and chemical soil parameters that can influence plant
growth, EPA realized early in the assessment of potential risks at the ARWW&S OU that it
would be impossible to identify an absolute phytotoxicity values for each COC and plant species
under all possible environmental conditions at the site. The BERA, therefore, evaluated the
primary plant growth characteristics present in the environment (e.g., soil moisture regime,
topsoil condition, organic carbon content) in the context of the level of soil COCs and assessed
the potential risk to vegetation in a semi-quantitative and qualitative way. Results of this
analysis indicate a general relationship between the level of COCs in the soil and plant
community composition. However, as discussed above there are areas of the site with good plant
growth despite high soil COC levels. This is believed to be a function of the positive affects of
other physicochemical soil characteristics, landscape factors, and/or past and current land-use in
those specific locations. Conversely, some areas of the site demonstrate poor plant growth and
community condition but have soil COCs concentrations less than the phytotoxicity values. EPA
G/H-70
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postulates that this phenomenon is due to naturally poor plant growth characteristics of the soil
(e.g., low organic matter level) and the possible added stress of elevated soil COCs, even though
the soil COC concentrations do not exceed the phytotoxicity benchmark values.
Specifically, the BERA demonstrated that all the soil factors evaluated for the Northern Lowland
Area (CEC, K, P, organic carbon, soil moisture regime, slope, grazing, topsoil, SC, pH, aspect
and stones/rock), with the exception of N and the COCs, were having either a positive or a
neutral affect on the vegetation (see Table 5.1-7 of the BERA). Within this area of the site there
are many soil factors that are enhancing the diverse and productive nature of the vegetation
despite high soil metal concentrations. In this area the soil arsenic and metal levels are not high
enough, by themselves, to negatively affect plant growth. The primary plant-growth soil factor in
the Northern Lowland area is high soil moisture conditions, brought about by a seasonally high
water table. If plant available soil moisture is diminished in the future through a lowering of the
water table, the potential risks to vegetation due to high soil COC concentrations are expected to
increase.
ARCO states that other areas of the site (e.g., VA2A, VA2B, VA24, and VA15) have poor
vegetation growth or condition in the absence of elevated levels of soil COCs. This is an
incorrect statement because even though soil concentrations do not exceed the phytotoxicity
benchmark values in these areas they are significantly greater than background soil
concentrations for the United States and for the Clark Fork River Basin. In some cases the soil
COC concentrations are more than an order-of-magnitude greater than background. As an
example, the copper concentration in the surface soils at Transect 2 at VA2A was 644 mg/kg,
compared to a U.S. soil concentration of 24 mg/kg. As stated in the BERA for the North Hills
(page 5-55), "concentrations of the COCs, by themselves, were considered to be having a non-
negative or neutral influence on the plant communities in general. However, since the primary
plant limiting factors (i.e., organic matter, soil moisture regime, nutrients) ranke'd low, the
potential for the phytotoxicity effects of the COCs to be important factors in plant germination
and growth may be high in some portions of the North Hills area. As mentioned, areas where
phytotoxic effects may be particularly acute include the south-facing slopes in the southeastern
portion of VA24, portions of VA2B, and the portion of VA2A that lies south of VA2B" where
soil moisture may be limited.
Comment 2 Bulk soil concentrations of the COCs are not correlated with vegetation condition.
ARCO found no correlations or negative correlations between the vegetation parameters (total
plant cover, peak standing crop, and/or bare ground) and the soil COC concentrations.
Response 2 From field reconnaissance trips conducted in 1994 and 1995 EPA strongly
suspected that there may not be simple correlations between total soil metal concentrations and
plant community characteristics. As discussed above, some areas had good vegetation condition
(high canopy coverage, high species richness, and diverse habitat) and high total soil COC
concentrations while other area showed the opposite relationship. Therefore, EPA decided in the
planning stage of the BERA that an integrated environmental (plant stress) analysis, which
considers the major plant-growth parameters, would be used in a semi-quantitative and
qualitative manner to identify areas of the ARWW&S OU where the concentration of COCs in
the soil may be a threat to plant germination and growth.
G/H-71
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It is inappropriate for ARCO to use gross measurements of site vegetation (e.g., total canopy
coverage) in correlation tests with soil COC concentrations. A more appropriate analysis would
be to compare the composition of the plant communities in the ARWW&S OU to those of
similar sites in un-contaminated areas (such as German Gulch) or to climax community
conditions. Plant community characteristics of canopy coverage and production are gross
measures that do not, by themselves, indicate the ecological health of plant communities and
wildlife habitat. As the BERA points out, the effects of smelting and ore processing to diminish
plant community characteristics such as species richness and to continue to limit the potential for
certain areas to recover floristically is suggested by the scarcity of many species that would
typically be found on these range sites in the absence of industrial activities.
The primary rangeland habitat types found in the Anaconda area classify into either the rough
fescue or Idaho fescue climax series. Under climax or near climax conditions the plant
communities on these range/forest sites and in these habitat types would be very productive and
dominated by native perennial plant species. As discussed above, this contrasts with the
structure of plant communities in many areas of the ARWW&S OU that exhibit low canopy
coverage of native, perennial species and are dominated (or co-dominated) by weedy, introduced
plant species.
Comment 3 Other soil properties, such as potassium, organic carbon content, topsoil condition
and cation exchange capacity, correlate significantly and positively with the vegetation
parameters.
Response 3 These results are not unexpected since these parameters are some of the major soil
factors that affect plant growth in general. As presented in the BERA, EPA believes that total
vegetation canopy coverage and production (which are not appropriate indicators of plant
community and habitat health) in some areas of the site are controlled primarily by soil factors
other than COC concentrations. It should be noted that ARCO found significant and positive
correlations between topsoil condition (which includes whether the topsoil has been eroded) and
plant canopy coverage and production. This is important because the loss of topsoil from steeper
areas of the ARWW&S OU is believed to have been caused, in part, by the elimination of
vegetation through the deposition of smelter emissions. The resultant lack of topsoil, by itself, is
a primary reason why some of these areas have not been able to recover floristically. The lack of
topsoil continues to present a potential risk to the germination and growth of native seed from the
surrounding areas. Elevated soil COC concentrations in these areas may also be contributing the
stress of seedlings.
Comment 4 ARCO states that their spatial analysis suggests that for some areas of the site the
poor condition of the vegetation may not be the result of phytotoxicity, but simply reflects poor
soil quality and/or physical stressors such as grazing.
Response 4 This situation is acknowledged in detail in the BERA and is discussed above. Table
5.1-7 of the BERA (attached) indicates that soil COC concentrations are likely not having a
negative influence of vegetation in VA2A (North Hills) and VA15 (East Hills).
G/H-72
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Comment 5 ARCO states that the spatial analysis shows that the soil COC concentrations
coincide with poor soil moisture, topsoil erosion, and vegetation quality in Smelter Hill, South
Hills, and areas adjacent to the waste management areas.
Response 5 EPA acknowledges this situation in the BERA, but also believes that the soil COC
concentrations in these areas are high enough to have a significant negative impact on the growth
and development of the vegetation (see Table 5.1-7). Each of these areas had soil COC
concentrations that exceeded at least one of the high (liberal) phytotoxicity benchmark values; in
some cases most of the high arsenic and metal benchmark values were exceeded (see Table 5.1-5
of the BERA).
XII. REFERENCES
ARCO. 1994. Regional Ecorisk Field Investigation. Upper Clark Fork River Basin. Prepared
by PTI Environmental Services. November.
ARCO. 1997. Remedial Investigation Report for the Anaconda Regional Soils Operable Unit.
Prepared by Titan Environmental. February.
Carlson, C.E. 1974. Evaluation of Sulfur Dioxide Injury to Vegetation on Federal Lands Near
the Anaconda Copper Smelter at Anaconda, Montana. USDA Forest Service/Northern Region,
Missoula, Montana. May.
CDM Federal. 1994. Phase 1 Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment for the Anaconda
Regional Water and Waste and Anaconda Soils Operable Units, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site,
Anaconda, Montana. Prepared for EPA. November 21.
CDM Federal. 1995a. Final Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment for the Anaconda
Regional Water and Waste and Anaconda Soils Operable Units, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site,
Anaconda, Montana. Prepared for EPA. September 5.
CDM Federal. 1995b. Supplement to the Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment for
the Anaconda Regional Water and Waste and Anaconda Soils Operable Units, Anaconda Smelter
NPL Site, Anaconda, Montana. Prepared for EPA. December 26.
CDM Federal. 1996. Draft Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment for the Anaconda
Regional Water, Waste, and Soils Operable Unit, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, Anaconda,
Montana. Prepared for EPA. October 7.
CDM Federal. 1997. Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment for the Anaconda Regional
Water, Waste, and Soils Operable Unit, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, Anaconda, Montana.
Prepared for EPA. October.
CH2M Hill. 1987a. Assessment of the Toxicity of Copper, Mercury, Selenium, Silver, and
Thallium in the Soil and Plants in the Helena Valley of Montana. Prepared for EPA. May.
G/H-73
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CH2M Hill. 1987b. Assessment of the Toxicity of Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Soil,
Plants, and Livestock. Prepared for EPA. November.
Dimock, E.P. 1944. Anaconda Copper Mining Company Memorandum, Montana Historical
Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena, Montana. September 11.
Dutton, B. 1992. Old Works Revegetation Project, Planting Trials Survival Analysis. ARCO
Report, 11 p. Atlantic Richfield Company, Anaconda, Montana. August 27.
Efroymson, R.A., M.E. Will, G.W. Suter, and A.C. Wooten. 1997. lexicological Benchmarks
for Screening Contaminants of Potential Concern for Effects on Terrestrial Plants: 1997
Revision. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Eliason, L. 1958. Anaconda Mineral Company Memorandum, Valley Tailings Area Dust
Control, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena, Montana. February 5.
Eliason, L. 1959a. Anaconda Mineral Company Memorandum, Tailing Area Tree
Planting Status Report, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena,
Montana. August 6.
Eliason, L. 1959b. Anaconda Mineral Company Memorandum, Tailing Area Soils Tested in
Greenhouse, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena, Montana. August
20.
Eliason, L. 1959c. Anaconda Mineral Company Memorandum, Progress Report on Tailing
Area Dust Control and Vegetation Tests, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91,
Helena, Montana. November 10.
Eliason, L. 196la. Anaconda Mineral Company Memorandum, Tailing Area Revegetation-Tree
Planting Program Progress Report, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91,
Helena, Montana. January 23.
Eliason, L. 1961b. Anaconda Mineral Company Report, Vegetative and Other Coverings for
Industrial Wastelands, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena, Montana.
December 2.
ENSR. 1996. Development of Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria for Copper in the Upper
Clark Fork River, Phase III WER Program, Testing Results, Final Report. January 1996.
EPA. 1997. Ecological Risk Assessment for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting
Ecological Risk Assessments. Environmental Response Team.
Galbraith, H., K. LeJeune, and J. Lipton. 1995. Metal and Arsenic Impacts to Soils, Vegetation
Communities, and Wildlife Habitat in Southwest Montana Uplands Contaminated by Smelter
Emissions: 1. Field Evaluation. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 14. November.
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pp. 1895-1903.
Holderreed. 1959. Tailings Area Dust Control and Vegetative Tests, Anaconda Minerals Com-
pany Memorandum, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena, Montana.
December 21.
Flynn, W.F. 1937. Report on Tailings Disposal at Anaconda Reduction Works, Anaconda
Mineral Company Report, Montana Historical Society Archives, Boxes 90 and 91, Helena,
Montana.
Holzworth, L., J. Schaefer, G. Green, and T. Wiersum. 1993. The City of Anaconda
Erosion Control and Stabilization of "C" Hill, pp. 246-252 In: Proc. of the Sixth Billings Symp;
Planning, Rehabilitation and Treatment of Disturbed Lands, Reclamation Research Unit Publ.
No. 9301, Montana State Univ., Bozeman, Montana.
Ingersoll, C.G., P. S. Haverland, E. L. Brunson, T. J. Canfield, F. J. Dwyer, C. E. Henke, N. E.
Kemble, and D. R. Mount. 1996. Calculation and Evaluation for Sediment Effect
Concentrations for the Amphipod Hvalella azteca and the Midge Chironomus riparius.
International Assoc. Great Lakes Res., I. Great Lakes Res. 22(3):602-623.
Jensen, I.B. 1992. Personal communication with Dennis Neuman (Reclamation Research Unit).
Greenbelt reclamation near Anaconda, Montana.
Kabata-Pendias, A., and H. Pendias. 1992. Trace Elements in Soils and Plants (2nd Edition).
CRC Press, pp.365.
Kaputska, L.A., E.F. Redente, and W.R. Keammerer. 1995. Rebuttal of ARCO's Reports on
Phytotoxicity (Redente) and Vegetation (Keammerer). Prepared for the State of Montana.
October.
McGuire, D.L. 1996. Macroinvertebrate Community Biointegrity in Warm Springs, Mill, and
Willow Creeks, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, Anaconda, Montana. April.
Montana Natural Resource Damage Program (MNRDP). 1994. Restoration Report, Upper
Clark Fork River NPL Sites. Evaluation of remedial alternatives conducted by the State of
Montana NRDP. March.
MSE. 1991. Previously Reclaimed Areas Report. Prepared for Atlantic Richfield Company,
Anaconda, Montana.
Mueggler, W.F., and W.L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of Western
Montana. USDA Forest Service Technical Report INT-66. Intermountain Forest and Range
Experiment Station, Ogden, Utah. January.
Monninger, S. 1992. Cadmium Levels in an Ecosystem Near a Historic Copper Smelter. May.
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Olson-Elliott and Associates (Olson-Elliott). 1975. Anaconda Smelter NPL Site Wetlands and
Threatened/Endangered Species Inventory with Analyses of Vegetation in the Vicinity of
Anaconda, Montana. Study conducted by Olson-Elliott and Associates for the Anaconda
Mineral Company. October 31.
Rader, E.R., E.W.R. Nimmo, and P.L.Chatman. 1997. Phytotoxicity of Floodplain Soils
Contaminated with Trace Metals along the Clark Fork River, Grant-Coors National Historical
Site, Deer Lodge, Montana, USA. Environ. Toxicol. Them. Vol. 16: 1422-1432.
Reclamation Research Unit (RRU) and Schafer and Associates. 1993. Streambank Tailing and
Revegetation Studies, STARS Phase III, Final Report, Montana Department of Health and Envi-
ronmental Sciences, Helena, Montana.
RRU. 1996. Personal communications with rangeland/reclamation scientist Frank Munshower,
Reclamation Research Unit, Montana State University.
RCG/Hagler, Bailly. 1995. Terrestrial Resources Injury Assessment Report: Upper Clark Fork
River Basin. Prepared for MNRDP. January.
Rice, P.M., and G.J. Ray. 1984. Floral and Fauna! Survey and Toxic Metal Contamination
Study of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. Report prepared by Gordon
Environmental Studies Laboratory, Botany Dept., University of Montana, Missoula, MT. May
19, 1984.
Richards, B. 1984. Interview with Tony Sjogren, Superintendent of Tailing
Disposal, Anaconda Reduction Works. MSE Document Library, Butte Montana. January 5.
Richmond, T.C., and C.A. Sjogren. 1972. Stabilization of Concentrator Tailings in the Vicinity
of Anaconda, Montana, Anaconda Company Report. Montana Historical Society Archives,
Boxes 90 and 91, Helena, Montana.
Ross, R.L., and H.E. Hunter. 1976. Climax Vegetation of Montana Based on Soils and Climate.
USDA Soil Conservation Service, Bozeman, Montana. September.
Schafer, W. A. 1986. Anaconda Minerals Disturbed Lands Stabilization Techniques 1950 to
Present, Anaconda Minerals Company Document, Anaconda, Montana.
Schafer and Associates. 1991. Final Report for the Clark Fork River Demonstration
Project. Warm Springs, Montana. Office of the Governor, Capitol Station, Helena, Montana.
April 30.
State of Montana. 1995. State of Montana, Natural Resource Damage Program. Terrestrial
Resources Injury Assessment Report: Upper Clark Fork River Basin. Study conducted for the
State of Montana Natural Resource Damage Program. January.
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Suter, G.W., L.W. Barnthouse, and S.M. Bartell. 1993. Ecological Risk Assessment. Lewis
Publishers. Boca Raton, Florida.
Suter, G.W., M. E. Will, and C. Evans. 1996. lexicological Benchmarks for Screening
Potential Contaminants of Concern for Effects on Terrestrial Plants. Martin Marietta
Environmental Restoration Program.
Taskey, R.D. 1972. "Soil Contamination at Anaconda, Montana: History and Influence on Plant
Growth." Master's thesis, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. March 10.
Valentine, J.F. 1971. Range Development and Improvements. Brigham Young University
Press, Provo, Utah.
G/H-77
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FIGURES
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Figure 1
Kaputska Phytoxicity Scores versus Metal Concentration and pH
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Figure 2
Bivariate Expression of Kaputska Toxicity Scores with pH and Total Metals Concentrations
10000
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FigureS
Kaputska et al. (1995) Toxicity Score Line in Reference to Soils
Collected in EPA 1995 Survey of Vegetation Areas (VAs)
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Response to ARCO Comments in Attachment I
In discussing risk for a dirt-bike rider under the section entitled 'Results of Risk-Based
Calculations' ARCO states that "soil arsenic must exceed 23,000 mg/kg before soil presents a
potentially unacceptable risk." The 23,000 mg/kg figure is inconsistent with the risk-based
concentration for arsenic presented in Table 1, which is 2,312 mg/kg.
Based upon ARCO's RME of 2,312 mg/kg arsenic (ARCO's Table 1), statements made by
ARCO in the next section (Comparison with Site Soils) regarding the potential for human health
risks are erroneous. As shown in ARCO's Table 3, some areas at the Anaconda Smelter Site
have soil concentrations in excess of 2,312 mg/kg. This includes the Stack and Railroad Bed
areas. Based on the standard deviations presented in Table 3, soils throughout the Smelter Hill
area were found to exceed 2,312 mg/kg. Material located in the Anaconda and Opportunity
Tailings Ponds do not have arsenic concentrations that exceed 2,000 mg/kg.
EPA Calculation of Arsenic Action Level for Trespasser Scenario
Introduction
This section presents the technical rationale used by EPA to develop risk-based screening action
levels for a trespasser scenario at the ARWW&S OU. These screening levels apply to soils in
the areas that meet the combined criteria of 1) not being readily accessible to the public due to
ownership by ARCO, 2) location on steep slopes in remote areas, and 3) area having controlled
entry. These screening levels do not apply to any waste material at the site. The screening levels
were developed based in part on public comments by ARCO and a technical memorandum
prepared by ARCO regarding potentially exposed receptors and exposure scenarios (ARCO
1997). EPA believes that the risk-based screening levels developed herein are based on more
appropriate exposure assumptions than those used by ARCO. From the screening levels
presented herein, EPA selected the "Steep Slope/Open Space" arsenic action level, which is
presented and discussed in Section 4 (below) and Section 6.1 of the Decision Summary portion
of the ROD.
Exposure Pathways and Exposure Variables
The trespasser scenario is equivalent to the recreational exposure scenario of dirt bike riding,
without the dust inhalation exposure attributed to dirt bike riding. Therefore, ingestion of surface
soils is the only exposure pathway of concern for trespassers. In most instances, the exposure
variables used to determine the level of contact a recreational dirt bike rider would have with
contaminated soil are used for the trespasser scenario. Exposure variables for the Reasonable
Maximum Exposure (RME) scenario are used to calculate arsenic trespasser screening levels.
Table 1 lists the parameters used to calculate RME arsenic screening levels for the trespasser
scenario. Some of these values are reasonably well established default values (e.g., body weight)
while other values are based on site-specific data (e.g., arsenic bioavailability, exposure
frequency for riding dirt bikes). The arsenic bioavailability factor (BAF) is site-specific for the
Attachment I - Page 1
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Community Soils OU; it is applicable to soils in other areas of the ARWWS OU due to the
similar types of arsenic contamination (i.e., aerially-deposited arsenic with a spectrum of arsenic
phases similar to those of the Community Soils OU). A soil ingestion rate of 50 milligrams (mg)
per visit is used for the trespasser scenario (Griffin 1998). The soil ingestion rate used for
trespassers is less than that used for dirt bike riders (100 mg/visit) because trespassers are
assumed to have less contact with soil (Griffin 1998).
Table 1
RME Exposure Variables Used to Calculate
Arsenic Screening Levels for Trespassers
Symbol
SL
TR
AT
BW
EF
ED
IR,
CF
SF0
RFD0
BAF,
Units
mg arsenic/kg soil
(unitless)
days
kg
days/year
year
mg/visit
kg/mg
(mg/kg-day)'1
mg/kg-day
(unitless)
Definition
risk-based
screening level
target risk
averaging time
body weight
exposure frequency
exposure duration
soil ingestion rate
conversion factor
for soil
oral slope factor for
arsenic
arsenic oral
reference dose
arsenic
bioavailability
factor in soil
Value
to be calculated
Cancer: 1E-04 to 1E-06
Noncancer: 1
25550
70
26
30
50
IE-06
1.5
3.0E-04
0.183
Source
-
EPA 1991
EPA 1989
EPA 1989
Life Systems 1993
EPA 1989
Griffin, 1998
EPA 1989
EPA 1998
EPA 1998
EPA 1995
mg = milligrams
kg = kilogram
Arsenic Screening Levels
The following equation is used to calculate arsenic screening levels for the trespasser scenario,
based on the carcinogenic potential of arsenic:
SL = ((TR x AT x BW)/(EF x ED x IR, x CF x SF0 x BAFS))
Exposure variables used in this equation are provided in Table 1.
Attachment I - Page 2
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To calculate arsenic screening levels for the trespasser scenario based on arsenic's potential for
systemic effects, the following equation is used:
SL = ((TR x AT x BW x RfD0)/(EF x ED x IR, x CF x BAFS))
Exposure variables used in this equation are provided in Table 1.
Arsenic screening levels for the RME trespasser scenario based on carcinogenic and systemic
effects are presented in Table 2.
Table 2
Screening Levels for Arsenic in Soil at the ARWW&S OU
RME Trespasser Scenario
Risk (unitless)
Screening Level for
Trespasser Scenario
(rag/kg)
Carcinogenic Risk
1E-04
IE-OS
1E-06
16,706
1,670
167
Systemic Risk
1
32,219
Arsenic Action Level
Selection of Arsenic Action Level for the Trespasser
EPA believes that the exposure assumptions presented in Table 1, considering uncertainties, are
reasonable. Therefore, the range of screening levels presented in Table 2 for the trespasser
scenario, for the targeted risk range of 1E-04 to 1E-06, are considered to be an appropriate range
from which to select an action level for remediation of hot spots. The EPA has selected an
arsenic action level for the trespasser scenario of 2,500 parts per million (ppm). This action level
corresponds to an excess cancer risk of 1.5E-05. Although the risk associated with this action
level is greater than EPA's 1E-06 point of departure, EPA has determined that it is protective for
the following reasons:
• The action level reflects detailed site-specific studies (i.e., arsenic exposure and
BAF) conducted in Anaconda that significantly reduce the uncertainty associated
with calculations of exposure. These studies provide site-specific parameters to
replace standard EPA default assumptions which generate a greater degree of
confidence in the range of screening values;
Attachment I - Page 3
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• Conservative assumptions were used for exposure frequency and duration; and
• This action level would apply to areas where access would not be convenient due
to remoteness and steep slopes. The area where the action level would most likely
be applied would be the undisturbed portion of Smelter Hill that is in ARCO's
ownership. The area has kriged concentrations not exceeding 1,900 ppm (best
average) and 2,500 ppm (upper confidence). Individual data points are generally
below 2,500 ppm. Based on kriged concentrations, application of the 2,500 ppm
action level would presumably result in an overall average concentration less than
2,500 ppm and risks less than 1.5E-05.
In addition to the above, risk management considerations included the following:
• Risk levels similar to this were previously used in remedial actions taken at the
Anaconda Smelter Site under the Old Works/East Anaconda Development Area
(OW/EADA) and Community Soils OU; and
• The action level incorporates a balancing of the National Contingency Plan (NCP)
criteria used to select remedial actions that are protective, implementable, and cost
effective. Technical and cost limitations would be significant to achieve an
incremental risk reduction.
Application of the Trespasser Arsenic Action Level
As described above, the 2,500 mg/kg "Steep Slope/Open Space" arsenic action level only applies
to soil in steep areas where human access is inconvenient or undesirable. Specifically, these
areas lie in the Smelter Hill Subarea. This action level does not apply to soils that can be
remediated in the Smelter Hill Subarea, to waste source areas, or soils in other parts of the site.
Other Arsenic Action Levels Based Upon Land Use
EPA developed arsenic action levels for surface soil and wastes at the ARWW&S OU for the
targeted cancer risk range of 1E-04 to 1E-06. Arsenic action levels were selected from the risk-
based screening levels for comparison to arsenic concentrations in soils and waste to determine
the potential for risk. The action levels, selected based on technical and risk management
considerations at the ARWW&S OU, are as follows:
Land Use Designation Media Concentration Risk
Residential Soil and Waste 250 ppm 8E-05
Commercial/Industrial Soil and Waste 500 ppm 4E-05
Recreational Soil and Waste 1,000 ppm 4E-05
Agricultural Soil only 1,000 ppm 1E-04
Steep Slope/Open Space Soil only 2,500 ppm 1E-05
Please refer to Section 6.1 of the Decision Summary portion of this ROD for a thorough
discussion of the human health risk assessment process and the selection of these action levels.
Attachment I - Page 4
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References
ARCO (Atlantic Richfield Company). 1997. Risk-based Calculations for Soil Arsenic.
Anaconda Regional Water, Waste, and Soils Operable Unit. Letter from ARCO to J. DalSoglio
(EPA) and A. Young (MDEQ).
Griffin, S. 1998. Personal Communication from S. Griffin, EPA Region VIII lexicologist,
Regarding Regional Soil Ingestion Rates for Recreational Users.
Life Systems. 1993. Baseline Risk Assessment for the Old Works/East Anaconda Development
Area. Prepared for EPA, Region VIII by Life Systems, Inc. April.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1989. Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund.
Volume 1: Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part A). Interim Final. Office of Emergency and
Remedial Response. EPA. EPA/540/1-89/002. December.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1991. Role of the Baseline Risk Assessment in
Superfund Remedy Selection Decisions. OSWER Directive #9355.0-30. Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1995. Review of the Battelle Columbus Report:
Determination of the Bioavailability of Soluble Arsenic and Arsenic in Soil and Dust Impacted
by Smelter Activities Following Oral Administration in Cynomolgus Monkeys. Amended Final
Report. March.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1998. Integrated Risk Information System
(IRIS). Online database.
Attachment I - Page 5
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ATTACHMENT J
Additional FS Comments:
These additional FS comments are provided based on EPA's proposed plan.
1) Section 2.1.4, page 2-13
High Arsenic soils are defined as areas containing arsenic greater than 1,000 ppm.. -This statement does
not take into account that the areas greater than 1,000 ppm arsenic are within areas owned by ARCO,
controlled by restrictive covenants or dedicated developments. Where access is restricted (i.e. trespasser
scenario), arsenic concentrates would have to exceed 5,500 ppm to pose a calculated risk of greater than
10-4
Response: See EPA's response to ARCO Attachment I - Trespasser's Scenario.
2) Section 2.1.4, Page 2-13
Sparsely vegetated soils are defined as areas having "poor composition".
- Poor composition is undefined; areas can have suitable vegetation
cover and provide for stable soil; plant diversity is not required by
CERCLA to protect human health or the environment.
Response: No where does EPA assert that plant diversity is required to protect human health. Plant
composition and diversity is an indication of ecosystem health and was assessed during the BERA and is
used in the LRES scoring to determine effects of metals on plant communities (i.e., absence of metals
sensitive plant species in areas with elevated metals and arsenic soils concentrations). The objective of
a diverse and abundant plant community will be met through establishment of vegetation success criteria
during RD.
3) Section 2.1.4, page 2-13
Groundwater areas of concern are defined as those areas exceeding WQB C-7
standards.
-WQB C- 7 standards are pertinent only for those areas which are or are
reasonably anticipated to be used as a potable water source, or those
waters which may impact the State's surface waters. The areas of
impacted groundwater underlying ARCO's land ownership, and those
of lands with restrictive covenants, can not be now or in the future
developed for potable water use. Certain groundwater areas can
recharge into ditches which are used solely for water management.
Other effected groundwater areas do not impact down gradient State
surface water bodies.
Response: See EPA's responses to WQB-7 ground water standards in Attachment L.
4) Section 2.1.4, page 2-13
Surface water areas of concern are defined as those stream reaches exceeding
WQB-7 standards.
-WQB-7 standards do not represent the best estimate of potential
risk for the stream reaches. A water effects ratio adjusted dissolved
criteria more appropriately reflects the risk status of those reaches. It
must also be noted that background concentrations of arsenic were
Attachment J - 1
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detected above WQB C-7 standards in Willow and Mill Creeks.
Response: See EPA's response to WQB-7 standards in Attachment L.
5) Section 3. 1. 1, page 3 -4, 1 st paragraph
Land uses within the ARWW'S OU also include -waste management and open
space areas.
Response: Comment noted; these land uses are included in EPA's final assessments.
6) Section 3. 1. 1., page 3 -4, 1 st paragraph
Human receptors also include trespassers as an exposure scenario.
Response: See EPA's response to ARCO's Attachment I.
7) Section 3.1.2, page 3-5
Additional Ecological Risk Assessment comments are provided in
Attachments G and H.
-The statement that " a positive correlation between COC
concentrations and easily observedphytotoxic effects at the site"does
not take into account that for almost 100 years the Smelter Hill, Old
Works and Opportunity Ponds subareas were, industrial facilities with
over 1,000 workers, processing millions of cubic yards of ore
concentrate. These areas were cleared of vegetation and stripped of
topsail to construct these facilities. While a positive correlation
between the location of operating facilities to sparse vegetation exists;
this does not correlate to a CERCLA exposure to hazardous
substances.
Response: See EPA's response to Attachments G and H.
8) Section 3.2.1.2, page 3-9
Relevant and appropriate (R&A) requirements are identified to provide guidance on what type of
situations may occur at sites and what type of solutions may exist, not for evaluation of alternatives for
ARARs compliance. If an alternative meets applicable standards, then the alternative compiles with
ARARs.
Response: Comment noted.
9) Section 3.2.4, page 3-13, 2nd Paragraph
// should be noted that Red Sands has been observed and documented to extend south of the Red Sand
pile to Highway I and east of the pile to Highway 48. Therefore it should be specified that the Red Sands,
within the Old Works area, has a lateral extent which meets the boundaries specified above.
Response: Comment noted.
10) Section 3.3, page 3-15
Attachment J - 2
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The PRAGS for solid media need to include the land Designation of Trespasser, -with a respective
standard of 5,500 ppm Arsenic (for 10-4 risk), based on the extensive privately held land holdings within
the waste management areas.
Response: EPA disagrees. See response to Attachment I.
11) Section 3.3, page 3-15
PRAGSfor surface waters do not take into account the site-specific scientific data for determination of
potential risks. Both Federal and State regulations allow for risk-based alternative standards to be
utilized as PRAGS.
Response: The State of Montana has not adopted site-specific criteria for streams in the Anaconda area.
See response to Attachment L.
12) Section 3.3 3. 1, page 3-16
The point of compliance for the Opportunity Ponds should be located ~at and beyond the edge of
WMAs when waste is left in place". (1990 NCP Preamble). In some cases, such as where several
distinct sources are in close proximity, it may be appropriate to move the point of compliance to
encompass the sources of release." In such cases, the point of compliance may be defined to
address the problem as a whole, rather than source by source. (1990 NCP Preamble at 55
Federal Regulation 8753).
Response: Comment noted. The final point of compliance for the Opportunity Ponds area is at
the edge of the ponds.
13) Section 3.3. 1, page 3-16
Establishment of wildlife habitat and accelerating successional processes are not required to minimize
potential environmental and human health risks from alleged releases of hazardous substances. Therefore
these two objectives go beyond EPA's mandate for remediation under CERCLA and should be deleted as
PRAOs for each subarea. The PRAOs should also be modified to state that soils containing surficial soils
COCS greater than applicable exposure scenarios should be stabilized to minimize wind & water erosion.
How an area is stabilized is to be evaluated as an alternative, not mandated as a PRAO.
Response: Comment noted. See EPA's response to comments on PRAOs in Attachment L.
14) Section 3.3. 1, page 3-16, Waste Sources
The Opportunity Ponds are not required to be closed as mine waste facility. Mine reclamation standards
are not applicable to the Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds and should not be deemed relevant and
appropriate. Mine reclamation requirements are not "well-suited" to the Opportunity and Anaconda
Ponds and should not be identified as ARARsfor these areas. It should also be reinforced that the end
land use for the privately held ponds is a waste management area, with defined restrictive covenants.
Response: See EPA's response to comments on mine reclamation ARARs in Attachment L.
The toe wastes can be stabilized in-place. These materials do not present a risk to ground and surface
Attachment J - 3
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water following this stabilization. This consolidation should be deleted as a PRAO, and alternatives
should be evaluated to determine the appropriate remedy. The PRAO of stabilization of soils against
wind and surface water erosion can be accomplished by utilization of different alternatives, one ofwhi
is revegetation. Therefore, the PRAO should be modified to include only stabilization and not presume
treatment alternative as part of the PRAO.
Response: See EPA's response to comment on PRAOs in Attachment L.
15) Section 3.3.2, page 3-17, High Arsenic Soils and Sparsely vegetated
See comments #73.
Response: See response to #13.
16) Section 3.3.2, page 3-18, Groundwater
"Elimination of loading sources of cadmium" should be deleted as a PRAO. The PRAO should be
modified to return groundwater to its beneficial use. There are no current or reasonably anticipated
future potable use of groundwater in the vicinity of the drag strip.
Response: Just because there is no current use of ground water in the vicinity of the Drag Strip does not
eliminate the need to restore a ground water resource. Cadmium is significantly elevated above the WQB-7
standard. The plume has not been fully characterized and has been noted to extend beyond the Old Works OU
boundary. The PRAO is a valid and necessary objective.
17) Section 3.3.3, page 3-18, Sparsely Vegetated Soils
o See comments #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
18) Section 3.3.3, page 3-19, Blue Lagoon
o See comments #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
19) Section 3.3.4, page 3-19, High Arsenic and Sparsely Vegetated Soils
See comments #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
20) Section 3.3.5, page 3-20
The main granulated slag pile will be sold as a product to a viable entity (s).
Response: Comment noted. The final remedy requires appropriate legal contracts for long-term use of the slag.
21) Section 3.3.5, page 3-21
Attachment J - 4
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The NCP expressly allows for wastes that are of similar quality and close proximity to be grouped and managed
as one WMA. Since there are no current or potential future ground water users between each subarea WMA, and
they meet the intent of the regulations, a down gradient edge of the single, grouped WMA is appropriate. (See
comment #12)
Response: See EPA's responses on WMAs and POCs in Attachment L.
22) Section 3.3.5, page 3-21, Waste Source
See comments #14.
Response: See response to comments #14.
23) Section 3.3.5, page 3-22, High Arsenic and Sparsely Vegetated Soils
See comments #13.
Response: See response to comments #13.
24) Section 3.3.5, page 3-22, Surface Water
The PRAO should be modified to reflect that the objective for Mill Creek is to return surface water to its
beneficial use. The around water seep located in Cabbage Gulch can exceed WQB C-7 while not effecting
surface water receptors.
Response: The fact that water seeps in Cabbage Gulch exceed WQB-7 means that there is a violation of ground
water and surface water standards. The PRAO is appropriately set to require remediation of surface water to the
state standards.
25) Sections 4.1.1, page 4-2
A discussion and recognition of the extent of natural recovery of all subareas should be included. As can be seen
in Attachment A, a substantial amount of revegetation has occurred between 1988 to 1997.
Response: EPA disagrees that there has been "substantial amount of revegetation" occurring within the areas of
concern between 1988 and 1997. The LRES system is designed to assess where natural succession is occurring
and set up to monitor those areas. Vegetation performance criteria will be set in the RD process.
26) Section 4.1.2, page 4-2
The monitoring alternative should include a discussion of the potential of natural recovery to continue to reclaim
areas over time. As can be seen in Attachment A extensive areas of revegetation have occurred within 10 years.
Natural recovery should be included as a component of monitoring as part of a remedial alternative, so as, over
time sparsely vegetated areas may with appropriate management meet applicable success criteria or receive
lower levels of reclamation.
Response: EPA agrees that some areas may have success in meeting applicable criteria or receive lower levels of
reclamation. See Appendix C, LRES, and response to comments Attachment A. EPA disagrees that extensive
areas of revegetation have occurred in the last 10 years.
\1) Section 4.1.3, page 4-2
Attachment J - 5
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The Institutional Controls alternative should include the use ofBMPs.
Response: BMPs have been included, as appropriate, in the final remedy.
28) Section 5.2. 1, page 5-5
Monitoring and natural recovery should be added to the list of alternatives for solid media. This alternative
•would also include ICs, particularly the use ofBMPs and weed control.
Response: Elements of monitoring, BMPs, and weed control have been included in the LRES and remedial
design process.
29) Section 5.2. 1, page 5-6, Soil Cover
The soil cover alternative can utilize less material that 2 feet of soil and/or rocks and cobble to stabilize the
underlying soil and provide for sufficient seed bed as appropriate.
Response: Soil cover criteria was adjusted to a minimum of 18 inches, with other appropriate design parameters,
to provide good growth media for plants.
30) Section 5.2. 1, page 5-6, Reclamation
• The level I Reclamation alternative should also include the aerial application of fertilizer.
• All amendment application would be as determined through data collection as necessary.
Response: Comments noted. Aerial application of fertilizer is a remedial action implementation question.
31) Section 5.2. 1, page 5-7, Level III
The objective of establishing grazing and wildlife habitat is beyond that which is authorized under CERCLAfor
minimizing risk to human health and the environment from release of hazardous substances.
Response: The establishment of grazing and wildlife habitat will be an outcome of reducing COC concentrations
in soils and allowing plant to re-establish. This reduces risk to the environment.
32) Section 5.2. 1, page 5-8, Rock
Pit run and coarse slag should be included as acceptable materials use as a rock cover.
Response: An industrial cover is allow for certain dedicated developments on the site (e.g., active railroad beds).
During remedial design, appropriate covers will be determined.
33) Section 5.2.2, page 5-9
Point of compliance's for ground water are determined based on ground water quality, current and potential
future ground water users, land ownership and groundwater flow paths.
Response: POCs are not set based on land ownership. POCs are appropriately set for this site.
34) Section 5.2.2, page 5-11
Attachment J - 6
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The potential for additional remedial action for groundwater would need to be based on a consistent, significant
degradation above primary MCLs beyond the established single points of compliance boundary below the
Opportunity Ponds. At this time additional source controls and the potential for treatment would be reviewed.
Response: EPA agrees that the need for additional remedial action will be based upon degradation, but above the
State of Montana WQB-7 standards. The performance criteria will be established in the remedial design. The
point of compliance monitoring will be applied to all three points of compliance, not just at the Opportunity
Ponds.
35) Section 5.2.2, page 5-12, Stormwater
An overview of the conceptual Stormwater plan is provided in Attachment C.
Response: Comment noted.
36) Section 5.3.3, page 5-17
A point of compliance is not necessary for this subarea. Monitoring will continue and sources of irrigation have
been eliminated.
Response: EPA agrees. The entire alluvial aquifer in the South Opportunity Subarea will have to attain the
ground water standard.
37) Section 5.3.5, page 5-19
A point of compliance for the TI area is not necessary.
Response: EPA agrees. The boundaries of the TI zones will be monitored and a single point of compliance is not
established.
38) Section 5.5.7, page 5-23), Cost
Add present worth discussion.
Response: An explanation of how present worth is calculated is included in Appendix E.
39) Section 5.5.8, page 5-23, State Acceptance
EPA states that "Assessment of state concerns will not be completed until comments on FSNo.5 are received."
ARCO is requesting a copy of the state comments, since this is one of the 9 criteria which EPA used to develop
it's proposed plan.
Response: Comment noted. Copies of the State of Montana's comments will be sent to ARCO.
40) Section 6.1.1, page 6-1
Monitoring, ICs and natural recovery should be included as an additional alternative to be evaluated for each
area of concern.
Response: Monitoring and ICs were included as part of the No Further Action scenario in FS Deliverable No. 5.
Attachment J - 7
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41) Section 6. 1. 1. 1, page 6-1
Restrictive covenants are also included on all ARCO owned land.
Response: Comment noted. Deed restrictions may become part of the site-wide Institutional Controls Plan.
42) Section 6. 1. 1. 1, page 6- 1, Effectiveness
• The human health exposure scenario should also include analysis of a trespasser scenario. As such, no high
arsenic soils would be defined in this subarea. Therefore, 356 acres as defined here as an area of concern
should be deleted.
Response: See EPA's response to Attachment I; and Section 6 of the Decision Summary. No acres were deleted
from the total areas of concern at this point.
• The PRAO of wildlife habitat and successional reclamation is not a CERCLA authorized objective for
protection of human health and the environment, and therefore should be deleted and the conclusion
modified accordingly.
Response: PRAO were modified as noted in Section 9 of the Decision Summary; see EPA's response to
comments Attachment L.
43) Section 6.1.1.2, page 6-3 Implementability
// is not required for superfund activities to obtain permits.
Response: Comment noted; substantive requirements of permits must be met if the action is specific to a
CERCLA required remedy implementation.
44) Section 6.1.1.2, page 6-4, Cost
Cost comments will be provided to Appendix Cfor each alternative as appropriate.
Response: See Appendix E, Revised Cost Assumptions.
45) Section 6.1.1.4, page 6-6
See comment #42
Response: See response to comment #42
46) Section 6.1.2. 1, page 6-8
The PRAO of wildlife habitat and successional reclamation is not a CERCLA authorized objective for protection
of human health and the environment, and therefore should be deleted and the conclusion modified accordingly.
Response: The PRAO has been modified per Section 9; see additional EPA's response to comments on
Attachment L.
47) Section 6.1.2. 1, page 6-10
Attachment J - 8
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See comment #46.
Response: The PRAO has been modified per Section 9; see additional EPA's response to comments on
Attachment L.
48) Section 6.1.3.1, page 6-11
The restrictive covenants which are placed on this subarea should be included in the alternative description.
General comment. It should be acknowledged the variable chemical and physical nature of the ponds and the
constructability concerns of working on unstable material.
Response: These are both remedial design issues and will be addressed during that phase of the project.
49) Section 6.1.3. 1, page 6-12, Effectiveness
The PRAO of wildlife habitat and successional reclamation is not a CERCLA authorized objective for protection
of human health and the environment, and therefore should be deleted and the conclusion modified accordingly.
Response: See response to comment #46 and #47.
The PRAO of consolidation of the Toe Wastes, is inappropriate. The Toe Waste material should be evaluated
separately for selection of an appropriate remedy.
Response: Removal and consolidation of the Toe Wastes are an appropriate alternative to assess in the final
Feasibility Study. This alternative was selected as the final remedy.
50) Section 6.1.3.2, page 6-13
See comment #49. Two feet of soil cover is not required to stabilize the soils from wind and water erosion
and to provide for dust suppression, See comment #43.
Response: See response to comment #49 and #43.
51) Section 6.1.3,4, page 6-17
See comment #49.
Response: See response to #49.
52) Section 6.1.3.6, page 6-20
See comment #32. See comment #49. Rock amendment would meet the R and A Montana State mine waste
reclamation objectives.
Response: See response to comments #32, #49; Rock amendments do not meet the relevant and appropriate
requirements of the Montana State mine reclamation objectives (see responses to Attachment L).
53) Section 6.1.3.7, page 6-22
Attachment J - 9
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Alternatives should be rescreened based on the revised PRAOs and cost assumptions.
Response: Alternatives were not rescreened. The alternatives were appropriately selected and carried forward
into the detailed analysis of alternatives.
54) Section 6.1.4. 1, page 6-22
The South Lime ditch includes land which has restrictive covenants on the deed. It should also be noted that trail
development in this area has been deleted from the recent Master Plan update. See comment #46.
Response: Restrictive covenants are not a replacement for active remediation of a site to reduce risk to human
health and the environment; trails development is included in the Master Plan updates; see response to #46.
55) Section 6.1.4.2, page 6-25
General comment. Many of these technologies, due to the extent of remediation, are not easy to implement. Care
should be taken to avoid gross simplification of major construction activities.
Response: EPA does not imply that major construction activities are "simple" to implement. "Easy" to
implement is used in the context of CERCLA defined "implementability" meaning the technologies use standard
engineering and construction practices.
Restoration of groundwater within the Opportunity Ponds subarea is not a PRAO, and as such the conclusions
should be modified.
Response: Comment noted.
56) Section 6.1.4.3, page 6-27
See comment #55
Response: See response to comment #55.
57) Section 6.1.4.4, page 6-28
oSee comment #55.
Response: See response to comment #55.
58) Section 6.1.5. 1, page 6-3 2
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
59) Section 6.1.6.2, page 6-40, Effectiveness
oBased on comment #13 the Rock Amendment alternative meets PRAOs.
Response: Based on response to comment #13, Rock Amendment does not meet all PRAOs.
Attachment J - 10
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60) Section 6.2. 1, page 6-47, High Arsenic Soils
Rock cover, reclamation and soil cover each meet the PRAOs andARARsfor the site.
Response: Rock cover does not meet all PRAOs and ARARs for the site.
61) Section 6.2.2, Page 6-50
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
Attachment J - 11
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62) Section 6.2.3, page 6-50
See comment #58.
Of remaining alternatives, soil cover, reclamation and rock cover each provide for
a permanent remedy. Each of these alternatives may be utilized to an extent for
remediation of the opportunity ponds. Rock cover is the most cost effective of the
three alternatives.
Response: See response to comment #58. Rock cover clearly does not meet ARARs and PRAOs and therefore is
not the most cost effective remedy.
63) Section 6.2.4, page 6-53
Costs are commented on in Appendix C.
Multiple alternatives may be most appropriate for individual polygons within each
subarea.
Of all alternatives, removal is not the most cost effective.
Response: Comments on Costs are responded to in Appendix E; the LRES provides the basic set of alternatives
for individual types of polygons within each subarea; EPA agrees that removal may not be the most cost effective
but may provide superior attainment of ARARs and reduction of risk.
64) Section 6.2.5, page 6-55
Each of the three alternatives provide for protection of human health and environment. Each alternative meets
the appropriate PRAOs. The reclamation alternative is the most cost effective option.
Response: EPA agrees with ARCO's conclusion on the three alternatives for Triangle Waste (soil cover,
reclamation, and removal).
65) Section 6.2.7, page 6-57
Utilization of the existing interception trenches or enhanced wetlands areas for groundwater management were
not evaluated in the FS.
Response: Comment noted. These will be evaluated in the remedial design.
Prior to selecting treatment, an additional evaluation of source control would be required.
Response: EPA agrees.
66) Section 7.1.1.1, page 7-1
Monitoring, ICs and natural recovery should be included as an alternative.
Response: Monitoring and ICs were included in the No Further Action Alternative.
67) Section 7. I. 1. 1, page 7-1
oSee Comment #13.
Attachment J - 12
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Response: See response to comment #13.
68) Section 7.1.1.4, page 7-7
oSee comment #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
69) Section 7.1.2. 1, page 7-9
See comment #73
Response: See response to comment #13.
70) Section 7.1.3 3, page 7-16
The need for an upgraded bridge on Warm Springs Creek would be evaluated during RD.
Response: EPA agrees.
71) Section 7.2. 1, page 7-21
Reclamation reduces surfical concentrations of arsenic, therefore both soil cover and reclamation result in
sufficient risk reductions to have equal protectiveness. Costs are addressed in Appendix C.
Response: EPA agrees; response to Costs are found in Appendix E.
72) Section 8. 1. 1. 1, page 8-1
oSee comment #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
73) Section 8.1.1.2, page 8-2
General comment; the soils should not be consolidated as required - this should be modified to graded as
required.
Response: Comment noted.
74) Section 8.1.2.6, page 8-11
Suggest modifying sentence to read "All alternatives would require consolidation of unvegetated tailings located
on the banks".
Response: Comment noted.
75) Section 8.1.3.3, page 8-15
Soil cover should be modified to low-maintenance trail surface (approximately 6 inches cover).
Attachment J - 13
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Response: The appropriate soil cover to accommodate trails will be decided during remedial design.
76) Section 8.1.4. 1, page 8-19
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
77) Section 8.1.4, page 8-19
Reclamation should have been included as an alternative. The Blue Lagoon can be stabilized to meet appropriate
PRAOs and be cost effective through implementation of reclamation.
Response: EPA believes the copper precipitation concentrations are too high to allow for reclamation.
78) Section 8.1.4.3, page 8-20
Instead of a soil cover andgeo cells, the railroad embankment should receive rock cover as appropriate. Rock
cover is more appropriate for use on a railroad grade, since the railroads'do not want vegetation on their
embankments.
Response: Comment noted.
79) Section 9. 1. 1. 1, page 9-1
// should be noted that portions of this subarea are included within the Old Works Historic District.
Response: Comment noted.
See Comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
80) Section 9. 1. 1. 1, page 9-1
An alternative should be included which looks at tree and shrub planting as an additional stabilization
alternative.
Response: This alternative was included in the LRES system; see Appendix C.
81) Section 9.1.2. 1, page 9-8
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
82) Section 9.1.2.3 3, page 9-11
oSee comment #13.
Attachment J - 14
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Response: See response to comment #13.
13) Section 9.1.3.1, page 9-12
The Drag Strip area is currently being remediated under the OW/EADA OU. No additional work in this area is
anticipated.
Response: Comment noted; EPA did not include further work in the Drag Strip area as part of the final remedy.
84) Section 9.1.3.3, page 9-15
There is no defined high Cd waste source located within the Drag Strip area. Therefore, this alternative should
be eliminated.
Response: No specific waste sources have been identified in the Drag Strip area which may be contributing to the
identified cadmium plume. The ground water will have to be monitored and a loading source may be identified
in the future.
85) Section 9.1.3.1
Natural attenuation was not included as an alternative. Several actions have occurred on or in close proximity to
the Drag Strip. The benefits of these actions have not been fully accounted for.
Response: The final remedy calls for completion of the source controls measures outlined in the OW/EADA
ROD, natural attenuation and compliance monitoring.
Section 9.1.4. 1, page 9-16
Monitoring, at the toe of the Red Sands cap does not account for the Red Sands located downgradient of the pile,
or the results of the tailings and Arbiter removal action.
Response: EPA acknowledges that additional waste material is located down gradient of the Red Sands cap. The
agency believes that the remedy selected in the OW/EADA ROD, after full implementation, and in conjunction
with natural attenuation, will lead to improvements in the ground water and eventual attainment of the ground
water standards. See Section 9 for further information.
Containment of the plume is not required at the Red Sands pile since downgradient areas have also been shown
to periodically exceed PRA Gs.
Response: Containment may be required in the future to further reductions of cadmium loading to ground water
from the Main Deposit of the Red Sands.
It should also be noted that this area has restrictive covenants placed on the properties to preclude groundwater
use.
Response: These restrictive covenants will be used until ground water standards are attained in the area.
87) Section 9.1.5. 1, page 9-22
See comment #73.
Attachment J - 15
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Response: See response to comment #13.
A conceptual stormwater management plan has been submitted and reviewed by EPA. This plan
in Attachment C to the proposed plan comments.
Response: Comment noted. The final site-wide conceptual storm water management plan will be approved under
the RD/RA process at ARWW&S OU.
88) Section 9.2. 1, page 9-24
See comments #73 and #7.
Response: See response to comment # 13 and # 1.
89) Section 9.2.2, page 9-26
General comment; monitoring, ICs and natural recovery alternative should be included in all soils alternative
evaluations.
Response: Monitoring and ICs were included in all No Further Action alternatives!
90) Section 9.2.3, page 9-29
Reclamation should be included as an alternative to be evaluated.
Response: Storm water BMPs (e.g., reclamation) has been included in the final remedy.
91) Section 9.2.5, page 9-29
oSee comment ftland #73.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #1.
92) Section 10.1.1.1, page 10-1
oSee comment# I and# 13.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #1.
93) Section 10. 1. 1.4, page 10-6
oSee commenttil and #73.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #1.
94) Section 10. 1. 2. 1, page 10-8
See comment # 73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
Attachment J - 16
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Should include tree and shrub planting as a soil stabilization alternative.
Response: This alternative was included in the final set of applicable reclamation techniques for the site.
Attachment J - 17
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95) Section 10. 1.2.3, page 10-11
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
96) Section 10.1.4.1, page 10-23
oSee comment #13 and #14.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #14.
97) Section 10. 1.4.2, page 10-24
Surface water drainage would be managed, but it is infeasible and unnecessary to route water off the ponds.
Response: EPA agrees.
98) Section 10. 1.4.4, page 10-28
oSee comment # 13 and #14.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #14.
99) Section 10.1.4.6, page 10-30
oSee comments # 13, # 14 and #32.
Response: See response to comment #13,#14 and #32..
100) Section 10.1.4.6, page 10-31
oSee comments #13 and #14.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #14.
101) Section 10. 1. 5. 1, page 10-33
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
102) Section 10. 1. 6. 1, page 10-36
oSee comments #13 and #14.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #14.
103) Section 10.1.6.4, page 10-41
Attachment J - 18
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oSee comments #73 and #14.
Response: See response to comment #13 and #14.
104) Section 10.1.7, page 10-42
oSee comment #72.
Response: See response to comment #12.
105) Section 10. 1. 8, page 10-46
Reclamation to reduce infiltration and runoff should have been included as an alternative to be evaluated.
Response: Reclamation included the objective to reduce infiltration and runoff, in addition to reduction of risk to
the environment.
106) Section 10. 1.9. 1, page 10-50
* See comment #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
107) Section 10.1.9.2, page 10-51
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
108) Section 10.1.9.3, page 10-52
oSee comment #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
109) Section 10.2. 1, page 10-55
oSee comment #7 and #73.
Response: See response to comment #1 and #13.
110) Section 10.2.2, page 10-55
oSee comment #73.
Response: See response to comment #13.
Attachment J - 19
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Ill) Section 10.2.3, page 10-57
The No Further Action does not recognize the restrictive covenants in place.
Response: EPA disagrees; ICs were included in the No Further Action alternatives; ICs are not considered a
replacement of protection of human health and the environment or attainment of ARARs.
112) Section 10.2.3, page 10-60
The No Further Action does not recognize the ICs and soil covers that are already in place within the EAY.
Therefore, the conclusion should be modified.
Response: EPA disagrees; existing soil covers and ICs were evaluated in this alternative. The final remedy
selected this alternative.
113) Section 10.2.4, page 10-60
See comment # 13. Rock amendment provides similar long-term effectiveness as the revegetation alternatives.
Response: See response to comment #13. Rock amendment does not provide similar long-term effectiveness for
reduction of risk to the environment or attainment of ARARs.
114) Section 10.2.6, page 10-63
oSee comment #13.
Response: See response to comment #13.
Reclamation and soil cover provide equal degrees of protection as each provide for comparable revegetation
success.
Response: EPA agrees and modified the ROD to reflect this.
115) Section 10.2.9, page 10-69
See comment it I and #13.
Response: See response to comment #1 and #13.
116) Costing Assumption
RESPONSE: EPA responded to all cost changes in Appendix E.
Appendix G - Best Management
This document provides an overall good first step to attempt to bridge between the FS, the Stucky Ride Work Plan
and the Remedial Design. Attachment A ofARCO's proposed plan comments attempts to further the approach
suggested within MSU's BMP document.
Attachment J - 20
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RESPONSE: EPA notes the comments attached to this section.
Attachment J - 21
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Response to ARCO Comments in Attachment L
ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
1 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA Montana Office, from Stephen E. Dole, ARCO,
Re: Review of Final Preliminary Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment,
Anaconda Regional Water and Waste Operable Unit, November 15,1995.
2 Lena to Julie DalSoglio, EPA Montana Office, and Andy Lensink, EPA, from
Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: ARCO Disclaimer Anaconda Regional Water and
Waste Operable Unit, Final Remedial Investigation Report, May 22,1996.
Response
2a
Issue 1 (Stream Classification): "All streams in the ARWW OU were classified
as B-) by the State of Montana....Because of the sizes, locations, population
density, and diversity of streams in the ARWW, ARCO believes it is not
appropriate to categorize all streams in the ARWW OU as B-l. As such B-l
stream classification standards should be reviewed and modified for specific
stream reaches..."
2b
Issue 2 (Recharge - Vadose Zone Flow): ARCO and the Agencies agree with
the overall concepts and methodologies involved in estimating and presenting a
range of net infiltration of precipitation through the tailings in the Anaconda
and Opportunity Ponds. However, ARCO maintains that it is not accurate to
refer to net infiltration or deep drainage as ground water recharge. Various
factors such as stratification, clay layers within the tailings or water vapor flow
may limit or reduce the final amount of net infiltration reaching ground water
on an average annual basis.
1 See response to ARCO's Comments in Attachment G/H, Ecological Risk Assessments, matrix of
responses to combined ecological risk comments.
2 On March 15, 1996, ARCO submitted the Final Anaconda Regional Water and Waste Remedial
Investigation Report, Volumes I through 4, to the EPA and MDEQ. These documents were
approved by EPA on May 2,1996 (see letter from Julie DalSoglio, EPA Montana Office to Phyllis
Flack, ARCO, Final Approval of Anaconda Regional Water and Waste Operable Unit Final
Remedial Investigation Report February 1996). ARCO subsequently submitted the "disclaimer
letter" on May 22, 1996. At the time of receipt of the letter, EPA considered issues raised by ARCO
as insignificant and minor to the overall interpretation of ground water and surface water
contamination across the southern Anaconda-Deer Lodge Valley.
2a Response: The beneficial uses for surface water are defined by the B-l classification of all tributaries
to the Upper Clark Fork River (with the exception of Silver Bow Creek, designated by the I
classification) found in ARM § 17.30.623. The stated goal of the State of Montana is to have B-l
streams fully support a number of beneficial uses, including drinking, swimming, growth and
propagation of fishes and other aquatic species, and agricultural and industrial water supply. The
beneficial uses are considered supported when the applicable standards for ambient water quality,
contained in department Circular WQB-7, are met. The Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251.etseq..
provides the authority for each state to adopt water quality standards designed to protect beneficial
uses of each water body and requires each state to designate uses for each water body. The State of
Montana has appropriately followed implementation of this legal requirement, therefore, the B-l
classification and standards and designation of beneficial use of the Anaconda streams are applicable
to this site.
2b "Recharge" is generally defined as the replenishment of water beneath.the earth's surface, usually
through percolation through soils or connection to surface water bodies.' The Southern Deer
Lodge Valley hydrologic model appropriately assessed net infiltration and/or deep drainage as part
of the Final ARWW RI report. EPA does not disagree that factors such as clay layers may limit or
reduce the final amount of net infiltration, however, in the absence of data from underneath the
ponds (data which ARCO refused to collect as part of the RI investigations), it was appropriate to
conservatively estimate net infiltration as part of the numeric model calculations.
1 Committee on Ground Water Cleanup Alternatives, Water Science and Technology Board, Board on Radioactive Water Management, Commission on Geosciences, Environment, and Resources,
National Research Council, Alternatives for Ground Water Cleanup, 1994, p. 294.
Attachment L- Page
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
2c Issue 3 (Acid Neutralization Potential for the Opportunity Ponds): Although
ARCO and the Agencies agree in general with the general method for
estimating acid neutralization...This estimate does not account for other
attenuating factors such as mechanical dispersion or adsorption to clays.
Therefore, ARCO believes that these estimates...are an overestimate of future
site conditions.
2d Issue 4 (Ground Water Concentration Isopleth Maps and Cross-Sections -
Subarea Characterizations - Section 4.0 (Old Works/Stucky Ridge Subarea),
5.0 (Smelter Hill Subarea), 6.0 (Opportunity Ponds Subarea) and 7.0 (South
Opportunity Subarea)): ARCO would have preferred the simple posting of
ground water quality values next to data sites rather than creating isopleth maps
and cross-sections in the RI....This style of presentation leads the reader to
believe that the shape and chemical gradients within a particular ground water
contaminant plume have been defined...the wide variability on such a local
scale should preclude widespread interpolation.
2e Issue 5 (Numeric Modeling): ...ARCO agrees that additional information may
have been helpful in refining certain aspects of the numeric model. But,
refinement of certain components of the numeric model may not have been
practical or add any significant beneficial insight to that which is currently
know... Overall, the final model represents an excellent tool for describing the
general ground water flow directions and quantities (on a regional scale) within
the ARWW OU.
2f Issue 6 (Pore Water Chemistry Beneath Main Slag Pile): In Section 5.7, the
pore water chemistry in the vadose zone within and beneath the main slag pile
has been identified as a data gap...there is no reason to believe that the slag pile
itself is a source of arsenic in Monitor Well 211 given the relatively low
concentrations of arsenic detected in pore water samples, the extremely low
flow rates typically found in the vadose zone, the thickness of the vadose zone,
and relatively high flow rates that have been calculated for the underlying
aquifer..ARCO is in agreement with the statement on page 5-85, that "it does
not seem likely that the slag is a source of arsenic."
Response
2c The Final ARWW Rl report notes, "...it is not possible to know precisely the amount of acid that
will enter the alluvium or the amount of carbonate that will actually be available to neutralize the
acid." (page 6-61.) Without further hydrogeological and geochemical studies of the area underneath
the ponds or of the tailings materials itself, EPA and MDEQ cannot determine whether the acid
neutralization potential calculated in this report is either an over- or under-estimate. This ROD
requires continual monitoring of the bedrock/alluvial aquifer systems in the Smelter Hill/Anaconda
Ponds area and the alluvial aquifer system in the Opportunity Ponds area and the agencies may
therefore require further site characterization in the future.
2d ARCO's final comment on the requirement to use isopleth mapping for the ARWW site is
interesting. EPA rejected ARCO's proposal that the RI use posting of water quality values next to
data sites because this kind of analysis could not help define the origin of contaminant source areas
and/or predict the downgradient zone of dissolved contaminants. Determination of contaminant
sources was a key objective of the RI investigations in order to develop feasibility study options and
select an appropriate remedial action. EPA and MDEQ fully understand the uncertainty of applying
interpolation of few data points across widespread areas, however, over ISO monitoring wells were
installed and sampled during 1991 • 1994, additional wells were installed as pan of the 1996 FS
Supplemental Field Investigation, and TI Zone wells and springs/seeps were used as part of
continuing site characterization in 1997. With a large site, relatively limited data points, and
expansion of ground water use for domestic purposes into previously uninvestigated areas, EPA and
MDEQ will require continued monitoring and site characterization as pan of this final remedy to
assure that human health is protected.
2e In a previous comment ARCO argues that the agencies should not call net infiltration "recharge"
because we do not understand the extent of stratification, clay layers within the tailings or water
vapor flow which may limit or reduce the amount of net infiltration. This is an example of a data
gap which would have influenced the numeric hydrologic model outputs for the Southern Deer
Lodge Valley. Because of the size of the site, the amount of area contaminated by acid mine
drainage into alluvial and bedrock aquifers, and transport of dissolved arsenic from aerially
contaminated soils into bedrock aquifers, the agencies have continued to direct ARCO to collect
additional site data during 1996,1997 and 1998 to further decision making on the ability to
minimize ground water contamination and protect human health. This site will continue to require
data collection and analysis for long-term management of the ground water plumes.
2f At the direction of EPA and MDEQ, ARCO installed three lysimeters in the Main Slag Pile in 1995
to collect pore water samples from granulated slag and the underlying alluvium. Concentrations of
arsenic in pore water samples collected at the Main Granulated Slag Pile range from less than 20
ug/L at SLAGLY1 and SLAGLY2S to 80 ug/L at SLAGLY2D. During drilling operations at
SLAGLY2, composite samples of drill cutting material were collected and analyzed. Results
indicate material penetrated in boring SLAGLY2 below a depth of 70 feet contains little slag, and is
dominated by quartz suggesting the material is not a smelting byproduct. The material is presumed
to be a low-grade ore which was stockpiled but never fully processed, or tailing material from early
mineral processing due to its poor metal recovery characteristics. The extent of this material
underlying the Main Slag Pile is unknown at this time.
Attach
I - Page 2
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
3 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Pamela
Sbar, ARCO, Re: ARCO's Position on Use of Montana Water Quality
Standards as ARARs for Ditches Within the Regional Water, Waste and Soils
Operable Unit, September 12, 1996.
A. Montana Water Quality Standards Are Not Legally Applicable to the
ARWW&S OU Ditches.
I. The ditches do not qualify as "state waters."
2. The ditches do not qualify as "surface waters."
3. Return flows from irrigated agricultural storm water runoff
in the ditches are not "point sources."
4. Montana surface water quality regulations are more
stringent than federal standards and therefore are not
applicable.
B. Montana Water Quality Standards are not Relevant and Appropriate.
I. EPA should grant a waiver if the Montana water quality
standards are ARARs for the ditches in the ARWW&S OU.
2f (Continuedfrom above)
EPA and MDEQ stand by their initial interpretation that the slag itself may not be a significant
source of arsenic to the aquifer, but that the area on which the Main Slag Pile sits is probably a
source of some arsenic loading to the aquifer. EPA and MDEQ have determined to leave the slag
waste in place, as part of the Smelter Hill WMA, and allow the material to be appropriately
processed for certain products (e.g., roofing shingles). However, any materials or surface soils
remaining after the slag material is removed will have to be sampled and the area remediated to
applicable cleanup action levels.
3 A1. ARCO argues that irrigation waters in the Yellow Ditch are not "state waters" as they are used
up in the irrigation process and do not discharge to other "state waters." See § 75-5-25(a) and (b)(ii),
M.C.A. Montana water quality standards therefore do not apply to the Yellow Ditch. EPA does not
agree. Investigation shows that Yellow Ditch waters flow to Old Lime Ditch, which discharges to
the Mill-Willow Bypass, both of which are considered "state waters." The Yellow Ditch is therefore
itself a "state water" and Montana water quality standards apply. Additionally, Gardner Ditch is a
state water because it discharges to Lost Creek..
A2. ARCO argues that only the Gardiner, Old Lime and North Drain ditches are "surface waters"
because they discharge "directly into a stream, lake, pond, reservoir or other surface water." See
definition of "surface water" at ARM 17.30.602(25). Further, ARCO argues that the surface water
standards set forth in title 17, see ARM 17.30.603, therefore apply to those ditches only, and not to
the other five ditches within the ARWW&S OU. EPA agrees that only "surface waters" arc
regulated under the "surface water" requirements. Investigation shows that the following ditches do
discharge into "state waters" and "surface waters" and are therefore regulated under the surface water
standards:
Ditch
Opportunity Ponds Unnamed Ditch
North Drain
Yellow Ditch/Old Lime Ditch
Gardiner Ditch
State Water
Silver Bow Creek
Warm Springs Creek
Mill-Willow Bypass
Lost Creek
Of these drainages, exceedances of total and/or dissolved arsenic in surface water are observed in
Yellow Ditch. An exceedance of total copper standards is also observed in surface water of Gardiner
Ditch and Yellow Ditch on an occasional basis. Therefore, the Circular WQB-7 standards for
arsenic and copper apply to Yellow Ditch and Gardiner Ditch.
A3. EPA agrees that agricultural storm water discharges and return flows from agricultural runoff
are not point sources under either the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1362(14), or the Administrative
Rules of Montana at ARM § 17.30.1304(41). However, EPA disagrees that Montana's surface water
quality standards do not apply to the ditches wherever they contain agricultural runoff. First, the
ditches noted in point number 2 above are both "state" and "surface" waters. The surface water
quality standards set forth at Title 17 of Montana's administrative rules therefore apply. These rules
are not discharge standards meant to apply to point sources. Rather, they are ambient requirements
which apply to all "state" and "surface" water bodies as provided under Montana statute and
administrative rule. They are requirements that the water bodies themselves, not discharges to those
water bodies, must meet. Thus, they are ARARs under CERCLA. See CERCLA section 12l(d), 33
U.S.C. § 1321(d).
Attachment L - Page 3
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
4 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Pamela
Sbar, ARCO, Re: ARWW&S OU Point of Compliance for Ground water
ARARs, September 17,1996; and
16 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ, Andrew Lensink, EPA,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: EPA's Proposed
Ground water Point of Compliance for the ARWW&S OU, January 27, 1997.
4a ARCO argues that EPA should adopt a single compliance point for determining
whether ground water ARARs are being met. This compliance point should be
downgradient of a line circumscribing a single waste management area which
would include the Smelter Hill/East Anaconda, Old Works, Opportunity Ponds,
and South Opportunity subareas.
3 A4. This issue is discussed in more detail in EPA's response to ARCO's comment letter of
November 1, 1996.
B. Because EPA has determined that the Montana water quality requirements are applicable to
ditches which discharge to state waters (Gardiner and Yellow Ditches), there is no need to determine
whether the same requirements are "relevant and appropriate."
Bl. ARCO argues there is no evidence that Montana has consistently applied its water quality
standards to irrigation ditches in other remedial actions within the State, and therefore, a waiver from
the water quality standards should be granted. See CERCLA section !21(dX4)(E), 42 U.S.C. §
121(d)(4)(E). EPA disagrees. First, ARCO has presented no evidence at all that there has been
some sort of inconsistent application. ARCO should have provided evidence of other situations
where the State should have applied the water quality requirements but failed to do so. Second,
CERCLA section 121(d)(4)(E) does not require EPA to grant a waiver if the State fails to apply the
requirement consistently. It simply allows EPA to do so. Under the clear wording of CERCLA,
EPA may choose to apply the State standards as ARARs even if the State itself does not consistently
apply them. EPA may reconsider this position if ARCO provides evidence of situations where the
ARARs should have been applied by the State, but were not.
4a EPA agrees that it is generally sensible to group distinct sources of contamination together as one
unit if they are geographically near to each other. However, as ARCO points out at page 2 of its
letter of September 17, 1996, "EPA has significant latitude to determine an 'appropriate location' for
measuring ground water compliance with ARARs...." In this case, EPA believes that 3 points of
compliance (POCs) are more appropriate. One of these points is similar to the one ARCO describes,
downgradient of a line around the toe of the Opportunity Ponds. EPA adds 2 additional POCs: at a
location immediately downgradient of the Smelter Hill WMA at the toe of the Anaconda Ponds, and
within the Old Works Subarea immediately downgradient of the Red Sands Main Deposit.
A POC located at the toe of the Anaconda Ponds is justified because below this point is a large area
of uncontaminated ground water between one and two square miles, underlying the Triangle Waste
area. This area of ground water is between the Anaconda Ponds and the Opportunity Ponds, which
are about a mile apart Given this large quantity of uncontaminated ground water, the requirements
of the Montana non-degradation standards, and the one mile of separation between the Anaconda
and the Opportunity Ponds, EPA believes that a POC at the toe of the Anaconda Ponds is warranted.
Furthermore, given the large and distinct volumes of tailings overlying large areas of valley alluvial
aquifer, separate POCs will help determine which areas are providing specific contaminant inputs
into the aquifer system. The agencies' position on this matter is in direct opposition to ARCO's
statement that, "...any release from these areas would impact the same aquifer of concern." (Page 3,
first full paragraph.) EPA cannot fathom how ARCO believes a POC at the toe of the Opportunity
Attach
- Page 4
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RJ/FS
Response
4b ARCO argues that one ground water POC is appropriate for the ARWW&S
OU, and would satisfy the requirements of the NCP, RCRA Subtitle C, the
new CAMU rule, and the Montana solid waste regulations.
(Continued from above)
Ponds would accurately detect new or increased source loading of contamination from the fractured
bedrock aquifer located within the Disturbed Portion of Smelter Hill located six miles away. EPA
disagrees with ARCO's conclusion that one POC would be an appropriate location in the ground
water for measuring the performance of the ARWW&S OU remedy.
ARCO also argues that their proposed single POC is comparable to the RCRA CAMU designation
and is therefore appropriate for the ARWW&S OU. EPA acknowledges that, "EPA generally
equates the CERCLA area of contamination with a single RCRA land-based unit, usually a landfill.
54 FR 41444 (December 21, 1988)." (See NCP, page 8760.) However, EPA also states that,
"...since the definition of "landfill" would not include discrete, widely separated areas of
contamination, the RCRA "unit" would not always encompass an entire CERCLA unit." (Ibid.) The
ARWW&S OU clearly has discrete, widely separated areas of disposal. EPA has been reasonable in
circumscribing disposal units near each other into three separate WMAs (i.e., Disturbed Area, Main
Granulated Slag and Anaconda Ponds = Smelter Hill WMA; Opportunity Ponds, South Lime Ditch
= Opportunity Ponds WMA.)
In the January 27, 1997 letter, ARCO continues to argue the position that a separate POC located at
the toe of the Anaconda Ponds is not warranted because ARCO owns the property underlying the
Triangle Waste area and would continue to prohibit ground water use in the area, thereby protecting
future human health through an institutional controls action. Property ownership is irrelevant to the
State of Montana laws which protect existing water quality in state waters, whether surface or
ground water. M.C.A. § 75-5-605 (prohibits the causing of pollution of any state waters) and § 75-
5-303 (existing uses of state waters and the level of water quality necessary to protect the uses must
be maintained and protected) are applicable requirements to the ARWW&S OU and, therefore, it is
appropriate to establish a ground water POC at the edge of the Smelter Hill WMA for long-term
protection of the ground water resources in the Triangle Waste area. CERCLA also does not
recognize property ownership as a basis for not requiring ground water cleanup.
For the Old Works WMA, a POC has been located downgradient of the Red Sands/Arbiter Plant
complex, at which source controls and natural attenuation is projected'to restore a portion of the
alluvial aquifer contaminated with cadmium and copper. The POC was set at this location, rather
than ARCO's proposed location at the edge of the Old Works/East Anaconda Development Area
(OW/EADA) OU boundary, to maximize the goal of ground water restoration in an area of the
community where land development is projected and the need for additional water resources may
develop in the future. Additional sources of potable ground water for the community is necessary
given the agencies' determination that large areas of ground water resources cannot be restored (e.g.,
WMAs and TI Zones).
4b Applicable law allows one POC for the ARWW&S OU, but doesn't mandate it. The law allows
EPA to do what makes sense. In this case, EPA believes that 3 points of compliance (see response
4a), are what make sense and best meet the factors outlined in the NCP preamble (55 Red.Reg.8666,
8753 (March 8, 1990)). The NCP recognizes that a number of factors will affect the POC. In
determining where to draw the POC in such situations, the lead agency will consider factors such as
the proximity of the sources, the technical practicability of ground water remediation at that specific
site, the vulnerability of the ground water and its possible uses, exposure and likelihood of exposure,
and similar considerations. While ARCO's position has some merit, it ignores the fact that there is
significant uncontaminated ground water in the vicinity of the triangle waste area.
Attachment L - Page 5
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
5 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, and Andy Young, MDEQ, Re: Disclaimer of
EPA's Rewrite of the ARWW&S OU Draft Preliminary Remedial Action
Objectives, General Response Actions, Technology and Process Option
Scoping Report, Waste Management Area Evaluation, and Preliminary Points
of Compliance Identification, September 23, 1996.
Response
EPA reviewed the December 1995 Draft Preliminary Remedial Action Objectives, General Response
Actions. Technology and Process Option Scoping Report, Waste Management Area Evaluation, and
Preliminary Points of Compliance Identification and provided an EPA and MDEQ rewrite in
February 1996. ARCO completed the rewrite at EPA's direction, which was approved in May 1996.
ARCO subsequently submitted the above referenced "disclaimer" to this document in September
1996.
Sa
5b
Issue I: ARCO generally objects to the Preliminary Remedial Action
Objectives and Goals (PRAOs and PRAGs) to the extent that they vary from
those identified for the same media in the Old Works/East Anaconda
Development Area (OW/EADA) OU.
Issue 2: ARCO objects to EPA's site characterization of the Anaconda Smelter
Site (100 square miles of affected soils and 327,000 acre-feet of contaminated
ground water) as a significant over-estimate of the aerial extent and volume of
affected media.
5c
Issue 3: ARCO objects to EPA and MDEQ's determination to use the State of
Montana's ground water classification system of Class I ground waters
(suitable for drinking water) based on the premise that ground water in the
ARWW&S OU has not been, is not currently, and is not reasonably anticipated
to be used in the future as a drinking water supply.
5a As noted in the OW/EADA ROD (1994), EPA and MDEQ clearly stated, "...final remediation
requirements for surface and ground water at the OW/EADA OU are not within the scope of this
action, but rather will be determined under the ARWW OU." (Page DS-56, OW/EADA ROD, March
1994.) The ARWW&S PRAOs and PRAGs were established after completion of the ARWW Rl
investigations, use legally applicable State of Montana water quality standards, and incorporate
preliminary surface and ground water objectives used in the OW/EADA ROD.
5b EPA and MDEQ do not believe that the site characterization for the ARWW&S OU is an over-
estimate of media affected by 100 years of milling, smelting and disposal activities. In fact,
witnesses for the U.S. Department of Justice identified 300 square miles of aerially contaminated
soils, with the EPA focusing site investigations on approximately 100 square miles. During the
Regional Soils RI and Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment EPA and MDEQ further reduced the
area of concern to approximately 20,000 acres. The FS analysis and this ROD delineate a more
detailed process to apply the final reclamation remedy which will further reduce the areas of concern
for the aerially contaminated soils.
EPA and MDEQ have consistently acknowledged some uncertainty about the total acre-feet of
contaminated ground water in the ARWW&S OU. This uncertainty is inherent in a site of this size
and the level of data collection needed to reduce the uncertainty. In fact, ARCO also admits that it is
difficult to better define the total area of concern for ground water based on the data collected to date
(see ARCO's disclaimer to the ARWW OU RI, May 22, 1996 and EPA and MDEQ's responses to
letter number 2 above). EPA and MDEQ have, in fact, attempted to better define bedrock aquifer
contamination by directing ARCO to collect additional data in 1996, 1997, and 1998. The data
analyses expanded the known area of contamination, rather than reduced the areas of concern, in
contrast to ARCO's assertion that the agencies have over-estimated volumes of ground water
contamination. (See the TI Evaluation presented in Appendix D of this ROD.) Finally, EPA and
MDEQ are requiring long-term monitoring of these ground water contamination areas to sharpen
and refine the known ground water areas of concern.
5c The NCP is perfectly clear in EPA's position on protection and restoration of ground water:
• The goal of EPA's Superfund approach is to return usable ground waters to their beneficial uses
within a time frame that is reasonable given the particular circumstances of the site....A
determination is made as to whether the contaminated ground water falls within Class I, II, or
III. (NCP, page 8732.)
• For Class I and II ground waters, preliminary remediation goals are generally set at maximum
contaminant levels, and non-zero MCLGs where relevant and appropriate, promulgated under
the Safe Drinking Water Act or more stringent state standards... (Emphasis added, NCP, page
8732.)
Attach
- Page 6
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
5d Issue 4: ARCO opposes a PRAO to prevent ground water discharge containing
arsenic or metals that would degrade any surface water on the basis that there is
only insignificant ground water loading to surface water within the Oil.
5c (Continued from above)
• If ground water can be used for drinking water, CERCLA remedies should, where practicable,
restore the ground water to such levels. Such restoration may be achieved by attaining MCLs or
non-zero MCLGs in the ground water itself, excluding the area underneath any waste left in
place. (Emphasis added, NCP, page 8753.)
EPA and MDEQ appropriately set the PRAOs and PRAGs for the ARWW&S OU ground water
based on the NCP and compliance with ARARs. See the discussion of ground water ARARs in
Appendix A.
3d Site investigations determined that large portions of the Southern Deer Lodge Valley are affected by
ground water discharge to the surface; however, EPA and MDEQ agree that there is a minor amount
of ground water discharge to surface waters in which arsenic and/or metals may be transported. The
only area identified on site are the Opportunity Ponds D-1 and D-2 Drain Ditches which capture
ground water discharge to a conveyance ditch and in which surface water flow is transported to the
Warm Springs Ponds. EPA has revised the final Remedial Action Objectives for surface water as
follows:
Minimize source contamination to surface waters that would result in exceedances of State
of Montana water quality standards.
Se Issue 5: ARCO disagrees with the identification of State of Montana water
quality standards from the Montana Circular WQB-7 that are more stringent
than primary MCLs as PRAGs.
Se As noted in response to Issue 3 above, the NCP clearly allows use of state water quality standards
that are more stringent than federal MCLs as appropriate ground water clean up standards for
aquifers. (NCP, p. 8732.) The state timely identified Montana Circular WQB-7 standards as
applicable standards and EPA has identified them as such. See 40 CFR 300.5. See also response 8b
below. The State standards are ARARs as there are no other standards to consider.
5f Issue 6: ARCO contests the use of total recoverable metals concentrations as
PRAGs on the ARWW&S OU and further asserts that EPA should adopt
ARCO's proposed Site-Specific Water Quality Standards for Mill, Willow and
Warm Springs Creeks.
5g Issue 7: ARCO requests revisions to surface water PRAOs to read as follows:
"Minimize source contamination to surface water that would result in an
exceedance of federal or site-specific ambient water quality criteria, and
minimize significant degradation to downstream surface water beyond an
appropriate mixing zone."
5f See response to ARCO's comment letter 8, below.
5g The final Remedial Action Objectives for surface waters at the ARWW&S OU are to minimize
source contamination that would result in exceedance of State of Montana water quality standards.
As noted in response to Issue 5 above, and to ARCO's comment letter 8 below, the State of Montana
WQB-7 water quality criteria are the applicable standards to the site, not ARCO's calculation of site-
specific water quality criteria.
EPA and MDEQ have not designated any mixing zones for surface waters within the OU. Point-
source storm water discharges to the surface water bodies will comply with identified storm water
regulations and much of the COC transport into the water column from wide-spread non-point
sources, such as overland run-off from aerially contaminated soils, which will be remedied by the
actions set forth in the ROD for contaminated soils. EPA and MDEQ's final Remedial Action
Objective is to return surface water to its beneficial use by reducing loading sources of COCs. This
ROD calls for an appropriately designed remedial actions and O&M plans to assess reduction of the
non-point source loading sources, attainment of the water quality criteria, and establishment of the
appropriate points of compliance.
Attachment I, - Page 7
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Sh Issue 8: ARCO argues that streams and creeks within the site should not be
maintained to support B-l classification uses because of the varying size,
locations, population density, flow and diversity of the streams which could not
sustain drinking, culinary, food processing, bathing swimming or recreational
purposes.
5i Issue 9: ARCO incorporates by reference its prior comment regarding State of
Montana WQB-7 levels that are more stringent than primary MCLs; notes that
aquatic standards for these constituents are hardness-based and thus not directly
comparable to health-based standards; that metals concentrations for protection
of aquatic life should be measured on the basis of dissolved methods, rather
than total recoverable; and that water quality criteria should be adjusted by a
water effect ratio.
Response
Sh The State of Montana has properly promulgated stream classifications according to the Clean Water
Act. These classifications for streams in Anaconda are applicable to this Remedial Action.
Si See EPA and MDEQ response 3 and 8b.
5j Issue 10: ARCO refutes the identification of ground water as a "receptor" of Sj
contaminants from waste sources and tailings, but rather a media of concern.
5k Issue 11: PRAOs should be revised from "prevent" releases of soils or 5k
sediments that would cause an exceedance of ground water and/or surface water
quality standards to "minimize" releases that would result in significant
unacceptable adverse impacts to ground and surface water.
SI Issue 12: ARCO takes the position that it is not feasible, or necessary to protect
human health and the environment, to "prevent" exposures to waste sources,
but rather to "minimize" exposures. Furthermore, minimization of exposure
should be tied to current or reasonable anticipated future land use. The PRAO
for waste material should be rewritten to reflect these changes.
Sm Issue 13: Waste Sources and Tailings PRAOs should be revised to state: Sm
"Minimize the release from waste sources and tailings to the extent such release
results in significant unacceptable adverse impacts to the environment."
Sn Issue 14: ARCO further objects to the use of the word "prevent" releases as Sn
applied to regionally contaminated soils for COC transport to ground water and
surface water; and "prevention" of human ingest ion, inhalation, or contact with
soils that would result in unacceptable risk to human health, vegetation,
wildlife and/or terrestrial ecosystems. PRAOs should be revised to say,
"minimize" releases.
ARCO also disagrees with the statement that site-wide terrestrial ecosystems
may be at risk via direct soils toxicity, plant uptake and food chain effects of
metals and arsenic.
As described in the ARWW RI Report (February 1996) and Feasibility Study Deliverable No. 2
(Conceptual Model of Fate & Transport, Pathway Assessment, and Areas and/or Media of Concern,
February 1997), ground water is a "receptor" of arsenic, cadmium, copper and zinc from waste and
tailings materials on the site. EPA's use of the term "receptor" throughout the ROD refers to a
media receptor or biological receptor.
The final Remedial Action Objectives for soils and sediments are to provide a permanent vegetative
cover over contaminated soil material to minimize transport of COC to ground and surface water
receptors.
SI The final Remedial Action Objectives for waste material reflect both these proposed changes.
Final Remedial Action Objectives for waste sources is to reduce COC levels in waste and highly
contaminated soils to allow re-establishment of vegetation, thus reducing rick to upland terrestrial
wildlife and allow re-establishment of wildlife habitat.
EPA revised the final Remedial Action Objectives to require a permanent vegetative cover through
land reclamation which will minimize potential risk of human exposure, transport of COCs to
surface and ground waters, and wildlife exposures.
See EPA response to comments on the Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment, Attachment G/H of the
Responsiveness Summary, for the agencies' position on soils toxicity, plant uptake, and food chain
effects of metals and arsenic.
Attach
- Page 8
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
So Issue 15: Soil clean up action levels of 1,000 ppm recreational land use and 500
ppm commercial/industrial land use are overly conservative and only applicable
to areas in the OW/EADA OU.
5p Issue 16: ARCO disagrees with an implied emphasis by EPA that the NCP
established a different expectation for remediation of contaminated ground
water, and notes that the NCP contemplates use of institutional controls for
ground water as well as other media.
5q Issue 17: ARCO disagreed with EPA's definition of a waste management area
as "an area of continuous contamination in a discrete and manageable unit
which will be left in place as part of EPA's response action at a given site."
Proposed alternative definition is, "area where waste is left in place, including
the area encompassing more than one such distinct area when such areas are in
close geographic proximity." and
Issue 18: ARCO requests establishment of two WMAs: Northern WMA to
include Red Sands, Heap Roast Slag Pile, floodplain tailings, ADLC sewage
lagoons, and ADLC closed municipal landfill; and Southern Waste
Management Area encompassing Opportunity Ponds, Cell A, South Lime
Ditch, Triangle Waste, Anaconda Ponds, Main Slag Pile, and Disturbed Areas.
Response
Letter to Max Dodson, EPA, from Sandra Stash, ARCO, RE: ARCO's
Response to EPA's July 30, 1996 Letter Terminating ARCO's Obligations to
Perform the Regional Water, Waste, and Soils RI/FS and ARCO's Invocation
of Dispute Resolution, September 24, 1996.
So See Final Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment. Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, Anaconda.
Montana (EPA 1996) for applicable human health risk assessment for aerially contaminated soils.
These action levels fall within EPA's risk range, are consistent with action levels established for the
Old Works ROD, and were applied to the most recent update on land use designations within
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County.
5p ARCO's quote that EPA expects to return usable ground water to their beneficial uses wherever
practicable, within a time frame that is reasonable is the exact wording finalized in FS Deliverable
No. 1. (See Section 2.1.1, page 3, and Appendix A).
5q The WMA concept spelled out in FS Deliverable No. I was to assist in the screening and application
of feasibility study alternatives and to help develop a long-term management strategy for the waste
materials left on site. EPA and ARCO are in general agreement about the need to define areas where
waste will be left in place, ground water will not be remediated to State of Montana standards, and
the need to develop long-term management strategies as pan of the final ROD. ARCO's point is
taken that a waste management area is not limited to a single discrete area of continuous material; in
fact EPA has determined that several separate waste sources should be combined to form the three
waste management areas on the site (e.g.. Opportunity WMA = Opportunity Ponds, South Lime
Ditch; Smelter Hill WMA = Disturbed Area, Anaconda Ponds, Main Granulated Slag, East
Anaconda Yards; and Old Works WMA = Heap Roast, Floodplain Tailings and Red Sands).
However, ARCO takes this concept to the extreme and later argues that there should only be two
separate WMAs, generally circumscribing wastes from the top of Smelter Hill to the edge of ARCO
owned property along the 1-90 frontage road below the Opportunity Ponds. The NCP clearly allows
EPA to establish appropriate waste-Ieft-in-place POC boundaries to protect uncontaminated
resources, such as the clean ground water located between Anaconda and Opportunity Ponds, and to
remedy ground water resources where those resources can be remediated, such as the area below the
Red Sands. This ROD appropriately established three distinct WMAs.
6 EPA responded to this letter on November 25, 1996 from Robert L. Fox, EPA, to Sandra Stash,
ARCO. In this letter, EPA further expanded on specific problems with ARCO's performance to
conduct the ARWW&S FS and the agency concluded, "These various problems and ARCO's failure
to correct them amount to noncompliance with AOC CERCLA VIH-88-16 and are the basis for
EPA's decision to terminate the portion of Amendment Eight requiring the work. Under AOC
CERCLA VIH-88-16, Section IX.M.2., page 52, whenever ARCO has "fail(ed) to remedy
noncompliance with this Consent Order in a timely manner...," EPA may "initiate Federally funded
response actions and pursue cost recovery." EPA also clarified that ARCO was not formally
invoking dispute resolution, yet reserved the right to do so.
Attachment L - Page 9
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
7 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Pamela
Sbar, ARCO, Re: ARWW&S OU Storm water Discharge ARARs, October 16,
1996.
7a The use of BMPs as effluent limitations for storm water discharges is consistent
with the Clean Water Act.
Response
7b EPA's current policy is to use BMP's rather than numeric water quality
standards for purposes of controlling storm water discharges.
7c Montana recognizes BMPs as satisfying State storm water requirements.
7a EPA agrees that the use of BMPs may be consistent with the Clean Water Act so long as the
conditions set forth at 40 C.F.R. § I22.44(k) are met. In essence, all NPDES permits, including
storm water permits, must at a minimum meet the requirements of 40 C.F.R. §§ 122.41, 122.42, and
122.43(a). In addition, BMPs will be required as provided under § I22.44(k) where they are "(1)
authorized under section 304(e) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) for the control of toxic pollutants,
and hazardous substances from ancillary industrial activities; (2) Numeric effluent limitations are
infeasible, or (3) The practices are reasonably necessary to achieve effluent limitations and standards
or to carry out the purposes and intent of CWA.
7b EPA's current policy regarding BMPs is outlined in a memorandum entitled Interim Permitting
Approach for Water Quality-based Effluent Limitations in Storm Water Permits. 61 Fed. Reg. 43761
(August 26, 1996), and Qs & As for Interim Permitting Approach for Water Quality-based Effluent
Limitations in Storm Water Permits, August I, 1996 ("Qs & As"). EPA does agree that BMPs will
be used in first round storm water permits. EPA may require more controls where necessary in order
to attain water quality standards. EPA does not agree that it has generally "rejected" numeric
limitations for storm water permits. EPA has recognized, however, that numeric standards may be
difficult to derive. If such BMPs, plus the standard permit requirements of § I22.43(a), provide for
attainment of water quality standards, nothing further will be required. See Qs & As. Question 7,
page 6. However, if the standard permit requirements plus BMPs do not result in compliance with
water quality standards, more controls may and will be required.
7c a. ARCO seems to argue that compliance with BMPs alone is full compliance with the Montana
storm water requirements. This is not true. ARCO refers to three general permits issued by the State
of Montana, the general discharge permits for storm water discharges associated with 1) mining
activity and oil and gas exploration, 2) industrial activity, and 3) construction activity. ARCO
indicates that all three permits require BMPs as opposed to numeric standards and argues that
compliance with the BMPs is full compliance with all water quality requirements. EPA does not
agree. Full compliance with BMPs is not necessarily full compliance with all water quality
requirements. All three permits provide that storm water discharges may not violate the Clean Water
Act or State of Montana non-degradation standards. The permits contain monitoring and other
requirements. Most important, the re-opened clauses in the three permits provide that if discharges
actually or potentially impact water quality, then individual or alternate general permits may be
required. The State could therefore require conditions beyond BMPs in order to protect water
quality. Thus, ARCO's argument is incorrect. BMPs may be required under State law. However, if
these are insufficient to provide for compliance with water quality standards, additional requirements
may be imposed.
b. ARCO argues also that 75-5-40 l(5Xg), M.C.A. provides that storm water dischargers arc not
required to get individual permits. This is true. However, 75-5-605, M.C.A. still provides that it is
unlawful to "pollute" State waters beyond water quality standards (presently set forth in WQB-7)
while 75-5-303, M.C.A. makes it unlawful to degrade State waters below their existing quality.
Even if there is no individual permit requirement for storm water discharges, it is still illegal under
both the above referenced statutory requirements to degrade the quality of State waters. These
provisions are ARARs for this project and these provisions must be complied with.
Attachm^B - Page 10
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
8
II
Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, Julie DalSoglio,
EPA, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Pamela Soar, ARCO, Re: Site-Specific
Water Quality Standards as ARARs for the ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter
NPL Site, November 1, 1996; and
Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Mary Capdeville,
MDEQ, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Pamela Sbar, ARCO, Re: Use of
Montana Environmental Regulations That Are "More Stringent Than"
Comparable Federal Provisions as ARARs for the ARWW&S OU, Anaconda
Smelter NPL Site, November 11, 1996.
Issue (Site-specific water quality standards): ARCO argues that Montana's
WQB-7 standards are not applicable standards for the ARWW&S OU cleanup
since 1) Montana law mandates that the Montana Board of Environmental
Review (Board) adopt site specific water quality standards at the OU instead of
the WQB-7 requirements, 2) EPA has the authority to adopt site specific water
quality standards where the Board has failed to do so, 3) the WQB-7 standards
are "more stringent" than federal requirements since they are based upon "total
recoverable metals" and therefore, the federal requirements, based upon
"dissolved metals" should be applied, and 4) EPA should apply dissolved
metals standards for the ARWW&S OU instead of the total recoverable metals
requirements set forth in Montana's WQB-7, since the dissolved metals
standards are less stringent.
8b
Issue ("more stringent than" considerations): ARCO argues that State standards
which are "more stringent" must be modified to conform to corresponding
federal standards which are "less stringent," that WQB-7 standards are "more
stringent" than federal requirements since they are based upon "total
recoverable metals" and that therefore, EPA should apply the federal
requirements, based upon "dissolved metals," supposedly less stringent, as
ARARs for this cleanup.
8a EPA does not agree that M.C.A. § 75-5-310(1) mandates the adoption of site specific water quality
standards instead of the WQB-7 standards (see Appendix A, page A-6). Adoption of such standards
is clearly discretionary. First, M.C.A. § 75-5-310(2) requires the Board to determine whether the
proposed site specific standards are protective of beneficial uses. ARM 17.30.623(2)(h)(iii) sets
forth additional factors for the Board to consider. The Board clearly has discretion concerning those
findings. Second, since rulings of the Board will affect the public, Montana's Administrative '
Procedure Act, M.C.A. § 2-4-302 provides for public comment on any proposed Board rulings.
Clearly, the Board is not required to adopt site specific water quality standards, but may in some
case decide not to do so as a result of public comment. It follows that if the State has not adopted
ARARs which supplant the WQB-7 requirements, the WQB-7 requirements continue to be the
applicable ARARs.
EPA does not agree that it has authority to adopt and then apply as ARARs site specific standards
where the State has not yet promulgated them. Under the NCP, EPA may include as ARARs those
"cleanup standards, standards of control, and other substantive requirements, criteria, or limitations
promulgated under...state environmental or facility siting laws...." See 40 C.F.R. § 300.5. The
State of Montana has not yet promulgated any site specific requirements. Therefore, there is nothing
for EPA to adopt as an ARAR other than the WQB-7 standards. The requirement for "site specific
standards" is a product of State of Montana law. Federal regulations do not require site specific
standards. See 40 C.F.R. § 131.1 l(b)(l)(ii). EPA does not have authority to promulgate
requirements under state law and declines to attempt to do so here.
8b The provisions which limit the adoption of State requirements which are "more stringent" than
federal requirements, M.C.A. §§ 75-5-203 and 309 M.C.A. § 75-5-203, providing, in part, that "the
board 'may not adopt a rule...that is more stringent than the comparable federal regulations or
guidelines that address the same circumstances..." and M.C.A. § 75-5-309, providing in part that "the
board may rules that are more stringent than corresponding draft or final federal regulations... if the
board makes written findings, based on sound scientific or technical evidence...which state that rules
that are more stringent than corresponding federal regulations...are necessary to protect the public
health, beneficial use of water, or the environment of the state...," are not themselves ARARs, and
cannot be implemented by EPA. As mentioned above, ARARs are "substantive requirements,
criteria, or limitations promulgated under..state environmental or facility siting laws...." See 40
C.F.R. § 300.5 (emphasis added). The provisions at issue are not substantive requirements. Rather,
they are administrative guidelines which govern decisions by the Board. Until the Board acts
according to these guidelines, the WQB-7 requirements are the only Montana water quality ARARs
there are. Only if the Board follows the guidelines, eases the WQB-7 standards, and in effect, adopts
new requirements, would those new regulations be enforceable by EPA under CERCLA as ARARs.
Attachment L - Page 11
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
Response
9 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andrew Lensink, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: ARCO's
Preliminary Comment on EPA's Draft Final Baseline Ecological Risk
Assessment for the ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site and letter to
Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andrew Lensink, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ, and Mary
Capdeville, ARCO, from Robin Bullock, ARCO, Re: Editorial comment on
EPA's Draft Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment for the ARWW&S
OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site.
10 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ, Andrew Lensink, EPA,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ. from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: Comments on
the Waste Removal Evaluation for Final Feasibility Study Deliverable No. 3b,
ARWW&S OU, November 6, 1996.
GENERAL COMMENTS
lOa 1. ARCO requests that the removal option be eliminated for all waste sources,
with the exception of Warm Springs Creek and Willow Creek tailings, rather
than just the waste sources which will remain in place as noted in this report.
8b
(Continued from above)
EPA does not agree that the "total recoverable" metal criteria set forth in WQB-7 are "more
stringent" than the "dissolved" metal criteria set forth at 40 C.F.R. § !31.36(cX4)(iii). This is
because the State requirement, WQB-7, does not "compare with" or "correspond to" the federal
requirement at 40 C.F.R. §131.36(c)(4Xiii) as required under M.C.A. § 75-5-203 or 309.
These provide that the board may not adopt State provisions more stringent than "comparable" or
"corresponding" federal regulations or guidelines. This is because the WQB-7 requirements, as
ambient requirements, do not correspond to those set forth at 40 C.F.R. 131.36(c)(4)(iii).
See Response to ARCO's Comment on the ARWW&S OU Proposed Plan, Attachment G/H,
included in this Responsiveness Summary.
lOa
EPA appropriately carried forward the removal option for the South Lime Ditch, Cell A, Triangle
Waste, East Anaconda Yards, Yellow Ditch, Blue Lagoon, and Opportunity Ponds Toe Wastes. The
final remedy outlined in this ROD calls for waste consolidation (i.e., removal) for the Opportunity
Ponds Toe Waste and partial removal of the contaminated material found in the Blue Lagoon. These
alternatives are protective of human health and the environment, eliminate aquatic ecological risk,
and are cost effective.
lOb 2. EPA used the screening criteria identified in its guidance in the area-by-area
discussion of the waste removal alternative rather than the detailed analysis
criteria. Sections 4.0 and 4.1 of this document should be modified for
consistency with later discussions in the report.
I Ob The waste removal evaluation was a screening of an alternative, and the screening criteria was
appropriately applied. No revisions to the document were made.
- Page 12
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
lOc 3. ARCO argues that the following identified ARARs are neither applicable
nor relevant and appropriate: (1) requirements that are more stringent than
comparable federal requirements; (2) numeric effluent limitations for storm
water discharges under the Clean Water Act or the Montana Water Quality Act;
(3) permit requirements for industrial point source discharges; (4) solid waste
requirements; (5) Water Quality Bureau-7 water quality standards, to the extent
that there are site-specific water quality standards available or that these
standards use total recoverable metals to measure compliance; (6) certain
mining reclamation requirements; and (7) surface water quality requirements to
the extent that EPA identifies them as ARARs for ditches within the
ARWW&S OU.
Response
1 Oc See attached responses for each of these issues outlined in EPA's response to ARCO's comment
letters in Appendix L.
lOd 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. ARCO provides a series of comments on costing assumptions
used in FS Deliverable No. 3b. Generally the comments requested a 7%
discount rate for inflation to calculate unit costs; that costs for backfill and
placement and costs for revegetation are lower than can be reasonably be
expected; and that units and quantities on cost estimate tables are confusing.
lOd EPA thoroughly reviewed costing assumptions and made specific revisions to the tables that were
presented in FS Deliverable No. 5 for the detailed analysis of alternatives. EPA also presented a
detailed list of costing assumptions used in an appendix to that document. ARCO again provided
more detailed comments on costing assumptions found in Attachment J to their Comments on the
Proposed Plan, January 31, 1998. EPA further revised costing assumptions, updating the costs
based on latest and best available information, and have presented revised tables in Appendix E of
this ROD.
lOe 9. ARCO disagrees with the methodology used by EPA to ascertain the
phylotoxic risks on the site; and therefore, with EPA's position that a potential
reduction in the phytotoxic effects to local habitats is sufficient reason to
consider removal for South Lime Ditch, Triangle Waste Area, Warm Springs
Creek Tailings and Willow Creek Tailings.
SPECIFIC COMMENTS
lOe EPA presents a detailed response in defense of the methodology used for ascertaining phytotoxic
effects of metals and arsenic in soils and tailings in the ARCO Response to Comments Attachments
G/H. EPA therefore stands by its conclusion that removal of tailings in these areas of concern would
eliminate phytotoxic effects to the vegetation communities.
South Lime Ditch
The partial removal alternative should not be evaluated during the Detailed
Analysis phase of the FS for the following reasons:
lOf 1. FS Deliverable No. 2 does not identify surface water as a receptor of
concern.
lOg Partial removal may negatively impact proposed land use.
lOh Control of surface water runoff can be achieved by less costly means; control of
suspended paniculate matter may be achieved through less costly alternatives;
soils and wastes in the South Lime Ditch may not be the sole source of arsenic
and cadmium in the alluvial aquifer; and the effectiveness of waste removal to
reduce loading of arsenic to ground water is considered to be low.
lOf ARCO is correct in stating that EPA has not identified the South Lime Ditch as a surface water
receptor of concern. The partial removal alternative was not chosen in the final ROD.
lOg Proposed trails development is not an insurmountable problem with the partial removal scenario.
1 Oh EPA considered these points during the detailed analysis and chose a more cost effective remedy of
revegetation for the final ROD.
Attachment L- Page 13
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
lOi Implementation of the remedy would result in significant community impacts.
Triangle Waste Area
The removal alternative should not be evaluated in the Detailed Analysis for
the following reasons:
1 Oj ARCO agrees with EPA's assessment that additional alternatives exist to
address phytotoxic habitat effects and impacted soils human health risks which
would achieve an equal level of protect!veness at a lower cost and that
addresses suspended paniculate matter.
I Ok The site was previously utilized as a solid waste landfill and therefore
additional materials handling would be necessary.
101 Implementation of this remedy would result in significant community impacts.
Wirm Springs Creek Tailings
Although ARCO acknowledges that removal of Warm Springs Creek tailings
would be carried forward into the detailed analysis, ARCO had the following
comments:
Response
lOi EPA believes that impacts to the local community would not be significant and some of the impacts
would be mitigated during construction. The South Lime Ditch is located solely on ARCO owned
property, would be consolidated into the Opportunity Ponds (located adjacent to the South Lime
Ditch), and backfill material borrowed from locations around the ponds.
lOj The detailed analysis of alternatives, FS No. 5, did show that the soil cover and in situ reclamation
alternatives were equally protective remedies at a lower cost. These alternative remedies were
chosen in the final remedy.
10k This information would have been important if removal had been chosen as the final remedy. The
ROD calls for soil cover or in situ reclamation and location of the closed landfill will be noted in
Remedial Design.
101 The response to this comment is similar to the response on South Lime Ditch. The Triangle Waste
Area is located next to the Opportunity Ponds on ARCO owned property. Minimal impacts to road
traffic, noise and dust abatement, and on-site safety could all be addressed or mitigated.
10m ARCO disagrees with EPA's assertion that the Warm Springs Creek tailings are
the primary source of metals to surface water and in-stream sediment of Warm
Springs Creek.
lOn Removal of tailings may have serious short-term adverse impacts on the water
quality and aquatic habitat of Warm Springs Creek.
I Oo Costs associated with stream bank stabilization and revegetation for riparian
and pasture areas are not accounted for.
10m During writing of FS Deliverable No. 2 and 3a, EPA believed that there were potentially other
sources of metals to surface water receptors, including overland run-off from aerially contaminated
soils. During the Proposed Plan Public Comment Period, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife
and Park initiated a stream re-naturalization project and uncovered significantly more buried tailings
within the floodplain than identified during the RI/FS. This is additional evidence of loading from
fluvially deposited tailings, and EPA stands by it's initial assessment that tailings probably play the
primary source of metals loading to Warm Springs Creek, causing the periodic and seasonally
exceedances of AWQC.
I On EPA recognizes the risk of short-term impacts inherent during removal of stream bank material,
however, several steps can be taken to minimize those impacts, such as removal during low-flow
water, use of appropriately sized equipment, water diversion and sediment erosion controls
structures. EPA also believes that any minor short-term impacts are overshadowed by long-term
environmental gains.
lOo These cost factors were added to FS Deliverable No. 5 and updated in the final cost sheets found in
Appendix E of the ROD.
Attachmd^B- Page 14
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Willow Creek Tailings
Although ARCO anticipated that removal of Willow Creek Tailings will be
carried forward into the Detailed Analysis, the following comments were
presented:
I Op Removal of the tailings may have serious short-term, adverse impacts to water
quality.
lOq Costs to maintain and repair Highway I to be used for hauling excavated
material, for stream bank stabilization, and for revegetation of riparian areas are
not accounted for.
Response
I Op EPA recognizes the risk of short-term impacts inherent during removal of stream bank material,
however, several steps can be taken to minimize those impacts, such as removal during low-flow
water, use of appropriately sized equipment, water diversion and sediment erosion controls
structures. EPA also believes that any minor short-term impacts are overshadowed by long-term
environmental gains.
lOq These cost factors were added to FS Deliverable No. 5 and updated in the final cost sheets found in
Appendix E of the ROD.
I Or Implementation of this remedy would result in significant community impacts. lOr
Minimal impacts to road traffic, noise and dust abatement, and on-site safety could all be addressed
or mitigated.
Yellow Ditch
The removal alternative should not be evaluated during the Detailed Analysis
for the following reasons:
I Os The cause of elevated arsenic levels in the alluvial aquifer in the South
Opportunity Area appears to be primarily related to land-use practices of flood
irrigation with arsenic-impacted surface waters.
(Ot ARCO acquired property in the South Opportunity for the purpose of reducing
flows through the head gates at diversions to Yellow Ditch. A small quantity
of water is required to fulfill the appropriation of a downstream water-right
holder. Elimination of flood irrigation is anticipated to improve ground water
quality in the South Opportunity Area.
I Ou Removal of Yellow Ditch is not compatible with proposed land use which is
anticipated to include the possible construction of a cap and development of a
hiking trail along the berm of the ditch. In addition, the ditch must remain in
place to convey irrigation water to a downstream water-right holder.
10s Removal of the Yellow Ditch was deliberately assessed to determine if arsenic could be reduced in
the surface waters flowing through the irrigation ditch.
lOt Comment is noted and incorporated into the final ROD. EPA chose reduction of flood irrigation and
natural attenuation as the final remedy.
lOu These factors were assessed in FS Deliverable No. 5. EPA believes removal of the ditch would not
have been incompatible with the land use designation as a hiking trail; however, EPA agrees that the
water conveyance structure (e.g., ditch) would either need to be maintained or replaced.
lOv Implementation of the remedy would result in significant community impacts. lOv
Minimal impacts to road traffic, noise and dust abatement, and on-site safety could all be addressed
or mitigated.
Attachment L - Page 15
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS Response
Blue Lagoon and Railroad Fill
Removal of the Blue Lagoon material and Railroad Fill near Blue Lagoon
should not be carried forward into the detailed analysis of alternatives for the
following reasons:
lOw Impacted pore water in the vadose zone downgradient of Blue Lagoon was not
identified as a "potential media of concern" or "potential area of concern" in FS
Deliverable No. 2. The removal action is being cited as a potential remedial
alternative for an area which may not require remediation.
1 Ox The removal scenario assumed that the railroad line will be abandoned after
completion of the Lower Area One Project (Silver Bow Creek/Butte Addition
NPL Site). ARCO anticipates that Ranis will continue maintenance of the line
and require compensation for any revenue lost during the construction time
frame.
lOy Control of surface water run-off over and through the railroad grade material
can be achieved through less costly means than removal.
lOz Implementation of this remedy would result in significant community impacts.
EPA identified contaminated ground water and a downgradient outwash of material from the lagoon
as a secondary waste source to downgradient ground water and surface water. The vadose zone in
this downgradient area is more than likely also contaminated with high levels of copper and
cadmium.
This information was assessed during the detailed analysis of alternatives. EPA chose a partial
removal in the Blue Lagoon (e.g., removal of the contaminated sediments and outwash material; use
of a culvert through the railroad bed material to route upgradient waters through contaminated
railroad fill) as the final remedy.
lOy Agreed; see above response.
lOw
lOx
lOz Minimal impacts to road traffic, noise and dust abatement, and on-site safety could all be addressed
or mitigated.
East Anaconda Yard Wastes
I Oaa Removal alternative should not be evaluated during the detailed analysis. 1 Oaa
EPA conducted an extensive analysis of the removal option as part of the Technical Impracticability
(TI Evaluation) Evaluation to assess the likelihood of attaining ground water standards for arsenic in
the East Anaconda Yard. EPA determined that removal of buried wastes in the area would not lead
to remediation of the aquifer due to arsenic loading from the valley side-wall recharge off of the
bedrock aquifer on Smelter Hill. The reader is referred to a detailed discussion of this analysis found
the Appendix D of this ROD.
The Montana solid waste requirements at MCA § 75-10-201, eyeg. and implementing regulations
are applicable requirements for the mining waste at the Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds. This
position was originally established in the Record of Decision for the Streamside Tailings Operable
Unit, Silver Bow Creek/Butte Addition NPL Site. See Appendix A to the Streamside Tailings OU
ROD, Identification and Description of Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements,
footnotes 35 and 36. Since the ARWW&S OU waste is a "historic" waste which was disposed of
decades ago, it is not currently regulated under Montana's metal mine reclamation requirements. See
MCA § 82-4-304, and therefore is not within any of the mine waste exceptions to the definition of
solid waste. See MCA § 75-10-203(1 l)(b) and 75-IO-2l4(l)(b). The mining wastes will therefore
be considered "solid wastes" under the Montana Solid Waste Management Act, MCA § 75-10-201,
et seq.. if they are "actively managed" as part of the ARWW&S remedial action. See footnote 36,jd.
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
11 See responses lo comment letter 8.
12 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Mary Capdeville,
MDEQ, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Pamela Sbar, ARCO, Re: Use of State
Solid Waste and Related Requirements as ARARs for the ARWW&S OU,
Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, November 11, 1996.
13 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, Julie DalSoglio,
EPA, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Pamela Sbar, ARCO, Re: Mine
Reclamation Requirements as ARARs for the ARWW&S OU, Anaconda
Smelter NPL Site, December 18, 1996
13a RARs must be "well-suited."
13b EPA may eliminate early identified requirements.
13c MCA 6 82-4-231 ARCO argues that this provision should not be a RAR
because it requires the most "modern" technology, in conflict with the NCP
criteria, which include effectiveness, implementability and cost. This analysis
is flawed.
lOaa (Continuedfrom above)
Some of the actions EPA will require under this ROD will be considered "active management." For
example, excavation and placement of any or all the wastes in a new disposal facility would be
considered active management. Tilling of the wastes would be considered active management, while
construction of covers on top of the waste would not. Though the State solid waste requirements
listed in Appendix A may be applicable to certain actions to be taken under the ROD, EPA intends to
invoke the variance provision at MCA § 7S-10-206 and will not require strict compliance with these
requirements.
12 Section 75-10-206, MCA, allows variances from solid waste regulations to be granted if failure to
comply with the rules does not result in a danger to public health or safety, or if compliance with
specific rules would produce hardship without producing benefits to the health and safety of the
public that outweigh the hardship. In light of the nature of the wastes at issue and the likelihood that
any repository would contain only a single type of waste, i.e. tailings and related materials,
considering the volume of wastes involved (1.5 to 2.5 million cubic yards) and the cost of full
compliance with all solid waste requirements, and considering available Superfund procedures for
the maintenance of remedies and the ability of the agencies, within the Superfund process, to
consider the characteristics of the particular wastes at issue in appropriately determining and
designing repositories, certain of the Solid Waste Regulations regarding design of landfills,
specifically ARM §§ 17.50.505(1) and (2); 17.50.506; 17.50.513; and 17.50.530, may appropriately
be subject to a variance in implementing the remedy at the WMA within this OU. The scope and
manner of applying the variance will be determined in finalizing and approving of the remedial
design by EPA and MDEQ. EPA thus invokes the variance with respect to the provisions listed
above and finds that such variance from these requirements does not result in danger to public health
or safety.
I3a EPA agrees.
13b EPA agrees.
I3c ARCO is incorrect in its statements that effectiveness, implementability and cost are used to
determine the appropriate technologies. These three criteria are used to screen out technologies that
do not meet these criteria, see 300.430(e)(7). Rather, alternatives are evaluated against the nine
evaluation criteria, with overall protection of human health and the environment and compliance of
ARARs as threshold criteria. As an ARAR, the technologies in the feasibility study will be evaluated
on whether this reclamation standard, as well as all other ARARs, is attained.
Attachment L - Page 17
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS Response
13d ARCO argues that specific reclamation requirements are for strip mining, not 13d The specific provision is found in the Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act,
for historic metals mining sites, and therefore, should not be RAR for our site. applicable to permitted coal and uranium mine reclamation sites. ARCO argues that most of the
reclamation tasks identified in the provision are not necessary to address the contaminants of concern
at this operable unit. This argument is responded to in the first part of the response.
Additionally, EPA generally disagrees with ARCO's comment. The fact that the reclamation
requirements listed in Appendix A are mostly from coal mining reclamation provisions does not
mean they are not relevant and appropriate for the reclamation of a historic metal mining site. The
factors EPA is to consider when determining whether a provision is relevant and appropriate are set
forth at 40 CFR § 300.400(g)(2). These include a comparison of the following factors for the
provision and the CERCLA action 1) the purpose; 2) the medium regulated or affected; 3) the
substances regulated; 4) the actions or activities regulated; 5) variances, waivers, or exemptions; 6)
type of place; 7) size of structure or facility; and 8) use or potential use of affected resources. It
should be noted that similarity for all 8 factors is not required in the determination whether a
particular provision is relevant and appropriate at a given site. NCP at 8743. EPA finds enough
similarity in the 8 factors as applied to the coal reclamation requirements that it has decided those
requirements should be considered relevant and appropriate at the ARWW&S OU. First, the
purpose of the reclamation requirements is to stabilize the surface soils after they have been
disturbed by coal mining activities. Stabilization of the surface is among the goals of the ARWW&S
remedial action. Surface soils at the ARWW&S OU have been disturbed by disposal of tailings and
be aerial deposition of contamination. Second, both coal strip mining and metal mining are activities
which disturb the surface, and tend to destroy or damage vegetation, leaving the surface vulnerable to
erosion from wind and runoff, and causing adverse impacts to the environment. Third, the strip mine
regulations do not regulate substances perse. Rather, they regulate conditions at strip mines. The
conditions at metal mines, i.e., severely disturbed surface soils, arc quite similar. Fourth, the
activities regulated are similar. The activities in both cases severely impact surface soils and
vegetation. Fifth, this factor is not applicable at this site. Sixth, the "places" regulated at strip mines
are similar to the "place" to be remediated at the ARWW&S OU. "Places" in both cases are so
heavily impacted by mining activity, vegetation is so damaged, that further damage to human health
or the environment from erosion from wind and runoff may occur. Seventh, the size of facility is
similar for coal mining and for metal mining. Both types of activities result in adverse impacts to
very large areas of surface soils and vegetation unless reclamation activities are implemented.
Eighth, some of the resources at the ARWW&S probably will be used extensively. For example,
waters running through the OU will enter State waters downstream. These waters must all meet
surface water requirements. 'Water resources would also be protected at coal mining operations
through implementation of reclamation procedures. Given these factors, EPA finds that the coal
mine reclamation requirements are relevant and appropriate for this remedial action.
Attachm^B-Page 18
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
13e MCA S 82-4-233 ARCO argues that the provision requires revcgetation with
species native to the area.
Response
13f MCA 6 82-4-336 ARCO argues that the provision requires revegetation with
species native to the area.
13g ARM 26.4.633 ARCO argues that BMPs under the storm water regulations are
more suited to the site than the requirements of this provision, which requires
BCTA (best technology currently available).
13e The implementing regulations of § 82-4-233 state, "Vegetative cover is considered of the same
seasonal variety if it consists of a mixture of species of equal or superior utility when compared with
the natural vegetation during each season of the year." (See ARM 26.4.711(1).) Second, there is no
basis for ARCO's statement that a designation of land use should somehow preempt the utilization of
diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety native to the area. §
82-4-233(1) specifically states that introduced species may be used in the revegetation process where
desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post-mining land use plan. As set forth in § 82-4-
232(8):
If alternate revegetation is proposed, a management plan must be submitted showing how the area
will be utilized and any data necessary to show that the alternate post-mining land use can be
achieved. Any plan must require the operation as a minimum to:
(a) restore the land affected to a condition capable of supporting the use which it was capable of
supporting prior to any mining operation or to a higher or better use of which there is a
reasonable likelihood, if the use or uses do not present any actual or probable threat of water
diminution or pollution, and if the permit applicant's proposed land use following reclamation is
not deemed to be impractical, unreasonable, or inconsistent with applicable land use policies
and plans, would not involve unreasonable delay in implementation, and would not violate
federal, state, or local law; and
(b) prevent soil erosion to the extent achieved prior to mining.
13f Here ARCO repeats its argument for § 82-4-233, MCA; see response to 13 e.
13g ARCO first confuses BTCA and BMP. BTCA and BMP are similar in that both require the
attainment of water quality standards. Storm water regulations require compliance with all state
water quality standards, including total suspended solids, with BMPs as the first preference to
achieving compliance. BTCA also requires compliance with applicable federal and state statutes and
regulations, see 26.4.631. Management practices under BTCA includes other components such as to
"minimize, to the extent possible, disturbances and adverse impacts on fish, wildlife and related
environmental values, and achieve enhancement of those resources where practicable." (See ARM
26.4.30l(20)(b)) In addition, the regulations list management practices specific to mining and
reclamation activities which EPA may use to augment those deemed relevant and appropriate under
the storm water regulations. For example, ARM 26.4.631 states:
(b) practices to control and minimize pollution include, but are not limited to, stabilizing
disturbed areas through land shaping, diverting runoff, achieving quickly germinating and
growing stands of temporary vegetation, regulating channel velocity of water, lining drainage
channels with rock or vegetation, mulching, selectively placing and sealing acid-forming and
toxic-forming materials, and selectively placing waste materials in backfill areas.
In addition, the NCP does not require, as ARCO seems to imply, that only the most relevant and
appropriate requirement remains standing. The determination is made as to weather a specific
requirement is relevant and appropriate. Although the preamble states that "in some situations, the
availability of certain requirements that more fully match the circumstances of the site may result in a
decision that another requirement is not relevant and appropriate," in this case, the two provision
work well together with complimentary portions in each of the regulations.
Attachment L - Page 19
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
13h A.R.M. 26.4.63S-7 ARCO argues that since no diversions are planned, this
should not be a RAR.
A.R.M. 26.4.643-7 Requires monitoring of pre-mining ground water
conditions, conditions of ground water during mining, and control of impact
upon ground water through reclamation design and method of mining. ARCO
argues this provision seems to apply to active mining facilities and therefore is
not appropriate for the cleanup of a historic mining site.
Response
13j A.R.M. 26.703.713.716.718. and 719 These prescribe soil amendment,
revegetation and other requirements. ARCO argues they're not really properly
applied at the OU because they may conflict with our remedial requirements
and the requirements of ADLC's land use plan.
13k A.R.M. 26.4.723-733 These set requirements for monitoring and evaluating
the success of revegetation under a mine reclamation plan.
14 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, Julie DalSoglio,
EPA, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: "No Further
Action" Alternative for the ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter Site, January 3,
1997.
ARCO's main premise of this position paper is that EPA must consider the
remedial and reclamation actions already completed at the site, as well as the
cost of those actions as part of the "No Further Action" alternative for purposes
of remedy evaluation and selection for the ARWW&S OU. ARCO presents a
technical summary of response actions taken to date on the Anaconda Smelter
NPL Site presented on a subarea-by-subarea basis. ARCO includes all work
completed under previous orders which addressed principle threat wastes (flue
dust, beryllium) and immediate human health threats (Mill Creek relocation),
voluntary reclamation work completed on Smelter Hill and as demonstration
projects (ARTs), reclamation work completed as part of the OW/EADA ROD
(including construction of the Old Works Golf Course), and other actions taken
outside of CERCLA directed response actions (Anaconda County Landfill
Closure). ARCO presents an estimate of approximately $90 million dollars
spent on the site through 1996. ARCO further argues that "No Further Action"
is appropriate for large areas of the site based on the Anaconda-Deer Lodge
County's Comprehensive Master Plan, Development Permit System, and
private-property land ownership by ARCO.
13h Remedial design may require diversions of drainages on Smelter Hill, in Cabbage Gulch, or around
the perimeter of Opportunity Ponds. If so, this ARAR should be identified and a mitigation plan
proposed.
13i As stated above in the response to § 82-4-231, MCA, protection of the environment (this would
include groundwater) is one of the purposes of proper reclamation. The reclamation groundwater
requirements are not appropriate for requiring aquifer restoration in an aquifer waived for ambient
water quality standards based on technical impracticability from an engineering perspective.
However, the standards will be relevant and appropriate for proper reclamation in order to prevent
further migration of the plume, and minimize further degradation of the ground water through source
reduction. These standards are also relevant and appropriate for reclamation in an area above an
aquifer that is uncontaminated, will be treated, or will meet standards through natural attenuation
within a reasonable time. ARM 26.4.643 states that reclamation must "prevent or control discharge
of acid, toxic, or otherwise harmful mine drainage waters into groundwater flow systems..."
The County's land use is not as specific as the identified standards, and do not satisfy reclamation
and protective requirements. The standards are not generic, but establish criteria that must be met in
order for the reclamation to involve effective and permanent vegetation. The standards remain well-
suited to revegetation in order to assure proper reclamation.
The NCP states that monitoring requirements are ARARs. ARCO's citation to the NCP is consistent
with the reclamation requirements, as the performance standards will assist the agencies in the
regulatory determinations that the remedy is "functioning properly and is performing as designed," as
required under 40 CFR 300.435(0
ARCO provides a good litany of response actions taken on the site up to 1996. These response
actions, however, are separate distinct actions from the remaining media and areas of concern
addressed under the ARWW&OU. The "No Further Action" scenario assessed whether
unremediated soils and wastes-left-in-place could be protective of human health and the environment
and would meet ARARs without further actions than the ICs already in place. The conclusion of the
detailed FS (FS Deliverable No. 5) was an unqualified no. Therefore this ROD calls for full
remediation of these contaminated media.
EPA recognizes that a small number of reclaimed acres located on Smelter Hill, Stucky Ridge and
along Highway 1 (an estimated 1350 acres as compared to the OU areas of concern approximating
20,000) fall within the mapped boundaries of the ARWW&S areas of concern. These acres will be
delineated in the LRES process and highlighted as separate distinct units requiring monitoring and a
determination of whether they meet the performance standards of the final remedy.
ARCO is also reminded that EPA and MDEQ have consistently stated that all previous actions taken
at the site would be assessed against the final site-wide ROD criteria and a determination made
whether the previously approved actions were consistent with the final remedy (see specifically the
OW/EADA OU ROD and Community Soils ROD). Furthermore, all ground water and surface water
decisions and results of the ecological risk assessment, including the final remedial action objectives
and goals, were deferred to the final remedy. Much of the actions required under this remedy are
specifically designed to reduce risk to ecological receptors, minimize on-going contamination to
ground water and surface water, and prevent further degradation of water resources.
J3j
13k
14
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
14 (Continued from above)
Finally, ARCO correctly cites the provisions of the NCP which require an evaluation of the "No
Further Action" alternative as part of the feasibility study analysis. The NCP requires, "The no-
action alternative, which may be no further action if some removal or remedial action has already
occurred at the site, shall be developed" while, "The costs of construction and any long-term costs to
operate and maintain the alternatives shall be considered." (55 Fed. Reg. 8849, March 8, 1990.)
EPA correctly applied the no further action scenario to the remaining areas of concern at the site and
estimated the O&M costs of these acreages in the costing summaries. No where does CERCLA or
the NCP state, as ARCO asserts in their position paper, that the"... "No Further Action" alternative
should take into account the response measures already implemented at the site, as well as the cost of
those measures." (Emphasis added.) Just because ARCO has spent close to $90 million on the site
to date does not mean that the goals of reduction of risk to human health and the environment and
attainment of ARARs for the entire site has been met.
15 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ, Andrew J. Lensink,
EPA, and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis E. Flack, ARCO, Re:
November 14, 1996 meeting in Helena, MT ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter
NPL Site, January 6, 1997.
This letter outlines ARCO's positions in regards to EPA's screening of
alternatives (FS Deliverable No. 3b) for the detailed analysis (FS Deliverable
No. 5). ARCO raises specific issues around alternatives selected for Cabbage
Gulch, Opportunity Ponds Toe Wastes, Triangle Waste Area, Blue
Lagoon/Railroad Fill, and Willow Creek Tailings.
15 I. Cabbage Gulch: ARCO argues that since EPA cannot find a potential waste-related source of
contamination for contributions of arsenic to surface water contamination, EPA should not look at
active surface water treatments for "naturally occurring substance in its unaltered form.." EPA refers
ARCO to FS Deliverable No. 2, Revised Final Conceptual Model of Fate & Transport, Pathway
Assessment and Areas and/or Media of Concern (1997) and the Regional Soils Remedial
Investigation Report (1997) for a full description of the aerially contaminated soils as the source of
arsenic contamination in the surface waters of Cabbage Gulch.
2. Opportunity Ponds Toe Wastes: ARCO argues that there is no regulatory requirement to identify
the point of compliance at the edge of the Opportunity Ponds such that it would require removal of
toe wastes located outside the berms and that consolidation would provide no benefit to ground
water quality. EPA notes that the requirement to consolidate toe wastes are based on three reasons:
1) remediation of surface water quality in the D-2 drain ditch; 2) reduction of risk to ecological
receptors; and 3) consolidation will reduce long-term management costs of the area.
3. Triangle Waste: EPA retained the capping alternative for this alternative in FS Deliverable 3b for
prevention of ground water contamination; ARCO points out that EPA has not identified ground
water contamination as a problem in this area. EPA agrees with this point of clarification from
ARCO.
4. Blue Lagoon/Railroad Fill: ARCO asserts that the most probable source of elevated copper
concentrations in the Blue Lagoon is pooled water that collects behind the railroad bed as a result of
a clogged drainage culvert; therefore, the final remedy should be replacement of the culvert to
eliminate contact of surface waters with bed material and pooling behind the existing culvert which
would be less costly than removing and replacing the railroad bed material. EPA agreed with this
assessment and chose this alternative for the final remedy.
5. Willow Creek Tailings: ARCO rejects the complete removal alternative for this area of concern
by pointing out the final remedy for tailings located in Subarea 4 of the Streamside Tailings
Operable Unit (located adjacent to the Willow Creek floodplain) is in situ treatment. EPA notes that
this final remedy calls for a partial removal alternative which the agency feels is as protective as the
full removal option assessed in FS Deliverable No. 5 and would minimize impacts to existing
vegetation as noted by ARCO.
Attachment I,- Page 21
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS Response
16 See responses to comment letter 4.
17 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, and Andrew Lensink, EPA, from Phyllis Flack, 17
ARCO, Re: Submittat to the Environmental Protection Agency's National
Remedy Review Board for the Anaconda Regional Water, Waste & Soils
Operable Unit, Anaconda NPL Site, January 30, 1997.
ARCO presents an initial preferred alternative for the final remedy at the
Anaconda Smelter NPL Site. The remedy would rely primarily on local
governmental institutional controls, private property ownership rights, minimal
engineering controls for storm water management, and reclamation of about
1200 acres for a cost of S12 - $24 million to address the final 64,000 acre site.
ARCO argues that this remedy is protective because principal threat wastes
have already been addressed by prior response actions at the site; existing
institutional controls control inappropriate land use, protect against remaining
human health risks and limit environmental risk; risk-based calculations for
unauthorized land uses indicate that remaining soils metals levels pose no
unacceptable risk; source materials remaining at the site do not threaten the
environment; therefore in light of the insignificant human health and
environmental risks posed by remaining source materials, ARCO's preferred
remedy presents the only cost-effective approach to remediating any remaining
potential risk. For each of these arguments, ARCO references a position paper
that is reproduced in their Comments on EPA's Proposed Plan (January 1998)
Attachment L, included in this list of responses.
18 Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Mary Capdcvillc, MDEQ, Julie DalSoglio,
EPA, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: Proposed
Source Controls in TI Zones, ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site,
February 21, 1997.
In this position paper ARCO disagrees that source control measures are
required or appropriate under the NCP or EPA guidance for recommended
ground water Tl zones as outlined in Draft FS Deliverable No. 3a (EPA 1996).
Specific comments and EPA's responses are outlined below:
18a Issue 1: Alternative remedial strategies involving source controls are 18a
inappropriate in the ARWW& S OU because the strategy requires that sources
be located and treated or removed only where "feasible and when significant
risk reduction will result...identification and treatment of specific source areas
would be difficult, if not infeasible...cost associated with identifying and
treating these soils would be disproportionate to any improvement in ground
water quality...other possible mechanisms and pathways by which arsenic may
be transported to ground water such as geothermal loading...and institutional
controls have already been implemented which prevent the use of ground water
impacted by these potential sources as a present or future drinking water
supply.
EPA has thoroughly refuted each of these arguments as outlined in the detailed Responsiveness
Summary, Volume II, ARWW&S OU ROD. Furthermore, EPA stands behind the Administrative
Record for this OU which fully supports all positions of the agency on the human health and
environmental risks posed by remaining wastes, aerially contaminated soils, contaminated surface
water and ground water.
ARCO's proposal in 1997, as outlined to the National Remedy Review Board, does not match new
proposals outlined in the Comments on the Proposed Plan found in their Attachments A
(Reclamation Plan), B (Revegetation Success Criteria), C (Storm Water Management Plan), F (Site
Management Plan), and K (Conceptual Operations and Maintenance Plan Framework). These
submittals outline a much more aggressive program for final remediation on the site and imply that
the final clean up necessary for the site is more extensive and costly than ARCO initial proposal of
$12-$24 million.
The NCP and EPA policy and guidance are very clear about actions when the agency expects that
ground water cannot be restored. Where ground water ARARs are waived at a Superfund site due to
technical impracticability, EPA's general expectations are to prevent further migration of the
contaminated ground water plume, prevent exposure to the contaminated ground water, and evaluate
further risk reduction measures as appropriate. (NCP §300.430(a)(l)(iii)(F)). These expectations
should be evaluated along with the nine remedy selection criteria to determine the most appropriate
remedial strategy for the site. The TI guidance that ARCO quotes has an entire section devoted to
the alternative remedial strategy approach which addressed three types of problems at contaminated
ground water sites: prevention of exposure to contaminated ground water; remediation of
contamination sources; and remediation of aqueous contaminant plumes. Specifically the guidance
states, "Sources should be located and treated or removed where feasible and where significant risk
- Page 22
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
I8b
Issue 2: Factors favoring a more aggressive remedial strategy do not
apply...source controls do not meet the criteria of resulting in a significantly
shorter remediation time frame, reduction of potential for human exposure, or
reduction of ongoing and potential impacts to environmental receptors because
human and environmental exposure to ground water is limited or non-existent.
I8c
Issue 3: Source control measures are not necessary to meet NCR requirements
because the source control measures in the TI zone will not address plume
migration and existing ICs prevent exposure to contaminated ground water.
18a (Continuedfrom above)
reduction will result, regardless of whether EPA has determined that ground-water restoration is
technically impracticable." ARCO proposes in this letter that EPA should ignore this guidance by
not assessing source control measures during the detailed FS and immediately concludes that
remediation of aerially contaminated soils is cost prohibitive and will not significantly reduce
loading of arsenic to the aquifer. In fact, the detailed FS showed that remediation of the soils is
implementable, effective in reducing COCs surface soils, capable of re-establishing plant life and
reducing surface water and wind erosion, provides for reduction of risk to wildlife, and is cost
effective. EPA further believes that reducing COC concentrations in surface soils will help improve
water quality in the ground water in the TI zones.
EPA has addressed the question of geothenmal loading of arsenic in the region bedrock aquifer
system and concluded that geothcrmal sources are not wide-spread but only contribute minor
amounts of arsenic loading on a localized basis. Furthermore, the TI addendum, presented in
Appendix D of this ROD, shows a much wider TI zone than originally identified. Institutional
controls protecting potential users of ground water do not currently exist in the Aspen Hills/Clear
Creek areas or on other private property lands up the Mill Creek drainage.
18b EPA will evaluate and determine the objectives and relative aggressiveness of the alternative remedy
on a site-specific basis, based on the applicable regulatory requirements and considering the factors
of the site. EPA has determined that reclamation of the aerially contaminated soils will achieve
multiple objectives within the TI zones, including providing an alternative remedial strategy of
addressing source loading of arsenic to the regional bedrock aquifer system. The aggressiveness of
implementation of this strategy will be based on a number of factors. Many of these factors are
outlined in the LRES system presented as "modifying criteria." EPA expects to target land
reclamation on those lands which are privately owned and in which ground water resources are
being used as potable water on an earlier time frame. Conversely, lands which have strong
institutional controls, are currently not used for residential use, and located on the outer fringes of
the TI zones may be reclaimed later.
I8c Site characterization to date has not conclusively defined the extent of the TI zones and whether they
are migrating or not. At the direction of EPA, ARCO conducted additional data collection and
monitoring in 1997 and 1998 to better define the extent of the arsenic ground water problem. The TI
zone boundaries were expanded from approximately 11,000 acres to 28,600 acres. Source control
measures are implementable and will help reduce loadings in the TI zones. Existing institutional
controls do not cover the entire area of concern and will need to be expanded. The NCP also
requires evaluation of further risk reduction measures; these measures were assessed as part of the
detailed FS and presented in EPA's Proposed Plan and this final ROD.
Attachment I. - Page 23
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
Response
19
I9a
I9b
Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ, Andrew J. Lensink,
EPA, and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis E. Flack, ARCO, Re: Revised
Final Conceptual Model of Fate and Transport, Pathway Assessment, and Areas
and/or Media of Concern, Anaconda NPL Site, ARWW&S OU, February 27,
1997.
ARCO finalized this document at the direction of EPA and provided copies of
replacement pages and full documents. ARCO had specific responses to EPA's
editorial changes.
Issues 1,2, and 5 are in response to EPA's Draft Final BERA. ARCO objects
to use of the effects concentrations for wildlife (#1), use offish as an aquatic
receptor in drainage ditch network (#2), and in general to the draft final BERA
(#5).
Issue 3 addresses EPA's note that the alluvial aquifer located immediately
down gradient of contaminated ground water underneath the Opportunity
Ponds is a receptor of concern. ARCO states that ground water data collected
since 1985 does not support the hypothesis that impacted ground water is
actively migrating beyond the down gradient end of the Ponds.
I9d
20
Issue 4 is addressed to Blue Lagoon. ARCO notes that the concentrate spill to
which EPA refers has never been located. Railroad bed materials are the most
likely source of any elevated metals in Blue Lagoon.
Letter to Andrew Lensink, EPA, Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Mary Capdeville,
MDEQ, and Andy Young, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO Re: Menzie-
Cura & Associates' Assessment of Impacts to Vegetation by Multiple Stressors
at the ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, March 4,1997.
19a EPA has provided detailed responses to all issues raised by ARCO on the BERA. These responses
are found in EPA's Response to Attachments G and H.
19b EPA strongly disagrees with this position and has consistently noted that impacted ground waters are
migrating out from underneath the Opportunity Ponds. Elevated levels of iron, manganese and
sulfate monitored in all downgradient wells are a clear indicator that ground waters are being
impacted from mine tailings in the area below the Opportunity Ponds. EPA does agree that the
monitoring data collected from 1985 to 1994 shows no movement of the Superfund COCs, arsenic
and cadmium. One geochemical study completed by Tetra-Tech in 1985 shows that sometime in the
future (their estimate of hundreds of years) arsenic is expected to move out from beyond the tailings.
This is why the ROD calls for a POC at the edge of the waste-left-in-place, long-term ground water
monitoring, and for a contingency (ground water capture and treatment) if arsenic is seen to move.
EPA stands by their assessment that the ground water located downgradient of the ponds is a
receptor of concern.
19d EPA agrees with ARCO's conclusion. The final remedy outlined in this ROD calls for placement of
a drainage pipe through the railroad bed and removal of contaminated sediments and outwash of the
Blue Lagoon.
20 See response to ARCO's Comments in Attachment G/H, Ecological Risk Assessments, matrix of
responses to combined ecological risk comments.
Attachm^B - Page 24
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
21 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andrew Lensink, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: Remedy for the
Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds, ARWW&S Oil, Anaconda Smelter NPL
Site, March 18, 1997.
ARCO's primary position outlined in this paper is that the reclamation
measures that EPA has identified in the Draft FS Deliverable No. 5, Detailed
Analysis of Alternatives (February 1997), are not cost-effective, do not wholly
incorporate current or reasonably anticipated future land uses, and extend
beyond protection of the environment. Conversely, ARCO has proposed
reclamation measures for the Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds that are
protective, ARAR-compliance and are the most cost-effective approach to
remediating the Ponds.
21a I. ARCO's proposed remedy as outlined in ARCO's submittal to EPA's
National Remedy Review Board meets the threshold requirements for remedy
selection, ARCO's proposed remedy achieves protection of human health and
the'environment, and ARCO's proposed alternative complies with ARARs.
Response
21 a See EPA's response to ARCO's letter #17- Letter to the National Remedy Review Board, and
ARCO's letter #24 - Wildlife Habitat As a Remedial Objective and EPA Authority to Require
Remedial Action Under CERCLA to Address Ecological Risk on Privately Held Land.
ARCO spends considerable time arguing that EPA cannot require remediation of the Ponds because
the County has designated post-mining land use at the Ponds to be waste management under the
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Comprehensive Master Plan and thus is the "reasonably anticipated
future land use." EPA has accurately included this land use planning into the determination of risk
and analysis of feasibility study alternative for protection of human health and the environment. As
ARCO further notes, Montana regulations provide: "If the land cannot be reclaimed to the use that
existed prior to any mining because of the mined condition, the post-mining land use must be judged
on the basis of the highest and best use that can be achieved and is compatible with surrounding
areas." ARM 26.4.824(2)(a). The 1997 Master Plan Update for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
recognizes that the Ponds will have limited human activity due to the nature of mine waste
remaining. The entire area of the Ponds cannot possibly be used for future mine waste disposal as
hinted by ARCO. In fact, the Lower Area One (LAO) removal from the Butte site and active
disposal into the Ponds was halted by ARCO in favor of a closer location. EPA anticipates minimal
acreage needed for future removals in the Anaconda Smelter NPL site. Therefore, vast areas of the
Ponds would remain open or minimally addressed under ARCO's proposal to the National Remedy
Review Board. As noted elsewhere in these responses, ARCO's proposal would not reduce risk to
the environment or meet mine reclamation ARARs.
21 b 2. ARCO's targeted reclamation measures in conjunction with existing
institutional controls satisfies the CERCLA preference for treatment of
principal threat wastes and is consistent with EPA policy for remediation of
low-level threat wastes.
21 b EPA agrees that ARCO has placed institutional controls on their property of the Ponds through use
of deed restrictions which may be protective of human health. However, EPA has no guarantee that
ARCO will remain the property owner of these lands perpetually. Furthermore, by virtue of the fact
that ARCO has restricted human activities, the lands will be inhabited by wildlife. Additionally, as
noted in the County's Master Plan, the Ponds are surrounded by open space (historic smelting
districts and wildlife management areas). These factors make environmental risk reduction the
primary driver on these lands. ARCO's proposal to the National Remedy Review Board does not
address this risk reduction, does not meet the mine reclamation closure requirements of the State of
Montana by providing a long-term, permanent vegetative cover (the State rejects 6 inches of rock as
a cover for the ponds), and does not reduce COC transport to ground water underneath the mine
waste materials.
Attachment L - Page 25
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
21 c 3. Extensive reclamation of the Ponds is not cost-effective in comparison to
ARCO's proposed remedy and therefore may not be selected as a remedial
alternative.
21 d 4. EPA does not have authority to require extensive reclamation of the Ponds
because this remedy is inconsistent with reasonable anticipated future land use.
21 e 5. EPA does not have authority to require extensive reclamation of the Ponds
because this remedy is above and beyond that required for protection of the
human health and the environment and therefore is not authorized under
CERCLA.
Response
2 Ic ARCO's proposed remedy does not meet the thresh hold criteria of reduction of risk and attainment
of ARARs. EPA rejects ARCO's conclusion that there is minimal risk posed at the Ponds. The
question of whether ARCO's proposal is more cost-effective is moot.
21 d See EPA's response to issue number S1 above.
21 e EPA disagrees and relies upon the extensive Administrative Record for this site and as summarized
in this Responsiveness Summary. See response 24a.
22 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andrew Lensink, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: Feasibility
Study Deliverable No. 5, ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, May
12, 1997.
ARCO summarizes the following issues based on the other position papers
found in their Attachment L to the Comments on the Proposed Plan:
22a 1. EPA's analysis does not consider current and reasonably anticipated future
land use.
22b 2. EPA's assessment of human health risk does not include or acknowledge
risk calculations prepared by ARCO for unauthorized access scenarios.
22c 3. EPA relies on the Draft Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment
("BERA") for its characterization of risk despite weaknesses in the analysis that
EPA is currently attempting to correct.
22d 4. In particular, remedial alternatives for sparsely vegetated soils are not
supported by the current BERA analysis
22e 5. EPA incorrectly assumes that "partial" reclamation alternatives can only
achieve PRAOs "partially."
22a EPA disagrees. Sec response in Attachment L Letter #21.
22b See response in Attachment I.
22c See response in Attachments G/H.
22d See response in Attachments G/H; see Stucky Ridge Pilot Project (August 1997); and see description
of LRES process, Appendix C of the Decision Summary.
22e ARCO proposed use of limited reclamation across the site was limited to visual corridors along road
into the community of Anaconda. Their reclamation plan as presented to the National Remedy
Review Board did not address risk reduction, prevention of COC transport via wind or surface water,
minimization of storm water run off, or attainment of ARARs. EPA FS Deliverable No. 5 showed
that the partial reclamation remedy proposed by ARCO was not acceptable in meeting the thresh
hold criteria of the NCP.
EPA further evaluated how to address the sparsely vegetated soils initially in the Stucky Ridge Pilot
Project (summer 1997) and more fully in development of the LRES system as presented in Appendix
C of the ROD Decision Summary. ARCO and the readers are referred to these documents for further
explanation of reclamation of sparsely vegetated soils.
Attach
- Page 26
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS
22f 6. Alternatives that are intended to restore or improve conditions, rather than to
prevent further risk, are beyond EPA's remediation authority under CERCLA
Section 104.
22g 7. The analysis ignores critical implemcntability issues.
Response
22h
22i
22j
22k
8. The No Further Action alternative analysis frequently ignores measures
ARCO has already taken.
9. EPA proposes ground water remedies in areas where (a) ground water is not
subject to use; (b) the remedy is upgradient of areas where waste is left in
place; and/or (c) other sources of alleged contamination such as geothermal
sources impact ground water quality.
10. EPA incorrectly states that the partial reclamation and rock amendment
alternatives will not meet State mine reclamation ARARs for areas where
mining-related materials will be left in place.
11. Remedial alternatives have not been selected for the ARWW&S OU.
Therefore, EPA's Operation and Maintenance Plan, FS Deliverable No. 4
(Appendix F of FS Deliverable No. 5) remains conceptual only.
221
12. EPA's analysis does not adequately address the cost-effectiveness of its
proposed remedial alternatives.
22m 13. EPA's cost estimates set out in Appendix C of FS Deliverable No. 5 may
not be accurate for many remedial alternatives.
22f EPA disagrees with ARCO's conclusion that revegetation that is not necessary to control exposure to
or migration of COCs, such as revegetation to provide wildlife habitat, or to improve ground water
quality when ground water is neither threatening surface water quality nor migrating, is outside
EPA's authority. See responses to Attachment L letters.
22g EPA has not ignored implementability issues on availability of services and materials and schedule
delays. In fact, during Summer 1998 ARCO agreed under an Administrative Order on Consent to
conduct field work looking at available borrow material and to address the sparsely vegetated soils.
ARCO has shown through additional sampling that there is plenty of available materials to provide
reclamation of the Ponds and surrounding sparsely vegetated soils. ARCO proposed Site
Management Plan, Attachment F, to the comments on the proposed plan further shows that
implementation of the proposed remedy is feasible, cost-effective and timely.
22h See response to Attachment L Letter 14.
22i See response to Attachment L Letters 4,16, and 18.
22j See response to Attachment L Letter 13.
22k EPA agrees. The purpose of the O&M Plan was to outline the level of work that will be expected as
part of the final remedy and potential costs associated with the remedy. The FS Deliverable No. 5
O&M Plan provides a list of ground water wells and a schedule for their sampling. For the
monitoring and maintenance of revegetated areas, the O&M Plan provides a schedule for the type
and frequency of data to collect. EPA intends to prepare a revised version of the FS Deliverable No.
5 O&M Plan for the ARWW&S OU during the remedial design phase. In addition, as noted above,
ARCO and EPA are in agreement that vast majority of mine waste is to be left in place and large
areas of ground water will not be remediated. Both of these media will need long-term O&M.
221 EPA provides a cost analysis among the FS alternatives which are relative to each other. Once an
alternative has met the thresh hold criteria, the alternative must be cost-effective. ARCO presents
alternatives that do not meet thresh hold criteria and then argues that their proposal is more cost
effective than EPA's alternatives. This is ludicrous.
EPA has continued to refine our initial cost estimates and presents revisions to the costs as found in
the Appendix E of the ROD.
22m EPA has revised cost estimates per comments received from ARCO and MDEQ. The cost
assumptions that were revised and the updated cost tables are presented in Appendix E of the ROD.
In fact, estimated costs have been reduced from the FS Deliverable No. 5.
Attachment L - Page 27
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
23 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andrew Lensink, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: Scope and
Methods of Reclamation Appropriate for "Sparsely Vegetated Soils" in the
ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, May 15, 1997.
ARCO presents a position that in many sparsely vegetated areas of the
ARWW&S OU, reclamation is beyond EPA's legal authority.
23a I. EPA may require reclamation to address phytotoxicity only in areas where
vegetation condition is adversely impacted by "hazardous substances."
CERCLA provides no authority for EPA to require reclamation where
vegetation condition is or has been adversely impacted by land use practices or
other substances or conditions, such as SO2 or soil quality.
23b 2. Reclamation measures designed to introduce vegetation or improve
vegetation condition or diversity in areas where existing conditions support
reasonably anticipated current and future land use are beyond the statutory
scope of a remedial action.
23c 3. Where EPA's assessment of vegetation condition is flawed, EPA may not
require reclamation.
23d 4. Monitored natural attenuation is an appropriate remedy in areas of the
ARWW&S OU where migration of contaminants to surface and ground water
is not a risk or can be controlled adequately through storm water management.
5. Best management practices (BMPs) are appropriate in many areas and
should be utilized as part of EPA's reclamation alternatives.
6. Only by refining extent and methods of reclamation currently under
consideration can EPA achieve a cost effective remedy for sparsely vegetated
soils.
Response
23a See response to Attachment G and H; LRES system Appendix C.
23b See response to Attachment G and H; LRES system Appendix C.
23c EPA's assessment of vegetation conditions is not flawed; See response to Attachment G and H;
LRES system Appendix C.
23d EPA has continued to refine the extent and depth of the problem through initiating the Stucky Ridge
Pilot Project and implementation of the LRES system. EPA agrees that these efforts will further
refine the costs for the site.
24 Letter to Julie DalSoglio, EPA, Andrew Lensink, EPA, Andy Young, MDEQ,
and Mary Capdeville, MDEQ, from Phyllis Flack, ARCO, Re: Wildlife Habitat
As a Remedial Objective, ARWW&S OU, Anaconda Smelter NPL Site, May
27, 1997.
24a It is not reasonable to designate wildlife and plants as ecological receptors at
the waste management areas including the Anaconda Smelter disturbed area,
the Anaconda Ponds, the Opportunity Ponds, and the main granulated slag pile.
24a ARCO argues essentially that there can be no ecological risk at an area designated for waste
management. ARCO assumes further that any such risk could occur only at an area designated for
"wildlife management." EPA strongly disagrees. ARCO fails to support its assertions with any
explanation, information, or study other than simply to assert that it is unreasonable to designate
wildlife and plants as ecological receptors at a waste management area. The fact is, hazardous
substances may well present a threat to plants and wildlife at and adjacent to waste management
areas. As explained below, EPA has documented the existence of ecological risk at each of the
waste management areas ("WMAs") at the ARWW&S OU, including the Anaconda Smelter
disturbed area, the Anaconda Ponds, the Opportunity Ponds, and the main granulated slag pile.
Attach
- Page 28
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
24a (Continuedfrom above)
EPA risk assessors are not allowed to eliminate the possibility of ecological risk at a given cleanup
area based simply upon that area's particular current or future land use. Rather, EPA must evaluate a
number of factors as provided for under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. Part 300 ("NCP"), and ecological risk assessment guidance, See
Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Super/and: Process for Designing and Conducting
Ecological Risk Assessments. Interim Final, June 5, 1997 ("ERAGS") in deciding whether there
may be actual ecological risk at a given cleanup area. While the NCP and EPA guidance do require
EPA to consider current and future land use, this occurs in the context of the baseline risk
assessment performed as part of the Remedial Investigation. See NCP Preamble, 55 Fed. Reg. 8666
at 8710. The baseline risk assessment evaluates the extent of contamination at a site, as necessary,
and the existence or extent of risks to human health and/or the environment. Land use assumptions
are necessary in order for EPA to assess the degree of "exposure" presented by a site and allow the
risk assessment to focus on realistic exposures. See ERAGS at 6. The focus on land use
assumptions, however, is not intended to replace the risk assessment process, which is what ARCO
seems to suggest.
The ecological risk assessment guidance requires that EPA consider the possibility of ecological risk
at all sites, including industrial sites. "[A]ll sites should be evaluated by qualified personnel to
determine whether [remediation to reduce ecological risk is appropriate]." ERAGS at 1-3. If EPA
finds plants and animals at a given site when it performs the ecological risk assessment, it ought to
designate them as receptors. That is exactly what EPA has done at the WMAs. EPA evaluated the
ARWW&S OU using the 8 step process outlined in the ERAGS and in October of 1997 EPA issued
the Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment for the ARWW&S OU ("FBERA"). EPA concluded
that animals and plants are at risk across the ARWW&S OU, including the WMAs, and areas
adjacent to the WMAs. Vegetation is generally stressed in these areas. There are many areas of
bare soil and depressed plant populations. Animals do visit the WMAs and areas adjacent to the
WMAs, are at risk from the contamination mere, and are affected by the stressed plant systems.
FBERA at 5-129 to 5-141.
ARCO's claim that it is unreasonable to designate plant and animal receptors at the WMAs is itself
unreasonable. EPA is required to assess the possibility of ecological risk and the existence of plant
and animal receptors at all cleanup sites, including industrial sites. When EPA evaluated the WMAs
at the ARWW&S OU, it discovered that there were indeed plant and animal receptors and a threat of
harm to animals and plants in and adjacent to the WMAs. Remedial action at and near the WMAs as
set forth in this ROD is therefore well justified.
Attachment L - Page 29
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S Rl/FS Response
24b EPA cannot require restoration of natural resources on private land under the 24b ARCO argues that EPA does not have authority under CERCLA to "require affirmative "restoration"
guise of a CERCLA remedial action. of "natural resources" on private lands as part of a remedial action."2 Restoration of "natural
resources" may only be undertaken in the context of a natural resource damage action under
CERCLA § 107(f). "Remedial actions" may only address the protection of the environment and
"restoration" of "natural resources" goes beyond protection of the environment.
EPA agrees that it does not have jurisdictional authority to file actions for damages or to explicitly
"restore" "natural resources" on private land or even on public land. However, EPA may take
"remedial action" under CERCLA which may coincidentally result in the restoration of natural
resources. EPA may take or may require remedial action to protect the "environment" anywhere,
including private land. This remedial action may coincidentally result in the restoration of some
natural resources. EPA's authority to take or require remedial action is not limited by the definition
of "restoration," "natural resources," or by a distinction between private and public lands.
EPA may implement a remedial action, taking whatever action is "necessary," whenever "any
hazardous substance is released or there is a substantial threat of such a release into the environment"
which is "the navigable waters, the waters of the contiguous zone, and the ocean waters... [and]
any other surface water, ground water, drinking water supply, land surface or subsurface strata, or
ambient air... ."See CERCLA sections 104 and 101(8). EPA may order whatever abatement
action is deemed "necessary" whenever there is "an imminent and substantial endangerment to the
public health or welfare or the environment because of an actual or threatened release of a hazardous
substance." See CERCLA section 106. "Remedial actions" are "those actions... taken ... to
prevent or minimize the release of hazardous substances... so that they do not migrate to cause
substantial danger to present or future public health or welfare or the environment." See CERCLA
section 101(24). Remedial action also must comply with ARARs, such as revegetation, reclamation,
and stream re-configuration requirements.
In contrast, NRD actions are triggered by any "injury to, destruction of, or loss of natural resources,"
which are defined as "land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, drinking water supplies,
and other such resources...." See CERCLA section 107(0,43 C.F.R. § 11.14(z). Damages include
the costs of "restoration," or whatever actions must be taken to "return an injured resource to its
baseline condition ... when such actions are in addition to response actions completed or
anticipated, and when such actions exceed the level of response actions determined appropriate to
the site pursuant to the NCP." 43 C.F.R. §11.14(11). NRD actions are not brought by EPA, but by a
federal resource manager, State, or Indian tribe, regarding harm to natural resources owned or
controlled by them.
Obviously, actions to address "threats" to the "environment" may at times also tend to "restore"
"natural resources." This is not at all surprising given that the statutory definitions for
"environment" and "natural resources" are similar. Both definitions include surface water, ground
water, soil, and air. It should be expected that a remedy to address threats to the environment will
also tend to restore natural resources. That may well be the case for the remedial action to be
applied to the WMAs as outlined in the ROD. The ROD calls for revegetation and/or engineered
covers at the WMAs. See Decision Summary portion of the ROD. EPA's intent is that the
revegetation and covers will reduce erosion of surface soils, reduce infiltration of water through the
1 Letter from Pamela S. Soar, Senior Attorney, ARCO, to Andrew J. Lensink, Esq. United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), et. al., of March 18, 1997, at 5.
- Page 30
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ARCO's Previously Submitted Comments on the ARWW&S RI/FS
Response
24b (Continued from above)
waste to ground water, and interrupt any other pathways for the release of contaminants in the waste
at the WMAs. As documented in the FBERA, contaminated soils and ground water could eventually
migrate off site if no remedial action is taken. Revegetation and engineered covers will prevent this.
Re vegetation and covers may well be considered "restoration" of natural resources to some extent,
but are perfectly legitimate if they also address "imminent" "threats" to the environment.
That the remedy outlined in the ROD will take place partially on private land is no cause for
concern. EPA authority to address threats to the environment does not exclude threats on private
land. See CERCLA sections 104 and 106. Indeed, the great majority of Superfund sites are located
primarily on private land. The FBERA documents that the hazardous substances or contaminants
located on ARCO owned land at the WMAs present a risk to the environment, as defined in the
NCP, and an "imminent" and "substantial" "endangerment" to the "environment." Therefore, the
remedy set forth in the ROD for the WMAs is entirely justified.
Attachment L • Page 31
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TABLES
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TABLE 1
ARWW&S OU PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY TABLE
Date |
Author |
Key Iisues
Action/Response |
Notes/Comments
Public and Local Government Comments
10/31/97
Bob Johnson
4511Hwy48
Anaconda, MT 59711
Opportunity Ponds slum dust storms/dust suppression
Warm Springs Creek channel pollution/Old Works Golf Course
Time span for implementation of remedy
Section 2.1
Responses 2, 3,21
letter includes attachments regarding
legal issues concerning Sadie Johnson
property, also, pertinent notes by J.
DalSoglio (EPA)
12/12/97
Barbara Andreozzi
Deer Lodge County Ext. Office
800 S. Main
Anaconda, MT 59711-2999
"Hot spots" on East Park and their effect on downtown tree planting for
Anaconda beautification project
Section 2.1
Response 22
letter includes attachment of ARCO
soil sampling results conducted
5/16/97 in front of Thrifty Drug and
Park Street Antiques
12/23/97
Carl Stetzner* and William Hickey
ADLC/Arrowhead Foundation
800 S. Main
Anaconda, MT 59711
Preclusion of future community land use planning
Proposed plan did not address community concerns
Ground water TI
Financial strain on county government: costs of implementing ICs/ground
water use controls and maintaining the DPS/Comprehensive Land Use Plan;
multi-layer trust fund scenario
Need for infrastructure in West Valley
Consolidation of wastes left in place/remediation to pre-smelting conditions
Control of wind erosion
Involvement in concurrence and design phase
Section 2.1
Responses 1,2,4, 5,
7, 8,22
•attached letter dated 1/14/98 states
the withdrawal of Stetzner as a
signatory on this letter
Vi/98
D. DiFrancesco
RDM Multi-Enterprises, Inc.
P.O. Box 179
Anaconda, MT 59711
Continued marketing of the Anaconda Washoe Slag Pile by RDM Multi-
Enterprises via a long term contract with ARCO
Section 2.1
Response 16
Statement that slag has caused no
concern not true based on other
comments and community interviews
1/13/98
Melvin Stokke
1803 Tammany
Anaconda, MT 59711
Use of slag in making Portland Cement at the Trident cement plant
Section 2.1
Response 17
letter includes attachments regarding
slag analyses and the purchase of slag
for industrial uses
1/13/98
Sandra Stash
ARCO
307 East Park, Suite 400
Anaconda, MT 59711
Revision of restrictive covenants on ARCO land to enable development of a
regional prison
Section 2.1
Response 19
Page 1 of 6
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TABLE 1
ARWW&S OU PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY TABLE
Date
1/15/98
1/15/98
1/15/98
1/21/98
received
by EPA
1/21/98
1/27/98
1/28/97
Author
Teny Wilkinson
ADLC
800 South Main
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Gene Vuckovich
1205 West Third Street
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Transcript of the Proceedings
Nordhagen Court Reporting
1734 Harrison Avenue
Butte, MT 59701
Herbert Lutey
4616Hwy48
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Senator Bea McCarthy
1906Ogden
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Dan Hamilton
WH Ranch
700 Willow Glenn Lane
Anaconda, MT 597 11
Henry Broers
Montanans for Property Rights
P.O. Box 130399
Coram,MT 599 13-0399
Key Issues
• Commends EPA for number of public meetings and "good deal" of info to
public through the mail
• Use B Cell as a waste disposal area
• Dust suppression in remaining waste areas
• Ground water TI not acceptable
• Lack of specificity in the establishment of a trust fund
• Future development/land use limited in East Valley
• Time span for implementation of remedy has to be funded
• Specified level of community involvement needed in design and
implementation
• Negative image of long term Superfund site
• Need revised (quicker) implementation timeline
• Concurrence with the statement made by Terry Wilkinson (see above);
Proposed Plan needs to be beneficial to citizens, be cost effective, and
comply with EPA regulations and law
Transcript of the Formal Public Hearing held 1/15/98 at Anaconda Senior
High School, Anaconda, MT. See list of presenters included in transcript.
Blowing dust off Opportunity Ponds
Clean water
Proposed actions are insufficient
Continued ground water monitoring/revegetation
Success of crop production/return of birds and wildlife to the Ponds and Hill
areas
• Continued high level of cleanup desired
• Remedial plans for Hamilton property located in VA13A, in Section 20,
T4N, R10W, containing all 5 COCs, including elevated arsenic levels
(l.SOOppm)
• ARCO's property rights may be jeopardized in the Superfund process
(confiscation without compensation)
Action/Response
Section 2.1
Responses 1,2,3, 4,
8,11
Section 2.1
Response 1,2, 3,4, 6,
8,11,15
Section 2.1
Responses 1, 3, 5, 6,
12,13,14,15,16,17.
18,20,31
Section 2.1
Responses 2, 12
Section 2.1
Responses 3
Section 2.1
Responses 22
Section 2.1
Response 14
Notes/Comments
attendance list for Formal Public
Hearing included
Montana Bureau of Mines and
Geology water quality analysis is
attached
Page 2 of 6
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TABLE 1
ARWW&S OU PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY TABLE
Date
Author
Key Issues
Action/Response
Notes/Comments
received
by EPA
1/29/98
Natalie Fitzpatrick
• School-supported tree-planting projects as a means of revegetation without
tremendous cost
• Support for soil amendments/revegetation rather than relocation of wastes;
deep plowing supported
• Support for finding alternate water supplies rather than trying to treat
ground water in the TI zone
• Needs of community balanced with environmental decisions
• Do not try to return area to pristine state
Section 2.1
Response 12,13,15,
23
1/29/98
Jim Davison
ALDC
P.O. Box 842
Anaconda, MT 59711
Local government and community groups involvement in remedial design
process
Section 2.1
Response 1
1/29/98
William Hickey
Arrowhead Foundation
P.O. Box 842
Anaconda, MT 59711
Local government and community groups, TAG (Arrowhead) specifically,
involvement in remedial design process
Group would work with EPA to define public's role in design
Section 2.1
Response 1
1/29/98
Paul Capps
416 East 7th Street
Anaconda, MT 59711
Lack of specifics in Proposed Plan
TI for Ground water ARARs/conflict with NCP criteria
Use of ICs and future O&M responsibility not wise for an underfunded,
understaffed county
Economic development ahead of threshold criteria
Need to settle remediation versus restoration issue
Decries lack of trees in currently remediated areas
Expresses cynicism about Responsiveness Summary
Section 2.1
Responses 4, 5, 6, 7,
9,10
1/30/98
James Manning
ADLC Planning Department
800 South Main
Anaconda, MT 59711
Involvement of elected officials, ALDC, Arrowhead Foundation, and TAG
in the remedial design process
Ground water concerns (other than under the Opportunity Ponds); ground
water and development (proposed prison)
Need to re-examine remedy proposed for areas where previously
development was not expected
Soil contamination between Lost Creek and Warm Springs
Contamination in old irrigation ditches in the area
Dust problem off the Opportunity Ponds
ICs and O&M/funding levels and actual responsibilities, as they relate to the
County
Section 2.1
Responses 1,2,4,19,
24,25-28
Page 3 of 6
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TABLE 1
ARWW&S OU PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY TABLE
Date
1/30/98
received
by EPA
2/2/98
received
by EPA
2/2/98
Author
Dave Elias
ADLC County Engineer
800 South Main
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Bill Masella
George Grant Trout Unlimited
1900 Tammany Street
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
John Sevores
Box 1456
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Key Issues
• North slag pile as a potential contamination source
• Investigation of railroad bed contamination in the Georgetown Lake area
• Placement of solid waste by ARCO in a Class-0 landfill, rather than at the
southeast comer of the main granulated slag pile
• Need language in ROD for addressing the "unknowns"
• Maintenance and preservation of the Mill-Willow bypass in conjunction
with remediation of Warm Springs Creek/Warm Springs Ponds
• Threats to Mill-Willow flypass from Opportunity ground water plume
• Warm Springs Creek floodplain tailings removal
• Opportunity Ponds ground water plume contamination (sampling
responsibility/schedules, exceedance parameters, access to data)
• Advocates removal of tailings from Warm Springs Creek flood plain
• Land ownership in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and potential conflict with
private landowners
Action/Response
Section 2.1
Responses 25-28
Section 2.1
Response 29
Section 2.1
Response 30
Notes/Comments
letter includes multiple attachments
pertaining to deed transfers in Aspen
Hills and Lost Creek areas; property
ownership map
State of Montana Agency Comments
1/28/98
C. Richard C lough
MDFWP
3201 SpurginRoad
Missoula, MT 59804
Removal of tailings deposits in flood plain of Warm Springs Creek rather
than implementing STARS technique
Section 3.0
Response 1
letter includes attachments regarding
the termination of a channel restoration
project after discovering tailings in the
project area
1/28/98
Greg Mullen
NRDLP
P.O. Box 201425
Helena, MT 59620-1425
Remediation of Opportunity and Anaconda Ponds via capping or other
measure; need to have capillary fringe layer and adequate growth media
Reclamation of upland areas (i.e., Mt. Haggin area) not addressed in the
Proposed Plan; extensive tree planting needed (things the Proposed Plan
does not address that the State plan does)
Section 3.0
Response 2
Page 4 of 6
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TABLE 1
ARWW&S OU PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY TABLE
Date
Author
Key Issues
Action/Response
Notes/Comments
1/30/98
Man Marsh
MDEQ
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Soil cover instead of Reclamation Levels I and D for certain areas
Cost calculations/availability of cover soil borrow sources
B2 Cell of Opportunity Ponds as a waste disposal site
Temporary or permanent cover over Main Slag Pile due to airborne
contamination
Alternative remedy for South Lime Ditch and Triangle Wastes
Removal of tailings and waste material from Warm Springs Creek, Willow
Creek, and Blue Lagoon areas
Proposed Plan listed 8" of cover soil instead of 18" for the East Anaconda
Yard; monitoring to determine if 18" is sufficient
Pro-active approach to ground water/surface water cleanup (i.e., ground
water interception trenches)
Storm water control (lined detention basins/ditches/meeting requirements
during remedial action rather than at construction completion/storm water
monitoring time limitation
Additional methods for use at Opportunity/Anaconda Ponds
Stucky Ridge Pilot Project/development of LRES or similar system
Commercial reuse of slag
Use of the word "reclamation" to describe proposed remedy
Do not allow ARCO to take the lead on remedy character definition
Section 3.0
Response 3
1/30/98
Mary Capdeville
MDEQ
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Application of State ground water standards beneath Waste Management
Areas
Interpretation of the NCP and CERCLA with regard to ARARs/statutory
waivers
Feasibility study ARARs (specifically, FS Deliverable No. 5, Appendix B;
list of potential ARARs)
"Other Laws" section in ARARs
Section 3.0
Response 4
1/30/98
Fred Staedler
DNRC
1401 27th Avenue
Missoula, MT 59804
Cleanup measures limiting revenue generation in these areas:
• Potential for residential or commercial development on Stucky Ridge tract
• Productive dry land pasture on North Opportunity Subarea tract
Section 3.0
Response 5
Other Federal Agency Comments
1/29/98
Robert Stewart
USDI
P.O. Box 25007(0-1 08)
Denver, CO 80225-0007
• Surface water NFA does not meet threshold criteria
• Water quality monitoring program for Cabbage Gulch and Yellow Ditch;
include schedule for meeting water quality criteria (five year time period is
appropriate)
Section 3.0
Response 6
letter includes attachment: Summary of
Four-Step Process for Addressing
Wetland Issues in Upper Clark Fork
River Superrund Sites
Page 5 of 6
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ARCO Comments
TABLE 1
ARWW&S OU PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY TABLE
Date Author
Keybsuei
1 Action/Response |
Notes/Comments
1/30/98
ARCO
307 East Park, Suite 400
Anaconda, MT 5971 1
Includes the following attachments:
• Reclamation Plan
• An Approach for Establishing Reclamation Performance Standards for the
ARWW&S OU
• Conceptual Stotmwater Runoff Control Plan for the ARWW&S OU
• Institutional Controls Management Plan for the ARWW&S OU
• ARWW&S OU Anaconda Smelter Superfiind Site - Performance Standards
• ARWW&S OU Conceptual Remedial Design/Remedial Action Site
Management Plan
• Comments on EPA Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment
• Review of the Final Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment, ARWW&S OU
• Risk-Based Calculations for Soil Arsenic, ARWW&S OU
• Feasibility Study Comments on EPA's Proposed Plan
• Conceptual Operations and Maintenance Plan Framework
• ARCO Comments Provided to the EPA for ARWW&S OU
Section 4.0
Page 6 of 6
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APPENDIX A
Transcript of the Proceedings
Heard at Anaconda Senior High School
January 15,1998
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.ANACONDA SMELTER SUPERFUND SITE
ANACONDA REGIONAL WATER, WASTE AND .SOILS OPERABLE UNIT
ANACONDA-DEER LODGE COUNTY, MONTANA
: : • -.-.;• -PROPOSED PLAN -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS
Heard at Anaconda Senior High School
Anaconda, Montana
• . January 15, 1998
. 7:05 p.m.
Reported by: CHERYL ROMSA
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING
CANDINORDHAGEN . Registered Professional Reporter
1734 Harrison Avenue Conference Room
Butte, Montana 59701 1734 Harrison Avenue
(406) 494-2083
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ANACONDA SMELTER
Multi-Page
TM
SUPERFUND SITE
JANUARY 15, 1998
ANACONDA SMELTER SUPERFUND SITE
ANACONDA REGIONAL WATER, WASTE AND SOILS OPERABLE UNIT
ANACONDA-DEER LODGE COUNTY. MONTANA
PROPOSED PLAN
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS
Heard at Anaconda Senior High School
Anaconda. Montana
January 15, 1998
7;05 pjn.
Page 3
1 WHEREUPON, the proceedings were had as follows:
2 MS. DalSOGLia My name is Julie DalSogiio. I am the
3 Remedial Project Manager for the Environmental Protection
4 Agency working on this site. First of all, I want to thank all
5 of you for coming. It's just wonderful to see this kind of a
6 turnout.
7 We've been here basically since the end of October
8 conducting a number of meetings, trying to get the information
9 out about what EPA is proposing as the final cleanup plan for
10 across the site. So I'm really pleased to sec this kind of
11 turnout tonight for our last public hearing.
12 I'm going to talk a little bit about the logistics about
13 what we're going to do this evening, and then I'll turn it over
14 to the individuals who have signed up to provide written - or
15 excuse me, verbal comment. We have a court reporta here to
16 take your comments, and EPA will be responding directly to all
17 comment received tonight in writing as pan of our final Record
18 of Decision on the site.
19 Again, just briefly, we have been, as most of you know,
20 working on this site now for approximately 15 years. The
21 Agency has put out four previous Records of Decisions which
22 have documented the types of cleanup actions for different
23 areas on the site. We've had a number of removal activities
24 that have gone on. And the attempt here with this final
25 site-wide Record of Decision is basically to wrap up into one
INDEX
1
Page 4
complete package the final sets of decision about how to handle
2 all of the rest of the she, including groundwater, surface
COMMENT BY: PAGE 3 water, all of the remaining tailings ponds, and all of the
Terry Wilkinson 7 4 remaining arsenic contaminated soils.
DaveBeatty 1 12 5 We released the Proposed Plan on October 22nd. We
Gene Vuckovich— 12 6 originally had a public comment period that was going to end on
Jim Flynn 13 7 December 20th. At the request of several members of this
Sandy Stash. 14 8 community, we extended the public comment period to
Chuck HaeffncT 17 9 January 30th. I want to underscore that if you are not
Bill Hickey 19 10 comfortable in providing comment or testimony tonight on the
Mel Stokke 20 11 Proposed Plan, we are still accepting written comment through
An McLean 26 12 the 30th of January. So those of you who either don't feel
Joe Jordan 27 13 comfortable or would like to submit comment in that format.
Natalie Fitzpatrick 28 14 please do.
Tammy Johnson 30 IS We held an initial public information meeting. I don't
Joe Saba. 34 16 remember the dates now, but the week after the 22nd of October
Duane Logan 37 17 We had a three-day open bouse/public information activity going
Mike Nash 38 18 on at the Community Services Center in mid-November and a
Don Peoples 39 19 second open meeting, public information meeting in Opportunity
Don Kelley 42 20 on the 20th of November and basically have been trying to get
Ed McCarthy '. 44 21 the information out about what we would like to do on this
Wayne Ternes 44 22 site.
Jim Davison 46 23 Beyond this introduction that I am providing this evening,
Neil Thomas 47 24 EPA will sit down and open it up to this public comment
Bea McCarthy 48 25 process. It will not be a situation where will you have an
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, M*** 59701
Page 3 - Page 4
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SUPERFUND SITE
JANUARY 15, 1998
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TM
ANACONDA SMELTEfc
PageS
1 opportunity to question us and us respond to your question
2 during this formal period. But I do want to emphasize, there's
3 a number of individuals from EPA besides myself that are here
4 that would be available after the meeting tonight to try to
5 clarify or address any other issues about the Proposed Plan.
6 Let me introduce very quickly Bob Fox. who is the Superfund
7 Branch Chief; Charlie Coteman - oh. he's still outside.
8 Charlie is manning the desk, and he's the other Remedial
9 Project Manager from EPA who has been working on this site for
10 almost ten years. I'd like to also introduce Man Marsh, who
11 is the State Project Officer on the site, and he's also
12 available to try to take some questions and provide answers on
13 things.
14 We have about 20 people or individuals who signed up to
15 provide comment. I guess just very quickly, is there anybody
16 else that did not get on the signup sheet that would like to
17 provide verbal comment at this point?
18 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You indicated initially that
19 that was for written comment?
20 MS. DalsOGLlO: Yes. And again, another point of
21 clarification, we're still accepting written comment, so you
22 don't have to sign up tonight. I just want to make sure that
23 anybody who wanted to provide verbal comment or testimony, I
24 have them on the list.
25 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER; rd like to provide verbal
Page?
1 MR. vucxoviat Julie. I'd like lo yield my pUoe, al
2 the present time, just temporarily, to Commissioo Chairman
3 Wilkinson.
4 MS. Dalsocuo: That's fine.
5 MIL WILKINSON: rm Tory Wilkinson, and I'm the
6 Quirmin of the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission. And we
7 have a report here that we're going to direct toward* Julie.
8 Her being the Project Manager, il will be addressed to her.
9 Can everybody hear me all right?
10 AUDIENCE: No.
11 MR. WILKINSON: First of all, there's 50 copies of the
12 letter that we're going to send 10 the EPA sitting out on the
13 desk so you can follow along. If you don't have one, there
14 should be some still out there. So this letter, the cover
15 letter will read as follows.
16 It stys: The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioners
17 recognize and appreciate the diligent efforts of EPA and AJ.CO
18 over the past 15 years in addressing the Anaconda Smeller NPL
19 Superfund Site. Past successes have occurred because EPA,
20 AKCO, and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County worked together to address
21 and alleviate the Superfund concerns of Anaconda-Deer Lodge
22 County.
23 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County would like to register the
24 attached concerns so that final decisions can be made
25 (he Anaconda site. The following concerns are based on the
Page 6
1 comment.
2 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER. There's another list out there.
3 Is that the same thing?
| 4 MS. Dalsoouo: No, that's just generally for sign-in
j 5 here.
I 6 Also. I'll check again at the end of the meeting in case
I 7 somebody said something that prompted you to want to get up and
! 8 say something to the community at large.
9 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Will there be comment made on
! 10 these written comments-
'11 MS. Dalsocuo. Yes. Thank you for that point of
12 clarification.
! 13 All comments received during this public comment period,
14 both written and the verbal comment received tonight, will be
15 responded to in writing by EPA in the Record of Decision.
16 Any other points of clarification about logistics that I
IT can make for folks?
18 Okay. The other thing, I'll just go down the list. As I
19 said, we have 20 people here. If you could come up to the
20 podium, we have the court reporter, Cheryl, sitting here. If
21 you could state your name and spell your last name for her so
22 that she knows who is providing comment, that would be helpful.
23 Anything else on logistics?
24 I'll play facilitator here, and I'll just kind of go down
25 the list. Gene Vuckovich was the first person.
PageS
1 input of a broad representation of many community-based groups
2 who have been studying the Anaconda Smelter NPL Site over the
3 past several years. It is our intention that the government of
4 Anaconda and its citizenry, the PRP, and the EPA will work
5 together to achieve cost-effective solutions that fulfill the
6 requirements of the CERCLA and ensure, when all Superfund work
7 is completed in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, we will be a viable
8 community.
9 The next things I'm going to cover arc the concerns that
10 we're registering with the EPA.
11 .It says: The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioners
12 appreciate this opportunity to comment on the Proposed Plan for
13 the Anaconda Regional Water, Waste and Soils Operable Unit. At
14 the onset, we would like to commend EPA for conducting a number
IS of public hearings in this area and disseminating a good deal
16 of information to the public through the mail. In addition, we
17 appreciate the time extension you granted for further review
18 and discussion of the plan. All of this activity over the past
19 few months has brought us to the point where Anaconda-Deer
20 Lodge County Commission would like to address the plan for the
21 record.
22 As community acceptance is one of the nine National
23 Contingency Plan evaluation criteria, we register the following
24 issues be addressed in the Record of Decision for this Operable
25 Unit. We find the plan to be lacking in many respects, some to
""age 5 - Page 8
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
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ANACONDA SMELTER
Multi-Page1
SUPERFUND SITE
JANUARY 15, 1998
Page 9
1 an alarming degree and others to a lesser degree, but still of
2 concern. We offer our comments on those concerns we have and
3 look forward to working with you and the PHP to assure that
4 when this project is complete, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County can
5 be assured of the best possible future given the circumstances.
6 The first concern. No. 1, will be Waste Disposal Area.
7 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County has indicated in various settings
8 that the Cell B may be a better site for a waste disposal area
9 due to its accessibility. This seems to have been forgotten in
0 the process and needs to be addressed. Cell A should be
1 remediated to the extent necessary and Cell B should be
2 recognized as Anaconda-Deer Lodge County's waste disposal area.
3 No. 2, Dust Suppression. Waste Areas. The plan does not
4 address blowing dust from remaining waste areas. This has been
5 a concern of the community for many years. The Record of
6 Decision must have a concise plan to address this problem if
7 waste areas are not removed.
8 Groundwater, No Further Action. It is not possible for us
9 to accept the premise that one of the most serious, precious
!0 commodities that exists, water, is being treated in an
21 unacceptable manner by this Proposed Plan. There are few
22 assets more important to the lifeblood of people and their
23 community than water. It is a vital pan of the present and
24 necessary for a viable future. We seriously question the
25 attitude which seems to portray water contamination as
Page 11
1 anticipated condition and use of these lands also limits the
2 tax base of our community. The Proposed Plan does not address
3 these concerns.
4 Short- and Long-Term Effectiveness. The Proposed Plan
5 states (hat it may take up to 30 yean to implement the
6 proposed remedy. Of the three entities involved. EPA. the PRP.
7 and the A-OLC. the only entity with certainty that it will be
8 in operations in the future is Anaconda-Deer Lodge County.
9 Therefore, it is critical that the resources to implement the
10 plan be securely in place with that entity as soon as possible.
11 Furthermore, our community has been taking great strides over
12 the past 18 years to mitigate the negative connotations that
13 are associated with being one of the nation's largest Superfund
14 sites. A remedy that takes 30 yean to implement does not
IS mitigate this image, nor does it seem protective from a human
16 health/environmental perspective. The implementation time line
17 should be revised.
18 Community Involvement. The Record of Decision should
19 specify a meaningful level of involvement the County and
20 community will have in the design and implementation of the
21 remedy.
22 This final set of Superfund decisions will affect our
23 community for generations to come. This - Thus, it is
24 important that all issues are addressed in this final record.
25 The concerns outlined above must be addressed for the community
Page 10
1 acceptable if it does not meet some undefined cost
2 effectiveness standard. It must be kept in mind that this plan
3 identifies substantial water contamination and then proposes
4 that this community live with that contamination forever.
5 We cannot accept this approach and insist that the subject
6 of groundwater be treated in the plan in a manner which
7 acknowledges its importance as a resource for today and
8 tomorrow, not only for this community, but for those
9 downstream.
10 No. 3. Funding Issues. Institutional Controls and Land Use
11 Planning. The Proposed Plan relies on institutional controls
12 to suppon engineered remedies. In particular, the plan sites
13 the utilization of the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Development
14 Permit System to track the implementation of the final remedy.
15 Although the plan states that the County's ors will be funded
16 adequately through the establishment of a trust fund, the plan
17 lacks specificity with respect to this issue. The cooperation
18 of the County is imperative to ensuring that this plan remains
19 protective of our human health and our environment
20 Land Use. The County has expressed to the Agency the
21 community's lack of developable land for industrial,
22 residential, and commercial purposes. The use classification,
23 ownership. Superfund designation and condition of properties in
24 the East Valley further precludes future development and limits
25 the community's options for development. The current and
Page 12
1 of Anaconda to accept the final Record of Decision for the
2 Anaconda Smelter NFL She. We are committed and will continue
3 as we have over the past 15 yean, to work with the Agency and
4 the PRP to resolve these issues with the implementation of
5 ethical decision making to see workable solutions to difficult
6 problems. We anticipate and look forward to the Agency's
7 response to these issues.
8 MR. BEATTY: My name is Dave Beatty,
9 Anaconda-Deer Lodge Commission.
10 All of us, all of us here present, we, the citizens of
11 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, have a responsibility in the
12 decision making regarding the information about what is
13 happening. We need feedback and ideas, possible alternative
14 solutions to current situations. Effective communication and
IS mutual respect are essential to develop and maintain teamwork.
16 Inevitably, conflicts will arise. And they must surface so
17 that they can be addressed. We have ownership in the decision
18 making process. Keep hope alive in our community. I encourage
19 all of you people to get involved and to provide comments.
20 Thank you.
21 MR. vucKOVTCH: For the record, my name is Gene
22 Vuckovich. I am a life-long citizen of Anaconda-Deer Lodge
23 County. And for the past 11 yean, I've been intently involved
24 in Superfund issues as they are related to Anaconda-Deer Lodge
25 County and the rest of the Clark Fork Basin. During thus time.
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I 1 have served as a local government official and on various
2 boards, committees, organizations, and foundations involved
3 with Superfund issues.
4 My concerns have always been for the future of
5 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and its citizens. Thus, I agree
6 with the statement read by Chairman Wilkinson, namely that the
7 proposed EPA plan for the Anaconda Regional Water. Waste and
8 Soils Operable Unit is lacking in many respects as set forth in
9 Mr. Wilkinson's statement. My concern is not for the principal
10 responsible party, the PRP or ARCO. nor for the Agency, the
11 EPA. but rather, for the citizens of Anaconda-Deer Lodge
12 County, now and in the future.
13 Both the PHP and the Agency will soon be gone. But
14 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and its citizens will remain. It is
15 thus imperative that a plan be adopted that will - that will
16 not only ensure compliance with the EPA regulations and laws,
17 but also be cost effective and, most importantly, be beneficial
18 for the citizens for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, now and into
19 the future. I urge the Agency to work with the PRP and the
20 government and citizens of Anaconda-Deer. Lodge County in
21 preparing a plan that will address those issues and be a
22 win/win situation for all, as has been done in the past.
23 Thank you.
24 MS. Dalsooua Next, I have Jim Flynn.
25 MR. FLYNN: My name is Jim Flynn. For the record, I
Page 15
1 nearly what we have. And I think through the leadership,
2 primarily of EPA and this county, we've done some pretty
3 amazing things in this county. Over a period of eight years,
4 ARCO has spent nearly S350 million in the Basin. Nearly half
5 of that has been in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County. And I'm pretty
6 proud, and I think we all should be very proud, of some of
7 those successes. •
8 The one I think that always stands up kind of front and
9 center, because it is now literally of national significance,
10 is the Old Works Golf Course. And I can't tell you bow many
11 phone calls and, and inquiries I get from all around the
12 country on how we, as a PHP, this community, and the agencies
13 were able to, to do that remedy. And I think we all should be
14 very proud of that, as well as the other work we've done.
IS I also think tonight is an important evening. Although I
16 know we'll have many opportunities to work with each other and
17 talk to each other in the future, this is literally the last
18 formal public hearing in Anaconda And I thjpk to Gene
19 Vuckovich's comments, that's really important, because I think
20 what that symbolizes is sort of the beginning of the end of
21 what I'm sure has been a difficult process for not only the
22 company, but for the community; and that is, with the Superfund
23 status. And I think this really does indicate that we arc
24 nearing the end of a process.
25 ARCO-In that, ARCO remains very committed to closing the
Page 14
I am a resident of Anaconda. I've had the opportunity to be
1 involved in reviewing the plan presented by EPA, and I've had
3 the opportunity to review the comments presented by Chairman
4 Wilkinson tonight and would like to go on the record as
5 endorsing those comments. I feel that those are the type of
6 items that need to be addressed with the plan that has been
7 presented. And hopefully, the net result will be «rm»*1""B
8 that Anaconda can be comfortable with and live with into the
9 future.
10 MS. Dalsocuo: Okay, next, -we have Sandy Stash.
11 MS. STASH: For the record, my name is Sandy Stash. I
12 am a Vice President for ARCO. Basically, I'm the senior person
13 here in Montana for the company. And I guess before I get into
14 some more formal thoughts. I guess I couldn't help but thinking
15 back a little bit on at least the almost nine years I've been
16 involved in this process. And I guess I'm real proud to say,
17 when I look back at that nine years, that together, the EPA,
18 the State of Montana. ARCO. and the community of
19 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County collectively have come a very long
20 way.
21 When I first got here, and I know Charlie Coleman will
22 remember this. I think we had 77 separate operable units and
23 studies that we feared we would have to do. And I think
24 literally, had we followed that model, we probably would be
25 very much still studying this site and not have accomplished
Page 16
1 Anaconda site. And I use the word "closure" very broadly,
2 because it is closure not only of the environmental issues, but
3 literally closure of an era wherein ARCO and its predecessor,
4 Anaconda, were very integral and a pan of the Anaconda
5 community. And I do agree with the comments that Chairman
6 Wilkinson made, that it's critical that we work very
7 thoughtfully together on how we close that final chapter. In
8 that we are committed to this closure, we will offer some very
9 specific comments to EPA on their plan, up to and including
10 some very detailed thoughts on the proposal and on bow it could
11 be most effectively implemented.
12 There are a couple of issues that I think we do need to
13 deal with. First and foremost, it's important to the company
14 that this closure be complete and that the settlements be
IS global. And this, too, goes to some of the concerns raised by
16 Chairman Wilkinson and others. Clearly, this remedy goes
17 beyond cleanup by definition and very much gets into issues of
18 natural resource damages. There are numerous parties, most
19 importantly including federal and state government trustees,
20 who have asked us in various court actions to basically do some
21 of the very same things that EPA is requiring us to do in this
22 plan. And as we've said before, it's going to be critical to
23 us, before we embark on this cleanup, that we know, having
24 completed this, that we have closed out all of those concerns
25 and liabilities.
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1 Secondly, there are details that need to be worked out.
2 That, again. I think came off some of what others have said
3 before me. From ARCXVS perspective, these details have got to
4 make sense. They've got to address real risks. They have to
5 be cost effective and they've got to be implementable. And I
6 think everyone who has looked at this plan realizes that a site
7 of this size poses some, some difficult technical issues.
8 We will proceed the best we can with this cleanup. We will
9 only object to spending money for the sake of spending money.
0 We want to be sure that whatever we do in closing this final
1 chapter, we are dealing with real risk and effectuating things
2 that actually mean something. So with that, we look forward to
3 working with everyone in the process.
4 Thank you.
5 MS. Dalsocuo: Next on the list is Chuck Hacffncr.
6 MR. HAEFFNER: rm Chuck Haeffncr. I've been a
7 citizen of Anaconda for the last 30 years. I guess that still
18 inaif*y me a boomer.
9 I have to go along a little bit with Gene on his. some of
20 his ideas. And Gene was the first one that really got
21 instrumental on getting our golf course going for us. And then
22 be was our, kind of our leader that stepped in and said, "Hey,
23 this is a good idea." And be talked to Bill Williams about it,
:4 who was a local Anaconda boy and bead of the Anaconda cleanup
25 at the time.
Page 19
1 Sandy came in and has done a tremendous job in filling his
2 position.
3 My idea is that we've got to include those people back into
4 our, any of our dealings. You know, we can sit and fight with.
5 you know, push them off to the side and deal with the
6 governmental agencies and thinking we're going to get it done.
7 And we will get it done, but I think we have to be more
8 compassionate and we can get a lot more projects done other
9 than just a little cleanup out here. Because when they go.
10 they're gone.
11 And I, I don't plan on just bailing out tomorrow. I went
12 through a quadruple bypass, and I hope it gives me a few more
13 years to live. And I want to be around to, you know, to sec
14 more of that green grass other than just the golf course.
15 So thank you. And I'd like to see ARCO in our dealings
16 rather than just the EPA.
17 MS. Dalsocuo: Thanks. Chuck.
18 Bill Hickcy.
19 MR. HICXEY: My name is Bill Hickey. I've been a
20 school administrator here in Anaconda for the last 21 years
21 And 18 years ago, on September 30th, many of us were wiib Ted
22 Schwinden, soon to be Governor of Montana. And on
23 September 30th, 1980. we were awaiting perhaps news of building
24 a new smelter when we heard that it was to close. And our
25 lives in Anaconda fell into the ashes.
Page 18
1 You know, and we pushed forward on that And most of our
2 dealings at the time were with AROO. And I know the EPA was
3 there, but we dealt very strongly with AROO and we got this
4 golf course. It started out just to be a golf course. There
5 was - and every day that we kind of dealt with them, more
6 amenities were stuck in with that golf course. And I think our
7 dealings today still have to be very strong with ARCO, because
8 that's, they control the pocketbook.
9 I know the EPA says, bey, this is the law and this is what
10 has to be followed. But our direction that we received while
11 we were on that golf course, our strongest dealings were still
12 with ARCO. And that's where our. I think our ideas have to
13 come from or ~ You know, we have to push forward to deal more
14 with ARCO. because somehow, we've kind of pushed them back to
15 be kind of an adversarial group, and I don't know why. Because
16 we started out in a meeting about two yean ago and AROO
17 offered some money and people thought that, oh, yeah, they're
18 out there just trying to bribe the whole damn town and they
19 want to leave and just be gone with it
20 But I can honestly say, there's more projects around out
21 there, and if we can deal with these people on a good, honest
22 effort and deal with them with an open mind -1 know we have
23 to follow the ground rules the EPA and the State puts forward,
24 but I still think that our major dealings have to be dealt with
25 with ARCO. i know we did most of it with Bill Williams, and
Page 20
1 A very poritive thing is that we have *eem Anaconda, io the
2 last eight to nine yean, riae from the aahea. And il is dive
3 aad well, and it it a pUce where people waat to go to. I wu
4 »o thrilled lot summer whea people from all over Montana
5 waated to travel to Amcnoda This wu ao longer a place thai
6 wu aot fan to be at. It was ao longer a place of alag, a
7 place of doom; it wu a very poaitive place.
8 I rapport the eommeati made by Terry, at one of the many
9 citizens who work with Terry aad couaty government in trying to
10 come together in espieaaiag one voice. The moat important
11 thing that we nave to any ia that we waat Ainroadi to cootiine
12 to grow, to thrive, to come from the aabea, aad to be a very,
13 very viable place. ABCO hu helped, over the past eight to
14 nine yean, at bringing this «cw viaion aad thit new life to
15 An*""-4- What we hope ia thii final Record it that the AX.CO.
16 EFA. and the citizeai of Aaacoada aad the government of
17 Anaconda can come aa one aad do the right thing by the
18 environment aad the people ia a cost effective, meaningful
19 faahion. Aad I hope that we can have the (pint that ha*
20 thrived for teal winning by all aidea.
21 Thank yon.
22 MS. Dalsocuo: The next individual is Mel Stokke.
23 MA. STOXXE: rm Mel Stokke, retired manager or the,
24 general manager of the Anaconda smelter here in Anaconda. And
25 I'ingoing 10 say this right ofTlhe front. I was land of
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1 caught cold, because I didn't know all of you were going to
2 come up wiih here with written statements and present them and
3 read them to the audience. So I'm going to just speak off the
4 top of my bat.
5 Now. all of you are saying bow good a community Anaconda is
6 and bow well it is and so on and so forth. I don't know if any
7 of you can compare with me. I was bom in Anaconda and spent
g my whole life here, except for the time that I went to Montana
9 State University to get an education, and the other time was
10 when I served in the Army in World War II. Outside of that.
11 I've lived in Anaconda all my life. And I've worked on the
12 smelter for 34 years. When I graduated from Montana State
13 College with a degree in civil engineering, I went to work for
14 the Anaconda Company as a junior draftsman. Over the years, I
15 went through progressive jobs, until I ended up in 1974 as
16 general manager of the Anaconda smelter.
17 Now. I've been through probably a lot more than you people
IS have ever envisioned as far as environmental problems go. Now,
19 starting in the early '70s. I dealt with the state department
20 and the EPA as far as S02 emissions, the opacity of smoke,
121 arsenic problems, and so on and so forth. Now. in the early
22 days, these things weren't thought of. Everything, everything
23 was do the job. produce the copper, and let it go at that. But
24 starting in the early '70s, when the regulations came out and
25 said that we had to start complying with these things, we -
Page 23
1 was something that we needed. The following year, we went into
2 a program of expansion and we spent S33.S million. And parts
3 of that was productivity, parts of it was production — or was
4 environment.
5 In '74 and '75, we spent another 31 million for the
6 electric furnace, the fluosolid, the components that went with
7 that, to cut down the volume of the gas stream, so that we
8 could contain particulates. The particulates that came off the
9 reverb was a large volume of gas, and there was no way we could •
10 treat it in the bag house. Because we found out that state of
11 the an in 1918, that the way to treat particulates was through
12 an electrostatic precipitator.
13 The only thing that wasn' t taken into account was that the
14 ores coming out of Butte had a lot of arsenic in it. Now,
15 arsenic docs not go from the gaseous state to the solid state
16 until it is cooled to 220 degrees. So all the years that that
17 large volume of gas went out through the flues and up through
18 the stack, the arsenic went with it. Some of it deposited in
19 the flue as it cooled. But some of it went out through the
20 stack, because it was still in the gaseous state.
21 So we met with the State and we spent this money. We put
22 in acid plants to collect S02. We enlarged the acid plant by
23 spending another S8 million, to help this. And before the
24 State ever required it, we had tailings ponds and we treated it
25 with lime so that the solid materials and metallic materials
3
4
5
6
7
s
9
10
11
12
Page 22
Well, just to give you an example, we went to Durham, North
Carolina, to meet with the EFAand discuss the regulations on
arsenic. And at that point in time, they established a
regulation of ten micrograms per cubic meter. Now, do any of
you know what ten micrograms per cubic meter is? If you took a
paper clip, cut it into a thousand parts, and put it into a one
cubic meter box, that's what ten — that's what one microgram
is. And. of course, we're looking at ten.
We went back there and discussed this with the EPA. They
had a. a board or a group of people that were civilians. And
at that point in time, we tried to talk them into 50 micrograms
per cubic meter. Now, let me give you some examples. In the
convener aisle, the monitoring that we did there showed 19
micrograms per cubic meter. In our casting department, it
showed 50. We tried to talk them into a 50 micrograms per
cubic meter. We weren't able to. These people had made up
their mind and they weren't about to change it. And I still
don't know, to this day, how they ever arrived at the figure of
ten micrograms per cubic meter. But anyway, that's the
regulation that we were held to.
Now. we met with the State and a big problem was S02. And
every year, we went over to Helena and we met with the State
Board of Health and we discussed these problems. Starting in
1970. the company committed to S7 million to do some changes on
the reverbcratory furnaces. This was well and good, because it
Page 24
1 would settle out in the bottoms of ponds so we'd get a clear
2 overflow.
3 So the thing I'd like to tell you is that we're - we spent
4 a lot of years and a lot of dollars trying to comply with the
5 regulations of the State, and every year, they gave us a
6 variance for another year, basically because we were spending
7 money and we were making improvements.
8 Now, I didn't know that everybody was going to have a
9 written statement tonight, but I wrote a memo to Julie and I
10 copied Sandy on it. And the slag has been one of my pet
11 projects. And I don't like the connotation that they keep
12 saying it's a waste. Now, in 1977.1 went to Japan and I
13 visited seven smelters. There are no slag piles in Japan. All
14 of the slag goes into cement plants. And Japan has put in more
15 concrete than you can believe in their highways and overpasses
16 and their breakwaters and so on and so forth.
17 Now, the components of slag fit in with the elements that
18 go into cement. The aluminum, the calcium oxide, the iron
19 oxide, all those products are the portions that make up a slag.
20 Now, some people say to me, "Yeah, that's fine, but we're in a
21 place where we can't ship that stuff." I'm not saying that.
22 I'm not saying we have to ship it. Where do we get our cement?
23 Do we get it from Portland? Do we get the sacks of cement to
24 our lumber yards from these different places? Why can't we do
25 it here?
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1 We sent some of this slag over to Trident, and they ran
2 tests on it and found out that it was a successful project.
3 The only reason it didn't come to pass is we had purchasing
4 people in Denver that couldn't come to an agreement with the
5 people in Trident. So consequently, the thing was never
6 consummated.
7 We also at one time did some experimenting with slag to
8 make patio tiles. And the tiles that were made were about 18
9 inches square and about two inches thick. And when they were
10 polished, they were beautiful
11 Now, the only thing about slag is when you're looking for
12 structural strength, instead of a five or six sack cement to a
13 yard of concrete, you have to have ten, because it just doesn't
14 give you the body for structural strength.
15 I think the project that ARCO has been doing here, working
16 with us, and we're trying to work with them, that the town is a
17 lot better off than it ever was. Now, like I say, I worked 34
18 years on the smelter. And when I was on construction, I walked
19 through all of the departments and around the yards and
20 everything, and I guess I'm still alive. I guess I don't have
21 cancer or all these bad things. But the thing about it is,
22 I've often wondered in my mind, and 1 haven't asked anybody
23 this question, but how did they ever arrive at the number of a
24 thousand parts per million in arsenic? If it was the same way
25 as they did with the micrograms per cubic meter. I think
Page 27
1 sledding ahead. However, it is successful. And I'd just like
2 to shoot down the idea that there has to be cynicism to
3 accomplish something. I think if we can turn that as a
4 community, into teamwork, then we're going to have successes.
5 Partnerships work. And the positive results speak for
6 themselves.
7 Thank you.
8 MS. DalsoGLia The next individual I believe, is Joe
9 Jordan.
10 MR. JORDAN: My name is Joe Jordan. I'm the owner of
11 Jordan Contracting. I've been doing business in Anaconda for
12 more years than I even want to remember, but we've been in
13 business as Jordan Contracting heading for eight years. And in
14 those eight years, we've been involved in practically, one way
15 or another, in practically all the reclamation projects that
16 are going on. We employ 50 to 60 people throughout the year.
17 I'm very concerned - I have two major concerns with this
18 upcoming work. No. 1 is. I would like to see this work
19 stretched out in a longer period of time. If we try to do this
20 work in, say, two years or three years, that's going to bring
21 in a lot of outside contractors, a lot of outside people. And
22 I don't think that's good for our local community. In v_;.;cr to
23 have young people here, besides everybody else, we have to have
24 jobs. And that can go on for quite some time if we monitor
25 that.
Page 26
1 there's a lot of fallacy.
2 Thank you.
3 MS. DalsOGUO. Thanks, Mel.
4 The next person is Art McLean.
5 MR. MCLEAN: rm Art McLean. I guess I'm here tonight
6 to. to support the community in that I've been a native here
7 since 1951. I teach school have been for the last 24 yean.
8 And I have served on the Anaconda-Doer Lodge County Golf Course
9 Authority Board. It seems as though when we have these
10 community meetings and things, I guess we tend to choose sides
11 one way or another, but my testimony tonight is more along the
12 lines of a partnership than anything else, speaking from that
13 of the Golf Course Authority Board and the trials and the
14 tribulations that we have all gone through there. It required
15 a great amount of cooperation and partnership among many arms
16 from the onset of it, from the Arrowhead Foundation,
17 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioners, the EPA. the State,
18 and of course ARCO.
19 It seems as though we can become cynical when we talk about
20 companies or big companies like ARCO. but without them, we
21 would have had a real tough time. It might look like you
22 know, the golf course is very, very successful. And it is.
23 And we didn't get there without a lot of cooperation from all
24 of the arms, the parties involved. And it wasn't easy going,
25 it was pretty tough sledding; and there's still some tough
Page 28
1 And the second concern that I have, and I think it's been
2 mentioned earlier by practically everyone, especially
3 Mr. Hickcy, that we have to do this work cost effective. We've
4 been out. we've been involved, we've seen the work that's done.
5 We know from experience that there's a lot of things that arc
6 done that people don't realize. They go beyond to accomplish
7 these things. But we can't expect anybody, ARCO or anybody
8 else, to do something that doesn't make good common sense. We
9 have to do it in a cost-effective way. And I think the Agency
10 has got to look real hard at that.
11 In other words, what I'm concerned about, and I've seen it
12 in the past, I've seen it in Streamside, that if we get to an
13 impasse and the thing ends up in court, that could go on for 10
14 or 15 yean. The only ones working then is a few attorneys.
15 So we have to have that cooperation that the earlier people
16 have mentioned. And I want to echo that. We need that
17 cooperating and keep the harmony going, and there could be a
18 lot of good things down the road. I'm sure it will happen.
19 MS. DalsOGLlo. Okay, next is Natalie Fitzpatrick.
20 MS. FITZPATRICK: rm Natalie Fitzpatrick. And like
21 Mel Stokke, I was bom and raised here. In another month. I'll
22 be twice Jack Benny's 39. And I have managed to survive in
23 what other people have felt is a terrible environment to grow
24 up in, and ! have survived very well. I think we have to
25 remember jiat what we have accomplished, we have accomplished
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I through a cooperation with ARCO. with EPA, and with the County.
2 And I think that the only way to. for us to proceed in the
3 future is to sit down together and say, what does
4 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County need and how do we best arrive at
5 that decision?
6 I'm sorry, I seem to get nervous sometimes.
7 But in any event, I think that we have before us an
8 opportunity to work together, to say, what is it that we really
9 need? Do we need the impossible? Do we have to sterilize
10 ground, or can we let some of this thing take care of itself.
11 as many things do? You know and I know that many of the trees
2 have come back, our wildlife is returning. And I think
13 Anaconda-Deer Lodge will also return if we work together.
14 Thank you:
15 MS. DalsoGLiO: Thank you, Natalie.
16 I'm going to stumble over this next name. Dan, and I
17 didn't, I can't read the last name. I apologize. It looks like
18 it's about a three- or four-letter last name.
19 Anybody want to claim that one?
20 Okay. We'll go through the rest of the names. If you were
21 the person that we skipped over, we can come back. Terry
22 Vaughn is next.
23 Do we have a Terry Vaughn?
24 UNIDEKTIHEO SPEAKER: I don't see him here.
25 MS. DalsooLiO: Okay. Tammy Johnson then.
Page 31
1 property and has prohibited the taking of private property for
2 public use without just compensation. Many in this room must
3 feel strongly about this issue as it relates to their own
4 property holdings.
5 The right to determine the end land use for land that is
6 privately owned by ARCO contained in the EPA'S Proposed Plan
7 for remediation of the Anaconda Smelter Superfund Site must be
8 respected and upheld. We know that it is often easy to fool
9 ourselves into thinking that large corporations, like ARCO,
10 should have to live by a different set of rules. And perhaps
11 some are thinking that private property rights only belong to
12 the small, individual owner. But no matter how easy the
13 argument seems, the reality is that, yes, even ARCXVS right to
14 own property and to determine the appropriate use for that
IS property within the confines of laws that govern our society
16 must be respected, upheld, and championed. There are no
17 exceptions to this fundamental right and philosophy, no matter
18 whose name is on the deed.
19 Montanans for Private Property Rights plans to further
20 examine the documents and submit written comments.
21 Sincerely, Carolyn Selan (phonetic), for Montanans for
22 Private Property Rights.
23 I'd like to introduce some comments on my own behalf of our
24 organization, CURE. Our organization also supports these
25 private property rights and feels that they must remain a
Page 30
1 MS. JOHNSON: For the record, my name is Tammy
2 Johnson. I'm actually here tonight on behalf of two different
3 bodies. I live in Whitehall, so I'm not a member of your
4 community. However, I have been involved with various
5 grassroots organizations throughout this state supporting
6 multiple use concepts, taking a hard look at, at how we're
7 managing our environment, and trying to bring about some
8 reasonable solutions.
9 I'm Executive Director of a group in Whitehall called CURE,
10 which stands for Citizens United for a Realistic Environment.
11 I'm also currently serving as President of the Montana Resource
12 Providers Coalition, which is a larger umbrella group
13 comprising 20-some organizations from every sector of resource
14 production in the state, from agriculture to fanning to timber.
15 mining, private property rights, et cetera.
16 1 come today bringing one statement. Some people were not
17 able to be here and asked if I would carry this for them. This
18 statement is from Montanans for Private Property Rights, an
19 organization here in Montana. And with permission, I'd like to
120 introduce this into the record on their behalf.
J21 The right to own property is fundamental to the structure
{22 of a free nation and has always been one of the most important
j 23 rights guaranteed to the citizens of this state and country.
124 Citizens have always defended this right with vigor, and our
! 25 courts have upheld, time and time again, (he right to own
Page 32
1 primary focus as a final plan of action is developed. End land
2 use appears to be, to me anyway, one of the issues that is
3 receiving a great deal of attention, both within the press and
4 within this type of meeting and within documentation that's
5 being submitted on this Proposed Plan.
6 All of our rural communities are struggling, trying to
7 define their future, trying to figure bow the various pieces
8 come "ytt*"'' to rna^f up the larger puzzle of what *fr"r
9 economic future and what their culture and history has, has
10 taught them and where they want to go. And that is very
11 important. And while it's true that the ARCO holdings in the
12 East Valley may preclude general growth development in this
13 area, it's also my understanding that that has been the case
14 since the latter part of the last century. These holdings have
IS been owned by the Anaconda Company and ARCO for a good deal of
16 time. And I think that it's, it's imperative for everybody to
17 recognize that these are private property holdings, and as any
18 other landowner should have the right to determine the use of
19 their property within the confines of the law, so should ARCO.
20 And that's important to our organization.
21 I've heard many comments encouraging a cooperative
22 relationship between all parties, and i, too, encourage that
23 relationship. Collectively, there have been many good things
24 to come out of that type of relationship, not only for the
25 community of Anaconda, but for the rest of the citizens of this
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1 state. My husband and I bring our kids over to Warm Springs
2 Ponds fishing on a regular occasion. We've been fortunate to
3 play golf at the Old Works Course, although I will be most
4 up-front and say that my skill is not up to that level yet, but
5 it is something that I hope to aspire to. And that benefits
6 not only this community, but other neighboring communities and
7 the rest of the residents of this state.
8 I heard Sandy Stash comment that S350 million have been
9 spent thus far in environmental remediation. I mean, wow, that
0 is a lot of money. And it's amazing to me sometimes how numb
11 we have become to those types of numbers. We start talking
12 about 60 million here and 180 million here, and we're throwing
13 these numbers around like they mean absolutely nothing. And I
[4 sit and try to balance my checkbook and figure out, you know,
IS how to come up with the next $200. So it's something that we
16 have to be cognizant of. Maybe we need to kick ourselves a
17 little bit and really realize what kind of dollars we're
18 talking about.
19 Both human health and environmental health are paramount to
20 everyone in this community, everyone in your surrounding
21 communities, and to the state. And that is essential. We all
22 support those type of goals. However, it's our organization's
23 belief that common sense must prevail. Cleanup activities do
24 have to accomplish protection for you, as citizens of this
25 community. I believe that ARCO and the agencies and, and
Page 35
1 lived here most of my life. And I've seen Anaconda when this
2 hill was going and when everything was really prosperous, and
3 I've seen it on the down side. And we talk about long-term
4 things. I'll agree with what everybody has said as far as with
5 ARCO and the EPA. So far, I think everybody has worked pretty
6 good together, because from the time I was a kid here and I
7 seen a lot of the destruction of the land and whatnot going on
8 around here, and in the past few years, I've seen a lot of that
9 come back. And L for one, it makes me very happy.
10 But one of the other long-term things that I look at as a
11 young member of this community, or a younger member of this
12 community supporting a family and trying to make my living here
13 is that — Mr. Jordan made a comment on we need to, you know.
14 one of the long-term things that we have to keep in mind isn't
15 just ARCO and it isn't just the EPA and things like that. We
16 want to be able to maintain what these people have done. I
17 want my kids to be abte to work and maintain these things. And
18 the only way they can do that is to stay here, to work here,
19 and to look after it like we're all trying to do. And to do
20 this, we've got to have jobs.
21 Now, for me, you know, I work for a company, ROM
22 Multi-Enterprises. And I would like a little bit of attention
23 brought to »**"» simply for the fact that they're a company, a
24 small company that has came in here. And the concrete thing
25 was brought up, okay. Well, RDM came in here, and they're
Page 34
1 everyone in this room are also strongly committed to that. So
2 I don't - and I think that there are ways that everybody can
3 work together to ensure that that happens. But I also believe
4 that we have to acknowledge that cost-effective "rrr>|'?« must
5 be included in the final plan. It serves no one's interests if
6 they are not.
7 Economics have got to be considered. Whether we are
8 balancing our own checkbook for our personal home, for our
9 family, whether it's for our business, whether it's for a
10 larger corporation, such as ARCO, it has got to be considered.
11 And when cost-effective remedies are applied, when human health
12 has been protected, when environmental protection has been
13 accomplished, then it becomes a winning situation for everyone
14 involved.
15 And believe me, the well can run dry. lust as most of us
16 never believed the Anaconda Company would close down, we were
17 in Livingston and my husband was working for Burlington
18 Northern Railroad in the Shops there, we never believed that
19 could happen. We've all been through this. And we've got to
20 be cognizant of the economics involved.
21 Thank you very much.
22 MS. Dalsoouo We're going to go back to one that
23 missed ova. Joe Saba.
24 MR. SABA: My name is Joe Saba. First of all -- I've
25 got a little bit of a cold. I'm fairly new at this. I've
Page 36
1 taking that slag up there, they're making a blasting abrasive
2 out of it. roofing granules out of it. They're supplying jobs
3 to our community. They've brought money into this community
4 And, and it's a long-term thing. It's not just something
5 that's here and going to be gone in a short time. I mean, look
6 at that pile up there. You know, we've been looking at it for
7 a lot of yean.
8 And, you know, I would kind of like to, I don't know, maybe
9 hear some input or bear some fairly close to for-surc things
10 on, you know, what we can do to support that. Because without
11 the people being able to be here, to work here, everything that
12 we're doing, in a way, goes for naught Because this is our
13 home. This is my kids'home. I want them to be able to raise
14 thfif families here. But if there's nothing here for them, and
15 if we don't support companies Like RDM, who have taken big
16 chances, fought tooth and nail with different people to put
17 down a foothold like they have, you know, what are we going to
18 have? I think that's something we need to look at.
19 You know, a lot of times, I talk to different people around
20 town and they ask me. "Who do you work for?" And I say. "I
21 work for RDM up on the hill." And they don't know who I'm
22 talking about. Well, you know, that bothers me a lot. Because
23 if people would stop and take the time and look to see who we
24 arc and what we're doing, you know, I mean, we need that
25 involvement, that participation. It's for everybody. And if
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1 we can. if we can keep that kind of growth going, you know, I
2 mean, like I say, we can do all this cleanup and everything
3 like that. And we have to do it. It was let go for too long.
4 But along with that, we have to bring in the new blood and the
5 new industry to support everything that's been done.
6 Thank you.
7 MS. Dalsocuo: Thank you. Joe.
8 The next individual we have is Duane Logan.
9 MR. LOGAN: My name is Duane Logan. I'm a life-long
10 resident of Anaconda. I grew up on a ranch down by
11 Warm Springs, which was one of the, pan of the initial
12 reclamation jobs done. And as all, it took time to take in.
13 Grass doesn't grow overnight. I worked on the golf course. It
14 takes lime, it takes effort, and you've got to work at it to
15 bnng it to something. But it's something to be proud of. And
16 as the Governor's project, on our place, you can see today what
1 7 used to be green is now lush grass that the cows eat.
18 I worked on the golf course, which took a lot of community
19 effort, a lot of planning, a lot of compromise and a lot of
20 long hours by a lot of people. And it has become a success
21 project And it's like the guy from ROM said, we have to look
22 into the future and find alternate sources. Because ARCO is
23 going to be gone someday. And I've been lucky enough to work
2-4 for a subconsultant to ARCO on most of this construction work.
25 And it's been, it's taught me a lot, and I was lucky enough to
Page 39
1 presented by the Commissioners. And that's just a point of
2 fact. While reading the newspaper. I wasn't sure that
3 everybody was aware of that, and I thought it was appropriate
4 that I observe that and that's just a piece of information, I
5 think, that ought to be available.
6 The second thing I do think that we would like to see is
7 that the Record of Decision would contain a mechanism that
8 would allow new opportunities, such as the prison, or any other
9 kind of opportunity that might come along that would provide a
10 remediation and at the same time other benefits, or new
11 technologies, such as innovative uses of the slag or other
12 kinds of waste that might develop in the future; that the
13 mechanism would allow for incorporation and modification of the
14 plan as those things become available; that the community and
15 EPA and ARCO would be able to take of advantage of those kinds
16 of things that really - and there's no sense being stuck with
17 an old car if you can get a new one. But the, the Institute
18 will continue to provide the service of providing accurate
19 summaries and helping to analyze the technological information
20 within our resources.
21 Thank you.
22 MS. Dalsoouo: Thank you, Millie.
23 Don Peoples is next, please.
24 MR. PEOPLES: rm Don Peoples from Butte. and I'm
25 feeling a little awkward because I'm violating a basic
Page 38
1 have that experience. So I just hope that we, as a community,
2 try to work with ARCO and continue with the. the process and
3 the success that's been done so far.
4 MS. DalsooLiO: Millie Nash is next - Mike.
5 MR. NASH: Everybody has kind of established their
6 credentials. I come from a six-generation family that's been
7 bom and raised and gotten our education and worked within 100
8 miles of Anaconda for six generations. And we've been involved
9 in extractive industries and all sides of it for all that time.
10 Well, the sixth generation, they're just little, so they...
11 I know Mr. Stokke says he's been around the world, to
12 Japan. I've never been to Japan. I've been to some foreign
13 lands, though. I've been to San Francisco and Billings. And I
114 like it right here. But in any event, I'm here actually
115 tonight on behalf of a small, nonprofit organization called the
116 Anaconda Environmental Education Institute, which really
117 doesn't take a stand on the, on the issues of ARCO and EPA as
118 to what better plans might be.
19 This group provides summaries of the technological, the
; 20 huge technological documents. Meg Hickey does the basic job.
121 These huge technical tomes take up literally shelves of space
! 22 and provides what we hope are accurate objective summaries for
23 the use of all parties. And as such, we have the opportunity
24 to observe that a lot of community agencies and people and
25 volunteers have been involved in the statement that was
Page 40
1 principle of nature in Southwestern Montana, and that's
2 basically, a guy from Butte should never come down to Anaconda
3 and try and tell people what to do. And I'm not going to do
4 that. Mike lived in Butte for a long time, and when be moved
5 down to Anaconda, they now call him Millie. I hope you don't
6 call me Donna the next time I'm down here.
7 But I do feet I guess a link bit relieved from violating
8 a basic law of nature, because our company is involved in a
9 major development with the prison project. And that is indeed
10 a very, very significant project in, in terms of employment
11 opportunities and in terms of expenditures of dollars. We've
12 expended a lot of money to this point in time. As we speak, or
13 as I speak tonight, there are about 14 architects in a Reno
14 office developing plans for that facility.
15 It would not have been possible without the great
16 cooperation we've had from the Anaconda-Deer Lodge community
17 and from ARCO. i consider that thinking out of the box. We've
18 done something different here. And frankly, we would not be in
19 this position today if it had not been for what we had seen
20 going on in this community with the development of the golf
21 course. The development of the golf course led our company not
22 only to be involved with the prison development but also was
23 the impetus for getting us involved with the Greenway
24 development. And that Greenway development came out of our
25 company in Butte, along with a lot of other people.
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1 But I'm here tonight to encourage you to continue to think
2 outside the box. You know, that's a trend that is being used
3 in business all the time today, because you just can't think
4 inside the box. And I think there's a lot of regulations.
5 obviously, you have to adhere to, but let's get outside the box
6 and let's continue to think about all the good things that can
7 happen in Southwestern Montana, if we cooperate and if we work
8 together.
9 We look forward to becoming a major employer in this area.
10 We're working today with ARCO and with a prospective
11 purchaser's agreement and with EPA and with all of the other
12 agencies that are involved in that and cooperating with the
13 local government here in developing a very worthwhile project.
14 I think that we've got a chance of a lifetime in Southwestern
IS Montana, and we'd better not blow it. If we work together and
16 if we work cooperatively and if we look at making this part of
17 Montana the most livable place in the country, I think we can
18 doit. And I certainly would encourage all you great people
19 down here in Anaconda to continue to think outside the box.
20 We're really looking forward to being a pan of your economy
21 down here. And we're looking forward to working with ARCO and
22 working with the community and working with EPA. And all of
23 this cooperation that I've heard tonight and this concept of
24 thinking outside the box leaves me with one closing thought:
25 We're talking about closing out the chapter of ARCCTS
Page 43
1 here 100 years from now. We need to be aware of what's going
2 on with this project. And the people that have turned out here
3 tonight is a good indication that people are concerned with
4 what's going to happen through the next 100 years.
5 I think a lot of what's happened in the past with the
6 adversarial point of view that ARCO and the community have had
7 is a fear of ARCO no longer being here. I think we still have
8 a little bit of that company town attitude, that what happens
9 to us when they're gone? Well it's a real evident situation
10 that ARCO is gone. And we need to be involved in the process
11 in saying that goodbye, you know, that we need to look out for
12 our own interest in the process. And I'd like to encourage
13 everybody to continue in that process.
14 One comment I would like to make on private ownership of
15 the property. There were some comments that were made that
16 ARCO is a private entity and that the property is theirs. I
17 also own property in the affected area, and the rights of
18 ownership are not limited to ARCO. they're all of ours. We own
19 this property. We are owners of the future of Anaconda. And
20 we need to take pan in that
21 Thanks.
22 MS. Dalsocuo: Okay, I had three more people come in
23 to sign up. I just thought I'd take a quick reading to make
24 sure there isn't anybody else out there that would like to sign
25 up to give public comment tonight
Page 42
1 participation here. Let's make it a happy ending.
2 Thank you.
3 MS. Dalsoouo: The last signup I have is Don Kelley.
4 MR KELLEY: i listened to everybody tonight, and I'm
5 going to be right up-front with all you people, my purpose for
6 being here is purely self-interest. I want my kids to stay in
7 this community. I want my family to be here for the next 100
8 years. My family has been in this community since the late
9 1800s. They worked for the ARCO. the ACM Company, the Daly
10 Company, whatever you wanted to call it back then.
11 We have to be in tune with the fact that ARCO is closing
12 its chapter on this community. They are no longer going to be
13 involved in this community. In that respect, we need to look
14 out for our own self-interest. I would like to approach ARCO
15 on a non-adversarial basis. I would like us all to approach
16 them on that basis. In the same respect, I think we need to
17 use caution in dealing with anybody that is telling us they are
18 not going to have anything further to do with this community in
19 the long-term future.
20 As far as the trusteeship that ARCO speaks of with the
21 State. I would rather not approach ARCO or the State or the EPA
22 on a trusteeship basis. I think we need to be aware of our
23 responsibility in the reclamation for this area. Our
24 responsibility is as an oversight. We're members of the
25 community, we're members of the people that are going to be
Page 44
1 Okay, we'll sum with Ed McCarthy.
2 MR. MCCARTHY: My name is Ed McCarthy. I work for
3 Jordan Contracting. I've been with Joe for seven years now.
4 I've worked with ARCO'S contractors since 1983. at the start.
5 when we demolitioned the smelter up there. And I've been
6 working on and off ever since then.
7 I was fortunate to be chosen this last fall as one of
8 ARCO-S people to be featured in the paper. And a lot of people
9 think I fish all day, but that's not the case. But anyway.
10 I've really enjoyed doing some of the work on the golf course
11 project and the Warm Springs Ponds. And one of the greatest
12 comments this summer is people coming into town and seeing the
13 progress we're doing down by the Arbiter, and seeing all the
14 grasses growing down through there instead of the old red
15 sands. And it's just a great positive attitude with the local
16 people working together on that We can continue to work
17 together to do great
18 MS. Dalsooua Nat. we have Wayne Tones.
19 MR. TERNES: After listening to a lot of folks talk
20 tonight here and thinking about what was said, a lot of things
21 have been alluded to as far as the business that's been here,
22 things that have come and gone. But as a child. I grew up - I
23 never grew up, I still haven't grown up, but 1 ran that
24 rivcrbank and those ponds as a young kid. We grew up down
25 there, and I saw the animals come and go. Man and 1. as kids
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1 down there, eight and nine years old, ran up and down that
2 river, around the ponds, and around Warm Springs and what's
3 going on. And I'd like to just say thank you to all the folks
4 that have been involved in this cleanup so far.
5 We have a long ways yet to go. This last one is supposedly
6 the last one. And what I have found, from bearing people
7 around Anaconda commenting on our cleanup, is people only
8 notice what they see. It's the design work and all that stuff
9 thai people don't really understand what's going on and what's
10 happening behind the scenes. In the last year is when I'm
11 hearing folks say, just like Ed talked about, the grass growing
12 here, the wheat coming into Anaconda. People are wondering why
13 we're planting wheat out there and if we can harvest it.
14 Actually, we did cut hay in the East Anaconda Yards this year.
15 Who would have ever thought that would happen?
16 But the animals that have come back to this area, and
17 looking at what's going on with cleanup, effective cleanup done
18 right can make a real difference. And we need to do it.
19 Nobody is here to be a bad person. We need laws to make sure
20 that we protect human health and the environment. Let's make
21 it sensible. And look what's happened already. Those of you
22 that have been around here for a long time, 20 years ago, 30
23 years ago, if somebody had ran over a deer down by the slag
24 pile, it's because it had to have fallen out of some hunter's
25 truck. And nowadays, they hit them regularly down there.
Page 47
1 and the community working together to find those solutions. As
2 the Executive Director of Anaconda Local Development
3 Corporation, we will go on record as supporting the comments
4 made by Commissioner Wilkinson. The Anaconda Regional Waste
5 and Water site, ARWW, is huge and diverse. In fact, it's
6 probably really over 30 sites with over 60 problems. The plan
7 presented is not detailed. The real solutions will cnrnr and
8 will be answered in the design and in the implementation stage.
9 Community members and the County must have a meaningful role in
10 those design stages if true success is to be made. And I would
11 hope that the ROD would address that and include the community
12 in those planning stages.
13 MS. Dalsooua Neil Thomas is next.
14 MR. THOMAS: rm Neil F. Thomas. Usually, I'm the
IS last speaker, and I hope I am the last one tonight. But I'm
16 the President of the Anaconda Sportsman Club. And we'd like to
17 see something happen year around with this cleanup business,
18 something that we can do year around. And that's recreation.
19 So if we could get some clean water, like Silver Bow Creek and
20 fish in the creek, get some birds down in the Opportunity
21 Ponds, and also have access sites when these projects are
22 completed so we can have access to them. And then I'd also
23 like to mention that we're kind of interested in putting in a
24 shooting range, a modem shooting range. So if that can
25 happen, we'd like to see that happen.
Page 46
1 You know, how many years ago was it when you saw a fox come
2 across the highway down there? I see them regularly oo my way
3 to work. And down by Warm Springs and along the river, there's
4 places where it has come across, places where they've done
5 cleanup has made a big difference. Warm Springs Ponds is a
6 great example. I know there's pros and cons, saying, yeah,
7 water levels aren't whatever. But I remember going to that
8 river when it ran orange in the springtime. That's just what
9 it did. The Clark Fork was orange near Warm Springs. You
10 didn't go near it. The only place you fished was Warm Springs
11 Creek, to where it ran into there. Over the years, that's
12 gone. We don't see those big large orange runoffs anymore.
13 Once in a while, there's some problems, but I've seen the fish
14 change. I used to fish down there when there really wasn't any
15 fish to catch, you were just down there running around the
16 river. And now, there's actually fish you can catch. And I
17 just want to say thank you to what's going on and urge
18 everybody to keeping work with us. and we'll get through it.
19 Thanks.
20 MS. DalsoGLiO: Next, we have Jim Davison.
21 MR. DAVISON. This is the last, but certainly not the
22 only site that needed to be cleaned up in our county. Past
23 solutions which have proven to be safe, healthy, clean, provide
2-4 economic viability, and have been accomplished in an
25 economically reasonable fashion, were a result of EPA. ARCO.
Page 48
1 Thanks.
2 MS. DalsooLtO: Well, unfortunately, you are the next
3 to the last one. I have one other individual, Bea McCarthy, if
4 you'd like to come up.
5 And I'll just do another check, anybody else that has
6 changed 'k"*1 mind or wants to be «H
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1 monitor throughout the state have not been that lucky. We've
2 been back over them and over them again. And Anaconda has been
3 fortunate in that respect. We need to continue with that and
4 we need to watch the people that are doing our jobs in the
5 future. If we have to do what Mr. Jordan suggested and stretch
6 the jobs out a little bit longer to get quality contractors.
7 then let's do it. Let's not rush through a project in order to
8 get it finished and then have to have it redone at somebody's
9 expense a few years later.
0 I think the people that are here tonight are sincerely
1 concerned about their community, or they wouldn't have taken
12 the time to come out on such an evening as this. They need to
13 be commended for that All I'm trying to do to is bring your
14 ideas to Helena and to the people that are making the
15 decisions. And in that, I try not to form my own opinions or
16 have them influence what I'm doing. I'm trying more to see if
17 I can get both sides of the balance and do it, and I hope that
18 in representing you, I will always continue to do that.
19 I guess I'm a bit prejudiced in what we're doing here,
20 because I've seen it do so much good. And I want to thank ARCO
21 for that, because I think they have really tried to do the very
22 best they can. And we need to thank the contractors in the
23 same respect. And I hope that EPA will look at that when
24 they're making the final decision on this plan and realize that
25 we need to go forward.
Page 49
COURT REPORTER'S CERTIFICATE
STATE OF MONTANA )
SS.
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON )
I, CHERYL ROMSA. Court Reporter, Notary Public in and
for the County of Jefferson, State of Montana, do hereby
certify:
That the foregoing proceedings were reported by me in
shorthand and later transcribed into typewriting; and that the
of my ability.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed my notarial seal this 26th day of January 1998.
CHERYL ROMiA
Court Reporter - Notary Public
My Commission Expires 8/4/99
51
Page 50
We need to also think, though, that there are other uses
for this land. The prison is an excellent use for this land.
The golf course is an excellent use. We've got to use the slag
pile for different things as we come up. Let's brainstorm
among ourselves. We're the people that live here. What type
of industry do we want? What do we want to bring for our
future and for our children and our grandchildren? So work
with it together, and we'll get there.
Thank you.
MS. DalSOGUO; Thank you, Bea,
I would like to just say thank you also for all of you
coming out tonight. We've heard echoed quite a bit that this
is a real important time for this community, and I think your
attendance at tonight's meeting has really showed EPA your
ongoing interests and concerns. So thank you very much. I
look forward to receiving written comment again through
January 30th.
(The proceedings were concluded at 8:30 pjn.)
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
Page 49 - Page 49
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NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
Index Page
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NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
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East p] 10:2432:12
45:14
easy [3] 26:2431:8.12
eatdl 37:17
echo in 28:16
echoed di 50: 12
economic [2] 32:946:24
economically [i] 46:25
economics PI 34:740
economy [i] 41:20
Ed [4] 2:2044:1445:11
education p] 21:938:7
38:16
effective [6] 12:14 13:17
17:520:1828:345:17
effectively [i] 16:11
effectiveness pi 104
11:4
effectuating [i) 17:11
effort pi 18:2237:14,19
ef forts m 7:17
eight (<] 15:320:2,13
27:13.1445:1
either [i] 4.12
electric [i] 23:6
electrostatic [i] 23: 12
elements dl 24:17
embark [i] 16:23
emissions [i] 2140
emphasize [i] 5:2
emphasizing d) 48:18
employ [i] 27:16
employer [i] 41:9
employment [i] 40:10
encourage [5] 12:18
32:2241:1.1843:12
encouraging [i| 3241
end [7] 3:74:66:615:20
15:24 31:5 32:1
ended [ij 21:15
ending [i] 42:1
endorsing [i] 14:5
endsdi 28:13
engineered [i] 10:12
engineeringd) 2M3
enjoyed [i] 44:10
enlarged d) 23:22
ensure [3] 8:6 13:1634:3
ensuring [i] 10: 18
entities [i] '1:6
entity p] 11:7.1043:16
environment pi 10:19
20:18 23:4 28:23 30:7.10
45:2048:14
environmental [i] 3:3
16:221:1833:9.1934:12
Ifl.lft A0.\ 1
JO, i O "to. 1 1
envisioned [i] 21:18
EPA [41 1 3:9,164:245:3
5:96:157:12,17.198:4
8:10.1411:613:7,11,16
14:2.17 15:2 16:941 18:2
18:943 19:1620:1621:20
22:2,926:1729:1 35:5,15
38:1739:1541:11.22
42:21 46:25 49:23 50:14
EPA'S[i] 31:6
EQCdl 48:25
eraiu 16:3
especially [i] 28:2
essential pi 12:153341
established p) 22:3
38:5
establishment [i] 1 0:1 6
CtdJ 30:15
ethical [i] 12:5
evaluation dl 843
evening [4] 3:13443
15:1549:12
event p] 29:7 38:14
everybody [13] 7:924:8
27:23 32:16 34:2 35:4.5
36:25 38:5 39:3 42:4
43:1346:18
evident (i] 43:9
examined] 3140
example p) 22:1 46:6
48:16
examples [i] 22:12
excellent pi 50:2.3
except (i i 21:8
exceptions [i] 31:17
excused] 3:15
Executive [2] 30:947:2
exists [i] 9:20
expansion [i] 234
expect di 28:7
expended pi 40:12
48:21.22
expenditures dl 40: n
expensed] 49:9
experience pi 28:5 38.1
experimenting d) 25:7
Expires n i 49:16
expressed [i] 1040
expressing [i] 20:10
extended dl 4:8
extension [i i 8:17
extent [i] 9:11
extractive di 38:9
-F-
Fdl 47:14
facilitator [i] 644
facility [i] 40:14
fact [4] 354339:242:11
47:5
fairly pi 344536:9
fall [1] 44:7
fallacy [i] 26:1
fallen [i] 45.24
families [i] 36:14
family [5] 34:935:12
38:6 42:7,8
farm 21:18.2033:935:4
35:5 38:3 4240 44:21
45:4
f arming [i] 30:14
fashion p] 20:1946.25
feardi 43:7
feared [i] 1443
featured [i] 44:8
federal [i] 16:19
feedback [i] 12:13
feeling [i] 3945
feels [i] 31:25
fell[i] 19:25
feltd) 28:23
few(i) 8:199:21 19:12
28:14 35:8 49:9
fight [1] 19:4
figure pi 22:1832:7
33:14
filling [i] 19:1
final [15] 3:9.17.24 4:1
7:24 10:14 11:22,24 12:1
16:7 17:1020:1532:1
34:5 49:24
finding [i] 4843
finep] 7:424:20
finished [i] 49:8
first (I) 3:46:257:11 9:6
14:21 16:13 17:2034:24
fish [6] 44:946:13.14.15
46:1647:20
fished [i) 46:10'
fishing [i] 334
fit[ij 24:17
Fitzpatrick [4] 2:13
28:1940.20
fivcdl 25:12
flucm 23:19
flues [i] 23:17
fluosolidm 23:6
Flynn[4J 2:6 13:24,25
13:25
foCUS [1] 32:1
folks [4] 6:1744:1945.3
45:11
follow p] 7:13 18:23
followed [2] 14:24 18.10
following [3] 7:25 8:23
23:1
f 11 «• i «* • *•
follows [2] 3:1 7:15
fool (I) 31:8
fOOthold dl 36:17
for-suredl 36:9
foregoing [I] 49:8
foreign [1] 38:12
foremost [1] 16:13
forever [i] 10:4
forgotten dl 9:9
Fork p] 12:2546:9
form(l) 49:15
formal (3) 5:2 14:14
15:18
format (n 4:13
forth [4] 13:821:6.21
24:16
fortunate [4] 33:244:7
48:23 49:3
forward [11) 9:3 12:6
17:12 18:1.134341:9,20
41:21 49:25 50:16
fought [1] 36:16
found PI 23:1025:245:6
Foundation dl 26:16
foundations (i) 13:2
foUTd] 3:21
four-letterdi 29:18
fox [2] 5:646:1
Francisco [i] 38: 1 3
frankly di 40.18
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
Index Page 3
-------
free - lesser
SUPERFUND SITE
Multi-Page1
ANACONDA SMELTER
free in 30:22
front [2] 15:820:25
fulfill [i] 8.5
fun (I) 20:6
fund[i) 10:16
fundamental [2] 30:21
31:17
funded [i] 10:15
Funding (i] 10:10
furnace [ij 23:6
furnaces (i) 22:25
Furthermore (i) ll:ll
[future [U] 9:5,24 10:24
! 11:8 13:4.12,19 14:9
i 15.1729:3 32:7,937:22
39 1242:1943:1949:5
50.7
-G-
gasoi 23:7.9,17
gaseous (2) 23:15.20
Gene (6) 2:56:25 12:21
15:18 17.19.20
general [3i 20:2421:16
32:12
generally [i] 6:4
generation (i) 38:10
generations (2j 11:23
38:8
given pi 9:5
global [i] 16.15
ooa1<; n i 11-22
guaiD [if JJ.A+
|goeS[<] 16:15.1624:14
, 36.12
|golf(l8] 15:1017:21 18:4
18:4.6.11 19:1426:8.13
i 26:2233:3 37:13,18 40:20
4021 44:1048:1950:3
!gonc[ll| 3:24 13:13
18:19 19:1026:1436:5
j 37.2343:9.1044:2246:12
'goodfisi 8:15 17:23
18:21 21:522:2527:22
28:8.1832:15.2335:6
41:643:348:2449:20
goodbye [i] 43:11
. govern (ij 31:15
government pi 8:3 13:1
13:20 16:19 20:9,16 41:13
governmental [i] 19:6
Governor [ij 19:22
Governor's in 37:16
graduated [i] 21:12
grandchildren [i] 50:7
granted [i] 8:17
granules [i] 36:2
grass (4) 19:1437:13.17
4 £ 11
45:1 1
grasses (i) 44:14
grassroots [i] 30:5
great [«] 11:11 26:1532:3
40:1541:1844:15,1746:6
greatest [i] 44:1 1
green [2] 19:1437:17
Greenwayp] 40:23,24
Greenwaysm 48:20
grew [4] 37:1044:22,23
44:24
ground [2] 18:23 29:10
groundwaterp) 4:2
9:18 10:6
group [5] 18:1522:10
30:9,12 38:19
groups [2] 8:1 48:12
grow p] 20:1228:23
37:13
growing [2] 44:1445:11
grown [1] 44:23
growth m 32:1237:1
guaranteed [i] 30:23
guess [ill 5:15 14:13.14
14:16 17:1725:204026:5
26:10 40:7 49:19
guy [2] 37:21 40:2
-H-
HaeffnCT[4) 2:8 17:15
17:16,16
half[i) 15:4
hand[i] 49:11
handle [i] 4:1
happening pi 12:13
45-10
~ J. M V
happy [2] 35:942:1
hard [2] 28:1030:6
harmony [i] 28:17
harvest [i] 45:13
hat (I) 21:4
haym 45:14
head to 17:24
heading [i] 27: 13
health m 10:1922:23
33:19,1934:1145:20
health/environmental
m 11-16
J J . J U
healthy [i] 46:23
hear [3] 7:936:9.9
beard [«] 1:6 19:2432:21
33:841:2350:12
hearing (4) 3:1 1 15:18
45:6,1 1
hearings [i] 8:15
held (3] 4:1522:2048:15
Helena (1) 22:2248:9
49:14
help [2) 14:1423:23
helped [i] 20:13
helpful [i] 6:22
helping [i] 39:19
hereby [i] 49:6
hereunto [i] 49: 11
hey[2j 17:22 18:9
Hickeym 2:919:18,19
19:19 28:3 38:20
Highdl 1:6
highway (i) 46:2
highways (i) 24:15
hill (2) 35:2 36:21
history (i] 32:9
hit(i) 45:25
holdings [4j 31:432:11
32:14,17
home [3) 34:836:13,13
honest [i] 18:21
honestly |i] 18:20
hope [12] 12:1819:12
20:15.1933:538:1,22
40:547:11,1549:1743
hopefully [i) 14:7
hours [i] 37:20
housein 23:10
house/public [i] 4:17
huge [3] 38:20,2147:5
human (5) 10.1911:15
33:1934:1145:20
hunter 's[i] 45:24
husband (2] 33:134:17
-I-
ideapj 17:2319:327:2
ideas [4] 12:1317:20
18:1249:14
identifies [i] 10:3
11 [11 21:10
image [i] 11:15
impasse [i] 28:13
imperative pj 10:18
13:1532:16
impetus [i] 40:23
implement [3) 11:5,9,14
implementablc m 17:5
implementation p]
10:1411:164012:447:8
implemented in 16:1 1
importance [i] 10:7
important [to] 9:22
11:2415:15.1916:13
20:1030:2232:1140
50:13
importantly (2) 13:17
16:19
impossible [i] 29:9
improvements [i] 24:7
inches [2] 25:9,9
include [2] 19:347:11
included [i] 34:5
including [3] 4:2 16:9
16:19
incorporation [i] 39:13
indeed [i] 40:9
indicated] 1543
indicated [2] 5:189:7
indication [i] 43:3
individual [5] 20:22
27:831:1237:848:3
individuals [3] 3:145:3
5:14
industrial [i] 1041
industries [i] 38:9
industry [zj 37:5 50:6
Inevitably [i] 12:16
inexpensive [i] 48:18
influence^] 49:16
information (9] 3:84:15
4:17,1941 8:16 12:12
39:4.19
initial [2] 4:1537:11
innovative [i] 39:11
input [2] 8:1 36:9
inquiries (i) 15:11
inside [i] 41:4
insist [i] 10:5
instead [2] 25:1244:14
Institute [2] 38:1639:17
institutional [2] 10:10
10:11
instrumental [i] 1741
integral (i) 16:4
intention [i] 8:3
intently [i] 1243
interest (i) 43:12
interested [i] 4743
interests [2] 34:550:15
introduce 14] 5:6,10
10-20 31-23
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introduction [i] 443
involved [2i] 11:612:19
124313:214:2,1626:24
27:1428:430:434:14,20
38:84540:8424341:12
42:13 43:10 45:4
involvement [3] 11:18
11:193645
irontn 24:18
issue [3] 10:1731:3
issues [is] 5:5 8:24 10:10
11:24 12:4,744 13:341
16:2.12.17 17:7 32:2
38:17
items [i] 14:6
itself di 29:10
-J-
J
Jack [i 1 2842
January [5] 1:84:9.12
50:17 49:12
Japan [3] 24:12,13,14
38:12,12
Jefferson [2] 49:4.6
Jim [S] 2:6421344.25
46:20
job [4] 19:121:233840
4845
jobsm 21:1527:243540
36437:1249:4,6
Joe[«] 2:12,1527:8.10
34:2344 37:7 44:3
Johnson [4] 2:1429:25
30:14
Jordan [9] 2:1227:9.10
27:10.11,1335:1344:3
49:5
Julie [4) 3:27:1.724:9
junior [i] 21:14
-K-
AW
keep [5] 12:1824:11
28:1735:1437:1
keeping (i) 46:18
Kelleym 2:1942:3.4
kept ni 104
kickdi 33:16
kid (2) 35:64444
kids [4] 33:1 35:1742:6
44:25
• ••• «*•••
kids [1] 36:13
kind [IS] 3:5,106:24 15:8
1742 18:5,14,15 20:25
33-17 36-8 37-1 38-5 39-9
jjii / ju.v j/.i jo,j jy .7
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kinds [2] 39:12.15
knows [i] 6:22
-L-
lack[i] 10:21
lacking [2] 8:25 13:8
lacks dl 10:17
land [9] 10:1040.21 31:5
31:532:1 35:7 50:24
landowner [i] 32:18
lands (2) 11:1 38:13
large [5] 6:823:9,1731:9
46:12
larger m 30:12 32:8
34:10
largest (i) 11:13
last [21] 3:11 641 15:17
17:17 19:20 20:2,4 26:7
29:17.1832:1442:344:7
45:5.6,104641 47:15,15
48:3.12
late [I] 42:8
latter m 12-14
Aaii&j |ij J4.it
law (3) 18:9 32:1940:8
laws [3] 13:1631:15
45:19
leader [i] 1742
leadership [i] 15:1
least [1] 14:15
leaved] 18: 19
leaves [i] 4144
led in 4041
lesser [i] 9:1
ndex Page 4
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
-------
ANACONDA SMELTER
Multi-Page1
letter -
SUPERFUND SITE
letter [3] 7:J2.14,15
level [2] 11:1933:4
levels (1] 46:7
liabilities (u 16:25
lifC[4j 20:1421:8,11 35:1
life-long (2) 12:2237:9
ifeblood(i) 9:22
lifetime [i] 41:14
imefi] 23:25
united HI 43: is
units [2] 10:24 11:1
inem 11:16
lines [i] 26:12
list [6] 5:246:2,18.25
n.l < AQ-f.
• 1 J ^O.O
istenedni 42:4
listening [i] 44:19
literally [S] 14:24 15:9
15:17 16:3 38:21
livable (i] 41:17
live(<] 10:4 14:8 19:13
30:331:1050:5
lived[3] 21:11 35:1 40:4
lives [2] 19:2548:15
living [i] 35:12
Livingston [i] 34:17
local [t] 13:1 17:2427:22
41:13 44:1547:2
Lodge [30] 1:37:6,16,20
7:21,238:7,11,209:4.7
9:1210:13 11:8 12:9,11
12:22.24 13:5.11,14,18
13:20 14:19 15:5 26:8,17
29:4.13 40:16
Logan (4) 2:1637:8,9,9
logistics [3] 3:126:16
6:23
long-term m 1 1 :4 35:3
35:10.14 36:4 42:19
longer [6] 20:5,627:19
42:1243:749:6
look (20) 9:3 12:6 14:17
17:1226:21 28:1030:6
35:10.1936:5.18.2337:21
41:9.1642:13 43:11 45:21
49:23 50:16
looked [i] 17:6
looking (6] 22:825:11
36:641:20.2145:17
looks [1] 29:17
lucky [31 37:23,2549:1
lumber (i) 24:24
lush(i) 37.17
-M-
mail[i] 8:16
maintain [3] 12:1535:16
35:17
major [4] 18:2427:17
Af\.Q A t .Q
*TU.~ H i ,y
makes [2) 17:1835:9
managed HI 28:22
manager («) 3:3 5:9 7:8
20:23.24 21:16
managing [i] 30:7
manner [2i 9:21 10:6
manning [i] 5:8
Marsh [i] 5:10
materials (2) 23:25,25
Matt [2] 5:1044:25
matter [2] 31:12.17
may [3] 9:811:532:12
McCarthy ft) 2:20.24
44:1 ,2.2 48:3.8,8
McLean [4] 2:1126:4,5
26:5
mean [«] 17:1233:9.13
36:5.24 37:2
meaningful [3] 11:19
20:1847:9
mechanism [2] 39:7,13
iiyilif f)i m 1 77-9
Himfl 1*1 iw. l L^.J*
meeting [9] 4:15,19.19
5:46:6 18:1632:448:12
50:14
meetings (2) 3:826:10
Meg[l] 38:20
Mel (5) 2:1020:22.23
26:3 28:21
member (4) 30:335:11
35:11 48:10
members [4] 4:742:24
42-25 47-9
^A.^J ^ / ,7
memo[i) 24:9
mention [i] 47:23
mentioned m 28:2.16
met (3) 22:214223:21
metallic [i] 23:25
meter [i] 22:4,5,7.12.14
.22:16.1925:25
microgramnj 22:7
microgramsm 22:4,5
22:11,14.15.1925:25
mid-November [i ]
4:18
might [4] 26:21 38:18
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miles (i) 38:8
Millie [3] 38:439:22
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million [9] 15:422:24
23:2.5.23 25:24 33:8.12
33:12
mind [6] 10:218:2222:17
25:22 35:14 48:6
mining [i] 30:15
missed [i] 34:23
mitigate m 11:12,15
model [ii 14:24
modern [ij 47:24
modification [i] 39:13
money [ioj 17:9.9 18:17
23:21 24:733:1036:3
40:1248:17.21
monitor (2) 27:2449:1
monitoring [i] 22:13
Montana [IT] 1:3,7 14: 13
14:1819:2220:421:8,12
30:11.1940:141:7,15,17
48:11 49:2,6
Montanans[3) 30:18
31:19.21
month [i] 28.21
months HI 8:19
most [14] 3:199:19 13:17
16:11,1818:1,2520:10
30:22 33:3 34:15 35:1
37:2441:17
moved (i) 40:4
MS [30] 3:25:206:4.11
7:4 13:24 14:10,11 17:15
19:17 20:22 26:3 27:8
28:19.2029:15,2530:1
34:22 37:7 38:4 39:22
42:3 43:22 44:18 46:20
47:1348:2.850:10
Multi-Enterprises m
35:22
multiple [1] 30:6
must [U] 9:1610:211:25
12:1631:2,7,16,2533:23
34:4 47:9
mutual [i] 12:15
-N-
N[l] 2:1
nail(i] 36:16
name [17] 3:2 6:21 .21
12:8,21 13:25 14:11 19:19
27:1029:16.17,1830:1
31:1834:2437:944:2
namely [t] 13:6
names (u 29:20
Nash [3] 2:1738:4.5
Natalie [4] 2:1328:19
28:2029:15
nation [i] 30:22
nation's [i] 11:13
national pi 8:22 15:9
native [i] 26:6
natural [i] 16:18
nature [2] 40:1,8
naught [i] 36:12
near pi 46:9.10
nearinem 15 -24
•m*«M4U£ l*J *«J.*^
nearly [3] 15:1.4,4
necessary [2] 9:11.24
need [27] 12:13 14:6
16:12 17:1 28:1629:4,9.9
33:1635:1336:18,24
42:13,16,2243:1,10.11
43:2045:18.1949:3.4.12
49:22,25 50:1
needed [2] 23: 1 46:22
needs [i] 9:io
negative [i] 11:12
neighboring [i] 33:6
Neil[3j 2:2347:13.14
nervous [i] 29:6
net[i] 14:7
never [6] 25:5 34.16.18
38:1240:244:23
new [9] 19:2420:14.14
34:25 37:4.5 39:8.10,17
news [i j 19:23
newspaper [i] 39:2
next [21] 8:9 13:24 14:10
17:15 20:22 26:4 27:8
28:19 29:16.22 33:15 37:8
38:4 39:23 40:6 42:7 43:4
44:1846:2047:1348:2
nine [6] 8:22 14:15.17
20:2,14 45:1
Nobody [1] 45:19
non-adversarial [ij
42:15
nonprofit (i) 38:15
nor [2] 11:15 13:10
North [i] 22:1
Northern [i] 34:18
notarial [i] 49:12
Notary p] 49:5,15
nothing [2] 33:1336:14
notice [1] 45:8
Novcmberfi] 4:20
now [25] 3:204:16 13:12
13:18 15:9 21:5,17,1841
22:4.1241 23:14 24:8.12
24:17,2025:11.1735:21
37:1740:543:144:3
46:16
nowadays m 45:25
NPL[3) 7:188:2 12:2
numb [i] 33:10
number [5] 3:843 5:3
8:14 25:23
numbers (2) 33:11,13
numerous [i] 16:18
-O-
~\r~
object [1] 17:9
objective [i] 3842
observe m 3844 39:4
obviously [i] 41:5
occasion [i] 334
occurred [i| 7:19
October [3] 3:74:5.16
off (7j 174 19:5 20:25
21:323:825:1744:6
offer [2] 94 16:8
offered [i] 18:17
Off ice [I] 40:14
Officer [i] 5:11
official [i] 13:1
Often [2] 254231:8
old[5] 15:1033:339:17
44:1445:1
OnCC(l) 46:13
one [31] 3:257:13842
9:19 11:13 15:81740
20:8,10.1722:6.724:10
25:726:11 27:1429:19
30:1642 32:2 34:22 35:9
35:10,1437:11 39:17
414443:1444:7.11 45:5
45:647:1548:3.3
one's [1) 34:5 .
oneS(l) 28:14
ongoing [i] 50:15
Onset [2] 8:14 26:16
opacity [i] 2140
open (4) 4:17.1944 1842
operable [5] 148:1344
1 1 O
13:8 1442
operations [i] 11:8
opinions [i] 49:is
opportunities (3) 15 16
39:840:11
opportunity [»] 4:195:1
8:12 14:1,3 29:8 38:23
39:9 4740
options [i] 1045
orange i 46:8.9.12
Order [2] 274249:7
OreS[i] 23:14
organization [5] 30:19
31:24,2432:2038:15
organization's [i]
3342
organizations (3) 132
30:5.13
originally [i] 4:6
ought [i] 39:5
OUTS[1| 43:18
OUTSclvCS [3) 31:933:16
50:5
outlined (i) 1145
OUtside [1] 5:721:10
2741.21 414.5.1944
overflow [i] 244
overnight [i] 37:13
overpasses (i) 24: 15
oversight [i] 4244
own [U] 30414531:3
31:14,2334:842:1443:12
43:17.1849:15
owned (2) 31:6 32:15
owner [2] 27:10 31:12
owners [ii 43:19
ownership 14) 1043
12:1743:14,18
oxide (2) 24:18.19
-P-
p.m[2] 1:950:18
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON A VENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
Index Page 5
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package [i] 4.1
PAGE pi 2:2
paper (2] 22:644:8
paramount [i] 33:19
partw 3:179:23 16:4
32:1437:11 41:1640
43:20
participation [2] 36:25
42:1
part icul arm 10:12
particulates pj 23:8,8
23-1 1
+ J.II
parties (4) 16:1826:24
32.22 38:23
partnership [2j 26:12
26.15
Partnerships [i] 27:5
parts [4] 22:623:2,3
25:24
partyin 13:10
pass m 25:3
past [13] 7:18.198:3.18
11:12 12:3.23 13:2220:13
28:1235:843:546:22
patio [i] 25:8
people [soj 5:146:19
9.22 12:19 18:1741 19:3
20:3.4.1821:1722:10,16
24.20 25:4,5 27:164143
28:6.15.23 30:16 35:16
36:11. 16.19.23 37:20
38:2440:3.2541:1842:5
42:25 43:2,3,22 44:8,8,12
44:1645:6.7.9,1249:4.10
49:14 50:5
Peoples [4] 2:1839:23
39:24.24
per [i] 22.4.5.12.14.15,19
perhaps [2] 19:2331:10
period [6] 4:6.85:26:13
15:327:19
permission [i] 30:19
Permit [i] 10:14
person [5j 6:25 14:12
26:4 29:21 45:19
personal (i) 34.8
perspective [2] 11:16
17:3
pet[i) 24.10
philosophy [i] 31:17
phone [i] 15:11
phonetic [i] 31:21
F v *
piece m 39:4
pieces in 32:7
pile [3] 36:645:2450:4
piles [1] 24:13
place [12] 7:J 11:1020:3
20:5.6.7.7.1324:21 37:16
41:1746:10
places [3] 24:24 46:4,4
plan [39] 1:43:94:5,11
5:5 8:12.18.20.23.25 9:13
9:16,21 10:2.6,11,12,15
10:16.1811:2.4,10 13:7
13:1541 14:2.6 16:9,22
17:619:11 31:632:1,5
34:5 39:1447:649:24
planning p] 10:11 37:19
47:12
plans [3] 31:1938:18
40:14
plant [1] 23:22
planting d) 45:13
plants [2] 23:2224:14
play [2] 6:24 33:3
pleased [i] 3:10
pocketbook [i] 18:8
podium [i] 6:20
point [10] 5:17406:11
8:1922:3,11 39:1 40:12
43:648:18
points [i i 6:16
polished [i] 25:io
ponds [»] 4:323:2424:1
33:244:114445:246:5
47:21
portions [1] 24:19
Portland (i) 24:23
portray [i] 945
poses [i] 17:7
position [2] 19:240:19
positive [4] 20:1,727:5
44:15
possible [S] 9:5,18 11:10
12:1340:15
practically p) 27. 14, 15
28:2
precious [i] 9:19
precipitatoni] 23:12
precluded] 32:12
precludes in 10:24
predecessor [i] 16:3
prejudiced [i] 49:19
premised] 9:19
preparing [i) 13:21
present [4] 7:29:23
12:1021:2
presented [S] 14:2,3.7
39:1 47:7
President p] 14:12
30:11 47:16
press [i] 32:3
pretty [4] 15:2,526:25
prevail di 3343
previous [i] 3:21
primarily [i] 15:2
primary [i] 32:1
principal [i] 13:9
principle [i] 40:1
prison [4] 39:840:9,22
50:2
private [10] 30:15,18 '
31:1.11.19,224532:17
43:14.16
privately [i] 31:6
problem [2] 9:1622:21
problems (<] 12:621:18
21:21 22:2346:1347:6
proceed [2] 17:829:2
proceedings [4] 1:53:1
50:1849:8
process (M) 4:259:10
12:1814:1615:21,24
17:1338:243:10.12,13
produce [t] 2143
production [2] 23:3
30:14
productivity (i) 23:3
products [1] 24:19
program [i] 234
progress [i] 44:13
progressive [i] 21:15
prohibited [i i 31:1
project (it) 3:3 5:9,11
7:8 9:4 25:2,15 37:1641
40:9,1041:1343:244:11
48:1949:7
nrniectfi m 1 8-?n I Q-s
VMVJ**\t*a |'J lo.^u 17*0
24:11 27:1547:2148:13
48:25
prompted [i] 6:7
properties [i] 1043
property [ii] 30:15,18
30:21 31:1.1.4.11,14,15
31:19,224532:17,19
43:15,16,17,19
proposal (1) 16:10
j
proposed [i3] 1.44:5,11
5:5 8:129:21 10:11 11:2
M'4 ft 11-7 11 -a it-*
>",V IJ./ Ji.U JA.J
proposes [i] 10:3
proposing [i] 3:9
proS[l) 46:6
prospective (i) 41:10
prosperous (i] 35:2
protect [i] 45:20
protected [i) 34:12
protection pi 3:3 3344
34:12
protective pi 10:19
11:15
proud [5] 14:16 15:6,6
15:1437:15
proven [i] 4643
provide (10) 3:145:12
5:15.174345 12:19 39:9
39:1846:23
Providers dl 30:12
provides pj 38:1942
providing [4] 4.1043
6:22 39:18
PRP[B] 8:49:311:612:4
13:10.13.19 15:12.
public [14] 3:114:6,8.15
4:19.246:138:15.16
15:1831:243:2549:5.15
purchaser's [i] 4i:ll
purchasing [i] 25:3
purely [i] 42:6
purpose (i) 42:5
purposes [i] 1042
push [2] 18:13 19:5
pushed (2) 18:1.14
put(S) 3:21 22:623:21
24:14 36:16
putSd) 18:23
putting [i] 47:23
puzzle [i] 32:8
-0-
quadruple(i) 19:12
quality p] 48:114449:6
questions [i] 5:12
quick [i] 43:23
quickly m 5:6,15
quite p] 27:2450:12
-R-
Railroaddl 34:18
raised) 36:13
raised pi 16:152841
38:7
rant*] 25:1 444345:143
46:8,11
ranch [i] 37:10
range p] 474444
rather p] 13:11 19:16
42:21
RDM [5] 35:214536:15
36:21 37:21
read [4] 7:1513:621:3
29:17
reading p] 39:243:23
real [10] 14:16 17:4,11
20:2026:21 28:1043:9
45:1847:750:13
Realistic [i) 30:10
reality d] 31:13
realize [4] 28:633:17
48:20 49:24
realizes [i] 17:6
really [1«] 3:1015:19,23
17:2029:833:1735:2
38:1639:1641:2044:10
45:9 46:14 47:6 4941
50:14
reason [i] 25:3
reasonable pi 30:8
46:25
received [4] 3:176:13
6:14 18:10
receiving p] 32:350:16
reclamation p] 27: 15
37:124243
recognize [2] 7:1732:17
recognized [i] 9:12
record [ii] 3:17456:15
8:21,249:15 11:1844
12:1,21 134514:4,11
20:1530:14039:747:3
Records (i) 341
recreation (i) 47:18
redd! 44:14
redone [i] 49:8
regarding p] 744 12:12
Regional [4] 148:13
13:747:4
register pi 743 843
registering [i] 8:10
regular [i] 334
regularly p] 4545 464
regulation pi 22:440
regulations [5] 13:16
21:2422:224:541:4
related [i] 1244
relates [i] 31:3
relationship pi 32:22
32:2344
released [i] 4.5
relies [i] 10:11
relieved (i) 40:7
remain pi 13:14 3145
remaining p) 4:3.49:14
remains p) 10:18 15:25
Remedial pj 3:3 5:8
remediated di 9:11
remediation p] 31:7
33:9 39:10
remedies [3] 10:1234:4
34:11
remedy [t] 10:14 ll:6
11:1441 15:13 16:16
remember [si 4:16 1442
27:12 28:25 46:7
removal (t] 343
removed [i] 9:17
Renodi 40:13
report (i) 7:7
reported (i i 49:8
reporter [4 j 3:15640
49:5,15
REPORTER'S [ij 49:1
represent [i] 48:9
representation [i] 8:1
representing [i] 49:18
request [i] 4:7
required p] 23:2426:14
requirements [i] 8:6
requiring in 1641
resident pi 14:1 37:10
residential [i] 1042
residents d) 33:7
resolve [i] 12:4
resource (4) 10:7 16:18
Index Page 6
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
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resources - telling
SUPERFUND SITE
30:11,13
resources [2) 11:93940
respect [<] 10:17 12:15
42:13.1649:3,23
respected (2) 31:8,16
respects [2] 845 13:8
respond [i] 5:1
responded [i] 6:15
responding di 3:16
response [i] 12:7
responsibility p] 12: 11
424344
responsible [i] 13:10
rest [5) 44 124529:20
3245 33:7
result [2] 14:746:25
results [i] 27:5
retired [i] 2043
return [i] 29:13
returning [i] 29:12
reverb (i) 23.9
reverberatory [i] 2245
review pj 8:17 14.3
48:13
reviewing [i] 144
revised di 11:17
right [13] 7:920:17,25
304144,25 31:5,13.17
32:18 38:14 42:5 45:18
rights [i] 30:15,1843
31:11.19.224543:17
risc[i] 204
risk[i] 17:11 .
risks [1] 17:4
river [4] 454 46:3.8,16
riverbankd) 4444
road[i] 28:18
ROD(i) 47:11
role (i) 47:9
ROMSAp) 49:5.14
roofing [i] 364
room [2] 31:234:1
rules [2] 184331:10
run(i) 34:15
running [i] 46:15
runoffs (1) 46:12
rural d) 32:6
rush[i) 49:7
-s-
S02[3] 21402241 2342
Saba[4] 2:153443.24.24
sack(i] 25:12
sacks [i] 2443
safe(i) 4643
caV'p r 1 1 I *7-Q
Ott^w H| 1 / .7
Sandl 38:13
Sands [1] 44:15
Sandy [6] 2:7 14:10.11
19:1 24:1033:8
Saw [2] 444546:1
says [4] 7:168:11 18:9
38:11
scenes (i) 45:10
school p) 1:6 194026:7
Schwinden[i] 19:22
sealm 49:12
Second [3] 4:1928:1 39:6
Secondly [i) 17:1
Sector [l] 30:13
securely [i] 11:10
see [16] 3:5.1012:5 19:13
19:1527:1829:243643
37:1639:645:8464.12
47:17,25 49:16
seeing [2] 44:12,13
seem [2] 11:1529:6
Selanni 3141
self-interest [2] 42:6,14
senator [i] 48:9
send [i] 7:12
senior pj 1:6 14:12
Sense [4] 17:428:833:23
39:16
sensible [i] 4541
sent(i) 25:1
separated! 1442
September pi 194143
serious [ii 9:19
seriously [i] 944
served pi 13:121:10
26:8
serves [i] 34:5
serviced! 39:18
Services dl 4:18
serving [i] 30:11
set (4) 114213:831:10
49:11
SetS[l] 4:1
Settings [1] 9:7
Settled] 24:1
settlements [i] 16: 14
seven [2] 24:1344:3
several [2] 4:78:3
sheet [i] 5:16
shelves dl 3841
Ship (2) 24:2142
shoot [1] 27:2
Shooting [2] 47:24,24
Shops (1) 34:18
Short [2] 11:436:5
shorthand [i] 49:9
showed p] 22:13.15
50:14
side [2] 19:5 35:3
Sides [4] 204026:1038:9
49:17
sign [3] 5:22 43:2344
Sign-in [ij 6:4
Signed [2] 3:145:14
significance [i] 15:9
significant [i] 40:10
Signup [2] 5:1642:3
Silver [i] 47:19
simply [i] 3543
sincerely pi 3141 49: 10
Sit [4] 444 19:429:3
33:14
Site [21] 1:1 3:4,10,1840
34344,225:9,117:19
745 8:2 9:8 124 1445
16:1 17:631:746:2247:5
site-wide [i] 345
Sites [4] 10:12 11:1447:6
Al 1 1
47:21
Sitting [2] 6407:12
situation (4] 445 13:22
situations [i] 12:14
B*V n*i 1C 11 4O O
SIX pj 25:12 38:8
six-generation [i] 38:6
Sixth [1] 38:10
sized] 17:7
Sltill [I] 33:4
Skipped [1] 29:21
Slag [13] 20:624:10,13,14
24:17,1925:1.7,11 36:1
39:11454350:3
Sledding [2] 264527:1
small p] 31:123544
38:15
Smelter [11] 1:1 7:188:2
124 1944204421:12
21:1625:1831:744:5
smelters (i) 24:13
smoked! 2140
society [i] 31:15
Soils (4] 144:48:13 13:8
solid p] 23:1545
Solutions [7] 8:5 12:5
12:14 30:8 4643 47:1.7
someday [i] 3743
sometimes m 29:6
33:10
SOOn p] 11:1013:13
19:22
sorry [i] 29:6
sort MI i s-5fl
QWAKllJ 1 J,A\f
sources [i] 3742
Southwestern p) 40: 1
41:7,14
space d) 3841
speak [4] 21:327:540:12
40:13
speaker [«} 5:184564.9
2944 47:15
speaking [i] 26:12
speaks (i) 4240
specific [i| 16:9
specificity (i] 10:17
specify (i) 11:19
spell [ii 641
spending [4] 17:9.9
2343 24:6
spent [7] 15:421:7234
23:541 24:3 33:9
spirit [i] 20:19
Sportsman dl 47:16
Springs [•] 33:1 37:11
44:11 45446:3.5,9.10
springtime [i] 46:8
square [i] 25:9
SS[1) 49:3
Stack [2] 23:1840
Staged] 47:8
Stages p] 47:10,12
stand [i] 38:17
standard [i] 104
stands [2] 15:830:10
Start [4] 214533:11 44:1
44:4
started p] 18:4.16
starting p] 21:1944
22:23
Stash [5] 2:7 14:10,11.11
33:8
State [32] 5:11641 14:18
16:19 18:23 21:9,12,19
22:2142 23:10,15,1540
23:21,24 24:5 26:17 30:5
30:1443 33:1,7.21 42:21
424148:8,11,1349:14.6
Statement [«] 13:6,924:9
30:16.18 3845
statements dl 214
States [2] 10:1511:5
status [i] 1543
stay p] 35:1842:6
stepped [i] 1742
sterilize [i] 29:9
Still lit] 4:115:7417:14
9:1 14:25 17:17 18:7.11
18:24 22:17 2340 25:20
26:25 43:7 44:23
Stokke[«] 2:1020:2243
20:23284138:11
Stop [I) 36:23
stream dl 23:7
Streamsided! 28:12
„! , jtaili .... oe.n 14
SUGugm [zj *3.l4.1H
Stretch [1] 49:5
stretched d) 27:19
strides dl H:ii
strong [i] 18:7
strongest [i] 18:11
Strongly p| 18:331:3
34:1
structural p] 25:12.14
structure (i) 3041
struggling [i] 32:6
Stuck p) 18:639:16
studies d) 1443
studying p) 84 1445
Stuff [2] 2441 45:8
stumbled) 29:16
subconsultantd i 3744
subcontractors m
48:24
Subject (i) 10:5
Submit [2] 4:13 31:20
submitted [i] 32:5
substantial [i] -10:3
Success [3] 374038:3
47:10
Successes p] 7:19 15:7
27:4
successful [3] 254
2642 27:1
such [I] 34:10384339:8
39:11 49:12
suggested [i] 49:5
summaries pi 38:1942
39:19
Summer (2) 20:4 44: 12
Supeifund[i2i l:l 5:6
7:19418:6 10:23 11:13
11:22 12:24 13:3 1542
31:7
supplying (i] 364
Support [7] 10:12 20:8
26:6 3342 36:10.15 37:5
supporting p] 30:5
35:12 47:3
Supports [1] 3144
Supposedly [1] 45:5
Suppression [i| 9:13
surface pi 44 12:16
surrounding [i] 3340
survived] 2842
survived [ii 2844
symbolizes [i] 1540
System dl 10:14
-T-
tailingspi 4:3 2344
takesp] 11:1437:14.14
taking [4] 11:11 30:6
31:1 36:1
Tammy p] 2:142945
30:1
taught p] 32:103745
tax[i) 114
teach [i] 26:7
teamwork (2) 12:1527:4
technical (2) 17:73841
technological pi 38:19
3840 39:19
technologies [i] 39: 11
Teddi 1941
telling [i] 42:17
NORDHAGEN COURT REPORTING - (406) 494-2083
1734 HARRISON AVENUE, BUTTE, MT 59701
Index Page 7
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temporarily - younger
SUPERFUND SITE
Multi-Page1
ANACONDA SMELTER
temporarily (ij 7:2
tenf7| 5:1022:4.5.7.8,19
25:13
tend[i] 26:10
terms [2] 40:10.11
Ternespj 2:21 44:18,19
terrible (i) 28:23
Terry (6) 2:3 7:5 20:8,9
29:21.23
testimony [3] 4:105:23
26:11
tests [i) 25:2
thank (25) 3:46:11 12:20
13.23 17:14 19:1520:21
26:227:729:14.1534:21
37:6.7 39:21.2242:245:3
46:1749:20,2250:9,10
50 11.15
Thanks [5] 19:1726:3
43.2! 46:1948:1
theirs (ii 43:16
themselves (i) 27:6
Therefore ni H:9
they've (4j 17:4.536:3
46:4
thick (i) 25:9
thinking pi 14:14 19:6
31:9.11 40:1741:2444:20
Thomas (4] 2:2347:13
47:14,14
thought [6] 18:1721:22
39:341:2443:2345:15
thoughtfully [i] 16:7
thoughts [2] 14.14 16:10
thousand (2] 22:625:24
three [4] 11:627:2029:18
41 .*>^
1J.22
three-day [i] 4:17
thrilled (ii 20:4
thrive (ij 20:12
thrived ni 20:20
through (21) 4:11 8:16
10:1615:1 19:1221:15
O1-1T OT 11 1 ^ 1*7 IO
21.17 23:11,17,17,19
25:1926:14 29:1.2034:19
43:444:1446:1849:7
50:16
throughout (3) 27:16
30:5 49:1
throwing (ij 33:12
tiles (2J 25:8,8
timber (i] 30:14
times (ii 36:19
todaypj 10:7 18:730:16
37:1640:1941:3.10
itogethern?) 7:208:5
! 14:17 16:720:1029:3,8
29:13 32:8 34:3 35:641:8
' 41:1544:16.1747:1 50:8
i tomes (1) 38:21
tomorrow (2] 10:819:11
tonight (23) 3:11,174:10
1
5:4.22 6:14 14:4 15:15
24:926:5,11 30:238:15
40:13 41:1,23 42:4 43:3
43:25 44:20 47:15 49:10
50:12
tonight's (1] 50:14
toop) 16:1532:2237:3
took [3J 22:537:12,18
tooth [i] 36:16
top(i) 21:4
tough (3] 26:21.25.25
towards en 7:7
town (5] 18:1825:16
36:20 43:8 44:12
track [1] 10:14
transcribed (i] 49:9
TRANSCRIPT (ij 1:5
travel (i] 20:5
treat (2] 23:10,11
treated pj 9:20 10:6
23:24
trees [I] 29:11
tremendous (i] 19:1
trend [i] 41:2
trials (i) 26:13
tribulations [i] 26:14
Trident pi 25:1,5
tried pj 22:11.1549:21
truck [i] 45:25
true p| 32:11 47:10
trust (i] 10:16
trustees [i] 16:19
trusteeship [2] 42:20,22
try (9] 5:4,1227:1933:14
38:240:348:9,1049:15
trying pa] 3:84:2018:18
20:9 24:4 25:16 30:7 32:6
32:735:12,1949:13,16
tune (1) 42:11
turn [2] 3:1327:3
turned ni 43:2
turnout pj 3:6,11
twice [i] 28:22
TWO [5] 18:1625:927:17
27:20 30:2
type (51 14:532:4,24
33:22 50:5
types (2] 3:2233:11
typewriting [ij 49:9
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umbrella (i) 30:12
unacceptable [i] 9:21
undefined [i] 10:1
underscore [ij 4:9
understand [i) 45:9
unfortunately [ij 48:2
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5:18,256:2,929:24
Unit [4] 1:28:13.25 13:8
United [ii 30:10
Units [I] 14:22
University [ij 21:9
Up (38) 3:14.254:245:14
5:226:7.19 11:5 15:8 16:9
21:2.1522:1623:1724:19
28:13.2432:833:4,15
35:25 36:1.6,21 37:10
38:21 43:23.25 44:5,22
44:23.23,2445:1 46:22
48:4.15 50:4
up-front [2] 33:442:5
upcoming (ij 27:18
upheld P] 30:2531:8.16
Urge (7) 13:1946:17
used (3) 37:1741:246:14
uses pj 39:11 50:1
Usually (i] 47:14
utilization [ij 10:13
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Valley pj 10:2432:12
variance [i] 24:6
various [5] 9:7 13:1
16:20 30:4 32:7
Vaughn pj 29:22,23
verbal (5) 3:155:17.23
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viability (i] 46:24
Viable [3] 8:79:2420:13
Vicepj 14:12
vicW(i) 43:6
views (i) 48:10
vigor (ij 30:24
violating (2] 39:2540:7
vision [i] 20:14
visited [i] 24:13
vital (ij 9:23
voice [i] 20:10
volume (3] 23:7,9,17
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wants (ij 48:6
Warm 21:10
Wannm 33:1 37:11
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