PB95-964415
EPA/ROD/R08-95/111
March 1996
EPA Superfund
Record of Decision:
F. E. Warren Air Force Base,
Operable Unit 5, Area 2, WY
11/3/1994
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DECLARATION FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION
FIRE PROTECTION TRAINING AREA 2 , OPERABLE UNIT 5
1.0 SITE NAME AND LOCATION
F. E. Warren Air Force Base-
Cheyenne , Wyoming
2.0 STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE
The selected remedy for Operable Unit 5 (OD5), Fire Protection Training
Area 2 (FPTA2) , at F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Base) , in Cheyenne, Wyoming is NO
ACTION. The selected action, the second at the Base, was chosen in accordance
with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA) , as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
(SARA) , and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
(NCP). The selected remedy addresses only risks associated with soils at OD5,
FPTA2. This decision is based on the Administrative Record for the site. The
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State of Wyoming
Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ), as oversight agencies, concur with
the selected remedy. The United States Air Force is the lead agency for the
site.
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED REMEDY
The selected remedy for OU5, FPTA2 is that no remedial action is required.
OU5 is the second of ten operable units to be investigated under terms of the
Federal Facility Agreement (FFA) . The' others are: OU1 - Spill Sites; OU2 -
Facility Ground water; OU3 - Landfills 3 and 6; OU4 - Acid Dry Wells; OU 6 - Open
Burning/Open Detonation Area; OU7 - Firing Range (s) ,- OU 8- Landfill 5; OU9-
Landfills 2 and 4; and OU10- Landfill 7 and Fire Protection Training Area 1. All
of the investigations are being conducted in accordance with the FFA. It is
anticipated that the Record of Decision (ROD) for OU2 will be issued after the
remedial investigation (RI) has been completed for the other operable units.
4.0 DECLARATION STATEMENT
The United -States Air Force (USAF) has determined, with the concurrence of
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , and the State of Wyoming (WDEQ) , that
no remedial action is required at the FPTA 2 area. The Baseline Risk Assessment
(BRA) conducted in 1993, as part of the remedial investigation concluded that
contaminants left in the soil pose no significant risk to human health or the
environment. The BRA did not address ground water. Potential impact to ground
water from FPTA 2 will be determined under OU2. Additional discussions regarding
considerations made in arriving at this decision are contained in the Decision
Summary for the Record of Decision - Fire Protection Training Area 2. Operable
Unit 5 and the Responsiveness Summary. Record of Decision - Fire Protection
Training Area 2. Operable Unit 5 which are attached to this declaration and are
incorporated herein by reference.
CERCLA Section 121 (c), 42 U.S.C. Section 9621(c) , requires a five-year review
in the event that hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants remain on
site. The USAF will conduct a review five years after issuance of this ROD.
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5.0 SIGNATURE OF AGENCY ACCEPTANCE OF REMEDY (EPA)
The undersigned representative concurs with this Record of Decision for Operable
Unit 5, Fire Protection Training Area.2, at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
WILLIAM P. YELltoWTAIL
Regional Administrator
EPA Region VI3/I
li
Da/e
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5.0 SIGNATURE OF AGENCY ACCEPTANCE OF REMEDY (WDEQ)
The undersignejd representative concurs with this Record of Decision for Operable
Unit 5, Fire Protfetetion Training Area 2, at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
DENNIS HE
Director /
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
Date
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nu
5.0 SIGNATURE OF AGENCY ACCEPTANCE OF REMEDY (USAF)
The undersigned representative concurs with this Record of Decision for Operable Unit 5, Fire
Protection Training Area 2, at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. i
PATRICK P. CARUANA, LT GEN, USAF
Air Force Space Command
Peterson AFB CO
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DECISION SUMMARY FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION
FIRE PROTECTION TRAINING AREA 2 , OPERABLE UNIT 5
1.0 SITE NAME, LOCATION, AND DESCRIPTION
F. E. Warren Air Force Base (Base), occupies approximately 5,866 acres
immediately adjacent to the west side of the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming (Figure
1-Base Map) .
The Base was placed on the National Priority List on February 21, 1990.
Historically, the Base has served a number of military functions, including;
cavalry outpost, quartermaster depot and intercontinental ballistic missile
operations base. Operations began at the U. S. Army outpost named Fort D. A.
Russell in 1867. The name was changed to Fort F. E. Warren in 1930. The Base
was a major training facility during and after World War II. Fort F. E. Warren
was transferred to the newly formed U. S. Air Force in 1947 and was subsequently
named F. E. Warren Air Force Base. The Base underwent extensive renovation after
World War II. The majority of the Army training facilities were torn down and
not replaced. Construction since that time has centered on facilities for Air
Force operations. Beginning in 1958, F. E. Warren Air Force Base became a
Strategic Air Command (SAC) base. Since then, F. E. Warren Air Force Base has
served as an operations center for, first, the Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic
Missile (ICBM) , followed by the Minuteman I and III and finally, the Peacekeeper
(MX) ICBMs. The Base was part of Air Combat Command JACC) from 1992 to 1993, and
in July 1993, became part of Space Command.
F. E. Warren Air Force Base is bordered by agricultural land and rural or
suburban residential areas. The Base contains 831 residential housing units and
several unaccompanied personnel housing units (barracks) , along with the services
required by residents. The nearest residences to OD5, FPTA2, are in Carlin
Heights, approximately 1,700 feet to the south; in "Sergeant's Row",
approximately 2,000 feet to the northeast; and four unaccompanied-enlisted-
personnel housing units approximately 1,500 feet to the southwest.
2.0 SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVniES
Operable Unit 5 (OU5), Fire Protection Training Area 2 (FPTA2) is bounded
by Missouri Avenue, Old Glory Road, and Pronghorn Road. FPTA2 is about a quarter
of a mile south of Crow Creek (Figure 2) . Flammable substances such as waste
oils, solvents, gasoline, and aviation fuel were used in the fire training
exercises. During each training exercise, approximately 300-400 gallons of
flammable liquids were poured on the ground in circular bermed area, ignited and
then extinguished. From 1965 to 1974, various waste flammable liquids were used
in the training exercises. In contrast, from 1975 to 1989, JP-4 (jet fuel) was
used as the primary flammable liquid.
On September 26, 1991, a Federal Facility Agreement (FFA) was signed between
the USAF, EPA, and WDEQ. The FFA is required by Section 120 of CERCLA. The FFA
provides the framework for EPA and WDEQ oversight of continuing remedial
investigations at the Base and further identifies USAF investigation activities
and schedules. F. E. Warren Air Force Base submits work plans and reports to EPA
and WDEQ for review and concurrence, in accordance with the FFA.
OU5 is the second of ten operable units for which RODs will be prepared.
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ART A. 2
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3.0 HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The USAF has prepared and implemented a community relations plan (CRP) in
accordance with CERCLA requirements, and the FFA. The CRP describes community
involvement activities the USAF will undertake during remedial activities at F.
E. Warren Air Force Base. The USAF has followed the requirements of the CRP,
including issuance of periodic fact sheets, holding public meetings, and
providing the opportunity for public comment on the Proposed Plan throughout the
OU5 investigation.
The Administrative Record has been established at an on-base location and at
the Laramie County Public Library. The USAF has prepared and distributed fact
sheets to all persons or groups identified on the CRP mailing list (approximately
1400).
The announcement of the commencement of the public comment period was made
on January 16, 1994, through advertisements in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle and in
the Casper Star-Tribune. These advertisements announced and outlined the public
comment period and public meeting. The public comment period was scheduled from
January 31 to March 1, 1994. A public meeting was held at Cheyenne, Wyoming on
February 10, 1994. Several verbal comments were presented and are summarized in
the official transcript of the meeting. The transcript has been placed in the
Administrative Record.
In addition to the newspaper announcements, the USAF issued press releases
which resulted in articles published in the Wyoming"Tribune on February 3, 1994
and Wyoming Eagle on February 4, 1994. An article appeared in the Base Sentinel
Paper on January 21, 1994.
One written comment was received during the public comment period. Responses
to all comments on the Proposed Plan are presented in the Responsiveness Summary
of this ROD.
4.0 SCOPE AND ROLE OF OPERABLE UNIT
F. E. Warren Air Force Base has been divided into ten operable units (OUs) .
These are: OUl-Spill Sites; OU2-Facility Ground Water; OU3-Landfills 3 & 6;
OU4-Acid Dry Wells; OUS-Fire Protection Training Area 2; OU6-Open Burning/Open
Detonation Area; OU7-Firing Range(s); OU8-Landfill 5; OU9-Landfills 2 and 4; and
OU10-Landfill 7 and Fire Protection Training Area 1. OUS is the second of the
ten OUs to be investigated under the FFA. The OUS Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA)
demonstrated no significant risk to human health or the environment from the
contaminants found in the soil at this OU. Ground water beneath OUS, FPTA2 will
addressed as part of OU2.
5.0 SITE CHARACTERISTICS
Operable Unit 5 (OUS), Fire Protection Training Area 2 (FPTA2) is bounded
by Missouri Avenue, Old Glory Road, and Pronghorn Road. FPTA2 is about a quarter
of a mile south of Crow Creek (Figure 2) . Flammable substances such as waste
oils, solvents, gasoline, and aviation fuel were used in the fire training
exercises. During each training exercise, approximately 300-400 gallons of
flammable liquids were poured on the ground in circular bermed area, ignited and
then extinguished. From 1965 to 1974, various waste flammable liquids were used
in the training exercises. In contrast, from 1975 to 1989, JP-4 (jet fuel) was
used as the primary flammable liquid.
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A remedial investigation of FPTA2 was initiated in September 1992. The USAF
characterized the operable unit, hydrologically and in terms of contamination,
with analytical results from soil and ground water sampling. The results of
those sampling efforts, and risk assessment, are contained in the Final Remedial
Investigation Report, dated December 17, 1993.
The contaminants of concern (COC) for subsurface are ethylbenzene and total
xylenes. The COCs for surface soil were ethylbenzene, lead, octachlorodi-benzo-
p-dioxins, total xylenes and zinc. Acetone was found in three soil samples at
0.18 to 13 milligrams per kilogram. Ethylbenzene was detected in two soil
samples at concentrations of 22 to 33 milligrams per kilogram. Total xylenes were
detected in five samples from one soil boring, ranging from 0.13 to 28 milligrams
per kilogram.
6.0 SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS
As part of the remedial investigation, the USAF prepared a Baseline Risk
Assessment (BRA) which evaluated the risks associated with the contamination at
the FPTA2. The BRA consisted of human health and ecological risk assessments,
including the identification of potential contaminants of concern, exposure
assessments, toxicity assessments, risk characterization, and uncertainty
analysis. The BRA evaluated risks associated with soil contamination only. Risks
associated with contaminants present in ground -water, surface water, and
streambed sediments at OU5, FPTA2, will be evaluated in the OU2 BRA.
RESULTS OF THE BASELINE RISK ASSESSMENT
The most conservative (highest) estimated lifetime cancer risk for the current
adult worker population under the Reasonable Maximum Exposure (RME) assumption
is 8 x 10"'° (eight in ten billion), which is below the EPA'target risk range of
10"4 to 10"6. Under the future exposure scenario the highest (RME) exposure were
associated with predicted cancer risks to residents of 2 x 10"9. The noncancer
hazard indices (His) calculated for both the current and future exposed
populations are all below l.O, the level that could be associated with the
occurrence of adverse noncancer health effects. Assuming the most conservative
scenario, the RME His for the current adult worker population and future child
resident are 3 x 10"5 and 1 x 10"3, respectively.
ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT
The risk characterization identified likely exposed biota and referenced toxicity
values to estimate risks to biota at the site. Biota that burrow in the soil and
feed on vegetation and soil invertebrates have the greatest exposure potential.
The results of the risk estimation indicated no measurable ecological adverse
effects are likely to occur at FPTA2. Although not all Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbons (TPH) components were identified, the limited distribution of high
TPH concentrations indicate the likelihood of exposure and adverse effects is
small. The observed differences in vegetation between disturbed and undisturbed
areas are attributed to differing patterns of yearly growths and not to chemical
exposures.
UNCERTAINTY WITHIN THE RISK ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
Uncertainty is always part of the risk assessment process. Because of this fact,
all input parameters are biased on the conservative (worst-case) side. TPH and
Tentatively Identified Compounds (TlCs)are two areas of potential uncertainty
because they lack specific toxicity values and therefore cannot be evaluated. The
level of certainty in the identification of TICs was uniformly low.
The location of TPH detections in soil at FPTA2 parallels the location of organic
TICs detected in soil. The maximum measured TPH concentration in soil samples
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was 6,680 rag/kg. TPH concentrations ranged from 45 mg/kg to 6,680 mg/kg and were
detected in eight samples. These findings are consistent with isolated
contamination with petroleum-derived hydrocarbons.
The most likely composition of the material present is heavier fractions of
either jet fuels (JP-4 or JP-5) or diesel fuels, although automotive or aviation
gasolines cannot be conclusively ruled out. These fuels are generally of low to
moderate human toxicity. It is possible, however, that long-term exposures to
the maximum concentrations of TPH seen at the site could be associated with
adverse effects on human health. However, such effects are unlikely to occur
under the conditions of exposure at FPTA2 as the area of elevated hydrocarbon
concentrations at OT75 appear to be quite limited.
7.0 EXPLANATION OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The Proposed Plan was released for public comment in January 1994. The
preferred alternative was that no remedial action is needed for soils and that
this action is protective of human health and the environment. The USAF, EPA,
and WDEQ reviewed all written and verbal comments submitted during the public
comment period. It was determined that no significant changes were necessary to
the preferred alternative in the Proposed Plan.
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RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
RECORD OF DECISION
FIRE PROTECTION TRAINING AREA 2
OPERABLE UNIT 5
INTRODUCTION
The responsiveness summary is organized into sections as follows:
A. Overview
B. Background on Community Involvement
C. Summary of Comments Received
D. State Concerns
Attachment: Community Relations Activities at F. E. Warren Air Force Base
A. OVERVIEW
At the time of the public comment period, the preferred alternative for the
Fire Protection Training Area 2, Operable Unit 5, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base,
had been selected by the Air Force, with EPA and Wyoming DEQ concurrence and was
presented in the Proposed Plan. The preferred alternative is that no remedial
action is required.
Based on the public's response and comments received during the public
comment period, there are no significant objections to the preferred alternative.
B. BACKGROUND ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Community interest in CERCLA/IRP (Installation Restoration Program)
activities at F. E. Warren Air Force Base has waxed and waned over the years
since the records search and interviews conducted for the Air Force in September
1985. No specific individuals or organizations have been consistently involved
over this period, although numerous groups and persons have been involved from
time to time. There were no concerns expressed during the OU5, Fire Protection
Training Area 2, Remedial Investigation, prior to the public comment period.
C. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED
The public comment period on the Proposed Plan for the Fire Protection
Training Area 2, Operable Unit 5, at F. E. Warren Air Force Base was held from
January 31 to March 1, 1994. Comments received during this time are summarized
below. Similar comments have been combined where possible to prevent duplication
of responses. There were no specific legal or technical questions.
One commentor asked: What levels of these compounds are you finding in
comparison to what the EPA limits are?
RESPONSE: The contaminants of concern (COO for subsurface are ethylbenzene and
total xylenes. The COCs for surface soil were ethylbenzene, lead, octachlorodi-
benzo-p-dioxins, total xylenes and zinc. Acetone was found in three soil samples
at 0.18 to 13 milligrams per kilogram. Ethylbenzene was detected in two soil
samples at concentrations of 22 to 33 milligrams per kilogram. Total xylenes were
detected in five samples from one soil boring, ranging from 0.13 to 28 milligrams
per kilogram.
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So what we're looking at are very low levels of the volatiles that we
encountered. The highest level of contaminants were the total petroleum
hydrocarbons, and they were not identified as a contaminant of concern for the
risk assessment.
One commentor asked: Based on your knowledge of these compounds and the
type of soils you have and the geology, that what you're saying is there's no
risk' for vertical or horizontal movement? Say, like in a case of storm water,
runoff-type thing.
RESPONSE: There's a potential for it to move , undoubtedly. It's not confined.
It sticks to the soil somewhat, but you know, gravity and precipitation have a
tendency to move the contaminants around. So it's not like that they're bound.
There's a potential for mobility, but, you know, driven by precipitation and the
amount of precipitation we have, the level of concentration that we have, it
didn't calculate to be significant risk.
The Administrative Record contains all the methods and data that we use to arrive
at determinations at the Laramie County Library and at F. E. Warren Air Force
Base.
One commentor asked: Your risk assessment, is that mainly an assessment
to human health? And is this, F. E. Warren, is it obligated to be, I guess, in
compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act? And what I'm saying is
that if you got a bunch of birds or something like that—lands on this particular
place.
RESPONSE: There are two basic elements to the Baseline Risk Assessment. One of
them is for human and one is for ecological. This Risk Assessment Fact Sheet for
Operable Unit 5 was read as to clarify the ecological assessment process and
findings.
One commentor from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department stated that their
agency had reviewed the Proposed Plan for Operable Unit 5 and concurred with the
preferred alternative and had no specific comments or concerns.
D. STATE CONCERNS
The State of Wyoming is concerned that contaminants left in place at
Operable Unit 5 could leach into the ground water at the operable unit hence,
degrading the ground water for a Class I aquifer. The potential impact to
ground water from the contaminants and the by-products of degradation at Operable
Unit 5 will be evaluated in the remedial investigation of OU2.
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ATTACHMENT A
COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES
At
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE
OVERVIEW
The unique community involvement needs of F. E. Warren Air Force Base
IRP/CERCLA activities are addressed in the Community Relations Plan (CRP). In
late 1990, during plan development, interviews were held with 56 people
representing F. E. Warren Air Force Base, other Federal agencies. State, city and
county agencies, community groups, wellowners, and other individuals. The most
significant issues identified in the interviews were concerns about potential
drinking water contamination and about the community involvement process. A
brief description of each of the activities which have been developed to address
the unique F. E. Warren Air Force Base situation is contained in this attachment.
HISTORY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
News releases and articles in the Cheyenne and F. E. Warren Air Force Base
newspapers have been part of the IRP process since 1985. Briefings were provided
to congressional staffs, the Governor, and mayor in addition to Federal agencies,
Wyoming State departments, and local government officials directly responsible
for resources potentially affected by the IRP process. Presentations were made
to various community groups such as Optimist Club, "Mili'tary Affairs Committee,
Civilian Advisory Council, Society of American Military Engineers, and Wyoming
Against MX. Information was disseminated at F. E. Warren Air Force Base through
the Commanders Call which reaches all enlisted personnel through the command
structure.
The Technical Review Committee was established as part of the IRP/Superfund
process and had. its first meeting in May of 1988. The three initial public
members were nominated by the Governor of Wyoming, Mayor of Cheyenne, and Laramie
County Commission. This committee's membership and a general knowledge of the
community, served as the initial basis for the selection of people to be
interviewed. One of the peripheral goals of the interview process was to provide
a list of potential candidates for the public representatives on the TRC.
An environmental display was presented in July 1990 in the Base Exchange
Mall. Pictures of all IRP sites were displayed. Site specific fact sheets,
environmental brochures, and EPA literature were made available.
The process designed to tailor the CRP to local concerns, needs, and
conditions began in February 1990 with interviews of a former base commander and
a concerned citizen who are both involved in a variety of groups within the
community. Interviews were also held at the regular March meeting of Wyoming
Against MX, attended by 4 Air Force, 2 EPA, and 1 State official working on the
IRP/Superfund process, in addition to 10 members of the group itself. These
initial public contacts focused on identifying critical public concerns.
The purpose of the community interviews was to identify groups and issues
which may relate to the F. E. Warren Air Force Base IRP/Superfund process.
Thirty-four interviews were conducted with 56 people, either representing
themselves or 20 groups within the area. The Wyoming Department of Environmental
Quality and City/County Health were particularly helpful in accompanying
interviewers.
Among the people interviewed were congressional staffers, an official Air
Force representative, F. E. Warren Air Force Base housing residents, non-DOD
Federal agencies and state and local government agencies. Among community groups
a wide range of interests were sampled. There were three individuals identified
as involved with a variety of groups, but viewed as reputational leaders beyond
their group membership.
1
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Special emphasis was placed on interviewing those who rely on private wells
adjacent to P. E. Warren Air Force Base for drinking water. An introductory
letter, Fact Sheet, and discussion guide were prepared for the interviews. The
Fact Sheet was actually a status report on the IRP/Superfund process with a brief
description of each of the sites. The purpose of the status report was to
provide information and a basis of discussion for those who might not have heard
of the program and included an installation map with the sites and key features
of F. E. Warren Air Force Base and immediate surrounding area designated. These
fact sheets and the introductory letter were made available for distribution to
all interested parties.
Interviews took place in October and November 1990, with a few follow-up
interviews and phone .conversations continuing into December.
During the interview process it was recognized that the neighborhood located
on the south boundary of F. E. Warren Air Force Base depends on domestic wells
for drinking water. An agreement was made with the City/County Health Department
and Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to process a small number of
water samples, if residents requested it. Sample collection was done December
4th and 5th, 1990, by a conjunctive effort of DEQ, City/County Health, and EPA
personnel.
ISSUES AND CONCERNS
Based on the community interviews, IRP/Superfund-activities are not a source
of significant concern to the greater Cheyenne community. This is due primarily
to the fact that the contamination is seen as being contained within F. E. Warren
Air Force Base. The potential for drinking water contamination is the most
significant issue associated with the IRP/Superfund process. Awareness of this
issue beyond those who were involved with the process was practically
nonexistent.
None of the drinking water well users contacted in the interviews were aware
of the IRP/Superfund process or the potential contamination. The initial
reaction of wellowners was extreme concern. However, after being provided
information about the IRP/Superfund activities and an opportunity to have wells
tested by City/County Health and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality,
their concern decreased. They continue to have a high level of interest and
awareness, and want to be kept informed on a regular basis.
The need to keep the community informed and involved was mentioned frequently
in the interviews. In the business. community, there was confidence in the Air
Force's ability to solve the problem. Other groups, such as Wyoming Against the
MX, and the potentially affected neighborhoods, indicated a need for greater
community information and involvement than had been provided prior to the
interviews and adoption of the Community Relations Plan.
The community relations program for the IRP/Superfund activities is designed
to inform the public about, and provide opportunities for participation in, the
process. To be effective, the community relations program will be responsive to
the level of interest expressed by the community. At this time, the primary need
voiced by the public is to be kept well informed of the status of activities and
to be involved in the decision making process.
The potential for TCE contamination in the ground water surrounding F. E.
Warren Air Force Base is the most sensitive issue identified in the community
interviews associated with the entire IRP/Superfund process. Continuation of the
arrangements for individual well sampling provides an immediate response to
public concerns.
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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Interviews with residents in the Knob Hill and Fair Acres neighborhoods
revealed that direct contact with members of the neighborhood is the most
effective method of providing necessary information.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD REPOSITORY
An Administrative Record Repository containing documentation of the
IRP/CERCLA process was established in October 1989 and is maintained at the
following locations to insure accessibility.
Laramie County Library
Reference Section
2800 Central Avenue
Cheyenne WY 82001
Phone (307) 634-3561
90 CES/CEVR
Environmental Restoration Section
300 Vesle Drive
F. E. Warren AFB WY 82005-2788
Phone (307) 775-3468
This record is maintained according to EPA guidelines, by the Environmental
Restoration Flight, and is updated at least quarterly. The Administrative Record
Repository also functions as the required information repository. A copy of the
Administrative Record is housed in the Laramie County Library reference section
to insure public access.
TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
. Procedures to establish the TRC began in November 1987. Actual meetings
began in May of 1988. They are held quarterly, generally on the fourth Wednesday
in January, April, July, and October. TRC public members were nominated by the
Governor of Wyoming, Laramie County and the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The
purposes of the committee are as follows:
1. The purpose of the TRC is to review and comment on Department of
Defense actions and proposed actions with respect to releases or threatened
releases of hazardous substances into the environment at F. E. Warren Air Force
Base, as well as to ensure open communication and exchange of ideas relating to
the F. E. Warren Air Force Base IRP and Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act - CERCLA, 1980, Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act, 1986.
2. All TRC members understand and agree that the primary purpose and
function of the TRC is informational, specifically to foster community and
interagency awareness and understanding of F. E. Warren Air Force Base actions
with respect to the IRP remedial actions related to the releases or threatened
releases of hazardous substances at F. E. Warren Air Force Base , Wyoming, and
to inform F. E. Warren Air Force Base of community attitudes. The TRC also
serves as the entity to deal with public concerns regarding hazardous substance
releases and the IRP.
MAILING LIST
A major part of the public relations activities is the mailing list. In an
attempt to proactively contact the 2,300 wellowners identified in the EPA
Superfund ranking, F. E. Warren sent a general mailing to wellowners within a
3-mile radius. The Wyoming State Engineer's Office provided the mailing list of
wellowners. The mailing included a brief status report and a coupon to be mailed
back if the well owner wanted to be added to the mailing list for distribution
of later status reports. This activity resulted in the current list that has
about 1450 names on it. The mailing list is maintained in the F. E. Warren Air
Force Base Public Affairs Office. Status Reports or Fact Sheets are mailed on
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a quarterly basis. Anyone who desires to be included on the list should contact
either of the following offices.
90 MW/PA 90 CES/CEVR
5305 Randall Ave 300 Vesle Drive
F. E. Warren AFB WY 82005-2271 F. E. Warren AFB WY 82005-2788
Phone (307) 775-3381 Phone (307) 775-3468
INFORMATION CONTACT
An information contact person has been designated within the F. E. Warren Air
Force Base Environmental Restoration Section to maintain regular contact with the
community. This person will be responsible for responding to requests for
information and planning and scheduling activities included in the plan. The
preparation of materials for public distribution will be coordinated with the
Public Affairs Office. General public information requests should be directed
to (307) 775-3468. The media contact for F. E. Warren Air Force Base is the
Public Affairs office at (307) 775-3381.
DRINKING WATER WELL SAMPLING
City/County Health Department has been sampling wells south of F. E. Warren
Air Force Base since 1988. At the outset of the interview process, it became
evident that owners of private drinking water wells- south of F. E. Warren Air
Force Base were not aware of the IRP/Superfund process or any potential
contamination. Air Force concern prompted an agreement for water sampling made
with City/County Health and Wyoming State Department of Environmental Quality,
Water Quality Section (WDEQ)to provide for the testing of wells for concerned
citizens. The agreement was to cover less than 10 wells. During the interview
process, some concerns bordering on alarm were encountered. Such concerns were
lowered with the testing procedure. The testing was not part of the technical
scientific sampling done for the IRP/Superfund process because the criteria for
sampling was solely based on individual citizen concerns. The testing took
place on December 4 and December 5, 1990. In addition to the City/County Health
and DEQ personnel, two EPA staff from the Denver Office assisted. Sampling was
also conducted during June 1991 through July 1992.
In some cases, nitrate concentrations were found to exceed the Federal
Drinking Water Standard of 10 milligrams per Liter. No significant
concentrations of contamination were detected. The test results were presented
by individual meetings with all well owners whose wells were tested. These
meetings were held by WDEQ with an EPA toxicologist present. Courtesy copies of
the test results were provided by WDEQ to all involved agencies including the Air
Force. USAF, WDEQ, and EPA scheduled an availability session to provide an
opportunity for Nob Hill and Fair Acres residents to discuss the WDEQ testing.
OU5 RELATED ACTIVITIES
Operable Unit 5 has been addressed in Fact Sheets, Status Reports, newspaper
advertisements and articles since Fact Sheet 1 was prepared, by the Air Force,
in October 1990 for the initial interviews. Fact Sheet 1 was mailed in May 1991.
After the Federal Facility Agreement became effective, a Status Report update was
distributed on December 12, 1991, with information on all of the operable units.
On September 10, 1992, another Fact Sheet was issued with OD5 Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Study information. The Status Report update dated
January 29, 1993, discussed the bioventing project at FPTA 1. The Status Report
update dated April 30, 1993, contained information on moving FPTA 1 to OU10.
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On November 3, 1993, a third Status Report update provided additional OU5
information.
The Proposed Plan for OU5 was prepared in January, 1994. A display
advertisement concerning the Proposed Plan and the public meeting was placed in
the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle on January 16, 1994. Another public announcement was
placed in the Casper Star-Tribune on August 11, 1994, and a copy of the Proposed
Plan was sent to all persons on the mailing list. A copy of the Proposed Plan
was placed in the Administrative Record and the Laramie County Library Records
Repository on January 31, 1994. All of the newspaper advertisements and the
mailings were coordinated between the Ah- Force, EPA and Wyoming DEQ before
publication or distribution. In addition to the paid advertisements, the Air
Force issued press releases which resulted in articles published in the Wyoming
Eagle on February 3 and 4, 1994, and the F. E. Warren Air Force Base Sentinel on
January 21, 1994.
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