United States Office of
Environmental Protection Emergency and
Agency Remedial Response
PB93-963808
EPA/ROD/R02-92/178
September 1992
&EPA Superfund
Record of Decision:
FAA Technical Center, NJ
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NOTICE
The appendices listed in the index that are not found in this document have been removed at the request of
the issuing agency. They contain material which supplement but adds no further applicable information to
the content of the document All supplemental material is, however, contained in the administrative record
for this site.
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50272-101
REPORT DOCUMENTATION
PAGE
1. REPORT NO.
EPA/ROD/R02-92/178
3. Recipient's Accession No.
4. Title and Subtitle
SUPERFUND RECORD OF DECISION
FAA Technical Center, NJ
Third Remedial Action - Final
5. Report Date
09/30/92
6.
7. Authors)
8. Performing Organization Rept No.
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
10. ProJoct/Task/WorkUnitNo.
11. Contract(C) or Grant(G) No.
(C)
(G)
12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
13. Type of Report & Period Covered
800/000
15. Supplementary Notes
PB93-963808
16. Abstract (Limit 200 words)
The 5,000-acre FAA Technical Center site is located 8 miles northwest of Atlantic City,
Atlantic County, New Jersey, within the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Land use in the
vicinity includes forested, commercial, and residential areas. The site was first
developed in the 1930's, when the Atlantic City Reservoir was created. In 1942, a
Naval Air Base, including most of the existing runways, was constructed over two-thirds
of the property. Interest in the property was transferred to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) in 1958 for use as research and development facilities and for the
1979 construction of the existing Technical/Administration Building. Atlantic City's
municipal water supply is provided by nine ground water supply wells located just north
of the Upper Atlantic City Reservoir on FAA property as well as by water drawn directly
from the Atlantic City reservoirs. Currently, the site is composed of several
installations, which include the Atlantic City International Air Terminal, New Jersey
Air National Guard 177th Fighter Interceptor Group, Upper Atlantic City Reservoir,
Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery, and extensive facilities of the FAA Technical Center.
From 1978 to 1985, transformers containing PCB oil were stored on a
(See Attached Page)
17. Document Analysis a. Descriptors
Record of Decision - FAA Technical Center, NJ
Third Remedial Action - Final
Contaminated Media: None
Key Contaminants: None
b. Identifiers/Open-Ended Terms
c. COSATI Field/Group
18. Availability Statement
19. Security Class (This Report)
None
20. Security Class (This Page)
None
21. No. of Pages
38
22. Price
(See ANSI-Z39.18)
See Instructions on Reverse
OPTIONAL FORM 272 (4-77)
(Formerly NTIS-35)
Department of Commerce
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EPA/ROD/R02-92/178
FAA Technical Center, NJ
Third Remedial Action - Final
Abstract (Continued)
25- by 75-foot concrete pad, referred to as Area G, located at the lumber yard near
building 125 in the western portion of the property. Some transformers are known to have
leaked, contaminating the concrete pad and surrounding soil. Initial investigations in
1986 revealed PCB-contaminated soil and debris in Area G. During 1989, the entire
concrete pad and contaminated soil were collected, excavated, and disposed of in an
approved TSCA cell of a landfill. This ROD addresses principal threats to human health
or the environment associated with PCB releases from the Area G transformer storage
location. Based on the results of subsequent sampling, it is believed that Area G no
longer poses a threat to human health or the environment; therefore, there are no
contaminants of concern affecting this site.
The selected remedial action for this site is no further action. Based upon the
completed removal actions and risk evaluation, Area G is determined to be protective of
human health and the environment.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OR GOALS: Not applicable.
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ROD FACT SHEET
SITE
Name:
Location/State:
EPA Region:
MRS Score (date):
NPL Rank:
FAA Technical Center, Area G - Transformer Storage Area
Atlantic County, New Jersey
USEPA Region II
39.65; 12/09/88
N/A
ROD
Date Signed:
Remedy/ies:
09/30/92
No Further Action
LEAD
Remedial/Enforcement: Federal Facility (Federal Aviation Administration)
Primary Contact (phone): Keith C. Buch, Project Manager, FAA, (609) 484-6644
Secondary Contact (phone): Carla M. Struble, Project Manager, EPA, (212) 264-4595
WASTE
Type (metals, PCB, &c):
PCB contaminated soil had been detected in this area. After two
removal actions, the remaining soil was found to meet Federal and
State cleanup levels for PCBs.
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RECORD OF DECISION
AREA G - TRANSFORMER STORAGE AREA
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
TECHNICAL CENTER
ATLANTIC CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
NEW JERSEY
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DECLARATION FOR THE RECORD OF DECISION
Area G - Transformer Storage Area
FAA Technical Center
FACILITY NAME AND LOCATION
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center, Atlantic County
Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey
STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE
This decision document presents the no further action decision for Area G, the Transformer
Storage Area at the FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey. The no
further action decision was chosen in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA), and, to the extent practicable, the National Contingency Plan. This
decision is based on the administrative record for Area G.
Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Regional Administrator (Region n) and
the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy concur with
the selected remedy.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY
The selected remedy for Area G is no further action.
DECLARATION STATEMENT
The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that no additional remedial action is
necessary at Area G to ensure protection of human health and the environment. Previous response actions
in which soil and concrete contaminated with unacceptable levels of PCBs were removed have eliminated
the need to conduct additional remedial action. Pursuant to Section 121(c) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C.
962 l(c) and Section 300.430(f)(4)(ii) of the National Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. Section
300.430(f)(4)(ii), a review of the selected remedial action shall be conducted no less often than every five
years after initiation of the remedial action.
(Signatiyfe) (Date)
Gary E. Poulsen, P.E., Manager
Facility Engineering and Operations Division
FAA Technical Center
(Date)
Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff
Regional Administrator /
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region
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DECISION SUMMARY
RECORD OF DECISION
Area G - Transformer Storage Area
FAA Technical Center
SITE NAME, LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The FAA Technical Center encompasses an area of approximately 5,000 acres in Atlantic
County, New Jersey, eight miles northwest of Atlantic City. A facility location map is provided
in Figure 1. Among the installations on the property are the Atlantic City International Air
Terminal, the New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Interceptor Group, the Upper
Atlantic City Reservoir, the Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery and the extensive facilities of the
FAA Technical Center. Atlantic City's municipal water supply is provided by nine ground water
supply wells located just north of the Upper Atlantic City Reservoir on FAA property as well
as by water drawn directly from the Atlantic City Reservoirs. The reservoirs are fed by the
north and south branches of Doughty's Mill Stream, which traverse portions of the Technical
Center grounds. The public water supply facilities on-site are owned by the Atlantic City
Municipal Utilities Authority (ACMUA).
The FAA Technical Center is located within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a broad, flat plain
which encompasses the southern three-fifths of New Jersey. The area within two miles of the
Center has a maximum relief of about 60 feet, ranging from an elevation of ten feet above mean
sea level (AMSL) at the lower Atlantic City Reservoir to 70 feet AMSL to the west and north
of the airport. The Facility itself is relatively flat; slopes generally range from 0 to 3 percent.
Forested areas exist north, south, and east of the airport runways. These areas comprise about
40% of the 5,000 acre FAA property. The remaining 60% of the site has been cleared for FAA
facilities and consists of buildings and paved surfaces, grassed lawns and native grassland and
shrubs adjacent to the runways.
The area within one mile of the Technical Center boundaries includes open or forested
land and commercial and residential areas. A large forested tract containing no commercial or
residential property exists west of FAA. Tc the east, the property is bordered by the Garden
State Parkway, the Atlantic City Reservoir, and the forested land surrounding the reservoir. The
area north of the Center contains commercial properties along the White Horse Pike (Rt. 30) and
a concentrated residential area, Pomona Oaks, north of the White Horse Pike. The closest
residential area south of the Center is a series of three trailer parks at the intersection of Tilton
Road and Delilah Road. The majority of commercial and residential areas south of the Center
are greater than 2,000 feet away from the FAA property, south of the Atlantic City Expressway.
All residential areas in the vicinity of FAA appear to be upgradient or otherwise isolated from
the ground water flow at the Technical Center.
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Area G, the Transformer Storage Area, is located at the lumber yard near Building 125
in the western portion of the property (Figure 2). Transformers containing PCB oil were stored
on a concrete pad 75 feet by 25 feet by 4-6 inches thick. A more complete description of the
site can be found in the Environmental Investigative/Feasibility Study Report (March 1989) at
pages 20-1 to 20-7. .
SITE HISTORY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Land Use
The first significant development of what is now FAA property came during the 1930s
when the Atlantic City Reservoir was created by damming the South Branch of Doughty Mill
Stream. Prior to 1942, the entire property was wooded, except for the presence of large
borrow pits near the present-day Research and Development (R&D) facilities. On a 1940 aerial
photograph several dirt roads and what appeared to be a railroad right-of-way traversed the
property. In 1942 a Naval Air Base, including most of the existing runways, was constructed
over much of the eastern two-thirds of the property. Many of the buildings in the western built-
up area were also constructed at this time. In 1958, the Navy transferred its interests to the
Airways Modernization Board (AMB).
The FAA took over the operations of the AMB in November 1958. The early 1960s saw
the development of most of the R&D portion of the Facility south of the Atlantic City Reservoir.
The FAA's large Technical/Administrative Building was constructed in 1979. The New Jersey
Air National Guard has maintained their facilities at the north end of the built-up area since
1973. At Area G, transformers containing PCB oil were stored on the concrete pad from 1978
until 1985. Some of the transformers are known to have leaked, contaminating the concrete pad
and surrounding soil.
In 1990, the FAA Technical Center was designated as a National Priorities List (NPL)
site under CERCLA.
Initial Investigations
In late 1986, FAA excavated slightly less than one cubic yard of stained soil from around
the concrete pad. Concentrations of PCB in this soil ranged from 9 parts per million (ppm) to
836 ppm. Contaminated soils were drummed and transported under manifest procedures for
disposal off-site at a TSCA-approved facility. In autumn of 1988, several wooden buildings at
the area were demolished and removed. All materials stored on and around the pad were
removed from the area at this time.
Environmental Investigation/Feasibility Study
TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) was contracted by the FAA to conduct an
Environmental Investigation/Feasibility Study (EI/FS) at the FAA Technical Center. Area G
was included in the EI/FS due to evidence of past spillage of PCB-contaminated transformer oil
onto the concrete pad and surrounding soils. The first phase of the El was conducted to
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delineate the extent of PCS contamination in the soil around the concrete pad. Ten surface soil
samples were collected which confirmed the presence of PCBs in the surrounding soils (TRC,
May 1988). PCBs were detected in five of the ten surface soil samples, ranging in concentration
from 1.5 ppm to 12 ppm. The highest concentrations were exhibited in samples collected
immediately adjacent to the southeast corner of the concrete pad. No detectable levels of PCB
contamination were detected along the southwest corner, northwest corner, or the northeast
corner of the concrete pad.
Under the Phase n investigations, chip samples were collected from the concrete pad to
determine the nature and extent of PCB contamination present in the concrete pad. Two chip
samples were collected from the surface of the concrete pad, one from a heavily stained area and
one from an area of the pad showing almost no staining. Both chip samples contained
concentrations of PCBs greater than the NJDEPE Soil Action Level of 5 ppm (TRC, May 1989).
Removal Actions
Based on the Phase I and Phase n investigations, TRC recommended a removal action
to remove any concrete or soil which contained PCBs at a concentration above 5 ppm, the
NJDEPE Soil Action Level at the time. Initially, a scarifier was used to remove the top one-
half inch of concrete in the areas which showed evidence of oil staining (approximately 175
square feet). Subsequently, four confirmation chip samples were collected following the
scarification and analyzed for PCBs. The chip samples indicated -that PCB contamination
extended deeper into the concrete than originally thought. In November 1989, as a response to
the elevated levels of PCBs beneath the scarified areas, the entire thickness of the concrete pad
over a 400 square foot area was broken up and collected for disposal. In addition, the top foot
of soil was excavated from a five foot wide area along 55 feet of the southern and eastern edges
of the pad. The excavated soil and concrete debris were subsequently disposed of in an
approved TSCA cell at the CWM Chemical Services, Inc. landfill in Model City, New York.
Following the initial soil and concrete removal action, nine discrete confirming soil samples
were collected for PCB analysis. The samples collected from beneath the pad and from beneath
the area of excavated soil all contained less than 5 ppm total PCBs. However, two samples
collected to the south, beyond the area of excavation, each contained greater than 5 ppm PCB.
Due to the two soil samples which exhibited PCB concentrations greater than 5 ppm,
additional soil was removed at Area G. The area of additional soil removal measured 29 feet
along the length of the pad by 12 feet wide by approximately 1 foot deep. Again, the excavated
soil was transported off-site for disposal in an approved TSCA cell at the CWM Chemical
Services, Inc. landfill in Model City, New York. After the second phase of soil removal at Area
G, two confirmatory soil samples were collected. One sample contained no detectable
concentration of PCBs while a trace (0.06 ppm) of the PCB isomer Aroclor-1260 was present
in the second sample.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
A newspaper notification of the Area G Proposed Plan was published in the Atlantic City
Press on August 11,1992, inviting the public to comment on the EI/FS and Proposed Plan. The
Area G Proposed Plan was issued to interested parties (see Appendix B) on August 14, 1992.
The public comment period was held from August 11, 1992 to September 10, 1992. The
Proposed Plan, EI/FS Reports, and Risk Evaluation were placed in the information repositories
of the Atlantic County Library.
A public meeting was held on August 31, 1992 at the Atlantic County Library. At the
meeting, representatives from the FAA, TRC, USEPA, and NJDEPE were available to answer
questions about Area G. A list of attenders is attached (see Appendix C). A response to the
comments received during this period is included in the Responsiveness Summary which is part
of the Record of Decision.
This decision document presents the selected No Further Action alternative for Area G
of the FAA Technical Center in Atlantic County, New Jersey, chosen in accordance with
CERCLA, as amended by SARA and, to the extent practicable, the NCP. The decision for Area
G is based on the administrative record.
SCOPE AND ROLE OF RESPONSE ACTION
Based upon the completed removal actions and the Risk Evaluation conducted for Area
G, which is discussed in more detail in the following sections, no principle threats to human
health or the environment have been identified at Area G, thereby providing the basis for the
"no further action" decision.
SUMMARY OF SITE CHARACTERISTICS
The average concentration of PCBs in 17 post-remediation soil samples was 0.479 ppm,
with a maximum detected residual PCB concentration of 2.3 ppm. PCBs are known to readily
adsorb to soil particles and do not leach easily from soil. The probability of any residual PCB
contamination migrating from the surface soil is low. The low volatility of PCBs minimize the
chance for air transport, while the fairly flat surfaces of the FAA Technical Center minimize the
change of PCB transport through surface water runoff. The depth to the ground water table,
estimated to be approximately 20 feet based on other adjacent site investigations, plus the fact
that PCBs leach slowly from soils limit the potential transport of PCBs downward to the ground
water.
SUMMARY OF SITE RISKS
A Risk Evaluation (July 1992) was conducted for Area G based on the Phase I and Phase
n Environmental Investigations and removal actions. It evaluates residual PCBs levels to
determine if Area G continues to pose a threat to human health and the environment and whether
the site warrants further action or evaluation.
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Potential risks associated with Area G were evaluated by comparing detected contaminant
levels in remaining soils to cleanup standards and environmental protection criteria promulgated
under Federal and State laws, also referred to as Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate
Requirements (ARARs). Exposure pathways and toxicologic impacts were also considered in
the Risk Evaluation. It is on the basis of these assessments that the no further action decision
was developed.
A Federal ARAR has been promulgated for cleanup of PCBs in soils under the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA). While not directly applicable to Area G (where PCB spills
most likely occurred prior to May 4, 1987), TSCA does specify PCB soil cleanup levels. In
TSCA's Polychlorinated Biphenyls Spill Cleanup Policy, Final Rule (40 CFR Part 761, April
2, 1987), a cleanup level of 25 ppm is set for soils in restricted access areas, with 10 ppm the
cleanup level for non-restricted access areas. Remaining PCB concentrations at Area G are less
than each of these cleanup levels.
The NJDEPE has recently proposed new soil cleanup standards which supersede the
previous NJDEPE Soil Action Levels which were used to guide the removal actions. For non-
residential surficial PCB-contaminated soil, the new proposed cleanup standard is 2 ppm, as
compared to the old 5 ppm action level.
The levels of PCBs detected in surficial soil samples following the removal actions are
less than the surficial soil cleanup level of 5 ppm specified by the EPA for other areas at the
FAA Technical Center (e.g., Area 20A) and have achieved the 2 ppm NJDEPE proposed
cleanup standard. The average concentration of PCBs in 17 post-remediation samples was 0.479
ppm with one sample exceeding the proposed standard with 2.3 ppm PCBs. The NJDEPE has
indicated that this is considered in compliance with its 2.0 ppm proposed standard. Therefore,
Area G is not believed to pose a threat to human health or the environment.
This remedy meets the proposed NJDEPE standard for PCBs in non-residential soils.
While NJDEPE has adopted these standards as a matter of policy, EPA cannot view them as
ARARs until they are finally promulgated.
DESCRIPTION OF THE "NO ACTION" ALTERNATIVE
The preferred alternative for Area G at the FAA Technical Center is No Further Action.
Results of the environmental investigations have shown that the detected contaminant levels are
below Federal and State cleanup criteria. The area of concern is located within the FAA
Technical Center, a restricted access area, so potential risks associated with human exposure and
future residential development are minimal. Based on this evaluation, it has been determined
that the area is protective of human health and the environment. No further remedial activities,
exposure controls or monitoring are proposed for the area.
After reviewing the existing data base and Risk Evaluation performed for Area G, the
NJDEPE and The Pinelands Commission have indicated concurrence with the Proposed Plan of
No Further Action. Copies of the declarations of concurrence are attached as Appendix A.
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DOCUMENTATION OF NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The Proposed Plan for Area G was released for public comment on August 11, 1992.
The Proposed Plan concluded that No Further Action is required to ensure protection of human
health and the environment at Area G. The FAA reviewed all written or verbal comments
submitted during the public comment period. Upon review of these comments, it has been
determined that no significant changes to the remedy, as originally identified in the Proposed
Plan, are necessary.
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3000
FEET
FIGURE 1. FAA TECHNICAL CENTER - FACILITY LOCATION MAP
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\&"~ TRANFORMER
STORAGE PAD >...-'*
FIGURE 2. AREA G - THE TRANSFORMER STORAGE AREA
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RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
AREA G, TRANSFORMER STORAGE AREA
FAA TECHNICAL CENTER
The purpose of this Responsiveness Summary is to review public response to the Proposed Plan
for Area G. It also documents the FAA's consideration of such comments during the decision-
making process and provides answers to any major comments raised during the public comment
period.
The responsiveness summary for the Area G Transformer Storage Area is divided into the
following sections:
* Overview - This section briefly describes the selected remedy and any changes to the
remedy from that included in the Proposed Plan for Area G.
* Background on Community Development - This section provides a summary of
community interest in Area G and identifies key public issues. It also describes
community relations activities conducted with respect to the area of concern.
* Summary of Major Questions and Comments - This section summarizes verbal and
written comments received during the public meeting and public comment period.
OVERVIEW
Area G is a former transformer storage area at the FAA Technical Center. The FAA Technical
Center is located at the Atlantic City Airport in Atlantic County, New Jersey. This
Responsiveness Summary addresses public response to the Proposed Plan for Area G only.
The Proposed Plan and other supporting information are available for public review at the
Atlantic County Library, 2 South Farragut Avenue, Mays Landing, New Jersey.
BACKGROUND ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
This section provides a brief history of community participation in the investigation, remedial
action and risk evaluation activities conducted at Area G.
Throughout the investigation and remedial action period, the USEPA, NJDEPE, Atlantic County
Department of Health and The Pinelands Commission have been directly involved through
proposal and project review and comments. Periodic meetings have been held to maintain open
lines of communication and to keep all parties abreast of current activities.
Prior to the public release of Area G documents, the FAA Technical Center public relations staff
compiled a list of local public officials who demonstrated or were expected to have an interest
in the investigation. Local environmental interest groups were also identified and included on
this list (see Appendix B).
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On August 11, 1992, a newspaper notification was published in the Atlantic City Press inviting
the public to comment on the EI/FS process and Proposed Plan. The announcement also
identified the time and location of a public meeting to be held to discuss the "no further action"
proposal, the location of the information repository, the length of the public comment period,
and the address to which written comments could be sent. On August 14, 1992, FAA issued
the Area G Proposed Plan to concerned parties on the list described in the previous paragraph.
Public comments were accepted from August 11, 1992 through September 10, 1992.
A public meeting was held on August 31, 1992, at the Atlantic County Library in Mays
Landing, New Jersey. The Area G site investigations, remedial actions, and risk evaluation
were discussed. FAA representatives included: Gregory T. Falzetta, Project Manager and
Howard Kimpton, Supervisor, Environmental Section. Carla Struble, Remedial Project
Manager, Federal Facilities Section represented the USEPA Emergency and Remedial Response
Division; and Joseph Freudenberg, Case Manager, represented the NJDEPE Bureau of Federal
Case Management. FAA's contractor, TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) also attended.
The complete attendance list is provided in Appendix C to this Record of Decision. A transcript
of the public meeting is provided in Appendix D.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
No questions were raised at the public meeting held on August 31, 1992.
Three comment letters were received during the 30-day public comment period of August 11,
1992, to September 10, 1992, as summarized below.
The New Jersey Air National Guard, Headquarters, 177th Fighter Group indicated in a letter
dated August 28,1992 that the New Jersey Air National Guard has no comment on the proposed
No Further Action" alternative for the Area G Transformer Storage Area.
n
The Atlantic County Executive Offices, Department of Administration indicated in a letter dated
September 9, 1992 that the County Division of Public Health concurs with the recommendation
of no further action at Area G.
The United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a written
comment letter dated September 10, 1992. The major comment presented in that letter is
summarized below, together with the FAA's response to the comment.
COMMENT; In the Scope and Role of Response Action section (page 3, column 2) of the
Proposed Plan, it is stated that the proposed no action alternative is specific to Area G, and is
not intended to represent a complete remedial action for the FAA property. Rather, the plan
states that each area's environmental concerns and remedial activities will be addressed
separately. It was previously recommended in the enclosed November 16, 1990 U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Biological Technical Assistance Group (BTAG) memorandum,
that small contaminated sites such as Area G be grouped with other small sites to provide a
comprehensive view of the potential environmental risks. The Service recommends that sites
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encompassing a unique watershed or habitat type be aggregated to view cumulative impacts. A
cumulative impact approach would address overall water quality, better define lexicological
pathways and exposure to ecological receptors, and provide the baseline data necessary for a
comprehensive risk assessment.
•
RESPONSE: With respect to Area G, the potential contribution of site-associated risks to an
area-wide risk estimate based on the identified residual contamination at the site is expected to
be very minimal. The chemical nature of PCBs tends to render them immobile in the
environment, limiting their presence to the soil or concrete materials which were exposed to the
initial source of contamination. This was demonstrated in the detected decrease in PCB
contaminant levels following the removal actions. As stated in the Proposed Plan, Area G is
located within a restricted access area, minimizing potential risks due to human exposure. Area
G is also located within a relatively built-up area of the FAA Technical Center, which may limit
potential exposures to those types of wildlife which would be attracted to more natural areas of
the facility.
Surface drainage at Area G is towards the South Branch of Doughty's Mill Stream, located
approximately 1,000 feet to the south. Considering the residual PCB levels, their tendency to
remain adsorbed to the soils, and the grass-covered nature of the land surface between Area G
and the South Branch, which would limit runoff of residual PCB-contaminated soils into the
stream, it is unlikely that contamination would enter the stream.
A site-specific approach is being taken in the evaluation of areas of concern at the FAA
Technical Center in order to allow a full and thorough characterization and evaluation of each
individual area. Contaminant levels are compared to applicable or relevant and appropriate
federal, state and local regulatory standards in the evaluation of site-related contamination, as
required under federal regulations. Also evaluated are to-be-considered criteria such as New
Jersey's proposed surface soil cleanup standards, which are based upon contact between a
human receptor and the contaminated soil. Risk evaluations or risk assessments are conducted
to evaluate site-specific risks and to determine if the individual site poses a threat to human
health or the environment.
Combined impacts of contaminant migrationfrom multiple sites have not been ignored, however.
Facility investigations have included analysis of surface water and sediment samples collected
from surface water bodies not associated with an individual site, including the North and South
Branches of Doughty's Mill Stream and the Upper Atlantic City Reservoir. Such sampling was
conducted during Phase I investigations, Phase II investigations and supplemental investigations
at the facility. No significant impacts to surface water bodies have been detected during these
investigations. In some cases, additional sampling is on-going in areas where there is a
potential for contaminant migration to a surface water body or is proposed where additional
characterization is required.
The FAA will consider BTAG's comment and its potential impact on future site evaluation
activities in conjunction with on-going technical discussions with regulatory representatives held
at regularly scheduled project technical review meetings.
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APPENDIX A
NJDEPE AND PINELANDS COMMISSION
LETTERS OF CONCURRENCE
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i -r
Scon A. Weiner
Commissioner
State of New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
Office of the Commissioner
CN402
Trenton. N] 08625-C402,
Tel. # fl09-29Z-iaS5
Fax. # 609-984-3962
September 21, 1992
Mr. Harvey B. Safeer, Director
FAA Technical Center *•
ACT-1
Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08604
Dear Mr. Safeer:
R«: FAA Technical Center Superfuad Site
Draft Record of Decision (BOD)
Area G - Former Transformer Storage Area
Egg Haxbor -Twp . , Atlantic County
This letter formally notifies you that the New Jersey Department of Environnental
Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) has reviewed the Record of Decision for Area G of
the FAA Technical Center, the former transformer storage area. The NJDEPE
concurs with the recommended remedy of No Further Action.
The NJDEPE looks forward to a continued cooperative working relationship with you
in addressing environmental concerns at the Technical Center.
Sincerely,
Comnlss loner
c. Constantine Sidamon-Etlstotf, Regional Administrator
. USEPA, Region II
Afew/e
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The Pinelands Commission
P.O. Box 7, New Lisbon, N. J. 08064 (609)894-9342
August 14, 1992
Keith C. Buch
Project Manager
Federal Aviation Administration
Technical Center
ACM-433
Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405
Please Always Refer To This
Application Number
Re: App. No. 87-0046.05
Block 3A, Lot 2
Egg Harbor Township
Dear Mr. Buch:
The final proposed plan for the Transformer Storage Area
(Area G) on the above referenced site has been reviewed by the
Commission staff.
The staff has concluded that the "no further action" alter-
native is consistent with the requirements of the Pinelands Com-
prehensive Management Plan (N.J.A.C. 7:50-1.1 et seq.).
The interim remedial measures which involved the removal of
contaminated soils and the concrete storage pad served to
eliminate the PCB contaminants.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please con-
tact Robert Kowsll of cur staff.
Sincerely,
William F. Harrison, Esq.
Assistant Director
WFH/km
cc: Robert Smith, TRC
Joe Freudenberg, NJDEPE
The Pinelands - Our Country's First National Reserve
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APPENDIX B
LIST OF PROPOSED PLAN RECIPDZNTS
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APPENDIX B
LIST OF PROPOSED PLAN RECIPIENTS
The Honorable William J. Hughes
Member, United States House of Representatives
Central Park East, Building 4, Suite 5
222 New Road
Linwood, NJ 08221
The Honorable James Whelen
Mayor of Atlantic City
Room 706
1301 Bacharach Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Honorable Harry W. Leeds, Jr.
Mayor of Galloway Township
300 Jimmy Leeds Road
Galloway Township, NJ 08201
The Honorable James J. McCullough
Mayor of Egg Harbor Township
3515 Bargaintown Road
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08221
The Honorable John J. Percy, HI
Mayor of Hamilton Township
21 Cantillon Boulevard
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Mr. Richard E. Squires
Atlantic County Executive
1333 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Honorable Frank Lautenberg
United States Senator
208 White Horse Pike
Suite 18-19
Banington, NJ 08007
B-l
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APPENDIX B
LIST OF PROPOSED PLAN RECIPIENTS (CONTINUED)
Colonel Thomas E. Gjiffin
Commander 177th Fighter Interceptor Group
400 Langley Road
ANGACYIAP
Pleasantville, NJ 08232-9500
The Honorable William Gormley
New Jersey Senate, Second District
1333 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Mr. John F. Gaffhey
Chairman Freeholder-at-Large
201 Shore Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Mr. Terrence Moore
Executive Director, State of New Jersey
Pinelands Commission
Springfield Road
P. O. Box 7
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
Mr. Neil Goldfine
Executive Director, Atlantic City
Municipal Utilities Authority
29 South New York Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Ms. Louise Speitel
Atlantic County Environmental Society
205 Tremont Avenue
Absecon, NJ 08201
Environmental Response Network
Attn: Ms. Doreen Khebzou
104 East Sterling Drive
Absecon Highlands, NJ 08201
B-2
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APPENDIX B
LIST OF PROPOSED PLAN RECIPIENTS (CONTINUED)
Mr. Gus Ruh
Atlantic County Department of Public and
Environmental Health
201 Shore Road
NorthfieldNJ 08225
Mr. Clifford Day
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
927 North Main Street, Building D
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
Sierra Club
South Jersey Group
210 Central Avenue
Linwood, NJ 08221
B-3
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APPENDIX C
PUBLIC MEETING ATTENDANCE LIST
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PUBLIC MEETING SIGN-IN SHEET
AUGUST31.1992 _ ,
AREA G, FORMER TRANSFORMER STORAGE AREA
FAA TECHNICAL CENTER. ATLANTIC CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NJ
NAME ADDRESS
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APPENDED
PUBLIC MEETING TRANSCRIPT
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AW AW AW AW AW AW AW AW AW AW AW A\/AW AW AW A
TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC MEETING
To Discuss
Completion of the Environmental Investigative/Feasibility
Study
AREA 6, FORMER TRANSFORMER STORAGE AREA
FAA Technical Center
Atlantic City International Airport, NJ
AWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWAWA
Monday, August 31, 1992
7:00 p.m.
Atlantic County Library
2 South Farragut Avenue
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
APPEARANCES
For the FAA Technical Center; GREGORY T. FALZETTA
Acting Contracting Officer's
Technical Representative
For TRC Environmental Corp.;
ROBERT C. SMITH, P.E.,
Program Manager
JEAN M. OLIVA, P.E.,
Project Engineer
GCI TRANSCRIPTION AND RECORDING SERVICES
505 HAMILTON AVENUE, Suite 107
LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY 08221
(609) 927-0299 FAX (609) 927-6420
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INDEX
•
2. Slide Presentation - Robert C. Smith, P.E. . . .
Environmental Investigation Overview
3. Slide Presentation - Jean M. Oliva, P.E
Removal Action and Risk Evaluation Overview
and Presentation of Proposed Plan
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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MR. FALZETTA: I'd like to call this meeting to
order, please. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Greg
Falzetta. I'm the Acting Program Manager for the ongoing
environmental investigation at the FAA Technical Center. Our
topic for this evening's public"meeting is the Proposed Plan
for Area G - The Transformer Storage Area. I would ask that
you hold all questions and comments to the end of the formal
presentations.
The first thing I would like to do is introduce to
you our speakers for this evening. To my right is Mr.
Robert Smith, Professional Engineer, employed by TRC Environ-
mental Consultants. Bob is TRC's project manager for this
investigation, and Bob will briefly discuss the Remedial
Investigation Feasibility Study taking place at the Center, a.
brief history of Area G, and will categorize the area. To
Bob's right is Ms. Jean Oliva, and Jean is an environmental
engineer with TRC and is the project engineer. Jean will
present the Removal Action and the Proposed Plan.
I would like to mention a few housekeeping items
before we get started. There is a sign-in sheet located on
the table just inside the door. If you have not already
signed in, please do so before you leave so that we can have
a record of your presence with us tonight. If the meeting
runs past nine p.m., which I very seriously doubt, the front
doors to the library will be locked and we will have to use
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the exit using the stair tower. If you are handicapped and
require the use of the elevator, you must exit the building
before nine.
•
I would like to remind you all that all the docu-
ments related to the environmental investigation at the Tech-
nical Center are available next door in the library's refer-
ence section for your review and to copy if you wish. The
FAA has established this information repository as a conveni-
ence to you and we hope you will free to make use of it. I
would also like to remind you that your topic for this even-
ing will be limited to the Proposed Plan for Area G. If you
have any other environmental concerns that you would like to
raise/ please see me after the meeting.
Again, please hold off questions or comments until
after the formal presentation. All questions and comments
will be addressed tonight, if possible, as well as in the
Responsiveness Summary Section of the Record of Decision. We
encourage public participation in this process. - Thank you
for coming out. We feel it is an important part of the
Superfund process.
Next I would like to very briefly present a history
of how the Technical Center became involved in an environmen-
tal investigation. In 1980 and 1981 contamination that was
found at Price's Pit Landfill affected the Atlantic City well
field located adjacent to the site. For those of you who are
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not familiar with this location, Price's Pit is a Superfund
site located three to four miles east-southeast of the Tech-
nical Center. In 1981, the New Jersey Department of Environ-
mental Protection and Energy — New Jersey's DEPE — and the
Atlantic City Municipal Utility Authority — ACMOA — hired
Roy F. Weston to conduct a study to relocate the well .field.
As a result of this study/ the Technical Center was selected
as the best location. In 1983 and 1984 Weston, through the
New Jersey DEPE, performed an assessment of the surrounding
areas that might have been potential pollution sources to the
new well fields. Five areas within the Technical Center
boundaries were identified, and initial investigations were
performed by Weston. Weston confirmed the presence of pol-
lutants, and the New Jersey DEPE issued a consent order to
the Technical Center to perform remedial investigations and
cleanups, if required. The Technical Center also performed
an assessment of the facility and identified six additional
areas. In September 1986 the FAA contracted with TRC Envi-
ronmental Consultants of East Hartford, Connecticut to per-
form a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study, or RI/FS's,
of the eleven areas. As part of that contract, a complete
background investigation of the Center was required. Subse-
quently, seven more areas were added. The FAA added an addi-
tional four sites during the course of the RI/FS, and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or USEPA, photographic
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study found two more areas. The presentation tonight will
include a slide depicting relative locations of all twenty-
four areas of study, including the location of Area G.
All work has been performed in accordance with all
applicable Federal and State environmental laws, statutes,
and regulations. The FAA has worked closely with USEPA, New
Jersey DEPE, the Atlantic County Health Department, and to a
limited extent with the Pinelands Commission. New Jersey
DEPE assisted in writing the Statement of Work for our inves-
tigative contract with TRC. They also sat on the committee
that evaluated the technical proposals that were solicited
for the project and helped select TRC as_the winning contrac-
tor. Each step of the investigation, each document/
report/proposal, sample location, and monitoring well loca-
tions were reviewed and approved by both the USEPA, New Jer-
sey DEPE, and the Pinelands, if required. No work was con-
ducted until all necessary approvals were received.
The FAA has been pro-active regarding the environ-
ment. Adequate funds have been budgeted for this work. Our
FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. have supported us in our
efforts, and we are committed to the clean-up of those areas
requiring such.
With all that said, I will turn over the floor to
Bob Smith, who will briefly discuss the RI/FS.
MR. SMITH: Thank you, Greg.
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(Showing Slide 1)
As Greg mentioned, tonight we will be discussing
the proposed plan for Area G, the transformer storage area.
(Showing Slide 2)
Area G is located in' the southwestern portion of
the FAA Technical Center property, approximately three thou-
sand feet west of the Upper Atlantic City Reservoir and Well
Field. This slide also shows the location of Area G relative
to the locations of the twenty-four other areas of concern at
the FAA Technical Center where environmental investigations
have taken place.
(Showing Slide 3)
Transformers were stored on a concrete pad at the
Transformer Storage Area from 1978 until 1985, and some of
these transformers are known to have leaked oil onto the pad.
At the time of initial investigations of the site, the pad
was located between two wooden buildings, as shown here, and
completely fenced in.
(Showing Slide 4)
This photograph was taken during the period that
the transformer storage pad was in use. You can see one of
the adjacent wooden buildings in the slide off to the back-
ground. In late 1986, the FAA excavated approximately one
cubic yard of stained soil around the pad. This soil was
contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, a di-
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electric fluid used for heat transfer properties. The con-
taminated soil excavated by the FAA from around the trans-
•
former storage pad was was drummed and transported off site
to an approved landfill for disposal. The levels of contam-
ination of PCBs ranged from 9 parts per million (ppm) to to
36 ppm. In the autumn of 1988 the wooden buildings were
demolished and the transformers removed from the site.
(Showing Slide 5)
Two phases of investigations were conducted by TRC.
The goal of the first phase of the investigation was to
determine the extent of surface soil contamination which was
associated with the transformer storage area. PCBs tend to
adhere to soils, and ground water was not considered to be an
issue. Therefore, only surface soil samples were collected,
and the surface soils were analyzed for PCBs.
(Showing Slide 6)
Phase two of the investigation involved chip sam-
pling of the concrete pad and analysis for PCBs. As a result
of these investigations, an interim remedial action was im-
plemented to remove any PCB-contaminated materials, included
concrete and soils, which exceeded the action level of 5 ppm,
which was required at the time of the removal.
Jean Oliva, project engineer for TRC, who is
responsible for feasibility studies, will discuss the removal
actions and talk about the proposed plan. Jean.
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MS. OLIVA: As Bob mentioned, the goal of the
remedial actions was to remove any soil or concrete which was
contaminated with PCBs above the action level.
(Showing Slide 7)
Initially, a piece of equipment called a scarifier
was used to removed the top half inch of concrete in areas of
the concrete contamination. This removal action was conduct-
ed within a temporary containment structure to minimize any
movement of contaminated dust off-site. On this slide, the
lighter colored areas of concrete are the areas in which
scarification was performed. Also evident on the slide is
the absence of the wooden buildings which used to border the
ends of the concrete pad.
(Showing Slide 8)
This slide provides a closer view of one of the
scarified areas. After the concrete was scarified, samples
were collected of the underlying concrete to ensure that the
PCB contamination had been removed. These samples indicated
that the PCBs had contaminated the concrete to a greater
depth than originally suspected and that additional removal
would be required.
(Showing Slide 9)
To complete the removal action, four hundred square
feet of the concrete pad and a foot of topsoil along the
southern and eastern edges of the pad were removed. This
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figure depicts the areas in which these removals occurred.
The excavated soil and concrete debris were transported off-
site for disposal at a landfill permitted to accept PCB
wastes.
(Showing Slide 10)
This photo shows the pad area after the soil and
concrete were removed. Again, samples were collected to
verify that no contamination remained in the soils underlying
the areas of removal or in surrounding soils at a level ex-
ceeding the action level of 5 ppm. While soil samples col-
lected beneath the removal area met the cleanup standards/
two of the samples collected to the south of the soil excava-
tion area exhibited PCBs at levels greater than 5 ppm.
(Showing Slide 11)
Any remaining contaminated soils were subsequently
removed through the excavation of one foot of topsoil along
the southern portion of the previous excavation area as shown
in this figure.
(Showing Slide 12)
The additional excavation area is shown in this
photo. Again, these soils were transported off-site for
disposal at a permitted landfill. The PCB concentrations in
soil samples collected following this removal action were
less than the 5 ppm action level.
(Showing Slide 13)
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Potential risks associated with Area G were evalu-
ated and a Risk Evaluation conducted subsequent to the remov-
al actions. First, remaining PCB concentrations in the soil
were compared to regulatory levels. The residual PCB levels
are less than the cleanup levels prescribed under the Toxic
Substances Control Act, referred to as TSCA. They are less
than the 5 ppm action level utilized by New Jersey DEPE at
the time of the removal and also meet the soil cleanup stan-
dards which were proposed earlier this year by New Jersey
DEPE and which are more stringent than the previously appli-
cable 5 ppm level. Potential exposures to the residual PCB
contamination were also evaluated.
The remainder of the concrete pad at the transform-
er's storage area is not currently being used and there are
no plans for its use in the future. Because of its location
within the FAA Technical Center/ public access to the trans-
former storage area is limited, and current and future human
exposure to any residual contaminations is expected to be
minimal.
(Showing Slide 14)
Based on the removal actions already completed at
the transformer storage area, no additional remedial actions
are necessary to ensure protection of human health and the
environment. Therefore, the Proposed Plan for Area G con-
sists of No Further Action.
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I will now turn the meeting back to Greg Falzetta
of the FAA.
MR. FALZETTA: Thank you, Jean. At this time I
would like to open the meeting to questions or comments from
the public. I do ask that if you have a question you state
your name, spell your last name, and state your address for
the record.
(No response)
MR. FALZETTA: All right, since we don't have any
questions — if you would like to make written comments, they
will be accepted if postmarked on or before September 10,
1992. They should be submitted to my attention at the
address listed on the last page of the proposed plan.
If there are no other questions from the audience
at this time, I will close the public meeting for Area G.
Thank you very much for attending tonight.
**********
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C_E R T_I_F I C_A_T_E
I, GLORIA C. IRWIN, of 6CZ TRANSCRIPTION AND
RECORDING SERVICES, a Notary Public and State- and Federal-
ly-Approved Sound Recording operator and transcriber, do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate
transcript of the public meeting as taken by electronic sound
recording before my agent, Carol Platt, a Mew Jersey State
certified sound recording operator and transcriber, at the
time, place, and on the date hereinbefore set forth.
Gloria C. Irwin
^ Notary Public of New Jersey
My Commission expires June 28, 1994
Dated: September 1, 1992
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