UNITED STATES  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                                  WASHINGTON,  B.C.  20460
                                August  25,  2004
                                                                           OFFICE OF
                                                                    SOLID WASTE AND EMERGENCY
                                                                           RESPONSE

                                                                        OSWER 9283.1-25
MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT:   Distribution of the final "Action Plan for Ground Water Remedy Optimization"

FROM:      Michael B. Cook, Director /s/
             Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation

TO:         Superfund National Policy Managers, Regions 1-10
             OSWER Office Directors

PURPOSE

      The purpose of this memorandum is to transmit to you the final "Action Plan for Ground
Water Remedy Optimization." The Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology
Innovation (OSRTI) developed this action plan in order to demonstrate our strong commitment
to effective management of our long-term remedies. This final version incorporates recent
comments from Regional management requesting flexibility with the implementation of site-
specific recommendations, and expressing concern over the budget implications of the Regions
performing their own optimization reviews. This final plan suggests that the Regions pursue
their own reviews where candidate sites exist, and we  will work with you to ensure funding is
available.
                      I

IMPLEMENTATION

      The efforts outlined in the attached action plan will focus on applying important lessons
learned in order to fully integrate optimization into the Superfund cleanup process. Regular
reviews of operating remedies, such as optimization reviews, is just one example of the
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) approach involving a continuous cycle of planning,
implementing, reviewing and improving practices at each site. Our new attention to the routine
optimization of operating treatment systems, as well as increased oversight of Regional funding
requests, will result in improved system efficiency and reduced LTRA costs.

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CONCLUSION

      We greatly appreciate the time and attention that you and your staff have given to remedy
optimization. The latest documents on optimization can be found on the internet at the following
addresses:  http:/Avww.epa.gov/superfund/action/postcomtruction/optimize.htm or
http:/Avww. cluin. or ^/optimization. The OSRTI points of contact on optimization are Jennifer
Griesert, Assessment and Remediation Division (ARD) at (703) 603-8888, and Kathy Yager,
Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (TIFSD) at (617) 918-8362.

Attachment

cc:    OSRTI Managers
      Nancy Riveland, Superfund Lead Region Coordinator, USEPA Region 9
      Eric Steinhaus, FY05 Superfund Lead Region Coordinator, USEPA Region 8
      NARPM Co-Chairs
      Joanna Gibson, OSRTI Documents Coordinator
      Robert Springer, Senior Advisor to OSWER AA
      JimWoolford,FFRRO
      Debbie Dietrich, OEPPR
      Matt Hale, OSW
      Cliff Rothenstein, OUST
      Linda Garczynski, OBCR
      Earl Salo, OGC
      Charles Openchowski, OGC
      Dave Kling, FFEO
      Susan Bromm, OSRE

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domain (EPD) for the water pathway, the dermal soil absorption values, and contact information for
the workgroup for implementation questions.

      If you have questions about the information presented in this memorandum, please contact
Dave Crawford at (703) 603-8891, or by e-mail at crawford.dave(g),epa.gov.

Attachment

     Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I: Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part
E, Supplemental Guidance for Dermal Risk Assessment, OSWER 9285.7-02EP)

cc:    Nancy Riveland, Superfund Lead Region Coordinator, USEPA Region 9
      Eric Steinhaus, USEPA Region 8
      NARPM Co-Chairs
      OSRTI Managers
      Jim Woolford, FFRRO
      Debbie Dietrich, OEPPR
      Robert Springer, Senior Advisor to OSWER AA
      Matt Hale, OSW
      Cliff Rothenstein, OUST
      Linda Garczynski, OBCR
      Dave Kling, FFEO
      Susan Bromm, OSRE
      Earl Salo, OGC
      Charles Openchowski, OGC
      Joanna Gibson, OSRTI Documents Coordinator
      Dermal Workgroup Members

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