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. ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- |