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
------- |