U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101-9797
Alaska
Idaho
Oregon
Washington
Idaho
Superfund Progress Report
October B97
-------
Welcome to the Region 10 Superfundprogram.....
The information contained in this book should give you a snapshot of our efforts at the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon & Washington) to
clean up sites contaminated with hazardous wastes which pose risk to people and the
environment. You can look at the contents of this book as a status report of where we are in
addressing the 78 sites on the National Priorities List (NPL) in the Region (14 have been
deleted), as well as our efforts to address emergency or short term cleanup actions, and to
assess new sites that we learn about. The book is formatted as follows:
Section 1 - Superfund At Work: describes the overall progress picture for your state,
and provides some highlights of significant progress and innovative approaches around the
region. In it you will find:
1) a pie chart indicating the status of NPL sites in your state.
2) a bar chart indicating the range of cost of cleanup for sites in your state.
3) highlights of significant progress and new approaches around the region.
Section 2 - Superfund in Your Community: should give you a picture of the sites
within your state/Congressional District and the location and status of each. In this section
you will find:
1) a list of early cleanup actions completed in your state.
2) summaries of some early cleanup actions in your state, in alphabetical order.
3) a list of all NPL sites in your state, including their status.
4) summaries of each NPL site in your state, in alphabetical order.
5) maps that illustrate the location of all Region 10 NPL sites.
We hope you can use this information as a resource as questions arise about Region 10
Superfund activities.
For more information about any of the sites and activities discussed in this book, please feel
free to call the Region 10 Community Relations & Outreach Manager at (206) 553-1272. If
calling from within Region 10 states, you can call toll free at (800) 424-4372.
-------
SUPERFUND AT WORK
-------
Progress Towards Cleanup
at 9 Idaho NPL Sites
4. All Cleanup Construction Completed (1)
3. Cleanup in
Progress (4) ^
5. Site Removed from
NPL (2)
1. Investigation
Underway (1)
2. Remedy Selected
for Pending Cleanup (1)
-------
Estimated Remediation Costs in
Idaho
Number of Sites
0
in millions
under $1 (DJ $1 to $5 • $5 to $15 m $15+
Estimated costs for majority of sites (75%) are below $15 million.
October 1997
-------
SUCCESSES IN REGION 10
EPA Region 10 continues to explore ways to improve our
efforts to clean up hazardous waste sites in the most
efficient way possible, and to return them to productive
uses while protecting human health and the environment.
The ability to be flexible in making cleanup decisions and
improved cooperation with state and local communities
have contributed to recent Superfund successes.
Following are five stories which highlight significant
progress and new approaches around the region...
-------
Cooperative Agreements with the State of Oregon
Site Assessment Cooperative Agreement: EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) have an excellent partnership on site assessment. Real environmental benefit has
been gained without duplication or delay of work. EPA funding has been progressively increased
as DEQ's role has become greater.
Site Screening DEQ screens sites brought to their attention by the public, other agencies, or
owner/operators and consultants. Approximately 250 site screenings have been done in the last five
years, in order to consider the worst sites first. Many screenings consist only of file searches and
phone calls, while others involve collecting additional information and conducting site drive-bys.
When further action is needed, DEQ and EPA work together to determine what should be done.
DEQ has typically recommended about 15 - 20% of sites screened be added to EPA's inventory of
sites needing further Superfund consideration (CERCLIS).
Preliminary Assessments For sites that would warrant assessment under Superfund, Oregon
staff and EPA staff work together on a streamlined federal Preliminary Assessement. DEQ has
completed approximately 50 PAs in the last five years.
Site review/Technical Assistance For complex sites, state and EPA staff together carry out
a joint investigation. Oregon DEQ reviews site assessment work completed by EPA contractors
for technical merit, and for possible state action.
Brownfields Project Developers are reluctant to buy vacant or under utilized properties
that may be contaminated because of the risk of cleanup liability. EPA's Brownfields program is
working to assess environmental problems, clean, and revitalize these properties. Oregon DEQ is
compiling an inventory of potential Brownfield sites. Sites will be prioritized for assessment based
on how they meet certain criteria such as ownership, location, potential for commercial or industrial
development, and whether there is a potential developer interested in the property.
McCormick & Baxter Creosoting Company/State Lead Site
This is the Stlate of Oregon's highest priority Superfund site. Oregon DEQ has the technical lead
for the cleaarap, while EPA has a consultation role. Federal Superfund dollars pay for the cleanup
via a Cooperative Agreement between the state and EPA Region 10.
Operations at the former wood treating facility resulted in contamination of soil, sediments, and
ground water. Contaminants are migrating from ground water to the Willamette River, including
pentachlorophenol (PCP), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic and dioxin.
The cleanup f,s currently in the remedial design phase. Plans for cleanup actions include treatment
and/or removal of on-site contaminated soil, extraction and treatment of floating and sinking pure
non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) product from the ground water, and capping the entire site to
(continued)
-------
make it ready for future development. Demolition of on-site structures has been completed which
allows for easier access to contaminated areas.
There is considerable local interest in the redevelopment of this site. It is a high priority
Brownfields redevelopment for the City of Portland. EPA has funded a Technical Assistance Grant
for a local neighborhood group (WAKE-UP) that is closely following the progress of the cleanup.
East Multnomah County Groundwater Superfund Site
The East Multnomah County Groundwater Superfund site covers three square miles in eastern
Portland. Groundwater beneath the area, contaminated with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
by several area businesses using solvents, has been used for drinking water. Early response actions
taken by the responsible parties provided several groundwater extraction wells to control the
contaminant plume, and a cutoff trench to prevent contaminated shallow groundwater from
migrating into deeper aquifers.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued Records of Decision for two operable
units, the Troutdale Sandstone Aquifer and the Cascade Corporation Site-Troutdale Gravel
Aquifer. These decisions for further cleanup represent significant milestones toward restoring the
availability of the city of Portland's back-up drinking water supply.
Residents in the Portland area are extremely interested in ensuring that groundwater resources will
be protected. EPA has funded a Technical Assistance Grant for a local neighborhood group,
Friends of Blue and Fairview Lakes. The group has a contract with Portland State University to
review documents and provide input to DEQ, EPA, and the local community through the Friends
of Blue and Fairview Lakes.
-------
Local Involvement in Spokane Hastens Cleanup
& Renews Property Values
Community interest in the Spokane Junkyard/Associated Properties Superfund site has always
been high. It was especially gratifying for EPA to participate in the community's recent
celebration of the completion of the cleanup. Signs, posted to warn people of the dangers of
contamination at the site, were removed by a neighborhood activist at the ceremony.
What was once a threat to the community, a field of highly contaminated soil littered with drums
of hazardous waste and a variety of other unsightly and potentially dangerous materials, is now a
field of native plants, safe and clean and ready to become a community asset.
The site consisted of a former junkyard, the former Spokane Metals facility, and two other parcels
of land. Salvage operations at Spokane Metals, from the 1940s until the early 1980s, resulted in
soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead. Poor junkyard storage
practices of asbestos, paint waste, and various liquids and solid wastes also resulted in site
contamination.
After an explosive fire on the junkyard property in 1987, EPA conducted an emergency cleanup
during 1988 and 1989. The most highly contaminated materials were removed and the site was
fenced to keep people out. The site was added to EPA's National Priorities List for further long-
term cleanup in. May 1994.
The site is surrounded by homes and apartments, businesses, and an elementary school. Local and
state agencies, businesses, and community activists worked with EPA in many meetings about this
site. Nearby residents worried about vandalism at the site and the risk of children being exposed
to contamination. Neighbors supported plans for a low-income housing project on the site.
Everyone was anxious for this property to become a safe, attractive, and productive part of the
neighborhood.
Three companies — Kaiser Aluminum, Washington Water Power, and Inland Power and Light --
agreed to conduct a site investigation and to prepare plans for cleaning up the site under an
Administrative Order with EPA in June 1995. Exceptional cooperation between EPA and the
three companies using the most efficient Superfund authorities accelerated the process.
In January 1996, after completion of site investigations, six cleanup alternatives were proposed.
EPA selected a cleanup alternative after reviewing and considering comments received during a
public comment period. The three companies completed the cleanup design in the summer of
1996, and the cleanup of the site was accomplished from September to November 1996.
The site now consists of a capped containment cell on the Spokane Metals property, and a seeded
field covering the rest of the site. Residential cleanup levels were selected for the site cleanup
because all properties except the Spokane Metals property will be zoned for residential use in the
future.
-------
Cleanup & Economic Development Go Hand in Hand
The Pacific Sound Resources Superfund Site in Seattle: One way that Region 10 helps
promote development and economic growth in areas designated as Superfund sites is through the
Prospective Purchaser Agreement Policy. The Pacific Sound Resources (PSR) Superfund site is
an example of how well that policy can work.
PSR (formerly the Wyckoff Company) operated a wood preserving plant on 25 acres next to
Elliott Bay until 1994. Soil, groundwater, and near shore marine sediments were contaminated
with creosote, pentachlorophenol, copper, arsenic, and zinc. Because the site posed a threat to
public health from contact with contaminated soil and to aquatic life in Elliott Bay, EPA added the
site to the National Priorities List in May 1994.
The Port of Seattle then purchased the PSR site under a prospective purchaser's agreement which
protects the Port from future liability for additional cleanup costs associated with past
contamination. The Port agreed to provide services and cleanup funds totaling $16.2 million and
to conduct cleanup work under an Administrative Order with EPA.
All together about 200 acres of abandoned, contaminated industrial/commercial land, which
includes the PSR Superfund site, has been cleaned up by the Port and returned to productive use
as a combined cargo terminal and intermodal yard for American President's Line. The Port, local,
state, and federal agencies, community members, and the business community worked together to
successfully restore this important resource.
Asarco Smelter Complex Cleanup in Tacoma: A "civic triumph" is how the News Tribune
described the January 1997 signing of a "definitive agreement" governing redevelopment of the
old Asarco Smelter site on Commencement Bay, straddling the border between the town of
Ruston and the city of Tacoma in Washington. The definitive agreement was signed by officials
from Asarco, Ruston, Tacoma, and the Metropolitan Park District. Most of the 100 acres, which
includes the 67 acre Superfund site, is now a barren fenced-off eyesore. Over the next few years,
the site will be cleaned up and transformed: offices, light industrial facilities, and a public park
with remarkable views of Puget Sound and surrounding mountains will replace the old smelter.
The redevelopment agreement was negotiated in parallel with a consent decree between EPA and
Asarco covering the environmental cleanup of wastes left from 80 years of smelting operations.
The consent decree requires that the cleanup be completed by December 2003. The parks are
expected to be available for public use by the summer of 2004.
These agreements come after years of meetings between EPA, Asarco, and the surrounding
communities. EPA received more than 900 public comments on the cleanup and site reuse plans.
Workshops were attended by 1,200 people to express their individual views and those of 35
groups including community action groups, neighborhood councils, city of Tacoma and town of
Ruston councils, and other local government commissions. All were dedicated to finding the best
solutions to problems so that environmental cleanup and economic development could advance
simultaneously.
-------
Cleanups Expedited at Alaska Military Bases
By working in partnership with States, the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy,
EPA Region 10's Federal Facilities Superfund program has been able to streamline requirements
and reduce costs while implementing flexible and efficient cleanup solutions throughout the
Northwest. Alaska is an excellent example of this partnership, where six of the eight NPL sites
are military bases.
Eielson Aiir Foirce Base, located 24 miles southeast of Fairbanks, covers 19,780 acres. Major
sources of hazardous wastes include both closed and active unlined landfills, trenches used for
tank sludge burial, drum storage areas, fire suppression training, and fuel storage and delivery.
Areas within the groundwater are contaminated with lead and volatile organic compounds such as
benzene and tricholoethelene. Several areas of subsurface petroleum-contaminated soil and
petroleum products are sources of contamination. Elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) were found in sediments and in fish caught in a slough that runs through the base.
The base included 64 potential source areas of contamination that required some level of
investigation. The investigations were streamlined and tailored to use an appropriate level of
evaluation for each area and to avoid unnecessary investigative costs. All investigations are
complete, aid remedies have been selected covering all problems at the base. Cleanups for all
areas except one are currently in place, are fully functional, and include the use of innovative
technologies such as bioventing. The last cleanup, the PCB soil and sediment cleanup in Garrison
Slough will be finished this summer.
The Air Force, EPA, and the state of Alaska worked together to determine the best technical and
regulatory approaches at Eilson, including innovative treatment technologies, source reduction
with nature j attenuation to address limited areas of groundwater contamination, hybrid landfill cap
designs, and technical impracticability waivers for immobile lead groundwater contamination.
Fort Richardson, covering 61,900 acres in Anchorage, has been divided into four smaller units
so that cleanup can progress more efficiently. Each of four work areas identified for cleanup
contains a variety of contaminated sub-areas. While waiting for on-going investigations to be
completed for all the complex work areas, it was important that early actions be taken at some
areas.
The Eagle River Flats ordnance impact area, which encompasses 2,500 acres of wetlands
associated with the Eagle River delta, is one of the four work areas. Many thousands of
waterfowl who fed in the contaminated sediments of those wetlands have died. Under an
agreement with EPA and the state of Alaska, the Army is dredging and drying wetland sediments
contaminated with white phosphorous, which allows the white phosphorous to change into a
harmless compound. The Army will continue dredging and drying the contaminated sediments
until the threat to waterfowl is eliminated. The death rate for waterfowl that use the wetlands
during spring and fall migrations has already dropped from thousands to hundreds of ducks for
each migratory season.
-------
Progress Continues in Idaho at Bunker Hill
The Bunker Hill Superfund site spans 21-square miles in the heart of the Silver Valley in Northern
Idaho. More than 6,000 people live within the site boundary in the communities of Smelterville,
Kellogg, Wardner, Pinehurst, Page, Elizabeth Park, and Ross Ranch. Contamination, caused by
mining activities since the late 1800s, includes lead, mercury, cadmium, sulfuric acid, arsenic and
zinc. Mine tailings deposited into the Coeur d'Alene River have contaminated the valley, riverbeds
and Lake Coeur d'Alene. Ground and surface water is contaminated with a variety of heavy metals
due to discharges of mine drainage. Lead is the primary contaminant in the valley and poses a
serious health threat particularly to children and pregnant women.
Some of the 17 private companies identified as being potentially responsible for the contamination
are working in partnership with EPA and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to
support the cleanup. Much progress has been made previously at the site. Blood lead levels of
children have dropped dramatically in the last decade, due both to cleanups of contaminated soils
and a continuing effective local public health program. In 1996, more major cleanups took place:
600 tons of contaminated material were excavated & removed
100,000 seedlings & 100 acres of grass were planted on hillsides
500 million gallons of contaminated water were treated
395 children were tested for possible lead contamination
contaminated soil was excavated and replaced with clean soil at 200 residential yards
75 structures were demolished, resulting in the disposal of 1000 cubic yards of asbestos and
20,000 truckloads of debris
8980 contaminated railroad ties and 86 tons of rail were removed from the Union Pacific
Railroad right-of-way through the site
EPA and Idaho staff are working with local officials to maximize the reuse of this land, consistent
with the cleanup. A few projects that have benefited the community are:
A Special Area Management Plan to help Shoshone County plan for future development at
an on-site wetland area.
At the request of the county, a section of a temporary haul road is being paved to provide
access to a proposed business park. Storm water ditches and pipelines are being added to
support future development and to divert contaminated water from the Coeur d'Alene
River.
Capping and paving a 50-acre slag pile near 1-90 will support future industrial development.
EPA and the state are currently working with community leaders to support future land use
in the design for the 200-acre cap of the Central Impoundment Area.
(continued)
-------
At the request of community leaders, Shoshone County plans to use several structures,
saved from scheduled demolition, for future development.
The People's Action Coalition was awarded a $50,000 Superfund Technical Assistance
Grant (TAG) to hire a technical advisor to monitor on-going site activities for the
community and review site documents relating to health risks and contamination.
-------
SUPERFUND
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
-------
EARLY CLEANUP ACTIONS
IDAHO
SITE NAME
Congressional District: 01
AGRICULTURE SUPPLY INC., MARSING
ARRCOM (DREXLER ENTERPRISES), RATHDRUM
BUNKER HILL MINING & METALLURGICAL, KELLOGG
START COMPLETION
CINNABAR MINE, STIBNITE
COMEBACK MINE, PIONEERVILLE
ELK RIVER MITCHELL SITE, ELK RIVER
EMMETTPCB, EMMETT
FORMER DRY CLEANER (ESQUIRE & USTICK), BOISE
GENTRY SUBDIVISION PCB SITE, MARSING
GREENSPEED PEST & LAWN MGMT, BOISE
H & H TECHNOLOGIES, INC., GARDEN CITY
LAM PINE, PAYETTECITY
LYNN INDUSTRIAL COATINGS INC, BOISE
NEW MEADOWS FUNGICIDE SPILL, NEW MEADOWS
NORTH IDAHO FLOOD DRUM REMOVAL, ST.MARYS
NORTHWEST PIPELINE CORPORATION-CALDWELL, CALDWELL
STIBNITE/YELLOW PINE MINING AREA, STIBNITE
SUCCESS MINE, WALLACE
USDOIBLM HWS GOLD & SILVER ELK CITY, ELK CITY
Sites Addressed by Superfund for Congressional District 01: 28
Congressional District: 02
BLACKBIRD MINE, COBALT
6/11/90
9/19/83
4/10/90
5/1/87
10/24/89
7/15/91
9/27/91
10/1/90
5/27/86
5/5/89
9/21/94
9/9/96
4/1 1/86
7/30/86
9/19/88
4/29/86
9/15/92
7/9/97
8/5/87
6/15/92
8/17/96
9/15/92
12/19/87
2/11/96
4/29/88
9/18/95
10/4/93
3/28/84
8/1/93
7/30/95
9/13/90
9/22/83
5/30/90
3/1/88
12/1/94
1/15/93
9/21/94
3/11/96
6/25/86
10/12/90
5/19/95
4/16/86
8/29/86
9/24/88
6/13/86
1 1/23/92
7/13/97
3/18/88
2/2/93
8/26/96
11/23/92
12/21/87
4/18/96
7/6/88
12/14/93
9/30/85
12/18/95
Sites in bold are not National Priorities List sites.
-------
EARLY CLEANUP ACTIONS
IDAHO
SITE NAME
Congressional District: 02
EASTERN IDAHO FLOOD SITE, IDAHO FALLS
EASTERN MICHAUD FLATS CONTAMINATION, POCATELLO
FORT HALL SITE, FORT HALL
IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING LAB (USDOE), SCOVILLE
NORTHWEST PIPELINE CORP-BURLEY, BURLEY
NORTHWEST PIPELINE CORP - MOUNTAIN HOME, MOUNTAIN HOME
NORTHWEST PIPELINE-POCATELLO, POCATELLO
NORTHWEST PIPELINE-SODA SPRINGS, SODA SPRINGS
PACIFIC HIDE & FlIR RECYCLING CO, POCATELLO
POCATELLO LANDFILL, POCATELLO
V-H OIL, PRESTON
YOUNGSTROM LOG HOMES, BLACKFOOT
Sites Addressed by Super-fund for Congressional District02: 15
START COMPLETION
9/29/97
10/19/93
2/24/94
7/18/94
8/1/94
5/31/88
5/6/88
6/6/88
6/6/88
3/8/83
5/13/82
9/30/96
10/7/96
5/3/94
7/22/94
11/3/94
9/8/88
9/6/88
9/16/88
9/29/88
4/15/83
5/20/82
11/18/96
Sites in bold are not National Priorities List sites.
-------
V-l Oil Site
Franklin County, Preston, Idaho Congressional District 2
The V-l Oil site is a retail gasoline and propane station located in Preston, Idaho.
The station is owned and operated by the V-l Oil Company, a medium sized company that
operates gasoline and propane stations in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Preston, Idaho
has a history of petroleum contamination on the groundwater, which is 5 feet below the ground
surface. In May 1996, several homes near the V-l station were evacuated due to gasoline vapors
in the basements. The fire department responded and found a layer of gasoline and explosive
vapors in the sewer line near the homes. The City and State suspected V-l as the source because
of unconfirmed reports that they had a gasoline release from their underground storage tanks
(USTs). V-l denied that they had a spill and denied City and State requests for access to the V-l
property. In late May the EPA was asked by the Mayor of Preston and state officials for
assistance in investigating and preventing future gasoline problems.
During the summer of 1996, EPA obtained court ordered access to the V-l property to
investigate the reported release. By September 1996, all EPA data indicated that V-l had a
release of gasoline from one of their two USTs, causing a gasoline plume on groundwater to
migrate 200-300 feet to the northwest into a residential area. It also appeared that the gasoline
was entering a sewerline that intersected the gasoline plume approximately 30 feet from the
USTs. This sewerline was just upstream from where the fire department observed gasoline in the
sewer near the homes. In September 1996, EPA issued an order to V-l to investigate and
cleanup any potential spill from their property. V-l refused and also refused access for EPA to
conduct a cleanup. In October, EPA obtained court ordered access to start a cleanup [without
disrupting V-l's business]. Since this didn't allow the removal of V-l's USTs, EPA began
pumping free product off the water table immediately adjacent to V-l's tanks, and collected
additional data which unambiguously pointed to V-l as the source.
In December EPA was granted court ordered access to pull V-l's UST's and excavate
contaminated soil. During January and February 1997, EPA removed V-l's UST's and 2,600
cubic yards of contaminated soil. Both of V-l s USTs had holes in them. In March, EPA installed
a Vapor Extraction System under the V-l building to remediate gasoline saturated soils without
removing the building. In April, EPA found and excavated more contaminated soil on an adjacent
property, that matched the gasoline from V-ls tanks. The VES will continue to operate into the
fall of 1997.
-------
NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST
IDAHO
SITE NAME STATUS
Congressional District: 01
ARRCOM (DREXLER ENTERPRISES) Removed from NPL
BUNKER HILL MINING & METALLURGICAL Cleanup in Progress
Congressional District: 02
EASTERN MICHAUD FLATS CONTAMINATION Investigation
IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING LAB (USDOE) Cleanup in Progress
KERR-MCGEE CHEMICAL CORP. (SODA SPRINGS) Cleanup in Progress
MONSANTO CHEMICAL CO. (SODA SPRINGS) Remedy Selected
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE Cleanup in Progress
PACIFIC HIDE & FUR RECYCLING CO Construction Completed
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CO Removed from NPL
Sites in bold are deleted from the National Priorities List.
-------
ARRCOM (Drexler Enterprises) Congressional District: 01
Kootenai County, 3 miles Southwest of Listing: 09/8/83
Rathdrum, Idaho
Site Background:
The ARRCOM (Drexler Enterprises) site covers over 1 acre approximately 3 miles southwest of
Rathdrum, Idaho. From 1960 until the facility was abandoned in 1982, ARRCOM recycled waste
oils containing a variety of organic solvents, lead, and polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Activities
at the site, such as abandoning storage tanks and trucks and producing hazardous waste materials,
resulted in the contamination of soils and sludges. Approximately 6,300 people live within 3 miles
of the site. The residents in the area depend on groundwater for drinking water and field
irrigation. The nearest well is located 150 feet away from the site. The Spokane Valley-
Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer runs approximately 135 feet underneath the site and is the sole source
of drinking water and crop irrigation for 350,000 people in the region.
Soils on the site were contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including toluene,
xylene, and methyl ethyl ketone; heavy metals including lead and mercury; acid; PCBs; and
pentachlorophenol (PCP). On-site buildings were contaminated with asbestos.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Completed
Early Actions: In 1983, the EPA began removing and treating contaminants at the site. Tanks
containing PCB-contaminated products were pumped and flushed. The volume of contents in the
remaining tanks was approximately 32,000 gallons. Approximately 10,700 gallons of oil and
water mixture were recycled, 1,140 pounds of PCB flushing material were incinerated off site, and
134 cubic yards of contaminated soil were disposed of in an EPA-approved landfill.
In 1987, the EPA removed and segregated all of the hazards. A containment tent was constructed
for asbestos removal in the boiler room. The EPA cleaned, disassembled, and disposed of all
tanks and trucks off site. All buildings, vehicles and approximately 2,000 cubic yards of
contaminated soils were removed from the site.
In 1990, the EPA excavated and disposed off site approximately 1,500 cubic yards of soil
contaminated with lead and PCBs. Confirmation soil sampling was conducted, and the excavated
areas were backfilled with clean fill and regraded.
Long-term Actions: In 1991 and 1992 , the EPA studied the site to ensure that all site risks had
been addressed by the initial cleanup actions. As a result, in mid-1992, the EPA determined that
no further actions were required at the site.
The site was deleted from the NPL on December 23, 1992.
-------
Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Congressional District: 01
Shoshone County, Kellogg, Idaho Listing: 09/8/83
Site Background:
The Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex covers 21 square miles and encompasses the
communities of Pinehurst, Page, Smelterville, Kellogg, and Wardner, Idaho. The site also
includes the Bunker Hill mine, a mill and concentrator, a lead smelter, an electrolytic zinc plant, a
phosphoric acid and fertilizer plant, a cadmium plant, and sulfuric acid plants. Mining operations
began in 1889, with lead smelting starting in 1917. During the majority of the smelter's
operations, few environmental protection procedures or controls were implemented.
Prior to 1938, all liquid and solid residues of mine tailings from the complex were discharged
directly into the Coeur d'Alene River and its tributaries. Thereafter, waste streams were directed
to a large outwash plain located west of Kellogg and just north of the Bunker Hill and
Metallurgical Complex. Lead smelter slag was deposited in a pile on the western end of this plain.
On the eastern end of the plain, a central impoundment area was developed and was surrounded
by a 70-foot high dike of mine tailings and waste rock. All liquid wastes, including mine pump
effluent, were directed to the pond for settling and then discharged to the river.
In the early 1970s, a central treatment plant was constructed on the edge of the pond to treat
water before discharging it to the river; however, a considerable amount of seepage is lost to
groundwater through the unsealed bottom of the pond. In 1973, public concern arose over the
effects of chronic air pollution associated with Bunker Hill operations after a fire occurred in the
baghouse of the smelter. Smokestack and other emissions from the smelting operations and acidic
water discharged from mines in the area have contaminated the hillsides and other areas
surrounding the site, destroying large areas of vegetation.
The population of Shoshone County is approximately 13,900. The City of Kellogg, the largest
community in the county, with a population of approximately 2,600, is located approximately 1
mile from the former Bunker Hill Complex. Most residences in the area use municipal water
supplies obtained from surface water; however, there may be some private wells in the area
affected by site contamination.
Stack emissions from approximately 65 years of smelter operations included thousands of tons of
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and lead, as well as other heavy metals. In 1973/74 when lead smelter
operations continued after a fire destroyed a significant portion of the main baghouse, over 1,000
tons of particulate lead were released into the air in the one-year period.
Tens of thousands of tons of mill tailings, mine waste rock, and ore concentrates are spread
across the site, including over 1,000 acres of the original flood plain of the South Fork Coeur
d'Alene River; the river picks up approximately 350 pounds per day of combined metals loading
(primarily zinc) from the site. A 200-acre, unlined tailings impoundment on the site contributes an
-------
estimated 680 pounds per day of combined metals loading to the site groundwater.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Underway
Early Actions: In 1986, EPA removed approximately 8,750 cubic yards of contaminated soils
from sixteen public areas, such as parks and playgrounds, and stored it on site. About 7,150
cubic yards of backfill, 13,500 square feet of sod, and 1,132 tons of asphalt pavement were used
in the renovation operations. The EPA stored all excavated contaminated soil in a temporary on-
site storage facility. The contaminated soil was placed within a polyvinyl chloride envelope which
is surrounded by a containment dike to minimize surface runoff. A security fence was constructed
around the on-site storage facility.
Long-term Actions: EPA signed a Record of Decision (ROD), which addressed cleanup of
residential areas in 1991. Residential yards, rights-of-way and commercial properties are being
remediated if they test above 1,000 parts per million (ppm) lead. Approximately 1,600 properties
will need this cleanup, and about 800 have been completed. Work is being done by a Potentially
responsible party (PRP) group, under an EPA Administrative Order, at a rate of about 200
properties per year. Annual blood-lead surveys of children living at the site have shown blood
lead levels decreasing.
EPA signed a ROD, which addressed cleanup of non-residential areas, in 1992. Due to the
bankruptcy of the major PRP (Gulf Resources) in 1994, most work in the non-populated areas is
now Fund-lead. All major industrial facilities, including the mine operations area, lead smelter,
zinc plant and the phosphoric acid/fertilizer plant (over 100 major structures) have been
demolished and disposed of on site. Contaminated soils removal in industrial areas continues
(500,000 cubic yards, plus 200,000 cubic yards of clean cover), with disposal on site. Tailings
removal from the flood plain (1.3 million CY) will begin this year, with disposal at the
impoundment area. The impoundment will then be closed with a low permeability cap; removal
and closure will take 3 to 4 years. Hillsides stabilization (3200 acres) is underway, but will
require several years of plantings and repair. Numerous smaller cleanup projects in contaminated
drainages on site have been completed. Treatment of contaminated site water and acid mine
drainage averages about 1 million gallons per day.
-------
Eastern Micbaud Flats Contamination Congressional District: 02
Power and Bannock Counties, Near Pocatello, Idaho Listing: 08/30/90
Site Background:
The Eastern Michaud Flats Contamination site covers 2,530 acres near Pocatello. Within the site
boundaries are. two adjacent phosphate processing facilities, the FMC Corporation and the J.R.
Simplot Company. The FMC Corporation has operated a phosphate processing plant, producing
approximately 250 million pounds of elemental phosphorus per year from two million tons of
shale, silica, and coke. The wastes generated from this process contain heavy metals. In the past,
waste slag was used as highway construction material or deposited on two large on-site waste
piles. The ferrous-phosphate residuals are crushed, stored on bare ground, and later sold for their
vanadium,, iron, and chromium content. The precipitator dust slurry and cooling and process
water are pumped into a number of waste ponds. The J.R. Simplot facility is located adjacent to
the FMC facility. Since 1944, J.R. Simplot has produced concentrated phosphoric acid, triple
super phosphate, ammonium phosphate, and diamonium phosphate from phosphate-containing
ore. Ground phosphate rock is digested with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid and
calcium sulfate (gypsum). Gypsum is pumped as a thick slurry to a stack, which presently
contains approximately 28 million cubic yards of waste. A former gypsum stack was abandoned
in 1966. The J.R. Simplot facility currently uses a wastewater treatment system consisting of
three lined ponds and two unlined ponds to collect and treat all wastewater not recycled. In 1976,
a drinking water well downhill from the FMC facility was condemned by the State due to elevated
arsenic levels. Contaminants have been found in the upper unconfmed aquifer. Approximately
55,000 people use drinking water from public and private wells located within 3 miles of the site.
Groundwater is also used to irrigate approximately 2,000 acres of forage crops within 3 miles of
the site. The Michaud Flats are on the Snake River Plain and are bordered by the American Falls
Reservoir, the Portneuf River, Rock Creek, and on the south by the foothills of the Deep Creek
Mountains and Bannock Range. The Portneuf River, which is located 1/4 mile from the site, is
used for fishing, recreation, and irrigation downstream from the site.
On-site shallow groundwater has been impacted by releases from unlined waste management
facilities at both FMC and Simplot. The primary contaminants include arsenic, chloride, fluoride,
nitrate, selenium, sodium, and sulfate. Off-site soils contain elevated levels of fluoride, radium-
226, total phosphorus, zinc, and cadmium to the north/northwest of the facility as a result of
airborne releases from plant processes, roads, storage areas, and wastewater ponds. Some of the
on-site soils contain elevated levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, vanadium,
zinc, radium-226, and fluoride. These soils are a potential source of contamination to
groundwater.
Cleanup Progress: Threat Mitigated
Early Response Actions: In late 1993, in response to an EPA Action Memorandum, FMC began
closure of pond 8S. This was the last unlined pond in use at the facility.
-------
In 1991, under an Administrative Order, the Potentially Responsible Parties began an investigation
to determine the nature and extent of site contamination. The Remedial Investigation and
Feasibility Study (RI/FS) was completed in April 1997 and a proposed plan for the cleanup was
released for public comment on April 18, 1997. The preferred alternatives are capping of old
waste ponds and source areas, groundwater monitoring and groundwater extraction, and
institutional and land use controls. Some cleanup activities are expected to begin by summer
1998.
-------
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Congressional District: 02
Butte County, Idaho Falls, Idaho Listing: 11/21/89
Site Background:
The now renamed Idaho National Environmental Engineering Laboratory (INEEL) site, owned
by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), covers 890 square miles in southeastern Idaho, near
Idaho Falls. The Atomic Energy Commission set up the National Reactor Testing Station on the
grounds in 1949 to build, test, and operate various nuclear reactors, fuel processing plants, and
support facilities. Earlier, parts of the site were used by the Department of Defense (DOD). In
1974, the facility changes its name from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) to
reflect the broad scope of engineering activities it conducts. INEEL consists of a number of
major facilities, which contribute contaminants to, and draw water from, the Snake River Plain
Aquifer. Approximately 17,300 tons of hazardous materials were deposited at one area through
an injection well extending 100 feet into the Snake River Plain Aquifer, and also into numerous
unlined ponds and an earthen ditch. Waste materials disposed of in this area included chromium-
contaminated cooling tower blow-down water, waste solvents, sulfuric acid, radionuclides, and
laboratory wastes. The Snake River Plain Aquifer is the source of all water used at the INEEL
and surrounding communities, and is an important water resource in southeastern Idaho.
Although facilities at the INEEL are several miles apart, they are grouped together for site
cleanup due to the extent of contamination. Over 3,000 people draw water from wells located
within a 3-mile radius of the site. The facility employs approximately 10,500 people. The
nearest large population center is Idaho Falls, which is located approximately 30 miles east of the
site.
Hexavalent chromium has been detected in monitoring and drinking water wells in the Snake
River Plain Aquifer at the Test Reactor and Central Facilities Area at the INEEL. Acetone,
sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected to a
lesser degree. Tests conducted in 1987 by INEEL and the U.S. Geological Survey at the
Radioactive Waste Management complex on the site indicate that carbon tetrachloride and
trichloroethylene (TCE) have migrated from where they were buried to the Snake River Plain
Aquifer. Soils are contaminated with heavy metals such as lead and mercury, VOCs, and
radionuclides. Potential health risks may exist from ingesting or coming in direct contact with the
contaminated groundwater and soil.
Cleanup Progi ess: Construction Underway
Of the 357 areas listed in the site investigation, over 1/3 have been closed out. Of the 19
Records of Decision planned, all will be completed by 2001.
This site is being addressed in eleven stages: early actions, and ten long-term actions focusing on
the Test Area North of the INEEL, the Test Reactor Area, the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant,
the Central Facilities Area, the Power Burst Facility/Auxiliary Reactor Area, Borax-I and SL-I
Burial Grounds, the Radioactive Waste Management Complex, the Vadose Zone, the Naval
-------
Reactors Facility, miscellaneous soils, and remaining site areas.
Early Actions: An early cleanup action was undertaken by DOE in the fall of 1993 to locate,
detonate, and dispose of unexploded munitions and associated shrapnel; and to characterize,
remove, and incinerate soils contaminated with explosive residues at six specific areas at the
INEEL. During the course of this action, over 100 ordnances were exploded, and approximately
185 cubic yards of contaminated soils were taken off site for incineration.
Test Area North of INEEL: An early action was selected in the fall of 1992 to address treatment
of the groundwater in the vicinity of the injection well at the Technical Support Facility.
Operation of the interim water treatment system began in early 1994. A final action for
groundwater cleanup was signed in mid 1995.
Long-term Actions: The site has been divided into "Waste Area Groups" to facilitate study and
remediation.
Waste Area Group 2-Test Reactor Area: The Test Reactor Area (TRA) houses extensive
facilities for studying the effects of radiation on materials, fuels, and equipment. In late 1992, a
study conducted by DOE of perched water beneath the TRA facility led to a decision to take no
further action. This area will continue to be monitored. An early action for the TRA Warm
Waste Pond Area, which involved consolidation of approximately 23,000 cubic yards of low-level
radioactive waste material, was completed by DOE in early 1994. This remedy was implemented
after treatability testing revealed that chemical/physical contaminant separation was not effective
due to site conditions. Further investigations to determine the nature and extent of contamination
at the Test Reactor Area and selection of an area wide remedy will be completed in late 1997.
Waste Area Group 3-Idaho Chemical Processing Plant: In early 1994, DOE began an
investigation to determine the nature and extent of contaminated perched water under the
Chemical Processing Plant. The remedial investigation and baseline risk assessment were
completed in December 1996. DOE is presently conducting the Feasibility Study, which is
scheduled to be completed in 1997.
Waste Area Group 4-Central Facilities Area: The DOE began an investigation into the nature and
extent of contamination at the motor pool pond of the Central Facilities area in late 1991. In late
1992, it was determined that no cleanup action was necessary in this area. Other studies of the
Central Facilities Area began in early 1993, with the primary focus being investigation of the
nature and extent of contamination of the three landfills. The DOE evaluated the study's findings
and capping of the landfills was selected as the final cleanup remedy for the area in late 1995.
DOE completed construction in 1997. An area wide RI/FS began in 1997, and will be completed
in late 1998.
Waste Area Group 5-Power Burst/Auxiliary Reactor Area: In late 1991, the DOE began studies
of the contamination at the Power Burst Facility evaporation pond and the Auxiliary Reactor area
-------
chemical pond. In 1992, DOE selected a final cleanup remedy for the evaporation pond that
included sediment removal. Cleanup activities began in 1993 and were completed in early 1995.
The DOE evaluated the study's findings and determined that no further actions were required for
the chemical ponds. A comprehensive investigation to determine the nature and extent of
contamination at this site began in May 1997.
Waste Area Group 6-Borax-I and SL-I Burial Grounds: DOE completed an investigation into the
nature and extent of contamination at these areas in 1995. In early 1996, a remedy was selected
that included capping of the burial grounds. Capping was completed in November 1996.
Waste Area Group 7-Radioactive Waste Management Complex: The primary focus of the studies
at the Radioactive Waste Management complex is the Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA). It
includes numerous pits, trenches, and vaults where radioactive and organic wastes were stored, as
well as a large pad (Pad A) where waste was placed above grade and covered. In late 1991, DOE
began investigating contamination at the Radioactive Waste Management Complex Pad A, Pit 9,
and shallow groundwater. An early action was selected in the fall of 1993 that entails excavation
and treatment of radioactive wastes in Pit 9. The Pit 9 project is currently under design. The final
cleanup remedy for Pad A, selected in early 1994, was continued pad cover maintenance. Studies
for the remaining pits and trenches in the SDA are ongoing and are expected to be completed in
2000.
Waste Area Group 7-Vadose Zone: The DOE began an investigation into the nature and extent
of contamination at the Vadose Zone and determined that the area was contaminated with various
organics. The DOE evaluated the study's findings and selected a final cleanup remedy for the area
in 1995 that included soil vapor extraction and catalytic oxidation. DOE completed the design of
the soil vapor extraction system in 1995 and installed it in 1996. Over 30,000 pounds of organics
have been removed.
Waste Area Group 8-Naval Reactors Facility: Areas of concern at the Naval Reactors Facility
include landfills, old spills, wastewater disposal systems, and storage areas. DOE completed
studies at the 3.2-mile- long Industrial Waste Ditch at the Naval Reactor Facility. In the fall of
1994, it was determined that no cleanup action was required at the ditch. In 1993 and 1994, DOE
evaluated several landfill areas. In the fall of 1994, a remedy was selected that called for a soil
cover for the landfills, and soil gas and groundwater monitoring. DOE completed construction of
the soil cover in 1996. A remedial investigation, which identified the nature and extent of the
remaining contamination at this site was completed in the spring of 1997.
Waste Area Group 10-Miscellaneous Soils: Remaining soils not addressed through other cleanup
actions are being investigated at the WAG-10 area. The investigation is scheduled to be
completed in early 2001 by DOE.
Work Area Group 10-Remaining Areas: DOE will conduct additional studies to determine the
nature and extent of contamination at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Experimental Breeder
Reactor, Argonne National Laboratory, and Snake River Plain Aquifer areas starting in 1996.
-------
These studies will be used to determine alternatives for cleanup of these parts of the Idaho
National Engineering Laboratory site.
-------
Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation Congressional District: 02
(Soda Springs Plant) Listing: 10/4/89
Caribou County, 1 mile north of Soda Springs, Idaho
Site Background:
The Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation (Soda Springs Plant) site covers 158 acres and is located
a mile north of Soda Springs, Idaho. The site is in a broad, flat valley near the western base of the
Aspen Range. Since 1963, the plant has generated a number of liquid wastes and stored them in
on-site ponds. The Monsanto Chemical Company, another large industrial complex nearby that
also is on the "NPL, supplies Kerr-McGee with the by-product ferrous-phosphate solids that are
processed into vanadium pentoxide. The two largest on-site ponds hold 5.5 million gallons of
industrial wastewater and 2,500 tons of tailings. The chemicals of concern found in these ponds
include vanadium, arsenic, molybdenum, manganese, tributyl phosphate and total petroleum
hydrocarbons. Groundwater beneath the site has been affected by chemicals leaking from the
holding ponds. Approximately 23 people live within a mile of the site, and about 3,000 people live
within 3 miles of the site. Public springs and private wells that provide drinking water to over
3,000 people, and a private well that irrigates 165 acres, are located within 3 miles of the site;
however, investigations have shown that Soda Springs drinking water supplies are not affected by
releases from the site. Significant agricultural crops in the area include wheat and hay.
On-site ir.onitoring wells, ponds, and solid waste contain vanadium, arsenic, molybdenum,
manganese, tributyl phosphate and total petroleum hydrocarbons. The topography in the area
prevents the migration of contaminants to surface water off the site.
Cleanup Progress: Threat Mitigated
A Record of Decision was signed in September 1995 which required elimination of the three
unlined waste ponds and pond sediments, which are sources of arsenic, molybdenum, vanadium,
manganese, tributyl phosphate, and total petroleum hydrocarbons contamination in ground water
above risk-based cleanup levels. Groundwater monitoring and institutional controls are required
while contaminants in the groundwater naturally attenuate.
Kerr-McGee signed a consent decree in September 1996 to excavate contaminated pond
sediments and construct an on-site landfill for containment of the sediments, as well as eliminate
the three liquid sources of contamination. By 1995, Kerr-McGee had already constructed two
five-acre lined ponds to replace one of the three unlined waste ponds.
In 1997, Kerr-McGee will construct the on-site landfill and dispose of 9600 cubic yards of pond
sediment Construction of a granulated fertilizer plant to reuse 900,000 tons of buried calcine
tailings, the third of the waste pond areas currently impacting groundwater, will be completed by
June 1998. Reuse of the tailings will occur over 8 to 10 years.
Groundwater monitoring and institutional controls are expected to continue for property to the
-------
south of the Kerr-McGee plant for 5 to 15 years, while groundwater is allowed to naturally
recover.
-------
Monsanto Chemical Company (Soda Springs Plant) Congressional District 02
Caribou County, Soda Springs, Idaho Listing: 08/30/90
Site Background:
The Monsanto Chemical Company (Soda Springs Plant) encompasses 530 acres and processes
locally rrihed phosphate ore to produce elemental phosphorus. The facility consists of over a
dozen administrative and processing buildings plus ore piles, slag piles, by-product materials,
surface impoundments and a waste landfill. The site, formerly agricultural land, was purchased by
Monsanto in 1952. Approximately one million tons of phosphate ore are processed through the
plant each year. Ore is stockpiled on site prior to being processed for introduction into electric arc
furnaces dong with coke and silica. All process waters, with the exception of non-contact cooling
water, are held and treated on site and then reused. The non-contact cooling water is discharged
from the site to Soda Creek, which is used in agricultural irrigation.
Land use in the vicinity of the Monsanto facility is primarily industrial and agricultural. The plant
is staffed with about 400 employees, and 3,100 residents live within 3 miles of the site. Most
residents' water is supplied by the City of Soda Springs from springs upgradient of the plant. The
closest surface water is Soda Creek, located approximately 2,000 feet west of the facility. Some
nearby residents depend on domestic wells, but none are known to be in use downgradient of the
site.
Cleanup Progress: Studies Underway
In 1991 Monsanto agreed to an administrative order with EPA to perform the necessary Remedial
Investigation Feasibility Study (RI/FS) and to pay EPA's oversight costs.
The Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study were completed in the summer of 1996. The
process wastes, previously stored in unlined ponds or impoundments, have been pinpointed as
sources of contamination to the local groundwater. Groundwater underlying the site and the
surrounding vicinity is contaminated with cadmium, selenium, fluoride and nitrate. Studies to
date have confirmed that Soda Springs drinking water supplies are uncontaminated and have not
been affected in any way by the Monsanto site. Contaminated groundwater is not currently used
for drinking. Without treatment, the groundwater is expected to recover through natural
attenuation within 30 years. Treatment would be expensive and would likely only marginally
improve the time to recovery.
The other pathway of concern identified is potential residential exposure to contaminants in soils
surrounding the facility. Soil contaminants have apparently been deposited in the soils through a
combination of windborne dust emissions and air emissions from ore processing and the electric
arc furnaces. The levels within and around the facility would pose unacceptable risks if the land
use were residential, but do not pose an unacceptable risk for industrial use. Thus, active cleanup
does not appear necessary as long residential exposures to the contamination can be prevented.
-------
Since Monsanto appears highly likely to operate the facility for at least the next 30 years,
alternatives were not developed to address potential risks in the event of alternative industrial use
or closure of the facility. If conditions change, additional remedial action may be evaluated.
Monsanto voluntarily and/or in response to other regulatory requirements (e.g. Clean Air Act) has
taken numerous actions in the past 10 years to address the past sources of contaminant release.
These efforts appear to have been largely successful. The RI/FS concluded that past practices had
spread contamination, but that contamination at levels of concern is largely limited to the
immediate vicinity of the industrial plant.
The Record of Decision was singed in May 1997. The selected remedy calls for monitoring and
institutional controls for groundwater plus institutional controls to prevent residential use of
surrounding contaminated soils, where feasible. If soil institutional controls prohibiting residential
use can not be established the selected remedy calls for active cleanup (excavation) of unrestricted
property.
-------
Mountsii Home Air Force Base Congressional District: 02
Elmore County, Southwest of Mountain Home, Idaho Listing: 08/30/90
State Lead (activities conducted under the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality)
Site Background:
Mountain Home Air Force Base was established in 1943 and is located on approximately 9 square
miles of land on a plateau southwest of Mountain Home, Idaho. The base has been under the
control of the Tactical Air Command since 1965. Hazardous materials have been used for aircraft
maintenance and industrial operations. Wastes, some hazardous, have been generated from
operations at Mountain Home. Historically, base wastes were disposed of by several methods
that were acceptable at that time, including landfilling of solid wastes, discharge of liquid wastes
to sanitary sewers, and the use of waste oil in fire training exercises and road oiling. Areas being
evaluated at the base include two abandoned landfills, several abandoned fire training areas,
several industrial operations areas, and an entomology shop yard where pesticides were rinsed
from application equipment. Wastes disposed of or spilled at these locations include petroleum,
waste oils, solvents, and pesticides. The area around the base is primarily agricultural. Wells
supporting approximately 14,000 people and land irrigation are 3 miles from hazardous
substances on the base. On-base water supply wells are the only source of drinking water for base
residents and workers.
Trichlorosthyiene (TCE) has been found in the base drinking water wells at levels below EPA-
established safe drinking water levels. Contaminants in wastes on site include TCE, benzene,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), bromoform, and the pesticides DDT, dieldrin, and
lindane.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Underway
The site is being addressed in four long-term actions focusing on cleanup of the abandoned
landfills, the fire training areas, the base wells area, and other areas at the site.
Abandoned Landfills: The Air Force conducted an investigation and risk assessment for the B
Street Landfill and the Lagoon Landfill. It was determined that the B Street Landfill does not
pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, in the summer of
1993, a "no action" remedy was selected for this landfill.
Fire Training Areas: The Air Force conducted an investigation and risk assessment at the Fire
Training Area 8. It was determined that the area does not pose an unacceptable risk to human
health and the environment; therefore, a "no action" remedy was selected in the summer of 1992.
Base Wells Area: In 1992, the Air Force conducted an investigation to determine the type and
extent of groundwater contamination in other potential hazardous areas on the base, including old
fire training areas, old waste oil disposal areas, and ordnance disposal areas. The investigation
was completed in 1994, and the cleanup remedy was selected in the fall of 1995. Long-term
groundwater monitoring and institutional controls to restrict the use of the groundwater were the
-------
selected cleanup actions; and implementation began in 1996.
Other Areas: The Air Force conducted an investigation at the Entomology Shop, the Former
Auto Hobby Shop, the Flight Line Storm Drain, the Vehicle Wash Rack, the Munitions
Disposal/Popping Furnace, the Drum Accumulation Pad, and Fire Training Area 8 Underground
Storage Tank. None of these areas present an unacceptable risk to human health and the
environment. In 1993 "no action" was selected as the remedy for these areas.
-------
Pacific Bide and Fur Recycling Company Congressional District: 02
Bannock County, Pocatello, Idaho Listing: 09/21/84
Site Background:
The Pacific Hide & Fur Recycling Company site covers approximately 17 acres near commercial
and residential areas in Pocatello, Idaho. The site was used as a metal salvage yard from the late
1950s to 1983. The current owners of the site are McCarty's, Inc., Pacific Hide and Fur Depot,
Inc., and Union Pacific Railroad. Most of the site has been used for the disposal of scrap metal
including vehicles, truck bodies, machinery, wire rope, tin cans, and other debris. At the center of
the site is a 20-foot-deep gravel pit where battery casings, spent automotive oil filters, and other
debris were disposed of, as well as transformer carcasses and capacitors containing
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The Union Pacific Railroad Sludge Pit site, which is also on
the NPL, is located approximately 300 yards from the site. The Portneuf River is located about
1,100 feei south of the site. The population of the City of Pocatello is approximately 45,000;
however, the immediate vicinity of the site is sparsely populated. The city is supplied with
drinking water from wells within 3 miles of the site. Private and industrial wells draw from the
lower aquifer that lies under the site.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Underway
Soil is contaminated with lead and PCBs.
Early Actions: An emergency action conducted by EPA in 1983 removed over 500 capacitors and
100 cubic yards of highly contaminated soil (PCBs).
Long-term Actions: The first long-term action, selected in June 1988 was completed in October
1993. The action included excavation and off-site disposal of PCB- and commingled
PCB/lead-contaminated soil to 25 ppm PCBs. Lead classified as hazardous waste was treated
prior to disposal in a RCRA-permitted landfill. A total of 13,213 tons of soil (9,111 tons required
treatment), and 2,094 tons of scrap and debris were removed. Cleanup was performed by Idaho
Power under an EPA Administrative Order.
The second long-term action, selected in September 1995, was completed in December 1996.
This action included excavation of soil exceeding 1,000 ppm lead, on-site treatment of lead
contaminated soil classified as hazardous waste, and off-site disposal at a solid waste landfill of
treated and untreated soil. A total of 21,857 tons of soil (9,985 tons required treatment) was
removed. Cleanup was performed by Pacific Hide and Union Pacific Railroad under an EPA
Administrative Order. Four quarters of groundwater monitoring and implementation of
institutional controls will conclude remedial work at the site.
-------
Union Pacific Railroad Company Congressional District: 02
Bannock County, Pocatello, Idaho Listing: 09/21/84
Site Background:
The Union Pacific Railroad Co. (UPRR) Sludge Pit site comprises about 1 acre in Pocatello,
Idaho. From 1961 until 1983, UPRR dumped approximately 2,500 yards of sludge from its
wastewater treatment plant into a 1-acre unlined sludge pit. In 1983, the EPA found that seepage
from UPRR's sludge pit, and from an area in the vicinity of the sludge pit where a tie treating
facility was located, were contributing to upper aquifer, and to some extent, lower aquifer
groundwater contamination. The sludge/soil material in the pit area is contaminated with heavy
metals, polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs), and organic compounds. The McCarty/Pacific
Hide & Fur site, another NPL site, is located approximately 300 yards from the pit. There are
approximately 45,000 people living within 4 miles of the site, but the immediate area is very
sparsely populated. Private and municipal wells are located within a mile of the site. Private wells
in the area draw from the lower aquifer. The municipal wells for the City of Pocatello are located
within 3 miles of the site.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Completed
Cleanup activities were performed by Union Pacific under a Consent Decree with EPA. The
remedy was completed in 1994 and consisted of the excavation and off-site disposal of 13,821
tons of sludge/soil in a permitted, Subtitle D landfill, and pre-treatment of over 62 million gallons
of groundwater prior to discharge to the City water treatment plant. EPA plans to delete the site
from the NPL in 1997.
-------
5s»i«g_
x Superfund Sites in the Pacific Northwest
EPA REGION 10 As of 4/1797
Northwest Transformer-
Mission Road
Northwest Transformer
S. Harkness St.
Fort
Walnwrtght
ALASKA
Fairbanks
Silver Mountain
Mine
Alaska
Battery
Enterprises
Centralla
Municipal
Landfill
WASHINGTON
. Elelson | R. Richardson
AFB
ARRCOM
Bunker Hill
. Elmendorf American
Crossarm
Hanford-USDOE
1 00,200,300.1 1 00 Areas
USDOT
Standard
Steel
Pasco
Sanitary
Landfill
Union
Pacific
Tie-Treating
umatflla
Lagoons
Joseph
Forest
Products
White King/Lucky Lass
Uranium Mines (USDA/FS)
Boise
Mountain
Pacific
Hide* Fur Kerr.
Eastern Mlchaud Flats \ McGee
Contamination Area
Union Pacific
Sludge pond
-------
As of 4/1/97
LEGEND
*• Final NPL Sites
(WA-49,OR-10,ID-8,AK-7)
Q Proposed NPL Sites
(OR-1.ID-2.WA-1)
O Deleted NPL Sites
(WA-10,ID-1,OR-2,AK-1)
O Cities
4 State Capitals
Maps and Locations
Not To Scale
iiiii jjijj liii!;!!! Hiiijiiiijiliiiiiiiiii iiiiiiijiii iij! iHP!
-------
-------
NAS-Whidbey
Ault Field
Port Hadlock
Detachment (USN)
Piiget Saisid ii
Naval ll^il
•~^ws
AinriencaR Lake Barcfens
R. Lews Logistfc Genler
R i£\«n&Landfiil#5-
Contananation
------- |