Island
1999
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region I, New England Office
Superfund Congressional Briefing
f/EPA
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Rhode Island
Table of Contents
SECTION I
EPA Contact List
Summary of State Status
Congressional District Charts
Financial Report
Removal
Remedial
Brownfields
Community Outreach Activities
SECTION II
Appendix A
Ongoing and Completed Removal Sites
by Congressional District
Appendix B
NPL Industry Type/Pipeline Activities
NPL Site Fact Sheets
NPL Site Summaries
Appendix C
Superfund Administrative Reforms
GAO Report - Sites Awaiting and NPL Decision
Organizational Chart
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John P. DeVillars
Regional Administrator
(617) 918-1011
Patricia L. Meaney
Director, Office of Site Remediation & Restoration
(617) 918-1201
Larry Brill
Chief, Remediation & Restoration I Branch
(617) 918-1301
Dave Mclntyre
Chief, Emergency Planning & Response Branch
(617) 918-1281
Dick Boynton
Chief, NH/RI Superfund Section
(617) 918-1331
Mary Sanderson
Chief, Federal Facilities Section
(617) 918-1361
Rhode Island Contact List
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Summary of State Status
EPA has worked aggressively to clean up hazardous waste problems in Rhode
Island. In cooperation with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management, final cleanup activities are completed, underway, or in design
at most of Rhode Island's 12 NPL sites. More than 19 time-critical removal
actions have been taken in the state to remove immediate threats to human health
and the environment.
83% of Rhode Island's Superfund sites on the National Priorities List - 10 of
12 sites - have undergone or are undergoing cleanup construction, or are in
final design.
Three Superfund sites - or 25% - have all cleanup construction completed.
Seven Superfund sites - or 58% - have cleanup construction underway. Four
more sites have undergone or are undergoing a removal cleanup.
EPA has spent over $66 million to date in Rhode Island to clean up
Superfund sites.
Region 1 has helped promote economic redevelopment by removing 125
Rhode Island sites from the CERCLIS waste list.
The Superfund Removal Program has spent over $5 million at sites in Rhode
Island.
EPA has provided over $1.4 million in direct financial assistance to benefit
Brownfields projects in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Grand Total $72,400,000
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U.S. EPA Region I
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report j
Rhode Island \
SUPERFUND REMOVAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMPLETED REMOVAL SITES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
RHODE ISLAND
SITE NAME
BUTTONWOOD INDUST. COMP.
DYTEX CHEMICAL COMPANY
*PETERSON/PURITAN, INC.
*100 BOSWORTH STREET
*DAVIS LIQUID WASTE
N.E. PRECISION PRODUCTS
BRISTOL SANDBLASTING CO.
CHUCKLEBERRY'S
CORNELL ENTERPRISES
SUBTOTAL FUNDS EXPENDED
MEDWOOD MACHINE COMPANY
INTERNATIONAL DEPOSIT., INC.
SPRAGUE INDUSTRIES
*CHASE PAINT
ROSEHILL LANDFILL
T.H. BAYLIS COMPANY
ROBIN HOLLOW ROAD
TRANSFORMER DISPOSAL AREA
ADAMS SCIENTIFIC
ROYAL MILLS
SUBTOTAL FUNDS EXPENDED
CITY
BRISTOL
CENTRAL FALLS
CUMBERLAND
PROVIDENCE
SMITHFIELD
SMITHFIELD
WARREN
WOONSOCKET
WOONSOCKET
EXETER
N. KINGSTON
PROVIDENCE
SCITUATE
S. KINGSTOWN
WARWICK
W. GREENWICH
W. GREENWICH
WEST WARWICK
WEST WARWICK
FISCAL
YEAR
STARTED
1997
1996
1998
1996
1998
1996
1995
1997
1995
1996
1993
1995
1998
1993
1993
1995
1994
1994
1995
FISCAL
YEAR
COMPLETED
1997
1997
1998
1998
1998
1996
1996
1997
1995
1996
1994
1995
1999
1993
1993
1995
1994
1995
1995
CERCLA
FUNDS
EXPENDED
$49,398
$341,392
$35,964
$18,448
$66,756
$106,654
$1,498,404
$71,711
$10,777
$2,199,504
$20,177
$1,453,048
$16,151
$71,200
$100,000
$835,400
$322,820
$464,031
$256,962
$175,222
$3,715,011
CONG.
DISTRICT
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01
RI-01 !
RI-02
RI-02
RI-02
RI-02
R1-02
RI-02
RI-02
RI-02
RI-02
RI-02
TOTAL FUNDS EXPENDED:
$5,914,515
"Denotes sites which have summaries included in this report.
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ouperfund
al JL
al I\jzp
ort
The table below summarizes monies spent since Superfund's authorization.
ACTIVITY
CATEGORY
Site Assessment
Core
Management Assistance
STATE TOTAL 1
$1,847,747
$2,011,317
$1,592,133
REGIONAL TOTAL 2
$33,951,602
N/A
N/A
CATEGORY
Central Landfill
Davis (GSR) Landfill
Davis Liquid Waste
Davisville Naval Construction Batt. Cent.
Landfill & Resource Recovery, Inc.
(L&RR)
Newport Naval Education/Training
Center
Peterson/Puritan, Inc.
Picillo Farm
Rose Hill Regional Landfill
Stamina Mills, Inc.
West Kingston Town Dump/URI Disposal
Western Sand & Gravel
Total
TOTAL3
$1,236,190
$3,047,863
$20,434,704
$962,315
$2,659,097
$646,210
$2,672,132
$9,225,479
$3,539,973
$3,617,129
$82,490
$3,131,597
$51,255,179
GRAND TOTAL 4
$2,508,638
$3,901,562
$22,914,284
$3,031,422
$3,716,796
$1,570,122
$4,230,082
$11,234,894
$4,501,823
$4,709,606
$172,831
$4,189,616
$66,681,676
' State-specific site assessment fund is not a subset of Total Regional Assessment Funding.
2 Total Regional Funding has been used at states throughout New England.
3 Contracts, interagency agreements, cooperative agreements, and miscellaneous costs.
4 Includes personnel, indirect, and travel costs.
Page 1 of I
Rhode Island Financial Report
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EPA
Region I, New England
Office of Site Remediation & Restoration
BROWNFIELDS- Rhode Island
"Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial
facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived
environmental contamination"
(Current EPA definition of brownfields)
Originally begun as an EPA initiative in January, 1995, the national brownfields program has since
evolved into a collaborative effort involving more than 15 federal partners. This collaborative,
referred to as the Brownfields National Partnership, was created by President Clinton in June,
1997 to promote beneficial re-use of contaminated sites.
EPA's Brownfields Program consists of various initiatives designed to work with local, state and
tribal partners to foster locally-driven, environmentally-sound brownfields re-use solutions.
Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilots
Up to $200,000 Hs awarded to local, tribal and state governmental entities to conduct site
assessment related activities at brownfields sites. An important goal of this program is to assist
recipients in developing a long-range strategy for brownfields re-use. Pilots are selected through a
national competition. As of February, 1999, a total of 227 pilots have been awarded nation-wide.
Rhode Island Pilots;
RIDEM - State of Rhode Island $400k Rhode Island E,D.C $200k
Total Rhode Island Demonstration Pilots $600,000
Targeted Brownfields Assessments
Under this initiative, EPA will use its contractors to conduct brownfields assessments at sites
identified by the local entity as being a high-priority for re-use. Brownfields assessments typically
involve a review of existing site records, and if warranted, site sampling and preparation of a
preliminary clean-up cost estimate. The information gathered allows local government officials and
developers to make informed decisions regarding the redevelopment potential of a site. As of
February, 1999, a total of 17 targeted brownfields assessments have been initiated or completed in
New England.
Rhode Island Targeted Brownfields Assessments:
Rau Fasteners, Providence $40k Spintex Mill, Central Falls $30k
Total Rhode Island Targeted Site Assessments $70,000 (estimate)
"Additional funding was given to semi-finalists in the Showcase Community competition. In these cases,
total funding for the brownfields assessment demonstration pilots exceeded the normal $200,000 cap.
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Revolving Loan Fund Pilots
Brownfields Assessment Pilots awarded before September 30,1995 were eligible to receive up to
$350,000 to establish and capitalize revolving loan funds to assist private and state entities in
cleaning up contaminated sites. There were no Rhode Island cities eligible for this funding. The
program is being expanded in FY99 to include up to 63 additional revolving loan funds of up to
$500,000 each.
Rhode Island Revolving Loan Funds;
None
Brownfields Job Training Pilots
In FY98, the first year of this initiative, eleven national awards of up to $200,000 were provided to
fund brownfields job training programs targeting local communities. Brownfields Job Training
Pilots are used to train workers in the field of hazardous waste assessment and remediation. To be
eligible for these pilots, the applicants needed to be affiliated with existing Brownfields
Demonstration Pilot recipients. An additional ten pilots nation-wide will be awarded in FY99.
Rhode Island Job Training Pilots:
None
Financial Assistance to State Brownfields Programs
EPA offers three types of funding to directly support state brownfields activities. Voluntary
Clean-up Program (VCP) funding is available to assist states in developing or enhancing their
voluntary clean-up program infrastructure. This may include regulation development, program
management, outreach efforts and other non-site specific activities. Funding for conducting
brownfields site assessments is provided to state programs through Multi-Site Cooperative
Agreements (MSCAs). Finally, funding is available for states to evaluate site eligibility for a
federal brownfields tax exemption provided for under the Taxpayers Relief Act of 1997 (under the
act, the authority for determining eligibility was delegated to the state government).
Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) Cooperative Agreement
Received $191,670 in a cooperative agreement signed on 9/25/97 and an additional $246,176
in an amendment to their cooperative agreement signed on 8/24/98 (total for two years =
$437,846).
The state is using the funds to:
1) Improve information management and communication (by consolidating all site tracking
databases into one database, creating a web page, developing fact sheets, developing and
tracking economic indicators).
2) Implement program improvement and sustainability tasks (including providing program
assistance to stakeholders, develop a downgradient groundwater receptor policy, develop a
cost tracking/cost recovery plan).
3) Conduct outreach and community involvement activities.
Multi Site Cooperative Agreement (MSCA)
Received $69,837 in a cooperative agreement signed on 9/30/97 and an additional $23,278 in
an amendment to their cooperative agreement signed on 9/24/98 (total for two years =
$93,115).
Plans to conduct 4 Brownfields Site Assessments.
The following sites have been selected by the state for this activity: Buttonwood Industrial
Complex, Bristol (BSA Report completed 10/97) Pontiac Enterprises, Warwick (SOW and
field work completed 4/98) T.H. Baylis, Warwick (BSA Report completed 2/98).
Tax Relief Act Eligibility
$50,000 requested, then returned.
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Showcase Communities
As part of the multi-federal agency Brownfields National Partnership, sixteen communities were
selected to receive a Showcase Community designation following a national competition. The
federal partners will work with each selected community to revitalize brownfields properties.
EPA provided each Showcase Community with a $200,000 Brownfields Demonstration Pilot and
assigned an EPA-employee to work at the designated community full time for two years.
$1,400,961
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Community Outreach
Talking with Communities:
The task of cleaning up toxic waste sites in Rhode Island is not strictly an
engineered one. Rather, it combines sound science and technology with community
interests and support. While conditions and circumstances vary from site to site
throughout the state, and there is no absolute or universal approach to designing a
cleanup solution, we do know that we make better decisions when communities are
informed and actively involved in the decision-making process.
EPA's community involvement coordinators work alongside the technical staff at
removal sites, superfund national priority sites, federal facilities, brownfields
redevelopment projects and at active facilities with toxic waste handling problems
to actively engage communities - local officials, citizens, neighbors, businesses in
the dialog to cleanup and reclaim these sites.
Each community is different as is every toxic waste site, and therefore the
community involvement coordinators use a wide range of tools and resources to
bring people and ideas together. Those tools may include any combination of the
following: public meetings, newsletters and fact sheets, newspapers and other
media, door-to-door canvassing and one-on - one discussions with residents, surveys,
public hearings, workshops, open houses, site tours, telephone hot lines, and local
office hours to answer questions.
The shape of the interactions and dialog reflects the community itself. At the very
minimum EPA provides the opportunity for the public to comment on and provide
input to technical decisions. As the program continues to push the envelope beyond
the required to the creative; EPA's interaction with communities takes on a
partnership - increasing the likelihood that our decisions will be acceptable,
smoothly implemented and long lasting.
Citizens and local leaders demand, and rightly so, a voice in decisions that affect
the quality and future of their community. EPA's Community Involvement
Program does just that: provides the means for an informed and open discussion
about how to proceed with environmental cleanup and redevelopment - bringing
together the people who have the technical knowledge with the people who will live
with the long term results of our decisions and actions.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Communities Speak:
Last year, EPA set out to learn whether community involvement efforts were
effective in engaging citizens in the cleanup decisions that guide Superfund
activities in a community. To do that, an outside evaluator was hired to identify
what constitutes successful community outreach, and to develop and test various
research instruments to measure effectiveness. Feedback reported from
communities participating in the evaluation concluded that:
Regular communications with citizens had a direct impact on their
acceptance of EPA's actions and decisions.
Regular communication directly influenced citizen's perception of risk, their
trust of EPA, and their sense of empowerment in making decisions that affect
their community.
There is no such thing as too much communication. Residents want to know
every detail of activities in their community and expect immediate test
results when ready. Delays breed mistrust.
At the Howes Corner Superfund site in Plymouth, Maine, and the GE facility in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, residents were asked to complete a survey designed to
understand what they knew about the site, what their concerns were regarding
risks posed by the site, and EPA's handling of the cleanup. Respondents were given
every opportunity to complain about what was not going right with the cleanup, and
time and time again, results showed that with a commitment by the agency to
listen to residents, people feel confident in the decisions made and felt valued when
their opinions and comments were heard. The survey was one tool used to evaluate
the impacts of the agency's communications programs. Focus groups were held in
Plymouth and Pittsfield, response forms left at every public meeting, and random
telephone calls made to participants to learn whether their needs were being met by
the communications process.
Below are a few highlights from the study results:
Following community involvement activities, the agency's approval rating
jumped from approximately 54% to over 80%.
Two thirds of respondents told us that fact sheets prepared to explain
activities at these sites were useful and easy to understand.
More than 90% of respondents indicated that written public information
materials helped them understand EPA's process and decisions to the point
that they could accept EPA's activities.
Available, easy-to-understand public information helps to calm fears when
citizens weigh potential risks from toxic wastes.
Residents are not readily confident in the ability of science to make a site
safe.
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U.S. EPA Region I '
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report s
r» I I if _l i
Rftode /s/and '***' /
Congressional District
Rhode Island 01
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US. EPA Region I v
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report j
Rhode Island l^Jkii;
DAVIS WASTE LIQUID SITE
SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND
December 24, 1997-
April 15, 1998
$66,756
Site Description/History:
The site is comprised of forested uplands, wetlands and cleared areas, and is located on approximately 10 acres
of land in a semi-rural residential area. It is bounded on the east and west by forested uplands, and on the north
and south by wetlands and swampy areas. During the 1970s and early 1980s, the property owner used the site to
dispose of a variety of liquid and solid wastes containing hazardous substances. The owner permitted the dump-
ing of the contents of drums and tank trucks into unlined lagoons and seepage pits at the site. The proximity of
these disposal areas to the water table and surrounding wetland areas allowed contaminants to migrate and
infiltrate into the surface water and groundwater. In 1978, the State filed an injunction to bar further dumping of
hazardous materials onto the property. In September 1983, EPA listed the site on the National Priorities List.
Between August 1985 and February 1986, EPA removed several hundred drums of hazardous material from the
site. Subsequent investigations were conducted in 1991 and 1995 by EPA. Numerous drums were observed on
the property, including several in poor condition. Access to these drums was not restricted. Several thousand
tires were also noted on the site. On the basis of the potential of release of hazardous substances from the drums,
EPA determined that a removal action was warranted. In June 1997, as part of a consent decree with the poten-
tially responsible party, 750,000 tires were removed from the site. In December 1997, 925 drums were sampled
and over packed and approximately 6,000 laboratory reagent-type containers were consolidated in fiberboard
drums by the potentially responsible party's contractor. In February 1998, the potentially responsible party's
contractor shipped the remaining drums/containers to an approved disposal facility.
Summary of EPA Actions:
Provided oversight to the potential responsible party's cleanup
contractor.
Wastes shipped off site (by the PRP):
42 drums of decontamination water
23 drums of hazardous materials
548 fibreboard drums containing miscellaneous laboratory re-
agents
11 5-gallon containers
Two 2-gallon containers
View of tire piles at the site
View of drum staging area near scrap
metal piles on the site.
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U.S. EPA Region I
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report |
Rhode Island
Congressional District
Rhode Island 02
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U.S. EPA Region I /
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report j
Rhode Island \
PETERSON PURITAN, INC. SITE
CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND
October 31, 1997-
January26, 1998 *^^JR) $35,964
Site Description/History:
The site consisted of a solid waste landfill referred to as the J.M. Mills Landfill, and constituted part of the larger
Peterson/Puritan Superfund National Priorities List Site. The site was previously utilized as a solid waste landfill
from 1954 through the early 1980s. The area of concern is located southwest of several manufacturing buildings
(including Peterson/Puritan, Inc.), and is identified by the large burial mound (landfill area) and associated dirt
access roads (from the north and south). The width of the landfill is approximately 200 feet at each end, and
approximately 500 feet at the center. The height of the landfill is more than 100 feet above local ground level. In
May 1991, as a result of ongoing underground fires at the landfill, EPA conducted an investigation. The investi-
gation identified contaminant emissions from the landfill vent pipes, and identified soil and water contamina-
tion. In addition, a drum containing hazardous substances, as well as miscellaneous pipes with asbestos-contain-
ing insulation were identified. As a result of these threats, a removal action was initiated in 1991 to remove the
drum and asbestos-containing material, and install a 8-foot high perimeter fence. However, due to flooding of
the adjacent Blackstone River, portions of the fence erected during the previous removal action had washed out.
Illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated debris had occurred in the accessible portion of the site. Other evi-
dence of trespassing, such as bottles and camp fire remains were observed. Subsequently, the property was
referred to the EPA (Emergency Planning and Response Branch) by the EPA Remedial Project Manager, and a
second time-critical removal action was initiated.
Summary of EPA Actions:
Extended the 8-foot high chain link fence 0.7 miles adjacent to the Providence and Worcester railroad tracks.
Posted warning signs in the area to discourage dumping and trespassing.
Wastes shipped off site:
25 cubic yards of asbestos-containing material
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U.S. EPA Region I
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report
Rhode Island
100 BOSWORTH STREET SITE
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
August 19, 1996-
September 24, 1998 H^IPJ $18,448
Site Description/History:
The site encompasses 2 acres and consisted of a three-story, brick and masonry building adjacent to the
Woonasquatucket River. The surroundings consist of mixed residential/commercial properties. The State in-
spected the site in June 1995, the day after a fire of suspicious origin, and documented the presence of 55-gallon
drums of miscellaneous hazardous wastes. Subsequently, the State issued a Notice of Responsibility to the
property owner in July 1995, notifying him of his responsibility to arrange for disposal of the hazardous sub-
stances. The property owner did not respond to the Notice of Responsibility and the State referred the site to
EPA. In March 1996, EPA and the State conducted a joint investigation of the property. During the investigation,
the property owner stated that hazardous substances of unknown origin have been stored in the building since at
least 1986 and that the building had been unoccupied since the 1995 fire. Approximately 50 drums of trichloro-
ethylene, reactive oxidizers, flammable solvents, corrosives, and poisons were observed on the first floor of the
building during the investigation. In addition, one vat containing oil and water was observed. In March 1996,
EPA determined that a removal action was necessary based on a substantial threat of release into the environ-
ment and the imminent and substantial danger to public health and welfare presented by the hazardous sub-
stances at the site. As a result, EPA issued an Administrative Order in June 1996 to the property owner to address
the hazardous waste, after which the property owner funded and completed the removal action.
Summary of EPA Actions:
Monitored the property owner's contractor to ensure that the removal action was properly conducted.
Wastes shipped off site:
17 containers of hazardous waste
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U.S. EPA Region I
Superfund Removal Accomplishments Report j
Rhode Island
CHASE PAINT SITE
SCITUATE, RHODE ISLAND
September 21, 1998-
December23, 1998
$71,200
Site Description/History:
The site was located in mixed rural/residential area and consisted of a complex of seven interconnected one-
story dilapidated buildings (15,000 square-feet) and two small sheds on 1.97 acres. Beginning in 1986, the
buildings were used for the storage of combustible paints and other materials associated with the business. No
industrial processes are currently conducted on site; however, previous property use has included a restaurant
and gas station, a screw and jewelry manufacturer, and a nursing home. In April 1995, the State conducted an
inspection of the property and in June 1995, the State Fire Marshall inspected the property. Due to the potential
fire and explosion threats posed by abandoned flammable materials at the site, and threats posed by direct
contact, the State requested that EPA conduct a removal action to address these threats. In August 1997, EPA
conducted an investigation of the property. Results of the investigation indicated the presence of an estimated
16,000 1- and 5-gallon containers of latex and oil-based paint, stains, and paint-related chemicals in the build-
ing. Approximately 1,950 containers were labeled "flammable" and a limited number of drums and other con-
tainers were labeled "corrosive". Leakage/spillage was noted in many areas. The building was without fire
protection and was not secured. Due to the potential fire and explosion threats posed by abandoned flammable
materials at the site, EPA initiated a time-critical removal action.
Summary of EPA Actions:
Conducted an inventory and identified 7,181 1-gallon con-
tainers, 926 5-gallon containers, 626 small containers, 24 55-
gallon drums, five oil tanks, and six empty cylinders.
Sampled, analyzed and segregated the containers based on their
contents.
Placed empty and solidified cans into roll-off containers.
Wastes shipped off site:
959 1-gallon containers of (lead-free) usable latex paint were
accepted by the State for distribution and reuse
25 drums (which were overpacked) containing waste oil-based
paint
Four drums of waste solvent
Four drums of corrosive waste
One drum of miscellaneous aerosol containers
Five drums of miscellaneous paint-related waste
90 cubic-yard boxes of predominantly 1-gallon cans of waste
oil-based paint
View of miscellaneous 1- and 5-gallon
containers inside the building.
View of miscellaneous 1- and 5-gallon
containers inside the building.
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CERCLIS SITE STATUS
SUPERFUND CLEANUP PROGRAM PIPELINE
FEDERAL NPL REMEDIAL PROGRAM
NPL Profile
INDUSTRY
Federal
Facilities
Chemical Plant
Wells-
Pure Lagoons
Other
PCB
Industrial Waste
Treatment
Landfill
Manufacturing
Plant
NATIONAL
REGION I
CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETE
37%
CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETE
34%
/ Region I
EARLY ACTION
18%
INVESTIGATION/
DESIGN
10%
CONSTRUCTION
UNDERWAY
35%
EARLY ACTION
6%
INVESTIGATION/
DESIGN
23%
CONSTRUCTION
UNDERWAY
37%
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CERCLIS SITE STATUS
SUPERFUND CLEANUP PROGRAM PIPELINE
FEDERAL NPL REMEDIAL PROGRAM
Superfund Site Cleanup - by State
RHODE ISLAND (12 NPL SITES)
Industrial Waste
Treatment
4 Sites
Landfill
4 Sites
Manufacturing
Plant
2 Sites
Federal Facilities
2 Sites
CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETE
3 Sites
EARLY ACTION
1 Site
CONSTRUCTION
UNDERWAY
7 Sites
INVESTIGATION/
DESIGN
ISite
Region I
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SUPERFUND CLEANUP PROGRAM PIPELINE
FEDERAL NPL REMEDIAL PROGRAM
NPL Profile - By State
RHODE ISLAND
2 Federal Facility
DAVISVILLE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATT CENT
NEWPORT NAVAL EDUCATION/TRAINING CENTER
4 Industrial Waste Treatment
DAVIS LIQUID WASTE
LANDFILL & RESOURCE RECOVERY, INC.(L&RR)
PICILLO FARM
WESTERN SAND & GRAVEL
4 Landfill
CENTRAL LANDFILL
DAVIS (GSR) LANDFILL
ROSE HILL REGIONAL LANDFILL
WEST KINGSTON TOWN DUMP/URI DISPOSAL
2 Manufacturing Plant
PETERSON/PURITAN, INC
STAMINA MILLS, INC
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SUPERFUND CLEANUP PROGRAM PIPELINE
FEDERAL NPL REMEDIAL PROGRAM
Superftind Site Cleanup - by State
Listing of NPL Sites and Current Cleanup Status, by State
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE
Site Name
DAVIS (GSR) LANDFILL
LANDFILL & RESOURCE RECOVERY, INC.(L&RR)
WESTERN SAND & GRAVEL
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
Site Name
CENTRAL LANDFILL
DAVIS LIQUID WASTE
DAVISVILLE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATT CENT
NEWPORT NAVAL EDUCATION/TRAINING CENTER
PETERSON/PURITAN, INC
PICILLO FARM
STAMINA MILLS, INC
EARLY ACTION
Site Name
WEST KINGSTON TOWN DUMP/URI DISPOSAL
INVESTIGATION/DESIGN
Site Name
ROSE HILL REGIONAL LANDFILL
# of Site % Total (by State)
3 25%
58%
8%
8%
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Central Landfill
Johnston, Providence County, Rhode Island
2nd Congressional District
Final on NPL - 6/10/83
The landfill is comprised of a 121-acre parcel and a
33-acre parcel. The 33-acre area is currently being
used to dispose of municipal solid waste. The past
wastes disposed of at this site include latex, acid
and corrosive waste, water soluble oils, and waste
solvents. Groundwater is contaminated with vola-
tile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals.
The bedrock aquifer has been contaminated, and
adjacent wetlands and surface waters have also been
affected. EPA has determined that the public is not
at immediate risk from contaminants emanating
from the site; potentially affected residents and busi-
nesses are being supplied with drinking water from
a public water supply system to ensure human health
is fully protected. Planned remedial actions include
capping the 121-acre landfill, extracting and treat-
ing groundwater from an identified hot spot area,
establishing institutional controls, and conducting
an evaluation of the existing landfill gas collection
and combustion system. The owner/operator com-
pleted design of the cap in 1997. Construction is
ongoing and is expected to be complete in 2001.
Davis (GSR) Landfill
Glocester/Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island
1st Congressional District
Final on NPL - 6/10/86
This landfill, which was privately owned and licensed
by the state to accept municipal wastes, accepted
wastes from Glocester, Smithfield, Warwick, and
Providence. In 1978, the state declined to renew
the landfill's license because the facility had violated
numerous rules and regulations for operating solid
waste management facilities. The landfill was never
properly capped or stabilized, however. On-site
groundwater, surface water, and sediments are con-
taminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Surface water and sediments are contaminated with
the pesticides chlordane and dicloroiphenyl
trichloroethane. After extensive investigations, EPA
determined that no adverse effects from inhalation
of landfill gas, and ingestion of or contact with sur-
face water, soil and sediments were found. EPA also
concluded that no adverse health effects are associ-
ated with exposure to groundwater and that the site
would have no adverse impact on the wetlands. In
1997 EPA announced its decision that no further
cleanup action is needed. EPA plans to delete the
site from the NPL in 1999.
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
Davis Liquid Waste
North Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island
1st Congressional District
Final on NPL - 9/8/83
This site accepted liquid and chemical wastes such
as paint and metal sludges, oily wastes, solvents,
acids, caustics, pesticides, phenols, halogens, fly ash,
and laboratory Pharmaceuticals. Other operations
included the collection of junked vehicles and ma-
chine parts, metal recycling, and tire shredding.
Groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals including ar-
senic and lead. The soil, lagoon sediments, and
surface water also are contaminated with VOCs and
heavy metals.
The owner is still using areas adjacent to the site as
a staging and storage area for an estimated 10 to 30
million tires. In 1985, EPA removed approximately
600 intact and crushed drums from the site as part
of a removal action. The drums were shipped off-
site for disposal at approved facilities. EPA
completed the installation of a new water distribu-
tion system serving approximately 130 lots along
Forge Road, Log Road, Burlingame Road, and Bay-
berry Road in December of 1997. In March of 1997,
a group of Settling Parties began to perform work
in support of the soil cleanup at the site. Between
March and June of 1997, the Settling Parties re-
moved and disposed of approximately 750,000 tires
which were covering areas believed to be contami-
nated. Throughout the tire removal, partially and
fully buried drums were encountered. These drums
were excavated, over-packed and disposed of off-site
at approved facilities. Upon completion of this re-
moval work, approximately 1,000 drums and an
additional 10,000 laboratory reagent type contain-
ers (ranging in size from a few ounces to a gallon)
had been disposed of. During drum excavation, ap-
proximately 3,400 tons of non-hazardous and 1,500
tons of hazardous municipal solid waste were also
excavated and transported off-site for disposal. It is
anticipated that soil treatment, consisting of ther-
mal desorption, will begin by the fall of 1999. The
soil cleanup is expected to take approximately 6
months to one year to complete. The design of the
onsite groundwater extraction and treatment sys-
tem is approximately 90 percent complete. Design
finalization has been placed on hold pending the
completion of soil cleanup activities at the site.
Davisville Naval Construction Battallion Center
North Kingstown, Washington County Rhode Island
2nd Congressional District
Final on NPL- 11/21/89
The Navy's studies focus on 17 areas; contamina-
tion disposed in these areas were solvents, paint
thinners, degreasers, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) from transformers, sewage sludge, contami-
nated fuel oil, halogens, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), polynuclear aromatic hydro-
carbons (PNAs), and other contaminants. Heavy
metals included cadmium, silver, mercury, and chro-
mium were found in the shoreline of Allen Harbor.
The Navy removed flooring materials and underly-
ing soils from Building 316, the DPDO Transformer
(continued on next page)
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
Oil Area Building, and Transformer Oil Leak Area.
Final cleanup action consists of excavation and the
disposal of remaining PCB-contaminated materials
at a federally-licensed disposal facility.
Cleanup was completed at Building 316 and 37 in the
fall of 1996. An BSD was signed in 1997 to remove
deed use restrictions and the need for 5 year reviews
since the cleanup achieved residential studies.
A ROD for the capping of Allen Harbor Landfill was
signed in 1997. The cap is currently under construc-
tion. Additional PCB contamination was found onsite
and will be capped in late 1999. Another ESD is
expected to be signed in early 1999.
An investigation into the nature and extent of site
contamination continue with an informal coopera-
tive agreement between the Navy and ACOE at the
offsite source area, Davisville NIKE launcher site.
This source area is migrating onto Navy property
and also off-site onto residential properties. The
assessment of possible cleanup alternatives is sched-
uled for completion in late 2000.
A new site was identified in early 1999. An old
firefighting training area with possible PNA and sol-
vent contamination. Investigations into the nature
and extent of site contamination and assessment of
possible cleanup alternatives for the old firefighting
training area is scheduled to be complete in late 2001.
Landfill and Resource Recovery, Inc. (L&RR)
North Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island
1st Congressional District
Final on NPL - 9/8/83
An estimated 1 Vz million gallons of hazardous wastes
were accepted and disposed of with other wastes in
the central portion of the landfill. The air at the
landfill was contaminated with volatile organic com-
pounds (VOCs). The onsite groundwater is
contaminated with arsenic, lead, and VOCs from
waste liquids disposed of onsite and from rainwater
entering the landfill wastes, causing contamination
to seep into the groundwater. The owner closed the
landfill in 1985 and % of the site was covered with a
synthetic cap to minimize infiltration of rain and
melted snow. Soil was used to establish a vegetative
cover. The cap was designed and built with gas vents
to prevent the buildup of gases under the cap. The
long-term cleanup action selected includes: installa-
tion of more substantial fencing; stabilization of the
steep side slopes of the landfill; installation of a syn-
thetic cap over the uncapped area of the landfill,
with establishment of a vegetative cover over the
entire landfill; collection and thermal destruction of
underlying gases in an enclosed flare; and ground-
water and air monitoring. In 1994 and 1995, the
potentially responsible parties completed the design
and construction of these cleanup actions. The
cleanup action minimized soil erosion from the land-
fill and the resultant filling in of the wetlands.
Construction of the landfill closure was completed
in February 1997, and the enclosed flare is expected
to continue to operate to treat landfill gases. Long-
term operation and maintenance activities are being
performed by the potentially responsible parties
under a Consent Decree lodged in February 1997,
which supersedes the UAO and will continue until
established cleanup goals are met.
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
Newport Naval Education/Training Center
Aquidneck Island, Newport County, Rhode Island
1st Congressional District
Final on NPL-11/21/89
Areas of concern include Old Fire Fighting Train-
ing Area/Site 09, Tank Farm Four/Site 12, Tank
Farm Five/Site 13, Coddington Cove Rubble Fill,
NUWC Disposal, Area, Gould Island, and Derecktor
Shipyard. Monitoring wells detected petroleum prod-
ucts and heavy metals, including lead, in the
groundwater. Groundwater also is contaminated
with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PCBs, and
petroleum hydrocarbons. Landfill soil and leachate
contain heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and
PCBs. A long-term cleanup action called for cap-
ping of the McAllister Point landfill. Design of the
remedy was completed in 1994 and construction of
the cleanup remedy was completed in 1997. The
Navy is currently evaluating potential cleanup rem-
edies for the adjacent sediments. A groundwater
pump and treat system has been installed to elimi-
nate the flow of contaminated groundwater from the
source area soils at Tank Farm Five to the adjacent
Narragansett Bay. Groundwater is currently being
monitored. Additional investigations are scheduled
that will further define the nature and extent of con-
tamination associated with sludge material in the
oil/water separator, confirm the contamination lev-
els in onsite groundwater, and determine the
significance of inorganic contaminant levels in soil
and groundwater. A sediment sampling program is
underway in Narragansett Bay to determine the
extent of contamination in the marine environment
offshore of the Old Fire Fighter Training Area.
Peterson Puritan, Inc.
Cumberland and Lincoln, Providence County, Rhode Island
1st Congressional District
Final on NPL - 9/8/83
This site is comprised of an industrial park, an in-
active landfill, an inactive solid waste transfer
station, sand and gravel operations, a Rhode Island
State Park, and numerous interspersed areas of un-
developed land along the Blackstone River.
Groundwater is contaminated with chlorinated sol-
vents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including
acetone and benzene, phthalate, and heavy metals.
Approximately 17,000 people were served by 4 mu-
nicipal wells prior to their closure due to
contamination. EPA selected final cleanup actions
at two areas: the CCL-Area and the PAC-Area.
Phased construction of the selected remedies, in-situ
oxidation, soil vapor extraction and groundwater
pump and treat, began in the fall of 1995 and were
completed in January 1997. Operation and mainte-
nance of these systems will continue until the
concentrations are within EPA's acceptable risk
range. The estimated timeframe for this is between
4 and 12 years. An investigation into the nature
and extent of contamination at the landfill is sched-
uled to begin in late 1999.
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
Picillo Farm
Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island
2nd Congressional District
Final on NPL - 9/8/83
More than 10,000 drums of hazardous waste and an
undetermined bulk volume of liquid chemicals were
disposed of into several unlined trenches on an 8-
acre area of the farm. Onsite groundwater and sur-
face water are contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), including toluene and xylene,
and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
Onsite soil is contaminated with phenols, polychlo-
rinated biphenyls (PCBs), and VOCs. Potential
threats include use of groundwater and surface wa-
ter as drinking water supplies. Contaminated
surface water and surface soil may pose ecological
risks. Final cleanup actions include: in-place soil
vapor extraction and treatment of VOCs and SVOCs
in contaminated soil; off-site disposal of the surface
soil contaminated with PCBs; and extraction and
treatment of contaminated groundwater. Design of
the cleanup remedies began in early 1995 and was
completed in 1998. Construction began in 1999 and
is expected to be completed in the year 2000.
Rose Hill Regional Landfill
South Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island
2nd Congressional District
Final on NPL - 10/4/89
In 1983, the facility became inactive, and the opera-
tor graded and seeded the disposal areas. A transfer
station for municipal waste, currently owned and
operated by the town, is located on a portion of the
site. Three separate areas on the site received waste,
including a solid waste landfill, a bulky waste dis-
posal area, and a sewage sludge landfill. Current
owner-operated activities within the site's bound-
ary include a hunting preserve, a field skeet range, a
qualifying range, a kennel and field training of bird
dogs, and pet cemetery. Onsite groundwater monitor-
ing wells contain several volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), as well as some heavy metals. Mitchell Brook,
another unnamed brook, and the Saugatucket River
are impacted by contaminated runoff from the site. A
freshwater wetland is 500 feet downstream and also
may be subject to contamination. The site is not com-
pletely fenced, making it possible for people to come
into direct contact with hazardous substances. EPA
investigations during the winter and spring of 1993
indicated gas migration from the landfill to nearby
residences. The Town of South Kingstown installed
gas alarms in the residence under an Administrative
Order signed on March 23, 1993. Expanded studies
included an ecological impact assessment, and a land-
fill gas migration evaluation. EPA will evaluate cleanup
alternatives and in the spring of 1999 and will work in
conjunction with the town and state to select final
cleanup actions for the site.
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
Stamina Mills
North Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island
1st Congressional District
Final on NPL - 9/8/83
Some time in 1969, a trichloroethylene (TCE) spill
occurred and was never cleaned up, and in 1975,
the mill was closed. In 1977, a fire destroyed the
manufacturing complex; the site has been vacant
and unused since then. Groundwater and surface
water are contaminated with volatile organic com-
pounds (VOCs). Sediments are contaminated with
TCE, the pesticide dieldrin, and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). The soil is contaminated wit
TCE, dieldrin, and heavy metals, as well as PAHs.
EPA has installed a fence to prevent entry to the
site. Partially standing structures were demolished
in the summer of 1992, debris and building rubble
were sorted and disposed of, voids were collapsed
and filled in, the two raceways were sealed, and a
majority of the site was graded and covered with
clean fill. Quarterly groundwater sampling activi-
ties were initiated by the operator in November 1992.
Pre-design field work including the operation of a
pilot-scale soil vapor extraction, and a groundwater
UV-Hydrogen Peroxide System has been completed.
The construction of the soil vapor extraction sys-
tem was completed in December of 1997. The system
became operational in May of 1998. Landfill cap-
ping construction activities were initiated in August
1998. Structural problems were encountered by the
responsible party doing the work, while attempting
to consolidate landfill wastes located at the base of
the landfill in the flood plain of the Branch River.
As a result, the responsible party submitted an al-
ternative plan to EPA to excavate all landfill wastes
and dispose of the wastes off-site at an approved
facility. EPA agreed to the plan and it is anticipated
that landfill removal activities will be completed by
the summer of 1999. The groundwater extraction
and treatment system design is expected to be com-
pleted by the spring of 1999 and construction initiated
by the summer of 1999.
West Kingston Town Dump/URI Disposal Area
South Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island
2nd Congressional District
Final on NPL -10/14/92
A1975 study conducted by the URI Department of
Civil Engineering and the Rhode Island Water Re-
sources Board resulted in the discovery of a leachate
plume beneath the landfill which was contaminat-
ing groundwater as far as 1,200 feet west of the dump.
After closure of the town dump in 1978, the URI
Disposal Area began accepting most of URI's waste
including small quantities of empty paint cans, oil
containers, and pesticide containers. Lab equipment,
machinery, closed drums, and old tanks buried on
site were discovered by the Rhode Island Depart-
ment of Environmental Management in 1987. An
estimated 15,800 people obtain their drinking water
supply from the three major public wells located
within 4 miles of the site. An additional 12,000 per-
sons are supplied by private wells. Private wells
near the site are contaminated with various volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs also have been
detected in the onsite pond. Heavy metals were de-
tected in groundwater. Three private wells were
closed in 1988 due to contamination. Investigations
of the site were performed in mid-1992 and in the
fall of 1993. These investigations indicated that the
site does not pose an immediate threat to human
health or the environment. An investigation to de-
termine the extent of contaminant at the entire site
is planned to begin in 1999.
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
Western Sand & Gravel
Burrillville, Providence County, Rhode Island
2nd Congressional District
Final on NPL-9/1/83
This site was used for the disposal of liquid wastes,
including chemicals and septic waste. Contents of
tank trucks were emptied directly into 12 open la-
goons and pits.The onsite groundwater is
contaminated with volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), including toluene, trichloroethylene, tri-
chloroethane, benzene, chlorobenzene, and
dichloroethane. The soil also is contaminated with
VOCs. Approximately 60,000 gallons of liquid chemi-
cal and septic waste were removed for off-site
disposal. A groundwater recirculation system was
installed. EPA installed a permanent alternate wa-
ter supply to service approximately 56 parcels of land,
and construction of the water line was completed in
1990. The potentially responsible parties (PRP) have
installed a 2V&-acre cap over the areas of contami-
nated soil and sludge, and graded the site to promote
runoff and drainage. Based on the PRPs' investiga-
tion, EPA selected natural attenuation of the
groundwater. The site will be monitored by the
PRPs, and a system to pump and treat the ground-
water will be installed if monitoring shows that
natural attenuation is not occurring as predicted.
Rhode Island NPL Sites
-------
CENTRAL LANDFILL
RHODE ISLAND
EPAID#RID980520183
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
Johnston
Other Names:
..Bhode Island Central Landfill
Silvestri Bros. Landfill
Johnston Site
Site Description
The Central Landfill site covers approximately 154 acres of a 600-acre tract in Johnston. This active
landfill is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (formerly the
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation) and receives approximately 85 percent of
Rhode Island's solid waste. The site is comprised of two areas, a 121-acre area and a 33-acre
expansion area. The 121-acre area was used prior to 1980 for the disposal of municipal and
hazardous waste. The 33-acre area is currently being used to dispose of municipal solid waste.
Located within the 121-acre area is an approximately '/2- acre area where about 1 !/2 million gallons
of hazardous wastes were disposed of between 1976 and 1979. Within this !/2 acre hazardous waste
area, bulk liquid waste was dumped into trenches that had previously been excavated into bedrock.
The wastes disposed of in this area include latex waste, acid waste, corrosive waste, water soluble
oils and waste solvents, including methylene chloride, toluene, 1,1,1-trichlorethane and
tetrachloroethylene. In 1982, the owner complied with a State order to close the areas that had
received hazardous material. These areas have been excavated, backfilled, and capped to prevent
further contamination of the groundwater and surface water, and revegetated as part of the closure
plan. Approximately 4,000 people live within 3 miles of the site; the nearest resident is !/z mile away.
Private wells downgradient from the site may have been contaminated. The bedrock aquifer has been
contaminated, and adjacent wetlands and surface waters have also been affected.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 06/10/86
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene,
chlorobenzene, toluene, vinyl chloride, methyl ethyl ketone, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate,
and 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and heavy metals including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead,
manganese, and vanadium. Adjacent surface waters, sediments, and wetlands have also
been affected by the contamination. The EPA has determined that the public is not at
immediate risk from contaminants emanating from the site; however, potentially affected
residents and businesses are supplied with drinking water from a public water supply
system to ensure human health is fully protected.
November 1998
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in three stages: initial actions and two long-term remedial phases
focusing on the cleanup of on-site and off-site contamination.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: A landfill gas collection and combustion system, which is used to
generate electricity, has been built, as well as public water supply lines in the area of
Central Landfill. The current owner also purchased all residential land within 1,000 feet
of the landfill, and offered to purchase all residential property up to 2,000 feet from landfill.
On-Site Contamination: In 1987, the owner/operator began an investigation into the
nature and extent of site contamination to determine cleanup alternatives. The study
identified sources of contamination and, in the summer of 1994, final cleanup remedies
were selected. The remedies include capping the landfill; extracting and treating groundwater in the
most highly contaminated, 1A acre of the site; establishing institutional controls; and conducting a
detailed evaluation of the emissions from the existing landfill gas collection and combustion system.
The owner/operator completed design of the cap in fall 1997. Construction of the cap began in the
summer of 1998.
Off-Site Contamination: In 1994, the owner/operator began an investigation to
address off-site contamination of groundwater, surface water and sediments. Final
cleanup remedies are scheduled to be selected in early 1999.
Site Facts: In 1987, the owner of the landfill entered into a Consent Order with the EPA to
conduct a study of site contamination.
Environmental Progress
The installation of the landfill gas collection and combustion system and public water lines, and the
purchase of residential property around the landfill have reduced the threat to public health and the
environment while studies at the Central Landfill site are being completed and additional cleanup
remedies are being planned. The Department of Justice (DOJ) entered a Consent Decree with the RI
District Court on October 2,1996.
Site Repository
Marion J. Mohr Memorial Library, 1 Memorial Drive, Johnston, RI 02919
November 1998 2 CENTRAL LANDFILL
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DAVIS (GSR)
LANDFILL
RHODE ISLAND
EPAID#RID980731459
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
Glocester/Smithfield
Site Description
The 58-acre Davis (GSR) Landfill site includes a 21-acre inactive landfill located in the Towns of
Glocester and Smithfield. Between 1974 and 1976, the landfill, which was privately owned and
licensed by the State to accept municipal wastes, accepted wastes from Glocester, Smithfield,
Warwick, and Providence. In 1978, the State declined to renew the landfill's license because the
facility had violated numerous rules and regulations for operating solid waste management facilities.
Numerous legal actions to close the site ensued, and the State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the
State in 1982, at which time the site became inactive. However, the landfill was never properly
capped or stabilized. The State found both surface water and groundwater contamination on site.
Approximately 200 residents who use private water wells live within a 1-mile radius; there are
approximately 4,700 people within a 3-mile radius using private wells.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 04/10/85
Final Date: 06/10/86
Threats and Contaminants
On-site groundwater, surface water, and sediments are contaminated with low levels of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as vinyl chloride and benzene, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals including manganese, arsenic, and
lead. Surface water and sediments are contaminated with the pesticides chlordane and
dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT). After extensive investigations, EPA
determined that no adverse health effects from inhalation of landfill gas, and ingestion of
or contact with contaminants in surface water, soil, and sediments were found. EPA also
concluded that no adverse health risks are associated with exposure to groundwater at the
site and that the site would have no adverse impact on the wetlands.
November 1998
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
change.
Entire Site: In September 1997, EPA announced it's decision that no further cleanup
action is needed at the site. EPA and the state will continue to monitor the site for any
potential future risks and will revisit the no action decision if conditions at the site
Environmental Progress
In 1990, the EPA conducted tests of site conditions and determined that the Davis Landfill poses no
immediate threat to the public or the environment while further investigations continued.
Investigations into the nature and extent of site contamination concluded in 1997, revealed that the
site poses no immediate or future risk to human health or the environment.
Site Repository
East Smithfield Public Library, 50 Esmond Street, Esmond, RI02917
November 1998
DAVIS (GSR) LANDFILL
-------
DAVIS LIQUI
WASTE
RHODE ISLAND
EPAID# RID980523070
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
Smithfield
Site Description
The Davis Liquid Waste site was a disposal facility for hazardous substances that is located on
approximately 10 acres in a rural section of Smithfield. Throughout the 1970s, the site accepted
liquid and chemical wastes such as paint and metal sludges, oily wastes, solvents, acids, caustics,
pesticides, phenols, halogens, metals, fly ash, and laboratory pharmaceutical. Liquid wastes were
transported in drums and bulk tank trucks and were dumped directly into unlined lagoons and
seepage pits. The operator periodically excavated the semi-solid lagoon materials, dumped them at
several locations on the site, and covered them with soil. Other operations included the collection of
salvaged vehicles and machine parts, metal recycling, and tire shredding. Dumping activities
resulted in soil, surface water, sediment, and groundwater contamination, both on and off site. In
1978, discovery of off site well contamination prompted the State Superior Court to prohibit further
dumping of hazardous substances on the Davis property. The owner is still using sections of the
disposal area and a 20-acre adjacent property as a staging and storage area for an estimated 10 to 30
million tires. The area surrounding the site is residential and the closest homes are located within
1,500 feet of the site. In 1986, there were approximately 240 people living within 1 mile and 4,700
people living within 3 miles of the site. The nearest well is located 300 feet away. The property is
bordered on the north and south by wetlands and swamp areas.
Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through
Federal, State and Potentially
Responsible Parties actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/23/81
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
L\
Groundwater contamination consists of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy
metals including arsenic and lead from the lagoons and seepage pit areas. The soil,
lagoon sediments, and surface water also are contaminated with VOCs and heavy metals.
Residential wells to the north and northeast of the site are contaminated with VOCs.
People could be exposed to contaminants by ingesting contaminated groundwater,
coming into contact with contaminated soils on site, or by inhaling chemicals that
evaporate from the soil or surface water. Portions of the bordering wetlands have been
filled with tires and waste material, resulting in large areas of stressed wetland
vegetation.
November 1998
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in three stages: initial actions and two long-term remedial phases
focusing on provision of a new water supply line and cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: From 1985 to 1986, the EPA sampled, packed, and staged
approximately 600 intact and crushed drums and shipped them off site to an approved
disposal facility. At the same time, bottled water for drinking and cooking was supplied
by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to residences with contaminated
wells. This temporary action provided a safe water supply while a permanent remedy was being
investigated.
Water Supply Line: The construction of a new water distribution system serving 127
lots along Forge Road, Log Road, Burlingame Road, and Bayberry Road was completed
by EPA and RIDEM in December of 1997. The new system includes construction of a
300,000-gallon water storage tank, a water main, pumping stations, and connections to existing
residences. For undeveloped lots, the EPA has brought a service connection up to the property line
so that future connection may take place at the owner's expense.
Entire Site: The final cleanup remedy calls for excavating 25,000 cubic yards of raw
waste and contaminated soils for on-site treatment using thermal desorption, and
treating on-site groundwater using an air stripper, followed by carbon filtration, to
remove the contaminants from the air. In addition, treated soil will be tested and clean soil will be
used to backfill the area; the rest will be placed in an EPA-approved landfill either on site or off site.
In November of 1996, a Consent Decree negotiated between the EPA and 54 Settling Parties was
lodged with the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The Consent Decree
among other things includes a work based component requiring the Settling Parties to perform the
soil cleanup at the site. In March of 1997, the Settling Parties began to perform the work described in
the CD, focusing their efforts on the removal of tires from areas of the site which were believed to be
contaminated. Between March and June of 1997, it was estimated that approximately 750,000 tires
were removed from the site. Throughout the tire removal, partially and fully buried drums were
encountered. Drums which were among the tires were removed and over-packed while buried drums
were left to be addressed as part of the subsequent drum removal work. Work on the buried drums
began in July of 1997, after EPA approval of a Drum Removal Work Plan. As of October of 1998,
approximately 950 drums had been excavated, sampled, categorized, and transported off site for
disposal. During drum removal activities an additional 10,500 laboratory reagent type containers
were discovered at the site. The laboratory containers, which range in size from a few ounces to a
gallon, have been sampled, categorized, and disposed of off site. During drum excavation,
approximately 3,400 tons of non-hazardous and 1,500 tons of hazardous municipal solid waste were
also excavated and transported off site for disposal. It is anticipated that the soil cleanup will begin
in the summer of 1999 and take approximately one year to complete. The design of the groundwater
extraction and treatment component of the remedy is approximately 90 percent complete. Design
finalization has been placed on hold pending the completion of soil cleanup activities at the site.
November 1998 2 DAVIS LIQUID WASTE
-------
The EPA expects the groundwater cleanup to take five to ten years to complete.
Site Facts: Discovery of off site well contamination in 1978 resulted in the State Superior Court
banning dumping on the site. The EPA obtained a Court Order to gain access to the site. The
Department of Justice prepared a motion for "conditional" site access to be entered in the Rhode
Island Federal Court. The site owner resisted attempts by Federal officials to investigate the site for
cleanup and continued to conduct business operations within 100 feet of the hazardous dumping site.
The State of Rhode Island entered into an agreement with the site owner in late 1994 for the removal
of between 10 and 30 million tires currently being stored at the site. The owner complied with the
order during 1995 but during 1996 was unable to meet the quarterly quota for tire removal. In 1997,
the state was able to fund the removal of an additional 750,000 tires from the site.
Environmental Progress
Removing drums reduced the potential for exposure to hazardous substances at the Davis Liquid site.
The completion of the alternative water supply further protects human health by reducing the
potential for exposure to hazardous substances in the drinking water while additional cleanup
activities are being planned and conducted.
Site Repository
Greenville Public Library, 573 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828
DAVIS LIQUID WASTE 3 November 1998
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DAVISVILLE NAVAL
i*/MUOTPi i^-rirMn "^ 1 EPA REGION 1
UUIMO I RUCTION I Washington County
| o ,_! i In N. Kingstown, 18 miles south of Providence
DA I I A LI UN \*ru,ijfr&jL*rt-v ^T^^ Other Names:
^Sf>""f-n ' \ V?f odspj ,
RHODE ISLAND
EPA ID# RI6170022036 ^^^^^x^ IS NCBC Davisville
Allen Harbor Estuary
DOO/NCBC/Allens Harbor Landfill
J
Site Description
The former Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC), located 18 miles south of
Providence in North Kingstown, covers approximately 900 acres. Serving as a military installation
since 1942, its primary mission was to provide mobilization support to Naval construction forces.
Much of the NCBC-Davisville site is contiguous with Narragansett Bay and consists of four areas,
including the Main Center, the West Davisville storage area, Allen Harbor area, and the Pier Support
area. Camp Fogarty, a training facility 4 miles west of the Main Center in the Town of East
Greenwich was transferred to the Army in 1993. Adjoining NCBC's south boundary is the
decommissioned Naval Air Station Quonset Point, which was sold to the Rhode Island Port
Authority between 1973 and 1980. The Navy disposed of wastes in all four areas. The Navy has
identified at least 24 areas with potential hazardous contamination, but the Department no longer
owns several of them. These areas are being investigated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Chief
among the areas are Camp Avenue Landfill and former NIKE Launcher Site at the decommissioned
Naval Air Station. The Navy's studies will focus on ten areas: the Allen Harbor Landfill (the largest
of the areas), which received solvents, paint thinners, degreasers, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
from transformers, sewage sludge, and contaminated fuel oil from 1946 to 1972; the Calf Pasture
Point, which received "decontamination agents" and various other contaminants; the Construction
Equipment Department (CED) Battery Acid Disposal Area; the CED Solvent Disposal Area; the
Transformer Oil Disposal Area (near Building 37); the Solvent Disposal Area; the Defense Property
Disposal Office (DPDO) Film Processing Disposal Area (FPD); the Camp Fogarty Disposal Area;
the Fire Fighting Training Area; and the Disposal Areas northwest of Buildings W-3, W-4, T-l; and
the Asphalt Disposal Area. Approximately twenty 5-gallon cans of calcium hypochlorite were
disposed of in a drainage ditch at Calf Pasture Point between 1960 and 1971. In 1973, thirty to forty
35-gallon cardboard containers of a chloride compound were stored at the site and deteriorated over
time. From 1968 to 1974, approximately 2,500 3-gallon cans also were disposed of at Calf Pasture
Point. The surrounding area is single-family residential. Groundwater is assumed to flow toward
Narraganset Bay, which is located 600 feet from the site. Approximately 27,000 people get their
drinking water from public wells located within 3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/14/89
Final Date: 11/21/89
November 1998
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Threats and Contaminants
Heavy metals including lead, cadmium, silver, mercury, and chromium were found in the
sediments and on the shoreline of Allen Harbor. Other contaminants in Allen Harbor
include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
(PNAs), solvents, and PCBs. Soil contamination is not specified, but dumping practices
involved organic solvents, PCBs, sewage sludge, contaminated fuel oil, and halogens.
Some public wells are located between 1 and 3 miles upgradient from disposal sites. The
potential of contamination to these wells is small. Groundwater is shallow, 2 to 4 feet in
some areas, and the soil is permeable, conditions that facilitate movement of
contaminants into the groundwater and toward Narraganset Bay. In addition, it has been
shown that Allen Harbor is polluted. A number of salt marshes that could be affected by
contamination from the site have been identified in the Allen Harbor, Calf Pasture Point,
and Narragansett Bay areas.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in five stages: initial actions and four long-term remedial phases focusing
on cleanup of Buildings 316 and 38, the Allen Harbor Landfill, the DPDO/FPD and Transformer Oil
Disposal Area, Calf Pasture Point, CED Area, and the Main Center Area.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1991, the Navy removed materials from two on-site buildings that
were contaminated by PCB spills. Throughout 1995, the Navy removed PCB-
contaminated soil at the disposal areas northwest of Buildings W-3, W-4, and T-l; the
battery acid tank at the CED Battery Acid Disposal Area; the asphaltic material at the CED Asphalt
disposal area; and lead from contaminated soil at Camp Fogarty.
Buildings 316 and 38: In 1991, the Navy removed flooring materials and
underlying soils from Building 316, the DPDO Transformer Oil Spill Area and Building
38, and Transformer Oil Leak Area. Additional sampling after removal operations
revealed elevated levels of PCBs outside the excavated areas. A final cleanup remedy was selected
in the fall of 1993 calling for the excavation and off-site disposal of remaining PCB-contaminated
materials at a federally-licensed disposal facility. Design for the long-term remedy was completed
in 1994. Construction activities began in 1995 and were completed in 1997. The excavation was so
thorough that the site has been cleaned up to residential values. No longer are institutional controls
or 5 year reviews needed.
Allen Harbor Landfill: In 1985, the water, sediment, and organisms in Allen Harbor
were sampled as part of the confirmation studies and found to be contaminated. Given
the landfill's location adjacent to the harbor, it is possible that leachate could migrate into
the harbor. An investigation into the nature and extent of site contamination and
assessment of possible cleanup alternatives was completed by the signing of a capping Record of
Decision (ROD) in September 1997. Cap construction began in March 1998. Additional
contamination was found after most of the cap was completed so another cap will be constructed at
the site. This is scheduled to take place in 1999.
November 1998
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DPDO/FPD, Transformer Oil Disposal Area and Camp Forgerty: The
Navy investigated these sites in 1993. An additional investigation into the nature and
extent of site contamination and assessment of possible cleanup alternatives was
completed in the fall of 1995. From this assessment, the EPA determined that no
further cleanup actions were required to address soil at this area of the site. Groundwater was
investigated and a final cleanup remedy for No Further Action was selected in June 1998.
Fire Fighting Training Area, Solvent Disposal Area and Disposal Area
North West of Buildings W-3, W-4, and T-1: These areas were investigated in
two phases. A removal action excavating and sending off site 2,224 tons of PCB
contaminated soils was completed in 1997 at the Disposal Area North West of Building
W-3, W-4, and T-1. A No Further Action ROD was signed for these areas on September 30,1998.
Calf Pasture Point: Investigations were performed in three phases, culminating in
the release of a Proposed Plan in November 1998, for the groundwater monitoring and
land use restrictions. The mobility of contaminants is moderate to high, however, the
effect on the groundwater discharging to the harbor, to date, has been minimal.
Other Areas: Investigations into the nature and extent at four areas are scheduled for
completion in 2000. These areas include the CED Battery Disposal Area, the CED
Solvent Disposal Area, CED Drum Storage Area, and the CED Asphalt Disposal Area.
The Navy performed removal actions at the CED Battery Disposal Area and the CED Asphalt
Disposal Area in 1996. The Navy removed 197.88 tons of contaminated soil. A ROD is expected
to be signed in the year 2000.
Site Facts: NCBC is participating in the Installation Restoration Program, a specially funded
program established by the Department of Defense (DOD) in 1978 to identify, investigate, and
control the migration of hazardous contaminants at military and other DoD facilities. In 1988, the
EPA and the Naval Ocean Systems Center began conducting a study at the Allen Harbor Landfill
under a Memorandum of Agreement. A Federal Facility Agreement was signed by RIDEM, the
Navy, and the EPA in March 1992 to provide the frame work for the cleanup process. The Base was
selected for closure under the BRAC Act of 1991 and was officially closed in April 1994. A lease
with the Rhode Island Economical Development Corporation (RIEDC) was signed at the base for
economic redevelopment in 1996. Camp Fogerty was transferred to the Army in 1993. In
September 1998,125 acres were sold to the RIEDC.
Environmental Progress
A remedy was selected in 1993 to address PCB contamination at Buildings 316 and 38. Removal of
contamination throughout the site began in 1995 and has reduced contaminant levels in soils. A
remedy was selected in 1997 to address the landfill closure at the Allen Harbor landfill. Cap
construction should be completed by the year 2000. Six sites were closed out with No Further
DAVISVILLE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION 3 November 1998
BATTALION CENTER
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Action RODs. In the meantime, the Navy has performed preliminary investigations and has
determined that there are no immediate threats to human health or the environment while additional
site studies are taking place.
Site Repository
North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI02852
Caretaker Site Office, Davisville Road, North Kingston, RI 02852
November 1998 4 DAVISVILLE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION
BATTALION CENTER
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LANDFILL AND
RESOURCE
RECOVERY, ifoC.
(L&RR)
RHODE ISLAND
EPAIDJRID093212439
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
mile east of Slatersville Reservoir
in North Smithfield
Site Description
The Landfill and Resource Recovery, Inc. (L&RR) site is a 28-acre landfill on a 36-acre parcel of
land. The site originally was a sand and gravel pit and was used for small-scale refuse disposal from
1927 to 1974. In 1974, the site was sold and developed into a large-scale disposal facility accepting
commercial, municipal, and industrial wastes. Until 1979, an estimated IV2 million gallons of
hazardous wastes were accepted and disposed of with other wastes in the central portion of the
landfill. The hazardous wastes included many types of bulk and drummed organic and inorganic
materials in liquid, sludge, and solid forms. In 1979, the operator placed a polyvinyl chloride cover
over the area containing hazardous waste to prevent rainwater from entering. Landfilling of
commercial and residential wastes continued until 1985, when the owners closed the landfill and
placed another synthetic cover over most of the landfill. Soil was placed over the synthetic cover and
it was partially planted with vegetation. Although the area is still rural, there are approximately
10,000 residents in a 25-square-mile area; the area appears to be undergoing a substantial growth in
residential development. Within a '/2-mile radius of the site, there are fewer than 50 residences and
no multi-residential housing developments. More than 3,000 people live within 3 miles of the site.
An industrial park is located approximately 3,000 feet to the north, and Air National Guard
installations are located approximately 1,000 feet to the east and 3,000 feet to the south of the site.
Most, if not all, residences in the site's vicinity obtain their drinking water from individual wells.
Trout Brook, adjacent to the site, and the Slatersville Reservoir, into which it discharges, are used for
fishing and other recreation, but are not public water supply sources.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
November 1998
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Threats and Contaminants
The air at the landfill was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
including carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and benzene. The on-site groundwater is
contaminated with arsenic, lead, and VOCs from waste liquids disposed of on site and
from rainwater entering the landfilled wastes, causing contamination to seep into the
groundwater. The surface water on the site is contaminated with lead. The only health
threat was from gaseous emissions from the landfill. The landfill closure in 1994 and
1995 minimized threats of contamination in air, groundwater and surface water. The
landfill is enclosed by a chain link fence. The only significant environmental threat was
to the wetlands surrounding the site. The cleanup action minimized soil erosion from the
landfill and the resultant filling in the wetlands.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: In 1977, the owner installed monitoring wells on site to ensure compliance
with State regulations. The owner closed the landfill in 1985, and 3/4 of the site was
covered with a synthetic cap to minimize infiltration of rain and melted snow. Soil also
was used to establish a vegetative cover. The cap was designed and built with gas vents to prevent
the buildup of gases under the cap. The selected long-term remedy for this site includes: installation
of more substantial fencing; stabilization of the steep side slopes of the landfill and installation of a
synthetic cap over the uncapped area of the landfill, with establishment of a vegetative cover over
the entire landfill; collection and thermal destruction of underlying gases in an enclosed flare; and
groundwater and air monitoring. In 1994 and 1995, under EPA supervision, the parties potentially
responsible for site contamination completed the design and construction of these cleanup actions.
Long-term operation and maintenance activities are currently underway and will continue until
established cleanup goals are met.
Site Facts: In 1985, the landfill was closed by the owner under a Consent Order with the State. In
1990, the EPA issued an Administrative Order to the potentially responsible parties requiring the
parties to design and construct the final cleanup remedies. In 1997, EPA and the state signed a
Consent Decree with the potentially responsible parties for the long term operation and maintenance.
Environmental Progress
Construction of all remedies at the site is complete. Closing the landfill, installing a cover,
stabilizing steep side slopes, destroying underlying gases, and building a fence to limit access to the
site have reduced the potential for exposure to hazardous materials at the Landfill and Resource
Recovery site while operation and maintenance are underway.
November 1998 2 LANDFILL AND RESOURCE
RECOVERY, INC. (L&RR)
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Site Repository 1
Municipal Annex Building, 85 Smithfield Road, North Smithfield, RI02895
LANDFILL AND RESOURCE 3 November 1998
RECOVERY, INC. (L&RR)
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NEWPORT NAVA
EDUCATION/ $
TRAINING CENieH
RHODE ISLAND
EPA ID* RI6170085470
EPA REGION 1
Newport County
Aquidneck Island
Other Names:
U.S. Navy McAllister
DOD/NETC/McAllister Point Landfill
Site Description
The 1,063-acre Newport Naval Education/Training Center (NETC) site has been used by the Navy
as a refueling depot since 1900. An 11 !/2-acre portion of the site along the shore of Narragansett
Bay, known as McAllister Point Landfill, accepted wastes consisting primarily of domestic refuse,
acids, solvents, paint, waste oil, and oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from
1955 to the mid-1970s. Five tank farms are located in the Melville area; one is located in Midway.
Sludge from nearby tank farms was dumped on the ground or burned in chambers. Other
contaminated areas on site, such as the Melville North Landfill, are classified as Formerly Used
Defense sites and are being addressed separately. Surface water and groundwater flow toward the
bay, which is used for boating and fishing. One tank farm is located 300 feet from a coastal wetland.
Other areas of concern include Old Fire Fighting Training Area/Site 09, Tank Farm Four/Site 12,
Tank Farm Five/Site 13, Gould Island, and Derecktor Shipyard. An estimated 4,800 people obtain
drinking water and 220 acres of land are irrigated from private wells located within 3 miles of the
site. Approximately 10,000 people live within 3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/14/89
Final Date: 11/21/89
Threats and Contaminants
Monitoring wells detected petroleum products and heavy metals, including lead, in the
groundwater. Groundwater also is contaminated with volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), PCBs, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Landfill soil and leachate contain heavy
metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and PCBs. Initial studies have shown that none of the
areas on site pose an immediate threat to public health. However, the site warrants a
study to assess potential long-term impacts. The tidal action of the Narragansett Bay may
spread contamination to the shore, marine environment, and nearby wetlands. A sediment
sampling program is underway to determine the impact.
NEWPORT NAVAL EDUCATION!
TRAINING CENTER
November 1998
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in six stages: initial actions and five long-term remedial phases focusing
on cleanup of the McAllister Point Landfill, Tank Farms, Old Fire Training Area, Derecktor
Shipyard and the remaining site areas which include Coddington Cove Rubble Fill, the Naval
Undersea Warfare Center Disposal Area, and the Gould Island Electroplating Shop.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: A 1991 investigation revealed elevated levels of petroleum
hydrocarbons in soils. This study led to the removal of the contents of Tanks 53 and 56.
These tanks were closed pursuant to the State of Rhode Island's underground storage
requirements. Another action is scheduled to remove known soil contamination and to address
groundwater contamination around the tanks.
McAllister Point Landfill: A remedy was selected in 1993 that called for capping of
the landfill. This action will eliminate the infiltration of rainfall through waste materials
and reduce the generation of leachate released to the near shore marine environment.
This source control remedy also required a series of additional investigations to determine if the
landfill gases will require treatment, if additional measures are necessary to address the lateral flow
of groundwater and delineate near-shore contamination of the sediments, and whether Non-Aqueous
Phase Liquids (NAPLs) are present. Design of the remedy was completed in 1994. Construction of
the cleanup remedy was completed in December 1996. The Navy is currently evaluating alternatives
to address the contamination in the sediments offshore of the landfill. A Record of Decision (ROD)
is planned for March 2000 for Management of Migration which will address landfill gases,
sediments, and groundwater.
Tank Farms: An investigation into the nature and extent of site contamination was
completed in 1992. An interim cleanup remedy to contain contaminated groundwater
originating from Tank Farm 5 was selected in 1992. A groundwater pump and treat
system has been installed to eliminate the flow of contaminated groundwater from the source area
soils to the adjacent Narragansett Bay. Additional investigations are scheduled that will further
define the nature and extent of contamination associated with Tank Farm 5, characterize the sludge
material in the oil/water separator, confirm the contamination levels in on-site groundwater, and
determine the significance of inorganic contaminant levels in soil and groundwater.
t
Old Fire Fighting Training Area: The Navy is currently evaluating the nature and
extent of contamination at the site. A removal action was not conducted because the
contamination was widespread across the subsurface and would be better handled by a
remedial action. A ROD is planned for March 2002.
Derecktor Shipyard: The Navy is currently evaluating alternatives to address the
November 1998 2 NEWPORT NAVAL EDUCATIONI
TRAINING CENTER
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contamination in the sediments offshore and the soils onshore of the shipyard. A ROD is planned for
September 2000.
Remaining Site Areas: Investigations into the nature and extent of contamination at
the remaining site areas including the Coddington Cove Rubble Fill, the Naval Undersea
Warfare Center Disposal Area, and the Gould Island Electroplating Shop are planned.
These studies will identify the source and extent of soil and groundwater contamination and are
expected to lead to the selection of a final cleanup remedy in 2005.
Site Facts: This site is being addressed under the Installation Restoration Program, a specially-
funded program established by the Department of Defense (DOD) in 1978 to identify, investigate,
and control the migration of hazardous contaminants at military and other DOD facilities.
Environmental Progress
The removal of the contents of Tanks 53 and 56, the construction of a landfill cap over the
McAllister Point Landfill, and the installation of a groundwater pump and treat system at the Tank
Farms have reduced the potential for exposure to contaminants at the Newport Naval
Education/Training Center site while additional cleanup actions are being planned.
Site Repository
Newport Public Library, Aquidneck Park, Newport, RI 02840
Middletown Free Library, Middletown, RI 02842
Portsmouth Free Library Association, Portsmouth, RI 02871
NEWPORT NAVAL EDUCATION/ 3 November 1998
TRAINING CENTER
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PETERSON/
PURITAN, INC-
RHODE ISLAND
EPA ID#RID055176283
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
Along the Blackstone River in
Cumberland and Lincoln
Other Names:
Blackstone Valley
Site Description
The Peterson/Puritan, Inc., site is located along the Blackstone River within the Towns of
Cumberland and Lincoln. The site is approximately two miles long and extends approximately
2,000 feet to the east and west of the main river channel. The Peterson/Puritan, Inc. plant was built
in 1959 and began packaging aerosol consumer products. A rail car accident and product tank spill
occurred on the facility's property in 1974 releasing an estimated 6000 gallons of solvent. In 1976,
following a major fire, the plant was rebuilt. The site "study area" comprises an industrial park,
including the former Peterson/Puritan facility, an inactive landfill known as JM Mills Landfill, an
inactive solid waste transfer station, sand and gravel operations, Blackstone River State Park
development, impacted municipal water supply wells and numerous interspersed areas of
undeveloped land along the Blackstone River. The Martin Street well and Lenox Street well in the
Town of Cumberland and the Quinnville well field in the Town of Lincoln were closed in 1979 due
to contamination, and remain out of service. Attempts to flush contaminants from the Lincoln wells
were abandoned after repeated efforts to remove the contaminants failed. The Peterson/Puritan, Inc.,
site is located in a mixed industrial and residential area. There are approximately 12,000 people
living within a 4-mile radius of the site; the nearest residence is less than 1/4 mile away.
Approximately 17,000 people were served by the Lenox Street well prior to its closure. The Town
of Lincoln has since been connected to an alternate water supply while the Town of Cumberland
absorbed the cost of its wells by increasing production from remaining town water supplies.
Site Responsibility: This she is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
November 1998
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Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with chlorinated solvents, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) including acetone and benzene, phthalates, and heavy metals such as arsenic.
Certain soil sample locations are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Surface water is contaminated with low concentrations of VOCs. People are at risk if
they come into direct contact with or accidentally ingest contaminated groundwater,
surface water, sediment, leachate, or soil. The site is located in a flood plain, which may
cause water, sediments, plants, and animals to become contaminated.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in four stages: Two long-term remedial phases focusing on cleanup of the
Primary Source Area, initial actions, and investigation of the JM Mills Landfill leading to a final site
remedy.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1992, a fence was constructed to restrict access to the JM Mills
landfill and drums containing contaminated materials were removed from the base of
the landfill. In November 1997, a second action was taken to address recently disposed
asbestos containing wastes found outside of the fenced in area. The security fence was extended to
limit further dumping and maintain access restrictions at this portion of the site.
Primary Source Area: Parties potentially responsible for site contamination
completed investigating the full extent of contamination in 1993. In late 1993, after
evaluating cleanup alternatives, the EPA selected final cleanup remedies to address the
primary sources of contamination at two areas: the CCL-Area and the PAC-Area. The remedy for
the CCL-Area included soil vapor extraction technology to clean soils surrounding a tank farm,
pumping and treating a contaminated groundwater plume emanating from the tank farm, and
pumping groundwater downgradient from the tank farm to the local sewer system. For the PAC
Area, the leach fields will be excavated and in-place oxidation is being used to reduce arsenic
concentrations in groundwater. The EPA also requires monitoring of contaminant levels in
groundwater to ensure that each of the cleanup efforts is effective. All design activities were
completed as of May 1996. Phased construction of the selected remedies began in the fall of 1995
and were completed in January 1997. After a phase start up period, all remediation systems have
been operating as designed since July 1997. Operation and Maintenance of these remedial systems
shall continue until the EPA determines that containment concentrations are within the EPA's
acceptable risk range. The estimated time frame for this is between 4 and 12 years.
JM Mills Landfill: An investigation into the nature and extent of contamination at the
landfill is scheduled to begin in late 1998. Following the completion of this study, a final
November 1998 2 PETERSON/PURITAN, INC.
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cleanup remedy will be selected.
Site Facts: After a preliminary investigation in 1982, the EPA identified the Peterson/Puritan
facility as the major source of the contamination in the Quinnville Well Field. The Town of Lincoln
filed a lawsuit against Peterson/Puritan, Inc. based on these findings. In 1984, the company reached a
settlement with Lincoln and assisted with the cost of the town's new water supply. The company
also installed a recovery well on its property for the purpose of capturing contaminated groundwater
underlying its property. In 1987, an Administrative Order was issued to Peterson/Puritan, Inc. to
take over the site investigation from the EPA. In 1995, five defendants settled with EPA and the
State to pay past costs and conduct the cleanup of the Primary Source Area.
Environmental Progress
Alternate water supplies have provided safe drinking water to affected area residents, treatment
systems are complete and operating at the Primary Source area, and access to the landfill is restricted
while further investigations are being planned. The state is constructing a linear park and bike path
aside of the Blackstone River and Canal which incorporates a portion of the site.
Site Repository
Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864
Lincoln Public Library, Old River Road, Lincoln, RI 02685
PETERSON/ PURITAN, INC. 3 November 1998
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PICILLO FARM
RHODE ISLAND
EPA ID# RID980579056
EPA REGION 1
Kent County
Piggy Hill Lane in Coventry
Other Names:
Candy Box Farm
Site Description
The Picillo Farm site is a portion of a former 100-acre pig farm. More than 10,000 drums of
hazardous waste and an undetermined bulk volume of liquid chemicals were disposed of into several
unlined trenches on an 8-acre area of the farm. The site was discovered in 1977, when a fire and
explosion occurred. After requiring the property owners to halt the illegal disposal operations, the
State of Rhode Island conducted an emergency removal of drums containing sodium aluminum
hydride. From 1980 through 1982, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and
the EPA excavated the trenches and removed the majority of the wastes. The contaminated soil was
stored on site in three piles. These piles were moved off site in 1988. More than 2,000 people live
within 3 miles of the site. There are 50 residences located within a mile of the site; two are within V*.
mile. All residences rely on private wells for their water; these wells have been sampled
approximately once a year by the Rhode Island Department of Health. The site lies near the upper
Roaring Brook watershed, which is a tributary to the Moosup River. Groundwater and surface water
runoff flows away from the disposal site toward an unnamed swamp, Great Cedar Swamp, and
Whitford Pond, which is used to irrigate a cranberry bog.
Site Responsibility: This she is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/23/81
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
L\
On-site groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including
toluene and xylene and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Off-site groundwater
and surface water in the swamp are also contaminated with VOCs and SVOCs. On-site
soil is contaminated with phenols, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and VOCs.
Potential threats include use of groundwater and surface water as drinking water supplies.
Contaminated surface water and surface soil may pose ecological risks.
November 1998
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in three stages: emergency actions and two long-term remedial phases
focusing on controlling the source of the contamination and cleanup of groundwater and surface
water.
Response Action Status
Emergency Actions: From 1980 to 1982, the EPA and the State removed 10,000
buried drums from five trenches on site; bulk wastes were also removed. Contaminated
soils were dug from trenches and were stockpiled on site.
Source Control: The remedy selected by the EPA and performed by the parties
potentially responsible for site contamination included: disposal of 3,500 cubic yards of
PCB-contaminated soils and 3,000 cubic yards of phenol-contaminated soils in an
approved, off-site landfill; installation of a fence; installation of a surface drainage control system;
and closure of the site. These remedies were completed in 1988. The Rhode Island .Department of
Health sampled private wells in the vicinity approximately once a year. Currently this testing is
being carried out by the potentially responsible parties.
Groundwater and Surface Water: The EPA completed an investigation of on- and
off-site groundwater and surface water contamination, as well as residual soil
contamination. The investigation determined the nature and extent of contamination, and
evaluated human and ecological risks. The field investigation was completed in 1992 and final
cleanup remedies were selected in 1993. The selected remedies consist of in-place soil vapor
extraction and treatment of VOCs and SVOCs in contaminated soil, off-site disposal of the surface
soil contaminated with PCBs, and extraction and treatment of contaminated groundwater. Design of
the cleanup remedies began in early 1995 was completed by the potentially responsible parties in
1998. Construction of the remedy is planned for 1999, to be followed by long term operation and
monitoring.
Site Facts: In 1988, the EPA entered into an agreement with 12 potentially responsible parties.
Four of these companies removed approximately 6,500 cubic yards of contaminated soils and closed
and vegetated the site under monitoring by the EPA. In 1995, the EPA and 46 potentially
responsible parties signed a Consent Decree to perform the final cleanup remedy.
Environmental Progress
Removal of the contaminated soil from the trenches, removal of buried drums, and closure of the
Picillo Farm site have reduced the potential of exposure to site contaminants while remedies to clean
up the groundwater and surface water are being designed and implemented
November 1998 2 PICILLO FARM
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Site Repository 1 "~
Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry, RI02816
~ 3 November 1998
PICILLO FARM
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ROSE HILL 2
REGIONAL LANDFILL
RHODE ISLAND
EPAIMRID980521025
Site Description
The Rose Hill Regional Landfill site is a former municipal landfill located in the Town of South
Kingstown. The Town leased the land as a domestic and industrial waste disposal facility, which
operated from 1967 to 1983. In 1983, the facility became inactive, and the operator graded and
seeded the disposal areas. A transfer station for municipal waste, currently owned and operated by
the Town, is located on a portion of the site. Three separate areas on the site received waste
including a solid waste landfill, a bulky waste disposal area, and a sewage sludge landfill. Current
owner-operated activities within the site's boundary include a hunting preserve, field skeet range,
qualifying range, kennel and field training of bird dogs, and a pet cemetery. An estimated 17,300
people obtain water from wells located within 3 miles of the site. The area is both rural and
residential, with forested areas, fields, small farms and sand/gravel mining activities nearby. The site
is bordered by the Saugatucket River to the east. Mitchell Brook flows through the site.
0.. B ,...,. NPL LISTING HISTORY
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 10/04/89
Threats and Contaminants
On-site groundwater monitoring wells contain several volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) including 1,1 dichloethane, chloroethane, vinyl chloride, benzene, and xylenes,
as well as some heavy metals. Observations indicate that Mitchell Brook, an unnamed
brook, and the Saugatucket River could be affected by contaminated runoff from the site.
Three private wells adjacent to the site are contaminated with low levels of organic
compounds, as are on-site soils. The site is not completely fenced, making it possible for
people to come into direct contact with hazardous substances. Saugatucket Pond, 2,000
feet downstream, is used for fishing and swimming. A freshwater wetland is 500 feet
downstream and also could be subject to contamination.
November 1998
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: initial actions and a long-term remedial phase focusing on
cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1985, the Town of South Kingstown Utilities Department extended
the municipal water line to residences on Rose Hill Road with contaminated wells. EPA
investigations during the winter and spring of 1993 indicated gas migration from the
landfill to nearby residences. In response to this information, the Town of South Kingstown
installed gas alarms in the residences and relocated one residence.
Entire Site: EPA began an investigation into the nature and extent of contamination in
the three separate disposal areas in 1990. The scope of the investigation has included
sampling of groundwater, surface water, soils, and sediments. Expanded studies
included an ecological impact assessment, a landfill gas migration evaluation, and revised
assessment of alternatives that include the feasibility of using several innovative cleanup
technologies. The EPA will evaluate cleanup alternatives through 1998, and following a public
comment period, will select a final cleanup remedy for the site in late 1999.
Environmental Progress
The Town of South Kingstown has provided a safe drinking water supply to residents who could
potentially be affected by contaminants migrating from the site. EPA has investigated landfill gas
migration from the site to nearby residences and the Town of South Kingstown has taken action to
control the threat to the public. The EPA will continue to assess conditions at the Rose Hill
Regional Landfill site as the evaluation of cleanup alternatives progresses.
Site Repository
South Kingstown Public Library, 1057 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI02883
November 1998 2 ROSE HILL REGIONAL LANDFILL
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STAMINA
MILLS, INC.
RHODE ISLAND
EPAID0RID980731442
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
North Smithfield
Other Names:
Forestdale-Stamina
Mills, Inc.
Site Description
Stamina Mills, which is on a 5-acre parcel of land, began operating as a textile mill in the early
1900s. It was closed for an undetermined period of time during the Depression and changed
ownership in the 1940s. In 1969, a solvent scouring system which used trichloroethylene (TCE) for
removing oil and dirt from newly woven fabric was installed. Some time during that year, a
unknown quantity of trichloroethylene (TCE) was spilled at the site. In 1975, the mill was closed. In
1977, a fire destroyed the manufacturing complex; the site has been vacant and unused since then. In
1981, in response to the discovery of private well contamination, the Rhode Island Water Resources
Board and the Town of North Smithfield installed a public water line to area residences; however,
not all residences were connected to the service. The EPA later provided resources to extend the
water system and complete connections to those residences. By 1987, all residences impacted by the
spill were connected to the public water supply. The Village of Forestdale, with a population of
approximately 1,000, is located within a '/^-mile of the site. A school and private residences with
nearly 300 people are located within % mile of the site. Industrial and commercial facilities with
about 1,200 people are within Vi mile of the site. The site is bordered by wetlands and the Branch
River to the south.
Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily TCE
and some of its byproducts. Sediments are contaminated with TCE, the pesticide dieldrin,
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The soil is contaminated with TCE,
dieldrin, and heavy metals including lead, arsenic, and cadmium, as well as PAHs.
Surface water is contaminated primarily with VOCs. People who trespass on the site
potentially are at risk from direct contact with contaminated soils, surface water, or
groundwater. In 1986, a security fence was erected to prevent unauthorized entry into the
site.
November 1998
-------
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1981, the Rhode Island Water Resources Board and the
Town of North Smithfield installed a public water line to area residences and provided
bottled water to those residences that were not connected to the services. In 1984, the
EPA provided resources for extending the public water system and connecting additional residences
to the system. By 1987, all residences impacted by the spill were connected to the public water
supply. In 1986, the EPA also installed a fence to prevent entry to the site. In 1988, the EPA
removed two tanks from the site, pumped the waste from the tanks, and sent it to an approved
hazardous waste facility. In 1990, the EPA removed the contents of an aboveground storage tank,
decontaminated the tank shell, and disposed of the tank contents at an EPA-approved hazardous
waste facility.
Entire Site: Based on its investigation, the EPA selected the following remedy to clean
up the site: in-place vacuum extraction of soil contaminated with TCE in the spill area,
which involves installation of a number of shallow wells to withdraw air containing TCE
and other VOCs for carbon treatment; excavation of approximately 550 cubic yards of landfill waste
and sediments hi the 100-year flood plain; and redepositing excavated landfill waste under a new
multi-layer cap. Groundwater will be extracted and treated with ultraviolet light (UV) and hydrogen
peroxide, an innovative technology to remove VOCs. Mill raceways will be sealed, and on-site
buildings will be demolished. Deed restrictions will be used at the site to regulate land use and
preserve the integrity of the remedy's components. The septic tank location will be confirmed and its
contents tested and removed. The contents of the tank and the tank itself will be disposed of. A
monitoring program for the groundwater, soil, surface water, and sediments will be implemented to
ensure the effectiveness of the selected remedies. Demolition activities were completed in the
summer of 1992. At that time, partially standing structures were demolished, debris and building
rubble were sorted and disposed of, voids were collapsed and filled in, the two raceways were
sealed, and a majority of the site was graded and covered with clean fill. Quarterly groundwater
sampling activities were initiated at the site in November 1992. The results of quarterly groundwater
monitoring will be used to establish a baseline of information prior to the design and construction of
the groundwater extraction and treatment system. Pre-design field work including the operation of a
pilot-scale soil vapor extraction and groundwater UV/Hydrogen Peroxide System has been
completed. The construction of the soil vapor system was completed in December of 1997. The
system became operational in May 1998. The landfill capping design was completed and approved
by EPA in March 1998. Construction activities were initiated in August 1998 and are anticipated to
be completed by December 1998. The groundwater extraction and treatment design should be
completed by the spring of 1999 and construction initiated by the summer of 1999.
November1998 2 STAMINA MILLS, INC.
-------
Site Facts: In 1991, an Administrative Order was issued by the EPA to the operator of the site to
perform the cleanup of the site. To date, the operator has been in compliance with the requirements
of the order.
Environmental Progress
Providing a public water supply and fencing the site have reduced the potential for exposure to the
contamination at the Stamina Mills site while construction of the final site remedies is underway.
Site Repository
North Smithfield Public Library, 20 Main Street, Slatersville, RI02876
STAMINA MILLS, INC.
November 1998
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WEST
TOWN DUMP/URl 1
DISPOSAL AREA hr
RHODE ISLAND
EPAIDJRID981063993
EPA REGION 1
Washington County
South Kingstown
Other names:
South Kingstown Landfill No. 2
URI Gravel Bank
Sherman Farm
Site Description
This site consists of two adjacent properties, the West Kingston Town Dump and the University of
Rhode Island (URI) Disposal Area. Known in the past as "South Kingstown Landfill #2," the 6 1A-
acre West Kingston Town Dump received solid waste from the Town of South Kingstown beginning
in the 1930s. In the early 1950s, the Town of Narragansett and URI also began disposing of their
solid waste in the landfill. This disposal of solid waste went unregulated until 1967, when the Rhode
Island Department of Health (RI DOH) noted during a site inspection that wastes disposed of at the
site were from industrial, residential, commercial, and institutional sources. Numerous operational
violations were subsequently cited by RI DOH. A 1975 study conducted by the URI Department of
Civil Engineering and the Rhode Island Water Resources Board resulted in the discovery of a
leachate plume beneath the landfill which was contaminating groundwater as far as 1,200 feet west
of the dump. From 1945 to 1987, solid waste was also accepted at the 12-acre URI Disposal Area,
referred to in the past as the "URI Gravel Bank" or the "Sherman Farm." After closure of the town
dump in 1978, the URI Disposal Area began accepting most of URI's waste, including small
quantities of empty paint cans, oil containers, and pesticide containers. Lab equipment, machinery,
closed drums, and old tanks buried on site were discovered by the Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management (RI DEM) during a 1987 inspection. RI DEM instructed URI to remove
contaminated debris from the site, an action which was completed by URI in 1987. Vehicle access to
the site is restricted by a locked chain-link gate across the gravel access road at its intersection with
Plains Road. An estimated 15,800 people obtain their drinking water supply from three major public
wells located within 4 miles of the site. An additional 12,000 persons are supplied by private wells,
the nearest being approximately 1,000 feet northwest of the site. The site is located within the
Chipuxet River valley basin. Hundred Acre Pond, part of the river, is approximately 1,500 feet from
the site. The river basin is a major groundwater resource.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/29/91
Final Date: 10/14/92
November 1998
-------
Threats and Contaminants
Private wells near the site are contaminated with various volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). VOCs also have been detected in the on-site pond. Heavy metals, including
lead, were detected in groundwater in on-site monitoring wells. Individuals who ingest
contaminated surface water or groundwater may be at risk. Wetlands on site may be at
risk from contaminated surface water.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1987, URI removed 159 tons of materials and transported
them to federally-approved waste disposal facilities. Removal investigations of the site
were performed in mid-1992 and the fall of 1993. These investigations indicated that
the site does not pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment. Three private wells,
approximately 875 feet west of the site, were closed in 1988 due to contamination and were
connected to the URI water supply
Entire Site: An investigation to determine the extent of contamination at the entire
site is planned to begin in 1999.
Environmental Progress
The immediate removal and disposal of materials have reduced health hazards while site
investigations are underway at the West Kingston Town Dump/URI Disposal Area site. Three
residents, where VOCs were found in residential wells, were converted to the URI water supply in
1988.
Site Repository 1
South KingstonTown Hall,High Street,Wakefield,RI 02880 (401) 789-9331
November 1998 2 WEST KINGSTON TOWN DUMP/
URI DISPOSAL AREA
-------
WESTERN
SAND &
GRAVEL
RHODE ISLAND
EPA ID* RID009764929
EPA REGION 1
Providence County
Burrillville, adjacent to Douglas Pike
Site Description
Western Sand & Gravel, a 20-acre site located in a rural residential area of Burrillville, was a sand
and gravel quarry operation from 1953 until 1975. The quarrying operation continues today. From
1975 to 1979, approximately 12 acres of the 20-acre site were used for the disposal of liquid wastes,
including chemicals and septic waste. Over time, the wastes penetrated into the permeable soil and
contaminated the groundwater. Contents of tank trucks were emptied directly into 12 open lagoons
and pits, none of which were lined with protective materials. The pits were concentrated on a hill
that slopes to Tarkiln Brook, which is used for recreational purposes and drains into the Slaterville
Reservoir. The State closed the disposal operation because nearby residents complained of odors.
Approximately 600 people within a 1-mile radius of the site depend on groundwater. Eight homes
were found to have contaminated wells.
Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/23/81
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
On-site groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including
toluene, trichloroethylene (TCE), trichloroethane, benzene, chlorobenzene, and
dichloroethane. The water of Tarkiln Brook contains similar contaminants. The soil also
was contaminated with VOCs. Prior to the capping of the soil and sludge and the
provision of an alternate water supply, potential exposure to VOCs may have occurred by
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated soil or groundwater.
November 1998
-------
Cleanup Approach
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In early 1980, the State began to pump one lagoon dry to halt leachate
movement. Approximately 60,000 gallons of liquid chemical and septic waste were
removed for off-site disposal. A groundwater recirculation system was installed.
Water Line: The EPA built a permanent alternate water supply to service
approximately 56 parcels of land. The potentially responsible parties installed carbon
canister filters as a temporary protective measure in all the homes in the affected area
until the permanent water supply was functional. Construction of the permanent water line was
completed in 1992.
Soil Capping: In 1988, the parties potentially responsible for contamination installed a
2l/2-acK cap over the areas of contaminated soil and sludge and graded the site to
promote runoff and drainage. The site was also fenced and the potentially responsible
parties agreed to maintain the fence, cap, and site. All construction is complete.
Groundwater: The potentially responsible parties conducted an investigation to
determine the extent of contamination and to evaluate alternatives for cleanup of the off-
site groundwater. The investigation was completed in early 1991. Based on the
investigation, the EPA selected a remedy of cleanup through natural attenuation. The process of
natural attenuation is being evaluated every three years. If the natural attenuation is not progressing
at the expected rate, EPA may require the installation of a groundwater pump and treat system.
Site Facts: Approximately 45 potentially responsible parties entered into a Consent Decree with
the EPA and agreed to pay for past costs, build a cap, conduct an investigation to determine the
nature and extent of contamination, and identify alternatives for cleanup of contaminated
groundwater. The parties also agreed to pay the EPA for the cost of construction of the alternate
water supply system.
Environmental Progress
Construction of all cleanup activities is complete, including fencing, capping, and grading the
contaminated areas of the Western Sand & Gravel site, installing carbon canister filters, installing an
alternative water supply system, and installing and monitoring a groundwater monitoring network.
Stabilizing the site and providing an alternate water supply system are keeping the site safe while
natural processes clean the groundwater.
Site Repository 1
Burrillville Town Hall, 105 Harrisville Main Street, Harrisville, RI02830
November 1998 2 WESTERN SAND & GRAVEL
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EPA Region 1
New England
Superfund/RCRA
Reform Initiatives
Accomplishments Report
January 1999
IN DVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY
-------
c/EFft
R«Jion I, New England
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Superfund Administrative Reform Initiative
Accomplishment Report
January 1999
Rich Cavagnero (OSRR, GE) 8 (617)918-1251
Mike Jasinski (OSRR, Otis) S (617)918-1352
Dave Dickerson (OSRR, New Bedford) « (617)918-1329
Karen Lumino (OSRR, Pine Street) & (617)918-1348
EPA-New England's Superfund Reform Agenda outlines initiatives that promote faster cleanups and quicker, fairer settlements.
The Community Empowerment Initiative expands EPA-New England's efforts to inform and involve the community in cleanup
decisions and in discussions on future property uses. Four sites in New England were chosen to demonstrate our actions.
Pine Street
Barge Canal
yy
New Bedford
Harbor
Pine Street Canal Superfund Site
EPAhas officially adopted a $4.38 million cleanup plan for the Pine Street Canal Superfund Site in
Burlington, Vermont. The plan was developed through an extraordinary, five year intensive effort
-a true partnership of local residents, Vermont environmental groups, EPA and the Vermont
Agency of Natural Resources, and the companies who bear the financial responsibility for cleaning
up the site. The cleanup plan, which received wide-spread community support, includes capping
of canal sediments that present the highest risk to the environment, covering several wetlands
areas of contaminated soil and sediment near the canal, long term monitoring and institutional
controls for groundwater and land use development. EPA and the Potentially Responsible Parties
(PRPs) are currently negotiating a Consent Decree which would require the PRPs to implement
the above referenced remedy.
New Bedford Harbor
EPA established aNew Bedford Community Forum to advise decision makers about New
Bedford Harbor cleanup options and develop a consensus decision on how to clean up the
harbor. The Community Forum was made up of citizens, local environment and concerned
groups, local communities and state and federal agencies.
EPA issued a Record of Decision on the cleanup of New Bedford Harbor in the fall of 1999,
based on a consensus decision document signed by all members of the forum.
EPA with advise from Community Forum representatives, conducted three treatability field tests
for the Hot Spot sediments dredge from the harbor in 1994 -1995. An amended ROD for the
disposal of the hot spot sediment will be issued in the spring of 1999. Again a consensus decision
document was developed and signed by all members of the forum.
MA Military Reservations (Otis)
Approximately 10 advisory groups - with over 100 community representatives - that focus on
various cleanup issues have held hundreds of public meetings in the last two years. These citizen
teams provide advise and raise concerns on behalf of the towns - Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee
and Sandwich - most affected by soil contamination on MMR and groundwater contamination
emanating from the MMR.
"Involving the community in cleanup decisions"
-------
htA Military
Reservation
(Otis)
General Electric
The Department of Defense assigned the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE)
as the lead for directing the cleanup in 1996. The Air Force has since developed a Strategic Plan
which provides overall direction for cleaning up the base and a comprehensive cleanup plan for each
plume contaminating the groundwater. The Air Force has also sought public comment on their draft
decision criteria matrix, which outlined the factors and options to be evaluated when designing
cleanup plans. The decision criteria matrix has been utilized for four groundwater plumes to reach
consensus on the most appropriate groundwater remedial action design over the last 2 years.
AFCEE continues to perform biweekly private well testing and provide bottled water to residents
near contaminated groundwater plumes, until their homes can be connected to municipal water
supplies. Over the past two years, several hundred residents to have been hooked up to municipal
water lines in the Falmouth and Bourne areas.
In 1997 EPA issued the National Guard Bureau an order under the Safe Drinking Water Act to
Study the Impact Area and Training Ranges. An advisory team of local citizens, State, and National
Guard personnel meet on a monthly basis to discuss recent findings and areas needing investigation.
The Housatonic River Initiative (FIR1), a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to the restoration of
the Housatonic River and flood plain and the clean up of chemical contamination in the community,
has received two separate funding vehicles from the US EPA.
The first, is a $50,000 Technical Assistance Grant for independent technical advisors who will
interpret technical documents and assist HRI in preparing comments to EPA and the public, and
second, a $50,000 Grant from the US EPA, to be used in conjunction with the Massachusetts
Environmental Trust in partnership with the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, HRI has
created Housatonic River Restoration, a broad-based coalition of interested and concerned stake-
holders, to ensure public participation in the assessment of natural resource damages the community
may have suffered as a result of the PCB contamination of the Housatonic.
General Electric, Pittsfield
The newly established Citizens Coordinating Council (CCC) representing a broad-range of civic,
environmental, and special interests meets monthly in Pittsfield. The CCC is a focus group for the
Berkshire community to receive information and provide feedback on the various cleanup and
restoration activities in Pittsfield and the surrounding areas.
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&EPA
Region 1, New England
CLEAN 2000
Administrative Reform Initiative
Accomplishment Report
January, 1999
Matthew Hoagland (OSRR) a (617) 918-1361
The EPA New England RCRA Corrective Action Program is charged with overseeing the cleanup at over 500
facilities that manage hazardous wastes. The program is fully committed to meeting objectives set under the
Government Performance and Results Act and will build upon the successes of previous initiatives to do so.
GPRA utilizes two environmental indicators as measures of success. These indicators are known as "No
Current Human Exposures" (formerly known as "Human Exposures Controlled") and "No Further Migration
of Contaminated Groundwater" (formerly known as "Groundwater Releases Controlled"). GPRA requires
that by the year 2005,95% of the RCRA facilities on the GPRA List achieve the No Current Human Expo-
sures indicator and 70% achieve the No Further Miration of Contaminated Groundwater indicator.
Planning
Start Cleanups
Planning
> The GPRA List will be a finite set of current and former RCRA Treatment, Storage and
Disposal Facilities most of which have a ranking of high using the National Corrective Action
Prioritization System (NCAPS). The list will be finalized by EPA Headquarters sometime this
summer.
^Currently, 167 New England facilities are on the draft GPRA List.
Progress
> Our experience to date has shown that facilities with high NCAPS rankings will oftentimes
need to perform cleanup actions in some form before the environmental indicators can be
achieved. Cleanup actions include RCRA closures, interim cleanup measures and final clean-
ups in accordance with final remedy decisions. Our information shows that on average at least
one interim cleanup measure is needed before the No Current Human Exposures indicator has
been achieved.
> So far, 20 facilities have achieved the No Current Human Exposures indicator and nine
facilities have achieved the No Further Migration of Contaminated Groundwater indicator.
Additionally, there have been 185 interim cleanup measures conducted at 67 facilities. 61% of
these interim cleanup measures have been completed.
> In recent years, EPA-NE has successfully streamlined the Corrective Action process by
developing, among other things, a successful system to allow facilities to perform Corrective
Outreach
"Cleanup through cooperation "
-------
Action on a self-directed basis. Currently 55 facilities have taken advantage of the
self-directed option. EPA will, however, consider issuing enforcement orders where
necessary to achieve the GPRA objectives.
Communications
> EPA-NE staff are coordinating with our RCRA counterparts in the state environ-
mental agencies. Facilities can work with their state environmental agencies to
achieve the environmental indicators.
> EPA-NE staff are sending out the latest environmental indicator guidance to
facilities on the draft GPRA list and encouraging facilities to begin steps now to
achieve the environmental indicators.
> EPA-NE and EPA-HQ staff are currently developing web sites that will provide
1) guidance to RCRA facilities and 2) information on each facility's progress
toward the GPRA objectives.
-------
f/EPA
Keglon 1, New England
UPDATING REMEDY DECISION:
Superfund Administrative Reform Initiative
Accomplishment Report
January 1999
Larry Brill (OSRR) 8(617)918-1301
Joanna Jerison(ORC) @ (617) 918-1781
Revised
Remedies
EPA-New England's Superfund Reform Agenda outlined initiatives that promotes faster cleanups and quicker,
fairer settlements. Through the Updating Remedy Decisions Initiative, EPA-New England reviews past decisions
to determine if new or better information is available that would yield a more cost-effective solution while maintaining
health and environmental cleanup standards.
> Updated remedy decisions at 14 Superfund sites in the Region, reducing costs by more
than $80 million while ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.
Ammended Record of Decision (ROD) or Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD)
at the sites listed below.
> Revised the original soil remedy at Norwood (MA) based on new cost and design
data. Issued ROD amendment with full public and state involvement. Soil consolida-
tion and capping selected to replace escalated cost soil treatment system, saving over
$45 million.
> Revised parts of the Charles George (MA) remedy the eliminated a costly pump and
treat system and tied into local sewer system.
> Revised a portion of the remedy at Davis Liquid (RI), saving an estimated $4 million.
Low temperature thermal desorption replaced incineration of soil based on updated
information about performance and cost.
> Revised a portion of the remedy at Coakley Landfill (NH), saving an estimated
$650,000. Based on new data indicating reduced landfill gas volumes, allowed passive
gas venting instead of flaring of gases.
> Revised a portion of the remedy at PSC Resources (MA), saving an estimated
$ 1 million. Changed from in-situ stabilization to ex-situ stabilization to consolidate
wastes under an impermeable cap.
> Revised long-term groundwater remedy at five sites throughout New England in
response to new monitoring data, saving an estimated $20 million. New data
allowed the original source control remedy to be modified consistent with national
groundwater guidance. The sites were Pinette's Salvage Yard (ME); Groveland
(MA); and Auburn Road, Savage, and South Municipal (NH).
> EPA will continue to review all remedy decisions to identify sites where new
information indicates revisions may be appropriate.
> Turned off first groundwater pump-and-treat system in New England at Gilson
Road (Nashua, NH) after achieving cleanup goals in the groundwater. Treatment
cost savings estimated at $3.6 million. Groundwater will continue to be monitored.
Ongoing
Reviews
"Ensuring common-sense remedies"
-------
>>EPA
Region 1, New England
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Innovative Technology
Superfund Administrative Reform Initiative Accomplishment Report
Januarv 1999
JohnSmaldone (OSRR)8(617)918-1207
Dennis Huebner (OSRR) S (617) 918-1203
Beginning in 1994, the EPA New England Superfund Innovative Technology Initia-
tive established an infrastructure dedicated to promote waste clean up innovative
technologies in field studies, clean up and in our remedial culture. The initiative's
overall goals are to advance resource protection and enhance the technology market-
place. The initiative relies on leveraged resources to achieve these goals.
Field Studies
Cleanup
Changing
Culture
Field Studies
>.Reduced by up to half, the study and clean up time at waste sites and saved
more than 2.2 million dollars at (6) sites: AM Developers, Angelillo Property,
Coronet Leather and Harper Leader in CT; Hanscom Air Force Base and Mas-
sachusetts Military Reservation in MA.
Clean up
> Projected savings in innovative technology construction and operating costs
up to 17 million dollars at (2) sites: Stamina Mills site in RI and the
Somersworth Landfill in NH.
> Began or completed field construction of innovative remedial technologies at
(21) Superfund and RCRA sites.
» Conducted (14) innovative technology field demonstrations.
Culture
^Brokered (32) vendor presentations to regulators.
> Assisted in securing more than one million dollars to support field demon-
strations.
^Completed (7) cost and performance case studies for technology transfer.
^Issued (4) quality assurance guidelines for innovative field analytical
technologies.
^Conducted (7) innovative technology workshops.
^Issued (5) innovative technology publications and a videotape.
»More than three million dollars in business agreements and (6) million dollars
in sales have been reported.
"Advanced resource protection, enhanced marketplace "
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CERCLIS SITE STATUS
EPA SITE ASSESSMENTS AND FUTURE NPL LISTING
GAO Report on CERCLIS Sites Awaiting an NPL Decision
In 1998 the U. S. Government Accounting Office (GAO) conducted an investigation into the status
of more than 3,000 sites contained in CERCLIS 1 (740 in New England) for which site assessments
have been performed, but a decision regarding NPL2 proposal has not been made. As part of their
investigation the GAO asked the states and the EPA Regional offices to complete surveys on each of
these sites. Based in large part on these surveys, their report, entitled, "Hazardous Waste:
Unaddressed Risks at Many Potential Superfund Sites" was finalized on December 22 ,1998.
In this report, the GAO identified 1,789 sites (579 in New England) as potentially eligible for listing
on the NPL, and 232 sites (six in New England) which either the state or the EPA identified in
then- surveys as appropriate candidates for the NPL. Of the six sites identified by New England
states as strong NPL candidates, one has been finalized on the NPL (Pownal Tannery, Pownal, VT)
and one will be proposed for listing in 1999 (Eastland Woolen Mill, Corinna, ME). Three others are
town landfills which are currently being addressed by the state programs (Sanford, ME; Cranston
and Coventry, RI) and one needs additional evaluation to determine whether it is eligible for listing
(Jard Co., Bennington, VT).
EPA New England has worked closely with its state counterparts to verify the current status of
each of the 579 sites identified as potential NPL candidates in the GAO report. Most of these sites
were initially assessed by the Federal Superfund program, are now being addressed under state
program authorities and are in various stages of assessment and cleanup. Some are being
addressed in accordance with the requirements of the state Voluntary Cleanup Program. EPA New
England and the states are reviewing each of these sites and identifying those which should be
coded in CERCLIS as "state lead" sites. Upon receipt of the appropriate documentation from the
state and with EPA's concurrence, "state lead" sites will continue to be monitored by EPA, but no
further steps will be taken to list them on the NPL. Rather, they will be addressed under state
program authorities. Upon the successful completion of all state program requirements, and at the
recommendation of the state, EPA would consider whether these "state lead" sites should be
archived from CERCLIS. In the meantime, EPA resources will be focused more closely on the
remaining CERCLIS sites not coded as "state lead," and which therefore, may be appropriate
candidates for listing.
EPA New England and the states are also preparing fact sheets for each of the sites awaiting an
NPL decision. The fact sheets describe the site, its current status under the state and federal
programs, and any anticipated actions. These summaries will be available on the EPA New
England Web Site in March 1999 and they will be updated periodically. EPA and each New
England state is also creating a "Watch List" of a few high profile sites that warrant close
monitoring and more frequent federal-state communications. The "Watch List" will include
CERCLIS and non-CERCLIS sites that have generated exceptional Congressional or public
interest, are likely NPL candidates, or for any other reason merit closer attention.
1 CERCLIS is the Superfund program inventory of known and suspected hazardous waste disposal sites.
2 National Priorities List or "Superfund List"
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CERCLIS SITE STATUS
EPA SITE ASSESSMENTS AND FUTURE NPL LISTING
GAO Sites Awaiting Decision
MA
(204 Sites)
ME
(36 Sites)
CT
(305 Sites)
3,000 NATIONAL
til .
J? Region I
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Environmental Protection Agency - Region 1
1 Congress Street, Suite 1100
Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2023
GE Pittsfield Team
Rich Cavagnero (Detail)
617-918-1251
Otis Team
Mike Jasinski
617-918-1352
Office Director
Patricia Meaney
617-918-1201
Deputy Director
Frank Ciavattieri
617-918-1202
Emergency Planning &
Response
SteveNovick (Acting)
617-918-1271
Site Evaluation &
Response I
David Mclntyre
617-918-1281
Site Evaluation &
Response II
Gary Lipson (Acting)
617-918-1274
Emergency Response
Dennisses Valdes
617-918-1261
Associate Director
Management
Dennis Huebner
617-918-1203
Associate Director
Policy
& Brownfields
Paula Lia Fitzsimmons
617-918-1204
Remediation & Restoration I
Larry Brill
617-918-1301
New Hampshire/Rhode Island
Superfund
Dick Boynton
617-918-1331
Massachusetts Superfund
Dan Coughlin
617-918-1321
UST/LUST Team
Bill Tonrey
617-918-1311
Main Number: 617-918-1200
Fax Numbers: 617-918-1291 or 617-918-1294
Remediation & Restoration II
Don Berger
617-918-1351
RCRA Corrective Action
Matt Hoagland
617-918-1361
Maine/Vermont/Connecticut
Superfund
MaryJane O'Donnell
617-918-1371
Federal Facilities
Mary Sanderson
617-918-1381
Technical & Support
Stan Chin
617-918-1401
Search & Cost Recovery
Bruce Marshall
617-918-1411
Contracts Management
Maggie Leshen
617-918-1421
Technical Support & Site
Assessment
Dennis Gagne
617-918-1431
Raymark Team
Ron Jennings
617-918-1242
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