\ SUPERFUND fSSgz? TECHNICAL SUPPORT ***~ f PROJECT GUIDE FOR REGIONAL PROJECT MANAGERS ------- July 1992 SUPERFUND ? TECHNICAL SUPPORT - PROJECT GUIDE FOR REGIONAL PROJECT MANAGERS Technology Innovation Office Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Walter W. Kovalick, Jr., Ph.D., Director ------- Preface This document provides OSCs, RPMs, and other Regional project managers with a detailed description of the Technical Support Project (TSP) and how the Project can be accessed to provide technical assistance from ORE) laboratories and other offices in EPA to support the remediation of hazardous waste sites. Also included in this document are descriptions of each of the Technical Support Centers (TSCs) that provide these services, and the names and telephone numbers of TSP Forum members and TSC contacts. This second edition of the Technical Support Project Users Guide includes information on the new TSC for Radiological and Chemical Assessment at the National Air and Radiation Environmental Research Laboratory (NAREL), operated by EPA's Office of Radiation Programs, as well as updates from the ORD laboratories. The project has recently been expanded to incorporate RCRA Corrective Action staff in the Regions, and differences in procedures between the two programs are noted where applicable. Walter W. Kovalick, Jr., Ph.I Director, Technology Innovation Office ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Contents OVERVIEW Background and Objectives 1 Technical Support Centers 1 Technical Support Forums . 2 Project Funding 2 PROCEDURES Initiating a Technical Assistance Request 3 Special Procedures 7 Follow-up Activities for Projects 8 Project Tracking 8 CENTERS Selecting a Technical Support Center 9 Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory (RSKERL) 10 Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) 10 Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas (EMSL-LV) .. 11 Environmental Research Laboratory, Athens (ERL-Athens) 11 Environmental Response Team (ERT) 12 Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ECAO-Cincinnati) 12 National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) 13 APPENDICES TSP Forum Members 17 RSKERL-Ada 23 RREL-Cincinnati 27 EMSL-LV 29 ERL-Athens 33 ERT-Edison 35 ECAO-Cincinnati 37 NAREL 39 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide OVERVIEW Background and Objectives The Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), Regional Superfund Offices, and the Office of Research and Development (ORD) established the Superfund Technical Support Project (TSP) in 1987 to provide technology-based assistance to Regional Remedial Project Managers (RPMs) and On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) through ORD laboratories. The Project consists of a network of Regional Forums, seven specialized Technical Support Centers (TSCs) located in ORD laboratories, the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, the Environmental Response Team (ERT), and the Office of Radiation Program's National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL). The objectives of the TSP are to: • Provide the opportunity for Headquarters, Labs, and Regions to work toward a mutual goal of identifying specific needs of Regional Project Managers and Regional technical staff and providing them with state-of- the-science technical assistance; • Improve communications among Regions and ORD laboratories; • Ensure coordination and consistency in the application of remedial technologies; • Furnish high-technology demonstrations, workshops and state-of-the- science information for RPMs, OSCs, and other project managers; and • Facilitate the evaluation and application of alternative investigatory and remedial techniques at hazardous waste sites. Technical Support Centers Technical Support Centers provide technological support and assistance through telephone communications, site visits, document review, technology evaluation, information clearinghouses, the OSWER Cleanup Information Bulletin Board, demonstration projects, and technical workshops. There are seven TSCs providing these services through the TSP. The Centers provide technology-based assistance in the areas of: • Monitoring and Site Characterization • Ground-Water Fate and Transport • Engineering and Treatment • Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment • Emergency Response, Remedial and Removal Technologies • Health and Risk Assessment • Radiological and Chemical Assessment ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Technical Support Technical Support Forums are comprised of one or more technical specialists, Forums RPMs, or OSCs from each of EPA's ten regions. Two Forums have been established to date: Ground-Water Fate and Transport and Engineering, with members from both Superfund and RCRA offices in the Regions. Forum members provide information to Project Managers in their Regions regarding TSP efforts, research undertaken by the Centers, and problems and successes experienced by other Regions including the application of remedial technologies at hazardous waste sites. Forum representatives: • Channel communications among the Regions, TSCs, Headquarters personnel, and existing EPA technical programs; • Identify specific technical issues and needs, and work with the Centers to address these issues in order to facilitate successful completion of site remediation; • Act as a technical resource to the Regions and the Centers; and • Route technical assistance information to Regional colleagues. Project Funding The TSP is accessed by a telephone call or letter to one of the Center Directors. Any Regional staff member involved in the Superfund or RCRA programs can contact the Centers directly or with the assistance of a Forum member in their Region. The Center Director will discuss your problem, and if substantial assistance is needed to solve the problem (e.g., more than two person-days of effort), he or she will initiate a TSP project. All such projects must be formally requested by the Regional recipient in writing (see next page). Each Superfund site is limited to a ceiling of $50,000 in extramural support through the TSP, unless special written approval is granted from the TSP Project Manager.1 Additional funding from the Regions is encouraged using site-specific Regional funds that have been allocated through the Superfund Comprehensive Accomplishments Plan (SCAP). The TSCs are responsible for establishing budgets and tracking expenditures for each request and each site. This is important information for determining the level of potential cost recovery for each site and ensuring that the limited resources available under the TSP are equitably distributed among the Regions. 1 To determine the current TSP funding status of a specific site, contact your Forum member or the TSP Project Manager. RCRA projects are limited to a lower ceiling; check with the laboratory or a Forum member. ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT PROCEDURES Initiating a Technical All technical support project requests must be in writing. To initiate a Assistance Request technical assistance request, follow the procedures outlined below: 1. Contact the appropriate TSC directly to discuss specific technical questions and the nature of the request. This is particularly important to situations where issues may be resolved or questions answered by telephone. It will also assist both you and the TSC in project planning and logistics. The TSCs may be accessed either directly or through Regional Forum representatives. If you are unsure which Center to call, or would like to discuss your need for technical assistance, please contact one of your Regional Forum members or the TSP Project Manager. A list of Forum members and their phone numbers is available in Appendix A. Forum members are well informed of current TSP projects and Center capabilities and will be able to advise you based on their experience. 2. Once it has been established that the TSC can provide the requested services, a written request must be transmitted to the Center. The Regional Branch Chief and the TSP Project Manager must receive copies of all written requests. The following information should be included in each written request: • Requestor's name and position • Site name and CERCLA (or other) site number • Lead status (Superfund/Enforcement/Federal Facilities/ ) • Specific product expected from the Center • Deadline by which it will be needed « Project funding information, if it is anticipated that funds in addition to those provided by the TSP will be required. Written requests may be submitted as a letter or by completing a "Request for Technical Support" form. Examples of each format and a blank request form are provided on the following pages. ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Sample Technical Support Project Request Letter MEMORANDUM SUBJ: Request for OSWER Technical Support Project Assistance FROM: Jane Doe, Remedial Project Manager Region XX TO: John Smith, Director Technical Support Center XYZ Laboratory The purpose of this memorandum is to request Superfund Technical Support Project assistance. This assistance is required for the ABC Landfill enforcement-lead Superfund site, CERCLA site number YZD078964734. A remedial action Statement of Work (SOW) for the ABC Landfill site is attached. Task 2 of the SOW details the work to be performed in evaluating in situ waste stabilization. Expert technical assistance is required in assessing the evaluation. Because of the potential importance of this evaluation, it is necessary that written comments from the Center be provided by no later than January 17, 1991. This assistance is not expected to exceed $50K in value, however, should this limit be approached, Region XX must be informed so that alternate funding may be pursued. Alternate funding was not considered for this project as it is not expected that TSP work at this site will exceed $50K. Please inform me of your receipt of this request, and let me know whether any problems in meeting the required deadline are anticipated. Attachment cc: Rich Steimle, TSP Project Manager Jann Johnson, Chief Superfund Programs Branch, Region XX ------- Request for Technical Support RSKERL-Ada H RREL-Cincinnati ERL-Athens Q] EMSL-Las Vegas n ECAO-Cincinnati Q ERT-Edison NAREL-Montgomery Q Other Date: May 15,1998 Requestor: Jane Doe Region & Division: Region XX, Superfund Construction Section Site Name & NO.: ABC Landfill - YZD078964734 n Fund Lead 0 Enforcement Lead D State Lead D Federal Facility D Other (specify) Nature of Request Review Statement of Work for ABC Landfill—Task 2. Evaluating in situ waste stabilization Deliverables and Due Dates Written comments on SOW, due January 17,1999 List of Attachments Statement of Work cc: Branch Chief TSP Project Manager, OSWER/TIO (OS-110W) Technology Innovation Office • U.S. EPA • 401 M Street, S.W. • Washington, DC 20460 ------- Request for Technical Support RSKERL-Ada D RREL-Cincinnati ^v \ ERL-Athens D EMSL-Las Vegas 5 ' •—' * ECAO-Cincinnati D ERT-Edison i—i ro'ocl NAREL-Montgomery Q Other Date: Requestor: Region & Division: Site Name& No.:. Fund Lead D Enforcement Lead D State Lead D Federal Facility Other (specify) Nature of Request Deliverables and Due Dates List of Attachments cc: Branch Chief TSP Project Manager, OSWER/TIO (OS-110W) Technology Innovation Office • U.S. EPA • 401 M Street, S.W. • Washington, DC 20460 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide The Center Director may assign your project to one or more members of the Center's Technical Support staff depending on the type(s) of expertise needed. You will work directly with that person and the Center Director to see that your technical assistance needs are filled. The Centers have established methods for providing quick response to technical assistance needs ranging from simple requests for information to detailed technical review of contractor reports or work plans to full-scale treatability studies or other work requiring a site visit. If the needed expertise is not available within the laboratory, the Director can arrange for expert consultants from academia or the private sector to assist you. Special Procedures The TSP was designed to provide quick-response technical assistance to Regional field staff through short-term, relatively inexpensive projects conducted by ORD laboratories or other technical experts. The procedures described above are applicable to more than 80% of requests received by the TSP to date. However, special procedures apply in certain circumstances: • When the budget for responding to your request is expected to exceed the $50,000 per site limit, prior written approval by the TSP Project Manager is required. If a critical assistance project is expected to require additional resources, the Region is encouraged to contribute utilizing site-specific Regional funds. • If a technical workshop or training course is requested, the request must be signed by the Regional Branch Chief. While it is possible to provide this type of service through the TSP if Regional management is convinced of the need, it is expected that other sources of funds will normally be sought. Requests of this nature may be forwarded to the OSWER Training Program (Marlene Suit, 703/308-8847). • Research projects, the development of standard protocols, and complex treatability studies are examples of projects which are outside the scope of the TSP. These types of projects should be discussed with the Centers to determine alternate funding approaches.2 • Multiple requests at a single site can lead to a few Regions or a few sites receiving substantial support while others are not addressed. It is expected that if a particular site requires substantial technical assistance due either to the nature of the site or the type of remedy, the Region would make provisions for providing funds for technical assistance. Such sites may also be candidates for support from ORD's Superfund Technical Assistance Response Team (START). 2 For information on other technical support resources, see Technical Support Services for Superfund Site Remediation and RCRA Corrective Action (EPA/540/8-91/091). ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Follow-up Activities For Projects Once the project has been initiated, the requestor should maintain contact with the TSC to track the project's progress and resolve any deviations from the initial request. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Center obtains any necessary information or documentation on the site. Be very clear in your communication with the Center as to what is needed by what date. Also be sure to inform them if sensitive or confidential data is involved. Project tracking information is available from your Forum representative. Each Technical Support Center prepares quarterly status reports of projects undertaken and funds expended. Copies of quarterly Technical Support Project reports are provided to Regional Forum representatives by the TSP Project Manager. Forum representatives may have copies of summaries distributed within their Regions. Regional Forum representatives also have access to project descriptions, progress narratives, and information on funds budgeted and expended. If you experience any problems that can not be resolved by either you or the TSC Director, call your Region's Forum representative or the TSP Project Manager. They are available to provide you with assistance. Their phone numbers are located in the Appendices to this Guide. Project Tracking In order to track technical assistance requests issued under the TSP, a project management database has been developed specifically for the project. The database, TSP TRACK, includes the following information for each reported request: • Region • Name of Requestor • TSC • TSC Contact • Site Name and ID Number • Date Request was Issued • Nature of Request Completion Date Funds Budgeted (established by TSC) Funds Expended Lead Status (Superfund or Enforcement) This data is derived primarily from copies of written technical assistance requests sent to the Project Manger and quarterly project reports submitted by the TSCs. The database facilitates project tracking and reporting processes such as determining the amount of total funds expended for any given site and the number of projects for each Region or each TSC. Information is presented in text, graphic, and accounting formats. ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTERS Selecting a Technical Projects implemented under the Superfund program require a vast array of Support Center technical knowledge and expertise. This expertise is made available by the Technical Support Centers to all RPMs and OSCs in support of their Superfund projects. Prior to initiating a technical assistance request, the appropriate receiving TSC should be determined. The following shows seven broad areas of technical expertise and the corresponding Centers that provide this expertise through the TSP. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Ground Water Fate and Transport Engineering and Treatment Monitoring and Site Characterization Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment Emergency Response and Remedial Project Experience Health and Risk Assessment Radiological and Chemical Assessment TECH SUPPORT CENTER Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory (RSKERL), Ada, OK Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL), Cincinnati, OH Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL-LV), Las Vegas, NV Environmental Research Laboratory (ERL-Athens), Athens, GA Environmental Response Team (ERT), Edison, NJ Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ECAO), Cincinnati, OH National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL), Montgomery, AL The following subsections include examples of a few of the technical resources available through the TSCs. Additional information regarding the expertise of TSC staff members is contained in Appendices B through H of this Guide. ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Ground Water Fate and Transport Technical Support Center Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory (RSKERL) RSKERL, Ada, Oklahoma, is EPA's center for fate and transport research, focusing its efforts on transport and fate of contaminants in the vadose and saturated zones of the subsurface, methodologies relevant to protection and restoration of ground-water quality, and evaluation of subsurface processes for the treatment of hazardous waste. The Center provides technical assistance in: • Pump-and-treat aquifer remediation • Bioremediation of soils and ground water • Subsurface geochemistry • Contaminant transport modeling • Subsurface contaminant transformation • In situ treatment processes Contact: Don Draper (405) 332-8800 Engineering and Treatment Technical Support Center Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) RREL, Cincinnati, Ohio, plans and conducts engineering, research and devel- opment related to treatment of solid and hazardous wastes. RREL personnel provide technical services involving specific treatment technologies and Superfund response processes including: • Treatability studies • Remedial design/remedy selection review • Construction QA/QC methods • Source control and geotechnical test methods Contact: Ben Blaney or Joan Colson (513) 569-7406 10 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Monitoring and Site Characterization Technical Support Center Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas (EMSL-LV) EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada, provides scientific and technical assistance in sampling/monitoring design, contaminant detection, hydrologic monitoring, site characterization, data interpretation and geophysics. Services include: • Saturated and unsaturated zone monitoring • Remote sensing, mapping, and geostatistics • Analytical methods and quality assurance • Bore-hole and surface geophysics • X-ray florescence field survey methods • Sampling and monitoring design assistance • Mixed waste assistance • Radiological analysis Contact: Ken Brown (702) 798-2270 Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment Technical Support Center Environmental Research Laboratory, Athens (ERL-Athens) The Environmental Research Laboratory at Athens, Georgia, emphasizes multimedia exposure and risk assessment modeling of remedial action alternatives. An electronic bulletin board (BBS) has been established to disseminate models and databases and to exchange modeling information. The technical support services include: • Models, databases and analytical techniques • Multimedia modeling of organic chemical and heavy metal pollutant fate • SoiVwater and surface water/sediment systems • Ecological impact and ecorisk assessments Contact: Bob Ambrose (706) 546-3130 11 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Environmental Response Team Technical Support Center OERR Environmental Response Branch (ERT) ERT, Edison, New Jersey, provides support in responding to releases of hazardous waste, chemicals and oil. ERT also provides support in risk assessment, multi-media sampling and analysis, health and safety, cleanup techniques, and training for response personnel. Services include: • Response techniques for emergency hazardous chemical releases • Treatment technologies, sampling plans, and contaminant assessment • Technical review for remedial and removal technology, safety, and preparedness • Hazardous Materials Incident Response Training Program • Site-safety plans, personnel protection, and safety Contact: Joseph Lafornara (908) 321-6740 Health Risk Technical Support Center Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ECAO) The ECAO in Cincinnati, Ohio, functions as the focal point within the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment (OHEA) to coordinate Agency-wide assistance in the area of human health risk assessment. This assistance is coordinated with OERR's Toxics Integration Branch to identify future research issues and to ensure consistent dissemination and use of risk assessment toxicity values and other guidance. A hotline has been established (513/569-7300). Technical support services available from ECAO include: • Chemical specific and chemical mixture toxicity information • Interim or default recommendations for risk assessment • Support for the Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables (HEAST) • Support for the "Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS): Human Health Evaluation Manual" • Technical review and comment on site-specific Superfund risk assessments • Coordination of information for the Risk Assessment teleconference for Superfund (RATS) Contact: Kenneth A. Poirier (513) 569-7523 12 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Radiological and Chemical Assessment Support Center Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) NAREL, Montgomery, Alabama, can assess, characterize, and remediate radiologically and chemically contaminated sites. In addition, this laboratory offers an expanding capability for analyzing heavy metal and organic waste contaminants. Specific NAREL services include: • Conducting/monitoring radiological assessment of sites • Design, evaluation, and demonstration of remediation technology • Analysis of samples for radionuclides • Dose and risk calculation and assessment using PC software codes • Radon field measurements and instrument evaluation, calibration, and quality assurance • A nuclear emergency response team Contact: Jon Broadway (205) 270-3400 or 3434 13 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide 14 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDICES Telephone numbers and locations of Technical Support Project contacts are listed in the following appendices. They include: • Regional Forum Representatives • Headquarters TSP Staff • Technical Support Centers Additional information relating to technology-based support available at each Technical Support Center is also included within each Centers' respective Appendix. 15 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide 16 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX A SUPERFUND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT FORUM MEMBERS Superfund Ground Region Forum Contact Water Forum 1 Richard Willey Yoon-Jcan Choi Matt Hoagland 2 Kevin Willis* Alison Hess Fredrick Luckey 3 Kathy Davies Phil Rotstein 4 Ralph Howard Galo Jackson 5 Doug Yeskis* Luanne Vanderpool 6 Ruth Izraeli 7 Bill Pedicino Mark Collins 8 Darcy Campbell Paul Osborne 9 Herb Levine Richard Freitas 10 Rene Fuentes Bernard Zavala Howard Orlean Telephone (617) 573-9639 (617) 223-5505 (617) 573-9666 (212) 264-6607 (212) 264-6040 (212) 264-6786 (215) 597-6488 (215) 597-8185 (404) 347-7791 (404) 347-2643 (312) 886-0408 (312) 353-9296 (214) 655-6735 (913) 551-7629 (913) 551-7626 (303) 294-7596 (303) 293-1418 (415) 744-2408 (415) 744-2315 (206) 553-1599 (206) 553-1562 (206) 553-6903 * Forum Co-Chair 17 ------- Superfund Technical Support RCRA Ground Region Forum Contact Water Forum 1 John Smaldone Alison Simcox 2 Phil Clappin Zintars Zadins 3 Tom Buntin 4 Jason Darby Mike Arnett 5 Carol Witt-Smith Thad Slaughter 6 Keith Phillips Vince Malott Jon Rinehart Dave Vogter 7 Bill Pedicino Mark Collins 8 Stan Zawistowski 9 Chris Prokop 10 Marsha Bailey Project Guide Telephone (617) 573-9657 (617) 573-5746 (212) 264-5947 (212) 264-8654 (215) 597-2745 (404) 546-3300 (404) 347-3433 (312) 886-6146 (312) 886-4460 (214) 655-6480 (214) 655-6480 (214) 655-6790 (214) 655-6790 (913) 551-7626 (913) 551-7626 . (303)293-1503 (415) 744-2045 (206) 553-0684 18 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide SUPERFUND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT FORUM MEMBERS Superfund Engineering Forum Region Forum Contact 1 Lynne Jennings Michael Jasinski 2 Laura Lombardo Richard Ho 3 Paul Leonard* Terry Stilman Frank Vavra 4 Jon Bornholm Martha Berry 5 Anthony Holoska Kaushal Khanna 6 Deborah Griswold John Meyer 7 Steve Kinser Mark Doolin 8 Henry Schroeder 9 Ken Erickson* Vance Fong 10 Bob Stamnes Kevin Rocklin Telephone (617) 573-9634 (617) 573-5786 (212) 264-6787 (212) 264-9543 (215) 597-8485 (215) 597-6680 (215) 597-0676 (404) 347-7791 (404) 347-2643 (312) 886-7503 (312) 353-2663 (214) 655-8520 (214) 655-6735 (913) 551-7728 (913) 551-7169 (303) 294-1981 (415) 744-2324 (415) 744-2311 (206) 553-1512 (206) 553-2106 * Forum Co-Chair 19 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide RCRA Engineering Forum Region Forum Contact 1 Regina Snyder 2 Sin-Kie Tjho Ton Moy 3 Mary Beck 4 Joane Benante 5 David Petrovski Sherri Bianchin 6 Gregg Lyssy Mike Herbert Bert Gorrod Rich Mayer Byron Heineman 7 Wes Bartley 8 Marshall Fischer 9 Ron Leach Telephone (617) 573-9674 (212) 264-3059 (212) 264-1785 (215) 597-7239 (404) 347-3433 (312) 886-0997 (312) 886-4446 (214) 655-6480 (214) 655-6480 (214) 655-6790 (214) 655-6775 (214) 655-6480 (913) 551-7623 (303)294-1128 (415) 744-2031 20 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide SUPERFUND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT CONTACTS Headquarters Contacts Rich Steimle TSP Project Manager no (os-now) Meg Kelly Deputy Director, TIO Mark Johnson Project Assistant EMS Contractor Support Ken Skahn OERR (OS-220W) Matt Charsky OWPE (OS-510) Ken Lovelace OERR (OS-220W) Peter Feldman OERR (OS-220W) Rose Lew OWPE (OS-520) Hugh Davis OSW (OS-321) (703) 308-8846 (703) 308-8800 (703) 308-8807 (301) 589-5318 (703) 308-8355 (202) 260-3106 (703) 308-8362 (703) 308-8364 (202) 260-6720 (202) 260-7656 21 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide 22 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX B ROBERT S. KERR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (RSKERL) Kerr Lab Road - P.O. Box 1198 Ada, Oklahoma 74820 Contact: Don Draper (405) 332-8800 RSKERL serves as EPA's center for ground-water research, focusing its efforts on studies of the transport and fate of contaminants in the subsurface, development of methodologies for protection and restoration of ground-water quality, and evaluation of the applicability and limitations of using natural soil and subsurface processes for the treatment of hazardous wastes. RSKERL has been responsible for the development and demonstration of cost-effective methods of land treatment of municipal waste-waters and petroleum refining and petrochemical wastes, as well as developing tech- nologies for the protection of ground-water quality. RSKERL carries out research through in-house projects and through cooperative and interagency agreements with universities, national laboratories and other research centers. The following page contains additional information about RSKERL's capabilities including examples of some technical problems that may be encountered and corresponding ground-water fate and transport support available through RSKERL. If you have additional questions regarding RSKERL's activities, contact either Don Draper or your Forum representatives. 23 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Examples of Ground-Water Fate and Transport Support Available through RSKERL, ADA, Oklahoma If You Have Problems With Technical Support Available Soil and Subsurface Remediation In situ Biorestoration Pump and Treat Evaluation Toxicity Testing Geochemistry Soil Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Contaminant Transport Modeling Ground-Water Modeling Unsaturated Zone Modeling Training and Software Ground-Water Monitoring Monitoring Well Construction Sampling Techniques Subsurface Coring Techniques Underground Injection Mechanical Integrity Case Study North Cavalcade Superfund Site, Houston, TX - This site is an abandoned wood treating facility that operated for approximately 50 years. Major soil and ground water contaminants include those associated with creosote treating operations, particularly the PAHs. The RPM requested RSKERL to provide technical assistance during the remediation selection and implementation process. From April, 1988 through October, 1991, the RSKERL-TSC was involved in the following activities: • Comments on the initial site remedial design plan were provided to the RPM. Reviewers found that the remedial design covered the needs but considerable work on biodegradation process was indicated. • A review of the field sampling and analysis plan suggested that substantial revision was needed in the areas of: 1) soil bioremediation treatabuity studies; 2) soil sampling; 3) free phase product isolation and recovery; 4) pump tests; 5) ground water treatability studies; and 6) potential presence of dioxins and furans at the site. • Three versions of the Field Study Work Plan and the Field Sampling and Analysis Plan were reviewed. In addition, there were two trips to meet with the Region, State, and contractor to discuss in situ bioremediation, a site hydrogeological investigation, and location and removal of DNAPLs. 24 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Previous investigations at the site resulted in conflicting hydrogeological information. Region VI requested RSKERL to assist in further studies to collect data to be used in remediation planning. TSC staff completed the work by logging eight wells and carrying out an aquifer test. A meeting was held to discuss results from the field study. It was determined that the low permeability found at the site precluded the use of in situ bioremediation. Bench and pilot studies were planned to determine the merits of using soil slurry reactors and/or land treatment. Reviewed workplan for Ground Water Operable Unit. The response suggested that biological treatment of the soil and aquifer material appears to be the most effective alternative presented for reducing PAH concentrations at the site. Three members of the TSC completed a review of "A Treatability Study of Biotreatment and Soil Washing of Soil from the North Cavalcade Superfund Site, Houston, TX." In general, findings were that conclusions and recommendations made in the report are not strongly supported by the data presented. Provided review comments to the RPM concerning two remedial design documents for the Ground Water Operable Unit The comments pointed out a number of problems in several areas. Among these were the selection of mud-rotary as the drilling technique of choice, the proper consideration of DNAPLs in estimating the time necessary for remediation, as well as a number of hydrogeological errors. Provided review comments on documents entitled "Prefinal Remedial Design (90% Submittal), Ground Water Remediation/Source Removal, North Cavalcade Superfund Site, Harris County, Texas." In general, RSKERL stated that most of its earlier concerns were addressed in the documents; however, the strategy did not adequately deal with the question of DNAPLs. Two members of the RSKERL TSC met in Dallas with the RPM, State personnel and State support contractor, to discuss a preliminary remedial design report for the site. 25 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide 26 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX C RISK REDUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORY (RREL) 26 Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 Contact: Ben Blaney or Joan Colson (513) 569-7406 RREL is one of EPA's largest research centers, with responsibility for implementing engineering research and development related to solid and hazardous wastes. RREL personnel can provide a variety of technical services involving several treatment technologies. The Technical Support Center assists OSC/RPMs with the following Superfund response processes: Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study • Determining treatment alternatives • Determining feasibility of a treatment alternative, through data review or in-house treatability studies • Establishing protocols for determining site-specific feasibility of treatment alternative Remedial Design • Determining scale-up requirements • Fine tuning design by reviewing data or performing in-house treatability studies Remedial Action and Operation/Maintenance • Troubleshooting assistance • Monitoring scheme development The following page provides examples of problems OSC/RPMs might encounter and corresponding technical assistance that RREL could provide. If you have questions regarding support available from RREL, please contact either Ben Blaney, Joan Colson, or your Forum representatives. 27 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Examples of Engineering/Treatment Support Available through RREL, Cincinnati, Ohio If You Have Problems With Remedial Actions Construction QA/QC Contaminant Source Control and Related Geotechnical Test Methods Soil and Water Chemistry Technical Support Available Leachate Treatment Stabilization Biodegradation Incineration KPEG Low Temp. Thermal Desorption Soil Washing/Flushing Methods Ground-Water Modeling Permeability Tests Soil Physical Testing Waste Leaching Covers/Liners Slurry Walls Inorganic Organic Case Studies Whitehouse Oil Pits - The Center conducted a treatability study for the Whitehouse Oil Pits Superfund site in Region 4. Region 4 initiated the project and was interested in trying an alternative technology: solidification/ stabilization was chosen. However, the soil at the site suffered from both organic and metals contamination—presenting a challenge for stabilization techniques and materials. The test was conducted using an organophillic binder since traditional pozzolanic binders do not work for organics. In general, the metals appear to have been stabilized, but a definitive test method for organics leaching has yet to complete peer review. No final report has been published as yet. The site is an especially complicated one that will be turned over the Army Corps of Engineers for RD/RA. Rocky Mountain Arsenal - For the Rocky Mountain Arsenal site in Region 8, RREL reviewed the draft treatment assessment report and provided comments on the treatment options that were developed by the Department of the Army and Shell Oil. Alternatives reviewed included stabilization, wet air oxidation, electric melting furnace, and submerged quench incineration. 28 ------- Super/and Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS LABORATORY (EMSL-LV) University of Nevada - Las Vegas P.O. Box 93478 Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-3478 Contact: Ken Brown (702) 798-2270 EMSL's Technical Support Center for Monitoring and Site Assessment provides scientific and technical support to the Regions. The Center's key monitoring issues are: • Sampling/Monitoring design • Extraction of representative samples • Well spacing and sampling depths • Sampling frequency • Unsaturated zone monitoring • Distribution and use of hydrogeologic information • Application of innovative sampling and assessment technologies • Contaminant identity and distribution Areas of assistance include sampling and monitoring design assistance; remote sensing, mapping, and geostatistics; analytical methods and quality assurance; bore-hole and surface geophysics; field portable X-Ray florescence field methods; mixed waste and chemical and radiological analysis. Technical assistance is provided in a variety of ways, including information research and retrieval, technology transfer, teleconferencing, video produc- tions, on-site demonstrations, training programs, seminars and workshops. The following provide examples of problems OSC/RPMs might encounter and corresponding technical assistance that EMSL can provide. For additional information on EMSL's capabilities for providing technical assistance, contact Ken Brown or your Region's Forum representatives. 29 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Examples of Monitoring/Site Characterization Support Available through EMSL-LV, Las Vegas, Nevada If You Have Problems With Site characterization Data interpretation Sampling requirements for geostatistics, hydrologic monitoring, geophysics, XRF, and soil gas monitoring Metals and organics analysis Technical Support Available Chemical and radiological analysis Monitoring design On-site geophysics, soil gas, and XRF measurements Geostatistics GIS Quality assurance Development of sampling techniques/approaches and review of work plans Chemical and X-ray fluorescence Case Studies XRF Support - At the request of Region 2, the Center provided FPXRF (Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence) assistance resulting in the identification of an underground leak of solid and liquid waste from one of the buried tanks at the Nascolite site. Additionally, surficial inorganic contamination was discovered and measured. Severe lead contamination as well as significant levels of copper, antimony, and cadmium were recorded. This abandoned plexiglass manufacturing plant site has both organic and inorganic contamination, surficial and underground waste sources. FPXRF provided a quick and inexpensive method for remedial investigation to determine the type and extent of contamination. The Center has provided FPXRF technical assistance for dozens of Superfund sites in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. As the program grows, demands for this technology have increased. Geophysics Support - At the request of Region 9, EMSL-LV sent a geophysics field team to the Brown and Bryant site to obtain information about the stratigraphy of the subsurface. By estimating completion depths and interpreting the complex subsurface conditions at the site, EMSL-LV personnel were able to apply electric resistivity, seismic refraction, and down- hole seismic measurements to identify and qualify: acoustic and electrical properties of various sediment and rocks; source of acoustic, electric and 30 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide magnetic noise; amplitude and frequency of noise; and other factors that could influence measurements at the facility. The geophysical information obtained at the Brown and Bryant site, combined with some historical logging data, will form a basis for monitoring well placement and future site remediations. The Center has provided geophysical assistance for several Superfund sites through the TSP, including sites in Regions 1, 3, 6, 7, 9. Sampling Quality Assurance Support - At the request of Region 7, the Center worked with ORD Quality Assurance Management staff to develop an effective sampling strategy to locate and cleanup dioxin contamination. Due to the notoriety and public concern about sites with 2,3,7,8-dioxin, the Center implemented an in-depth QA program to isolate sources of variability in the measurement process. The study takes into account sampling variability, which is suspected to be a major contributor to overall error, as well as handling, transportation, subsampling, batch, and analytical factors. Careful sampling design and special attention to sources of variability aided Region 7 personnel in obtaining an accurate evaluation of this site. Based on the applied statistical method described in "A Rational Document for the Assessment of Errors in the Sampling of Solid" EPA 600/4-90/013, May, 1990, which was successfully applied at this site, EMSL-LV developed a public domain Fortran program, ASSESS, which may be used to calculate sources of variability. The Center has provided applied statistical assistance for Superfund sites in Regions 3, 6, 7, and 10. As more and more sites are successfully evaluated and remediated, EMSL-LV will expand the statistical capabilities and enhance their applicability to Superfund sites. Soil Monitoring Support - EPA Region 10 requested a soil-gas survey to help clarify the source of contamination by chlorinated solvents detected in monitoring wells at the Frontier Hard Chrome site in Vancouver, Washington. A soil-gas survey in 1988 indicated high soil-gas concentrations that appeared to be coming from a location upgradient of the site. A more extensive survey in 1989 indicated that contamination was localized, and probably from a near-surface or shallow water table source. A dry well was subsequently discovered immediately adjacent to the site on property formerly occupied by an automotive shop. The Center offers soil-gas technical assistance on questions related to field collection and analysis of soil-gas, soil, or ground water samples contaminated with volatile or semivolatile organic compounds. In addition to field surveys with on-site analysis capability, the Center also provides technical review of proposed work plans and of results of site characterization activities performed by Regional contractors. The Center has provided soil- gas technical assistance to EPA Regions 3, 5, 6, 9, 10. 31 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide 32 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX E ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - ATHENS (ERL-Athens) College Station Road Athens, Georgia 30613 Contact: Robert B. Ambrose, Jr. (706) 546-3130 ERL-Athens develops aquatic and terrestrial exposure models and measures or estimates the physical, chemical, and biological properties (rate and equilibrium constants) that are needed for model operation. Environmental decision-making tools include: • Pollutant fate and exposure models • Conventional pollutant loading and ecosystem response models » Knowledge-based expert systems • Multimedia assessment, management, and control strategy development and evaluation methodologies • Procedures for conducting uncertainty analysis. Models are applicable to watersheds, surface and ground waters, agricultural areas, hazardous waste sites, spill sites, water treatment plants, wildlife habitats, etc. The Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM), located within ERL-Athens, was established in July 1987 to meet the scientific and technical exposure assessment needs of EPA's Program and Regional offices and of State environmental agencies. CEAM provides training, maintains and distributes models through an electronic bulletin board, and provides assistance through "expert witness" testimony and in- depth support for high priority Agency projects. The following pages provide examples of problems OSC/RPMs might encounter and corresponding technical assistance available through ERL and CEAM. Contact Bob Ambrose or your Forum representatives if you would like additional information about ERL-Athens' capabilities. 33 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Examples of Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment Support Available through CEAM, Athens, Georgia If You Have Problems With Multimedia modeling of heavy metal pollutants Dose response Sustaining a challenge Conducting exposure risk assessments Technical Support Available Aquatic and terrestrial organic chemical and exposure models Evaluation of rate and equilibrium constants needed for operating models Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models Expert witness testimony in court for modeling problems Exposure assessment and ecological instruction and training Technical assistance Case Studies Upper Clark Fork Site - Four Superfund sites are located in the area along the Clark Fork River in Region 8: Montana Post & Pole, Butte, Anaconda, and Mill Town Dam. Copper, zinc, and cadmium pollution has been killing trout in the river, and the toxicity is related to periodic high loadings of contaminants in the surface water. The Center used predictive models as part of an exposure analysis, toxicity assessment, and ecorisk assessment. A combination of four models were used in the evaluations. The model MINTEQ predicted the chemical compounds that would form given the various elements present. PRZM evaluated the amount of metal entering the river from runoff, erosion, and leaching. PSTOUT4D was used to model flow and mixing, and GCTRAN was able to predict large colloid transport. Model output compared favorably with empirical data collected upstream during the winter months, but failed downstream—implying that sources not accounted for in the models were active. Year 'round, the models accurately predicted several observed high concentration events. 34 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX F ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE TEAM (ERT) Woodbridge Ave., Mail Stop 101 Edison, New Jersey 08837 Contact: Joseph Lafornara (908) 321-6740 The Environmental Response Team (ERT) serves as EPA's center for expertise and assistance in responding to releases of hazardous wastes, chemicals, and oil. ERT responds to unusual emergency response situations both nationally and internationally and provides technical support to both removal and remedial programs. Specific technical support is provided in risk assessment, multi-media sampling and analysis, on-site health and safety, cleanup techniques, and training for response personnel. ERT is located in the EPA facility in Edison, New Jersey and the EPA Facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. ERT provides: • On-site technical support for removal and remedial activities • Technical support to the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Staff • Development and implementation of Superfund safety program activities • Technical review capabilities for Superfund • Response training • Contract management On-Site Technical Since its inception in 1978, the ERT has responded to over 700 requests from Support the Regions for technical assistance at sites and releases, including remedial and removal Superfund responses, oil and chemical spills and expert witness requests from the Agency's enforcement personnel. This assistance has included: • Advising on approaches and methodologies to respond to hazardous chemical releases • Recommending specific treatment and control technologies • Developing and implementing sampling plans for soil, water and air contamination • Developing and implementing ground water and soil studies to determine contaminant levels and recommend cleanup levels • Advising and providing guidance to RPMs on approaches to Expedited Response Actions 35 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Preparedness Staff Technical Support In 1984, EPA created the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program (CEPP) in order to prevent catastrophic chemical accidents. CEPP included provisions for implementing effective emergency response actions in the event that a catastrophic release did occur. Title ni of SARA provided the statutory authority for the CEPP and added specific enforcement provisions for obtaining industry compliance, ERT provides the Preparedness Staff with technical assistance and training concerning emergency response issues, and: • Assists with inspections in chemical plant facilities to develop technology and practices for prevention of toxic chemical air releases • Provides data and information on status of technology to monitor, detect, and prevent significant releases of hazardous substances • Advises and assists OSCs, CEPP coordinators, State and local officials, and industry in implementing new procedures and practices to prevent the release of toxic chemicals Superfund Safety Program Implementation ERT is responsible for developing health and safety plans for all EPA employees involved with Superfund field activities. This includes: • Testing and evaluating new safety equipment in the field and in controlled environments to support development of new technology • Coordination with the Department of Labor (OSHA) in developing standards for health and safety protection of workers in hazardous waste operations • Proposing and promulgating standards identical to the OSHA standards for those states that do not have an OSHA-approved State plan • Ensuring safety of ERT employees by providing state-of-the-art safety equipment and training Superfund Technical Review & Training Because of its multi-disciplinary technical expertise, ERT is frequently asked to review and comment on draft documents related to remedial and removal technology, safety, and preparedness. In this same capacity, ERT participates in work groups, task forces, Regional Response Teams (RRTs), and the National Response Team (NRT). OERR is responsible for EPA's program for protecting the public and the environment from releases or potential releases of hazardous materials. As part of this program, ERT has developed a Hazardous Materials Incident Response Training Program for personnel who respond to emergencies or who investigate and cleanup abandoned hazardous waste sites. Training is provided in safety and health as well as in various technical operations needed to identify, evaluate, and control hazardous substances that have been or could be released. 36 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX G ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA AND ASSESSMENT OFFICE (ECAO-Cincinnati) 26 Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 Contact: Kenneth A. Poirier (513) 569-7523 The Superfund Health Risk Technology Support Center, located within ECAO-Cincinnati for OHEA, was established in January, 1990 to respond to the technical support needs of Superfund Regional and Headquarters staff, and others engaged in Superfund risk assessment. The following list provides an overview of the types of technical assistance available through the Center: • Provide chemical specific and chemical mixture toxicity information • Interpret and answer questions regarding the "Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS): Human Health Evaluation Manual" • Develop interim or default recommendations or rationale on issues applicable to risk assessment for Superfund sites • Develop and provide support for the Health Effects Assessment Tables (HEAST) • Provide review and comment for site-specific Superfund risk assessments The Center for Health Risk Assessment has the expertise for responding to a wide variety of questions dealing with health risk assessment, including site scoping, toxicology, exposure assessment, structure-activity relationships, and risk characterization. The Center can also recommend available Superfund risk assessment tools, as well as provide information on the current status of chemicals. The Center was established to promote consistency in Superfund risk assessment both within and outside the Agency. In order to facilitate interaction and information exchange, the Center, the Toxics Integration Branch of OERR, and Regional lexicologists conduct a monthly tele- conference on the second Tuesday of every month. All Regional risk assessors are encouraged to participate in the monthly discussion. 37 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide 38 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide APPENDIX H NATIONAL AIR AND RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY (NAREL) 1504 Avenue A Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601 Contact: Jon Broadway (205) 270-3400 NAREL serves as EPA's Center for Radiological and Chemical Assessment of contaminated materials when radiological hazards are a primary but not necessarily and exclusive concern. NAREL offers extensive radioanalytical capability and experience working with multi-media samples from a variety of sources including industrial, governmental, municipalities, and medical industries. The breadth of experience at NAREL has included ocean disposal, federal facilities, and assessments of operating industrial plants. Some studies may be limited to initial site surveys of two to four days while other more comprehensive projects have lasted several years. Recently, NAREL has developed and demonstrated remediation technology for contaminated soils. Such technology often is quite attractive from an economic perspective. NAREL conducts its projects through in-house work and through cooperative and interagency agreements in order to expand the range of expertise available. The following page contains additional information about NAREL's capabilities, including some categories of problems that may be encountered and corresponding services that NAREL may provide to address these problems. If you have additional questions regarding how NAREL may assist your specific needs, please call Jon Broadway or your Region's Forum Representative. 39 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide Examples of Radiological and Chemical Assessment Support Available through NAREL, Montgomery, Alabama If You Have Problems With Potential radiologically contaminated sites Large volumes of radiologically contaminated soils for disposal Multimedia samples requiring radiological and chemical analysis Assessing Dose and risk from contaminated soils, waste burial, or atmospheric releases Potential excessive radon levels in indoor environments Soils that need characterization for remediation options Radiological or nuclear-accident emergency Technical Support Available Site visits, preliminary survey/assessment Study of disposal options, analytical costs, development and demonstration of remediation technology Analytical laboratory services Computer codes for calculation of ground water contamination, off-site dose and risk through aquatic, air, and terrestrial pathways Full range radon measurement and instrument calibration capability Soil characterization laboratory, bench scale and pilot plant design and operation A nuclear emergency response team Case Studies Montclair-Glen Ridge, New Jersey: House to house radon surveys, soil characterization, design, construction, and testing of soil remediation equipment. Industrial Excess Landfill, Uniontown, Ohio: Review of contractor data, analysis of samples for water, soil, and leachate, and the related quality assurance. Maywood, New Jersey: Characterization of soil components that contain radioactive species, cost analysis for remediation operation options. 40 ------- Super/and Technical Support Project Guide Detailed site surveys (e.g. Edison, New Jersey, munitions storage and assembly area and Norton AFB, California) wherein a team of EPA persons did several week-long surveys to characterize a potential contamination problem. Rocky Flats, Colorado: Deployment of nuclear emergency response team to discover and assess radiological hazards. Review of Quality Assurance Plans. Recommendations for analytical methodology. Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina: Field studies to measure and validate atmospheric release data and related atmospheric dispersion software. 41 ------- Superfund Technical Support Project Guide NOTES 42 ------- |