NIAGARA RIVER ACTION PLAN
U,S, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OCTOBER, 1985
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NIAGARA RIVER ACTION PLAN
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
October, 1985
The Niagara River Action plan consists of several major programs EPA has
Roro y °;g?ln9 "?nder the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and
Mahnlt A I 3nd ^6 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
in toi «£ fSh J0fnbined "ith a nuilber of specific new initiatives announced
in May of 1985 to respond to gaps identified in the report of the Niagara
River Toxics Committee. (NRTC). EPA's plan is complementary to and s'Jp£rt1ve
rPlan bel"9 cf ried °ut by the New York State Department of
< iC°JServatl°! (NYDEC) (sutnmary. Appendix 6). Under delegation,
s
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EPA and DEC have reviewed, and EPA has approved, local
industrial pretreatment programs for the 6 U.S. municipal
treatment plants on the Niagara. These plans, which require
industries to reduce toxic discharges to municipal sewerage
systems, are now being enforced by the municipalities. EPA,
working with DEC, has developed a contractor-supported technical
assistance program for the municipalities (Appendix D).
DEC and EPA have reviewed State Pollution Discharge Elimination
(SPDES) permits for all major industrial dischargers, and DEC
is reissuing them with increased controls on the discharge of
toxics. During FY 86, EPA will work with DEC to carry out
enhanced compliance inspections at selected major industrial
dischargers. This work will be supported by EPA's National
Enforcement Investigations Center (Appendix D).
EPA has developed a new program to investigate the contribution
to toxic discharge of stormwater runoff at industrial sites. A
contractor will identify potential sites, and EPA's Great Lakes
National Program Office (GLNPO) will conduct a site-specific
demonstration program to assess the impact of toxic stormwaters
and to develop controls (Appendix D).
Dn DEC have a1so devel°Ped a proposal, working through a
GLNPO contractor, to quantify loading reductions to be expected
due to permit limit changes (Appendix D);
'Nonpoint Source Control;
Toxic contamination of ground and surface water from nonpoint
sources, such as former and existing hazardous waste landfills,
is recognized as a major problem in the Niagara Frontier. Both
EPA and DEC have given high priority to the identification and
cleanup of inactive sites through the federal and state superfund
programs, and the regulation of operating hazardous waste
facilities through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
and state hazardous waste disposal regulations.
The NRTC report identified 61 sites as potential sources of
groundwater or surface water contamination. These sites have
been or are being investigated through a joint EPA-DEC site
assessment program, and remediation plans are either underway
or under development at four of the major ones. A status report
on each of these sites is included in the backup document (Appendix
E ) •
One problem hampering the characterization and control of
nonpoint sources is the complex geology of the Niagara region.
In its May initiatives, EPA proposed to enhance groundwater
modelling work on specific superfund sites to develop a hydrologic
model for Niagara Falls. Under a Memorandum of Understanding with
EPA, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has produced a draft work
plan for developing an area model, which is being reviewed by EPA
(Appendix F).
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This model will complement the site-specific three-dimensional
models being developed by EPA contractors under a $16 million
program related to enforcement activities at Niagara superfund
sites.
Other activities related to nonpoint sources include:
- EPA's national groundwater task force has completed an intensive
sampling and inspection program at the SCA hazardous waste disposal
facility in Model City. Sample analysis and data interpretation
are underway. This project is part of EPA's program to enhance the
enforcement of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act {RCRA).
- There are eight active hazardous waste disposal facilities in the
Niagara Frontier. EPA has requested Part 8 permit applications
from all of them under RCRA. All are now in various stages of the
permit or closure process.
- Under an order issued by EPA, CECOS iSg carrying out an extensive
groundwater investigation surrounding 'its hazardous waste disposal
facility in the Town of Niagara. In conjunction with this effort,
EPA is discussing with Dupont the implementation of an EPA order
for sampling relative to offsite migration of contaminants from
its Necco Park facility, which is adjacent to the CECOS site.
South of CECOS/Necco Park, EPA has carried out 16 of 17 inspections,
including soil sampling, at industrial sites identified as also
being potential sources of groundwater contamination. EPA is also
carrying out a two-phase neighborhood sampling program in the area.
- EPA, DEC, the U.S. Department of Justice and the New York Department
of Law have reached agreement with Occidental Chemical Corporation
on the remedial technology to be applied at the company's Hyde
Park site. The agreement is expected to be submitted to Canadian
agencies for review and opened to public comment by November.
- The Court has approved the proposed settlement for Occidental's
S Area site, and the company has submitted a workplan for carrying
it out. EPA and DEC are reviewing the plan and anticipate shortening
the proposed ten-year time frame.
- Occidental and 01 in Corporation have begun the remedial investigation
at their 102nd Street site.
- Decontamination of storm sewers in the Love Canal area is scheduled
to begin in October. Additional groundwater monitoring of the area
in and around the Canal will also begin shortly.
EPA is strongly committed to carrying through to completion the investigation
and remediation of all significant hazardous waste sites in the Niagara Frontier,
in cooperation with New York State, under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). However, this commitment
must be made contingent upon the timely reauthorization of CERCLA, including
an adequate, assured source of funding.
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0Monitoring;
The NRTC identified a need for specific long-term ambient and point source
monitoring related to toxics in sediments, discharges, biota and water.
At a meeting held in New York in July, EPA, NYDEC, Environment
Canada and Ontario Ministry of the Environment agreed that the
long-term ambient monitoring will be carried forward as a joint
international initiative under the umbrella of the International
Joint Commission's Niagara/St. Lawrence task force. A Memorandum
of Understanding has been prepared to that effect, and a proposed
surveillance work plan developed (Appendix A). These documents
will be presented to the IJC commissioners for approval during
their December meeting. A workshop is planned to resolve differences
in sampling protocols, analytical techniques, detection limits and
data interpretation.
In addition, EPA proposed to evaluate the Canadian-developed high
volume water sampler. A workshop to discuss this proposal was
held in August, and field tests involving EPA's Great Lakes National
Program Office were carried out during September. Further meetings
are planned this year with the goal of agreeing on standard sampling
methods.
EPA has also proposed a joint EPA/DEC/EC/MOE project to develop
bioaccumulation factors for Niagara River toxics in biota. This
project is related to risk assessments for various levels of TCDD
discharge, and the proposal arises out of discussions centered on
the Hyde Park landfill (Appendix B).
The compliance monitoring of U.S. point sources will remain the
responsibility of DEC under its SPDES program, assisted by EPA
where appropriate.
The NRTC Report also pointed out that health or environmental
criteria are lacking for many of the chemicals of concern identified
in its report. EPA's Office of Research and Development, in its
risk assessment program, has either completed or is in the process
of reviewing all of the 57 Group I chemicals identified by NRTC
(summary, Appendix C). Group II and III chemicals will be done next.
"Communications and Management;
EPA's Region 2 office has the lead responsibility for carrying out
the agency's effort on the Niagara Frontier, in close coordination
with DEC.
The region has recently established a new information office in
the City of Niagara Falls to facilitate information exchange with
the public and with Canadian agencies.
Because of the continuing complexity, high priority and cross-
cutting nature of its Niagara Frontier programs, the region has
decided to consolidate and coordinate these programs under a .
project manager reporting directly to the Regional Administrator.
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ADDITIONAL ISSUES:
"Load Reductions:
EPA agrees that it would be desirable to better quantify the
loading of toxics to the river from point sources, storm water
runoff, and contaminated groundwater, to calculate the reductions
needed to reach acceptable levels of risk, and to predict the
reductions achieved through the various control programs. While
several of the Action Plan initiatives (stormwater survey, long-
term monitoring, bioaccumulation project, SPDES permit reduction
project, groundwater model) will assist in these determinations,
much remains to be done before they can be made with confidence.
EPA is investigating additional initiatives in this regard
(enforcement inquiries, computerized data bases, standardized
site surveys, etc.) and will report further on their feasibility.
"Research and Development:
EPA is firmly committed to support or carry out research on
better ways to quantify levels of toxic chemicals and to assess
the risks associated with them. The agency is also committed to
investigate and develop improved methods of remediation, including
high temperature destruction technology, for abandoned hazardous
waste sites. For example, in cooperation with NYDEC, EPA is
exploring the use of high temperature incineration, including the
use of mobile units, to destroy non-aqueous phase liquids collected
at Hyde Park, and sewer and creek sediments at Love Canal.
EPA regards this research as an appropriate area for international
cooperation. The agency is proposing a joint project with Environ-
ment Canada to assess the use of the Canadian-developed high-volume
water sampler in a bioaccumulation study. In addition, EPA would
welcome Canadian participation in the appraisal of destruction
technology.
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NIAGARA RIVER ACTION PLAN — U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY — OCTOBER, 1985
I - Point Sources
Goal: Ensure continued progress in the identification, investigation and control
of point source discharges of toxics from U.S. sources into the Niagara River
Component
Ongoing
New Agency(s)
Comments/Timetable
Second round (toxic-specific) SPOES permits
Industrial Pretreatment Programs
Industrial Pretreatment — technical assistance
to municipalities for enforcement
SPDES permit compliance — enhanced inspections
for selected major dischargers
Investigation of stormwater runoff at selected
industrial sites
Program to quantify loading reductions expected
through permit limit changes
X
X
NYDEC
EPA - 2
EPA - 2
NYDEC
EPA - 2
EPA - NEIC
NYDEC
EPA - 2
EPA - NEIC
NYDEC
EPA - GLNPO
NYDEC
EPA - GLNPO
NYDEC
All majors have been reissued;
review underway
Plans approved for all six U.S.
municipal plants
Program for all 6 -- FY 86
Workplan — Appendix D
Program for FY 86
Uorkplan — Appendix D
Program for FY 86
Workplan — Appendix D
Carried out in FY 86 by GLNPO
contractor under IJC Areas of
Concern program -- Workplan -
Appendix D
EPA - 2 = Region 2 office
EPA - GLNPO = Great Lakes National Program Office
EPA - NEIC = National Enforcement Investigations Center
NYDEC * New York Department of Environmental
Conservation
IJC = International Joint Commission
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NIAGARA RIVER ACTION PLAN — U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY — OCTOBER. 1981
II - Nonpolnt Sources
Goal: Ensure continued identification, investigation and control of nonpoint discharges of
toxics into the Niagara River.
Component
Ongoing New Agency(s)
Comments/Timetable
Investigation, study and remediation of abandoned
hazardous waste sites under the Federal
Superfund program (CERCLA)
Develop an areawide groundwater hydrology
model — coordinate with site-specific
models (CERCLA)
Bring all 8 active hazardous waste facilities
into conformance with Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations
Determine whether leakage is occuring from
CECOS facility
National Groundwater Task Force investigation
of SCA facility; national program to enhance
RCRA enforcement
EPA - 2
EPA - OSWER
EPA - OECM
NYDEC
EPA - 2
EPA - OECM
USGS
NYDEC
EPA - 2
NYDEC
EPA - 2
EPA - OSWER
Major ongoing program -- See
Appendix E for status of 61
sites identified by NRTC.
First phase (compile existing
data) FY 86 — Proposed
workplan — Appendix F
EPA has requested Part B permit
applications from all 8; all
are in permit or closure
process
CECOS carrying out extensive
groundwater survey. EPA has
inspected 16 of 17 neighboring
sites and has begun two-phase
neighborhood sampling
Sampling completed; analysis
' and data interpretation are
underway
EPA - 2 = Region 2 office
EPA - OECM = Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring
EPA - OSWER = Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
USGS = U.S. Geological Survey
NYDEC = New York Department of Environmental
Conservation
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NIAGARA RIVER ACTION PLAN — U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY — OCTOBER. 1985
III - Monitoring Programs
Goal: Improve current and future understanding of the ambient levels of toxics in the Niagara River and
its environs; assess the risks posed by those levels; ensure interagency/internatlonal agreement
on data collection, analysis and interpretation methods.
Component-
Ongoing New Agency(s)
Comments/Timetable
Establish a binational committee to oversee
long-term monitoring activities. Carry out
long-term monitoring program for sediments,
water, biota
Workshop to resolve differences in sampling
protocols, analytical techniques, detection
limits and data interpretation
Evaluate Canadian high-volume water sampler
for U.S. applications
Develop bioaccumulation factors for Niagara River
toxics in biota
Assess Chemicals of Concern identified by Niagara
River Toxics Committee report
EPA - 2
EPA - GLNPO
NYDEC
EC
MOE
EPA - 2
EPA - GLNPO
NYDEC
EC
MOE
EPA - GLNPO
EPA - 2
EC
EPA - OECM
EPA - 2
NYDEC
EC
EPA - ORD
Agreement reached to use IJC's
existing Niagara/St. Lawrence
task force. Memo of Under-
standing developed. Workplan
proposed (Appendix A). IJC
approval required
To be scheduled late 1985
Workshop held 8/85; field tests
begun 9/85; workshop on
standard sampling methods tbs
Project proposal in Appendix
B; workshop to be scheduled
EPA risk assessment program has
completed or is in process of
reviewing all 57 Group I
chemicals (Appendix C)
EPA - 2 = Region 2
EPA - GLNPO = Great Lakes National Program Office
EPA - OECM = Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring
EPA - ORD = Office of Research and Development
NYDEC = New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation
EC = Environment Canada
MOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment
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APPENDICES
A Long Term Monitoring Program for the Niagara River
B Project Proposal for a Bioaccumulation Study in
the Niagara River
C NRTC Group I Chemicals -- Health Assessment Documents
Avai1able
D Proposed Workplans for Industrial and Municipal
Wastewater Control
E Status Reports on 61 Sites -- Potential Sources of
Contaminant Migration
F Workplan for Groundwater Hydrologic Model
G Status Report on New York DEC Niagara Plan
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Appendix A
LONG TERM MONITORING PROGRAM FOR THE NIAGARA RIVER
Proposed memo to the International Joint Commission's
Water Quality Board establishing the IJC' s Niagara/St.
Lawrence Task Force as the appropriate organization to
oversee joint U.S./Canada ambient monitoring programs
on the Niagara River.
The Task Force, which is made up of members from EPA,
NYDEC, EC and MOE, has developed a draft Niagara River
Surveillance Plan which reflects the needs identified
by the NRTC Report and also the mandate of the Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The workplan, which is
to be submitted to the IJC Water Quality Board for
approval, outlines tasks running through 1988. Included
herein is Chapter 2, which outlines the proposed activities
The full draft is available on request.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 2
ENVIRONMENT CANADA
ONTARIO REGION
Date: October 17, 1985
Subject: Implementation of the Niagara River Toxic Committee's Long-Term
Monitoring Program
From: James D. Kingham
Regional Director General
Environment Canada — Ontario Region
Christopher J. Daggett
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
To: International Joint Commission
Water Quality Board
The Niagara River Toxic Comittee's Report recommended that a long-
term toxics monitoring program be implemented by the United States and
Canada. The International Joint Commission, through its surveillance
work group, is completing development of surveillance plans for all the
Great Lakes and connecting channels, including the Niagara River.
Further, the IJC's Niagara River Task Force has included the NRTC's
long-term monitoring program in its surveillance plan.
At a July 11, 1985 meeting in New York City of representatives from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada, the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment, it was agreed that the IX's Niagara River
Task Force would be the appropriate organization to oversee the
implementation of the NRTC's long-term monitoring program by the agencies
involved. Wfe strongly reccranend that the Water Quality Board give
such direction to the Niagara River Task Borce.
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1985.08.04
CHAPTER 2
DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIAGARA RIVER SURVEILLANCE PLAN
BACKGROUND
The Great Lakes International Surveillance Plan (GLISP), released by the
Water Quality Board in 1980, called for both an annual surveillance and
monitoring component for each lake and connecting channel, plus a periodic
Intensive component which would focus on a particular lake or channel. The
annual program was designed principally to assess changes and trends, detect
emerging problems, and establish compliance with water quality objectives.
The intensive program was designed to provide for a comprehensive, integrated
state-of-the-lake assessment.
Because of the size of the lakes, long-term changes in water quality occur
slowly. Therefore, the programs under GLISP were to follow a nine-year
cycle. The cycle included plans for an intensive survey operation on the
Niagara River in 1981. The intensive survey conducted on Lake Superior in
1983 completed the first cycle.
Since the development of GLISP, the review of accumulated data has
identified a need to modify the surveillance strategies in order to more
effectively address current Great Lakes water quality issues and problems.
This is especially true for the Niagara River, as a result of studies which
were conducted by the United States and the Canadian federal governments, the
Province of Ontario, and the State of New York, under the aegis of the Niagara
River Toxics Committee (NRTC). This need for modification also reflects the
changes in program emphasis toward toxic substances, especially accumulation
in sediment and fish, and in the thinking of the Board and the International
Joint Commission communities as a whole towards surveillance, i.e. that
surveillance and monitoring must embrace the ecosystem approach. In May 1983,
the Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force was established and was charged,
among other things, to design a scientifically defensible surveillance plan
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which, in Its professional judgement, 1s necessary and sufficient to meet the
requirements of the 1978 Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement.
The specific requirements for surveillance and monitoring activities are
outlined in Annexes 11 and 12 and the Supplement to Annex 3 of the Agreement.
The purposes of these activities are:
1. Compliance -
To assess the degree to which jurisdictional control
requirements are being met.
2. Achievement of general and specific objectives given in Annex 1 of
the Agreement -
To provide definitive information on the location, severity,
areal or volume extent, frequency, and duration of
non-achievement of the objectives, as a basis for determining
the need for more stringent control requirements.
By extension, proposed Agreement objectives, as well as
jurisdictional standards, criteria, objectives, and guidelines are
also used.
3. Evaluation of water quality trends -
To provide information for measuring local and whole lake
response to control measures using trend analyses and
cause/effect relationships, and to provide information which
will assist in the development and application of predictive
techniques for assessing impact of new developments and
pollution sources. The results of water quality evaluations
will be used for:
A. Assessing the effectiveness of remedial and preventative
measures and identifying the need for improved pollution
control
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B. Assessing enforcement and management strategies, and
C. Identifying the need for further technology development and
research activities
1n order to obtain guidance for the development of future
programs for the protection and enhancement of the Great Lakes
ecosystem.
4. Identification of emerging problems -
To determine the presence of new or hitherto undetected problems
in the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem, leading to the development
and Implementation of appropriate pollution control measures.
Annex 12 states in part that monitoring and research should be established
at a level sufficient to identify:
1. Temporal and spatial trends in concentration of persistent toxic
substances and other substances, known to be present in biota and
sediment of the Great Lakes
2. The impact of persistent toxic substances on the health of humans and
the quality and health of living aquatic systems
3. Sources of input of persistent toxic substances, and
4. The presence of previously unidentified persistent toxic substances.
The Agreement calls for the development and implementation of a joint
surveillance and monitoring program specifically to include baseline data
collection, sample analysis, evaluation, and quality assurance programs
(including standard sampling and analytical methodology, inter-laboratory
comparisons, and compatible data management) to allow assessments of:
1. Inputs from tributaries, point source discharges, atmosphere, and
connecting channels
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2. Whole lake data Including that for nearshore areas (such as harbours
and embayments, general shoreline and cladophora growth areas), open
waters of the lakes, fish contaminants, and wildlife contaminants and
3. Outflows including connecting channels, water intakes, and outlets.
The Supplement to Annex 3 also requires the Parties "to develop and
implement surveillance and monitoring measures to determine the progress of
the phosphorus load reduction plans for the Lower Lakes These measures
will include an inventory of areas treated, watershed modelling, and improved
measurement of tributary loadings to the Lower Lakes far the purpose of
providing improved non-point source loading estimates "
THE NIAGARA RIVER SYSTEM
The 1978 Agreement defines "Great Lakes System" to include "all of the
streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water that are within the drainage
basin on the St. Lawrence River at or upstream from the point at which this
river becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United
States." For general purposes of surveillance, this Plan is concerned with
the Niagara River from its beginning at Lake Erie to its mouth at Lake
Ontario. The Plan also considers discharges from the drainage basin to the
river,as well as the presence and distribution of contaminants in the Niagara
River bar in Lake Ontario. These will all be included in assessments of areas
of water quality concern.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK - THE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH
The International Joint Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission,
and the 12 associated state, provincial, and federal Great Lakes resource
agencies are committed to the ecosystem approach for the resolution of water
quality and other major Great Lakes issues. This means that surveillance must
become holistic. The ideal product from such a holistic program on Lake
Ontario is a coherent annual "snapshot" which is an accurate gauge of the
health of the system.
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The ecosystem approach requires a change 1n focus, rather than a change in
methodology. No major change 1s anticipated in the basic sampling and
analysis techniques. What 1s required Is coordination at the planning,
Implementation, and reporting levels 1n order to link appropriate surveillance
components. This will entail selection of common sampling sites, sampling
schedules, and data collection targets, and will also include compatible data
recording and storage. The summarization process will also require use of
common due dates and use of standard terms to link water quality and the
status of the ecosystem.
The Niagara River ecosystem consists of the physical habitat and the
associated biota. To properly manage the river, in order to attain the
Agreement objectives, it is essential to recognize that habitat and the
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Niagara River are synonymous and, when biota (including humans) are added to
that habitat, the riverwide ecosystem is presented.
A large number of integrated factors determine the habitat and changes
therein. The individual chapters of this Plan are designed to measure certain
of these factors and changes, i.e. they serve as building blocks to reach a
goal or goals.
Ecosystem management translates Into habitat management. Collectively,
the various surveillance components are also some of the major components of
the Niagara River habitat (ecosystem). Habitat and its quality and quantity
provide the common linkage for the components of this Surveillance Plan. The
quality of the Niagara River habitat, including the quality of human life
dependent on it, can be described directly by the water quality and the
abundance and variety of the associated biota.
In preparing an ecosystem surveillance plan with its emphasis on
anthropogenic stresses, the following questions need to be considered:
1. What 1s the present condition of the ecosystem?
2. What was the historic condition of the ecosystem?
3. What condition would we like to have by the years 2000 and 2050?
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This Niagara River Surveillance Plan has been developed to help answer these
questions, with emphasis on the chemical conditions.
At the outset, this Plan represents an attempt to integrate the necessary
components, with the aim to achieve greatly Improved data quality and
comparability over the whole of the river. The first requirement for the
ongoing program is-that plans be established to complete this process of
linking the components from water quality programs through the various levels
of the food chain. Historical data series should not be abandoned, simply to
satisfy the need for coordination (although this could happen in some cases),
and ways must be found to phase over to an ecosystem perspective with minimal
loss of comparability with past data.
The second requirement is creation of an evaluation process which will
measure progress towards the ideal program.
The third requirement is some assurance of program continuity. The intent
of this Plan is to make surveillance efforts more effective 1n an ecosystem
sense, not to enlarge them. Therefore, budgeting per s_e is not a concern
here. On the other hand, to make sure that no vital components are lost as a
result of budget variation, is a concern. The Task Force believes this can be
done by identifying and defining activities under the broad category of
surveillance and monitoring to meet the requirements of Annexes 11 and 12 and
the Supplement to Annex 3, by indicating what is considered the minimum level
of the overall activities that must be carried out to satisfactorily address
the identified issues and concerns relating to the lake. Continuity can be
enhanced by adopting formulas for committing the necessary resources to carry
out those activities, subject to ongoing reviews.
THE NIAGARA RIVER TOXICS COMMITTEE
Historically, pollution concerns in the Niagara River, as reported in a
1948 International Joint Commission study, centered around conventional
pollutants such as bacterial contamination, the presence of phenols and oil
slicks, and aesthetic impairment in the form of odours and discolouration.
Waste reduction programs in the form of controls on discharges to the river
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have helped to alleviate the Impact that conventional pollutants have had on
the river.
More recently, concern for the Niagara River has shifted to the presence
and persistence of toxic substances and their Impact on human health and the
ecosystem. The discovery of a great many abandoned or leaking waste disposal
sites along the river corridor, in addition to the existing and proposed
municipal and industrial discharges to the river, has resulted in public
scepticism over the "safety" of drinking water and the edibility of fish taken
from the river.
The International Joint Commission has identified the Niagara River as an
Area of Concern since 1973, meaning that specific water quality objectives
were not being met in areas of the river. As such, Canadian and United States
environmental agencies have undertaken numerous investigations regarding
identified pollution problems. However, a total picture of the toxic
contaminant problem in the river was lacking, and the need for a co-operative
investigative effort became apparent. In February 1981, the Canada/United
States Niagara River Toxics Committee (NRTC) was established to co-ordinate a
comprehensive program to investigate toxic chemical contamination in the
river. .The Niagara River Toxics Committee had three objectives:
1. Identify sources of toxic pollutants entering the Niagara River.
2. Recommend control programs where necessary.
3. Recommend long-term water monitoring programs for the Niagara River
that would allow evaluation of the effectiveness of control programs.
Specifically, the study included:
1. A review of existing information on the Niagara River, the western
basin of Lake Ontario, and the eastern basin of Lake Erie to
determine what chemicals were present and the degree of concern for
each chemical.
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2. Monitoring of Industrial and municipal discharges and urban drainage
to determine the amount of toxic chemicals that enter the river from
these sources.
3. Investigations of waste disposal sites to determine which ones are,
or have the potential for, contributing chemicals to groundwater and
to the river.
4. Monitoring to determine the occurrence and concentrations of toxic
chemicals in water, sediment, and biota (fish, clams, algae) in the
Niagara River Project study area.
5. A review and assessment of the effectiveness of present control
programs.
This information was then used to determine the effectiveness of present
pollution abatement programs, and suggest refinements or new programs where
necessary. The NRTC recognized that only through a continuing co-ordinated
monitoring program could the effectiveness of these recommendations be
established, and hence a long-term monitoring program (as stated in the third
objective above) be developed.
It 1s not the desire of the Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force to
duplicate the efforts of the NRTC. Therefore, the Task Force has used the
Long-Term Monitoring Program proposed by the NRTC as the basis for this
Niagara River Surveillance Plan. Since the NRTC plan only addresses toxic
substances, the Task Force has developed complementary programs to address
conventional parameters. The Task Force and the International Joint
Commission can thus serve as the instrument for assessing the implementation
and long-term monitoring of the NRTC's proposed program.
THE PLAN
The specific requirements for surveillance and monitoring activities can
be expressed in terms of the following values which are deemed to be important
to the public:
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1. Protection of the public from adverse health effects resulting from
contact with toxic, pathogenic, or teratogenic materials.
2. Protection of sources of livelihood, such as property values,
fisheries, and tourism.
3. Protection of aesthetic factors which enhance the quality of life for
inhabitants of the region.
4. Stabilization and protection of the aquatic ecosystem, and
enhancement where appropriate.
This Surveillance ^as&aaMietaaBBm Plan must generate information which can be
used to ensure that these values are indeed restored, protected, and
maintained.
This Plan has been developed to effectively fulfill the stated
surveillance and monitoring requirements as efficiently as practicable. The.
need for each program component has been assessed in light of the Agreement
requirements. The design of the Plan is based on historical findings and also
takes into account factors such as public perceptions and concerns, the
protection of perceived values, intended data uses, and other specific
information needs identified by the Surveillance Work Group and by the Board.
The data to be collected in the Plan will not be adequate to meet all
needs of modellers and researchers, nor are the data intended exclusively for
these purposes. However, the various project elements will provide a basis
from which to evaluate the environmental status and emerging needs involving
the need for modelling and/or research to further explain or describe
conditions found.
The surveillance and monitoring programs in this Plan address two concerns:
1. Human health and well-being.
Bacterial contamination of bathing beaches.
2-9
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Contaminants 1n sport and commercial fish.
Contaminants in drinking water.
Aesthetic degradation, including weed growth and spills.
2. Aquatic ecosystem status.
Destruction or disruption of fish and wildlife habitat.
Contaminant effects on reproduction, growth, and general health
at every step of the food chain, and especially fish and
wildlife.
The consequences of nutrient overenrichment on the biotic
community.
These concerns are considered in terms of an affected use or impact, or a
potentially affected use or impact which, in turn, are translated into
quantifiable physical, chemical, and biological parameters. These parameters
can be related to five specific issues:
1. Chemical contaminants.
2. Eutrophication.
3. Microbial contaminants.
4. Radionuclide contaminants.
5. Biological community structure and habitat status.
Chemical contaminants and eutrophication are addressed from both the human and
ecosystem health standpoint, while microbial and radionuclide contaminants are
considered as human health concerns. The biological community and habitat
Issue relate particularly to the ecosystem status.
The use of quantifiable parameters is desirable, since changes in the
observed amounts indicate changes in the status of the Niagara River ecosystem
and, therefore, in the status of the issues. These changes can, in turn, be
Interpreted in terms of the above-stated goals of surveillance and in terms of
protection of important public values. Further, the Plan is flexible: as
changes are observed in the ecosystem and in the issues, surveillance and
monitoring activities can be modified accordingly, while maintaining a clear
-------
perspective on program planning, responsibility, resource commitment,
accountability, and the adequacy of institutional arrangements. For this
reason, the details of the Plan itself are presented on a component basis, so
that agency responsibilities can be easily identified. The linkage between
the flexible and rigid portions of this Plan is summarized in Tables 1-5.
Each table is a summary sheet of operational components needed to provide the
information base on which an ongoing assessment for each issue can be obtained
Furthermore for each operational component, a summary of the measurements
to be made, the issues being addressed, and the media in which measurements
are to be made is provided in Table 6.
Using this approach, the emphasis of the program can be changed as the
issues change, while at the same time maintaining a clear visual picture of
who is doing what, and whether the institutional arrangements are effectively
addressing these changing priorities. In this way, accountability can be
managed effectively, as can the issues pertinent to the Niagara River.
The Plan, for the most part, addresses those parameters for which
Agreement objectives, or jurisdictional standards, criteria, objectives, or
guidelines exist. The Plan implicitly acknowledges the assessments which have
been conducted to derive these values. The Plan incorporates programs
designed to provide information which would Indicate whether any violations of
these values have occurred.
The Plan also recognizes the need to look for previously unidentified
substances and to report on emerging problems. Therefore, the components of
the Plan contain provisions to analyze selected samples (water, sediment,
fish) for a wider spectrum of parameters and to report these findings to the
research community for appropriate consideration and disposition. It is
beyond the scope of the Plan to establish either the hazard or the risk
associated with these substances.
The Plan assumes the ongoing conduct of literature reviews and searches of
information sources, both within and outside the Great Lakes Basin, for useful
information. The Plan is also sensitive to information needs from the
2-t/
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TABLE 1
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
COMPONENT CATEGORY
(i.e. INPUT OR IM-
PACTED AREA)
OPERATIONAL
COMPONENT
NECESSARY SAMPLING MEDIA VARIABLES TO BE SAMPLED
Input Monitoring
Impact Monitoring
Municipal and
Industrial Point
Sources
Storm Water Dis-
charges and
Combined Sewer
Overflows
Tributaries
Groundwater
Dredged Spoil
Disposal Sites
Atmosphere
Main River
Areas of Concern
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u
TABLE 2
EUTROPHICATION
COMPONENT CATEGORY
(I.e. INPUT OR IM-
PACTED AREA)
OPERATIONAL
COMPONENT
NECESSARY SAMPLING MEDIA VARIABLES TO BE SAMPLED
Input Monitoring
Impact Monitoring
Municipal and
Industrial Point
Sources
Storm Water Dis-
charges and
Combined Sewer
Overflows
Tributaries
Groundwater
Dredged Spoil
Disposal Sites
Atmosphere
Main River
Areas of Concern
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TABLE 3
MICR03IAL CONTAMINANTS
COMPONENT CATEGORY
(i.e. INPUT OR IM-
PACTED AREA)
OPERATIONAL
COMPONENT
NECESSARY SAMPLING MEDIA VARIABLES TO BE SAMPLED
Input Monitoring
Impact Monitoring
Municipal and
Industrial Point
Sources
Storm Water Dis-
charges and
Combined Sewer
Overflows
Tributaries
Groundwater
Dredged Spoil
Disposal Sites
Atmosphere
Main River
Areas of Concern
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TABLE 4
RADIONUCLIDE CONTAMINANTS
COMPONENT CATEGORY
(I.e. IMPUT OR IM-
PACTED AREA)
OPERATIONAL
COM FOMENT
NECESSARY SAMPLING MEDIA VARIABLES TO BE SAMPLED
Input Monitoring
Impact Monitoring
Municipal and
Industrial Point
Sources
Storm Water Dis-
charges and
Combined Sewer
Overflows
Tributaries
Groundwater
Dredged Spoil
Disposal Sites
Atmosphere
Main River
Areas of Concern
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TABLE 5
BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AMD PHYSICAL HABITAT
COMPONENT CATEGORY
(I.e. INPUT OR IM-
PACTED AREA)
OPERATIONAL
COMPONENT
NECESSARY
SAMPLING MEDIA
VARIABLES TO BE SAMPLED
Input Monitoring
Impact Monitoring
Municipal and
Industrial Point
Sources
Storm Water Dis-
charges and
Combined Sewer
Overflows
Tributaries
Groundwater
Dredged Spoil
Disposal Sites
Atmosphere
•Main River
Areas of Concern
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TABLE 6
SWMARY OF SURVEILLANCE PLAN CONTENTS
OPERATIONAL
COMPONENT OR
IBCOMPONENT
ISSUE(S) AND
CONCERNS ADDRESSED
EXPECTED
RESULTS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
PLANNED ACTIVITES
PROPOSED
RESPONSIBLE
JURISDICTION
PROGRAM STATUS
(new vs. ongoing
temporal frequency)
Municipal & Industrial
Point Sources
Stormwater Discharges &
Combined Sewer Overflows
Tributaries
Groundwater
Dredged Spoil Disposal
Sites
Atmosphere
Chemical Constituents
In Water
Chemical Constituents
In Sediment
Chemical Constituents
In Fish
Chemical Constituents
In Other Aquatic Biota
Chemical Constituents
in Other Biloglcal
Species
Acute Toxiclty
Bacteria and Pathogenic
Organisms
Aesthetics
Physical Habitat
Structure of the Biological
Community
Buffalo River
-------
research community, as well as from other sources and, to the extent possible,
attempts to accommodate these requests. Three examples are:
1. The list of 38 chemicals or families of chemicals, identified .by the
Human Health Effects Committee, that have the potential to impact on
human health, based on available information and, therefore, should
be included in surveillance programs.
2. The inventory, developed by the Niagara River Toxics Committee, of
contaminants present in various media within the Niagara River
watershed.
3. The 11 Critical Pollutants identified in the Water Quality Board's
1985 Report on Great Lakes Water Quality.
The results from initial surveillance and monitoring for these substances
would establish whether further measurements were warranted.
An outline of the •ttgeyMrnnn-ruon Plan appears in Table 7; details are given
in subsequent chapters. Table 6 provides, in tabular form, a summary of the
contents of the Plan.
A series of 13 common factors 1s used to present program, operational, and
quality assurance requirements for each operational component of the Plan
(Table 8). These factors are a simple checklist of items which must be in
place before surveillance and monitoring are initiated. The use of these
factors for presenting the Plan should allow the reader to readily grasp the
reason for monitoring a given parameter and how that data will help to
determine impacts to humans or the aquatic ecosystem.
The format for the presentation of information in each chapter is based on
the U.S. EPA report, "Guidance for Preparation of Combined Work/Quality
Assurance Project Plans for Water Monitoring." Also, the recommendations for
future monitoring and surveillance activities, presented in the final report
of the Data Quality Subcommittee to its parent Niagara River Toxics Committee,
have been .adopted.
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TABLE 7
fffiGfiift XV/.PX:
OUTLINE OF egsifeatsa^. SURVEILLANCE PLAN
INPUTS
MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL POINT SOURCES
STORMWATER DISCHARGES AND COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS
TRIBUTARIES
GROUNOWATER
DREDGED SPOIL DISPOSAL SITES
ATMOSPHERE
IMPACTS
MAIN RIVER
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN WATER
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN SEDIMENT
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN FISH
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN OTHER AQUATIC BIOTA
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN OTHER BIOLOGICAL SPECIES
ACUTE TOXICITY
BACTERIA AND PATHOGENIC ORGANISMS
AESTHETICS
PHYSICAL HABITAT
STRUCTURE OF BIOTIC COMMUNITY
AREAS OF CONCERN
BUFFALO RIVER, NEW YORK
2-J9
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TABLE 8
COMMON ELEMENTS FOR EACH FACTOR IN THE
WORK AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN*
1. BASIS FOR CONCERN
Identification and description of the Issue and the Impacted uses, or the
potential Issue and the potentially Impacted uses. Include also the basis
for concern, such as the Agreement objectives or juMsdlctional values,
population or species shifts, acute toxicity, etc. as appropriate.
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed surveillance and monitoring program will be designed to
establish compliance; Identify sources, problem areas, and the extent of a
problem; trade response to remedial measures; and Identify emerging
problems. To meet these goals, specific questions relevant to the issue
should be posed, and the surveillance and monitoring program should be
designed to answer these questions.
2.1 OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
2.2 DATA USAGE
Also include here interrelationships with other chapters or elements
of the Plan.
2.3 MONITORING NETWORK DESIGN AND RATIONALE
2.4 MONITORING PARAMETERS AND FREQUENCY OF SAMPLE COLLECTION
2.5 PARAMETER TABLE
For each parameter, give the required detection limits, the number of
samples, sample matrix, analtylcal method (references), sample
preservation, and holding time.
2.6 SCHEDULE OF TASKS AND PRODUCTS
2.7 PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
3. SAMPLING PROCEDURES
4. SAMPLE CUSTODY PROCEDURES
5. CALIBRATION PROCEDURES AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
6. DATA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS
7. DOCUMENTATION. DATA REDUCTION, DATA MANAGEMENT, AND REPORTING
8. DATA VALIDATION
9. PERFORMANCE AND SYSTEMS AUDITS
10. CORRECTIVE ACTION
11. PROJECT FISCAL INFORMATION
12. DATA INTERPRETATION AND REPORTS
To answer the specific questions posed in Item 2, above.
13. COMMENTARY
Comparison of program requirements, as given above, with present
jurisdlctional programs, in order to identify gaps.
a. The outline, with minor modifications, is from "Guidance for Preparation
of Combined Work/Quality Assurance Project Plans for Water Monitoring,"
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Regulations and
Standards, Washington, D.C. 20460, May 27, 1983, Report No. OWRS QA-1.
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Using this format, program and quality assurance requirements are
critically thought through. Issues which have been identified as lacking in
previous efforts are identified up front, such as the specific purpose for
which the data are being collected, e.g. what question will it help answer?;
the responsible parties for identified activities, especially quality
assurance, quality of data needed, data comparability and completeness, and
data handling. In this document, items 1, 2, 12, and 13 are addressed in
detail, while items 6 and 7 are dealt with in a general way to establish the
basis for the necessary program integration, management, and control. The
remaining items are dealt with in two other volumes complementing this
document.
The "Surveillance Handbook", presently under development by the
Surveillance Work Group, will present more technical details regarding the
"how" for the conduct of the surveillance and monitoring activities called for
in this Plan.
This Plan represents an integrated and coordinated approach to the
surveillance activities to be conducted on the Niagara River by the
jurisdictions involved. It was developed without necessarily attempting to
justify or sustain any jurisdictional program already in place, although 1t
was envisaged that the bulk of the ongoing activities would fit into the
independently developed plan. The activities in the Plan will be compared
with present jurisdictional programs, in order to determine those activities
already in place and to determine the magnitude of additional programs
required.
UPSTREAM MONITORING
The Plan is designed, among other purposes, to identify sources of
pollution to the river. This includes identification of contaminants at the
mouth of a tributary. However, such measurements at the mouth of a tributary
are an "integrated" value of sources upstream in the drainage basin.
The Surveillance Work Group has interpreted the scope of activities in the
Great Lakes System, as defined in the Agreement, to include the identification
-------
of sources of pollution - both point and nonpolnt, as well as waste disposal
sites - upstream In tributary drainage basins. These upstream areas will be
studied, as the need arises, on a case-by-case basis. The surveillance and
monitoring programs to Identify and quantify such upstream sources should
constitute an integral part of the Plan.
However, the Surveillance Work Group recognizes that the responsibility to
develop these programs lies within the purview of the jurisdictions, since the
tributary drainage basins lie within their mandate.
Therefore, this Plan describes surveillance and monitoring programs to
Identify and quantify contaminants at the mouth of a tributary. Significant
contamination at the mouth identifies the need for upstream programs to
identify and quantify sources. The jurisdictions are expected to develop the
requisite upstream programs, when deemed necessary. When developed, the
Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force will review these jurisdictional
programs in order to ensure that they are consistent with the intent and the
goals of the Agreement.
OPERATIONAL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS
The data generated within each program element must be internally
consistent, comparable, and valid. In addition, the data must also be
comparable among program elements.
All environmental measurement tasks must be adequately conceived,
documented, and executed so that the resulting data can be used with a
definable degree of confidence. This Is especially important, since both
accuracy and comparability among different data sets are required.
Sound quality control and quality assurance procedures must be an integral
part of each component or sub-component of the Plan. Unless such procedures
are built into the Plan to develop, administer, and evaluate environmental
measurement tasks, they are only a marginally useful and a burdensome
requirement.
-------
In order to ensure that quality assurance requirements are 1n place before
surveillance and monitoring are initiated, this Plan utilizes the format
presented in Table 8.
Development of Quality Assurance for the Plan
The purpose of quality assurance is to identify and control those factors
which affect the validity and the comparability of the data, and to establish
the acceptability of the data for use.
In order to identify those quality assurance requirements which are
necessary and sufficient to meet the requirements of tire Agreement, the Task
Force selected as its starting point, the quality assurance information and
programs which are already available from, and 1n place within the
jurisdictions. As well, the members of the Task Force applied their
perceptions, based on their knowledge and experience, regarding what should be
Incorporated.
In fact, this is the only logical starting point available.
The outline in Table 8 is used to systematically organize this information
for each component and sub-component of the Plan. As the information is
assembled, it will be assessed, evaluated, and integrated, in order to
establish whether the particular quality assurance activities are necessary
and sufficient.
The quality assurance activities will be evaluated first within a
particular program element or plan component/sub-component, to determine
whether valid data will be generated. Next, quality assurance activities will
be evaluated among program elements, to determine whether valid and comparable
data will be generated. These steps will identify problems associated with
the validity and the comparability of the data, and will determine those
quality assurance measures which will resolve and avoid such problems.
By following an iterative procedure and by incorporating internal and
external review to the quality assurance material as it is developed, the Task
-------
Force will Identify and promulgate, 1n a coherent and compatible manner, the
overall quality assurance requirements for the Plan. Details about the
requirements and their implementation will be assembled and documented as
appropriate information becomes available. The Task Force also recognizes
that the Plan 1s flexible, so that quality assurance requirements can be
modified as the Plan matures.
Since quality assurance is intimately associated with particular
operational procedures and protocols, the identification of necessary and
sufficient quality assurance measures requires consideration of those
operational procedures and protocols, as they have been developed and applied
.»
by the various jurisdictions for specific programs and activities. Therefore,
to Initiate the process to develop quality assurance requirements, the Task
Force Identified those jurisdictions which will conduct a particular program,
or which will potentially conduct a particular program. Therefore, each
activity of the Plan assigns jurisdlctional responsibility, although in some
cases such assignment is tentative, for working purposes only.
Operational Considerations
To initiate the development of quality assurance for the Plan, the Task
Force systematically assembled and considered available information 1n five
operational categories:
1. Laboratory
2. Field
3. Sampling design
4. Data and Information management
5. Communication, timing, and data availability
Analytical Component
Laboratory Capabilities vs. Program Requirements
Analytical capabilities must be compared to, and reconciled with program
requirements for each program element. Analytical capabilities are determined
-------
by the particular procedure used to handle and prepare the sample, as well as
by the method employed for the analysis itself. The Task Force has undertaken
to assemble an inventory of information which is required to make the
comparison and effect reconcilation. The program information includes, for
each parameter and each medium, the expected concentration for the particular
type of sample, the desired analytical detection limit, the smallest
reportable increment desired, the Agreement objective, and jurisdictional
limitations (Table 9). This initial comparison establishes whether present
analytical capabilities can support the proposed program and whether the
objectives of the particular program element in the Plan can be met.
Potential problems which can be identified before the fact include
unavailability of suitable analytical methods, unacceptable detection limits,
and different reporting units.
The International Joint Commission's Regional Office has assembled
analytical methodology information for most Great Lakes laboratories. The
Task Force will use this information as a starting point in its exercise.
Through negotiation, laboratory capability can be established, so that
program requirements can be met. Because of costs, and because of the
practical limitations of applied analytical methodologies, compromises may be
necessary and program requirements modified.
The product of this exercise is a clear statement of program requirements
and a clear statement of analytical capability necessary to meet these
requirements, on a parameter-by-parameter basis. With this information in
hand, quality assurance can now be developed for, and applied to the
analytical component of each program element as well as among program
elements.
Quality Assurance - Application to Laboratory Procedures and Protocol
Comparable and valid data is the desired product resulting from the
application of quality assurance. The Task Force considered alternatives for
achieving these goals within the analytical component of the Plan.
-------
(THIS POR1ION TO BE COMPLETED IV PROJECT LEADER)
PROGRAM COMPONENT 01 SUB-COMPONENT
PCOOMM PURPOSE
VARIABLE.
CHtHICAL.
OR CHEMICAL
CROUP
MEOIUH
SOURCE OF
SAMPLE*
BACKGJOUNO
CONCENIRA1IOH
NO. OF SAMPLES
REQUIRED
SAMPLING
fRCQUEMCY
OBJECTIVE. CU
ACREEHENr
OEIIHE. OR STANDARD
JURISDICTION11
SMALLEST CONCENTRATION
TO 1C DETECICO
SMALLEST DISCERNIBLE
INCREMENT OESUEOC
to be coll.cled? For u*Ur. UiiL typ. of w«t«rl F»r
«Whcr* U tk«
effluent.
«>Spetl/y v»K cr eich relev«nt Jurlse:
open Uk., n«i«hor., uUuttry. r«w
u»ter. InduitrUI
.,
0.1
-------
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MUII 0> iMin,
iDiimic |« MIMM'
uiMtion wniMl
Cftruillli'
UMIllttl COil
laiu
ANUtllCU. CM9
•1MI CUIt
IOIU
MMICI toil
UMUI
^U kl|*. M41«a. 9r IM iMft4tM« r««nlrt4t
•S>tclf> It' Klk rilt.lnl llMrtltry.
i. If— I
In Milf> "•
-------
Two alternatives were considered and discarded for being Impractical: use
of a single methodology or use of a single laboratory for a particular
parameter. The number of samples collected across the Lake Ontario Basin Is
too many for one laboratory to handle. Also, a laboratory 1s often set up to
utilize a particular procedure, often to comply with legal requirements; to
require an alternative or a modified procedure would be costly. Further,
different methodologies must be used because samples are collected in
different media (e.g. water, sediment, fish) or because the range of
concentrations encountered is so wide. In addition, analytical methods are
constantly evolving, oftentimes rapidly; any decision to use a particular
method would stunt method development. Lastly, the logistics of transporting
a sample to a lab and the sample holding time can preclude the use of a single
lab.
A better goal is to strive for comparable and valid data resulting from
different analytical protocols. Interlaboratory comparison studies can be
designed, conducted, and evaluated in such a manner to achieve this goal. For
full effectiveness, however, these studies must be begun well in advance of
the start of program implementation.
The Data Quality Work Group of the Water Quality Board conducts round
robin intercomparison studies. The concentrations found in the samples used
in these studies resemble those encountered in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Also, the Work Group will conduct intercomparison studies tailored to meet the
needs of the Plan. In addition, standard or reference samples are available
through various jurisdictional programs.
These Intercomparison programs are necessary but, 1n and of themselves,
they are not sufficient to meet the quality assurance requirements of the
analytical component of the Plan. As this Plan evolves, the Task Force will
identify those quality assurance requirements which it considers to be
necessary and sufficient to ensure that comparable and valid data are produced
from the analytical component of each program element.
-------
Field Component
Field Capabilities vs. Program Requirements
As for the analytical component, field capabilities must be compared to,
and reconciled with program requirements for each program element. The field
component includes the equipment and procedure used to collect the sample and
the protocol for handling and transporting the sample to the laboratory. The
field procedure and protocol must be tailored to meet the requirements of the
laboratory. The Commission's Regional Office has assembled relevant
information in the report, "Field Procedures Review." The Task Force will use
this information as a starting point.
After the operational information is compiled, the Task Force will seek
the advice and guidance of field personnel. This consultation and evaluation
will help establish the adequacy of particular sample collection protocols and
procedures.
Quality Assurance - Application to Field Procedures and Protocols
Sample collection and handling is potentially a major source of problems
and error. The Task Force will identify those quality assurance requirements
which it considers necessary and sufficient to ensure that comparable and
valid data will result from the procedures and protocol utilized in the field
component of each program element.
The exact nature of these requirements will be delineated in consultation
with field personnel. A range of activities is envisioned, including samples
split in the field, multiple samples collected simultaneously, and enhanced
training and supervision of field personnel.
Sampling Design
The design of the sample collection scheme, including the number of
samples, the time of collection, and the location of the stations, is another
crucial factor to ensure that the data are statistically valid and, therefore,
-------
to ensure that the conclusions drawn are also valid. The Task Force will
develop the requisite details, which will depend on the specific goals of each
program element.
Data and Information Management Component
Requirements
Yet another crucial factor in the successful development and conduct of
the Plan Is the proper management of the data and information which result
from the laboratory analyses and various other activities conducted as part of
this Plan. A procedure must be in place to handle that data and information
in a timely and coordinated fashion, and this mechanism must ensure that data
handling, data reporting, and statistical analyses are comparable. The data
and information will be used to prepare periodic reports on the status of the
Niagara River.
To ensure that the reports address the identified issues in the most
forthright manner, the right data must be available at the right time and in
the right format. These requirements dictate a particular end product of the
data handling exercise, which means that consideration must be given to the
models, graphs, tables, and other particulars regarding the presentation of
the Information. These requirements, in turn, dictate how data must be
entered into the data management system.
Associated questions are, What is the desired format for these data? How
are the data transformed into this desired format? Further, what quality
assurance is required with regard to the handling and management of data prior
and subsequent to its entry into a data management system?
The data and information requirements, which are necessary for the
development of good reports, strongly imply the desirability of a single data
management system, i.e. a computer, operated under the auspices of a single
entity.
3-30
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Responsibility
Since there is a need to manage data, in order to meet the requirements of
the Plan and of the Agreement, and since the International Joint Commission is
the only entity whose mandate encompasses the entire Great Lakes Basin, it
logically follows that the Commission should have the responsibility for, and
the means to manage data in the most cost efficient manner.
In order to establish what the Plan requires in terms of data management,
the Task Force feels that there is an urgent need to identify a person or
persons to assemble information about what management systems are presently in
place in the jurisidctions, how data are exchanged, how-well the exchanges
work, and present procedures for reformatting data. The Task Force notes the
plethora of management systems, many of them manual, especially for fish and
biological data.
Communication. Timing, and Data Availability
Another essential ingredient for the success of the Plan is ongoing
communication among field, laboratory, quality assurance, and program planning
personnel. Communication explains the objectives and the program requirements
and delineates operational capabilities. This, in turn, helps ensure that
necessary operational requirements are developed and implemented and that
program requirements are realistic and can be met.
Timing and data availability are also essential factors. The sample
holding time (i.e. between collection and analysis) can be a constraint. So,
too, are the laboratory turn-around time and the interval between generation
of the datum and its availability for use (i.e. entry into a data management
system after appropriate checks on its validity). Adequate time must also be
allowed for proper correlation and interpretation of the data.
Finished data should be exchanged among the Niagara River jurisdictions.
However, to ensure a greater return from the surveillance and monitoring
activities conducted on the river, raw data and such relevant supporting
information as methodologies and quality assurance findings must also be
-------
available freely and 1n a timely manner. The detailed Plan roust Include a
schedule for data availability, exchange, and reporting.
With proper coordination and oversight (especially with regard to
turn-around times), a report could be prepared 12 to 18 months after the
samples were collected, i.e. the data produced from samples collected during a
particular field year could be reported in the latter part of the following
year.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
Overall coordination and oversight is essential fof the successful
Implementation of the Plan, as 1s coordination and oversight of all aspects of
quality assurance. Effective coordination and oversight must address
Integration, quality assurance and data validity, and data management and
availability. These are essential, in order to allow for proper
Interpretation and use of data. Further, mechanisms for such coordination and
oversight must be in place before the activities called for in the Plan go
forward. The strategy must be developed at the planning stage and implemented
throughout the Plan.
The following basic operating principles and protocols will form an
Integral part of the overall Plan Implementation.
Documentation. Data Representativeness. Data Validation. Data Management, and
Reporting
Any changes in station location, sampling, and/or analytical methodology
will be documented. All original field and lab sheets, including EBT traces,
transmissometer profiles, and computer printouts of lab results for each
sample collection event will be stored together for future reference if
necessary. Original gas chromatograph scans will be kept for future
verification and, if necessary, reinterpretation.
The sampling scheme for the various media will be designed so as to be
consistent with the specific objectives of the study and to obtain valid
2-32
-------
representative data. Sufficient sampling for all parameters (in water) will
be rnnfliirTH In I • !i ihiiiH tn provide a statistically valid estimate of the
mean concentration for each segment of the river.
Data Validation
The project leader will be given the results of all quality assurance
analyses (blanks, duplicates, % recoveries of spikes) associated with each
data set.
Performance and Systems Audits
All analytical methods are to be documented and evaluated by the Data
Quality Work Group for compatability with other methods in use. Quality
control will consist of both inter- and intralaboratory programs. All
laboratories involved are required to participate in designated
interlaboratory studies. The interlaboratory program will consist of
participation in interlaboratory round robins, blind audit samples, and the
use of standard reference materials, if available. Intralaboratory quality
control will incorporate checks for consistency of data across sample (i.e.
filtered/total, etc.) and between parameters, spikes, standards, and
replicates.
1. Reagent blanks and reagent blanks spiked at various levels of
concentration are to be run before samples to check analytical
instrument. Also a complete calibration curve is to be run before
and after samples.
2. Standard addition samples are to be run initially and as required,
depending on the system, to determine matrix interference effects and
recovery.
3. Calibration standards (drift control) are to be run every 20th sample.
4. One sample is to be analyzed 10 or more times to determine precision.
£-33
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In addition, duplicate analyses will be performed on every 20th trace
metal sample. Field blanks will be submitted to check for sample container
contamination.
For the open lake water specifically, duplicate analyses will be performed
on a minimum of 5% of the nutrient and major ion samples. Due to increased
risk of contamination for particulate organic carbon, total particulate
nitrogen, and chlorophyll samples, duplicates for these parameters will be
done on 15-20% of the samples. In addition, for those parameters measured
onboard the ship during open lake cruises (soluble reactive phosphorus,
nltrate+nitrite, and ammonia) the final duplicate of the shift is refrigerated
and rerun at the beginning of the next shift for veriftcation.
Blank samples, to monitor for sampling tube and method contamination, will
be run in conjunction with duplicate samples. Distilled/deionized water will
be spiked with high and low standards; percent recovery will be determined.
These samples will likewise be run in conjunction with duplicates.
Data Management
Once all the analyses for a particular data collection event have been
completed, and the quality control results approved, the chemist in charge
will check the data. If the quality control results (i.e. duplicates, blanks,
% recoveries, standards) are deemed acceptable, the "accepted" data will be
forwarded to the project leader for verification. The project leader is
responsible for investigating any suspect data and having it flagged or
deleted as deemed appropriate. The data will then be entered into the
agency's main computer for public access.
Coordination and Oversight for Quality Assurance
The Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force proposes the following for
the coordination and oversight of quality assurance. The Task Force seeks the
advice and support of the Water Quality Board and the International Joint
Commission.
2-3?
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Responsibility for quality assurance at the working level lies, of course,
with the jurisdictions but, to ensure that quality assurance is done right, a
full-time Quality Assurance Officer is required. Since only the International
Joint Commission has a mandate to address the entire Great Lakes Basin, the
Commission must assume overall responsibility for quality assurance.
The Quality Assurance Officer would:
1. Coordinate all quality assurance within the Plan.
2. Coordinate the assessment of the adequacy of quality assurance
measures.
3. Oversee the Identification and application of those quality assurance
measures, as applied to field, laboratory, and data management
procedures and protocols, deemed necessary and sufficient to meet the
requirements of the Plan and of the Agreement.
4. Provide audit to ensure that the agreed-to quality assurance
procedures are adhered to, i.e. so that potentially disastrous
changes are not made in mid-stream.
5. Oversee rectification of problems identified as a result of quality
assurance studies.
The Quality Assurance Officer should be a supercommunicator, who can
effect cooperation and get the job done in a professional manner.
The work done by the Data Quality Work Group is a component of the overall
quality assurance requirements which would be overseen by the Officer.
Coordination and Oversight for the Plan
The Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force proposes the following for
the coordination and oversight of the Plan. The Task Force seeks the advice
and support of the Water Quality Board and the International Joint Commission.
2-3.5
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Responsibility for Implementing the various individual activities called
for in the Plan lies with the sundry jurisdictions. However, the
International Joint Commission, through its Water Quality Board and its Lake
Ontario Task Force, has an overall responsibility to coordinate these many
diverse activities, to ensure that the data are generated and brought together
in a coherent manner which not only addresses the issues Identified for Lake
Ontario, but which also meets the requirements of the Agreement.
The Chairman of the Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force would be
designated Project Coordinator. He/she would be responsible for ensuring that
reports are written to meet the prescribed requirements.
•
Each sub-component or element of the Plan, in turn, will have an Element
Coordinator, who will answer to the Project Coordinator. The Element
Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the activities of those who are
generating the data, and for preparing a report on the activities called for
in that particular sub-component or element. In conjunction with the Quality
Assurance Officer, the Element Coordinator will ensure that the requisite
quality assurance requirements have been met and incorporated.
Each jurisdiction which is developing data for a particular element or
sub-component of the Plan will have an individual responsible for the
activities which generate those data. In addition, each jurisdiction will
have an individual responsible for overseeing the quality assurance activities
(field, laboratory, and data management) associated with the generation and
the handling of those data. These individuals would communicate directly with
the Element Coordinator and the Quality Assurance Officer.
The Element Coordinator for a particular sub-component or program element
would oversee not only the relevant activities being conducted by the
jurisdictions, but also the contributions received from other sub-components
or elements of the Plan. As can be seen from Tables 1-7, the issue-oriented
organization of this Plan conveys the close inter-relationships which exist
among the various elements of this Plan.
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PROGRAM COORDINATION AND INTEGRATION - INTERDEPENDENCY OF PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Implicit throughout this chapter is the need for continual communication,
coordination, and integration.
The Plan is composed of a number of interdependent elements, which have
been prepared in an integrated and coordinated manner. A mechanism has been
developed to help identify where coordination is required regarding
development, execution, and evaluation of the Plan; where compatible data are
required; and where gaps and overlap exist.
To facilitate integration, the Task Force will deve-lop a detailed
inventory of data to be generated, incorporating the use of UTM projections.
The inventory will include not only station locations but also parameters,
media, time, and the like. The Task Force will also develop a flow chart
which will indicate where operational coordination and interagency cooperation
are required, in order to ensure the collection of environmental samples from
the right media, at the right time, and in the right place, as well as to
properly plan and implement the requisite quality assurance (inter- and
intra-agency) activities.
PRIORITIES WITHIN THE PLAN
This Surveillance Plan is an optimum plan which identifies those
surveillance and monitoring activities which are necessary and sufficient to
meet the requirements of the Agreement. Mindful of the potential limitation
on resources available to implement the Plan, the Task Force will identify the
minimum level of activities required to ensure that the goals and objectives
established for the Plan are met.
Two criteria must be adhered to. Prioritization must be for the
activities within a program element and not between program elements, i.e. the
choice must not be the retention or the deletion of an entire program element
or sub-component. The Task Force considers each element to be necessary, and
the deletion of one would result in the requirements of the Agreement not
being met.
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The second criterion Is that quality assurance is a necessary and Integral
part of each program element. Quality assurance cannot be prioritized as a
separate entity. Each program element must be prioritized with the associated
quality assurance retained with it.
Prioritization will be more fully developed as the Plan evolves.
FUNDING AND COST ESTIMATES
In order to provide a general indication of the monies required, the Task
Force has developed estimates of the cost to conduct the proposed activities.
The estimates, available upon request from the Secretary of the Task Force,
are intended to serve as guidelines only. The development of estimates also
presuppose's which jurisdiction might carry out a particular activity. When
more- fully developed, the estimates will also indicate the present level of
funding, in order to provide an indication of the additional funds required.
The estimates consider: personnel; travel; contractual obligations; permanent
equipment; expendable supplies; data handling, interpretation, and reporting;
and "reasonable overhead".
More detailed and specific cost estimates will be developed as the Plan
moves from concept toward implementation.
SURVEILLANCE-RELATED RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The conduct of surveillance-related research and special studies, as
required, plays an important supportive role to operational surveillance
activities, and vice versa. Annex 12 of the Agreement illustrates this close
relationship which exists between monitoring and research programs. Paragraph
4 calls for both, in support of GLISP. The findings from each indeed support
and provide direction for the other.
For practical considerations, the Task Force has made a distinction
between surveillance/monitoring and research. Several significant research
activities are under way in support of surveillance and monitoring on the
Niagara River, as well as for thetjite* Great Lakes.. Although research is
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generally outside the scope of an operational surveillance and monitoring
plan, such activities should not a priori be excluded. A number of specific
research needs have been identified in some of the individual chapters of this
Plan.
COMPARISON OF EXISTING 3URISDICTIONAL ACTIVITIES WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE PLAN
One of the preliminary steps for implementation of this Plan is to compare
present activities of the Niagara River jurisdictions with the requirements of
the Plan, in order to identify what is already in place and what else must be
implemented. The comparison must include not only the programs themselves but
also resources and operational details regarding the conduct of the programs
and measures called for in the Plan.
The intent of the comparison is to ensure that the budgetary and the
program planning processes are favourably influenced, so that the requirements
presented in this Plan, and which the Task Force believes are necessary and
sufficient to meet the requirements of the Agreement, will be properly
implemented and in a timely manner.
A comparison of current .jurisdictional activities with Plan requirements
should also be made periodically after the Plan has been implemented, in order
to measure the extent of implementation. Further, one should remember that
the Plan is dynamic and will be modified as additional information and new
interpretations become available. Therefore, comparison of current
jurisdictional activities with Plan requirements will establish how these
activities have responded to these changing requirements.
These comparisons, for the purpose of determining the extent of
implementation of the Plan, should be the responsibility of the Niagara & St.
Lawrence Rivers Task Force.
REPORTS
The data derived from the conduct of this Plan will be used to prepare
periodic reports on the status of the Niagara River. The reports will address
2-39
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the Issues identified above, 1n terms of the specific considerations presented
in each chapter or program element of the Plan. The reports will be prepared
under the auspices of the Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force and the
Surveillance Work Group of the International Joint Commission's Great Lakes
Water Quality Board.
The Plan proposes that certain activities be conducted on an ongoing
basis, others annually, and still other activities less frequently.
Therefore, the content of each report will reflect the activities conducted
during the reporting period. The Task Force proposes a regular reporting
schedule of work activities and elements at 12-to-18 month intervals for input
to the Water Quality Board's biennial reports to the International Joint
Commission regarding Great Lakes water quality. Periodic state-of-the-lake
reports will also be prepared at three-to-five year intervals, as appropriate.
The following policy on report preparation will be adopted: Preliminary
draft reports, prepared by the responsible sub-component or element
coordinator (or project leader).and consisting of preliminary evaluation,
tentative conclusions, and tentative recommendations, are to be provided on
schedule for scrutiny by the Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force. All
pertinent raw data and ancillary information must be readily available upon
request. The individual preliminary reports, after review and revision as
warranted, will be consolidated into the Task Force's report to the
Surveillance Work Group.
REVIEW. ADOPTION. AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
The strength of this Plan lies in how well it addresses the identified
issues, with the ultimate goal of restoration, preservation, and enhancement
of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The scientific and technical prowess of the
Plan is best tested through a rigorous review by peers who can scrutinize the
soundness of each component.
On the other hand, the validity of the Plan, i.e. whether it addresses the
correct issues, is established not only by the scientific community but also
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by the public, since 1t 1s both elements together which decide whether the
Plan will protect values which are perceived to be important.
The Niagara & St. Lawrence Rivers Task Force therefore urges that this
Plan be subjected to a thorough peer review. The Surveillance Work Group
should initiate this review upon receipt of the completed draft from the Task
Force. After completion of the review and incorporation of any other desired
changes, the Surveillance Work Group can recommend the Plan to the Board as a
Plan which 1s sound and defensible.
In order to determine whether the Plan addresses the right issues and in
order to foster public understanding, acceptance, and support, the Task Force
urges that the Board or the Commission, as appropriate, advise the public
about the availability of the.Plan and solicit opinion. It is through public
scrutiny, as well as peer review, that the Plan will achieve broad acceptance.
The Task Force also urges the review of all reports which are prepared,
based on data generated under the aegis of this Plan.
The Task Force urges that the Niagara River jurisdictions recognize and
acknowledge that the surveillance and monitoring programs described herein are
those which are necessary and sufficient to address the issues identified in
the Niagara River Basin and to meet the relevant requirements of the 1978
Agreement. The jurisdictions should also acknowledge other supporting
requirements called for in the Plan, e.g. the availability of both preliminary
and finished data in a timely and coordinated manner.
The Task Force therefore urges that the Niagara River jurisdictions
formally adopt this Plan and authorize the necessary resources to ensure its
timely implementation.
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B
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Appendix B
PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR A BIOACCUMULATION STUDY IN THE NIAGARA
RIVER AND LAKE ONTARIO
EPA is proposing a study to be undertaken of the distribution
of dioxin in Niagara River and Lake Ontario, and particularly
its bioaccumulation in fish, for risk assessment purposes.
Participants would be EPA, NYDEC, EC and.MOE. The study would
consist of two primary components -- two laboratory studies
and a field study.
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TCDD BIOACCUMULATION STUDIES TO AID
IN DETERMINING TCDD DISCHARGE LEVELS
EPA invites the government of Canada and the Province
of Ontario to join EPA and the State of New York in conducting
studies of the level of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
("TCDD") in the fish, sediment, and, if feasible, water of the
Niagara River and Lake Ontario.
EPA has concluded that, under worst case assumptions,
the total risk from discharges of groundwater contaminated with
chemicals to the Niagara River is strongly de-pendant upon the
concentration of TCDD in that groundwater. As a practical matter,
the risk from TCDD results only from the ingestion of fish
which have bioaccumulated TCDD in fish tissue.
EPA's Water Quality Criteria Document used a bioconcentration
factor of 5,000 to calculate water concentrations which would
result in the one-in-one hundred thousand, one-in-one million,
and one-in-ten million cancer risk levels, primarily from the
consumption of fish. The State of New York water quality
standards use a bioconcentration factor of 10,000. Also, in
response to an EPA request, Environment Canada scientists
suggested a bioconcentration factor of 10,000.
After reviewing the scientific literature, discussions
with prominent scientists in the field, and data from the Niagara
River and Lake Ontario, EPA concluded that 5,000 probably
underestimates the bioconcentration factor and that bioaccumulation
of such chemicals would result in even higher concentrations
than bioconcentration. Although in most EPA Superfund risk
assessments only bioconcentration factors are used, EPA concluded
that in this case it was necessary to use a bioaccumulation factor
and that, based on the limited data and worst case assumptions,
the bioaccumulation factor to be used in a risk assessment
could be as large as 600,000.
There remain, however, substantial scientific uncertainties
in determining with sufficient certainty a bioaccumulation
factor for TCDD based on the existing data. Some reputable
scientists believe that the appropriate factor is 5,000 or
10,000.
Rather than debate the issue without adequate data,
EPA and the State of New York concluded that it would be
prudent to perform the studies necessary to reduce substantially
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-2-
the uncertainties concerning the relative distribution of TCDD in
sediment and fish and, to the extent practicable, in water of
the Niagara River and Lake Ontario in order to predict more
accurately the levels of TCDD uptake by fish which result from
TCDD entering the Niagara River.
The studies will consist of two primary components,
two laboratory studies and a field study.
A. Field Study
1. Objective
The primary objective of the field study is to develop
field relationships between concentrations of-TCDD in sediment
and in fish (specifically those fish which comprise a great
portion of the fish consumed). This will be achieved by
collecting data to define the overall pattern of TCDD
concentrations in Lake Ontario sediment and to examine
concentrations of TCDD in Lake Ontario sport fishes.
2. Characterization of Lake Ontario Sediments
The purpose of Lake Ontario sediment sampling is twofold:
a) to characterize-sediments to be used in the laboratory
experiments; and b) to define field concentrations in order
to develop a sediment-fish ratio.
The lake will be divided into four discrete sampling
sectors to be used for grouping the data. Existing lake
sediment contamination data (e.g., C10C112), PCB, mercury)
and other relevant data for circulation and deposition patterns
will be considered. Initial review of these data suggests
that one reasonable approach would be to divide the lake Into
four compass - quadrants (e.g., northeast, southwest, etc.),
taking into account suspected areas of high and low levels of
deposited chemicals. The Niagara River delta would lie in
the southwest quadrant by this approach and would be considered
an area of relatively high level of deposited chemical.
From a risk assessment point of view, the average
exposure to TCDD in fish over a lifetime (rather than variations
from fish to fish) is the most significant factor. The study
therefore is focussed on determining the average levels of
TCDD in sediment and establishing a correlation with the average
level of TCDD resulting in the fish. In order to establish a
reliable average, yet not require an excessive number of expensive
analyses, EPA is of the opinion that compositing of sediment
and fish samples (i.e., extracting the chemicals from a number
of sediment samples or fish samples and combining these
extracts for one analysis) is appropriate and scientifically
valid.
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-3-
Sediments, therefore, will be sampled in all quadrants
by compositing several nearby subsamples of the top 3 cm of
the lake bottom at each location. Approximately 50 sample
locations will be used throughout the lake with a disproportionately
larger number of composite samples being taken in the southwest
quadrant. It is anticipated that 56 bottom sediment samples
will be analyzed. Samples will be analyzed for physical-
chemical parameters (e.g., density, size distribution, total
organic fraction), for TCDD (at the lowest detection level
practicable), and for additional compounds if determined as
described below.
Past investigations of Lake Ontario sediments have
resulted in fairly detailed mapping of some contaminants.
One such contaminant is perchloropentacyclodecane (CioCli2)»
also known under the trade name of Mirex. Th-e distribution
of these contaminants will be used for the planning of sampling
locations in this study under the assumption that the environmental
behaviour and subsequent distribution pattern of TCDD in
sediments might be similar to the environmental behavior and
distribution of Mirex (or any other chemical for which data
are on hand).
It has also been suggested that the distribution
pattern of Mirex might be used to help establish a more
detailed map of T£DD distributions. To allow such use of
historical Mirex or other data, a relationship between TCDD
levels and the levels of the other chemical must be established.
If such a ratio or a relationship, e.g., with distant from the
mouth of the Niagara River, is found, this relationship might
be useful in understanding the extent to which TCDD is present
in the sediment.
Suspended sediments in the Niagara River will also be
examined. The purpose of collecting suspended sediment data
is to determine the rate of flow of particulate-bound TCDD
entering Lake Ontario from the Niagara River. Because of the
low water solubility and high partitioning coefficient of
TCDD, this probably represents the majority of the total TCDD
loading from the river to the lake. Suspended sediments
would be taken four times, one each season during daylight hours,
in triplicate from the well-mixed zone (a total of 12 suspended
sediment samples). It is assumed that suspended sediments
would be most uniform with depth after this point since there
would be mixing after the entry of water from the power plants.
Each sample would be measured for, at a minimum, particle
size distribution, organic carbon content, total suspended mass,
and TCDD concentration. The results would be averaged over the
four seasons. This information and available existing Canadian
data would be used, as appropriate, in data assessment and
contaminant fate modeling efforts.
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-4-
3. Characterization of Lake Ontario Fish
The purpose of fish sampling will be to determine the
concentrations of TCDD in Lake Ontario fish, either as a lake-
wide average or as the average within sub-areas, as appropriate,
for a given species of fish.
Four frequently caught and consumed species of fish
have been chosen for sampling primarily on the basis of
migratory habits, lipid content, and the likelihood for human
consumption. These species are: Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout,
Yellow Perch, and Small Mouth Bass. The former two species
are viewed as highly migratory whereas the latter two,
particularly the Bass, are relatively non-migratory.
Rainbow and Lake Trout will be sampled in all four
lake quadrants, whereas Yellow Perch and SmaM Mouth Bass
will be sampled in two quadrants (one quadrant which will include
the Niagara River delta). Since existing data indicates that the
Niagara River delta is an area where the sediment concentrations
of other chemicals that adhere to soil and sediment are high, the
delta was viewed as the location where the concentration of TCDD
in relatively nonmigratory fish would most likely be highest.
.The selection of this range of fish species will help
assess the overall risk to the general population of fish eaters
(all around the lake) as well as the risk to the smaller population
of fisherman who might catch fish in areas where it is anticipated
the concentrations may be higher than average.
In each quadrant, composite samples of each species will
be collected. Within a species, individual fish will all be
adult fish of similar size and age. In total, approximately 54
composite samples will be collected and analyzed, with at least
10 individual fish per composite sample (for a total of 540
fish).
This methodology will allow the determination of average
concentrations of TCDD in fish by species and minimize biasing
the average high or low because of an 'atypical' concentration of
TCDD in one fish out of a small number of fish.
A comparison of individual quadrant averages, with the
average for all quadrants combined, will be made to determine
how to use the data for determining an appropriate fishsediment
ratio for each species.
For each species, two of the composite samples will be
used to examine differences in TCDD concentrations between
whole fish composites and composites of edible portions
(fillets). Results from the left-sided fillet will be combined
with results from the analysis of the remaining portion of
the fish for determination fo the whole fish concentration of
TCDD. It is anticipated that this experiment will require
the analysis of 8 composited fish samples.
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-5-
B. Laboratory Studies
1. Kinetic Study of Fish/Sediment TCDD Distribution
Objective
The objective of this study is to verify the assumption
that different TCDD concentrations in Lake Ontario sediments
will result in corresponding differences in fish uptake of
TCDD and to support risk assessment for TCDD inputs into the
Niagara River. These experiments will be performed in EPA's
Environmental Research Laboratory in Duluth, Minnesota,
which has a laboratory designed to perform TCDD bioconcentration
and bioaccumulation experiments.
The primary purpose of this experiment will be to
determine the rates of the uptake and loss of TCDD from the
fish as influenced by concentration of TCDD i-n the sediment.
These rates will be used to calculate steady state ratios of
fish concentration to sediment concentration for the two
sediment TCDD concentrations employed. Additional information
concerning the relative importance of uptake from water versus
direct uptake from sediments will be gathered by comparison
of the data obtained from the sediment exposure experiments
with additional experiments conducted under conditions which
are identical except that TCDD will be added to the test water.
General Design: The kinetic approach will be used to determine
the relationship between sediment-bound and fish-bound TCDD.
Two concentrations (greater than 10-fold difference) of TCDD
on sediment will be tested with an uncontaminated sediment
sample as a control.
The water concentration of TCDD which would exist if
the sediment was in equilibrium with the test water will be
simulated by adding a measured amount (as indicated by the
best estimate of Koc available) of TCDD to the water. In
addition, one sediment will be exposed to fish without addition
of TCDD to the water in order to gain some measure of the
rate of uptake associated with direct exposure to the sediment
alone.
One species of fish, probably Lake Trout or another
Salmonid used in the Field Study, will be exposed for 90 days.
During the exposure period, whole body and some eviscerated
fish samples will be collected for TCDD analysis in order to
determine the rate of uptake. The remaining fish would then
be placed into a TCDD-free system and whole body TCDD would
be measured to determine the rate of loss of TCDD from the
contaminated fish.
Sampling times will be chosen to provide the best
estimates of uptake and depuration rate constants. It is
anticipated that the Kinetic experiment would require
approximately 225 fish samples, 5 fish food samples, and 17
sediment samples for TCDD analysis.
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-6-
2. Equilibrium Study of Fish/Sediment TCDD Distribution
Simultaneously with the kinetic experiments described
above, EPA will run an equilibrium TCDD uptake study. The
protocols would be similar to the one described above, except
that the fish would not be removed from the original tank and
placed in a TCDD free environment. The fish would remain in
the original tank until the concentration of TCDD in the fish
approached or effectively reached equilibrium. It is anticipated
that this might take approximately 300 days.
3. Water - Sediment and/or Organic Carbon Partitioning Experiment
Objective
The purpose of this experiment is to attempt to
quantitate the relationship between the concentration of
sediment-bound or organic carbon bound-TCDD a-nd the equilibrium
concentrations of TCDD found free in water.
General Design
It is recognized that sorption-desorption isotherms
constructed from experiments employing water concentrations
greater than environmental levels must be used to extrapolate
to environmental conditions because of analytical sensitivity
limitations, i.e., the detection limit for analysis of TCDD
in water is not low enough to detect anticipated levels.
The experimental design will attempt to minimize these
and other problems such as the slow rate of desorption likely
for TCDD. To the extent that a reliable Koc can be measured,
steady-state water concentrations will be predictable from
sediment TCDD concentration data. This data would support
both the design of the laboratory exposure and the interpretation
of field data.
C. DATA INTERPRETATION
After the studies are completed, EPA, New York State, and
the governments of Canada and the Province of Ontario will need to
interpret the results, i.e., reach conclusions on the likely
health risks resulting from the continuing discharge of small
amounts of TCDD into the Niagara River.
EPA and the State of New York welcome the government
of Canada's and the Province's consultation and views on such
matters.
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APPENDIX C
NRTC GROUP I CHEMICALS -- ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
This chart identifies health and environmental assessment
documents that have already been prepared by EPA's Office
of Research and Development for chemicals listed in Priority
Group I in the NRTC Report.
This information will be used in conjunction with risk assessment
work at specific Superfund sites to establish priorities and
acceptable levels for specific chemicals of concern.
Group II and III chemicals are in the process of similar
review and will be reported on in the near future.
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Aldrln
Antimony
Arsenic
Benzene
Benz (B) Fluoranthene
Benz (K) Fluoranthene
Benz (A) Anthracene
Benz (A) Pyrene
Beryllium
BHC-(a)
Bis (a-ethylhexyl )pthalate
Cadmium
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlordane
Chloroform
Chromium
Chrysene
Copper
Cyanide
DDD ***
DDE ***
DDT***
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1,2 Dichloroethane
Dieldrin
Dioctyl Pthalate
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Mir ex
Nickel
Pentachlorobiphenyl
Fentachlorophenol
Phenol
Polychlorinated Biphenyl
Arochlor 12A2
Polychlorinated Biphenyl
Arochlor 1254
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Polychlorinated Biphenyl
Arochlor 1260
Pyrene
Selenium
Silver
TCDD
Tetrachlorobiphenyl
Tetrachloroethene
Trichlorobiphenyl
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6,-Trichlorophenol
Zinc
Aniline
Arsenic
BHC
BHC-(a)
Bromoform
Chlordane
Chlorodibromomethane
Chloroform
Chloronaphchalene
Chromium
2,4-D
ODD -(p,p)***
11
P
F
F
X
X
F X
X
X
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X
X
111
X
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X I
X
X I
X I
X
I
-------
** Also - updated mutagenicity and carcinogenicity risk assessment of Cadmium - D
*** GAG Evaluation of carcinogenicity of Dicofol (Kelthane), DDT, DDE, & IDE ^X
1 Draft Interim Water Quality Criterion Statement - X
11 Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Health effects assessment (X); Drinking Water
Criteria (x); Reportable Quantities/Carcin. (I); Ambient Water Quality Criteria(F)
111 Risk assessment of 2,3,?,8 - TCDD - contaminated soil
c = completed reports, available from OHEA, but not published
* = Available from program office
X = Completed report submitted to program office (internal EPA report)
D = External review draft
I = In progress
F = Final, published report
-------
-------
APPENDIX D
WORKPLANS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL POINT SOURCE PROJECTS
This appendix outlines five projects designed to better quantify
point source discharges of toxic pollutants in the Niagara River
and to enhance control programs to reduce them:
* Pretreatment programs. A project to follow up on EPA's
approval of industrial pretreatment prog.rams for the six
municipal plants. Region 2, assisted by Office of Water
contractor support, will assess implementation of the
programs, conduct techaical assistance seminars, and on-site
assistance. This is a FY 86 commitment.
o
Indirect Discharger compliance/enforcement. This project is
complementary to the above project. It involves inspections
at selected categorical industrial dischargers followed by
enforcement actions as appropriate. Region 2, supported by
NEIC. This is a FY 86 commitment.
Stormwater control. Region 2 will survey Niagara Frontier
industrial sites to identify high-priority prospects for
the stormwater permit program. FY 86 commitment.
Stormwater Demonstration Project. As a follow up to the above,
6LNPO will cary out six site-specific sampling programs and
develop recommended control measures. FY 86 commitment.
Areas of Concern Survey. GLNPO, through its contractor, will
assist NYDEC in developing its Remedial Action Plan for the
Niagara River and Buffalo River under the IJC Areas of Concern
program. Among other outputs, this work will include an
assessment of pollutant loadings and loading rates, and the
effectiveness of control programs for reducing toxic pollutant
loadings. This program will provide the base line for
predicting load reductions to be achieved through the SPDES
program and other control programs. FY 86 commitment.
-------
MUNICIPAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAMS
OBJECTIVE
Implement and re-evalute Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW's)
requirements - six (6) major municipal permits.
ACTIVITIES:
Resource Requirements
EPA-Reg II Contractor*
(Man Days) ($)
• '• By file review, determine the adequacy and status of
the industrial pretreatment program (IPP) implementation
at the six (6) POTW's required to develop such programs. 20
2- Review EPA/NYSDEC IPP audit reports to identify POTW's
that require on-site technical assistance. 12
3- Conduct seminar for indirect discharging significant
industrial users (SIUs) and POTW's IPP technical staff
on methods/procedures for conducting/preparing: 10 $5,000
- Self-Monitoring
- Inspection Reports
- Sampling
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control QA/QC
- Enforcement
- Baseline Monitoring Reports (BMRs)
- Progress Reports
- Compliance Reports
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
4* Conduct on-site technical assistance based on the results
of above items (e.g. to re-evaluate local limits, QA/QC
procedures, etc.). 30 $7,000
-------
COMPLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT FOR INDIRECT DISCHARGERS
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate and enforce compliance with pretreatment regulations including reporting
requirements, categorical pretreatment standards and/or locally-imposed POTW
requirements.
Resource Requirements
EPA Reg II
(Man-Days)
ACTIVITIES:
1. Conduct inspections at categorical industrial dischargers-
to ascertain compliance with federal and local pretreatment
standards.
Compliance Evaluation Inspections (5) 10
Compliance Sampling Inspections (2) 20
2. Initiate appropriate enforcement action to obtain compliance
with federal and local pretreatment standards.
Referral to Department of Justice DOJ
(does not include legal resources) 160
-------
STORMWATER CONTROL
OBJECTIVE
Implement and evaluate stormwater toxic pollutants control permit requirements - 24
major industrial permits. Close Coordination with New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) since they will be issuing/modifying State
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permits.
Resource Requirements
EPA-Reg II
(Man Days) ($)
ACTIVITIES:
1. Identify by file search/on-site windshield survey which
of direct/indirect discharger industrial sites may dis-
charge contaminated stormwater.
2. Notify those industries identified as high priority
stormwater discharge of the stormwater permit regulations
include filing of permit application with DEC.
3. Assist DEC in reviewing applications, preparation of draft
permits.
4. Conduct one-day seminar on stormwater regulations.
50
30
30
10
Contractor*
($)
$10,000
$5,000
* : Resources are being allocated through the Office of Water Permits and Enforcement
contract resources for supporting NPDES permitting activities in FY 86.
-------
TOXIC INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
OBJECTIVE
A site specific demonstration program to address potential impacts
from, and control measures for, contaminated stormwater from three
types of facilities:
1) Facilities with SPDES permits.
2) Indirect dischargers (to municipal treatment plants).
3) Facilities which do not generate a "process waste" stream.
ACTIVITIES
1. Selection of six candidate sites - two from each of the three
categories.
2. Wet weather sampling at each site, including "first flush"
considerations and mass loading estimates.
3. Recommend appropriate control measures at each site, including
cost analyses.
4. Assess project and further applicability.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS
Six site sampling program @ $15,000/site - $90,000
Project management and final report - 10,000
Total $100,000
-------
AREAS OF CONCERN SURVEY
OBJECTIVE
To assist NYDEC in preparing its Remedial Action Plan for the Niagara and
Buffalo Rivers, as required under the IJC's Areas of Concern Program. To
compile base line toxic loading data and predict reductions expected from
control programs
Study Plan for the Niagara River/Buffalo River Remedial Action Plan
Project Officer: foject Monitor:
Catherine G. Garra James K- Bland
S^roi^n^l inpact Great lakes Kbiooal Program
Section (5WFI) XSSS^ISl
312/886-0241 312/353-3575
n c FPA ftaaion V U.S. EPA
?n*«Sacksln 536 S. Clark Street
ilic^of SiSois 60604 Chicago, Illinois 60605
I. BACKGROUND
The Niagara River connects lake Erie to lake Ontario. Most of the approxi
matelv37-mile length of the river is highly urbanized, including all or
Srtlo^rfSe metropolitan areas of Niagara Bhlls, Buffalo, Towarta,
Slland (Cntario), and other communities. The Buffalo River drains a snail
frearf southwest Ne^ York State to lake Erie, near the downstream terminus of
^f^rS^e upstream end of the Niagara River. One upstream areas of the
Buffalo River drainage basin are predominantly rural and agricultural;
however the lower reaches and harbor area of the river are highly urbanized,
i^c!Singl!loT Portions of the metropolitan areas of Buffalo, lackawana, and
other communities.
Erosion and runoff from upstream agricultural and urban areas contribute to
sedirent accumulation in the lower river and harbor areas of the Buffalo and
Niagara Rivers, where decreased channel velocity permits suspended particu
lates to settle. These sediments adsorb varying amounts of conventional
PoU^tan^ nutrients, heavy metals, and chlorinated organic Pounds of
industrial and agricultural origin including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
mirex, Dioxin, and others. Sediments of both rivers are severely
contaminated.
water quality standards violations in the Niagara/Buffalo Rivers complex have
freouently included dissolved oxygen (DO), fecal coliforms, heavy netals,
ity, and various organic compounds. Biological resources have been
iSaired by municipal and industrial discharges and in-place pollutants.
-------
-2-
The local fishery is impacted by FCBs, mercury, and various organic
chemicals of both agricultural and industrial origin. Fish consumption
advisories have been issued in the Niagara River for the American eel and coho
salmon as a result of PCB and mirex levels. Sediment, fish flesh, and water
samples from the Niagara River and tributaries have exhibited high levels of
Dioxin and other toxic organics, and may be correlated with industrial
disposal sites.
In addition to nonpoint urban runoff, principal contaminant sources in the
Niagara/Buffalo Rivers complex include municipal publically owned treatment
works (POTWs), industrial discharges, waste disposal sites, combined sewer
overflows (CSOs), and in-place sediment pollutants. Recent investigations for
the Niagara River have addressed major municipal and industrial discharges, as
well as active and abandoned waste disposal sites, for the purpose of estab
lishing toxic limits and discharge permits for identified sources. Litigation
and other remedial measures are being implemented to control discharges from
major pollutant sources. Major reconstruction of Niagara Falls' POTW is
underway and a pretreatment program has been approved. Discharge permits have
been (or are being) issued for more than two dozen major municipal and indus
trial dischargers. Additional pretreatment programs are underway.
In the Buffalo River system, improved municipal and industrial point source
controls have reduced loadings of both conventional and toxic pollutants. The
need for additional controls on specific toxic pollutants is under investiga
tion, Industrial pretreatment programs are being implemented (Buffalo POTW),
or are not deemed to be necessary (lackawana FOTW). CSO control strategies
are being implemented. The Niagara River Toxics Committee (composed of repre
sentatives from both Canada and the U.S.) prepared a series of recommendations
for addressing the toxics-related problems in the basin (October 1984).
In-place sediment pollutants are present in excessive quantities; confined
disposal of dredged sediments will be necessary due to the high contaminant
levels. These in-place pollutants will become increasingly important limita
tions to biological recovery of the river as existing sources of conventional
and industrial pollutants are better controlled. Factors affecting the rate
of contaminant migration from in-place pollutants to biota are not fully
understood, and the potential inhibitory effect of these pollutants on bio
logical recovery has not been fully demonstrated.
With additional controls on discharges of conventional pollutants, natural
biological decay processes in the Niagara/Buffalo Rivers complex will reduce
the existing in-place biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) load, and ambient DO
levels will increase. Improvements in the Buffalo FOTW have resulted in the
ability of this facility to meet effluent requirements. Rehabilitation of
CSOs is also underway. With recent completion of plant improvements at the
lackawana POTW, this facility is expected to meet secondary treatment
standards including phosphorus controls.
Implementation of industrial pretreatment and direct discharge controls are
reducing loading rates of industrial contaminants in the Buffalo River;
however, attrition has also contributed to these reductions (five major area
industrial facilities have terminated local operations). In the Niagara River
Area of Concern (AoC), abandoned waste disposal sites are a major continuing
source of toxic pollutants. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has completed
-------
-3-
hydrogeological surveys of 76 disposal sites and has reviewed information on
83 additional sites.
Hie International Joint Coitmission (IJC), Great Lakes National Program Office
(GLNPO), and the State of Nsw York have targeted the Niagara River (and
affected nearshore areas of Lake Ontario) and the Buffalo River (and affected
nearshore areas of lake Erie) as AoCs. This area is to receive priority
attention, and Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) are to be developed to address
water quality/aquatic habitat/use impairment issues in the AoCs.
The State of New York has targeted completion of the RAP by the end of 1986
which will be prepared as a single, combined RAP for the Niagara/Buffalo
Rivers complex. While responsibility for development and implementation of
the RAP for the Niagara/Buffalo River AoC necessarily rests with the State,
the State's manpower resources are limited, and completion of the necessary
investigations inherent in plan preparation within the targeted timeframe will
require additional resources. Consequently, GLNPO (through Contractor
support) will assist the State in preparation of a RAP for the AoC, in
conformance with IJC requirements for plan content and format.
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-4-
II. STATEMENT OF WORK
A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The Contractor shall work with representatives of the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) and USEPA Region II to
discover, assemble, and collate background data, studies, and other relevant
information pertinent to the effects of the Niagara/Buffalo Rivers on the
harbor and nearshore areas of lakes Erie and Ontario. This information shall
be assembled according to the topical areas pertinent to an AoC, including:
o Use impairment
o Biological impacts and conditions
o Water quality conditions and water quality standards violations
o Sediment contamination
o Pollutant sources and loading rates
o Existing control programs and effectiveness in reducing pollutant
loadings
o Planned or potential remedial steps
o additional concerns requiring additional investigation.
This and other relevant information shall be assembled to develop a digest of
available data pertaining to the AoC. The digest shall be provided in RAP
format, and shall represent a synthesis of the relevant, key data sources
(with principal focus on the Niagara River Toxics Committee report of October
1984).
After preparation of the summary of existing data and conditions, the
Contractor shall participate in a joint State/GUIPO/tiSEPA Region II meeting in
Albany. This meeting will be convened to review the adequacy of the existing
data base to address the needs of a RAP and to determine the necessary
subsequent activities, schedule and responsibilities for completing the RAP
for the Niagara/Buffalo Rivers complex. The Contractor shall then prepare a
sunnary of the results of this planning meeting for delivery to GLNPO.
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-5-
B. SPECIFIC TASKS/MILESTONES
Task 1: Initial Cata Gathering
o Coordinate with the NYDEC (in particular, Warren Schlickenreider),
GLNPO, and USEPA Region II staff in the discovery and synthesis of
available data with particular relevance to the AoC.
o Visit the NYDEC offices in Albany as necessary to collect identified
data sources. Schedule trips with NYDEC staff to maximize the
effectiveness of trips.
o Deliverables: Summary report to GLNPO of the principal data sources
discovered.
Task 2: Additional Data Gathering
o Gather any recommended additional data from other State, local, or
regional agencies and groups.
o Compare additional data to original materials for duplication and/or
inconsistencies.
o Deliverables: Summary report to GLNPO of additional data sources
obtained.
Task 3: Data Assembly
o Organize, synthesize, collate, and assemble data and information from
existing sources according to the AoC Remedial Action Plan format,
o Prepare base map delineating the Niagara/Buffalo Rivers AoC.
o Deliverables: Draft RAP based on the existing data base. This
is a provisional product which the NYDEC will subsequently modify
and edit.
Task 4: Inter-Agency Planning Meeting
o Schedule and participate in a State/GLNPO/USEPA Region II meeting to
be held in Albany following completion of the draft RAP chapters (Task
3) to review and discuss deficiencies in the existing data base,
additional data and information necessary to complete the RAP,
schedule for completing the RAP, and responsible parties.
o Prepare Meeting Sornary Report
o Deliverables: Meeting Summary Report
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-6-
C. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED DATA
The Great lakes National Program Office will provide the Contractor with
access to historical files, ambient monitoring studies, and facilities records
pertinent to the Niagara River/Buffalo River AoC including the Niagara River
Ibxics Gonnittee Report (October, 1984), the Region II response to the Toxics
Comnittee Report, and the NYDEC response to the Toxics Conmittee Report. The
USEPA Region II contact is Roland B. Bennett. The Contractor has been
previously provided with the AoC RAP format and guidance documents.
III. CONTRACTOR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A monthly report shall be prepared by the Contractor for distribution to
USEPA, as specified in Attachment B of the contract, and shall cover the work
performed during the preceding invoice period and shall be prepared so as to
facilitate correlation with incurred costs reported by the- Contractor. In
addition, the schedule of deliverables shown in Table 1 shall be observed and
the Contractor shall telephone the Project Monitor every Friday afternoon to
report on the status of the delivery order during the period that the delivery
order is in effect.
IV. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The work shall be in accordance with the specifications of the IJC (May 14,
1985 memorandum) concerning the minimum elements of an AoC plan.
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-7-
V. SUMMARY OF DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
TABLE 1
SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DELIVERABLE
Principal Data
Summary Report
flask 1)
Additional Data
Summary Report
(Task 2)
Draft RAP
and Base Map
Meeting Summary
Progress Reports
DUE DATE*
2 weeks
4 weeks
7 weeks
2 weeks after
meeting date
Monthly
ADDRESSEE
Project Officer
Project Officer
Project Officer
Project Monitor
Project Officer
Project Monitor
Project Officer
Project Monitor
Contract Specialist
Project Officer
Project Monitor
NO OF COPIES
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
* From startup date (projected startup date is November 4, 1985),
-------
-8-
VI. COST ESTIMATES AND CEILING
A. DIRECT LABOR
TABLE 2
COST ESTIMATES AND CEILING
PERSONNEL CLASSIFICATION
Project Administrator
Project Manager
Project Manager
Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
Biological/Physical Scientist
Biological/Physical Scientist
Biological/Physical Scientist
Biological/Physical Scientist
Planner/Socioecononist
Planner/Socioeconccnist
Planner/Socioeconomist
Planner/Socioeconomist
Other Technical Specialist
Other Technical Specialist
Technical Assistant
Technical Assistant
Technical Assistant
Project Coordinator
Production
SKILL ESTIMATED DIRECT HOURLY
LEVEL LABOR HOURS RATE
PL-4
PL-4
PL-3
PL-4
PL-3
PL-2
PL-1
PL-4
PL-3
PL-2
PL-1
PL-4
PL-3
PL-2
PL-1
PL-4
PL-3
TL-3
TL-2
TL-1
40
0
120
0
40
0
0
0
480
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
80
0
0
24
100
884
Estimated
$58.42
44.93
36.02
48.11
35.57
25.86
23.55
34.63
27.81
25.29
20.43
39.42
28.37
22.44
19.23
44.56
33.01
19.40
15.79
15.79
16.42
16.37
Labor Total
ESTIMATED
COST
$ 2,336.80
4,322.40
1,422.80
13,348.80
1,552.00
394.08
1,637.00
$25,013.88
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-9-
B. OTHER DIRECT COSTS
1. Travel $ 1,200.00
2. long Distanct Telephone 250.00
3. Document Rsproduction 100.00
4. Expendable Supplies 200.00
5. Consultant Assistance 0
$0.50/labor hour) 442.00
7. Word Processing Equipment Charges ( $3.00 Prod, hr) 300.00
Subtotal $ 2,492.00
13.0%) 323.96
Estimated Other Direct Cost Total $ 2,815.96
C. DELIVERY ORDER CEILING PRICE $27,829.84
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APPENDIX E
STATUS REPORTS ON POTENTIAL NONPOINT SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT
MIGRATION THROUGH GROUNDWATER
' The NRTC report identified 61 U.S. sites as being potential
sources of contaminant migration via groundwater to the Niagara
River. EPA and NYDEC have been jointly carrying out a $3 million
site investigation and assessment program. This appendix
includes a site-by-site status report (some of the facilities
discussed include more than one of the 61 sites), including
the results of assessments, timetables for additional site
investigations, enforcement or remedial work, and timetables
for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permits where
applicable.
' Also included in this appendix are status reports on other
Niagara issues, as follows:
- Love Canal Habitability Study
- Love Canal potential incineration projects
- Sampling program for the neighborhood south of
CECOS/Necco Park
- National Dioxin Survey activities in Niagara Falls
- Niagara Falls wastewater treatment plant
-------
LOVE CANAL
STATUS OF REMEDIAL ACTIVITIES
Long Term Monitoring/Perimeter Study - The study will further assess the
extent of contamination beyond the limits of the canal, as well as evaluate
the effectiveness of the barrier drain and expanded cap. Field work is
expected to begin in September or October 1985.
93rd Street School - The FIT will sample for dioxin contaminated soil in
order to evaluate the need, and locations, for fence placement to limit
public access (September 3-10,1985). Further investigations on the school
will be scheduled later.
Sewer cleanup - Bids for this project exceeded funds previously awarded.
Construction of a sewer sediment dewatering facility and the sewer cleanup,
both planned for this fall, will be delayed if additional funds are not made
available. Construction of an improved storage facility for drums already on
the site is also part of this contract.
102nd St. Outfall Area Remediation - Remediation of this area will be performed
1n conjuction with remedial activities at the 102nd Street landfill. Since
sampling of the outfall will be performed between now and January, under the
102nd Street RI, design of a berm will.probably be funded in early FY 1986.
Sampling of Bergholtz Creek Banks and Cayuga Creek Sediments for Dioxin
Contamination - scheduled for October 1985.
Administration Building - NYSDEC expects to advertise for bidders 1n late
September.
Creek Clean-up Remedial Design and Sediment Interim Storage Facility -
NYSDEC will advertise for bids in the fall of 1985.
Plasma Arc Incinerator - Expected to be available in the winter of 1985.
Will be used for disposal of contaminated sludges from Love Canal.
ISSUES
Leachate Treatment Plant Spent Carbon - Spent carbon (dioxin contaminated)
can no longer be disposed of at CECOS. Therefore, the equivalent of 200-300
drums of spent carbon, generated annually, will require storage at the
canal. There are already close to 650 drums stored at the canal.
Final disposal/treatment of accumulated wastes (drums, sediments, etc.) -
A solution to disposition of dioxin contaminated wastes has yet been found.
In addition to the drums, approximately 300 cubic yards of sewer sediments
and 20,000 cubic yards of creek sediments will be stored at the canal in the
future.
-------
HYDE PARK LANDFILL
BACKGROUND
The Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC) Hyde Park Landfill
is located in the Town of Niagara, northwest of the City of
Niagara Falls, N.Y. OCC disposed of approximately 80,000
tons of hazardous waste in the landfill from 1954 through
1975, including an estimated 0,6 to 1.6 tons of 2,3,7,8tetra-
chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Bloody Run, a creek that drains
the surface run-off from the site, is also contaminated. The
site is a few blocks east of a residential community of
approximately 500 homes. A suit was filed against OCC in
December 1979. A settlement agreement was negotiated, and it
was approved by the court in April 1982. STATUS EPA, State
and OCC representatives have negotiated a remedial program
which will address the groundwater contamination in the area.
Negotiations for the groundwater remedy have addressed the
following issues: As a result of negotiations substantial
additional remedies have been agr.eed to. Excavation and
incineration have been carefully and extenssively evaluated.
At this time EPA's best information indicates that excavation
would result in an unacceptable risk (greater than 1 in 100).
The cost are also prohibitively high. The remedial program
includes;
- Post-remedy loading of contaminants to Niagara River.
- Post-remedy level of contamination in soils at Gorge Face.
- Acceptable community monitoring/response program.
- Post-remedy clean-up levels in lower geologic formation.
OCC is seeking approval under the settlement agreement for a
permit to construct a permanent leachate storage and handling
facility on site. This facility, which features the separation
of the aqueous and non-aqueous contaminant phases, is part of
their remedial program.
OCC is in the process of applying for a permit to allow for the
incineration of the non-aqueous phase liquids, which are
comprised of a variety of chemicals, including 2,3,7,8-TCDD
and PCB's. The incinerator is located at the OCC Buffalo
Avenue plant.
The lagoons located at the site containing aqueous and nonaqueous
phase liquids are leaking. The lagoon's contents will be pumped
into the permanent leachate storage and handling facility
once it is constructed.
SELECTION OF REMEDIES
On October 13th, Federal, State, and OCC negotiators will hold
a status conference with the judge in the case. EPA anticipates
settlement to occur in the near future.
-------
S-AREA SITE
BACKGROUND
The S-Area Site is an 8-acre landfill owned by Occidential Chemical Corporation.
Approximately 63,000 tons of organic and inorganic chemicals were disposed by
the site owner from 1947 to 1961. Use of the site for debris disposal ended
in 1975. The City of Niagara Falls water treatment plant is located adjacent
to the site.
After the landfill was closed, Occidental capped the site. At present, two
lagoons exist on site. These are for non-hazardous wastewater from plant
operations, and are operated under State permits. In 1969, during a routine
inspection of the city water plant, small amounts of chemicals were found in
the intake structures. In 1978, sampling of the intake structures and one
of the bedrock intake tunnels revealed chemical contamination. Soil samples
from the plant property also revealed chemical contamination. In 1983, the
the City of Niagara Falls Water Authority closed the contaminated bedrock
intake tunnel and began utilizing an overburden intake tunnel.
In December 1979, the Department of Justice filed a civil action against
Occidental. The legal action began a series of negotiations, which continued
until 1984. A Settlement Agreement was signed in January 1984 that allows
the Federal and State Governments to establish criteria and oversee clean up
activities at both the S-Area Site and the water treatment plant. The
Settlement Agreement was approved by the Court on April 15, 1985; the effective
date of the Agreement was June 14, 1985.
STATUS
The Settlement Agreement includes:
Containment Program - procedures to be followed to contain and collect
chemicals which have migrated from the landfill. The program addresses
conditions at the landfill site, a small area to the north of the
landfill and the water treatment plant.
Monitoring Program - physical and chemical monitoring activities at
the landfill site, the area north of the landfill site, and the wastewater
treatment plant (including intake tunnels).
Maintenance Program - to insure the proper performance of the remedial
systems installed, pursuant to the containment and monitoring programs.
Environmental Health/Safety Plan - to be implemented during the
construction activities associated with the project. The plan is
designed to provide appropriate precautions to protect the health of
all personnel, residents, and nearby workers and to the environment
outside the immediate areas by controlling the airborne dispersion of
particulates and volatile organic chemicals.
Occidental Chemical recently submitted their draft work schedule for the project,
showing a ten year completion time. EPA and the State are reviewing the schedule
now.
-------
102nd STREET LANDFILL
BACKGROUND
This site is a 20-acre landfill bordering on the Niagara River, and is owned
by Occidental Chemical and Olin Chemicals. An estimated 89,000 tons of organic
and inorganic chemicals were dumped at this site, including tetrachloroethylene,
trichloroethylene, benzene, arsenic, trichlorophenol, hexachlorocyclohexane
(Lindane), chlorobenzenes, and organic phosphates.
STATUS
On June 26, 1984 Judge John T. Curtin U.S. District Court Western District,
State of New York, approved a Remedial Investigation (RI) work plan developed
by the Governments and the responsible parties.
A Site Operations Plan (SOP), a Health and Safety Plan, and a Quality
Assurance/Quality Control Plan have been approved by EPA and the State.
Field work began last month (August 1985).
ISSUES
Dioxin sampling took place during April and May of 1985 by the FIT. Two
subsurface samples contained 2,3,7,8-TCDD ( >200 ppb and 173 ppb) and one
surface sample located in a securely fenced area contained .59 ppb which is
below the level of concern for residential areas of 1 ppb. CDC has been
consulted and does not consider this an immediate hazard.
The spoils generated by the companies during the RI (drill cuttings, protective
clothing, etc) will be treated as dioxin contaminated and will remain on
site in a secure cell constructed for this purpose.
The Niagara River adjacent to the site contains sediment contaminated by
Love Canal waste. The design and construction of a berm around the sediments
is being coordinated with a sediment survey performed as part of the 102nd
St. Landfill RI.
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DUPONT NECCO PARK
E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company (Dupont) owns a 25 acre inactive landfill,
known as Necco Park, in Niagara Falls, New York. It is bounded on 3 sides
by a chemical waste services facility owned by CECOS International, Inc.
(an active RCRA site). Dupont has owned Necco Park since approximately
1930 and has disposed of over 90,000 tons of various industrial and hazardous
wastes until 1977 when the site was closed. The landfill has not been
adequately secured.
Dupont has performed certain hydrogeologic investigations and has conducted
ground water monitoring at Necco Park since 1979. These investigations
indicate that releases of hazardous wastes have occurred and are occurring
from Necco Park and contaminants are migrating off-site. In October and
November of 1984, questions were raised about the possible impact on nearby
residents of releases of hazardous wastes from Necco Park (as well as
possible impacts from the CECOS facility). To respond to these questions,
EPA developed a comprehensive strategy with assistance from the NYSDEC and
the NYSDOH.
STATUS
On May 1, 1985, EPA issued a unilateral Administrative Order to Dupont to
perform off-site investigation regarding the Necco Park landfill. On May
14, Dupont filed a complaint challenging the EPA order. On June 10, the
court denied Dupont*s request for a preliminary injunction. However, at
that time Dupont was still pursuing its lawsuit. EPA was therefore preparing
to implement the Administrative Order itself.
During the last six weeks, EPA and DuPont have been holding settlement
negotiations. The parties are trying to make sufficient progress so that
DuPont can proceed with the off-site investigation this fall. In the
meantime, Du Pont has been conducting some off-site work that has not been
approved by EPA, although an EPA observer has been present.
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CECOS INTERNATIONAL INC., NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
(NYD080336241)
FACILITY OVERVIEW
CECOS Intl. operates a 385 acre industrial waste management facility in the town
of Niagara Falls, New York. The facility has served as a waste disposal site for
over 80 years. At present, hazardous, nonhazardous and PCB wastes are handled at
this site. The facility is located in a heavy industrial-commercial area. CECOS
abuts the southern boundary of the former DuPont facility Necco Park. DuPont is
considered upgradient of CECOS, and data currently indicates contaminants have
been released to the groundwater from the DuPont site.
Hazardous Waste Operations at the Site:
Land Disposal - Four closed landfills with liner systems, leachate collection
systems, and clay and synthetic caps. A fifth landfill is receiving wastes
at present. Waste Water Treatment - 160,000 gallons per day. Container
Storage - Outdoor - approximately 4500 drums.
COMPLIANCE UNDER RCRA INTERIM STATUS
Six EPA Region II and State compliance inspections have been conducted at
this site since 1981. The State maintains a full time site-monitor at CECOS.
A two-day inspection was done in September 1984 of the groundwater system at
Cecos. A draft report generated from this inspection raised questions of
off-site contamination near CECOS International, Inc. It was decided that
EPA would issue a §3013 Order and a §3008 Order to determine whether
chemicals were migrating off-site from the three inactive cells at CECOS,
and to upgrade the current monitoring program which CECOS is carrying out as
part of its process to qualify for a final operating permit under RCRA.
Orders issued by EPA to CECOS under RCRA:
§3008 Order for groundwater monitoring program for landfills No. 4 and 5.
§3013 Order for an evaluation of hydrology and existing groundwater wells
and installation of additional wells at landfills No. 1-3 to determine if
these units are leaking. Both Orders were issued on February 22, 1985.
STATUS OF RCRA PERMIT FOR CECOS
Part B was called in on February 14, 1983. Expect to issue a draft permit by
late 1986.
La FALCE SEPTEMBER 3RD LETTER TO ADMINISTRATOR
Cong. La Falce expressed his concern that Cell # 6 could be built under old
regulations less strict than new standards. The Region has determined that
new Cell # 6 qualifies for interim status under the Company's present Part
A permit application which outlines those areas where the Company is con-
templating future disposal. This includes the unused portion of the facility
and Cell # 6 falls within those boundaries. However, the new cell must be
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in compliance with the 1984 HSW Amendments which stipulates that new dis-
posal units at facilities with interim status must have double liners and
double leachate control systems. Also, the Region has asked that the Com-
pany submit a revised Part A outlining the new design capacities of Cell
# 6 and any other it contemplates opening in the future.
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SCA CHEMICAL SERVICES, MODEL CITY, NEW YORK
(EPA I.D. NO. NYD049836679)
BACKGROUND
SCA operates a 630 acre industrial waste management facility in the towns of
Lewiston and Porter, Niagara County, New York. This off-site commercial fa-
cility uses landfills, lagoons, tanks and containers as part of its waste
management operations.
Pre 1972 - Owned by U.S. Dept. of Defense. Used for production of explosives.
1985 - Chemical Waste Management, Inc., acquired SCA Chemical Services as
wholly-owned subsidiary and operates site under name of SCA.
Part B request February 14, 1983.
EPA expects to issue a draft permit by late 1986.
EPA is reviewing the design of SCA's new landfill to incorporate the require-
ments of the new Minimum Technological Standards.
To date, over $470,000 in penalties have been assessed on SCA for storage,
disposal, and groundwater violations under TSCA and RCRA.
On November 28, 1983 the Department of Justice filed a complaint against
SCA in EPA's behalf for SCA's violation of the New November 19, 1981 Final
Compliance Order, in addition to other RCRA violations found during August
1982 and May 1983 EPA/RCRA inspections. (Penalty $50,000)
New York State Permit - The current NYS Part 360 (373) permit has expired.
SCA is allowed to operate under interim status for New York. The State
permit renewal will parallel EPA's RCRA permit development. The existing
permit will be modified before renewal, however, to incorporate newly
required groundwater monitoring conditions. These conditions result from
enforcement action taken against SCA in May 1985. The draft new conditions
have already been developed and have been sent to SCA and EPA for review.
GROUNDWATER MONITORING
Between July 9, 1985 and July 26, 1985, a comprehensive, groundwater monitoring
task force inspection, headed by the NEIC, took place at SCA.
Negotiations, led by the NYSDEC with input by both EPA and representatives
of the Ground Water Monitoring Task Force, have resulted in an agreement with
SCA for the installation of a new system. Once the system has been approved
by the NYSDEC and EPA, the wells will be installed in two (2) weeks.
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Name of Site: Alltift Landfill
Alias: Alltift Reality
Address: Tifft Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
EPA Site ID #: NYD000513713
Site Description;
The site is approximately 25 acres (10.1 hectacres) in size
and has been a disposal site from the 1950's to the early
1970's. The site was used to dispose of bulk loads of dye,
oil sludges, phenolic compounds, chrome sludge, copper sulfate,
nitrobenzene, nonochloroenzene, and naphthalene!
The landfill was inactive for several years until the late
1970's, when it became an active landfill for the disposal
of auto demolition shredder waste, core sands, fly ash, and
foundry sand. This practice has continued at a rate of
40,000 to 60,000 cubic yards (30,600 to 45,300 cubic meters)
per year. Presently, the disposal area is limited to the
northern third of the site.
In 1978, seven groundwater samples from wells screened above
the glaciolacustrine clay were collected and analyzed included
total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), phenols, total halogenated hydro-
carbons, PCBs, arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, and mercury.
In 1982, four wells were drilled and screened below the clay.
Water samples were collected by the owner from each well and
analyzed for the same parameters.
Elevated levels of Kjeldahl nitrogen, organic carbon, phenols,
arsenic, and mercury were observed above the clay but not below
the clay. Chromium was observed at higher levels below the
clay.
Current Status;
Samples collected by the NYDEC in December 1982 of the wells
screened below the clay were analyzed for organic priority
pollutants. None were detected.
A Phase II investigation by the NYDEC began July 1985. Monitoring
wells were installed in early August 1985. At present, no
samples have been taken for analysis. It is estimated that
the first set of samples should be in by mid-November.
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Name of Site: Times Beach
Alias:
Address: Fuhrmann Blvd. (North end) City Hall
City of Buffalo
Buffalo, N.Y. 14203
EPA Site ID #: NYD980535330
Site Descripiton;
The Times Beach disposal site occupies fifty-one (51) acres
of land in an industrial area on the Buffalo Waterfront.
This property, owned by the City of Buffalo, is bounded
on the north by a U.S. Coast Guard Station, on the east
by Fuhrmann Boulevard and on the west and south.by the
Buffalo Harbor. Approximately thirty (30) acres of the
fifty-one acre site received the contaminated material
known to contain PCB's, Benzopyrene, Aniline and 2 -
Ethylhexyl Phtalate. During the years of active operation,
1971 to 1976, the disposal site, operated by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, received the dredge spoils from the
Buffalo River, Buffalo Harbor, and Black Rock Canal. A total
of 550,000 cubic yards of dredged material was deposited on
the site.
Current Status;
Analysis of soil samples has revealed elevated levels of organic
pollutants. Surface water analysis indicates levels are
within applicable EPA standards. In 1976, after the disclosure
that a valuable wetland habitat had developed, Times Beach
was abandoned for further dredge disposal. In 1978, the
NYDEC officially designated Times Beach as a protected wetland.
A Phase I summary report was completed for this site. The results
indicated elevated levels of heavy metals and several organic
parameters. In light of the groundwater and surface water con-
tamination detected, further investigation is expected to start
January 1986.
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Name of Site: Mobil Oil Corporation
Alias:
Address: 635 Elk street
Buffalo, N.Y. 14240
EPA Site ID #: NYD002107019
Site Description:
The Mobil Oil Refinery facility is located on Elk Street in
the City of Buffalo, and was operational from 1951 to 1981.
A three acre swale area located on the seventy-seven acre
plant facility was used for the disposal of wastes such as
demolition debris, tank sediments, sewer sediments, soils
containing asphalt and general refuse. These wastes are
believed to have been generated on-site. The exact quantity
of waste is unknown. Prior to Mobil's ownership of the site,
the swale area, created by the redirecting of the Buffalo
River, was used by the City of Buffalo for the disposal of
an unknown quantity of municipal waste.
Current Status;
Test borings completed in 1982 have indicated that the soils
are contaminated with iron, lead, cyclohexane and aliphatic
hydrocarbons.
A Phase II work plan is being finalized. Mobil Corporation
submitted the work plan in mid-September 1985. At present,
it is still under NYDEC review. The plan is expected
to be approved by the end of October 1985.
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Name of Site: McNaughton - Brooks
Alias: McNaughton - Brooks, Incorporated
Address: 717 Elk Street
Buffalo, New York 14210
EPA Site ID #: None Assigned
Site Description;
During the period of 1960-1966, approximately 100 gallons per
year of waste solvents were poured onto demolition material
and a rubble pile located in the back of the plant. The company
has indicated that there has not been any on-site waste disposal
since 1966. Aerial photographs do not show any evidence of
Landfilling operations for the period indicated.
Current Status;
The site was sampled by U.S.G.S. in 1982. Samples were analyzed
for Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and the organic pollutants. Concentrations
of Pb exceeds the background level. Ten of the organic priority
pollutants were also detected. Six of the samples showed concen-
trations above 10 ppra levels. Phase I NYDEC investigation was
completed in November of 1983.
A Phase II study will begin in November 1985. The final report is
expected to be submitted in July 1986.
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Name of Site: Allied Chemical - Site 107
Alias: Allied Chemical Ind. Chem. Div.
Address: Buffalo, N.Y. 14210
EPA Site ID #: NYD001863372
Site Description;
The Allied Chemical site is located in the southern part of
the City of Buffalo and is adjacent to the Buffalo River at
mile point 4.5. The site had a sludge lagoon in which an
unknown quantity of spent vanadium pentoxide catalyst, sulfate
sludges, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, salts,, slag, and polymerized
"sulphan" were deposited. The lagoon operated between 1930
and 1977. Since then, it has been excavated and filled with
clean fill.
Current Status;
Three montioring wells were sampled by the USGS in July
1982. Each water sample was analyzed for chromium, copper,
lead, nickel, and vanadium. The results indicate elevated
levels of lead and nickel.
A Phase II Study to begin in November 1985. Final Report is
expected to be submitted in July 1986.
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Name of Site: Buffalo Color Corp.
Alias:
Address: 340 Elk Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
EPA Site ID #: NYD080335052
Site Description;
Buffalo Color Corporation is an inactive site located in the
southern part of the City of Buffalo and is adjacent to the
Buffalo River at mile point 4.1. The geology of the site
consists of 7 to 20 feet (2.1 to 6.1 meters) of fill. The
site is underlain with Onondaga Limestone. A deep well
extends to the bottom of the Lockport Dolomite or uppermost
portions of the Rochester Shale. Between 1960-1963, when the
site was active, metal sludges resulting from manufacture of
triphenylmethane dyes, may contain organic contamination.
The site is covered by stone, gravel, but undergoing shoreline
erosion by Buffalo River.
Current Status;
Two composite soil samples collected in December 1982 by the
owner, indicated elevated levels of arsenic, lead and mercury.
A field investigation was conducted December 1984. The final
report is expected to be submitted in June 1986.
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Name of Site: Squaw Island
Alias:
Address: Squaw Island
Buffalo, N.Y 14202
EPA Site ID #: NYD980509186
Site Description:
Squaw Island is located between the Niagara River and the Black
Rock Canal which separates the island from the mainland of the
City of Buffalo. From 1954-1970, the island was used for the
disposal of waste foundry sand consisting of insoluble metal
compounds, trace oils, and resins. In the mid-1970's, much
of the fill was excavated and transferred to the Tifft site to
allow for the construction of the Buffalo Authority Wastewater
Treatment Plant. The natural island was enlarged by infilling
with incinerator residue, construction and demolition debris
and other household refuse. The site has been officially closed
under the supervision of the New York Department of Environmental
Conservation. There are some areas of litter and exposed refuse,
but cover is generally good. The city presently operates a
transfer station on site.
Current Status;
A soil sample was collected by USGS in 1982 and analyzed for
chromium and copper. The results of analysis indicate elevated
levels of chromium and copper.
A Phase II Study is scheduled to begin in November, 1985. The
final report is expected to be submitted in June, 1986.
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Name of Site: Allied Chemical Corporation Plant
Alias:
Address: 3821 River Road
Tonawanda, N.Y
EPA Site ID #: NYD000520700
j[ite Description:
The Allied Chemical Corporation plant, located on River Road
in Tonawanda, New York, was operational from 1920 to 1982.
The general terrain of the plant facility is sparsely vege-
tated with low grasses and weeds. The actual disposal area,
which was capped in 1958 with clean excavation fill, is barren.
The area topography is flat and gently slopes toward the
Niagara River, which is located 0.5 miles to the west. The
chemical plant is completely surrounded by a six (6) foot
chain link fence with access monitored by an on-site guard.
During its period of operation, the majority of waste material
generated on-site was disposed of at various off-site disposal
or reclamation facilities. However, two (2) areas on the plant
property were used as disposal sites. The disposal site is
approximately thirty (30) feet in diameter and 6 to 8 feet in
depth. From approximately 1950-1960, the site received scrap
polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene and spent catalyst
(magnesium chromate and dichromate). These wastes were
generated by a small on-site research and development laboratory
Current Status;
Four soil samples were collected by the USGS in 1982. The
results indicate elevated levels of chromium, lead, and
nickel. A Phase I investigation was completed in September
of 1983.
Initial negotiations for remedial action at the site are
scheduled for mid-November, 1985.
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Name of Site: Tonawanda Coke Company
Allas:
Address: 3875 River Road
Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150
EPA Site ID #: NYD088413877
Site Description;
This site is located adjacent to the Niagara River in the
town of Tonawanda. The site was used for general landfilling
of fly ash, cinders, and tar sludges disposed at the rate of
4680 tons per year during the period of 1930 to 1979. The
site is a five acre industrial dump which was closed in 1978.
NYDEC water and soil sample results (11/30/81) indicate
significant levels of polynuclear aromatics present.
Current Status:
In 1982 and 1983, the U.S.G.S. collected soil, groundwater
and surface water samples from this site. The groundwater
sampled exceeded standards for iron and cyanide. However,
the sampling point was upgradient from the site and was below
100 ppb. Existing data suggest that contamination may be
widespread in the area of this site. Full assessment must
await the outcome of Phase II investigation.
A Phase II investigation wil begin in December 1985. The final
report should be submitted in February 1986.
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Name of Site: INS Equipment Company
Alias:
Address: 411 River Road
Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150
EPA Site ID #: NYD071470033
Site Description;
The INS Equipment site is located in the Town of Tonawanda
and is adjacent to the Niagara River at mile point 29.1. The
55 acre (22.3-hectacre) site was used to dispose of an unknown
quantity of pit sludge, cutting oils, grinding waste, and
foundry sand. The site has been covered, graded, and seeded.
The site is bordered by River Road on the east,'the Niagara
River on the west, and the Niagara Mohawk Cherry Farm property
on the north. The INS Equipment Company facility is located
on the west side of River Road (across the street) and is not
associated with this site.
Current Status:
Soil analysis has revealed the presence of heavy metals and
organic chemicals. Concern centers over the potential
migration of these toxics to the adjacent Niagara River.
A Phase II investigation began August 1985. Ten montoring wells
were installed. Field sampling and lab analysis is scheduled
Co begin in December 1985.
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Name of Site: Huntley Power Station
Alias: Niagara-Mohawk (Cherry Farms)
Address: River Road, Tonawanda, N.Y.,
Erie County
EPA Site ID #: NYD003909694
Site Description;
The Niagara-Mohawk "Cherry Farms" Landfill is an inactive 54
acre site. It fronts the Niagara river and is bordered on the
east by River road. During the period 1957-1970. 112,000 tons/yr
of uncontained bottom ash were disposed of at the site by Niagara-
Mohawk Power Corporation. In 1972, the Froniter Chemical Waste
Process, Inc. (a new leasee) accepted 12,000 gal/yr of boiler
cleaninig liquid wastes from Dow Chemical U.S.A., Depew, N.Y.
Cheverolet Foundary Sand Corp. disposed of foundary sand and
slag on the site during the period 1966-1970. According to
disposal records, these are the only refuse disposed at the
site.
Current Status;
In March 1981, water samples were collected from drainage ditches
around the site. Extensive subsurface soil sampling was performed
by O.S.G.S. in August, 1982 arad in May, 1983. There were 22 organic
priority pollutants found. The site has been selected for a Phase II
investigation by NYDEC.
A Phase II investigation is scheduled for December, 1985.
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Name of Site: Columbus McKinnon Corp.
Alias:
Address: Filmore & Fremont Street
Tonawanda, New York 14150
EPA Site ID #: NYD002105534
Site Description;
The Columbus McKinnon Corporation site is located in the City
of Tonawanda and is adjacent to Ellicot Creek. .Ellicot Creek
is a tributary of Tonawanda Creek which enters the Niagara River.
The site was used to dispose of (27,000 gallons) 102,200 liters
of water-soluble waste cutting oils in an open pit 400 feet (37
metres) square adjacent to Ellicot Creek. The pit operated from
1930 to 1965. The area has since been covered with soil and graded.
Current Status;
During 1981, the company initiated an investigation of the site.
More comprehensive investigation of the site is presently being
conducted by the firm. Previous smapling confirmed presence of
PCB's in some of the soil samples. A report including analyses
of water samples from monitoring wells, soil samples, and sediment
samples from the Creek was submitted. A final report is to include
analyses of a well sample for priority pollutants and the available
options for remediation of the site. Sampling program completed to
date reveals elevated levels of PCB's in the on-site soils and in
an area of the adjacent creek. Results of the on-going investigation
are necessary to assess the full environmental problem.
Additional sediment and groundwater samples were taken in May, 1985.
Results from the sediment samples indicated the presence of PCB
in the top soil only. Remediation negotiations are scheduled for
December, 1985.
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Name of Site: Occidental Chemical (Durez Division)
Alias:
Address: Walck Road
North Tonawanda,
EPA Site ID #: None Assigned
Site Description;
The Occidental Chemical (Durez Division) plant site is located
in the City of North Tonawanda and is 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometres)
from the Niagara River at mile point 24.1. The plant site has
14 separate disposal sites operated by the company between 1930
and 1973. Two of the sites has been clayed capped and are being
monitored. 250 tons of phenol tar (which may contain chlorobenzenes),
250 tons of calcium-aluminum oxide and calcium phosphate and
28,000 tons of phenol bearing material were disposed at the
plant site. There is a very high potential for contaminants to
migrate within the more permable fill and fluvial sands and
gravels. Thirty monitoring wells were installed in the unconsol-
idated deposits and sampled in 1980 for organic compounds by the
owner. The analyses from these wells indicate a substantial
amount of contamination within the unconsolidated deposits.
While site investigation activities were underway, total dioxins
were detected by the owner in April, 1982 at a mean level of 87
picograms per gram (parts per trillon) in residues on the site.
However, the isomer 2,3,7,8 dioxin has not been detected in
the groundwater.
Current Status;
A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) is currently
(underway). This program includes sampling and analyses of surface
and subsurface soil samples, groundwater analyses, and a test
trench examination of the clay layer which underlines the soil
overburden. In addition, soil samples at residential sites in
the immediate vicinity of the plant are being analyzed. Upon
completion of the entire RI/FS, which is scheduled for December,
1985, the remediation program will begin.
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Name of Site:
Alias :
Addres s :
Gratwick Riverside Park
Gratwick Park
River Road, Witraer Avenue
N. Tonawanda, New York
EPA Site ID #:
NYD000514141
Site Description:
Gratwick Riverside Park is an inactive landfill, located in the
City of North Tonawanda, Niagara County, between the Niagara
River on the west and the now-filled former Erie Canal channel
on the east, paralleling River Road. The site is rectangular,
extending approximately one mile in a NW direction and 0.2 miles
in a NE direction. The ground surface is level. Gratwick Riverside
Park is located at the riverfront edge of an urban area and is
used currently as a public park, with a picnic shelter and boat docks
and launch ramp. The site was used for disposal of municipal
and industrial wastes from 1964 to 1968. Waste materials include
phenolic resins, phenolic molding compounds, oil and grease.
Current Status;
In 1981, the Niagara County Health department sampled the four
monitoring wells on-site. Low levels of metals were found along with
low levels of halogenated organics. Phenols exceeded groundwater
standards. In 1982, Niagara Mohawk had 30+ barrels of wastes removed
from along the bank of Niagara River adjacent to the site. The
barrels contained phenolic compounds. The U.S.G.S. installed an
additional well in 1982 and sampled the four other wells. Groundwater
standards for iron, lead and phenols were exceeded in the samples.
A number of organics parameters were also found. The site also
sampled by USEPA technical assistance team in 1983. A State
Superfund Phase I investigation has been completed. A State
Superfund Phase II investigation was undertaken during the summer
of 1984.
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Name of Site: Niagara Company Refuse Disposal -
Wheatfield
Alias:
Address: Witraer Road, Wheatfield, Niagara Falls, NY
EPA Site ID#: NYD000514257
SITE DESCRIPTION:
This site is located in the Town of Wheatfield and is within
800 feet (244 metres) of the Niagara River. From 1968 to
1976, thousands of tons of heat treatment salts, plating tank
sludge, PVC skins and emulsion, thiazole polymer blends,
polyvinyl alcohol, phenolic resins, and brine sludge with
mercury were disposed at the site. It had been reported that
in 1968 the site received some excavated material form Love
Canal. More recent information indicates that this excavated
material was disposed at another site. This site is on EPA's
National Priorities List for cleanup.
CURRENT STATUS:
The USGS collected soil and groundwater samples in 1982.
EPA collected groundwater as well as surface water and sedi-
ment samples. Surface water and sediment samples indicated
that migration of chemicals from the site have been occurred.
Groundwater samples available to date do not indicate migration
from the site. Additional monitoring wells have been installed
as part of the Phase II program in late August 1985. No
results were reported as yet. It is estimated that they
will be in by late December 1985 or early January 1986.
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Name of Site:
Alias:
Address:
EPA Site ID#:
Griffon Park
River Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
NYD000010292
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Griffon Park is located in the City of Niagara Falls adjacent
to the Niagara River and is also at the source of the Little
River around Cayuga Island. The site was used to dispose an
unknown quantity of mostly leaves, forestry materials and
possibly municipal and domestic wastes. It has been reported
that some industrial material including sand, abrasives,
broken concrete and similar material had also been placed,
but no drummed wastes or hazardous materials is known to have
been disposed of there.
CURRENT STATUS:
An investigation of this site will be conducted as part of
the 102nd Street RI/FS. Occidental and Olin are involved in
installation of monitoring wells. This work is expected
to begin late October or early November 1985.
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Name of Site: Bell Aerospace Textron
Alias:
Address: 9812 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Wheatfield, Niagara NY 14150
EPA Site ID #: NYD002106276
SITE DESCRIPTION:
This site is located in the Town of Wheatfield about 3000 feet
(914 metres) from Cayuga Creek. It consists of a neutralization
pond which has been used since the 1950*3. Wastes are held in
the pond until a pH of 6-9 is achieved and are then discharged
into a sanitary sewer. The wastes generally consist of rocket
fuels, nitric acid, sodium hyroxide neutralizer, and plating
wastes. The size of the pond is 3000 feet square (914 metres).
Dolomitic limestone bedrock is overlain by a sandy to silty
glacial till. The till is overlain by a layer of mixed silts,
sands, and clays which is overlain by a varved clay and a layer
of miscellaneous fill material. The layer of mixed silts, sands,
and clays is conducive to the movement of groundwater. The
dolomitic bedrock is greater than 20 feet (6.1 metres).
CURRENT STATUS:
An Administrative Consent Order which provides for the installation
of groundwater monitoring wells is being negoitated. It is not
expected to be complete until Spring 1986.
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Name of Site:
Alias :
Address :
EPA Site ID#:
Charles Gibson Site
Northeast Corner of Niagara Falls Blvd
and Tuscarora Road, Niagara Falls, NY
Not assigned to date
SITE DESCRIPTION:
This site is located in the eastern part of the City of
Niagara Falls and is adjacenet to Cayuga .Creek. This 4 acre
site was used for disposal from 1955 to 1957 for 403
drums of hexachlorobenzene and 101 truckloads of BHC. Property
is in densely populated area and is bounded on the east by
Cayuga Creek which flows directly into the Niagara River.
CURRENT STATUS:
In March 1985, an agreement was reached between the State of
New York and the Olin Chemical Corporation regarding remediation
of this site. Soil testing began in the summer of 1985.
At present, no results have been reported. It is estimated
that the first set of samples should be in by late September
1985 or early October 1985.
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Name of Site:
Alias:
Addres s:
EPA Site ID#:
Buffalo Avenue Site
Buffalo Avenue Landfill
Buffalo Avenue between 57th & 60th Streets
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
NYD980507784
SITE DESCRIPTION:
This site was formerly a wetland which was filled by the City
of Niagara with noncombustibles and incinerator residue.
The site is inactive and its years of operation were 1930 to
1950. The 30 acre site is open and grass covered. The
site is level to slightly sloping. Part of land is presently
the site of the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant. Directly
adjacent to the plant is an industrial chemical facility.
The geology of the site consists of extensive areas of fill
overlying clay, till and alluvium. The thickness of the
unconsolidated material is 30 feet. Underlying these units
are a bedrock of Lockport Dolomite.
CURRENT STATUS;
U.S.G.S. collected soil samples in 1982 and 1983 from the
eastern portion and the results indicated the presence of
organic compounds in the soil. Field investigations are to
begin in the winter of 1985-1986.
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Name of Site: Reichhold-Varcum Chemical Division
Alias:
Address: 5000 Packard Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14302
EPA Site ID#: NYD002103216
SITE DESCRIPTION:
The Reichhold-Varcum site is located in the eastern portion
of the City of Niagara Falls. The site is about 1.8 miles
(2.9 kilometers) from the Niagara River. Until 1979, a
settling pond was used on the site for the removal of phenolic
waste sludge from plant wastewater. The pond was removed
from service in 1979 and all excavated materials were placed
in a secure landfill. Monitoring wells were subsequently
installed on the plant site in 1981 and 1982 to determine the
impact the lagoon and phenol storage area had on the groundwater
beneath the plant site.
CURRENT STATUS:
Monitoring wells were installed by Reichhold-Varcum in 1981 to
determine if plant groundwater was contaminated. Samples from
wells revealed significant level of phenols. Additional
bedrock monitoring wells were installed late August 1985. No
results have yet been reported. It is estimated that they
will be in by late December 1985 or early January 1986. Site
remediation is to begin by January 1986.
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Name of Site: Hooker Plant (932019 b-i)
Alias: Occidental Chemical Corporation-Buffalo
Avenue Plant
Address: Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14302
EPA Site ID#:
SITE DESCRIPTION:
These sites are located on the Occidental Chemical (Buffalo
Avenue Plant) site in the City of Niagara Falls, adjacent to
the Robert Moses Parkway along the Niagara River at mile
point 17.3. The disposal sites contain mostly unknown
quantities of organic chemicals, metals, chlorides, sulfides
and phosphorus compounds.
Approximately 120 monitoring wells have been installed to
determine the hydrogeologic system and extent of groundwater
contamination at the plant.
Sometime in the past, the Niagara River flowed over part of
the southern property of the site. North of this ancient
shoreline the stratigraphy consists of poorly sorted fill
averaging 13 feet (4.0 metres) thick, which overlies very fine
sand or a clay layer of approximately 16 feet (1.8 metres).
This overlies a till which in turn overlies the Lockport
Dolomite. South of the ancient shoreline, the clay is usually
absent and the till thins or is absent. The thickness of the
very fine sand and fill is greater where the clay and till is
thin or absent.
Water levels in wells installed in the unconsolidated deposits
revealed a flow direction to the south toward the Niagara
River.
Water levels in wells installed in the Lockport Dolomite
indicate groundwater moving northwest, away from the Niagara
River. At the site, groundwater in the Lockport Dolomite is
recharged by the Niagara River.
CURRENT STATUS:
A complaint was filed by the State Attorney General in January
1982 against Occidental Chemical for the above sites.
Negotiations with the State Attorney General and Occidental
are underway.
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Name of Site: Solvent Chemical Corporation
Alias: Solvent Savers
Address: 3163 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY
EPA Site ID#: NYD000239440
SITE DESCRIPTION:
The Solvent Chemical site on Buffalo Avenue is located on the
east side of Gill Creek between the Olin and Du Pont Chemical
plants in a heavily industrialized section of the City of
Niagara Falls, Niagara County. The site was used for the
production of chlorinated benzenes; including dichloro,
trichlor, and tetrachlorobenzene between 1974 to 1978. The
site is owned by 3163 Buffalo Avenue Corporation (Mr. Cory
Sanoian, President) and is currently leased by Niagara
Industrial Warehouse to store soda ash, potash, fuel oil and
similar non-hazardous materials.
CURRENT STATUS:
A Phase I investigation was conducted in the winter of 1983.
A Phase II report has been released recently. This site has
been referred to the State Attorney General's Office and is
under litigation. Negotiations with former owner/operator
are underway. A work plan for additional investigation has
been submitted and approved. Field investigation is expected
to begin in the winter 1985-1986.
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Name of Site: Du Pont De Nemours & Company
Alias:
Address: Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14302
EPA Site ID#: NYD980508170
SITE DESCRIPTION;
Westyard-near Building 201 (932013a) - It is located at the Buffalo
Avenue plant site in the city of Niagara Falls which is adjacent
to the Robert Moses Parkway along the Niagara River. The site is
inactive now; its years of operation were from 1950 to 1961.
Disposal Area-East of Building (932013b) - It is located at the
Buffalo Avenue plant site in the city of Niagara Falls which is
adjacent to the Robert Moses Parkway along the Niagara River.
The site is inactive now; its years of operation were from 1950
to 1961.
Buffalo Avenue (932013c) - It is located at the Buffalo Avenue
plant site in the city of Niagara Falls which is adjacent to the
Robert Moses Parkway along the Niagara River. This site was used
to dispose of chlorinated organics. It is an inactive open dump,
which was in use during 1925 to 1972.
Southern Boundary (932013d) - It is located at the Buffalo Avenue
plant site in the city of Niagara Falls which is adjacent to the
Robert Moses Parkway along the Niagara River. The site is an
inactive open dump. It was active during 1930 to 1956. Copper
and zinc cyanide sludges were stored in drums that were deposited
on the site.
Hyde Park Boulevard (932013e) - Cell bricks, metal parts,
sludge, demolition debris an rubble used to fll this site since
1948. Currently, the site is landscaped as a parking lot. Soil
samples collected in 1981 revealed no significant contamination
at the site. This area has been investigated as part of Du Font's
ongoing investigation of the overall Buffalo Avenue plant site.
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-2-
Disposal Area - Near Building 310 - (932013f) - It is located at
the Buffalo Avenue plant site in the city of Niagara Falls which
is adjacent to the Robert Moses Parkway along the Niagara River.
Area is north of old Polyvinyl Alcohol production building.
Soil is contaminated with FOB. The site is inactive now; its
active years were from 1942 to 1973.
CURRENT STATUS:
In 1982, USGS installed 6 wells south of the plant along the
Robert Moses Parkway as part of the Niagara River Toxics
Investigation. Samples were contaminated with chlorinated
organics. DuPont initiated an investigation of groundwater
contamination and movement in the summer of 1983. Information
from the investigation indicated that contaminants have spread on
the plant site and have migrated into the bedrock. Du Pont
submitted a remedial action plan in November 1984. The plan
consisted of groundwater collection in the overburden with treat-
ment of collected water and groundwater pumping from the bedrock
using the well. A slurry wall may also be installed. As part
of the remediation plan, a clay cap was placed over the plant
area known as Westyard. This cap is to be completed by November
1985.
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Name of Site: Olin Corporation
Alias:
Address: Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14320
EPA Site ID#: NYD002123461
SITE DESCRIPTION;
Parking Lot (932051a) - This site is located north of Buffalo
Avenue, across from the Olin Plant site. It was used for the
disposal of coal, ash and brine sludge. The ash and sludge were
landspread to fill in low areas of the parking lot. The parking
lot has been paved. The plant's years of operation were from
1957 to 1974.
Mercury Pond & Plant Site (932038 & 932051b) - This plant contains
areas where mercury brine sludge was spread on the surface as
fill. In addition, a pond was used for retaining waste water
from the mercury cell room. The pond was reportedly used for a 3
month time frame in 1970. Its years of operation were from 1957
to 1974.
CURRENT STATUS:
A series of monitoring wells have been installed on the eastern
portion of the plant site where organic chemical manufacturing
occurred. Mercury and organics have been detected in these wells
Offsite migration via groundwater movement is indicated. In
1981, Olin completed a clean up project in Gill Creek which is
adjacent to the plant. Sediments contaminated with lindane were
removed and disposed of in secure landfill. A State Superfund
Phase I investigation of the site has been completed.
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LOVE CANAL HABITABILITY STUDY
In September 1983, a Technical Review Committee (TRC) was formed consisting of
representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York State Department
of Health (NYSDOH), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Its function
was to serve as an administrative/management body to oversee activities to
resolve the ongoing habitability issues with the Love Canal EDA and to integrate
the on-going remedial activity into this process.
The TRC enlisted a panel of expert scientists to provide advice on the
habitability issues. The CDC/DOH, with the panel's help, were charged by
the TRC to formulate habitability criteria which would be applied to the EDA
by the Commissioner of the DOH (the Commissioner will make the final decision on
habitability). This would be done after the criteria are reviewed and accepted
by the TRC and by an independent peer review panel (ICAIR was selected for this).
The initial idea was to use Quality Assured data and apply it to the habitability
criteria. The expert panel, which first met in March 1984, felt that a
comparison approach (i.e., comparing the EDA to a number of areas with similar
geology and sociological profiles) was the best approach.
Due to the uniqueness of Love Canal, a typical risk assessment approach was
not selected by the panel. The panel felt that a risk assessment would not
answer the mutagenic and teratogenic issues associated with the canal. The
panel also felt that comparing existing EDA data to new comparison area data was
not valid and suggested that an entirely new environmental monitoring program
should be conducted. This monitoring program would consist of sampling for a
number of indicator chemicals in indoor air, ambient air and soils for the EDA
and the comparison areas. In addition, dioxin sampling would be conducted in
the EDA, with the CDC 1-ppb level of concern used as the benchmark.
To assist in answering statistical questions, the idea of using an analytic
target, or "de-minimis" level, was put forth by CDC/DOH. The "de-minimis"
also addressed the issue of health effects which would be created by the
very low levels of concentration expected to be found in the EOA and comparison
area. This occurred in May, All TRC agencies agreed to this approach.
However, in late July, the Commissioner of the DOH declared that he does not have
the statutory authority to set indoor air and outdoor soil levels for private residences.
DOH felt it only has this authority for public places. Recently CDC and DOH
resolved this issue at a high level meeting of TRC member agency heads.
The Habitability Criteria Document is scheduled to be available in
final form in September; all supporting appendices will be completed
shortly thereafter. A pilot study is scheduled to be initiated in
November;this will provide the needed data to resolve the outstanding
statistical issues.
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POTENTIAL INCINERATION PROJECTS FOR LOVE CANAL
BACKGROUND
There are several incinerator type systems which could be considered for use
at Love Canal, to dispose of wastes which are now stored, or will be stored,
at the Canal. Trial burn and R&D permits have already been granted in other
places for the operation of several commercial units, and EPA's own Mobile
Incinerator. Some commercial firms have final designs for transportable units
in hand, but are waiting for a contract before constructing anything.
Wastes which have been, or will be generated, at Love Canal include:
Sediments from sewers in the former residential areas in ring one and two, spent
activated carbon, and also sludge, from the leachate treatment plant, sediments
from the contaminated creek beds and perhaps also from residences in the Love
Canal EDA, and wastes from miscellaneous remedial activities.
Projected timetables for having an incinerator fully operational in the Love
Canal area range up to three years, depending on the times required for New
York State procurement actions, permit issuances, and incinerator construction.
ISSUES
Delisting - Incineration of Love Canal wastes will only be worthwhile if
the ash and wastewater effluents from the operation can be delisted.
Siting - Policy needs to be established regarding the permitting or
approving of a mobile incinerator at a Superfund site contaminated by
dioxin. For example, must a system undergo new trial burns, as it
moves from site to site, before obtaining a new permit or approval to
operate?
State Procurement and Permitting - These activities are likely to
require extended periods of time to complete, especially if they
become controversial, or lack public support.
OPTIONS UNDER DISCUSSION
EPA Mobile Incinerator - This unit, with a opacity of 1 ton/hour, may be
requested for use beginning next spring to incinerate materials in the drums
presently stored at the Canal, spent activated carbon from the leachate
treatment plant, sediments from the sewer cleanup, and other wastes that will
be generated.
Commercial Transportable Incinerator - A unit of this type, capable of
incinerating around 5 tons or more per hour, would be needed to handle the
large volume of sediments which will be generated from upcoming remediation
activities. An operating, fully permitted unit would probably not be ready
until 1988.
Plasma Arc System - This lower capacity unit, which can only treat liquids
and sludges, may be brought over from Canada by NYSDEC, for use next spring,
to incinerate sludges from Love Canal.
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RESIDENTIAL AREA SOUTH OF CECOS AND DUPONT/NECCO PARK
EPA has identified at least 17 other potential sources of contamination near
CECOS and DuPont Necco Park. These sites include operating industrial plants
as well as inactive landfills. EPA commenced investigation on these sites
in May 1985. Site inspections and sampling were performed for all but one
of these sites; samples are now being analyzed with results from two site
investigations out of quality assurance as of this writing. EPA will rank
each site to determine whether they are NPL candidates. If the results
warrant, EPA will conduct further investigations.
In May, 1985, because of citizens' concerns, EPA proposed the installation of
approximately 200 shallow (temporary) well points, in a random manner, in the
residential area south of Necco Park. These well points would have been placed
on private property at about basement level. Access forms were mailed to
approximately 800 residents; only 150 approval agreements were received.
The 200 well-point program, therefore, has been dropped, since a scientifically
valid conclusion could not have been reached with such limited access.
As an alternative, EPA has proposed a different monitoring study. The proposal
includes installing well clusters as follows:
Phase IA - three well clusters just south of Pine Avenue and redevelopment
of two USGS wells in the residential area.
Phase IB - three additional well clusters near Girard Avenue, approximately
two blocks south of Pine Avenue.
Each cluster would consist of 4 permanent wells.
Based upon results from this study and the 17 site investigations, it would
then be determined what additional work is needed (Phase II).
Results from the first phase are expected before the end of 1985.
public comment on this new EPA proposal is now being solicited.
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DIOXIN ACTIVITIES
A number of sites in the Niagara Falls area have been targeted for dioxin
screening under the National Dioxin Task Force. The screen is to determine
if 2,3,7,8-TCDD is present at any of the sites, above the 1 ppb level-of-concern
issued by CDC. Thus far the following sites have been scheduled for, or
have had, dioxin screening conducted by the Region II field Investigation
Team (FIT).
102nd Street Landfill - Forty samples were taken at ten locations. To date,
Dioxin has shown up in three samples. These are all on the Olin Corporation
portion of the landfill. The Occidential Chemical Corporation (Hooker)
portion has therefore been found to be "clean" of 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Fourteen of
the forty samples have not passed QA and the overall picture may change
depending on the analysis of these samples. Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD
found at the three locations were >200 ppb, 173 ppb, and 0.59 ppb. The latter
was a surface "hit" (within 3" depth) while the other two "hits" were below
10" surface depth. Sampling locations were biased based on past groundwater
samples analysis. Samples were taken on the surface and at two depths down
into the waste zone. Additional studies will be conducted as part of an
ongoing Superfund RI, by either the responsible parties or EPA.
Occidental Chemical Corporation / Main Plant / Niagara Falls - This site is
scheduled for screening shortly. Surficial samples are to be taken. The
S-Area, which is a Superfund site, is scheduled for screening along with
parts of the main plant complex.
Olin / Main Plant / Niagara Falls - This site is scheduled for screening
shortly.
93rd Street School - This area is located within the Love Canal EDA and is
scheduled for testing shortly. The results of this sampling will be
incorporated into the overall remedial activities conducted by EPA and the
DEC at Love Canal. The school site is a suspected source of 2,3,7,8-TCDD
contamination into the Bergholtz Creek and if dioxin is found, source
remediation will be required to eliminate the impact on the Creek.
ISSUES
The primary issue with dioxin sampling in this area is waste disposal. This
"waste" consists of decontamination solution and protective clothing. Thus
far, EPA has had difficulty in identifying RCRA certified waste disposal
sites willing to accept the water from dioxin screening. Other disposal
options must be approved before the upcoming sampling activities listed above
can be undertaken.
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NIAGARA FALLS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant is a physical chemical/carbon
filtration facility that receives a substantial portion of the process
waste from the chemical industry in Niagara Falls, New York. Shortly
after commencement of operations in July 1978, the carbon filter beds
were subject to structural failure. Since 1978, the plant has operated
only with physical (primary) treatment processes prior to discharge to the
Niagara River.
In 1981, the U.S. sued the City of Niagara Falls to abate continued pollution
from this facility. The plant, with additional construction grant funding
(for a total federal investment of approximately $64 million), was
rehabilitated and put back into operation by July 31, 1985 pursuant to the
terms of a court enforced Consent Decree schedule.
• The carbon filters went back on line on July 31, 1985 - the order
required 22 beds to be available for use, but only 19 were available.
« No analytical effluent results are available, but visual inspection
reports indicate that the plant is removing chemical contaminants - we
have reason to hope that the discharge from the WWTP, the largest pollution
source to the River, will be substantially abated.
« The City, however, failed to eliminate significant dry-weather bypasses
in accordance with the schedules contained in the Court Order.
• The U.S. is considering potential contempt proceedings for the failure to
construct and operate the carbon beds, and eliminate the bypasses,
according to the schedules in the Court Order.
• Prior to the recent rehabilitation projects, the WWTP was hydraulically
overloaded due to the infiltration of substantial volumes (10-15MGD) of
groundwater.
• This groundwater, like all groundwater in the industrial area of Niagara
Falls, is contaminated by past disposal practices - the WWTP could not
treat all this groundwater and still effectively treat the more concentrated
industrial wastes.
• The Falls Street Tunnel, an existing combined sewer was converted to a
combined sewer overflow which now conveys this infiltrating contaminated
groundwater without treatment directly to the Niagara River.
« The discharge of groundwater through the Tunnel to the Niagara River is
being closely monitored by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment
since it may in itself be a significant source of pollution to the
River.
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APPENDIX F
GROUNDWATER HYDROGEOL06IC MODELS FOR NIAGARA FALLS
A draft workplan proposed by the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) to develop an areawide model for Niagara Falls.
The plan contains four phases and would take four years
to implement after approval. It would be integrated with
the site specific activities being carried out by EPA
contractors under the Superfund program in the Niagara
Frontier. The draft plan is under review by Region 2
and is expected to be in approvable form-by the end of
1985.
EPA's contractors, GeoTrans, Inc., are preparing a three-
dimensional, finite-difference model, known as SWANFLOW,
to simulate the flow of water and an immiscible nonaqueous
phase within and below the vadose zone. It will be used
for site specific analyses. Included herein is a draft
of the introductory material for this project; the complete
documentation is still under review by GeoTrans.
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THE HYUKOGEOLOGY OF THE NIAGARA RIVER ttASIN
INTRODUCTION
The Niagara River corridor adjacent to the Niagara River, from the
northern part of buffalo to Lewiston, N.Y., has been highly developed due to
availability of water for industrial processing, waste-discharge assimilation
and electrical-power generation. Within the past two decades ground- and
surface-water quality has been degraded by direct discharge and migration of
contaminants from chemical waste sites in the vicinity of the Niagara River.
This situation has caused environmental problems within this portion of the
Niagara River watershed, in the river itself, and in Lake Ontario, the outlet
of the river.
Water-quality problems in the basin have been documented in "Report of
the Niagara River Toxics Committee'' (.1984), which summarizes point and non-
point source discharge locations, current monitoring, control and remedial
programs, and the river's present condition. The report reviews information
concerning over 200 chemical waste sites in the Niagara River corridor, most
located within 3 miles of the Niagara River. The report concludes that con-
taminants from some of the waste sites in the United States are migrating to
the Niagara River. A primary recommendation of the report was that a more
detailed investigation of sub-surface hydrogeology and contaminant migration
for all waste sites within the New York State part of the Niagara River
drainage basin is needed. Because of the large number of waste sites within
the area a regional study is necessary to evaluate their combined effect upon
water quality in the Niagara River.
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DhSCRlPTlON OF STUDY AREA
The boundaries of Che proposed Niagara River study area (fig. 1) are Che
Erie and Niagara County lines Co Che ease, Che Lockpore DolooiCe Escarpment
(Che Niagara River basin boundary) Co Che north, Che Allegheny Plateau uplands
to the south, and Lake Erie and the Niagara River - Chippewa Channel, to the
west.
The area is underlain by 5 to 100 ft of mostly fine-grained, uncon-
solid a ted lake deposits and glacial till. Underlying the unconsoildated depo-
sits are Silurian and Devonian shales, siltstones, limestones, and dolomites
that are slightly folded and dip 20 to 40 ft per mile to the southwest (fig.
3). The bedrock units are generally more permeable than unconsolidated depo-
sits. Significant water movement occurs in fractures and joints, especially
in the carbonate rocks where dissolution reactions have widened the openings.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this study is to determine the hydrogeology of the Niagara
River basin and investigate factors that control movement of ground water to
the Niagara River. The scope of the project includes the determination of
natural boundaries of the ground-water flow system (fig. 2) and the develop-
ment of a three-dimensional subregional ground-water—flow model(s) of selected
portions of the project area to serve as a hydrologic framework for modeling
efforts included in future site-specific studies. The subregional model(s)
will be three-dimensional and cover areas of primary concern to EPA at a scale
appropriate to serve as a hydrologic base for site—specific models. The
models will extend to natural hydrologic boundaries where possible.
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boundaries of the subregional flow model(s) will be defined using the
collected hydrogeologic and water-quality information and results of concep-
tual models. Investigations of processes controlling ground—water quality
will be used to corroborate flow rates between aquifers determined by flow
models. These investigations will yield information on flow directions and
rates of flow and identify the important geochemical reactions.
Ground water in the study area flows primarily in bedrock units through
extensive fracture zones parallel to bedding planes. The fracture zones form
separate aquifers while more massive bedrock units restrict vertical flow bet-
ween these aquifers and represent confining layers (Johnston, 1964 and La
Sala, lybtt;. Previous invesigators have simulated flow through these aquifers
as flow through porous media, with flow through the massive units separating
the aquifers represented by vertical leakage (Bergeron, 1984). The subre-
gional flow model(s) developed in this study will follow this approach using a
quasi three-dimensional model to simulate long-term, steady-state conditions
for the aquifer system. Head distributions simulated by the subregional flow
model(s) will be sufficiently accurate to estimate regional ground-water-flow
paths and to provide boundary conditions for subsequent models developed for
site-specific studies but not to predict ground-water-flow paths or solute
transport near particular waste sites within the study area.
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ObJECTIVhS
The primary objectives of this study are to:
l; Define the surficial geology, including the type and thickness of uncon-
sola da led
2) Define the bedrock geology, including stratigraphy, structure, and
thickness, with special emphasis on identifying fractured and massive zones.
3) Determine hydrologic properties of the bedrock, including hydraulic conduc-
tivity and thickness of water-bearing units.
4) Define areas of recharge and discharge.
5) Determine direction and rate of ground-water movement in the bedrock and
identity deep and shallow ground-water flow systems in surficial and bedrock
aquifers. Special emphasis will be on determining the extent of ground-water
underflow below the Niagara River along the reach between the cities of North
Tonawanda and Niagara Falls and Grand Island (fig. 1).
6) Develop a large scale three-dimensional ground-water-flow model(s) to pro-
vide boundary conditions for ground-water models prepared in future site-
specific studies.
7) Describe background ground-water quality of the significant ground-water-
flow system(s) and identify the major chemical reactions controlling natural
ground-water quality.
4
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APPROACH
The proposed hydrogeologic study is divided into the following four major
phases, each approximately one year in length. Results from each phase will
be used to refine the scope of the following phases.
Phase 1 - Collection of hydrogeologic and water—quality information and
development of conceptual ground-water model.
Phase 11 - Field investigations and initial development of three-dimensional
ground-water model(s).
Phase 111 - Report preparation summarizing Phase 1 and Phase 11, additional
field studies and calibration of sensitivity analyses of ground-w?'
model(s).
Phase IV - Model simulation and final report preparation.
PHASE 1
Phase 1 will include collection and compilation of hydrogeologic and
water-quality information and development of conceptual ground-water model.
All available well logs, water levels, pump tests and specific capacity
data, construction boring and excavation data, streamflow, water-quality, and
other related data will be collected from published literature and from State,
County, City, University, and consultant files. If available, similar data
will be collected from the Canadian side of the Niagara River. A subcontract
for mapping the surficial geology of the region (scale 1/24,000) will be ini-
tiated with the New York. State Geological Survey.
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The data collected under Phase I will be used to identify important
bedrock aquifers and estimate (1) recharge and discharge areas, (2) ground-
water quality of bedrock, and unconsolidated deposits, and (3) hydraulic
characteristics ot each bedrock unit. Preliminary head-distribution and
thickness maps of the unconsolidated deposits and bedrock aquifers will be
used to develop approximate models of the regional flow system. If sufficient
information is available a preliminary three-dimensional model will be
constructed to determine major recharge and discharge areas and the approxi-
mate direction ot ground-water flow within the study area. These results will
be used to identify appropriate hydrologic boundaries for subsequent subre-
gional flow models covering selected portions of the study area. A two-
dimensional cross-sectional model along the transect given by LaSala (19b8)
(see tig. 3) will be constructed to evaluate different layering schemes used
in the three-dimensional model. Sensitivity testing with these conceptual
models will provide a means to evaluate the vertical flow between aquifer
units, vertical flow coefficients and rates of flow in the study area.
At the end of Phase I, a preliminary evaluation of hydrogeologic condi-
tions will be prepared. A complete modeling strategy will be proposed using
information provided by EPA, including the location of high priority sites in
the modeled areas and the scale of site-specific studies that have been pre-
viously completed. A joint EPA/UStiS/(others?) meeting will be held to solicit
suggestions for modifying the modeling strategy and refining the scope of
Phase II. The results of this meeting will be used to determine:
1) the areas of primary concern within the Phase I study area,
2) areas that will be modeled—the number of areas, the boundaries to be used,
and at what level of detail should each area be modeled, and
3) where new data should be collected.
6
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Funding
1. Compile available information
A. Compile data from State, county, city, university, and $100,000
private researchers or consultants, including: Well logs,
pimping tests, water-level measurements, water-quality
data, base flow in streams, infiltration characteristics,
precipitation, runoff consultants models, city sewer maps,
utility projects, DDT projects, building projects, etc.
B. Digitize basin geometry, boundaries of geologic units, 40,000
water-table contours and create a linked network of
databases
2. Describe surficial deposits
A. Develop preliminary thickness map for unconsolidated 5,000
deposits
B. Estimate recharge to unconsolidated deposits 5,000
C. Surficial geology mapping (subcontract with NYSGS/ 25,000
Buffalo University)
3. Develop conceptual model of ground-water flow/quality system:
A. Estimate recharge/discharge areas, flow rates and 50,000
directions with preliminary model of regional flow system
using aquifer thickness and hydraulic characteristics
indicated by existing data
B. Prepare preliminary head-distribution maps from existing 20,000
data for five bedrock units
C. Evaluate background geochemical data to map distribution 20,000
of major constituents in bedrock and determine what addi-
tional analyses should be performed and where these samples
should be collected.
D. Classify geochemistry of major ground-water types 20,000
in area and prepare geochemical facies maps.
4. Support/logistics
Vehicles 12,000
Travel 15,000
Administrative support 20,000
Equipment 15>000
Total $347,000
-------
PHASE 11
Phase II will include field investigations and initial development of three-
dimensional ground-water model(s).
Field investigations will include: (1) ground-water-level measurements
to determine direction of ground-water flow, (2) test drilling and installa-
tion of nested piezometers to determine ground-water flow paths at selected
locations—on both sides of the Niagara River near Grand Island and at ground-
water discharge areas at bedrock contacts (3) geophysical surveys to determine
thickness ot unconsolidated sediments, (4) selected pumping tests to estimate
hydraulic characteristics of bedrock aquifers and determine the feasibility of
using a layered approach to approximate flow in fractured porous media, (5)
selected streamflow-seepage measurements to determine surface-water/ground-
water interaction along Tonawanda Creek and its major tributaries, (6) water-
quality sampling at existing and newly-drilled wells in uncontaminated areas
to complement the existing water-quality data base, (7) sampling for isotope
analysis such as oxygen and hydrogen, to determine the source and relative age
of water along major flow paths, and (8) continuation of surficial geologic
mapping.
Preliminary development ot the subregional flow model(s) will include (1)
location and type of hydrologic boundaries, (2) selection of model layers (to
represent fractured and massive units), (3) desigh of grid spacing, and (4)
selection of finite-difference or finite-element model(s) for each area to be
modeled. Modeling of ground-water quality will be used to identify important
geochemical processes occurring in the bedrock aquifers and determine whether
background concentrations of selected constituents observed in the snallow and
deep flow systems are consistent with flow paths predicted by the regional
flow model(8).
-------
Phase II results will be presented at another joint meeting of USGS and
EPA. Preliminary maps displaying surficial geology, overburden thickness,
estimated rates of recharge and discharge, bedrock surface, potentiometric
surface for the bedrock aquifers, and anthropogenic details (landfills, muni-
cipal wells) will De presented. These preliminary maps will provide the basis
to determine parameter values in the development of the subregional model(s).
At this meeting preliminary results of the modeling and future data collection
activities to support the model(s), including any additional drilling, will be
determined. The results of this meeting will be used to determine:
1) Location ot model boundaries, scope, and expected outputs of each model,
2) Additional field investigations, as appropriate,
3) Report format tor presenting Phase I and II data.
-------
Funding
1. Collect additional data
A. Water-level measurements (Spring, Fall) $ 20,000
B. Test drilling in bedrock (tf approximately $50/ft)
shallow and deep pairs. (Location and number of clusters
dependent on availability of existing wells determined
during Phase I—costs approximate)
1. Ground-water discharge areas 120,000
2. Ground-water flow path under Niagara River 120,000
3. bore hole geophysics to determine density of 30,000
fractures, dissolution zones, etc.
C. Seismic surveys to delineate depth to bedrock 30,000
1). Pumping tests 20,000
E. Seepage measurements in streams 20,000
F. Water quality (basic background) samples (?250/ 30,000
sample; 50 wells/streams; samples in spring
and tall), plus CJA/QC samples
G. Stable isotope analyses 15,000
2. Preliminary design of subregional flow model(s)
(Indicated cost supports development of one model)
A. Refine conceptual ground-water model: 60,000
boundary conditions
Grid spacing
Layers .
B. Develop conceptual geochemical model of ground-water 40,000
system
3. Surficial geology mapping (subcontract) 25,000
4. Support/Logistics
Vehicles 12,000
Travel 35,000
Equipment (pumps, bits, misc.) 15,000
Supplies (bottles, tubing, misc.) 5,000
Administrative support 20,000
TOTAL - PHASE II $617,000
10
-------
PHASE 111
Phase 111 will include report preparation summarizing Phase 1 and Phase 11,
additional field studies, as required, and calibration and sensitivity analy-
ses of ground-water model(s)
Using Phase 1 and 11 data, and any new information collected during Phase
111, subregional flow models for the selected areas will be calibrated and sub-
jected to sensitivity analysis. Chemical reaction-path modeling will be used
in primarily the shallow flow system to estimate residence time of ground
water and simulate chemical changes in the natural ground-water system.
Funding
1. Collect additional data: contingency to complete phase 11 $ 50,000
data; including test drilling, water-quality samples, ground-
water level measurements, seismic surveys, etc.
2. Compile maps of: 110,000
a. Surficial geology
b. Recharge and discharge
c. bedrock, surface
d. Cross sections
e. Bedrock units (five)-potentiometric surface maps
f• Anthropogenic map (dump sites, municipal wells, etc.)
3. Develop water-quality summary tables 10,000
4. Develop narratives for all maps and describe 25,000
water conditions
5. Calibrate subregional flow model (Indicated cost supports bO.OOO
development of one model)
b. Develop chemical reaction-path model 40,000
7. Support/Logistics
Vehicles 5,000
Travel 7,000
Administrative support 20,000
TOTAL - PHASE III $327,000
11
-------
PHASE IV
Phase IV will include model simulation and final report preparation.
Subregional flow models will be used to determine flow direction and
rates of flow, determine ground-water budgets for bedrock aquifers, and esti-
mate confidence limits associated with simulated head distributions. The
final reports on modeling ground-water flow and quality will be prepared.
Funding
1. Develop regional model
A. Refine model calibration and boundary conditions, $100,000
*
(Indicated costs support one model), assess model
sensitivity and estimate confidence limits associated
with simulated head distributions.
15. Prepare report (ground-water hydrology) 70,000
(ground-water geochemistry) 70,000
TOTAL - PHASE IV $240,000
12
-------
SELECTED REFERENCES
Bergeron, M. P., 1*84, Analysis of three-dimensional ground-water flow in
vicinity of Hyde Park landfill, Niagara Falls, New York: U.S. Geological
Survey Administrative Report prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 58 p.
Johnston, K. tt., 1964, Ground water in Niagara Falls, New York: New York
State Water Resources Commission Bulletin GW-53, 93 p.
Koszalka, E. J., Paschal, J. E., Jr., Miller, T. S., and Duran, p. B., 1985
Preliminary evaluation of chemical migratvon to ground water and the
Niagara River from selected waste-disposal sites: U.S. Geological Survey
Administrative Report prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA-905/4-85-001, 456 p.
LaSala, A. M., 1964, Ground-water resources of the Erie-Niagara basin, New
York: New York State Conservation Department Basin Planning Report
ENB-3, 114 p.
McDonald, M. G., and Harbaugh, A. W., 1983, A modular three-dimensional
ground-water flow model: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report
83-875, 528 p.
13
-------
Figure 2
-------
' I
Lake Ontario
LAKE ONTARIO PLAIN
Bhrnl*
|S
zli
'r.
'fftt-£'£££~-'~£.-:--::~'y'':. ••";"•'.'-w;-:
>x>^^:<;ss:-5i;;Wilftft
sSyf3£iBi*tif»^^
^^B^!^M^M|i^;^^
-------
Figure 3
Inferred regional circulation of ground water to explain
variations in chemical constituents in ground water at
•hallow depth. (After LaSala, 1968.) (Location of section
noted on fig. 2.)
fie* apnaa. ••tiev %nm
water wltk «alerie> am
'aMOO-aooaaa
era* af arioarf
fto* tystMi. ShallM area*
•Star mil* cMarM* SMaM-
«f aOO'2,500
^
**'*•
Ground water circulates through • regional flow syttaa fron the Appatchian Uplands to
the Eric-Ontario Lowlands and discharges n«ar Tonawanda Crack and through lass extan-
slv« but navarthalass major flow tystans. •roeablt flow lines are shown. Tn* daapast
circulating watar My nova upward toward Tonawanda Craak through bedding joints In tha
'Camlllus Shale and Lockport Doloalta rather than through tha underlying rocks.
-------
DRAF
SWANFLOW: Simultaneous Water, Air, and Nonaqueous Phase Flow
Version 1.0
Documentation
Prepared by
GeoTrans, Inc.
209 El den Street
Suite 301
Herndon, VA 22070
Principal Authors
Charles R. Faust
James 0. Rumbaugh
Prepared for
United States Environmental Protection Agency
-------
DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT 1
1 INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 CODE PURPOSE 2
1.2 CODE APPLICABILITY AND LIMITATIONS 2
1.3 CODE USER REQUIREMENTS 2
1.4 CODE CUSTODIANSHIP AND CONTROL 3
PART I Theory, Mathematical Model, and Code Design
2 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS -. 5
2.1 PROCESS AND GEOMETRY ." 5
2.2 GOVERNING EQUATIONS 5
2.2.1 Final Equations 6
2.2.2 Auxiliary Relationships 7
2.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS 10
2.3.1 Assumptions 10
2.3.2 Limitations 10
2.4 INPUT AND OUTPUT DATA 11
2.4.1 Input Data 11
2.4.2 Output . 12
3 SOLUTION TECHNIQUES 12
3.1 SUMMARY OF NUMERICAL TECHNIQUES 12
3.1.1 Finite Difference Equations 13
3.1.2 Solution Techniques 14
3.1.3 Optional Geometries 17
4 VERIFICATION TEST SPECIFICATIONS AND SUMMARY OF RESULTS ... 18
4.1 LINEAR WATERFLOOD SOLUTION 19
4.2 THEIS SOLUTION 22
5 BENCHMARKING TEST SPECIFICATIONS AND SUMMARY OF RESULTS ... 24
5.1 TWO-DIMENSIONAL UNSATURATED FLOW WITH GRAVITY 24
5.2 FIVE-SPOT PROBLEM 27
5.3 ARTHUR D. LITTLE ONE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL 35
6 EXAMPLE PROBLEMS SIMULATING THREE-PHASE FLOW 40
6.1 THREE-PHASE CROSS-SECTIONAL FLOW PROBLEM 40
6.2 TWO-DIMENSIONAL RADIAL FLOW OF NAPL TO A PUMPING WELL . 55
6.2.1 Conceptual Model . . 56
6.2.2 Data Input 56
6.2.3 Results 64
6.2.4 Discussion . .- 68
6.3 THREE-DIMENSIONAL FLOW OF NAPL 68
-------
DRAFT
Page
7 VALIDATION HISTORY 75
Part II Users Manual
8 CODE STRUCTURE 78
8 1 SUBROUTINES AND PROGRAM FLOW 78
8.2 COMMON BLOCK STORAGE 79
8.3 GENERAL DATA REQUIREMENTS 79
9 DATA FILES 84
10 INPUT DATA 84
10.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 84
10.2 DATA INPUT GUIDE 87
11 COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERFACE 96
12 OUTPUT 96
13 REFERENCES 97
APPENDICES 100
Appendix A Input Data Files
Appendix B SWANFLOW Code and Output Files (Microfiche)
-------
DRAFT
ABSTRACT
SWANFLOW (Simultaneous Water Air and Nonaqueous Phase FLOW) is a
three-dimensional finite-difference code which simulates the flow of
water and an immiscible nonaqueous phase within and below the vadose
zone. The governing equations are a simplified subset of the
three-phase flow equations commonly used in petroleum reservoir
simulation. Pressure gradients in the gas phase (air) are assumed to
be negligible. This simplification was used in the derivation of the
Richards Equation for flow of water in the unsaturated zone and leads
to two partial differential equations. The proposed formulation is
posed in term of volumetric water saturation and fluid pressure in the
immiscible fluid. The three-dimensional equations for flow are
approximated by finite-differences in cartesian and cylindrical
coordinates. The solution technique is Slice Successive Over-
Relaxation imbedded in a Newton-Raphson iteration on nonlinear terms.
Each vertical cross section (slice) of the grid is solved directly
using a banded Gauss-Doolittle method with normal ordering. The
system of slices is solved iteratively using SSOR. The resulting
numerical model is very stable and potentially applicable to many
problems associated with immiscible contaminants in groundwater.
SWANFLOW is verified against two analytical solutions and is
benchmarked with several other numerical models. Example problems are
presented to show that all program options have been tested.
-------
DRAFT
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 CODE PURPOSE
SWANFLOW is a three-dimensional, finite-difference code for
simulating the flow of water and an immiscible nonaqueous phase under
saturated and unsaturated near-surface conditions. The code may be
used in many situations requiring the analysis of immiscible flow,
such as simulating the migration of many organic chemicals; analyzing
the effects of remedial technologies at hazardous waste sites where
immiscible fluids are encountered; and evaluating the migration and
clean up of fuel spills and leaks.
1.2 CODE APPLICABILITY AND LIMITATIONS
SWANFLOW may be applied in theory to most near-surface immiscible
flow problems. The primary limitations of the code are three-fold:
(1) the air phase is considered to be at constant atmospheric
pressure, thus flow of air is not modeled; (2) no mass transfer
between phases is considered, i.e., NAPL cannot dissolve in water or
evaporate; and (3) practical application of the code to field problems
is complicated by lack of data relating to capillary pressure and
relative permeabilities on a site-specific basis.
1.3 CODE USER REQUIREMENTS
To apply the SWANFLOW code efficiently and effectively, the user
should have:
(1) a thorough understanding of hydrogeologic principles,
(2) an understanding of the physics of multiphase flow through
porous media,
(3) an understanding of finite-difference techniques as applied
to highly nonlinear processes,
(4) an awareness of the capabilities and limitations of the
SWANFLOW code,
(5) familiarity with the computer system in use.
As with any computer code, it is recommended that the user run
the sample and test problems provided to gain confidence working with
the code. These initial runs are also useful to assure that the code
is properly installed on the host computer system.
-------
DRAFT
1.4 CODE CUSTODIANSHIP AND CONTROL
EPA will maintain custodianship of the SWANFLOW code,
Version 1.0. Subsequent versions of the code will be maintained by
GeoTrans, Inc., Herndon, Virginia. Custodianship of the SWANFLOW code
includes the following:
(1) Maintaining a list of code users.
(2) Distributing the code.
(3) Acting as a focus for reporting errors, corrections, and/or
updates identified by code users.
(4) Updating and distributing revised documentation through
scheduled reporting.
(5) Acting as a focus for reporting all additional
verifications, validations, and applications.
-------
APPENDIX 6
NEW YORK STATE NIAGARA RIVER WORKPLAN
0 Under federal delegation, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) is the lead agency for
carrying out most environmental programs, both state and
federal, on the Niagara Frontier. New York developed and
is carrying out its own workplan in response to the NRTC
recommendations. NYDEC has made available recent status
reports on this workplan, which are included here.
Many of the NYDEC projects are integral with or complementary
to the EPA workplan projects. For example, the hazardous
waste sites investigation program discussed by NYDEC is
the same joint EPA-NYDEC program as discussed in Appendix E.
-------
15(12/75)
New York State DePartment of Environmental Conservation
MEMORANDUM
T°' Commissioner Williams
MJ-. Barolo
Niagara River Workplan for FY 85-86.
Mid-Year Status Report
°ATB« September 13, 1985
The attached report was requested by you to summarize
progress on the Niagara River Workplan during the first half
of this fiscal year.
Please let me know if you feel an expansion of this report
is needed in any areas.
cc: Dr. Banks
Mr. Nosenchuck
Mr. Wich
Mr. Spagnoli
bcc: Mr. Adamczyk
Mr*. Campbell
Mr. Carcich
Dr. Litten
Mr. Mack
Mr. Mt.Pleasant
Mr. Romer
-------
NIAGARA RIVER IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
MID-YEAR SUMMARY OF STATUS
SEPTEMBER 13, 1985
In January 1985, the Department developed a 1% year plan
under which it would start implementing the recommendations of
the Niagara River Toxics Committee. The estimated cost of carrying
out this plan was $1.940 million of which $1.163 million was
from funds already committed by the Department. Although many
of the recommendations can be carried to completion within the
iJj year period others, such as those directed at hazardous waste
site remediation, will take many years and considerable additional
funding.
In April 1985, the Department received an additional budget
appropriation of $770,000 and is now well underway in carrying
out its implementation plan. A detailed workplan for FY 85-86
has been drawn up and the status of the activities on this plan
are summarized in Table 1. A number of specific tasks have been
completed, but many more are underway that will not be finished
until spring. Progress to date indicates that most tasks in
the FY 85-86 workplan will be completed by the end of the fiscal '
year, as scheduled. Difficulties have been experienced in
obtaining four-agency agreement on river monitoring methods and
data interpretation procedures. It is unlikely that a coordinated
monitoring program can begin, as planned, at the end of FY 85-86.
Of the $770,000 special budget appropriation for FY 85-86,
about $4,000 has been identified as spent to date and $380,000
of the appropriation has been put on hold ($330,000 that duplicates
superfund- money and $50,000 originally planned for our contribution
to the coordinated river monitoring project).
Specific tasks have been identified for FY 86-87 to follow
up on the FY 85-86 work. Additional funding, beyond that already
committed (estimated to be $346,000), will be required for FY 86-87,
-------
TABLE 1 NIAGARA RIVER WORKPLAN FOR FY 85-86
STATUS AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1985
Monitoring
1. Delays have occurred in identifying a four-agency
Committee to coordinate river monitoring. It is unlikely
that there will be agreement on procedures and data
interpretation by the end of FY 85-86, as originally
expected. (DOW)
2. A research project related to analytical methods at
very low concentrations has begun. Contracts with
SUNY/College of Environmental Science and Forestry
are being developed. (DOW)
3. The spottail shiner collection for 1984 is presently
being analyzed. (DFW)
4. An expanded point source compliance monitoring
(approximately double previous years) is underway. (R09)
Point Sources
1. The Niagara Falls WWTP carbon columns have commenced
operation and all dry weather flows are being treated.
(R09)
2. A systematic review of Niagara River basin SPDES
permits is underway to address the NRTC recommendations
and to take into account newly promulgated surface
water quality standards. (DOW)
Hazardous Waste Sites
1 For the 11 sites that the NRTC believed posed a significant
potential for contributing chemicals to the Niagara
River and were not undergoing remedial action in 1984,
one phase 2 investigation has been completed, 5 are
underway, contracts are being prepared on 1, and
responsible parties have agreed to undertake work on 4.
The status of each site is shown in Appendix 1.
(DSHW)
2. For sites within the basin that were not investigated
under the NRTC program, preliminary investigations
have been completed on 4 sites, investigations are
underway on 7, and contracts are being developed on 12.
The status of each site is shown in Appendix 2. (DSHW)
-------
2.
Sediments
1. Sampling is underway on the Buffalo River under a
cooperative program with Erie County. Of the planned
samples, 78% have been collected to date. (DOW) '
2. A comprehensive sediment research program to address
sediment transport and sediment toxicity has been
planned and is underway. Preliminary samples have
been collected and contracts for certain parts of the
work are being prepared. (DOW)
Data Information and Exchange
1. We have delivered the 1984 ambient data to EPA for
input to a federal data base. Input of permit data
into the EPA data base is 90% complete. These data
bases will be kept up-to-date and are available to
all agencies through EPA. (DOW)
Chemical Criteria
1. A scientist has been hired and work is underway on
the development of criteria for chemical levels in
fish flesh. (DFW)
2. A major revision of water quality standards has
been completed. (DOW)
Special and Miscellaneous Projects
1. An investigation of Tonawanda Creek is underway and
sampling results are being reviewed. (R09)
2. Remedial work is underway at a number of miscellaneous
sites highlighted in the NRTC report. See Appendix 3.
(R09)
-------
APPENDIX 1
PHASE 2 INVESTIGATIONS
SEPTEMBER 12, 1985
Site
Lied Chemical
Spec. Div.
Efalo Avenue
arles Gibson
atwick-Rivers ide
Park
S Equipment
Naught on-Brooks
bil Oil Corp.
agara Mohawk-
Cherry Farm
uaw Island
nawanda Coke
iffon Park
I.D. No.
915003 a,b
932080
932063
932060
915031
915034
915040
915063
915052
915055
932081
Class
2a
2a
2
2a
2a
2a
2a
2
4
2a
2a
Phase 2
Comolete
X
Phase 2
Underway
DEC
X
X
Resp.
Party
X
X
X
Contract
Development
X
Resp.
Parties
Agreed t'
Undertak'
X
X
X
X
-------
APPENDIX 2
STATUS OF PHASE I INVESTIGATION
INACTIVE HAZARDOUS UASTE DISPOSAL SITES
IN NIAGARA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN
BUT MORE THAN THREE MILES FROM RIVER
Jite Name
Town of Wales
Town of Marl 11 a
Chem Trol
City of Lackawanna
Liquid Carbonic
Madison Wire
Northern Demolition
Northern Demolition
Knuco Home
Improvement
Ferro Corporation
Houghton Park
Erie-Lackawanna
Railroad
frnst Steel
NYS Thruway Auth. -
Exit 52
NYSDOT - Indian Rd.
Land Reclamation
Village of Depew
Jresser Industries
Stocks Pond
Lancaster
Reclamation
Spencer Kellogg
Jestinghouse
|fohl Brothers
Lancaster Sanitary
. Landfill
fUrence Ready Mix
LaSalle Reservoir
"orris & Reiman
r Wrecking
J°wn of Amherst
$ol d Bond
Jown of Newstead
Houda111e StrlppU
Division
Jernard Cope
Bitting Roll -Up
Door
Registry
Number
915077 _
915093
915015
915094
915075
915036
91 5087
915088
915032
915020 _
915059 .
915021
915022
915060
915091 .
915070
915105 "
915064
915082
915069.
91 5051 _
91 5066 _.
91 5043 _
915068
915114
915033 "
915092
915100_
915028..
915117_.
9T5053
915102.
915081
Classification
y
2. *.
1 *•
2 «.
lo.
* 2.^
.1*-
2*
3
3 -
Za
1.0.
£A
5
j
11
2o<
2-v
Za
2a
2
2o
2o
Za
Za
f
t<\
la
**
ta
STATUS OF PHASE I INVESTIGATION '
Done
x
X
^
X
Under way
x
X
*
X
X
Proposes
x
x
X
X
2
X
X
*2
x
Not
Needed
*
y
x
To be
Scheduled
•'
X
x
K
X
X
g
X
X
x
Contracts under development except where noted.
Delisted
-------
^Iite_Name
Whitting Development
Corporation
wlmore Road
toss Steel
Lockport Air Force
Base
Bertie Avenue
F°rest Glen Sub-
division, Niagara
Falls
lew Buffalo
, Industrial Park
•entral Auto
Wrecking
tarsenol Company
estinghouse, Attica
!atav1a Landfill
•old Bond
ILChrome
Registry
Number
•
915027
932094
932058
932064
915121
932097
915122 ..
915125 ..
915124
961003
819001
819003 _
819006
Classification
2*
la
2.*
Zq
2.Q
2«
2a
la
la
4
1 WPi.
«/
- STATUS OF PHASE I INVFSTTfiflT
Done
Jnder way
x
X
Proposed
*
X
X
A
Not
Needed
X
x
^
X
TON
To be
Scheduled
X
v
A
'" X
X
Currently being investigated by City of Buffalo
-------
APPENDIX 1
STATUS OF REMEDIAL WORK AT MISCELLANEOUS SITES
SEPTEMBER 10, 1985
Bethlehem Steel
Due to termination by Bethlehem of basic steel operation* at its Lackawanna Plant,
contaminant levels have been substantially reduced. Additional treatment
facilities have been constructed in accordance with permit requirements
for the remaining production operations. A Consent Order has been issued
requiring address of on-site hazardous waste disposal facilities. Groundwater
monitoring of the hazardous waste sites is underway.
Buffalo Color
A hazardous waste investigation report has been completed. Remedial
measures will be required at two of the three sites assessed.
Black Rock Canal Storm Sewers
The Buffalo Sewer Authority is implementing a storm sewer overflow structure:
remediation program to minimize overflow occurrence. The Buffalo Sewer
Authority has also initiated a pretreatment program to regulate industrial
discharges to the collection system which will reduce contaminant levels
in the overflows.
Occidental Durez
Public notice of a revised SPDES permit has been issued which will reduce
the number of outfalls from the plant and will require more stringent control
of toxics in the discharge. Investigation of hazardous waste sites located
on the plant property ia continuing.
Love Canal * 102nd Street Sites * Cayuga Island Little River
The Love Canal remediation program consisting of capping, leachate collection
and treatment which has been completed will preclude further contaminant
migration from this site, Sewer and creek sediment cleanup will be complete
in 1986. Work will begin this Pall at the 102nd Street site under a negotiated
investigatory program approved by the U.S. District Court, Western District.
duPont and Olin Sites - 0111 Creek
duPont is undertaking a plant-wide remediation program which includes
groundwater collection through the use of pumping wells. A draft Consent
Order is being prepared for a groundwater investigation program at the
Olin plant site.
-------
15(12/75)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
MEMORANDUM
T°«
f*O
SUBJECT:
OATB.
Darryl Banks
Daniel Barolo
Status Report on Niagara River Workplan
September 16, 1985
The status report, as of September 12, 1985, is attached.
Progress is generally good. Some tasks have been completed
and most are underway and proceeding satisfactorily. There has
been little expenditure of the special budget appropriation funds
reported to date.
Attachments
cc: N. Nosenchuck
K. Wich
J. Spagnol^
R. Collin.
-------
NIAGARA RIVER HORKPIAN
FY 1985 - 86
September 13, 1985
A. Monitoring
Objective 1. Establish, with Canada, a long-term monitoring program at both ends of the Niagara River to assess changes in loadings of
chemicals to the river and to lake Ontario.
Task
Date
Unit Orig.
Date
Revised
Progress/Comments
Establish ccmnittee with EPA and Canadians to oversee monitoring
Develop contract for investigation of recovery methods
Begin sampling for recovery methods investigation
Complete sanpling
Final Report
BTSR
BTSR
BTSR
BTSR
BTSR
10/1/85
9/15/85
10/1/86
12/31/86
(NOTE 1)
Final proposals developed
Preliminary sanples collected
Objective 2. Assess local sources of contaminant entry through monitoring at intermediate points.
Task
Complete report on 1984 spottail shiner collection
Approach Ontario re: agreement on spottail shiner methodology and QR/QC
Carry out 1985 spottail collection
Complete chemical analyses and 1985 report
Evaluate need for cladophora sampling
Continue and expand enhanced conplianoa monitoring
Continue collection of self-monitoring point source data
Lead Date Date
Unit Orig. Revised
DEW 9/15/84 7/15/85
DFW 3/1/85 4/30/85
DFW 9/15/85
DFW 3/31/86
DFW 3/31/85 7/1/85
RO9 Continuous
RO9 Continuous
Progress/Ccmnents
Underway (NOTE 2)
OQMPIETED
COMPLETED (NOTE 3)
Underway
Underway
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B. Point Sources
Objective 1. Ensure that all SPDES permits axe consistent with the NYS strategy.
Lead Date Date
Task Unit Grig. Revised Progress/Oonnents
Review permits and chemicals and establish permit modifications BWFD/BMA 3/31/66 Underway
where needed '
Review literature on low detection limit methods suitable for BTSR 3/31/85 6/1/85 Proposed methods have been selected
mirex and heptachlor - report
Monitor court-ordered remedial schedule for Niagara Falls WWIP H09 Oontinuous Gonmenced operation July 31
C. Hazardous Haste Sites
Objective 1. Carry out remedial actions on the 11 significant sites identified for which remedial action has not begun.
Lead Date Date
Task Unit Grig. Revised Progress/Oonnents
I
Complete Phase 2 investigation on 5 sites DSHW 12/30/85 1 complete, 5 underway
Complete contracts for 6 sites DSHW 3/31/86 Preparation of. contracts has begun on
4 sites (NOTE 4)
Cbjective 2. Identify those inactive hazardous waste sites outside of the 3-mile band along the river and within the Niagara River drainage
basin that have a potential for contributing contaminants to the river.
Lead Date Date
Task Unit Orig. Revised Progress/Oonnents
Complete Phase 1 investigation of 15 sites DSHW 3/31/85 Underway (NOTE 5)
Complete Phase 1 investigation on 15 sites DSHW 3/31/86
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Objective 3. Change priority system for State Stperfund money to include downstream surface water effects.
Task
Lead Date
Unit Orig.
Date
Revised
Progress/dements
Ccmplete first dratt of NYS Hazard Banking Scheme
DSHW 3/31/85 1/1/86 Underway (NOTE 6)
D. Sediments
Objective 1. Develop a remediation program for contaminated sediments in the Niagara River and its tributaries.
Task
Lead
Unit
Date
Orig.
Date
Revised
Progress/Garments
Develop contract with Erie County re: Buffalo River investigation
Carry out sampling and analysis of selected segnrent of Buffalo River
Prepare map and evaluate investigation program
Develop investigation program for remainder of Buffalo River and the
tributaries and nearshore areas of the Niagara River
Develop research plan for contaminated sediments
Develop contract for radio-dating sediments
Establish bioassay/biouptake facility
Begin sampling
Complete sampling
Final report
BTSR 3/31/85
BTSR 9/30/85 10/31/85
BTSR 12/30/85
BTSR 3/31/86
BTSR 3/31/85 7/15/85
BTSR 10/31/85
BTSR 10/4/85
BTSR 9/13/85
BTSR 12/1/85
BTSR 3/31/86
COMPLETED
Sampling 78% ccmplete
COMPLETED
Underway
E. Data and Information Exchange
Objective 1. Ensure that data from ambient monitoring and SPDES programs are available in computerized fonn to other agencies.
Task
Lead
Unit
Date
Orig.
Date
Revised
Progress/Comments
Ccmplete input of 1984 Niagara River SPDES data into PCS
Ccmplete input of 1984 ambient data into STORBT
BWPO/BWD 3/31/85 7/1/85
BMA 3/31/85 6/1/85
Underway (NOTE 7)
COMPLETED
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F. Chemical Criteria
Objective 1. Establish uniform ambient criteria among agencies.
Task
Lead
Unit
Date
Orig.
Date
Revised
Progress/Connents
Develop preliminary methodology for biota contamination criteria
Develop final methodology for biota contamination criteria
Develop biota criteria
Revise water quality standards as proposed
DfW 3/31/85 4/30/85 COMPLETED
DFW 9/1/85 1
DFW 9/1/85 jUnderway
BPS 7/1/85
COMPLETED
G. Special Projects
Objective l. Carry out special projects as recoimended by NRTC
Lead
Task Unit
Date
Orig.
Date
Revised
Progress/Camients
Take sediment cores fron Robert Moses Power Reservoir and analyze - report RD9 6/30/85
Obtain event data on Buffalo River - report R09 3/31/86
Carry out sampling on Tonawanda Creek - report RO9 3/31/86
Underway
H. Miscellaneous Projects
Objective 1. Complete remedial work underway and institute monitoring to assess effectiveness.
Task
lead Date Date
Unit Orig. Revised
Progress /Gcnments
Carry out remedial work and institute monitoring
B09 Continuous
Underway
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NOTES
1. Although both EPA and Environment Canada have agreed to a joint cotmittee,
no formal action has been taken to date.
2. Unexpected laboratory problems have delayed completion of the analyses.
Final report is now scheduled for October, 1985.
3. A report has been submitted that reviews work to date on cladophora as a
monitoring tool. It reconnends against the development of a New York State
program at this time.
4. On two sites (Allied Chemical Specialties Division, 915003 a, b and the
Charles Gibson site, 932063) enough evidence has been produced to cause
remedial action by the responsible parties to begin. Allied Chemical has
agreed to a removal action. A Consent Order has been signed with Olin for
further investigations by them of the Charles Gibson site.
5. The following is the status of Phase I investigations:
4 Completed
7 Underway (draft reports received and under review)
12 Selected for contracts during FY 85-86
6 Do not need Phase I
17 Remain for FY 86-87
6. A problem with a contract on this project has caused the completion date to
be pushed back from 10/1/85 to 1/1/86.
7. Out of 84 permits in effect in 1984 that will be put on the PCS data base,
10 remain to be entered.
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NIAGARA RIVER WORKPLAN 1985-86
fCNIHLY FISCAL. STATUS SEPTEMBER 13, 1985
ALUOCATICN/EXPENDrrURE TO DATE
BUDGET OGJ. Al
CATEGORY ALLOCATION BTSR
Personal Service 102,000
Supplies & Materials 6,000
Travel 7,000
Contractual Services 325,000 50,000
0
Etjuipnent 0
HOLD 380,000 50,000
0
TOTALS ALLOCATED 770,000 100,000
EXPENDED 0
OBJ. A2 OBJ. Bl OBJ. Dl
RO9 BWFD/BMA BTSR
50,000 25,000
0 0
6,000
74
7,000
285
33,000 112,000
0 0
0
0
33,000 50,000 150,000
0 0 359
OBJ. Fl OBJ. Gl
DFW RO9 OTHER TOTALS
27,000 102,000
3,210 3,210
6,000
74
7,000
285
80,000 325,000
0 0
0
0
330,000 380,000
0 0
27,000 80,000 330,000 770,000
3,210 0 0 3,569
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