Superfund
Community Relations
Resources Catalog
1987 UPDATE
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OFFICE OF EMERGENCY AND REMEDIAL RESPONSE
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Superfund
Community Relations
Resources Catalog
1987 UPDATE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The 1987 Update of the Community Relations Resources
Catalog was prepared for EPA by Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc.
under Work Assignment D22 of EPA Contract No. 63-01-7376.
The authors were Kristina Stein and Kristen Humphrey
under the supervision of Deborah Truitt. The EPA Task
Monitor was Melissa Friedland-Shapiro. Special assistance
was provided by Daphne Gemmill, Anne Fenn, and all of the
Regional Superfund Community Relations Coordinators.
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SUPERFUND COMMUNITY RELATIONS RESOURCES CATALOG
1987 UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION i
SUBJECT INDEX l-i
GENERAL INFORMATION A - i
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTIONS B - i
GLOSSARY C - i
FACT SHEETS / NEWSLETTERS D - i
AUDIOVISUALS E - i
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INTRODUCTION
The "Superfund Community Relations Resources Catalog"
was developed to assist the Regional Superfund Community
Relations Coordinators to meet the needs of the public
while reducing the time required to produce information
relating to the Superfund program. We hope to encourage
the pooling of resources among the Regions, States and
other persons who are involved with the Superfund program,
by providing examples of what others have done.
The purposes of the catalog are to demonstrate various
ideas on content as well as different styles and formats
that have been used to communicate information to the
public. When adapting information included in the catalog
for a specific site community, it will be necessary to
assess the particular interests and concerns of the
community. Definitions of glossary terms, technology
descriptions, and many publications and audiovisual
materials were not prepared by EPA Headquarters and are
not to be viewed as providing official, "EPA-approved"
information but have been included as examples of the
types of materials others have produced. All information
should be carefully reviewed before it is integrated into
another publication.
This 1987 update includes materials that have been
published by all Regions as well as States, other govern-
mental agencies, and organizations. Specific examples
were chosen to present a diversity of style, without being
repetitious, and to cover the breadth of the Superfund
program. It includes information that can be understood
by anyone, rather than site-specific, technical infor-
mation. Policy and regulatory documents, such as
Responsiveness Summaries and Record of Decisions are not
included.
The catalog and update materials are divided into
seven sections:
• Fact Sheet Checklist
- contains helpful reminders for preparation of
Fact Sheets
- included only in the original catalog
• Section I = Subject Index
- contains all items in Sections A, B, C and E by
major subject
¦ Section A
- composed of photocopies of portions of newsletters
and fact sheets that contain generic information
on the Superfund Process, contamination pathways
i
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and answers to commonly asked questions on chemi-
cals and ecological systems that relate directly
to Superfund
- source of each entry is identified on the bottom
of the page, including the source, document
type/name, and date published
- Section B
- contains definitions and graphics of Superfund
technologies including cleanup methods
- source of each entry is identified in the same
manner as in Section A
• Section C
- contains a glossary of definitions of terms,
used by Regions, States, other governmental
agencies and organizations that are related to
the Superfund program
- the 1987 update includes the terms listed in the
original catalog
• Section D
- contains examples of fact sheets and newsletters
in their entirety along with some site-specific
sample graphics
- a brief explanation of why the examples were
included is provided in the section's table of
contents
• Section E
- contains abstracts of slide shows, videotapes and
other audiovisual materials that have been pre-
pared for the public
- contact the distributor directly to inquire about
any of the items in this section.
There is a brief introduction at the beginning of each
section that provides more detail on the organization
and structure of that section.
The catalog will be periodically updated with cur-
rent information from the Regions as well as from
materials published by Headquarters, States and other
federal agencies. For additional information contact
Melissa Friedland Shapiro at EPA Headquarters, 401 M
Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460 (202-382-2461).
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SECTION I
SUBJECT INDEX
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SECTION I
SUBJECT INDEX
This index provides a cross-reference between keywords
(technology or process descriptions, chemical descrip-
tions, definitions, etc.) and the page where they can be
found in the catalog. The index does not include subject
matter from the fact sheets in Section D. All materials
that are included in this update have page numbers shown
in boldface type; entries not in boldface may be found in
the original 1986 catalog.
I-i
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyvord Page
A Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) C-l
Acetone C-l
Acrylonitrile C-l
Activated Carbon B-19, C-l
Acute Toxicity C-l,
Administrative Order on Consent C-l
Adsorption C-2
Aeration B-15
Air Stripper C-2
Air Stripping B-l, B-5
Alluminum C-2
Ambient Air C-2,
Aquifer A-24,A-26, C-2,
E—25
Aquifer Restoration E-21
Aquitard C-2
Areas of Concern C-2
Arsenic A-33, C-2
Asbestos C—3
B Backfilling C-4
Background Concentrations C-4
Background Level C-4
Barium A-33
Base Neutral Acids C-4
Bedrock C-4
Benzene C-4
Benzo < a}pyr ene A-47
Bioaccumulation A-20, A-28
Biaccumulative C-5
Biodegradable C-5
Biological and Infectious Wastes C-5
Biological Magnfication C-5
Biological Treatment C-5
Bottom Ash C-5
C Cadmium A-33, C-6
Capping B-4, B-5, B-8,
B—9, C-6
Carbon Adsorption B-3, B-5, C-6
Carbon Tetrachloride C-6
Carcinogen C-6
CERCLA A-2, C-7
I-ii
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword
Paqe
Chemical Spill, Management
E-5
Chemical Treatment
C—7
Chloracne
C—7
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
C-7
Chorinated Solvents
C-7
Chromium
A—33,
C-7
Chronic Toxicity
C-7
Citizen Involvement
A—36,
A—39,
A—41,
A—42,
A—45,
E-9,
E—10,
E—11,
E—13,
E—26
Cleanup
C-7.
Cleanup Process
E—3
Cleanup of Sites, Spills
E-5, :
E-6, E-
-9,
E—26
Comment Period
C-8
Community Heath Studies
A—39
Community Relations Plan
C-8
Cone of Influence
C-8
Confined Aquifer
C-8
Consent Degree
C-8
Container
C-8
Containment
C-9
Contaminant Plume
C-9
Contingency Plan
C-9
Contract Lab Program
C-9
Copper
C-9
Cost Recovery
C-9
Cradle-to-Grave
C-9
Creosote
C-9
Cyanide
C-9
Crystalline Sulfur
C-10
DDT (Pesticide)
C-ll
Deep Well Injection
A—25,
B-5 ,
B—12,
C-ll
Destruction Removal Efficiency (DRE)
C-ll
Detoxification/Regeneration of
Spent Activated Carbon
B—19
Dichloroethane (EDC)
C-ll
Dichloroethylene
C-ll
Dioxin
A-10,
A-l 1,
A-12,
A-13,
C-ll
Dioxin, Denny Farm Site
E-8
Dispersion
C-12
Disposal
A—37,
A—41,
B—12
C-12,
E—12,
Distillation
C-12
Dosage
C-12
Dose-Response Relationship
C-12
Drinking Water
A—29
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword
Page
Ecosystem
Effluent
Emergency Response
Emmissions
Endangerment Assessment
Enforcement
Environmental Response Team (ERT)
Epidemiology
Erosion/Sediment Control
Evaporation
Total Excavation
Extractable Organic Compound
Extraction and Treatment of Ground
Water
C-13
C—13
E-5, E—26
C-13
C-13
C-13
C-13
C-13
C—14
C-14
C-14
C-14
B—11, B-13,
B—14, B—15
Feasibility Study A-3,
Feasibility Study Summary A-5,
Federal Emergency Management Agency A-38
Filtration C-15
Fixation of Waste C-15
Flare Exhaust C-15
Fluorine C-15
Fluoride A-33
Flushing Remedy B-ll
Fly Ash C-15
Formaldehyde C-15
French Drain C-15
E-2
A—6 A-7
Gas Migration
Gas Venting
Gasoline
Geology
Geophysical Investigation
Grading
Grading and Capping
Ground water
Ground-water Containment
Ground-water Containment Barrier
Ground-water Control
Ground-water Hydrology
Ground-water Monitoring
Ground-water Pumping and Treatment
C—16
C—16
E-2 4
C—16
C—16
C—16
B-2
A—23, A—25, A—26,
A—31/ A—35, A—36,
A—42, A—44, B-ll,
B—12, B-13, B—14,
B—15, C—16, E—4,
E—14, E—15,
E-17, E—18 ,
E—22, E—25
B—4
B-2, C-16
B—7, C-16
A-3 5
B—12
B-2, B-ll, B-13,
B—14, B—15
E—16,
E—21,
I-'iv
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword
Page
Ground-water Reclamination
B—11,
B-13, B—14
B—15
Ground-water Recovery
B—11,
B—13, B—14
B—15
Ground water, Virginia
A—42
Ground water, Wisconsin
E—4
Grout Curtain
B—7
Half-Life
C—17
Hazardous Waste, Costs
E—9
Hazardous Waste, Iowa
E—11
Hazardous Waste Management
A—41,
A—43, A—45
C-17,
E—11, E—12
E-13,
E—26, E—27
E—28
Hazardous Waste, Maryland
E-6
Hazardous Waste, North Carolina
A—41,
E—26, E—27
E-28
Hazardous Waste, West Virginia
E-13
Hazard Ranking System
A—45,
C-17, C—36
Health Effects
A-41
Health Studies
A-39,
A—49
Heavy Metals
C-17
Hydrocarbons
C-17,
E—24
Hydrogeology
C-17
Hydrogeologic Study
C-17
Hydro logic Cycle
A—22,
A—23, A—26
C-18,
E—15, E—22
Hydrologic Study
C-18
Immediate Removal
A-3,
C-19
Impermeable Cap
C—19
Incineration
A—45,
B—2, B—10 ,
B—18,
B—20, C-19
Industrial Contamination
A—25
Information Repository
C-19
Initial Remedial Measure
A-3,
C-19
Inorganic Compounds
A—33,
C-19
Interim Permit
C-19
Interim Priority List
C—20
Investigation, Denny Farm Site
E—8
Lagoon
C-21
Landfill
B—7,
B—17, C-21
Leachate
C-21
Leachate Collection
B-6
Leaching
C-21
Lead
A—33,
C-21
Liability
C-21
Liner
C-22
I-v
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword Page
Listed Waste C-22
Loam Over Clay Over Membrane B-5
Loam (Top Soil) Over Clay Cap B-5
Long-Term Storage A-41
M Mediation C-23
Mercury A—27, A—34, C-23
Microbials A-34
Monitoring C-23
Monitoring Wells C-23
Mutagen C-23
N National Dioxin Strategy C-24
National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Contingency Plan (NCP) C-24
National Priorities List A-3, A-45, C-24
National Response Center (NRC) C-24
National Response Team (NRT) C-25
Negotiations A-4
Neutralization C-25
Nitrate A-33
Non-point source C-25
0 Off-site Facility C-26
On-Scene Coordinator C-26
On-Site Facility C-26
On-Site Incinerator B-10.
On-Site Landfill B-2
Operable Unit C-26
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) C-26
Operator C-26
Organic Compounds A-34, C-26
Overburden C-26
Overdrafting C-27
Oxidation C-27
P Particulate Matter C-28
Pathways of Contamination A-21, A-25, A-26,
C-28
Pathways of Migration C-28
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) C-28
Percolate C-28
Permeability C-28
Permit C-28
Permitting Hazardous Waste
Facilities A-37, A-41
Persistence C-28
Pesticides A-34
:-vi
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword Page
Phenols C-28
Phthalates C-29
Physical Treatment C-29
Plume C-29
Point Source C-29
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) A-18, A-19, C-29
E—19
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs) A—47, C-29
Post-Closure C-30
Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) C-30
PPB (Parts per Billion) C-30
PPM (Parts per Million) C-30
Preliminary Assessment C-30, C-36
Public Awareness, Hazardous Waste E-9, E-10, E-ll,
E—13
Pumping and Treatment B-ll, B-13/ B-14
B—15
Pyrolysis C-30
Q Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) C-31
R Radionuclides A-34
Radon A-8, A-9, A-14,
A—15, A-16, A—17,
C—32
RCRA A—37, A—41, A-43,
A—46, C-32, E—7
RCRA Ombudsman A-46
Recharge C-32
Recharge Zone C-32
Reclammation, Contaminated Ground
Water B-ll, B-13, B-14,
B—15
Record of Decision (ROD) C-32
Recovery, Contaminated Ground Water B-ll, B-13, B-14,
B—15
Recycle/Reuse C-32
Reduction C-32
Relocation Assistance, Superfund A-38
Regional Response Team (RRT) C-32
Remedial Action (RA) C-33
Remedial Alternative C-33
Remedial Design C-33
Remedial Investigation/Feasibi1ity
Study (RI/FS) A-3, C-33
Remedial Program A-45
Remedial Project Manager C-33
Remedial Response C-33, E-6
Removal Action C-33, E-5
Removal Program A-45
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword Page
Resource Recovery C-34
Response Action C-34
Responsiveness Summary C-34
Revegetation C-34
Right-to-Know A-41, C-34
Risk C-35
Risk Assessment C-35, E-2
Rotary Kiln C-35
Routes of Exposure C-35
Runoff C-35
Run-on C-35
Scrubber C-36
Secure Chemical Landfill B-7, B-17
Sediment C-36
Sediment Capping B-2, C-36
Sediment Dredging B-2
Selenium A-34, C-36
Short-Term Action C-36
Silver A-34
Site Inspection C-36
Siting Harzardous Waste Facilities A-41
Sludge C-36
Sludge Lagoon C-36
Slurry C-37
Slurry Wall B-16, C-37
Soil Borings C-37
Soil Coring C-37
Soil Excavation B-3
Solar Evaporation/Land Treatment C-37
Solidification C-37
Solvents C-37
Split Samples C-37
Stabilization C-37
Storage C-38
Stratification C-38
Sulfuric Acid C-38
Superfund C-38
Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA) A-4Q, C-38
Superfund, Identifying Sites A-45
Superfund Innovative Technology
Technology Evaluation (Site)
Program A-45
Superfund Process A-l, A-2, A-3,
A-50, C-36, E-3,
E-6
Superfund Program A-40, A-45, E-l
Superfund Relocation Assistance
Program A-38
Surface Impoundments C-38
Surface Water C-38
I-viii
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword Page
Surface Water Control C-38
Surface Water Diversion C-38
Synergism C-39
T Technology Descriptions B-2, B-5
Teratogen C-40
Tetrachloroethene C-40
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) C-40
Toluene C-40
Total Hydrocarbons C-40
Toxic C-40
Toxic Effects C-l, C-7, C-40
Toxic Mass Emission Rate C-41
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) C-41
Toxic Substances Management A-41
Toxic Wastes, Cecil County, MD E-6
Transportation, Chemical Spill E-5
Treatment A-37, C-41
Treatment Technologies A-41
Trichloroethane (TCE) C-41
Trichloroethylene C-41
Trihalomethanes (THMs) A-34
Trust Fund C-41
TSD Facility C-42
U Unconfined Aquifers A-24, C-43
Underground Injection Control E-20
Underground Storage Tanks E-24
V Vault B-5
Vinyl Chloride C-44
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) C-44
Volitilization C-44
W Waste Pile C-45
Waste Stream C-45
Water Cycle A-22, A-23, A-26,
C—18, E—15
Water Purveyor C-45
Water Reactive C-45
Water Solubility C-45
Water Table C-45
Water Testing E-23
Water Treatment Plant B-6
Wet Air Oxidation C-45
Wetland C-4 5
Work Plan C-46
I-ix
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SUBJECT
INDEX
Keyword
X Xylene
Z Zone of
Zone of
Aeration
Saturation
Page
C—47
C-48
C-48
I-x
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SECTION A
GENERAL INFORMATION
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SECTION A
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section contains general information photocopied
from documents published by Regions, States, other govern-
mental agencies and organizations for distribution to the
public. It includes:
Process-descriptions showing how the Superfund
process works
Matrixes-used to present Remedial Investigation
results to the public
Commonly asked questions and answers about
various chemicals and their toxic effects
Descriptions of ecological systems and basic
hydrogeolocial principles.
Where copies of the original materials could not be
included due to their length, an abstract is provided. The
abstract provides the source of the material so that you
can order copies.
A-i
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\ precipitation
runoff
transpiration
percolates
evaporation
recharges
THE WATER CYCLE: The water cycle
is the set of processes that maintain
the flow of water as it travels through
the earth and atmosphere. The evap-
oration (A) of the surface water oc-
curs as the sun heats the water and
turns it into water vapor. Plants also
release water vapor into the atmo-
sphere through transpiration (B). The
water returns to the earth by pre-
cipitation (C) in the form of rain, sleet,
or snow. Some of the water returns to
existing rivers, streams, and other
bodies of water as surface runoff (0).
Most of the remaining water perco-
lates through the soil, and recharges
(E) underlying aquifers.
REGION IX - SOUTH BAY SITE, SANTA CLARA VALLEY NOVEMBER 198 5
A-22
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THE HYDROLOGIC CYCLE
Ground water is the fraction of precipitation that reaches the zone
of saturation after seeping through the soil or through stream beds.
WATER TABLE -
ZONE OF
SATURATION
Rain Croud*
!OuO >C0"T»3ti0rt
pqeCJPi'AtiON
EVAPORATION
/ .s?
/¦
*
f
infiltration
U
l^OIrK
Ground
P«rcoiSf>on
Ground water moves under the force of gravity from higher elevations to lower elevations;
the rate of movement can range from several feet per day to as little as inches per century.
(After the Hydropic C,ae. VVcirfvxj* ui ,-tyni.uure U 5 Department 01 Agriculture. 1955)
HOW GROUND WATER OCCURS IN ROCKS
The water table marks the top of the zone of saturation. Its level can rise or fall,
depending upon the rate of water entering and leaving the ground.
Air
GRAVEL
Rings ol capillary water
(not ground wateri
Surround contacts of
rock particles
Approximate
level of the water table
All openings Deiow tne
water taoie are full of
ground water
Modified from Baldwin. 19631
FRACTURED ROCK
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS (AIPG) - GROUND WATER:
ISSUES AND ANSWERS 198 5
A-23
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AQUIFERS
Aquifers consist of
permeable rocks or
granular deposits that
transmit water freely.
They function both as
conduits and as under-
ground storage reservoirs.
Recharge area for
artesian aquifer
^—Artesian well
I—Water-pressure level
/ (potentiometric surfacel
I of artesian aquifer
Water-table well
Flowing
artesian well
V
\ Stream
—Co r,f
(After Ground Water and Wells. UOP Johnson On/., 1966)
UNCONFINED AQUIFER
Rtjenarce
n Pumping
Well
Ground Surface
Water Table
Cone of Drawdown
UNCONFINED AQUIFER
Where atmospheric pressure is freely
communicated to the zone of saturation,
the aquifer is called "unconfined."
Unconfined aquifers yield water by drainage
of materials near the well. Wells produce
water by lowering the water level, causing
water to flow radially toward the well.
CONFINED ("ARTESIAN") AQUIFER
Where an impermeable layer, such as clay,
above the aquifer prevents free movement
of air and water, the aquifer is called
"confined" or "artesian." Confined aquifers
yield water by compression of the aquifer,
expansion of the water, drainage ot adjacent
unconrined zones, and leakage through
confining layers.
(
\ Pumping
Well
/—Ground Surface
—Original Pressure Level
V
s
Impermeable Clay Confining Bed
—~
^-Cone of Pressure Decline
CONFINED AQUIFER
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS (AIPG) - GROUND WATER:
ISSUES AND ANSWERS 1985
A-2 4
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Major Ground-Water Problems / continued
INDUSTRIAL CONTAMINATION
Industrial wastes are disposed of in many ways
a, Deep-Well
Disposal Injection
7 T Pond n
Spills
and
Leaks
Buried
Wastes
Alluvium
FRESH WATER
CONTAMINATION
CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER
A vast array of industrial chemicals, including large
volumes of liquid and solid toxic compounds, are
disposed of m seepage ponds and by shadow burial.
By 1931 the inventory of toxic wastes was 6 billion
cubic yards at 100,000 sites in the (J. S. Radioactive
wastes are a special category of industnal wastes
owing to their high toxicity, but the amounts end
number of sites are small.
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS (AIPG) - GROUND WATER:
ISSUES AND ANSWERS 19 85
A-25
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HAZARDOUS WASTE
^ v?
WATER TABLE
GROUNO WATER
«-MOVEMENT
PLUME
AQUIFER
'OV///'//L
7~~7~-
CONFINING BED/(AOUITARO) /
AQUIFER
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY - GLOSSARY FOR
HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES (no date)
A-2 6
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Foi More Information. Contact
(J S Enviioninenfal Protection Agency
Caribbean Field Olfico
Otlice 2 A
Podiatry Center Building
14)3 teinjiidei Juncos Avenue
Saniuiue. Pueilo HiCo G0909
(B09> /2b /U2b
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MERCURY
AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
WHAT IS MERCURY?
Mercury is an element thai occurs naturally
in the environment li is a metal pnnianly
found in cinnabar. a reddish ore or mineral
thai consists ol 93% mercu/y In Puerto
Rico, naiufdlly occurring mercury can be
lound ai low levels in oilier rocks. stream
sediments, soils, lish. and sltelllish
WHAT DOES MERCURY LOOK LIKE/
Mercury can be classified as eiihei eJemen-
laf. inorganic or organic Elemental mercury
is puie mercury, such as thai found in ther-
momeiers The inorganic and organic foims
ol meicury consist ol elemental mercury
combined with oiher chemicals These
combination* can occur naturally or in man-
made processes Natural mercury in cinna-
bar is an inorganic type that is refined to
produce pure mercury—the liquid, silver
white lorm
Elemental mercury does not readily dissolve
in water However, in aquatic environments
such as Uikes and siicdins, elemental mei
Cuiy can be transformed into inorganic
foims which dissolve more easily in water
Once dissolved. inorganic mercury cun then
tic luiliter transformed into an organic lonn.
known as meihylmercury. by bacteria com-
monly present in stream oi lake bed sedi-
ments Of the various forms ol mercury, ihis
organic form poses the highest potential
risk to humans and the environment, il pres-
ent at high concentrations
HOW IS MERCURY USED?
The physical characteristics of elenrumal
mercury allow it to letam us liquid lorm ovei
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>
I
to
00
because it is eventually transformed into j
huifiiM lomi. known Jb meihylineicniy
Mclhylme/iwiy. whuJi peisisls m Ihe envi
romnent loi long punods ol tune. can ailed
many living organisms. lunging from micro
scopic pltinis and animals {known as plank
ion) to fi^li and shellfish Tlitt lish and shell-
fish feed upon ihe plankton and accumulate
this methylmeicury ui llicii systems As
lliey Iced more. limy accumulate moie
meihyJmercury in their tissues This is
referred lu as "bioaccurniilalion " Almost
all (90 99%) of ihu mercury accumulated m
Ml KUlMl
S-un.1
MiCNUUXilC H Ui\
a Ati*w II AnKtOM
o
WAS?10
wMA| | ttafelACtAHS
LCriSUMHfOfrf
HSHlNb
o ^
1>MA1 | I Itil I
DlOACCUMUt AftON
living organisms
methylmeicury
I fie methylmercury Lontamed m llie and
^fiellfibU can be passed on lo humans il they
eai the Irsh As a result. meihylmercuiy can
begin lo bioaccumulate in human tissues
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS
FROM EXPOSURE TO MERCURY/
Humans may be exposed lo methylmercury
h\ I he envuonmeni in iwo ways by duecl
contact wiih contaminated soil, stieam sed-
iments. or water, or by eating contaminated
h*h shellfish, and other lood sources
Methylmercury can be absoibed through
(lie skin bui is moie readily absoibed into
the body through digestion m the stomach
After il has been absorbed, methylmeicury
moves quickly to all ussues in the body,
with I he highest concentrations depositing
in tlte kidney and m ihu blood Additionally,
metbyfinercuiy can be passed atony to
developing babies during pregnancy
Exposure to mercury in tfie environment
may be classified as eiifier acute or chronic
An ucuic exposure is a one lime, short-term
exposure. whereas chrome exposure is
lepeated or constant Acute exposures may
be a concern to workers in an industnal set-
Iijkj where elemental mercury is used and
where releases of high concentrations of
meiLuiy vapoi may occur Howevei. the
levels ol mercury louiid m the environ-
ment --even if the enviiunmenl is contami-
nated <111: highly uiilikiily uvt-r U» be high
enough to cause adverse health effects
from an acute exposure
The greatest potential health risks to people
Irom environmental mercury result from
chronic exposure Chronic exposure to
methylmercury in contaminated soils, shell-
fish, and hsh could produce adverse health
effects il ihe mercury levels are high
enough An example of chronic exposure is
daily contact with contaminated soils or fre-
quent eating of contaminated lish
Central nervous system damage could
result from chronic exposure, including a
condition known as paresthesia, which is a
iinglmg sensation ol the skin. Impaired
vision, slurred speech, and unsteadiness in
walking or in control ol the Itnibs may also
result liom such exposure Pre-birth expo
Sure may result in tram abnormalities in chil-
dren. causing learning difficulties and ner-
vous system dysfunctions
A*
the contamination and lo recommend the
most environmentally sound and cost-
effective cleanup actions, if necessary The
main goal of each sue study is to determmu
whether the public laces an unacceptable
risk and. if so. to ensure that the public
health is protected If. during the course ol
these studies. Ihe EPA discovers thai there
is a health threat to the public, it will imme-
diately notify the public of the lacis Oppor-
tunities will be given lor the public to com-
ment on EPA's actions As the Agency
pioposes cleanup actions, citizens wilJ bu
asked to comment on all proposals
WHAT IS BEING DONE TO CLEAN UP
THE ENVIRONMENT?
The U S Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is working with the Environmental
Quality Board, the Department of Health,
and the industrial companies, referred to as
potentially responsible parties (PRPs). to
investigate sues thai are believed lo be con-
taminated with mercury A remedial investi-
gation/feasibility study (fil/FS) will be pur-
fonned at each potentially contaminated
sue to determine ihe nature and extent of
-------
EPA Regional Offices
' Ln>tea States
Envircnrnenrgi ='otecticn
Agency
Marcn 1385
1 70 35-61-OPA
EPA Region 1
JFK Federal Building
Boston. MA 02203
(617)223-7210
Connecticut. Massachusetts.
Maine. New Hampshire.
Rhode Island. Vermont
EPA Region 2
26 Federal Plaza
New York. NY 10007
1212) 261-2525
New Jersey. New York,
Puerto Rico. Virgin Islands
Field Component
Caribbean Field Office
P O Box 792
San Juan. PA 00902
(809) 725-7825
EPA Region 3
6th and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia. PA 19106
(215) 597-9800
Delaware. Maryland.
Pennsylvania, Virginia.
West Virginia, District of Columbia
EPA Region 4
345 Courtland Street NE
Atlanta. GA 30365
M04) 881-4727
Alabama. Florida. Georgia.
Kentucky. Mississiopi.
North Carolina. South
Carolina. Tennessee
EPA Region S
230 Soutn DearOom Street
Chicago. IL 60604
|312) 353-2000
Ihnois. Indiana.
Micnigan. Minnesota.
Ohio. Wisconsin
Field Component
Eastern District Office
25089 Center Ridge Road
'/.'est Lake. OH 44145
216) 835-5200
EPA Region 6
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, rx 75270
2141 767-2600
Arkansas. Louisiana.
New Mexico. Oklanoma,
Texas
EPA Region 7
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City KA 66101
(913) 236-2800
Iowa. Kansas. Missouri
Nebraska
EPA Region 8
1860 Lincoln Street
Denver. CO 80295
(303) 837-3895
Colorado. Montana.
North Dakota. South
Dakota. Utah. Wyoming
EPA Region 9
215 Freemont Street
San Francisco. CA 94105
(415) 974-8153
Anzona. California, Hawaii.
Nevada. Amencan Samoa. Guam.
Trust Temtones of the Pacific
Field Component
Pacific Islands Office
P O. Box 50003
300 Ala Moana Boulevard
Room 1302
Honolulu. HI 96850
EPA Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle. WA 98101
(206) 442-5810
Alaska. Idaho. Oregon.
Washington
Field Components
Alaska Operations Office
Room E556. Federal Building
701 C Street
Anchorage. AK 99513
(907) 271-5083
Alaska Operations Office
3200 Hospital Drive
Juneau. AK 99801
(907) 586-7619
Idaho Operations Office
422 West Washington Street
Boise. ID 83702
(208) 334-1450
Oregon Operations Office
522 S W 5th Avenue
Yeon Building, 2nd Floor
Portland. OR 97204
(503) 221-3250
Washington Operations Office
c'o Washington Department of
Ecology
Mailstop PV 11
Olvmpia. WA 98504
(206) 753-9437
-------
Problems
uyvon't drink the water" is not a familiar
J—Jtraveler's warning in this country. More
than 50 years of modern purification methods
have accustomed U.S. citizens to safe, reliable
drinking water supplies.
But while deadly waterborne diseases such as
cholera and typhoid have almost been
eliminated in this country, another danger has
surfaced. In recent years, public health
professionals have become .ncreasingly
concerned over the presence of toxic chemicals
in our drinking water, particularly heavy metals,
organic chemicals, and pesticides. These
substances are extremely difficult to remove
once they get into a water supply.
Fortunately, the great majority of us do not
have to worry about our drinking water. But
from Maine to California, toxic contamination,
and the larger problem of ensuring safe and
adequate supplies, has become an increasingly
complex issue.
In 1974. Congress enacted the Safe Drinking
Water Act to protect the quality of our drinking
water. This pamphlet describes how the law
works, and what progress we've made in saving
our irreplaceable water resources.
When the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was
passed in 1974. a major concern was to correct
the problem of uneven state protection of public
drinking water supplies. Water quality was
inconsistent: treatment requirements varied
among localities and suppliers: health standards
differed from state to state. The SDWA
established a program to eliminate these
differences and set minimum national standards
for drinking water quality.
The Act also addressed another potentially
serious problem: the growing contamination of
drinking water supplies by organic chemicals,
including volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
While both surface and ground water can be
contaminated by VOCs. ground-water sources
are especially vulnerable because of their slow
movement and lack of contaminant dispersion.
VOCs frequently are used as solvents and
degreasers in such products as do-it-yourself
septic tank cleaners. In 1979. for example, an
estimated 400.000 gallons of these cleaners were
used on Long Island alone: one EPA study
found that VOCs had contaminated 13 percent
of Nassau County's community water supply-
wells. forcing the closure of many public and
private wells.
Chemical contamination is not new. but the
ability to detect it has improved rapidly. We
now have the technology to identify specific
chemicals in concentrations as low as parts per
trillion, and in a few cases, parts per
quadrillion. (To illustrate, a part per quadrillion
is comparable to the width of a person's thumb
divided by the distance to the moon.)
This increasing ability to detect pollutants
raises more questions than science can yet
answer. What are the effects of long-term
exposure to minute amounts of toxic chemicals:"
Is any level of exposure safe?
We don't know for sure. But under the Sate
Drinking Water Act. we have begun a strong
program to drastically reduce drinking water
contaminants while scientists seek the answers.
A- 30
-------
Strategies
Standards
One of EPA's major responsibilities under the
Act is to establish and enforce national
standards for drinking water quality. These
standards set limits on various substances found
in some drinking water. They are intended to
reflect the best scientific and technical judgment
available. The standards are based on
recommendations from the National Drinking
Water Advisory Council, the National Academy
of Sciences, the National Institutes of Health.
EPA scientists, water treatment experts, and
other industry and community representatives.
Basically, there are two types of standards.
Primary standards (technically called maximum
contaminant levels or MCLs) are set at levels to
protect public heaith. Every community water
supply in the country serving 15 or more
connections or at least 25 people must meet
these standards, which are enforced by strict
monitoring and reporting requirements.
Drinking-water systems that exceed primary
standards or that fail to comply with monitoring
requirements must notify the public and the
state government of these deficiencies.
Responsibility for enforcing primary standards
is turned over to the states if they adopt
protective regulations at least as stringent as
federal regulations. This delegation is called
primacy. At present. 90 percent of the states
have accepted primacy for supervising their
public drinking-water systems.
Secondary standards deal with esthetics such
as taste and odor and they are not mandatory.
EPA recommends them as reasonable goals for
drinking-water quality. The states may use them
to set local contaminant levels, depending on
local conditions or other factors.
EPA also issues guidance called health
advisories for contaminants that have no
standards as yet. Because advisories are not
regulations, they can be developed quickly in
response to specific situations or emergencies.
They typically identify the levels at which
specific contaminants raise concerns about
health risks, and are helpful when a state needs
to determine the proper remedial action when
contamination is found.
Systems must report any violation of primary
drinking-water standards to the public as well as
to the appropriate government agency. This is a
safety precaution written into the law to ensure
public awareness of water qualitv deficiencies. If
the supplier does not take reasonable steps to
correct the violations, members of the public
have the right to bring suit to force compliance.
Currently, there are primary standards for
bacteria, turbidity, radionuclides, a class of
organic chemicals called trihalomethanes. six
pesticides, and ten inorganic chemicals. Most of
these regulated substances occur naturally in
our environment and in the foods we eat. The
standards reflect the levels we can safely
consume in our water, taking into account the
amounts we are exposed to from these other
sources.
Ground-Water Protection
Ground water is water that is stored below the
water table in saturation zones, otten in aquifers
that can yield significant quantities of water to
wells and springs. We use 90 billion gallons
every day. 13 billion gallons of it tor household
uses. In all. we drink 230 million gallons ot
ground water a day. Almost half of Americans
get all or part of their drinking water from
ground water sources, and its use is steadik
increasing.
But our increasing reliance on ground water
has coincided with our discovery of just how
fragile a resource it is Manv ground-water
supplies are subject to competing and
sometimes contradictory uses: the same general
area, for example, may be tapped
simultaneously for irrigation, drinking water
and industrial use. Some ot these uses threaten
the quality ot ground water, and may lead to
long- term contamination. Causes of
contamination mav include: leaking
underground storage tanks, faulty septic
systems, underground pipelines, hazardous anil
non-hazardous landfills, underground iniei.tmn
wells, road de-icmg. oil and gas exploration, .salt
water intrusion, and teedlot waste disposal
As the number of potential threats shows,
ground-water protection is a complex
A-31
-------
Progress
undertaking that involves many of EPA's
regulatory programs. In 1984. EPA established
an Office of Ground-water Protection and
announced a strategy to deal with the problem
of contamination. EPA has ground-water
responsibility under Superfund (the
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act); the Clean
Water Act: the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act: the Federal Insecticide.
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act: the Toxic
Substances Control Act: and the Safe Drinking
Water Act.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA has
three programs for protecting ground water: the
drinking water program, which regulates all
public drinking-water systems regardless of the
source of supply; the underground injection
control program, which regulates the injection of
any fluid, including disposal of industrial
wastes in deep underground wells: and the
sole-source aquifer program, which permits EPA
to designate an aquifer as a "sole source" if it is
a principal water supply. This designation
authorizes EPA to review any federally funded
projects that may threaten or affect its quality.
Beyond these federal responsibilities, the
states also have regulated many of the more
common and widespread sources of
contamination. The states traditionally have
stood as the first line of authority on
ground-water protection, and continue to do so
today.
The Safe Drinking Water Act initiated the first
comprehensive national program to safeguard
public drinking water. It brought under federal
standards almost 60.000 community water
supply systems serving 200 million people
daily. The result for many has been a striking
improvement in drinking water quality.
In addition, the state programs have become
more effective. Federal grants have enabled
many of them to improve their testing and
analytical capabilities. Programs to train and
certify system operators have expanded. And
many small systems, once neglected or ignored,
are now under supervision.
Because of research under the Act. we now
have a much better understanding of the nature
of organic contaminants in drinking water and
their effects on human health. We have
recognized the threat of ground-water
contamination, and we have developed some
promising techniques for detecting and
removing ground-water contaminants.
But many challenging problems still remain,
in particular the compliance of small systems
with primary standards. Of almost 60.000
systems, nearly two-thirds serve 500 or fewer
people. Many have serious technical and
economic difficulties in complying with
requirements. While EPA is helping with
research into small-system technology, there i.s
no doubt that the costs of drinking water will
increase for consumers served by these systems
Is it worth it? Compared with the human toll
taken by preventable diseases in places where
drinking water has not been cleaned up and
protected, most people believe that these (.osts
are a small price to pay.
A-32
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Information
Inorganics
[f you want to know more about what the states
and EPA are doing to protect your drinking
water, you can get additional information from
the agencies listed on the back cover.
Primary Drinking Water Regulations
Below is a table and description of regulated
contaminants and their maximum contaminant levels
(MCLsl. You should be aware that three of these
contaminants—bacteria, nitrate, and turbidity—pose
immediate threats to health if the standards are
exceeded. The other regulated substances pose no
immediate health threat for short periods of time, but
over the long term can be harmful.
CONTAMINANT
MCL
Inorganics
Arsenic
Barium
Cadmium
Chromium
Fluortde
Lead
Mercurv
Nitrate
Selenium
Silver
Microbials
Colilorm bacteria
Turbidity
Organics
llndrin
Lindane
Methoxvchlor
Toxaphene
2 4-D
1 4.3-TP Silvex
T nhalomethanes
Radionuclides
Gross Alpha
particle activity
Beta particle and
photon
radioactivity
Radium-226 and
Radium-228
0.05 mg/
1 00 mg/
0 01 mg'
0.05 mg/
1 4 • 2.4 mg'
0.05 mg'
0.002 mg'
10.00 mg'
0.01 mg'
0.05 mg'
<1/100 m
1 TU I up to 5 TU
0.01)02 mg-
0.004 mg'
0.100 mg'
0 005 mg'
0 100 mg/
0.010 m«-
0 100 mg'
15 pCi.l
4 mrein
5 pCi
llhouundlhj
of i granvlilerl
Ibacleriunv
100 litem
lunili of
lurbiditvl
(Irillionth of a
curiefliterl
I measure of
ionizing
radidlionl
Arsenic Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment.
especially in the western United States, and
is often used in insecticides. It mav appear in
foods, tobacco, shellfish, drinking water, and
in some places, in the air. Drinking water
that substantially exceeds the arsenic
standard may cause fatigue and loss of
energy if drunk over a long period of time
Barium Although not as widespread as arsenic.
barium also is naturally present in the
environment. It also can enter water supplies
through industrial waste discharges. Small
doses ot barium are not harmful, but it is
dangerous when consumed in large
quantities and can bring on increased blood
pressure.
Cadmium Only minute amounts of cadmium occur
naturally m U S waters. The main source ol
exposure is from food and cigarette smoking
Its most common source in water is from
galvanized pipes and fixtures, and from
waste discharges from the electroplating,
photography, insecticide, and metallurgy
industries.
Chromium Chromium is found in cigarettes, some foods,
and in the air It also occurs in many
industrial discharges, particularlv those troni
the electroplating industry.
Fluoride Fluoride occurs naturallv in all drinking
water. High levels can cause brown spots on
the teeth, or mottling, in children up to 1-
vears uf age In proper amounts, however.
Iluoride in drinking water prevents cavities
during formative vears. This is why manv
communities add Iluoride in controlled
amounts to their drinking water supplies
The primarv standard tor tluoride varies on
the basis ot an area's average daily air
temperature The hotter the climate, the
lower the maximum contaminant level This
is becau>« people tend to drink more water
in hot climates
Lead Lead is found m the air and in our food It
comes trom lead and wUanized pipes. .iutu
exhausts, and other sources Lead is
particularly harmtul to children. Excessive
amounts can result in nervoas system
disorders, or brain and kidney damage.
A-3 3
-------
Mercury Mercury occurs naturally throughout the
environment. High levels in water can be
caused by industrial and agricultural
processes. Mercury accumulates in the food
chain, and the risk from mercury in fish is
greater than that from water borne mercury
Large doses may cause acute poisoning:
lower doses over an extended time can cause
chronic poisoning.
Nitrate Nitrate is used in fertilizers and as a food
preservative. Excessive nitrate in drinking
water poses an immediate threat to infants
under three months of age. although older
persons can tolerate much more. In some
cases, high levels of nitrate have reacted with
hemoglobin in the blood to produce an
anemic condition known as "blue baby". If
you are notified that your drinking water
contains excessive nitrate, do not give it to
infants or use it to make formula. Your notice
will carry instructions about what to do.
Follow these instructions carefully.
Selenium Selenium occurs naturally in soil and plants,
especially in the western United States.
Although trace amounts appear to be
essential in the diet, excessive amounts may
be toxic.
Silver Silver not highly toxic, but very excessive
exposure can lead to an effect known as
•irgyna. a graving of the skin.
Organics
Pesticides Millions of pounds of pesticides are used
each year on croplands, forests, lawns, and
gardens. They drain off into surface waters or
seep into ground water supplies. EPA
regulates six organic pesticides in drinking
water: Endrin: Lindane; Methoxvchlor.
Toxaphene: 2.4-D: and 2.4,5-TP Silvex.
Trihalo THMs include chloroform, a known
methanes carcinogen. Ironically. THMs are formed
(THMs) during chlorine treatment to destroy harmful
bacteria. The chlorine reacts with humic
matter naturally present in the water to form
THMs. EPA requires all water supply systems
serving 10.000 or more people to limit THMs.
but state agencies may also require smaller*
svstems to limit them.
Radionuclides
The main source of radioactive material in
surface water is fallout from nuclear weapons
testing. This is man-made, or beta, radiation.
Other potential sources of beta radiation
include nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel
processing plants, and uranium mines and
their processing wastes. Alpha and radium
activity occur naturally in ground water in
the West. Midwest, and Northeast. EPA's
drinking water program provides for
monitoring to locate contaminated systems so
that remedial action can be taken.
Microbials
Conform Coliform bacteria from human and animal
Bacteria wastes may be found in contaminated or
insufficiently treated drinking water. These
bacteria indicate the presence of other
harmful organisms in Ihe water. Water borne
diseases such as typhoid, cholera, infectious
hepatitis, and dvsenterv have been traced to
poorly disintected drinking water.
Turbidity The cloudiness, or turbidity, of drinking
water is caused bv minule particles
suspended in water. Turbidity can interfere
with disinfection and testing for bacteria.
Excessive amounts can allow disease-causing
organisms to survive. Coliform bacteria,
nitrate, and lurbiditv jrc ihe three regulated
substances that can pose immediate threats to
hualth.
A- 34
-------
TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Staple-bound book; 84 pp.
TITLE: Basic Ground-Water Hydrology (Water Supply Paper 2220)
PREPARED FOR: United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.)
PREPARED BY: Ralph C. Heath in cooperation with the North
Carolina Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
AVAILABLE FROM: Distribution Branch
Text Products Section
604 South Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
DATE: 1983
ABSTRACT: This report has been prepared to help meet the
educational needs of a wide variety groups (i.e., rural
homeowners to managers of industrial and municipal water
supplies to heads of Federal and State water-regulatory
agencies) interested in becoming more knowledgeable about the
occurrence, development and protection of groundwater. It
consists of 45 sections on the basic elements of ground-water
hydrology.
A-35
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TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Booklet; 24 pps
TITLE: Groundwater: A Citizen's Guide (Pub. #803)
PREPARED BY: League of Women Voter's (LWV) Education Fund
AVAILABLE FROM: LWV of the United States
1730 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 429-1965
DATE: 1986
ABSTRACT: This booklet provides basic information on
groundwater resources including: uses, problems, protection
measures and opportunities for citizen participation.
A-36
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TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Booklet; 12 pp.
TITLE: A Better Way: Guide to the RCRA Permitting Process
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA Region V
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA Region V
Office of Public Affairs
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353-2072
DATE: 1986
ABSTRACT: This booklet provides basic information on the RCRA
permitting process, answering such questions as: What is a
hazardous waste? Who handles hazardous waste? Who gets a
permit? How does the State fit in? How is the public
protected? What about enforcement? How is our ground water
protected? How do we select a disposal method? Other topics
discussed include: secure chemical landfills and
incineration. The booklet also' contains a list of State
contacts for Region V.
A-37
-------
TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Brochure; two brochures 3-pages
each
TITLES: Superfund Relocation Assistance; Temporary Relocation
Assistance
PREPARED BY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
AVAILABLE FROM: FEMA
Superfund Relocation Assistance Branch
Disaster Assistance Programs
Room 713
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
(202) 646-3805
DATE: 1986
ABSTRACT: These brochures are designed to provide information
to the public about the Superfund relocation assistance program
in general and information to help clarify the regulations
affecting someone who has been placed in temporary housing,
respectively. They discuss eligible categories for assistance
in areas such as temporary housing, food subsidies, furniture
loans, moving expenses, and utility subsidies.
A-38
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TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: 3-ring punched book; 172 pp.
TITLE: Citizens Guide for Community Health Studies
PREPARED FOR: Michigan Toxic Substance Control Commission
PREPARED BY: Office of Management and Information Systems,
Department of Management and Budget, State of
Michigan
AVAILABLE FROM: Toxic Substance Control Commission
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-1031 or (800) 292-0528 (in Michigan)
DATE: June 1985
ABSTRACT: This publication is designed to assist citizens or
citizens' groups who are contemplating preparing a community
health study or assessing potential contamination in their
communities. The guide describes how to determine the
seriousness of a potential problem and answers questions on how
to document and confirm information and present this
information to the appropriate officials.
A-3 9
-------
TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Brochure; 12 pp.
TITLE: Background Paper on the Major Provisions of Superfund
Reauthorization
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response (OSWER)
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA OSWER
DATE: January 1987
ABSTRACT: This background paper summarizes the major provision
of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of
1986 including issues such as: strengthening EPA's authority
to conduct short-term (removal), long-term (remedial) and
enforcement actions; strengthening State involvement in the
cleanup process; and furthering the Agency's commitment to
research and development, training, health assessments and
public participation.
A-4 0
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TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Fact Packets (booklets); 12 pp +
each
TITLES:
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management 1987
Introduction to Toxic Substance Management 1986
Siting and Permitting of Hazardous Waste Management
Facilities in North Carolina 1980
Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Waste 1986
Disposal and Long-term Storage of Hazardous
Waste 1986
Chemical Hazard Communications in North Carolina:
The Right to Know 1986
Health Effects of Toxic Substances and Hazardous
Waste ; 1987
Directory of Federal and State Government Agencies
Responsible for Toxic Substance, Hazardous Waste,
and Low Level Radioactive Waste Management 1987
PREPARED BY: North Carolina Governor's Waste Management Board
AVAILABLE FROM: Governor's Waste Management Board
325 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 26711
(919) 733-9020
DATES: (See above)
ABSTRACT: Each booklet or "fact packet" contains between six
to eight information sheets on a topic relating to hazardous
waste or toxic substances including: subject-specific fact
sheets; legislative fact sheets; a directory of government
agencies; a citizen involvement opportunities fact sheet; a
publications resource list; and a glossary. These fact packets
provide an excellent introduction to hazardous waste site
issues, and although they are geared towards issues facing
North Carolina in particular, much of the information contained
in them is applicable to other States and Regions.
A-41
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TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Booklet; 22 pp.
TITLE: A Groundwater Primer for Virginians
PREPARED FOR: Virginia Water Resources Research Center
PREPARED BY: Torsten D. Sponenburg
AVAILABLE FROM: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
P.O. Box 16737
Columbus, OH 43216
(614) 761-1711
Attn: Vickey Pomeroy
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: General information about Virginia's hidden water
resources is contained in the 22-page booklet. It also
discusses potential sources of contaminants and actions
citizens can take to protect this resource.
A-4 2
-------
TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Booklet; 22 pp.
TITLE: Solving the Hazardous Waste Problem: EPA's RCRA
Program (EPA/530-SW-86-037)
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA
Office of Solid Waste
401 M Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
Attn: Deborah Zeitlin or
call the RCRA/Superfund Hotline
(1-800-424-9346; 382-3000 in D.C.)
DATE: November 1986
ABSTRACT: This booklet focuses on EPA's hazardous waste
regulatory program under Subtitle C of RCRA and briefly
discusses the Subtitle D and I programs. The booklet is
intended to provide an overall perspective on how RCRA works,
including the roles of EPA, the status and the regulated
community. The information contained in the booklet is divided
into the following six sections: RCRA: A Historical
Perspective; What is a Hazardous Waste?; Controlling Waste:
From Generation to Disposal; Expansion of the RCRA Program;
Making RCRA Work; Looking Ahead; EPA and State Agency
Information Sources.
A-43
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TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Booklet; 26 pp.
TITLE: A Primer on Ground Water
PREPARED BY: United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.)
AVAILABLE FROM: Distribution Branch
Text Products Section
604 South Pickett St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
DATE: November 1963
ABSTRACT: This booklet provides an introduction to basic
principles of ground water hydrology and ground-water resource
management.
A-44
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 8 Fact Sheets; 1-4 pp. each
TITLE: Superfund 1986
Identifying Superfund Sites 1986
The Superfund Remedial Program 1986
The Superfund Removal Program 1986
Public Involvement in the Superfund
Program 1986
Superfund Alternatives for Managing
Hazardous Waste 1986
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
(Site) Program 1986
Superfund Glossary 1986
PREPARED BY: Superfund Community Relations Program
U.S. EPA, Office of Emergency and
Remedial Response (OERR)
AVAILABLE FROM: RCRA/Superfund Hotline
(1-800-424-9346; 382-3000 inD.C.)
DATES: (See above)
ABSTRACT: These fact sheets were prepared by Superfund
Community Relations Program staff to help citizens understand
how different aspects of the Superfund Program work. (Note:
These fact sheets, where necessary, are currently being updated
to reflect changes in the Superfund program as a result of the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986).
A-4 5
-------
TYPE/LENGTH OF PUBLICATION: Brochure/Fact sheet; 4 pp.
TITLE: RCRA Ombudsman
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial
Response (OERR)
AVAILABLE FROM: Bob Knox
U.S. EPA, Office of the Ombudsman
Room 2503
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 475-9361
DATE: February 1987
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this brochure is to provide basic
background information on, and the philosophy for, the
Ombudsman program established under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA). This brochure is not intended to
cover every aspect of the Ombudsman program; it is designed
more as an orientation to the program for those both in and
outside EPA.
A-4 6
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Why Do We Care About PAHs?
What are PAHs?
PAH stands for polynuclear aromatic hydro-
carbons; a class of chemicals typically
formed by high temperatures or burning and
common in our environment. Basically, PAHs
are combinations of an elementary molecule,
the benzene ring, which is a six-sided ring
of carbon atoms, each with an attached
hydrogen atom.
Another class of chemicals found frequently
with PAHs are the heterocycles. Hetero-
cycles are formed when sulfur, oxygen or
nitrogen atoms are substituted for one or
more carbon atoms in the ring.
Are they harmful?
Thousands of PAH compounds exist. Some appear to be harmless or mildly toxic,
but scientists believe that some are carcinogenic. In fact, one, benzo(a)-
pyrene. Is one of the most powerful cancer-causing agents known. Some are
cocarcinogens, that 1s, they will produce tumors in combination with other
chemicals. Some PAHs promote the growth of tumors. Many have never been
tested, so their cancer-causing potential is uncertain.
Am I exposed to them?
Exposure to PAHs is an everyday occurrence. We breathe PAHs from automobile
and diesel exhaust fumes and smoke from any source, including cigarettes, fire-
places and wood-burning stoves. We also eat them, because they are found in
plant tissues and because airborne PAHs cling to the surface of fruits and
vegetables. They are commonly found in cooking fats and oils. And cooking
processes can create an abundance of PAHs. Charcoal-broiled meats contain many
PAHs and heterocycles, as do all smoked foods.
why don't we all get cancer?
No one can be sure yet why some people get cancer while others exposed to the
same risks do not. However, we can be pretty sure that the greater the
exposure, the greater the risk. So it makes sense to avoid excessive exposure
to things that we know can cause cancer. For that reason, the Minnesota Depart-
ment of Health (KJH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have
guidelines for the quantity of PAHs in municipal water supplies.
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY - WHY DO WE CARE
ABOUT PAHs? MAY 1983
A-4 7
O
benzene
benzo(a)pyrene
-------
What are the guidelines?
Both the MDH and the EPA say that drinking water should contain no more than 28
parts per trillion (ppt) carcinogenic PAHs. In addition, the MOH requires that
there be less than 280 "other* PAHs, those that are noncarcinogenic or of
unknown carcinogenicity. One ppt, 1/1,000,000,000,000, is roughly equivalent to
one grain of salt in half a ton of sugar or, in time equivalents, one second in
31,700 years. The same guidelines apply to heterocycles.
How do they get those numbers?
Although long-term studies of human exposures to PAHs in the workplace have
shown that some PAHs cause cancer, those studies are unable to quantify the
risk. The only available way to establish a risk factor is through animal
studies in which the doses and time periods can be established.
In the studies, laboratory animals are fed doses of a carcinogen for a specific
length of time and then examined for cancer. A complex formula 1s then used to
translate the results to human terms. It must take Into consideration the
exposure, the duration of the experiment and the animal's life expectancy and
weight in comparison to average human life expectancy and weight.
Although no such study has been conducted for the particular combinations of
PAH typically found In drinking water, a criterion for one carcinogenic PAH,
BaP, has been estadlished, and that is being used as a limit for total carcino-
genic PAHs because no other PAH 1s believed to be a stronger carcinogen.
What is the risk at 28 ppt?
The MOH and the EPA have adopted a risk level of 1/100,000 (10"^ in scientific
notation) as an acceptable risk level. That is, if 100,000 people each drank
two liters of water containing 28 ppt carcinogenic PAH every day for 70 years,
no more than one person would contract cancer as a result of the water supply.
That level of lifetime risk is comparable to the risk of being killed by light-
ning or a bee sting and can be contrasted with an annual risk of more than
20/100,000 of being killed in an automobile accident. To put it in even more
perspective, a cigarette smoker accepts a lifetime risk of approximately 1/1,000
of developing cancer from smoking.
In deciding on criteria, another consideration has to be cost-effectiveness.
While it may take SI million to bring the risk down to 1/100,000, to bring the
risk down, say, to 1/1,000,000,000 might cost S10 to S40 million. If funds
were limitless, one might want to do that, but if it meant that other hazardous
waste sites were not cleaned up, it would obviously be a poor policy.
Are we spending a lot of money to prevent an extremely small risk?
Sometimes it may seem that way, but if standards were raised all over the
country, the increase in cancer rates could be very significant. Our scientific
understanding of the various factors that influence cancer is improving but far
from perfect. It is best, in that case, to take a conservative, cautious
approach to what is allowed in drinking water.
May 1983
A-48
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 5
Office of Public Affairs
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago. Illinois 60604
Illinois. Indiana.
Michigan. Minnesota.
Ohio. Wisconsin
SEPA FACT
SHEET
Health Issues at Superfund Sites
March 1987
I LIVE NEAR A SUPERFUND SITE AND I THINK
IT IS AFFECTING MY HEALTH WHAT 00 I 00?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects public health by
controlling contaminants 1n the environment. However, EPA works with the
U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Olsease Registry (ATS0R) in Atlanta,
GA. to determine what impacts, If any, an environmental problem would have
on human health.
If residents near a Superfund site have health concerns they feel may be
related to the site, the following procedures may be followed:
1.) The resident's private physician should call ATSOR Region 5's
Public Health Advisor, Louise Fabinsfcl or Denise Jordan-Izaguirre
at (312) 886-0980 or 886-9293.
EPA's Community Relations Office can facilitate this call by
'arranging to have the Public Health Advisor call the attending
physician,
2.) The Public Health Advisor will arrange for consultation be-
tween the private physician and ATSDR.
This may be followed by a request for medical records, in that
instance a medical release would be requested by the private
physician.
3.) Following ATSDR's review of the information, its- findings would
be shared with the referring private physician.
U.S. EPA's role throughout this process 1s one of facilitation. EPA will
provide ATSOR with any information required about the Superfund site and
will provide the community with current information on any health related
issues.
ATSOR is part of U.S. Public Health Service - Dept. of Health & Human
Service. Under the new Superfund ATSOR must perform health assessments
at al1 Superfund sites.
State Health Agency. It Is the policy of ATSOR to coordinate any activities
witn the State Health Agency.
EPA
ATSOR
REGION V - HEALTH ISSUES AT SUPERFUND SITES MARCH 1987
A-4 9
-------
THE SUPERFUND PROCESS
(4) FetsibtUty (5) PUn/Deiign
SITE
DISCOVERY
FINAL
ACTION
letters to fflh
Public
Comment
letter* to PRh
Ranking/
listing
Community Relations
FIGURE 1
This figure provides a simplified
explanation of How a Superfund
response, like the one planned
for (he Kohler Landfill works.
The figure shows graphically the
steps of the Superfund response.
After a site is initially
discovered, it is (1) inspected,
usually by the State. The site is
then (2) ranked using a system
that takes into account:
• Possible health risk to the
human population;
• Potential hazards (e.g.,
direct contact, inhalation,
fire and/or explosion) from
substances at the site;
• Potential for the substances
at the site to contaminate
drinking water supplies; and
• Potential for the substances
at the site to pollute or harm
the environment.
If the site's potential problems
are serious enough, it will be
listed on the National Priorities
List (NPL), a roster of sites which
warrant further investigation to
assess the nature and extent of
the public health and
environment risks and to
determine what response action,
if any, may be appropriate.
The Kohler Co. was invited to
participate in the process prior to
beginning the RI/FS and will
participate again prior to the
conclusion when action is
recommended.
Next, U.S. EPA and WDNR
oversee a (3) remedial
investigation (Rl). The Rl assesses
what kinds of contaminants are
present and the degree of
contamination, and characterizes
potential risks to the community.
Following the investigation, U.S.
EPA and WDNR will oversee a (4)
feasibility study, to examine the
feasibility of various alternatives,
including a no-action alternative.
If an alternative is chosen that
requires action, a (5) specific
plan is then selected and
designed. Once these planning
activities are finished, the actual
remedial action begins.
The time required to complete
each of these five steps varies
with every site. In general, a
remedial investigation/feasibility
study (RI/FS) takes from one to
two years. Designing the final
plan may take six months. The
final plan of remedial action may
vary from no further action to an
engineered cleanup taking up to
several years.
Ongoing activities during an
RI/FS include:
• Continuous monitoring. If a
site becomes an imminent
threat to public health or
the environment during the
normal course of an RJ/FS,
U.S. EPA may conduct an
emergency removal action
to remove or control the
threat.
• Public information activities
to keep citizen and officials
informed. These activities
occur throughout the
course of the remedial
process. Public comment
periods are held at certain
key points in the remedial
process. U.S. EPA considers
public comments in making
decisions about remedial
activities at a site.
REGION V - KOHLER CO. LANDFILL SITE, KOHLER, WI
SUMMER/FALL 1986
A-50
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SECTION B
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTIONS
-------
SECTION B
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTIONS
This section contains descriptions of technologies
that are relevant to the Superfund program. Technology
descriptions include definitions of various cleanup
methods, such as air stripping and carbon adsorption.
Each item has been photocopied from a document published
by a Region, State, other governmental agency or organiza-
tion for distribution to the public. (Some of these tech-
nology descriptions may also be defined in S-ection C.)
3-i
-------
GROUNDWATER CONTROL
SECURE LANOFILL
Groundwater moves through soil and
fractured rock layers beneath the ground
surface. Groundwater control technologies
{not groundwater treatment) prevent
contact between clean groundwater and
contaminated waste deposits by diverting
the upgradient groundwater flow path
around the contaminated area. At Nyanza,
the technologies suggested for groundwater
control are the grout curtain, the
membrane cutoff wall, and pipe drains.
A grout curtain consists of holes drilled
into the bedrock beneath the soil. Grout,
a cement-like slurry, is then pumped at
high pressure into the bore holes to
spread out and plug any cracks that may
carry water through the bedrock.
TOP OF BECROCK-
7-: ^ -N
i
FIGURE 4:
ELEVATION
GROUT CUHTAIN
wa 11
A membrane cutoff
extension of a layered cap,
described above , that
impermeable membrane. ..
vertically below the ground surface
blocks the lateral flow of groune*
through the soil above the bedrock.
is s i mp 1 y an
like tne one
includes an
t extends
and
a ter
diversion channel
l MPERM£A0l£ —
MEMBRANE
JHBINAGE
LAYER — //i
5 A NO
BACKFILL
GRAVEL
PERF. PIPE QRAIN
BEDROCK
jSQUT
CURTAIN
FIGURE 5: DIVERSION CHANNEL WITH =>'PE ;3AIN
a,MO '.lEMSRA.Mc
A secure landfill is one that isolates
hazardous wastes between an impermeable
cap and an impermeable bottom liner. This
prevents contact between waste deposits
and possible transporting media such as
groundwater, surface water, or air.
Secure landfilling onsite reouires
preparing a temporary onsite storage area
while a secure facility is being buil:.
The finished structure may require vents
to prevent gas buildup within the landfill
mass.
X
mn 'Mm T-t
^ l«" natural joil with jp«en«" roPMn. |
12 OftAlNAGC LATCR
• impCAMCABCC I
2* COMPACTED CIA*
Mrt
IMPERMEABLE CLAY AND
MEMBRA .c" Cap
mt » T
o 3amq Pn.rei*
ccll£Ctiqm zone C
T
|J Ltl* Ot T£CT!0» ZONE
-iMvcn»etBt.e «cwsi>»hc
1* IOM»ACTEO CL*r
IMPERMEABLE CLAY ANO
MEMSRAflE LINES
REGION I - NYANZA CHEMICAL SITE, ASHLAND, MA APRIL 1985
B-7
-------
CAPPING
Capping is the covering of contaminated
wastes on site- 'Layers of compacted soils
and/or an impermeable synthetic liner
would be used. The cap prevents wind,
rain, and melting snow from carrying
contaminants beyond their primary
location. It also prevents direct human'
and animal contact with contaminants. A
finished cap is covered with topsoil and
seeded for erosion control and to make it
blend into the landscape. Maintenance is
minimal, requiring only regular inspection
and the filling of cracks or depressions
if they appear.
I
S" TOPSOIL
— rl|_TE3 F49RIC
" —iTJ
12" GRAVEL
20 MIL MEveRftNE .--0'
S" SANO 3E00ING
WASTE
SOIL CAP WITH MEMBRANE
B-8
-------
12" Compacted
Fill
Site Soik ConUminiltd
(Sjndr) Subsurface Soils
| |
TEMPORARY PERMANENT
FIGURE 3
CAP CROSS-SECTION
REGION VI - UNITED CREOSOTING SITE, CONROE, TX AUGUST 1986
B-9
-------
Air
Water
Quencn
(Cooling)
Waste
Secondary Comoustion
IHigh Heatl
— Waste ^
~ Water ~
Figure 2
ONSITE INCINERATOR
REGION VI - SIKES DISPOSAL PITS, HARRIS COUNTY, TX SEPTEMBER 1986
B-10
-------
The Flushing Remedy
On-site
Pretreatntent
Facility *-
Injection of
Clean Water into
the Landfill
Slurry Wall
tfefflbrane
Cap —,
Buried Waste
Chestnut Branch
Cohansey Sand
jlOrkwood C!ay^
K1 rkwood Sand
(Note: Off-site Collection System is not shown.)
Mot to Seals
Extraction of Ground Mater/Leachate
from the Landfill
REGION II - LIPARI LANDFILL SITS, MANTUA TOWNSHIP, NJ OCTOBER 1986
B-ll
-------
Ground-Water Monitoring
EPA requires surveillance of ground water adjacent
to the hazardous-waste site, to detect any changes in
quality that would betray leakage from the landfill.
Monitoring wells must be located by the geologist as part
of the initial site plan to assure that performance stan-
dards are met. The geologist determines the exact place-
ment and depth of wells, based on ground-water flow and
the nature of the rocks. Monitoring nearby ground water
provides early warning of any contamination, so that
remedial action can be taken, reducing environmental
damage.
In the illustration, water quality is monitored both
up-gradlent from the landfill, and down-gradient. The
results are compared. Any difference indicates possible
leakage from the landfill.
BOUNDARY OF WASTE
management area r
UPGRADIENT
MONITORING
WELL
DOWN-GRADIENT
MONITORING WELLS
"1 /
/
/
9
-•>
After Alien Morrison m
Civil Engineering ASCE
Deep-Well Injection of Liquid Waste.
WELLHEAD
PRESSURE
GAUGE
2
ANNULUS
GAUGE
' \ ' \ ' \ '
y '' ' /"
CONOUCTOR
PIPE
WASTE FLUIO from
INJECTION PUMP
MONITORING
WELL
JA
LOOSE
-SURFACE
SOIL
CEMENT TO
SURFACE
SURFACE
CASING '
CASING . x
SHOE ...
rv
FRESH-
WATER
AQUIFER
IMPERMEABLE
-• SHALE
JNJECTION
CASING
LINEO
CEMENT
NJECTION
PACKER
TUBING
OISPOSAL
FORMATION
Toxic liquid wastes and other noxious fluids
may in some places be safely mjecfed into
deep permeable rocks far below fresh-water
aquifers. Such disposal is generally to deep
saline (or otherwise unusable) ground waters
that are isolated from fresh-water sources.
Great care is required m well-casing design
and operations to avoid leakage that could en-
danger usable fresh-water supplies. It is im-
portant m site selection to choose places
where ihe hydraulic head of the miction can
be dissipated to avoid applying excess
pressure to ihe well system or the receiving
zone.
Properly constructed oil wells are cased in
similar fashion, io safeguard ground waters,
but m many old-producing districts saline
water escapes ihrough leaky casings and
holding ponds, causing exiensive local con-
tamination.
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS (AIPG) - HAZARDOUS WASTE
ISSUES AND ANSWERS SEPTEMBER 1985
B-12
-------
SCAVENGER CONTROL a
AHO PUMP AS9CM8iff
RECLAMATION
Contaminated zones can in some cases be
isolated using slurry trenches, grout curtains,
or sheet piling. Reclamaoon methods include
extraction of contaminated water by means of
interceptor wells and trenches, or skimmer
wells for light-weight fluids, and then treating
the water. Some contaminants can be neutral-
ized in place with chemicals or biological
agents.
PUMP
CISA* CO*TROtS ~1 "€U CASINO
UATtH 'I v I
¦ ¦ ¦0U^T~~~| ¦ .¦
0€«*O«ATCO
W€U CASJNC
I PIL LAYEB."
OIL
WATER
F'treR
auov
Floating contaminants, such as oil from surface spills
commonly can be removed with skimmer systems.
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS (AIPG) - GROUND WATER:
ISSUES AND ANSWERS 1985
B-13
-------
GROUNDWATER RECOVERY
AND TREATMENT
Contaminated groundwater would be
treated with an air stripper and carbon
adsorption. The figure below shows the
treatment process. This sytem would
remove most volatile and non-volatile
organic compounds.
The Air Stripper would pump water to the
top of a tower. As water cascades down
through the tower, a fan blows air past
the water, causing the volatile organic
compounds to pass from (or be stripped
from) the water to the air.
With Carbon Adsorption, water from the
air stripper passes into tanks
containing activated carbon (treated
material that attracts contaminants).
The contaminants cling to the carbon;
clean water leaves the system.
REGION I - BEACON HEIGHTS LANDFILL, BEACON HEIGHTS, CM JUNE 1985
Groundwater
Recovery and Treatment
B-14
-------
GROUND WATER EXTRACTION ANO TREATMENT
Carbon
FHlrillOA
Plea from
Extraction OFF-3IH
o O* «
O « ® •
. , 0 a0" "
? 0 O
* o * Treated Water
Olacherged
O
o o
O «0
4
• o O
o Q •
<* . V*« •£) • *
o O To Qround ffil«r • , q
^ ft
4. o
0
^rr
11 »o,0 » *a**"0 Oa» r\*^ '
Q o Q • Q a o% ° ^ • ° * * * * o • * * o-
0 ° o « . ' .o • 3T - * O•. Q -.0 a _
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8o4roch
Wotortablo* -
- V,
ALTERNATIVE 2: Aaration with Ground Watar
Extraction and Treatment
Under the second alternative recommended
in the draft FS, concaainaced soil on the
McXin site would ba aeracad to remove
contaminants and co pravant further
contamination of the ground wacar. In
addition, ground wacar would ba extracted and
craatad to reoova contaminants already in the
ground wacar.
Aeration involves rotottiling or
otherwise breaking up contaainated soil and
exposing it to the air, allowing the
contaminants to evaporate (Figure 5).
One-foot layers of the soil would be tillad
every two days until it is deconcaainatad;
this layer would then be scraped off and the
layer below it would be tilled. This
procedure would be concinued until all of the
soil is deconcaainacad, then the soil would
be replaced and the site graded.
Aerating the soil at the KcKin site would
remove contamination from the soil and thus
remove the source of ground water
contamination. However, there would be a
potential for Jhort-tara exposure of
residencs near the facility to the
concaainancs due to air taissions during
aeration. Emissions would be carefully
monitored, and operations would cease if
contaminant levels at the nearest residence
exceeded proposed Maine air quality
standards.
Figure S
AERATION
evaeeraime
CRenueaie
Tractor
aototlller
?A*\-
Aerated Sen
In addition, this alternative would
remove contamination already in the ground
watar. As with the previous alternative,
this would be accomplished through ground
watar extraction and treatment. As described
under the previous alternative, ground water
would be extracted from three locations,
treaced, and then returned to the ground
watar. It is estimated that by using this
alternative, the ground water would be
essentially free of contaminants in five
years. Ground wacar pumped from extraction
wells would be sampled periodically to
determine how long the ground water
extraction and treatment systems would need
to operate.
This alternative would cosc approximate ly
S2 , 335,000
REGION I - MCKIN FACILITY, GRAY ME MARCH 1985
B-15
-------
backfill
TRENCH
b«ckhoe
man
SACK HOC
/ / ¦ c
'A' AQUIFER
sano and Travel
' ' CLAY
scHCMAnc of
SLUftffY tIAU
• CONSTRUCTION PROCEOURC
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA
MCMfffO 'Om
FAIRCHILO
SEMICONDUCTOR CORP
CoiftoaleErtgirieers
Figure 3 E336 Schematic of Slurry Vail Construction Procedure
FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - THE VIEW
MAY 1986 VOL. NO. 8
3-16
-------
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With increasing public concern over
Ihe long-term environmental effects ol
land disposal, incineration ol hazard-
ous waste is emerging as a preferred
method of treatment
The chiel advantage ol incineration
is lhat it can completely destroy many
wastes, or at least gieatly reduce their
volume However, incineration will not
fully eliminate Ihe need for landfills,
since the remaining ash has to go
someplace. In mosl cases, ihe ash
does not react chemically with other
substances and is not dangeious
Nonetheless. EPA makes Sure it is
handled as hazardous waste when
it is placed in a landfill
Incineration is effective on some
solid wastes as well as virtually all
liquid organic wastes such as paint
sludges and spent solvents The EPA
also recommends that, when possible,
wastes from Superlund sites be
incinerated
The average incinerator can burn up
to about I ton of wasie per houi When
done according to EPA standards, the
process is virtually odor tree
Generally, incineration involves
four ma|or steps
First, the waste is converted to a vapor
by heating n above the boiling point
of its organic hazardous components
Solid waste is usually converted to a
liquid, then 10 gas. while liquid waste
is usually converted directly to gas
Second, the waste gas is burned in
Ihe presence of air at a temperature
between 1500 and 2200 degrees
Fahrenheit Third, the remaining gases
pass through a cleaning system, such
as a scrubber, where soot and other
combustion products are lemoved
Finally, the cleaned gas is released into
the an and monitored by Ihe incinera-
ting facility Usually the cleaned gas
contains water and carbon dioxide,
both safe substances Any remaining
ash or solid residue is treated and
disposed ol in a landfill Thus
incineration completely destroys
Ihe toxic or hazardous constituents
in ihe wastes
Under RCHA. other performance
standards have been devised to
regulate incinerators Operators are
required to conduct a trial burn with
a small quantity of the waste before Ihe
actual incineration. They must also
ensure at least 99 99 percent
destruction and removal of principal
organic hazardous components or. in
Ihe case of diomn-containing wastes.
99 9999 percent destruction and
removal ol dioxin
The EPA sets limits on the emission
of hydrogen chloride and particles from
incinerators It also requires an
automatic system that slops ihe waste
feed to prevent malfunctions from
posing danger In addition, incineration
is sub|ecl to Ihe RCRA permit process
and all lis strict enforcement standards
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FACTSHEET
United Stales
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EPA's Ollice ot Research and Development (ORO) has recently completed
construction and testing ol a Mobile Carbon Regeneration System designed
lor deloxilying/regeneraling spent granular activated carbon (GAC). Follow-
ing pie-processing sleps. GAC Irealment Is commonly used lo remove
residual hazardous organic substances Irom water that has been con-
laminated by a spilJ or release, or from the aqueous leachate Irom uncon-
doned duinpsiles. EPA-ORD develops such equipment to actively encourage
Ihe use ol cost ellective, advanced technologies during cleanup operations.
Once an ilem ol hardwaie is complete, it Is tested under held conditions.
Alter testing, Ihe plans, specifications and oilier Information are made
available publicly lor the purpose of encouraging commercialization ol the
new technology. Numerous systems, including a mobile physical/chemical
processing system, a mobile water Irealment unll and a mobile laboratory,
have been developed by ORO, were duplicated by Ihe private sector, and are
now available commeicially.
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A-CARBON FEEQER
B ROTARY KILN
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A commonly used and generally ellective method lor removing low levels
ol dissolved hazardous organic substances Irom aqueous solutions Is ad-
sorption on GAC. During the Irealment process, the GAC binds the con-
taminants with hazardous organic chemicals to relatively high levels. When
Ihe carbon reaches lis adsorptlve limit, II must be disposed In an approved
manner, thermally regenerated, or destroyed (Incinerated). In some Inslances,
however, Ihe toxicity ol Ihe pollutant is such that transportation of the ex-
hausted carbon to a secure landlill or to a commercial deloxllica-
lion/regeneralion facility is not acceptable Further, Ihere may be economic
advantages in processing ihe spent GAC for reuse al Ihe site.
The Mobile Carbon Regeneration System, mounted on a 13 7 m (45-tt) long
semi-trailer, is equipped with a rotary Kiln, a secondary combusllon chamber,
a gas scrubber, GAC quench and product vibratory screen lor GAC dewaler-
ing, instrumentation, a small laboratory, and an on board diesel eleclric
generator. The unit Is thus self-conlained except lor luel and water supplies.
Wei GAC Is screw-ted through a teeder lo a dlrect-llred, countercurrent rotary
kiln (see Jllusi/alion) at a maximum rale ol 90 kg/h (200 IbJh). During a
residence lime ot approximately 20 minutes, Ihe GAC Is heated in a slightly
air-starved atmosphere to about 1000"C (1800*F). Water Is injected at Ihe
discharge end ol the kiln as a reactivation aid. The hot GAC Is then quenched
in water and sized on vibrating screens lo remove fines.
When contaminated GAC Is healed in Ihe kiln, oiganic substances are
desorbed and volatilized. All vapors and gases Irom Ihe kiln flow through a
duct into the secondary combustion chamber where an excess oxygen level
is maintained. Temperature and residence lime are controlled lo assure
desorption/deloxiflcation ot hazardous organic substances. Including
chlorinated hydrocarbons. Olt-gases are water-quenched and scrubbed with
an alkaline solution before being vented lo the atmosphere. Slack gases and
used process water are monitored.
In recent tests using GAC contaminated with orlhodichlorobenzene and
telrachlorcettiylerre, GAC recoveries averaged better than 95% and absorp-
tive capacities were reslored to more than 90% of that ol virgin GAC.
Destruction and removal efficiencies ot Ihe principal organic hazardous con-
stituents exceeded 99.9999%, combustion efficiencies were greater than
99 99%, and HCI removal efficiencies surpassed 99.9%. Slack emissions ot
specific contaminants (particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, tolal
tiydiocaibons) were all well below emission limits established by Ihe New
Jeisey Department ol Enviionmental Protection
t<» lu'ihei mloinialion. (.onlacl Richard P Traver, or John E Brugger,
• Vodbtib Conkoi Biancn. Ha/aiUous Wasle Engineering Research
i j|H.idi,,iy uS EPA. Edison. Now Jtiisey Telephone numbers are. (20t)
J2I 66/7r6634 (commercial) or 3406677/6634 (FTS)
-------
United States
Environmental
Protection Agency
Office of Waste Programs
Enforcement
Washington, D.C. 20460
Winter 1987
S/AT/87-2
FACT SHEET:
Incineration Of
Hazardous Waste
&EPA
Introduction
Hazardous waste is produced
as a result of current manufactur-
ing processes that supply prod-
ucts we use daily, from food,
clothing, and shelter to recrea-
tion and health care products.
Hazardous waste is often a result
of mixing chemical compounds
that are produced and shipped by
a number of separate industries.
A national sun/ay conducted by
the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) in 1986 estimated
that 247 million metric tons of haz-
ardous waste are managed in
regulated facilities nationwide
each year - roughly one ton per
every man, woman and child in
the United States. Dealing with
hazardous waste safely, then, is a
major responsibility that rests with
each of us. Properly managing
such waste requires close coordi-
nation among Federal agencies,
State and local government, pri-
vate industry, and the public.
Until the late 1970s, land dis-
posal was the cheapest and,
thus, preferred means of dispos-
ing of hazardous waste. Experi-
ence at some landfills since that
time, however, has demonstrated
the potential for serious health
and environmental impacts from
improper land disposal. Recog-
nizing this threat to human health
and the environment. Congress
revised the Resource Conserva-
tion and Recovery Act (RCRA)-
the law that regulates the han-
dling of hazardous waste. Recent
revisions to RCRA discourage
future land disposal of hazardous
waste by piacing stringent limits
on the types ol wastes that can
be disposed ot in this manner.
As a consequence, more and
more hazardous waste pro-
ducers, as well as operators and
owners of treatment and disposal
facilities, are using methods other
than land disposal to handle
wastes. EPA also is seeking,
where appropriate, to use alter-
natives to land disposal for clear-
ing with hazardous substances
from sites regulated under the
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and
Liability Act (CERCLA or Super-
fund). CERCLA was reauthorized
on October 17, 1986, with the
enactment of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthor-
ization Act (SARA). EPA is hope-
ful that many treatment tech-
nologies will be demonstrated
and available for full-scale use in
the coming years. The Super-
fund Innovative Technology Eval-
uation (SITE) program was estab-
lished lo support such demon-
strations.
Incineration is one of the avail-
able alternative technologies lo
treat many types of hazardous
waste. Incineration can destroy
organic waste such as dioxins and
polychlorinated biphenyls (PC8).
B-20
Furthermore, this method can
handle waste in many forms
including soils, drums ot sludges
and solids, and liquids. Some
types of incineration even allow
lor recovery of energy or mate-
rials.
Incineration has been used to
destroy hazardous waste in the
U.S. and Europe for several dec-
ades. EPA has studied and
tested commercial incinerators
and has conducted incineration
research for several years. Based
upon EPA's current knowledge,
well-operated incinerators safely
destroy hazardous wastes. EPA
is continuing to study incineration
in an effort to gather additional
data on how best to incinerate
hazardous waste and minimize
the potential for harmful emis-
sions.
What Is Hazardous Waste
Incineration And How Does
It Work?
During hazardous waste inciner-
ation, the individual molecules of
many organic hazardous matenals
are efficiently broken down into
their basic atomic elements and
detoxified using high tempera-
ture heal and llame (typically
1800° F to 2500° F). These basic
elements (hydrogen, carbon,
chlorine, nitrogen, etc.) are oxi-
dized into safer and more stable
-------
materials such as water, cartoon
dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
Some inert ash or residues,
organic-free particulates, and
small concentrations of organic
materials remain. How these
remaining materials are captured
is discussed later in this fact
sheet. Property done, high-tem-
perature incineration is a safe, effi-
cient, odorless, and smokeless
process that renders many of the
most toxic organic wastes perm-
anently harmless.
Two major types of hazardous
waste incinerators are in use
today: the liquid injection system,
which is limited to burning liquid
wastes, and the rotary kiln inciner-
ator, which is used to burn solids
as well as liquids. Other types of
hazardous waste incinerators
being used include the "fluidized
bed incinerator and the "infrared
incinerator." The type of hazard-
ous waste incineration chosen
depends upon the kind of hazard-
ous waste to be incinerated, its
physical state (e.g., liquid or
solid), and the way it is handled
and stored prior to incineration.
Many incinerators in operation
today combine these types for
more effective handling and
destruction.
What Kinds of Hazardous
Waste Can Be Incinerated?
All hazardous wastes can be
incinerated. Incineration, how-
ever, destroys only organic mate-
rial (PCBs, dioxins, etc.), not inor-
ganic materials such as hydrochlo-
ric acid, salts, and metals. Wastes
that contain a mixture of materials
including organic, inorganic and
metai waste may be treated by
incineration to detoxify the or-
ganic waste.
Are Highly Toxic Wastes
Destroyed by Incineration?
A common misconception is
that the more toxic a chemical, the
more difficult it is to bum. While
some chemicals are more easily
broken down through incinera-
tion than others, ease of thermal
decomposition is not related to
toxicity. EPA has determined
through an extensive incineration
research and evaluation program
that destruction of organic wastes
occurs irrespective of toxicity.
This feature is very important
because it means that chemicals
ranging from pesticides to PCBs,
benzene to dioxin, all break down
under heat, provided that appro-
priate conditions are met.
Where Are Hazardous
Waste Incinerators
Located?
Hazardous waste incinerators
that are built and operated where
the hazardous wastes are gener-
ated are called on-site inciner-
ators. They are typically con-
structed near a chemical plant or
manufacturing site. On-site incin-
erators also can be built at
Superfund sites if the amount of
waste that needs to be inciner-
ated is large. In 1985 there were
235 on-site facilities that handled
90 percent of the hazardous
waste incinerated each year in the
United States.
MOBILE INCINERATOR
An off-site incinerator is also
referred to as a "commercial facil-
ity" because hazardous waste
shipped from a variety of gener-
ators is incinerated at a single facil-
ity. Currently, 16 commercial haz-
ardous waste incineration facilities
are in use throughout the U.S.,
accounting for roughly 10
percent of the hazardous waste
incinerated. Most commercial
facilities are currently operating at
or near full capacity. 8ecause of
the large amount of wastes at
Superfund sites that can be incin-
erated, commercial incinerator
capacity will likely fall short of
needed capacity in the near
future.
A useful innovation for destruc-
tion of hazardous waste is the
mobile for transportable) incinera-
tor. These systems are hauled to
a site on flat bed trucks, then
assembled and tested. Mobile
incinerators typically have a
smaller capacity than stationary,
on-site units. Because mobile
incinerators are designed to be
moved, they are usually smaller
than most stationary facilities.
Mobile incinerators are particularly
appropriate for Superfund sites,
especially when the waste at
those sites can be cleaned up in a
limited period of time.
Hazardous
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B-21
-------
At What Rate Can An
Incinerator Handle The
Waste?
The rate an incinerator can
handle waste generally depends
on the volume and type of hazard-
ous waste to be destroyed and
the specific conditions at a site.
For example, hazardous wastes
are typically fed into the mobile
rotary kiln incinerator at a rate of
10,000 pounds per hour for con-
taminated solids and 7,000
pounds per hour for liquids. In a
mobile liquid injection system,
wastes typically can be fed at
1,500 gallons (over 12,000
pounds) per hour. These quan-
tities can be compared to those of
non-hazardous waste burned by
many municipal incinerators,
some of which handle 1,000 tons
(2 million pounds) of waste per
day.
Are All Hazardous Wastes
Completely Destroyed
During Incineration?
No incinerator can destroy 100
percent of the hazardous waste.
Minute amounts of hazardous
compounds are released into the
air through the incinerator stack
(chimney) or become mixed with
the ash. However, EPA requires
that each incinerator achieve a sat-
isfactory performance level. A
standard of at least 99.99 percent
has been set for destruction and
removal of hazardous com-
pounds introduced into inciner-
ators. For PCBs and dioxins,
incinerators must demonstrate a
destruction and removal effi-
ciency (DRE) of 99.9999 percent.
A 99.99 percent DRE means that
of every 10,000 pounds intro-
duced into the incinerator, at the
most, only one pound of resid-
uals remain. For PCBs and dioxin
compounds, the higher DRE of
99.9999 percent means that one
pound of residuals for every mil-
lion pounds introduced into the
incinerator may remain. EPA has
tested incinerators and found that
they can meet or exceed these
standards if operated properly. In
addition, EPA believes that,
based on current knowledge,
these standards protect human
health and the environment.
How Does EPA Know That
Performance Standards
Are Met?
To ensure that an incinerator
can operate at the established
performance level, trial bums are
conducted. Trial bums use sam-
ples of different hazardous
wastes, such as paints, sludges,
or chemical solvents, thai are
expected to be burned in a partic-
ular incinerator. The trial burn is
designed to test the unit under
the most difficult conditions the
incinerator will experience during
normal operations. For each
batch of mixed waste, EPA
selects up to six of the most con-
centrated and most difficult-to-
incinerate compounds. By dem-
onstrating that these compounds
are destroyed and removed to a
99.99 percent performance level,
trial burns demonstrate the maxi-
mum performance of the incinera-
tor. In addition, any time an incin-
erator is to bum a new waste con-
taining a more difficult-to-inciner-
ate compound than the test com-
pound. a sample of this waste is
testbumed to guarantee that it will
be destroyed to 99.99 percent
efficiency. II it cannot be destroy-
ed to that efficiency, the waste
may not be bumed at that inciner-
ator.
The results of the trial bum are
used to set the conditions under
which the incinerator must oper-
ate to ensure that it meets the per-
formance standard. EPA speci-
fies these conditions in the oper-
ating permit for each incinerator
The permit outlines the maximum
allowable carbon monoxide level
in the stack exhaust gas, the maxi-
mum waste feed rate, the mini-
mum combustion temperature,
the appropriate indicator for com-
bustion gas velocity, allowable var-
iations in incinerator system de-
sign or operating procedures,
and other parameters necessary
to ensure proper operation. Haz-
ardous waste cannot be fed into
the incinerator unless the incinera-
tor is operating within these speci-
fied conditions. When conditions
deviate from these established
permit limits, the incinerator trig-
gers a waste feed cut-off system
thereby ensuring no emission of
hazardous waste from the
incinerator.
What Happens to the
Residuals Produced by
Incineration?
Under EPA's incinerator regu-
lations, ash that is removed from
the incinerator (both at the bot-
tom of the unit and from the stack)
is always assumed to be hazard-
ous and must be disposed of at a
RCRA-permitted facility. EPA may
be petitioned to "delist" the resi-
due to formally determine that it is
not a hazardous waste. If the resi-
due is determined (through chem-
ical analysis) to be non-hazard-
ous, it may be disposed of in a
municipal landfill. In addition,
scrubber water must meet the
Clean Water Act standards to pro-
tect public health and the environ-
ment before it can be discharged
to a river, stream, or lake.
How Much Does
Incineration Cost?
The cost of off-site, commercial
incineration varies widely. Many
factors influence costs, including
concentration of the hazardous
waste, its physical state (e.g.,
liquid or solid), its potential for
burning, the manner in which it is
fed into the incinerator, and
pretreatment requirements. The
size and characteristics of the
incinerator also affect costs. The
use of mobile or on-site inciner-
ators can, in some cases, reduce
the costs of treating the more
B-22
-------
difficult wastes. More experience
with using mobile and on-site
facilities for Superfund cleanup is
needed, however, to determine
actual costs.
Who Regulates Hazardous
Waste Incineration
Facilities?
All off-site and on-site hazard-
ous waste incinerators are regu-
lated by EPA or the appropriate
State government acting under
the authorization of EPA. Inciner-
ation is one of the final steps in
the "cradle to grave" regulatory
management system created by
Congress under the RCRA legisla-
tion. "Cradle to grave" means that
from the point at which a hazard-
ous waste is generated to its ulti-
mate destruction or disposal, it
must be managed and monitored
to ensure protection of human
health and the environment.
Under RCRA, all incineration
facilities except those at Super-
lund sites must obtain a permit to
operate. Although a permit is not
required for on-site incineration at
a Supertund site, EPA complies
with the substantive require-
ments of RCRA, including the
technical requirements pertaining
to permitting. If hazardous waste
from a Supertund site is sent to
an off-site incinerator, the inciner-
ator must comply with alt RCRA
requirements, including permit-
ting.
To receive a permit, owners
and operators of incinerators are
required to submit information on
the design, operation, and future
closure of the facility. They also
must submit information on the
financial capability to cover
closure of the facility and liability
for bodily injury or property dam-
age to third parties. The informa-
tion submitted by the permit appli-
cant must specify what analyses
will be made of all hazardous
wastes prior to incineration to
ensure that the wastes are suited
to the technology. Security
measures, such as installation of
a fence around the facility and
adequate surveillance, also are
required. Further, owners and
operators must develop and fol-
low a written inspection schedule
to assess the overall safety of the
facility, and they must use trained
facility personnel. Owners and
operators also must prepare an
action plan for emergency situ-
ations and ensure that emer-
gency prevention measures are
taken. Finally, up-to-date
recordkeeping and reporting on
the operation of the facility are
required.
Who Monitors the
Incineration Process
During a Superfund
Response?
During a Superfund response,
EPA or the State will lead the tech-
nical activity or monitor the act-
ivities of the State or private party
conducting the cleanup. Private
firms, however, will actually con-
duct the cleanup activity at the
Superfund site. If mobile or on-
site incineration is the chosen
cleanup option, highly trained
incineration engineers from com-
mercial incineration f irms will oper-
ate the incinerator system. EPA
or the Slate, as part of their moni-
toring of contractor performance,
will monitor trial bums of the incin-
eration process, and will inspect
incinerators at least twice a year
(as required by RCRA) to ensure
that safety and health practices
are being followed and wastes are
being destroyed effectively.
How Can The Public
Participate in the Process?
EPA provides several opportun-
ities for public participation when
initiating activities at a Superfund
site. In a report called the feasibil-
ity study. EPA or the State must
describe the options that it is con-
sidering for dealing with hazard-
ous wastes at the site. One of
these options may be incineration
either at the site (mobile or on-
site) or at a commercial facility
located offsite. The public will
have a minimum of three weeks to
comment on treatment and dis-
posal options documented by the
feasibility study. EPA must con-
sider and address these public
comments before it decides
which option to use. In addition,
EPA or the State generally will
hold public meetings and issue
status reports to keep the commu-
nity advised of site activities, site
conditions, and opportunities to
participate in meetings. For ad-
ditional information, a Superfund
Regional contact is provided
below.
SUPERFUND CONTACT:
B-23
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SECTION C
GLOSSARY
-------
SECTION C
GLOSSARY
The glossary section contains definitions of program
terms, chemical names and cleanup technologies that are
relevant to the Superfund program. This update includes
150 new entries as well as all entries from the original
catalog. Each item has been reproduced from a document
published for distribution to the public by a State,
Region, other governmental agency or relevant organization
such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the League of
Women Voters (LWV), and the American Institute of
Professional Geologists (AIPG). By reprinting these
terms, EPA is not approving them or making them "official"
EPA definitions. Rather, they have been included to show
how others have chosen to define technical or program-
specific terms for a public audience.
Glossary entries were chosen that are not just
specific to one site. Region or organization, but that are
generally applicable and relevant to the Superfund
program. The source of the publication, the date it was
published, and, where appropriate, the location of the
Superfund site follow each entry. Some terms may be
included that are no longer in use (e.g., initial remedial
measure (IRM)), but may be useful in describing the
history of a site to the public. (Note: The acronyms
shown above are used in this chapter in citing glossary
items written by these organizations.)
C-i
-------
GLOSSARY
-A-
Acceptable Daily Intake (API) — Estimate of the largest
amount of a substance which is not expected to result in
any adverse effects after chronic exposure to the general
population, including sensitive s.ubpopulations. Not
recommended for carcinogens. Expressed in milligrams per
kilogram body weight per day (mg/kg/day) or in milligrams
per day for a 70 kg <150 lb.) person. (NC, Chemical
Hazard Communication in North Carolina: The Right to
Know, 1986).
Acetone — Is a colorless liquid with a sweetish odor. It
is used as a solvent. Acetone is used in the production
of lubricating oils and various pharmaceuticals and
pesticides, Prolonged or repeated topical use may result
in erythema and dryness. Inhalation may produce headache,
fatigue, excitement, bronchial irritation, and in large
amounts, narcosis. (V, Summit National Site, 7/85)
Acrvlonitrile — A chemical used in the production of
synthetic fibers, plastics, and acrylics. In 1980, 1.8
billion pounds were produced in the United States, making
it the 42nd highest volume chemical produced in the
Nation. Acute symptoms of acrylonitrile exposure are
similar to cyanide poisoning: headaches, dizziness,
tremors, and jaundice. Long-term exposure to
acrylonitrile can cause damage to the liver, the kidneys,
and the central nervous system. It's a suspected
carcinogen in humans. (V, "Toxic Chemicals, What They
Are, How They Affect You")
Activated Carbon — A highly absorbent form of carbon used
to remove odors and toxic substances from gasious
emissions, and to remove dissolved organic matter from
waste water. (NC, Treatment Technologies for Hazardous
Waste, 1986).
Acute Toxicity — The capacity of a substance to cause
poisonous effects soon after a single exposure or dose.
(NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Administrative Order on Consent (AO) — A legal and
enforceable agreement signed between EPA and potentially
responsible parties (PRPs) whereby PRPs agree to perform
C-l
-------
or pay the cost of site cleanup. The agreement describes
actions to be taken at a site and may be subject to a
public comment period. Unlike a consent decree, an
administrative order on consent does not have to be
approved by a judge. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary,
Winter 1986)
Adsorption — Adhesion of the molecules of a gas, liquid
or dissolved substance to a surface. Adsorption leads to
bioaccumuation, since aquatic organisms feeding on aquatic
plants, sediments or detritus will ingest adsorbed
toxics. (NC, Introduction to Toxic Substances Management,
1986)
Air Stripper — A device that removes volatile chemicals
from contaminated water by mixing water with air. (IX,
BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Alluvium — Debris from erosion, consisting of some
mixture of clay particles, sand, pebbles, or larger
rocks. Usually a good, porous, storage medium for ground
water (AIPG, Ground Water: Issues and Answers, 1985)
Ambient Air — Outdoor air. (IX, BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Aquifer — A layer of rock or soil below the ground
surface that can supply usable quantities of ground water
to wells and springs. Aquifers can be a source of water
for drinking and other uses. (IX, Selma Pressure Treating
Company, 7/85)
Aguitard — A layer of rock or soil below the ground
surface that is capable of transmitting some water, but
not enough to supply water to wells. (V, Pristine, Inc.
Site, 3/85)
Areas of Concern — Site problems grouped by a common
characteristic, i.e., soil, ground water, onsite
facilities, and the Ford Canal, which are both pathways
and receptors of contamination. (V, Chem-Dyne Site, 11/84)
Arsenic — Extensively used in insecticides and weed
killers because of its highly toxic character. Also used
in the manufacture of glass and in wood preservatives
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(sodium arsenate). Widely distributed in nature, arsenic
has been found in sea water, spring water, and in
association with mineral deposits of silver and antimony.
(IX, Selma Pressure Treating Company, 7/85)
Asbestos — A building and insulating material widely used
for years because of its strength and heat-resisting
qualities, has been found to cause asbestos is — a severe
lung ailment, certain types of lung cancer, and other
respiratory problems. If not completely sealed in a
product, asbestos can break into tiny fibers that float
almost indefinitely in the air. These fibers are smaller
and more buoyant than ordinary dust particles and
therefore are easily inhaled or swallowed. In 1972,
asbestos was banned for use in clothing. In subsequent
years it was banned for use in fire-proofing materials and
in several other products. By 1982, of the 22,723 schools
in EPA Region 5 that were inspected for asbestos problems,
4,624 required corrective measures. (V, Mid-State
Disposal Site, 11/84)
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-B-
Backfilling — Is the replacement of excavated materials
with clean fill, frequently from offsite locations, to
prepare a surface for additional technologies such as the
construction of a secure landfill or the restoration of
the site surface. (I, Nyanya Chemical, 4/85)
Background Concentrations — Concentrations of a chemical
substance that occur naturally in the environment. To
determine the degree of contamination of a substance, it
is first necessary to establish the substance's background
concentrations. (V, Industrial Excess Landfill, 7/85)
Background Level — The average presence of a substance in
the environment, originally referring to naturally
occurring phenomena. Now man-made substances such as PCBs
are present in various places, so that one can refer to a
"background level" of PCB. (NC, Introduction to Toxic
Substances Management, 1986)
Base Neutral Acids (BNA's) — A group of organic compounds
that are not volatile, i.e., they do not readily
evaporate. BNA's tend to adhere to soil particles; they
also move slowly through soils. (V, Summit National Site)
Bedrock — A general term for the consolidated (solid)
rock that underlies soils or other unconsolidated
surficial material. (USGS, Water Supply Paper 2220:
Basic Ground Water Hydrology, 1983)
Benzene — Used more and more in recent years in the
synthesis of chemical compounds and drugs and in the
rubber industry. It is also added to gasoline as an
octane booster. Eight million tons are produced
annually. Benzene is released into the air primarily
through the distribution and use of petroleum products.
Evidence shows that long-term exposure in the workplace
can cause leukemia and that high dosages are fatal. EPA
estimates that three-fourths of all Americans have
probably been exposed to benzene in varying degrees. Much
of the exposure occurs when pumping gas at gasoline
stations. (V, "Toxic Chemicals, What They Are, How They
Affect You")
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Bioaccumulative — Substances that increase in
concentration in living organisms (that are not
metabolized or excreted) as they breathe contaminated air,
drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. (NC,
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Biodegradable — Having the ability to break down or
decompose rapidly under normal environmental conditions
and processes. (NC, Introduction to Toxic Substances
Management, 1986)
Biological and Infectious Wastes — Wastes for health care
facilities and laboratories, sewage sludges (if not
properly treated), and biological and chemical warfare
agents. Includes malignant or benign tissues taken during
autopsies, biopses, or surgery; hypodermic needles;
off-specification or out-dated drugs; bandaging material,
etc. Although the production of biological warfare agents
has been restricted, and production of chemical agents
discontinued, some quantities still remain. (NC,
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Biological Magnification — The concentration of certain
substances in a food chain. A very important mechanism in
concentrating pesticides and heavy metals in organisms
such as fish. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Management, 1/87)
Biological Treatment — A treatment technology which uses
bacteria to consume waste. This treatment consumes
organic compounds. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Management, 1/87)
Bottom Ash — Solid particles resulting from the
combustion of organic particles such as coal or wood, that
settle to the bottom of coal boilers. (V, Schmalz Dump,
7/85)
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-c-
Cadmium (Cd) — used in electroplating, in the manufacture
of batteries, and as a pigment. Chronic exposure to
cadmium can damage the liver and kidneys. It also has
been associated with hypertension. Heavy smoking appears
to increase the risk of cumulative toxic effects of
cadmium exposure. Studies on animals have shown that
cadmium can produce tumors and birth defects. (V, Fields
Brook, 4/85)
Capping — Capping is the covering of contaminated wastes
on site. Layers of compacted soils and/or an impermeable
synthetic liner would be used. A cap prevents surface
water runoff from carrying contaminants off the site. In
addition, it minimizes airborne transport of contaminants
and protects against people coming into contact with the
contaminated soil. A finished cap is covered with topsoil
and seeded for erosion control. Maintenance is minimal,
requiring only regular inspection and the filling of
cracks or depressions if they appear. (I, Cannon
Engineering Company, 7/85)
Carbon Adsorption — Contaminated groundwater is pumped
through a series of tanks that are packed with activated
carbon (treated material that attracts the contaminants).
The contaminants cling to the carbon and the clean water
leaves the system. Sampling of water discharge would
determine when the carbon materials needed to be
replaced. After the carbon is used, it would be
regenerated or disposed of in a permitted landfill. Clean
water from the system would be discharged to an onsite
drainage ditch. (V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Carbon Tetrachloride — A colorless liquid used in
refrigerants, metal degreasers, agricultural fumigants,
and as a dry-cleaning agent. Exposure to it can cause
damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Alcohol intensifies the likelihood of these effects
Studies of workers exposed to carbon tetrachloride have
concluded that it is a carcinogen. (V, "Toxic Chemicals,
What They Are, How They Affect You")
Carcinogen — Any substance that can cause cancer (the
appearance and rapid growth of abnormal cells). (NC,
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
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CERCLA — Also known as Superfund, this law authorizes the
federal government to respond directly to releases of
hazardous substances that may endanger public health or
the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
is responsible for managing Superfund. (VIII, Burlington
Northern Tie Treatment Site, 3/85)
Chemical Treatment — Covers a variety of treatment
technologies which use chemicals or chemical processes to
make waste less or non-toxic. (NC, Introduction to
Hazardous Waste, 1/87)
Chloracne — A severe type of skin inflammation in humans,
produced by high levels of certain chlorinated chemicals.
(NC, Health Effects of Toxic Substances and Hazardous
Waste, 1/87)
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons — Chemical compounds containing
chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen. Highly stable and fat
soluble, they tend to be accumulated by humans and other
organisms. Many pesticides (e.g., DDT) belong to this
class of compounds. (NC, Treatment Technologies for
Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Chlorinated Solvents — Any of a variety of organic
compounds containing chlorine used to dissolve other
substances. Most chlorinated solvents can be toxic to
varying degrees. (V, Kohler Company Landfill Site,
Summer/Fall 1986)
Chromium — Used in electroplating, in photography, and as
a paint pigment. Acute ingestion of one form of chromium
causes hemorrhages of the gastrointestinal tract.
Airborne chromium has caused lung and other respiratory
cancers in workers who were frequently exposed to it on
the job. (V, Arrowhead Refining site, 10/84)
Chronic Toxicity — The capacity of a substance to cause
long-term poisonous effects that occur some time after
exposure, such as cancer (NC, Introduction to Hazardous
Waste Management, 1/87)
Cleanup — Actions taken to deal with a release or
threatened release of hazardous substances that could
affect public health and/or the environment. The term
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"cleanup" is often used broadly to describe various
response actions or phases of remedial responses such as
the remedial investigation/feasibility study. (U.S. EPA,
Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Comment Period — A time period during which the public
can review and comment on various documents and EPA
actions. For example, a comment period is provided when
EPA proposes to add sites to the National Priorities
List. Also, a minimum 3-week comment period is held to
allow community members to review and comment on a draft
feasibility study. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, winter
1986)
Community Relations Plan (CRP) — The CRP outlines
specific community relations activities that occur during
the remedial response at a site. The CRP outlines how the
EPA will keep the public informed of work at the site and
the ways in which citizens can review and comment on
decisions that may affect the final actions at the site.
This document is in the EPA repositories of information.
(V, Schmalz Dump, 7/85)
Cone of Influence — The area surrounding a wellfield from
which the wellfield draws its water. (IV, Remedies
Newsletter, 10/83)
Confined Aquifer — An aquifer trapped under a confining
layer of clay or rock. (IX, South Bay Site, 11/85)
Consent Decree (CD) — A legal document, approved and
issued by a judge, that formalizes an agreement reached
between EPA and potentially responsible parties (PRPs)
where PRPs will perform all or part of a Superfund site
cleanup. The consent decree describes actions that PRPs
are required to perform and is subject to a public comment
period. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Container — Any bag, barrel, box, can, cylinder, drum,
reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like, that contains
a hazardous chemical. Does not include pipes used to
transfer substances, or fuel tanks in cars, trucks, etc.
(NC, Chemical Hazard Communication in North Carolina: The
Ri qht-To-Know, 1986)
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Containment — The prevention of further migration of a
contaminant into surrounding soil and ground water. (IV,
Remedies Newsletter, 10/83)
Contaminant Plume — A column of contaminant with
measurable horizontal and vertical dimensions that is
suspended with and moves with ground water. (IV, Remedies
Newsletter, 10/83)
Contingency Plan — A document setting out an organized,
planned, and coordinated course of action to be followed
in case of a fire, explosion, or release of hazardous
waste constituents which could threaten human health or
the environment. (NC, Siting and Permitting Hazardous
Wastes in North Carolina, 1986)
Contract Lab Program — Laboratories under contract to EPA
which analyze soil, water, and waste samples taken from
areas at or near Superfund sites. (U.S. EPA, Superfund .
Glossary, Winter 1986)
Copper — Common metal found in many rocks, soils, oceanic
clays, and animal and plant life. Primarily used in the
electrical industry for conducting electrical current.
Manufacture of alloys are another important use. Many
salts of copper have been used as antiseptics and
insecticides. (IX, Selma Pressure Treating Company, 7/85)
Cost Recovery — A legal process where potentially
responsible parties (PRPs) can be required to pay back the
Federal government for money it spends on any.cleanup
actions. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Cradle to Grave — Handling of hazardous waste from
creation through ultimate disposal. (AIPG, Hazardous
Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/85)
Creosote — Coal tar used as a wood preservative to
prevent rot. (VIII, Burlington Northern Tie Treatment
Site, 3/85)
Cyanide — A poison that asphyxiates the cells in the
body. Warning signs of cyanide poisoning include
dizziness, numbness, rapid pulse, and nausea. A large
dose can cause immediate unconsciousness. It is primarily
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used in the extraction of ores, in electroplating, and in
metal treatments. It is also used in fumigation and in
the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. (V, Arrowhead
Refining Site, 10/84)
Crystalline Sulfur — The non-reactive form of sulfur at
ordinary temperatures, crystalline sulfur is used in the
manufacture of sulfuric acid, plastics, insecticides,
enamels, gunpowder, and matches. This substance may cause
irritation of the skin and the mucous membrane. (V,
Pristine, Inc. Site, 3/85)
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-D-
DDT (Pesticide) — The pesticide DDT was used extensively
during the 1940's, 50's and 60's to control insects on
food and fiber plants. Traces of DDT can be found in
almost all living organisms throughout the world —
including humans. The use of DDT is now banned in the
United States. (V, Pristine, Inc. Site, 3/85)
Deep Well Injection — Disposal of raw or treated
hazardous wastes by pumping liquid wastes into deep wells
in the ground. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Management, 1/87)
Destruction Removal Efficiency (PRE) — A measure of the
efficiency of a treatment process in destroying waste.
Thermal treatment facilities are required to achieve a DRE
of 99.99% which means that they must be able to destroy or
remove 99.99% of the principal organic hazardous
constituents. (NC, Treatment Technologies for Hazardous
Waste, 1986)
Dichloroethane (EDC) — Is used in the production of vinyl
chloride and as a chemical feedstock. It's also used as a
lead scavenger, a leaded-gas additive, an extraction agent
for caffeine, and a dry cleaning agent. In high doses,
dichloroethane can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and
lungs. (V, "Toxic Chemicals, What They Are, How They
Affect You")
Dichloroethylene — Is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid
used in cement latexes, film coating lacquers, paper
coatings, and certain fibers. It causes health effects
similar to carbon tetrachloride. (V, "Toxic Chemicals,
What They Are, How They Affect You")
Dioxin — A generic term for a group of 75 related
compounds known as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. The
most toxic compound of this group is
2.3.7.8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (2.3.7.8-TCDD).
Nobody produces dioxin on purpose. It is an unwanted but
almost unavoidable byproduct that comes from manufacturing
several commercial substances, chiefly the pesticide
2,4,5-TCP. Dioxin was also a contaminant in Agent Orange,
the defoliant used during the Viet Nam War. Tests on
laboratory animals indicate that 2,3,7,8-TCDD is one of
the most toxic substances made by man. It is also a
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suspected carcinogen in humans, although scientists are
still mystified by this chemical's effect on the human
body. (V, "Toxic Chemicals, What They Are, How They
Affect You")
Dispersion — The extent to which a liquid substance
introduced into a ground-water system spreads as it moves
through the system. (USGS, Water Supply Paper 2220:
Basic Ground-Water Hydrology, 1983)
Disposal — Final placement of wastes. Includes "secure"
landfill, surface impoundments, land-farming, deep-well
injection, and ocean dumping. (Deep-well injection and
ocean-dumping are banned in North Carolina). (NC,
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Distillation — A physical treatment process that purifies
liquids through boiling. The steam condenses to pure
water and pollutants remain in a concentrated residue.
(NC, Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Dosage — The- amount of chemical to which an animal or
human is exposed. (NC, Chemical Hazard Communication in
North Carolina: The Right to Know, 1986)
Dose-Response Relationship — The relationship between the
amount of exposure to a substance and the extent of the
toxic injury produced. (NC, Chemical Hazard communication
in North Carolina: The Right to Know, 1986)
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-E-
Ecosystem — A group of organisms that interact with each
other and the physical environment and that affect the
other member species of that environment. (V, Schmalz
Dump Site, 7/85)
Effluent — Waste material that is discharged into the
environment. Generally refers to waste materials
discharged into surface water. (NC, Introduction to
Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Emissions — Generally refers to discharges of materials
such as dust, smoke, or gaseous substances into the
atmosphere. (IX, BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Endancrerment Assessment — A study conducted as a
supplement to a remedial investigation to determine the
nature and extent of contamination at a Superfund site and
the risks posed to public health and/or the environment.
EPA or State agencies conduct the study when legal action
is pending to require potentially responsible parties
(PRPs) to perform or pay for the site cleanup. (U.S. EPA,
Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Enforcement — EPA's efforts, through legal action if
necessary, to force potentially responsible parties to
perform or pay for a Superfund site cleanup. (U.S. EPA,
Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Environmental Response Team (ERT) — EPA hazardous waste
experts who provide 24-hour technical assistance to EPA
Regional Offices and States during all types of
emergencies involving releases at hazardous waste sites
and spills of hazardous substances. (U.S. EPA, Superfund
Glossary, Winter 1986)
Epidemiolocry — Study of the distribution of disease or
other health related states and events in human
populations, of the factors (e.g., age, sex, occupation,
economic status) that influence this distribution, and the
application of this study to control health problems.
(NC, Introduction to Toxic Substances Management, 1986)
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Erosion/Sediment Control — This technology is used,
during construction activities that disturb the earth, to
minimize the offsite migration of soil and sediments. (I,
Nyanza Chemical, 4/85)
Evaporation — A physical treatment that uses heat to
evaporate or dry up a liquid in a hazardous waste. (NC,
Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Total Excavation — Total excavation removes all
contaminated materials either for secure landfilling on
site or for offsite disposal in a licensed hazardous waste
facility. (I, Nyanza Chemical, 4/85)
Extractable Organic Compound — Organic compounds that
remain intact in soil and wastes and do not evaporate into
the air. (I, Davis Liquid Chemical Site, 6/86)
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-F-
Filtration — A physical treatment process that removes
particles of solid materials from water by passing it
through sand or other filter material. (NC, Treatment for
Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Fixation of Waste — Bonding or "fixing" waste to
relatively inert materials such as cement, so that ground
water in a landfill won't leach toxics into water supplies
(AIPG, Hazardous Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/85)
Flare Exhaust — The products of combustion and remaining
uncombusted gases given off by equipment used to flare
landfill gas. (IX, BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Fluorine — A derivative of coal tar and coke oven tars.
It is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. It is not highly
soluble in water but strongly absorbs into soils and
sediments. Little information is available on its
toxicological effects. (V, Summit National Site, 7/85)
Fly Ash — Finely divided particles contained in the
gasses that are released when coal is burned. (V, Schmalz
Dump Site, 7/85)
Formaldehyde — A colorless, pungent gas used in plastics,
plywood, foam insulation products, textiles, embalming
fluids, room deodorants, and as a preservative in
cosmetics. Prolonged exposure can cause eye irritation,
respiratory problems, and fatigue. EPA is currently
evaluating formaldehyde and may soon issue regulations to
reduce exposure to this chemical. (V, "Toxic Chemicals,
What They Are, How They Affect You")
French Drain — A crushed rock drain system which may be
enhanced with perforated pipe. (II, Lone Pine Landfill
Site, 11/86)
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-G-
Gas Migration — The movement of landfill gas in any
direction through soil and waste material. (IX, BKK
Landfill, 5/85)
Gas Venting — Gas venting safeguards a landfill cap by
allowing non-toxic gases that build up in stored wastes to
escape, thus preventing rupture of the impermeable cap
layers, (I, Nyanza Chemical, 4/85)
Geology — The science of the earth, its forces, rocks,
ground water and natural hazards. (AIPG, Hazardous
Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/85)
Geophysical Investigation — A study of existing surface
and subsurface geologic conditions using laboratory and
field techniques. (I, South Municipal Well Site, 12/86)
Grading — Grading is the rearrangement of the land
surface to improve surface water drainage or to prepare an
area for additional remedial technologies. (I, Nyanza
Chemical, 4/85)
Ground water — Underground water that fills pores in
soils or openings in rocks to the point of saturation.
(V, Mid-State Disposal Site, 11/84)
Ground-water Containment Barrier — A containment barrier
is a wall of impermeable substance below the ground which
surrounds the contaminated area. For maximum
effectiveness it must extend to bedrock. (I, Hocomanco
Pond, 7/85)
Ground-water Control — Ground-water control technologies
(not ground-water treatment} prevent contact between clean
ground water and contaminated waste deposits by diverting
the upgradient ground-water flow path around the
contaminated area. (I, Nyanza Chemical, 4/85)
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-H-
Half-Life — A measure of rate for the time required to
eliminate one half of a quantity of a substance in the
body or in the environment. For example, the half-life of
DDT in the environment is 15 years. (NC, Introduction to
Hazardous Substances Management, 1986)
Hazardous Waste Management — Systematic control of
hazardous waste transportation, handling, ad disposal.
(AIPG, Hazardous Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/85)
Hazard Ranking System (HRS) — Used by EPA to decide
whether a site should be placed on the NPL. The score a
site receives from the HRS compares the relative hazards
for different sites, taking into account the impact the
site has on ground water, surface water (e.g., streams and
lakes), and air, as well as the number of people
potentially affected by the contamination. Sites
receiving a score of 28.5 or greater are proposed for the
NPL. (IX, So. Pacific Transportation Co. Site, 8/85)
Heavy Metals — Metals including lead, chromium, cadmium,
and cobalt that can be toxic at relatively low
concentrations. (V, Schmalz Dump Site, 7/85)
Hydrocarbons — A class- of organic compounds containing
hydrogen and carbon often occurring as air pollutants from
incomplete incineration or evaporation of solvents. In
the presence of sunlight and oxides of nitrogen they can
form photochemical smog. (NC, Treatment Technologies for
Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Hydrogeology — Study of ground-water occurence and
movement in earthen materials. (I, Wells G & H Site,
11/86)
Hydrogeologic Study — A hydrogeologic study examines the
nature and distribution of aquifers and aquitards in a
geologic system. Part of a hydrogeologic study is
identifying the direction and rate of ground-water flow
within the aquifers and other geological strata. (V,
Industrial Excess Landfill Site, 7/85)
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Hydrologic Cycle — the global water cycle encompassing
the process of evaporation, precipitation, infiltration
and runoff. (LWV, Groundwater: A Citizen's Guide, 1986)
Hydrologic Study — A study to examine the flow,
interaction, and distribution of surface and ground waters
in an area. (V, Schmalz Dump Site, 7/85)
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-I-
Immediate Removal — Under Superfund, action(s) that must
be taken immediately to protect human health or welfare or
the environment from hazardous substances. (IV, Remedies
Newsletter, 10/83)
Impermeable Cap — A layer of clay, soil or synthetic
material (or a combination of these materials) which
covers the surface of a site. The cap is designed to keep
rain water from penetrating down into the waste and ground
water. (II, Lone Pine Landfill Site, 11/86)
Incineration — High temperature burning of materials to
destroy hazardous compounds. (IX, BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Information Repository — A file containing current
information, technical reports, and reference documents
regarding a Superfund site. The information repository is
usually located in a public building that is convenient
for local residents — such as a public school, city hall,
or library. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Initial Remedial Measures (IRMs) — Under Superfund,
action(s) that may be taken during a remedial response to
1) limit exposure or threat of exposure to a significant
health or environmental hazard or 2) stabilize an existing
situation at a site. IRMs are taken to permit the
implementation of additional, long-term actions. (IV,
Remedies Newsletter, 10/83)
Inorganic Compounds — Composed of mineral materials,
including elemental salts and metals such as iron,
aluminum, mercury, and zinc. (V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Interim Permit — Also called a Part A permit. Issued to
all treatment, storage, and disposal facilities in
operation before September 1980, the date the RCRA
regulations went into effect. Allows facilities to
operate until the Part 3, or permanent permit, is issued
or denied. (NC, Siting ana Permitting Hazardous Waste
Management Facilities in North Carolina, 1986)
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Interim Priority List — A list of the top-priority
hazardous waste sites in the country that are eligible for
remedial response under Superfund. (V, Chem-Dyne, 6/84)
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-L-
Lagoon — Shallow pond where wastewater is partially
purified by sunlight, oxygen and bacteria. (AIPG,
Hazardous Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/35)
Landfill — A secure landfill is one that isolates
hazardous wastes between an impermeable cap and an
impermeable bottom liner. This prevents contact between
waste deposits and possible transporting media such as
ground water, surface water, or air. Secure landfilling
onsite requires preparing a temporary onsite storage area
while a secure facility is being built. The finished
structure may require vents to prevent gas buildup within
the landfill mass. (I, Nyanza Chemical Site, 4/85)
Leachate — A common term when talking about landfills.
Leachate is not a specific chemical itself; it's a liquid
that has percolated through wastes and contains components
of these wastes. For instance, water may mix with leaking
wastes inside a landfill, become contaminated, and then
seep into the water table, polluting drinking water
wells. (V, "Toxic Chemicals, What They Are, How They
Affect You")
Leaching — Leaching refers to the movement of water
downward through the soil. The water tends to dissolve
and/or suspend some of the solid material from the soil
and carries it through to the water table. (V, Pristine,
Inc., 3/85)
Lead — Used in the manufacture of batteries and pigments
and metal smelting. It also is added to gasoline to
improve octane ratings, although in August 1984 EPA
proposed to dramatically reduce the level of lead in
gasoline. Exposure to low levels of lead over long
periods can cause brain, bone, and neurological damage,
and learning disabilities in children. Studies have shown
a direct correlation between levels of lead in gasoline
and levels of lead in children's blood. (V, Mid-State
Disposal, 3/85)
Liability — The quality of being legally responsible.
(NC, Chemical Hazard Communication in North Carolina: The
Right-To-Know, 1986)
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Liner — Plastic membrane and/or clay layer in a secure
landfill, designed to prevent the entry of ground water
and the exit of liquid leachate. (AIPG, Hazardous Waste:
Issues and Answers, 9/85)
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-M-
Mediation — A voluntary negotiation process in which a
neutral person assists the parties in a dispute to reach a
mutual agreement. (NC, Siting and Permitting Hazardous
Waste Management Facilities in North Carolina, 1986)
Mercury — Used in thermometers, batteries, fluorescent
light bulbs, pharmaceuticals, and many other products.
Mercury bioaccumulates in the tissues of fish, making many
larger ones unsafe to eat. Prolonged exposure can cause
kidney, brain, and neurological damage. Mercury is highly
toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. (V, Arrowhead
Refining site, 10/84)
Monitoring — Monitoring provides information about
continuing or changing contamination and could be
performed independently of cleanup or as an addition to
cleanup to determine the effectiveness of the cleanup
remedy. Results of routine sampling and analysis of
surface and ground waters, air, and soils are used to
determine the direction and extent of contaminant movement
and to reassess the risks posed to public health and the
environment. (I, Nyanza Chemical Site, 4/85)
Monitoring Wells — Wells that are installed in the ground
at various depths to study the hydrogeology of the area
and define the extent of ground-water contamination. (IX,
Selma Pressure Treating Company Site, 7/85)
Mutagen — Any substance causing a change in the genetic
material. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Management, 1/87)
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-N-
National Dioxin Strategy — In December 1983, EPA
announced a National Dioxin Strategy to determine the
extent of dioxin contamination throughout the country.
The strategy provides a framework under which the Agency
will:
Study the nature of dioxin contamination
throughout the United States and the risks to
people and the environment
Clean up dioxin-contaminated sites that threaten
public health
Find ways to prevent future contamination
Find ways to destroy or dispose of existing
dioxin.
To carry out its dioxin strategy, EPA established seven
categories or tiers of sites for investigation and study.
These sites range from those that are most probably
contaminated (Tiers 1 and 2) to those where there is no
expectation of contamination (Tier 7). EPA believes more
than 80 percent of the dioxin in the environment is
associated with the Tier 1 and 2 sites. The other tiers
are being evaluated in EPA's National Dioxin Study, which
was started in the summer of 1964, and is scheduled for
completion by the end of 1985. (V, Dioxin and Other
Pollutants, 5/85)
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan
(NCP) — The Federal regulation that guides the Superfund
program. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
National Priorities List
-------
National Response Team (NRT) — Representatives of
12 Federal agencies that coordinate Federal responses to
nationally significant pollution incidents and provide
advice and technical assistance to the responding
agency(s). (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Neutralization — A chemical treatment for reducing the
acidity or alkalinity of waste by mixing bases or acids to
produce a neutral solution. (NC, Treatment Technologies
for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Non-point source — pollution from water runoff over the
surface of the land (LWV, Ground Water: A Citizen's
Guide, 1986)
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-0-
Off-Site Facility — A place to treat, store and/or
dispose of hazardous waste located away from the operating
site. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management,
1/87)
On-Scene Coordinator — The Federal official who
coordinates and directs Superfund removal actions. (U.S.
EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
On-Site Facility — A place to treat, store, and/or
dispose of hazardous waste located at the generating
site. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management,
1/87)
Operable Unit — An action taken as one part of an overall
site cleanup. For example, a carbon adsorption system
could be installed to halt rapidly spreading ground-water
contaminants while a more comprehensive and long-term
remedial investigation/feasibility study is underway. A
number of operable units can be used in the course of a
site cleanup. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) — Activities conducted at
a site after a response action occurs, to ensure that the
cleanup or containment system is functioning properly.
(U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Operator — A person, company, or government unit that
conducts treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous
waste. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management,
1/87)
Organic Compounds — Composed of carbon, including
materials such as solvents, oils, and pesticides which are
not generally readily dissolved in water. (V, Chem-Dyne
Site, 6/84)
Overburden — General term for earthen materials such as
till or sand and gravel that has been deposited on the
bedrock by glaciers, water or wind. (I, Wells G & H
Sites, 11/86)
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Overdraftinq — the practice of pumping ground water at
rates in excess of recharge (LWV, Ground Water: A
Citizen's Guide, 1986)
Oxidation — A chemical treatment that changes the
chemical structure of waste by a chemical reaction which
removes electrons from waste compounds. (NC, Treatment
Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
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-p-
Particulate Matter — Dust and small particles of material
blown by the wind. Particulates may float in the air for
some time; chemicals can become attached to them and be
transported some distance from their original site. (IX,
BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Pathways of Contamination — The natural movement of
contaminants from within and between environmental areas
of concern. (V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Pathways of Migration — Ways in which contaminants may
move through the air, soil, and water. (V, Pristine, Inc.
Site, 3/85)
Pentachlorophenol (PCP)— An organic compound used as a
wood preservative. (IX, Selma Pressure Treating Company,
7/85)
Percolate — Movement of water downward through soil and
rock. (AIPG, Hazardous Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/85)
Permeability — The ability of a geologic formation to
allow movement of water. (LWV, Ground Water: A Citizen's
Guide, 1986)
Permit — (noun) A document issued by a government unit
that allows specific activities (such as constructing a
hazardous waste facility) to proceed under specified
conditions. (verb) To grant a permit. (NC, Siting and
Permitting Hazardous Waste Management Facilities in North
Carolina, 1986)
Persistence — Refers to the length of time a compound,
once introduced into the environment, stays there. A
compound may persist for less than a second or for
eternity. (NC, Introduction to Toxic Substances
Management, 1986)
Phenols — Phenols are a group of organic compounds that,
in very low concentrations, produce a taste and odor
problem in water. In higher concentrations, they are
toxic to aquatic life. Phenols are a by-product of
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petroleum refining, tanning and textile, dye and resin
manufacture. (V, Arrowhead Refining Site, 10/84)
Phthalates — A group of compounds often used in making
plastics and other petroleum-based products. (V, Fields
Brook, 6/85)
Physical Treatment — Covers a variety of treatment
technologies that make use of physical processes to render
hazardous wastes less toxic or to reduce their volume.
(NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Plume — A well-defined, usually mobile, area of
contamination found in surface water or ground water (I,
Wells G & H Site, 11/86)
Point Source — Any single identifiable source of
pollution: from pipes to ditches, bulldozers to ships,
ore pits to waste lagoons (NC, Introduction to Toxic
Substances Management, 1986)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) — Are a family of
organic compounds used since 1926 in electric transformers
as insulators and coolants, in lubricants, carbonless copy
paper, adhesives, and caulking compounds. They are also
produced in certain combustion processes, PCBs are
extremely persistent in the environment because they do
not break down into new and less harmful chemicals. PCBs
are stored in the fatty tissues of humans and animals
through the bioaccumulation process. EPA banned the use
of PCBs, with limited exceptions, in 1976. In general,
PCBs are not as toxic in acute short-term doses as some
other chemicals, although acute and chronic exposure can
cause liver damage. PCBs have also caused cancer in
laboratory animals. When tested, most people show traces
of PCBs in their blood and fatty tissues. (V, Fields
Brook, 4/85)
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) — PAHs are a
group of compounds that are often by-products of
combustion. Combustion sources include cigarettes, wood
stoves and fireplaces. Some PAHs occur naturally. PAHs
are also associated with coal tar derivatives. (IX, Selma
Pressure Treating Company, 7/85)
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Post-closure — The time period following the closure
(shut-down) of a management facility. (NC, Siting and
Permitting Hazardous Waste Management Facilities in North
Carolina, 1986)
Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) — An organization
or individual who may be responsible for generating,
transporting or disposing of waste at a site or the site
owner or operator. (V, Industrial Excess Landfill, 7/85)
PPB (parts per billion) — Used in reference to the amount
of one substance in another, as the amount of a pollutant
in water. Ppb is equivalent to micrograms per liter
(mg/P), or micrograms per kilogram (mg/kg), and
equals one ten-millionth of one percent. (NC, Health
Effects of Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste, 1/87)
PPM (parts per million) — used in reference to the amount
of one substance in another, as the amount of a pollutant
in water. Ppm is equivalent to milligrams per liter
(mg/P) or milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), and equals
one ten-thousandth of one percent. (NC, Health Effects of
Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste, 1/87)
Preliminary Assessment (PA) — The process of collecting
and reviewing available information about a known or
suspected hazardous waste site or release. EPA or States
use this information to determine if the site requires
further study. If further study is needed, a site
inspection is undertaken. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary,
Winter 1986)
Pyrolysis — The thermal decomposition of a compound.
Wastes are subjected to extremely high temperatures, which
vary depending upon the waste, in an essentially
oxygen-free atmosphere. Without oxygen, the wastes cannot
burn and are broken down into steam, carbon oxides,
volatile vapors, and charcoal. (NC, Introduction to
Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
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-Q-
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) — A site specific
plan which ensures consistency during the data collection
and analysis phase of the remedial investigation and
assures that the data is of a known and acceptable
quality. (V, Industrial Excess Landfill, 7/85)
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-R-
Radon — Radon is a naturally occurring inert radioactive
gas emitted from the earth. It does not readily form
chemical compounds with other elements. Since radon is
not attracted to other chemicals, it diffuses easily
through most materials such as wood, wall board, or
concrete block. (II, National Indoor Environmental
Institute, 1983)
RCRA — Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. (VIII,
Burlington Northern Tie Treatment Site, 3/85)
Recharge — The process by which aquifers are replenished
by water percolating into the ground from land surface,
streams and lakes. (LWV, Ground Water: A Citizen's
Guide, 1986)
Recharge Zone — A land area where rainwater soaks into
the ground and enters an aquifer. (NC, Siting and
Permitting Hazardous Waste Management Facilities in North
Carolina, 1986)
Record of Decision (ROD) — A legal document signed by EPA
that describes: the final remedial action selected for a
Superfund site; why the remedial actions were chosen and
not others; how much they will cost; and how the public
responded. (II, Lone Pine Landfill Site, 11/86)
Recycle/Reuse — A technique to minimize the generation of
wastes by recovery of usable products that otherwise might
become wastes. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Management, 1/87)
Reduction — A chemical treatment that changes the
chemical structure of waste by a chemical reaction that
adds electrons to waste compounds. (NC, Treatment
Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Regional Response Team (RRT) — Representatives of
Federal, State, and local agencies who may assist in
coordination of activities at the request of the On-Scene
Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager before and during
response actions. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, winter
1986)
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Remedial Action (RA) — The actual construction or
implementation phase that follows the remedial design of
the selected cleanup alternative at a site on the National
Priorities List. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter
1986)
Remedial Alternative — General response actions that
address areas of concern and pathways of contamination.
(V, Mid-State Disposal site, 11/84)
Remedial Design (RD) — An engineering phase that follows
the Record of Decision when technical drawings and
specifications are developed for the subsequent remedial
action at a site on the National Priorities List.
(U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) — The
RI/FS is a two-part study which is completed before
cleanup can begin. The first part is: The Remedial
Investigation (RI), which studies the nature and extent of
the problem. The second part is the Feasibility Study
(FS) which evaluates different methods of dealing with the
problem and selections of preferred method that will
effectively protect public health and the environment.
(V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Remedial Project Manager (RPM) — The EPA or State
official responsible for overseeing remedial response
activities. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Remedial Response — Under Superfund, a series of actions
intended to provide permanent resolution of a release or
potential release of a hazardous substance from a site.
Remedial response generally includes the following
sequence of activities: remedial investigation;
feasibility study; remedial design; and remedial action.
Initial remedial measure (IRMs) can also be part of a
remedial response. (IV, Remedies Newsletter, 10/83)
Removal Action — An immediate action taken over the
short-term to address a release or threatened release of
hazardous substances. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary,
Winter 1986)
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Resource Recovery — The process of obtaining matter or
energy from materials formerly discarded, e.g., solid
waste, wood chips. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste
Management, 1/87)
Response Action — A CERCLA-authorized action at a
Superfund site involving either a short-term removal
action or a long-term remedial response that may include,
but is not limited to, the following activities:
Removing hazardous materials from a site to an
EPA approved, licensed hazardous waste facility
for treatment, containment, or destruction.
Containing the waste safely on-site to eliminate
further problems.
Destroying or treating the waste on-site using
incineration or other technologies.
Identifying and removing the source of
ground-water contamination and halting further
movement of the contaminants.
(U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986}
Responsiveness Summary — A summary of significant
questions, concerns, and comments about the RI/FS and
possible final remedial actions raised by nearby
residents, local and state officials, and other interested
citizens. The responsiveness summary is incorporated into
the Record of Decision (II, Lone Pine Landfill Site, 11/86)
Revegetation — Topsoil, seed, and mulch are placed on
prepared soil surfaces to prevent erosion by water and
wind and to help the site blend into its surroundings.
(I, Nyanza Chemical Site, 4/85)
Right-to-Know — Describes legislation or regulations
founded on the philosophy that certain groups of people
(workers, emergency response personnel, and/or the general
public) have a right to know about hazardous materials
that may affect them. (NC, Chemical Hazard Communication
in North Carolina: The Right-to-Know, 1986)
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Risk — the change/probability of injury, disease or
death. (NC, Introduction to Toxic Substances Management,
1986)
Risk Assessment — An evaluation performed as part of the
remedial investigation to assess conditions at a Superfund
site and determine the risk posed to public health and/or
the environment. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary,
Winter 1986)
Rotary Kiln — A type of incinerator which rotates to
enhance the mixing of waste in the combustion zone.
Capable of burning virtually any liquid or solid organic
waste. (NC, Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Waste,
1986)
Routes of Exposure — Means by which people may come in
contact with contaminants, for example by breathing
contaminated air or drinking contaminated water. (I,
Wells G & H, 11/86)
Runoff — Water from rain, snow melts, or irrigation that
flows over the ground surface and returns to streams. It
can collect pollutants from air or land and carry them to
the receiving waters. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous
Waste Management, 1/87)
Run-on — Water from rain, snow melts or irrigation that
flows onto a landfill, surface impoundment or waste pile.
Land-based facilities are required to control run-on that
occurs after the facility is closed. (NC, Disposal and
Long-term Storage of Hazardous Waste, 1986)
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-s-
Scrubber — A device for removing impurities from a gas by
contacting the gas with a liquid. (NC, Treatment
Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Sediment — Materials that settle to the bottom of a
stream, creek, lake or other body of water. (V, Summit
National Site, 7/85)
Sediment Capping — This type of remedial action is
designed to eliminate surface water contact with
contaminated sediments, it is accomplished by the
placement of uncontaminated material in the water on top
of contaminated material. (I, Hocomonco Pond, 7/85)
Selenium — Selenium is a metal that occurs naturally in
the environment. It is persistent in the environment and
has been found to be teratogenic in laboratory animals.
(V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Short-Term Action — A response measure (action) that is
undertaken in conjunction with other longer-term
activities at a site. A short term action can be
investigated, evaluated, and implemented in a relatively
short period. A short-term action must be consistent with
a permanent remedy to improve the public health and
environment. (V, Schmalz Dump, 7/85)
Site Inspection — A technical phase that follows a
preliminary assessment designed to collect more extensive
information on a hazardous waste site. The information is
used to score the site with the Hazard Ranking System to
determine whether response action is needed. (U.S. EPA,
Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Sludge — A generic term that describes a thickened
solid/liquid waste by product of an industrial or
recycling process. (V, Pristine Inc., 3/85)
Sludge Lagoon — A pond used to dry or store semi-solid
waste products (sludge). (IV, Remedies Newsletter, 10/83)
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Slurry — A suspension of solids in a liquid. (NC,
Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Slurry Wall — A trench filled with a mixture of low
permeability materials. At the Lone Pine Landfill, the
slurry wall, composed of a bentonite/soil mixture, will be
imbedded into the soil layer known as the Hornerstown
Formation or extended to the lowest elevation of the
landfill. (II, Lone Pine Landfill Site, 11/86)
Soil Borings — Technique used for soil testing that
involves taking samples at various depths to study the
extent of soil contamination. (V, Pristine Inc., 3/85)
Soil Coring — A hole drilled into the ground for the
purpose of recovering a continuous sample of soil or
rocks. (IV, Remedies Newsletter, 10/83)
Solar Evaporation/Land Treatment — Evaporating liquid
wastes in settling lagoons and mixing the residue into the
soil, where bacteria helps to decompose organic waste.
(AIPG, Hazardous Waste: Issues and Answers, 9/85)
Solidification — A process to reduce the mobility of
liquid contaminants by spreading in a contained area,
mixing with clean soil and redepositing in the current
disposal area of the landfill. (IX, BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Solvents — A substance capable of dissolving another
substance to form a solution. The chief uses of
industrial solvents are as industrial cleaners (used in
degreasing), in paints, and in pharmaceuticals. Many
solvents are flammable and toxic to varying degrees. (V,
Pristine, Inc. Site, 3/85)
Split Samples — To ensure the accuracy of laboratory
analyses, samples are often divided and sent to different
laboratories for comparative analyses. (V, Dioxin and
Other Toxic Pollutants, 4/85)
Stabilization — A chemical treatment used before
disposing or storing waste on land which converts waste
into a form that is resistant to being dissolved. (NC,
Treatment Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
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Storage — Temporary holding of a hazardous waste pending
treatment or disposal. Storage methods are by containers,
tanks, waste piles, and surface impoundments. (NC,
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Stratification — The layered structure of sedimentary
rocks. (USGS., Water Supply Paper 2220: Basic
Ground-water Hydrology, 1983)
Sulfuric Acid — The most widely used industrial
chemical. It is toxic, strongly corrosive, and very
reactive. It is used to produce other industrial
chemicals, e.g., fertilizers, iron and steel, and dyes and
pigments. (V, Pristine, Inc. Site, 3/85)
Superfund — The common name used for the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act,
also referred to as the Trust Fund. (U.S. EPA, Superfund
Glossary, Winter 1986)
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) —
Modifications to CERCLA enacted on October 17, 1986.
(U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter 1986)
Surface Impoundments — In-ground ponds for treating,
storing or disposing of liquid wastes (NC, Introduction to
Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Surface Water — Water bodies surrounded by or on land
such as lakes, streams, rivers, or marshes. (NC,
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Surface Water Control — Surface water controls would
direct water off the site as rapidly as possible in order
to prevent water from seeping into the landfill and
increasing leachate. Ditches would redirect the surface
water from the site to a collection system around the base
of the landfill. The water would discharge to nearby
surface waters. (IX, BKX Landfill, 5/85)
Surface Water Diversion — Contamination of surface waters
(streams can be minimized by creating a diversion channel
or ditch to reroute surface runoff from precipitation
around or away from waste site). Diversion channels
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minimize the amount of surface runoff that come in contact
with the waste materials, thus, preventing contaminants
from washing off site into streams. The channels are
often lined with rocks to minimize soil erosion. (I,
Nyanza Chemical, 4/85)
Synergism — The interaction of two chemicals together,
having a greater total effect than the sum of their
individual effects. (NC, Introduction of Toxic Substances
Management, 1986)
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-T-
Teratogen — Any substance that can cause malformations in
unborn. (NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management,
1/87)
Tetrachloroethene — Tetrachloroethene is a clear,
nonflammable liquid with a strong odor. It is widely used
as a solvent, dry cleaning agent, degreaser, and
fumigant. (V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) — Is used in dry cleaning,
metal degreasing, textile dyeing, and various pesticides.
It's a central nervous system depressant that can cause
liver and kidney damage in animals. (V, "Toxic Chemical,
What They Are, How They Affect You")
Toluene — Is a clear liquid with a sweet, pungent odor.
It is used in the manufacturing of organic compounds, dyes
and explosives. Toluene is used as a solvent for paints
and coatings and a component of automobile and aviation
fuels. Exposure to levels of the chemical necessary to
produce physiological or toxicological effects would be
anticipated primarily in occupational or solvent abuse
(i.e., glue sniffing) situations. Local exposure may
cause irritation and drying of skin. Acute exposure to
toluene predominantly results in central nervous system
depression. (V, Summit National Site, 7/85)
Total Hydrocarbons — Methane plus other identified
compounds containing hydrogen and carbon. (IX, BKK
Landfill, 5/85)
Toxic — A chemical is toxic if it damages living tissue,
impairs the central nervous system, or causes birth
defects, illness, or death when eaten, drunk, inhaled, or
absorbed through the skin. (V, Fields Brook, 4/85)
Toxic Effects (acute and chronic) — Damage to organisms
resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. The
level of these effects depends on a number of factors
including the length of exposure, the concentration and
nature of the substance, and specific characteristics of
the exposed organism. Toxic effects that occur after
exposures of short duration (a single, brief exposure) are
referred to as acute effects. Toxic effects that occur
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after repeated or prolonged exposures (generally at low
levels) are referred to as chronic effects. (V, Schmalz
Dump, 7/85)
Toxic Mass Emission Rate — The weight of pollutants
released into the air from a source during a unit of time
(as in pounds per hour). (IX, BKK Landfill, 5/85)
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) — TSCA is intended to
provide protection from substances manufactured,
processed, distributed or used in the United States. A
mechanism for screening new substances before they enter
the marketplace and for testing existing substances that
are suspected of creating health hazards is required by
the Act. Specific regulations for controlling substances
found to be detrimental to human health and to the
environment may also be promulgated under this Act. (NC,
Introduction to Toxic Substances Management, 1986)
Treatment — Rendering a hazardous waste less hazardous,
non-hazardous, or reduced in amount through incineration,
chemical, physical, or biological treatment techniques.
(NC, Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Trichloroethane (TCE) — Trichloroethene (TCE) is a
colorless, nonflammable liquid that is primarily used as a
solvent in vapor degreasing. TCE is potential carcinogen
in humans. (V, Old Mill Site, 6/85)
Trichloroethylene — is used as an industrial degreaser; a
solvent for oils, paints, and varnishes; a dry-cleaning
agent; and an anesthetic. TCE is most often found in
ground water because of spills at industrial facilities
and other locations where TCE is used as a cleaning
agent. The chemical is a central nervous-system
depressant. People exposed to high levels of TCE become
sleepy, experience headaches, and may develop liver of
kidney damage. Animals exposed to high doses of TCE have
developed cancer. Also, drinking alcoholic beverages
tends to make the symptoms of TCE more severe. (V, "Toxic
Chemicals, What They Are, How They Affect Y"ou")
Trust Fund — A Fund set up under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to
help pay for cleanup of hazardous waste sites and to take
legal action to force those responsible for the sites
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to clean them up. (U.S. EPA, Superfund Glossary, Winter
1986)
TSD Facility — Treatment, storage, and disposal facility
for hazardous waste. (AIPG, Hazardous Waste: Issues and
Answers, 9/85)
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-u-
Unconfined Aquifers — Aquifers that do not have a layer
of confining rock above them. They are easily recharged
with percolating water. (IX, South Bay Site, 11/85)
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-V-
Vinyl Chloride — a gaseous raw material used in plastics,
floor tiles, food packaging, and as a propellant in
aerosol containers. Studies have shown that vinyl
chloride causes liver cancer. Lung cancer and cancer of
the lymphatic and nervous systems have also been
reported. (V, "Toxic Chemicals, What They Are, How They
Affect You")
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — A group of organic
compounds characterized by their greater tendency to
change into a gaseous state. (V, Fields Brook, 4/85)
Volatilization — The rapid vaporization/evaporation of a
substance into the atmosphere. (NC, Introduction to Toxic
Substances Management, 1986)
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-w-
Waste Pile — An above ground disposal technology in which
non-liquid waste is either (1) covered and kept in an
enclosed area, or (2) covered with double liners in an
unenclosed area. (NC, Disposal and Long-term Strategy of
Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Waste Stream — The continuous movement of waste from
generator to treater and disposer. (NC, Introduction To
Hazardous Waste Management, 1/87)
Water Purveyor — A public utility, mutual water company,
county water district, or municipality that delivers
drinking water to customers. (U.S. EPA, Superfund
Glossary, Winter 1986)
Water-Reactive — A chemical that reacts with water to
release a gas that is either flammable or presents a
health hazard. (NC, Chemical Hazard Communication in
North Carolina: The Right-to-Know, 1986)
Water Solubility — The maximum concentration a chemical
compound will dissolve in water. If a substance is water
soluble, it will very readily disperse through the
environment. (NC, Introduction to Toxic Substances
Management, 1986)
Water Table — The upper surface of groundwater.
(IX, Selma Pressure Treating Company Site, 7/85)
Wet Air Oxidation — A chemical and thermal treatment in
which the chemical structure of organic waste constituents
is altered by removing electrons (oxidized) at moderately
high temperatures and pressures. (NC, Treatment
Technologies for Hazardous Waste, 1986)
Wet1and — An area that is covered or saturated with water
long enough each year that it effects the types of soil
and vegetation found in the area. (V, Schmalz Dump Site,
7/85)
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Work Plan — The work plan describes the technical/
community relations activities to be conducted during the
RI/FS. (V, Industrial Excess Landfill Site, 7/85)
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-X-
Xylene — Xylene is used as a solvent, as a constituent of
paint, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, and cleaning
fluids, and is used in the leather industry. (V, old Mill
Site, 6/85)
C-4 7
-------
-z-
Zone of Aeration — The unsaturated area above the water
table in which pore spaces are filled with [both] air and
water. (LWV, Ground Water: A Citizen's Guide, 1986)
Zone of Saturation — The area below the zone of aeration
where the pore spaces are filled entirely with water.
(LWV, Ground Water: A Citizen's Guide, 1986)
C-48
-------
SECTION D
FACT SHEETS / NEWSLETTERS
-------
SECTION D
FACT SHEETS/NEWSLETTERS
This section contains copies of entire site-specific
fact sheets and newsletters that have been published by
Regions, States, other governmental agencies or organiza-
tions, or Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) for distri-
bution to the general public. Some site-specific sample
graphics have also been included- Documents in this
section were selected to illustrate a diversity of styles
and to cover a range of situations.
A Table of Contents for the 1987 update follows which
lists the document title, its subject matter, the author
and page number on which each fact sheet/newsletter included
in this section occurs. In addition, a brief paragraph
explaining why the fact sheet or sample graphic was chosen
for inclusion in the update follows each entry. Relevent
portions of these documents have also been included in the
appropriate previous section(s).
D-i
-------
SECTION D
FACT SHEETS/NEWSLETTERS
1987 UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
D-9 Superfund South Bay Site Fact Sheet, Region IX
This fact sheet on South Bay Ground Water
provides an example of a fact sheet that
addresses an issue from a regional perspective
providing background information for the problem
at the site. It presents factors affecting
ground-water contamination using the Santa Clara
Sub-basin as its model. It is concise, and it
makes effective use of two innovative graphics.
D-10 Fairchild Plans New Phase of Remedial Project in
Mountain View, Region IX
This fact sheet provides an example of a fact
sheet prepared through a cooperative effort of a
PRP and EPA. It is unique in that it decribes
the Superfund program, activities to be conducted
on site by the PRP, and EPA's involvement in
these activities from the PRP's perspective. It
includes blueprint style graphics designed by an
engineer which display the PRP's plans for
cleanup as well as the technology to be used.
D—11 Contaminant Countour Map, Region IV
This graphic was chosen because it depicts the
spread of several contaminants at a site and
their different concentrations using the concept
of contour mapping. It provides a tangible
description of the degree of chemical
contamination at this site.
D-ii
-------
Page
D-12 Dioxin Concentrations in Soil, Dioxin Concentrations
in Fish, Region V
These graphics present highly technical
information {i.e., concentrations of 2378-TCDD
present in soils at various locations at a site
and concentrations present in fish from a nearby
river) using sophisticated, but easily understood
graphics.
D-13 On-site vs. Offsite Disposal, Association of
Professional Geologists (AIPG)
This graphic, taken from a publication prepared
by a private organization, presents the concepts
and relative amounts of hazardous waste disposed
by on-site and off-site disposal. It is
eye-catching and appropriate for audiences of
various backgrounds.
D-iii
-------
November 1985
SEPA
Superfund
South Bay Site
South Bay Ground Water
This fact sheet describes water flow
and storage in the Santa Clara Valley.
The information will help make the
Santa Clara Valley ground water con-
tamination problem more understand-
able. This fact sheet is one in a senes
of fact sheets provided by local, state,
and federal agencies involved in
South Bay ground water cleanup.
FACT SHEET
Santa Clara
Valley
Subbasins /
and Aquifers P
CLAY LAYER
(Confining Bed)
SOIL LAYER
PUBLIC
WELL
- SF BAY
PRIVATE WELLS
UPPER AQUIFER
LOWER AQUIFER
The Santa Clara Valley ground water
basin is comprised of three maior
subbasins: the Santa Clara, the
Coyote, and the Llagas. The water
from these three subbasins supply |ust
over 50 percent of the Santa Clara Val-
ley s drinking water. The Santa Clara
subbasin is the largest of the three and
serves the largest number of high
yielding water supply wells.
The Coyote and Llagas subbasins
are primarily one continuous aquifer.
On the other hand, the Santa Clara
subbasin has a complex clay layer 100
to 200 feet beneath the surface which
divides the water into an upper and
lower aquifer. This clay layer (also
called the confining layer) exists mostly
in the Santa Clara subbasin. and ex-
tends outward from the San Francisco
Bay. The upper aquifer serves most of
the pnvate wells and the lower aquifer
serves most of the public wells. Away
from the Bay (an approximate surface
landmark would be Highway 280 as it
goes from north to south and rounds
the Bay), the confining bed no longer
exists and the upper and lower aquifers
merge into one continuous aquifer.
This area is called the recharge zone.
In the Santa Clara Valley, ground
water has long been used faster than it
can be replaced naturally. To maintain
adequate ground water levels and pre-
vent the ground level from sinking, the
aquifers must be artifically recharged.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District,
responsible for maintaining the ground
water recharge system, uses local sur-
face water and imports water to re-
charge the aquifers. The Oistnct uses
ponds and a reservoir-stream system
above the recharge zone to replenish
the aquifers. The recharge zone allows
water to percolate down to a deeper
level because the confining clay layer
is not present.
Figure 1 snows a cross-section of
the Santa Clara subbasin
FIGURE 1: Cross Section Of The
Santa Clara Subbasin: The cross sec-
tion is made in a general west to east
direction to the edge of the San Fran-
cisco Bay from the coastal footniiis it
shows the clay layer (confining oedi.
situated from 100 to 200 feet Oeneatn
the surface, that separates the upper
and lower aquifers. Most private
drinking water wells in this area draw
water from the upper aquifer, and
most public dnnking water wells draw
water from the lower, confined
aquifer.
D-9
-------
Fate of
Contaminants
in Ground
Water
Each contamination site in Santa Clara
County has soil contamination due to
the release of one or more chemical
compounds. Some sites also have
ground water contamination because
the contaminants have traveled
through the soil to the upper aquifer. in
some cases, ground water contamina-
tion has occurred in the recharge zone.
The degree of public exposure to these
contaminants depends on several
factors that control the transport and
fate of the contaminants.
One factor affecting the transport of
contaminants in ground water is the
rale of ground water flow. There are
five geologically different zones
throughout the Santa Clara Valley: the
bay sands, bay muds, inland confined,
recharge, and south county. Different
soil types and other hydrogeotogic
factors cause the ground water in
these zones to flow at different rates.
Ground water flows about 60 feet per
year in the bay sands zone, less than
one foot per year in the bay muds zone,
and about 500 feet per year in the in-
land confined zone. Ground water
moves most rapidly in the recharge
zone, approximately 3.500 feet per
year. The south county zone ground
water flows approximately 180-190
feet per year.
Contaminants move mainly with the
ground water, yet there are other
factors that may result in contaminant
movement that differs substantially
from that of the ground water Contam-
inants dissolved in water do not always
mix evenly. If a contaminant is denser
than water, it tends to "sink", but if it is
less dense than water, it will tend to
"float". Also, some contaminants may
stick'' to the soil rather than move with
the normal ground water flow.
Some chemicals may transform by
biological or chemical reactions into
other chemicals through the process of
degradation. The end product may be
harmless, or it may be another chemi-
cal of concern. Little is known about
chemical transformation of organics m
ground water. Some chemicals, includ-
ing organic solvents and gasoline con-
stituents, are fairly volatile, meaning
they vaporize easily when exposed to
air. Some released contaminants may
vaporize and move within air-filled soil
pores underground.
The thick clay layer helps to keep the
contamination from spreading verti-
cally to the lower aquifer. However, this •
does not guarantee that contamination
cannot pass through to the lower aqui-
fer. The clay layer may not be contin-
uous or completely impermeable Also,
it is estimated that there could be as
many as 10.000 abandoned agricul-
tural wells in the area that may act as
conduits to allow contaminants to
reach the lower aquifer The Santa
Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD)
has begun a program to identify ana
seal the most critical wells to prevent
the contaminants from reaching lower
aquifers.
GLOSSARY
Aquifer. An underground layer o<
permeaoie rock. sand, or gravel
containing and transmitting water
sufficient to lurmsn a significant
suoply to a well or spring.
Bay Muds Zone. The region
closest to tne Bay m wnicn the
ground water flows tne slowest
(less tnan t foot per year)
Bay Sands Zone. The region
locaiad Derween trie Day muds
zone ana tne inland confined zone
in wnicn tne ground water flows at
approximately 60 leei per year
Confined Aquifer. An aquiler
traeped under a confining layer at
Clay or rock
Confining Layer. An imperme-
aoie geologic formation wnicn
separates the lower (confined I
aquifer from the upper (uncon-
lined) aquifer.
Degradation. The biological or
chemical process oy wnicn cnemi-
cais are arc ken down into otner
cnemicais. The products may Oe
Harmless. sucn as caroon dioxide
ana water or tfiey may Oe otner
cnemicais of concern.
Density. The weignt of a particular
suDstanca m a standard volume,
lor example, grams per liter is a
density unit.
Ground Water. Water stored De-
neatn tne ea/m 3 surface in rock
and soil pares.
Ground Water Basin: an area be-
neatn tne earth s surface defined
by various pnysical ooundanes.
usually oased on geological or
nyarogeoiogicai cnaractensucs A
ground water oasm may contain
one or many aquifers A subbasin
is a smaller oart of a oasin area.
Ground Watar Row Rate. The
speed at wnicn water moves m tne
suosurtace
Ground Watar Table. The region
mat marks ine surface of the oody
of ground water
Inland Confined Aquifer Zone.
The region Between me Day muds
and Day sands zones and tne re-
charge zone. The ooundanes of
the inland confined zone are de-
termined by tne extent of tne maior
conlining layer m tne Santa Clara
Valley
Percolation. The movement of
water aown tnrougn tne soil toward
underlying aquilers.
Private Well. Any well serving one
to tour connections
Public Waif. An active wen mat
turnisnes at least oart 01 tne drinn-
ing water supply to a ouoik: er
system or puolic institution
Recharge Zone. The aiea iust
past the inland confined zone
more generally, an area m wnicn
water readily percolates from rne
sol surface into aeeoer zones to
replemsn water in an aauiler
South County Zone. The area
south of the Santa Clara suooasm
consisting mostly ol tne Coyoie
and Uagas suODasms The ground
water m mis zone flows at a rate of
approximately 18O- 190 feet per
year
Transformation. See
degradation
Unconfined aquifers: Aaui'ers
that do not nave a layer ol confin-
ing rock aDove tnem They are
more easily recnarged witn oerco-
lating water
D-9
-------
Santa Clara
Valley
Water Needs
Ground water alone cannot meei trie
Santa Clara Valley's water needs, so
additional water is imported via the
South Bay and the Hetch-Hetchy
aqueducts. The Santa Clara Valley
Water District treats the imported
South Bay Aqueduct water before it is
distnbuted to the water companies.
The City of San Francisco treats the
Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct water before it
reaches the Santa Clara Valley.
Some water companies use 100%
ground water or 100% imported water
to meet dnnking water demands, and
oihers mix the two before delivery to
customers. The ratio of ground water t
surface water received by water cus-
tomers depends on the water compan
that serves them The tact sheet titlec
South Bay Water Suppliers and Mon
itoring Regulations supplies more in-
formation regarding the practices of
each maior water retailer in the Santa
Clara Valley.
THE WATER CYCLE: The watercyci
is the set of processes that maintain
the Now of water as rt travels through
the earth and atmosphere The evap
oration (A) of the surface water oc-
curs as the sun heats the water and
turns it into water vapor Plants also
release water vapor into the atmo-
sphere through transpiration (B). Th
water returns to the earth Oy pre-
cipitation (C) in the form ot ram, slee.
or snow. Some of the water returns tc
existing nvers, streams, ana other
bodies of water as surface runoff (D)
Most of the remaining water perco-
lates through the soil, ana recharge;
(E) underlying aquifers
precipitation
runoff
transpiration
percolates^
evaporation O
D-9
-------
South Bay Fact
Sheets
Additional
Information
If you have any questions concerning
this information, or if you know of
someone who would like to be included
on EFA's mailing list, please call or
write to:
Rob Stem, Community
Relations Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 9
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415/974-7724
Toll Free Information
(800)231-3075
South Bay
Fact Sheets
Below is a list of other fact sheets
available from £PA at this time.
• South Bay Ground Water
Contamination: An Overview
• South Say Water Suppliers and
Monitoring Regulations
Unitad Sam
Environin
-------
FAIRCHILD PLANS NEW PHASE OF REMEDIAL PROJECT
IN MOUNTAIN VIEW
(Editor's Note: Ibis article was prepared by Faircbild Semiconductor Corporation witb tbe assistance ofthe US
Environmental Protection Agency to inform residents about one of tbe ground water contamination clearpup
efforts underway in Mountain View]
INTRODUCTION
Since 1982, Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation has been
conducting a ground water clam-up effort at its Mountain
View manufacturing site. Located near the Bayshore Freeway;
the affected Fairchild properties are located at 369 Whisman
Road (Building 19), 545 Whisman Road (Buildings 1 and 2)
and 401 National Avenue (Building 9). The need for clean up
efforts at a fourth property, located at 313 Fairchild Drive
(Buildings 3 and 4 ), is being evaluated. (Figure 1)
Fairchild began manufacturing electronic components at
this site in 1957. One of the buildings had been previously
occupied by another manufacturer. In common with the
previous site occupant and the electronics industry in
general, Fairchild cleaned and degreased components with
organic solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethlyene (TCE) and
1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA). Although the company handled
and stored solvents in the manner generally accepted at the
time, leakage from underground storage tanks, sumps and
associated pipelines located at the site has resulted in con-
tamination of die shallow aquifer (underground water-bearing
zone) underlying the Mountain View manufacturing site. As
part of its clean-up efforts, Fairchild is proposing to construct a
slurry wall for controlling migration from the site. This article
describes Falrchild's proposed action which will be reviewed
by EPA and made available for public comment within the
next month.
DISCOVERY OF CONTAMINATION
In the Spring of 1982, Fairchild Initiated an audit and
discovered traces of solvent wastes in the site's soil and
ground water. The company Immediately reported its
findings to the California Regional Water Quality Control
Board (CRWQCB) and voluntarily instituted a program
of soil and ground water monitoring.
-------
salt
evaporators
Salt
tVAPORA1 Oh S
MOFFETT field
FAIftCHILD
MOUNTAIN VIEW
*4
SHE VJCiW)TY MAP
MOUNTAIN VIEW. CALIFORNIA
PMlRfcAtO FOH
FAIRCHILD
SEMICONDUCTOR CORP
CanonieEng 1 neers
10*1 f 2-7 66 1 IpRAMHNC MUBtR
1C*I C h| | 82 0*1 6
Figure 1 E349 SUc Vicinity Map
Map shows lairchild Semiconductor site in thcWhisman-Fllis-
Middklkld Koad area oi Mountain View, California.
3
-------
i\
BU'tiPIWfi 19
10 l«(ATMl«l
////////////
X'////////
s~$LUK*r WALL
k AQUIFER
to r«MC«r
/'.¦' ¦¦' ¦ ¦'//, .'L~l / / //-/ /-// / /
¦If MUIFCN
/ / ~ / .>//••
T~:r7y7V7777777777A'
'Mil4 MXllfCR
*>>' AQUlfCA
c* 40UIFCH
vtt/ // // r/ / / / /.
/ / //~7-
*.
8
BUILDING 19
SOIL PROFILE B U
MOUNTAIN VIEW. CALIFORNIA
mruio roii
FAIRCHILD
SEMICONDUCTOR CORF?
Engineers
IMW " »« I
I KUI warn |
T
M-Otl-CUO
Figure 2 E350 Building 19 Soil Profile B-B
Proposed slurry wall around Fajrchild building * 19 will extend down-
ward approximately 35 fect, through the "A" aquifer to a natural day
barrier. Recovery wells located near die walls will draw out water from
the A, B-l and B-2 aquifers for treatment
-------
As part of its 1982 investigation, Fairchild drilled a series
of wells in three separate aquifers beneath the site. Analyses
of ground water samples from the wells indicated that the
topmost aquifer (A aquifer), located 0-45 feet beneath
the surface, was affected with the highest concentration of
solvents. The second aquifer ( B aquifer), located 60-160
feet beneath the surface, contained only traces of solvents.
Samples from the third aquifer (C aquifer), located 190 feet
beneath die surface, were free of contaminants. Subsequent
investigations to date reveal higher levels in the B aquifer and
trace levels in the C aquifer. Ihe levels in the C aquifer still
need to lie confirmed through further sampling. (Figure 2 )
The public water supply in Mountain View has not been
affected by the contamination. Mountain View receives
85 percent of its water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir of
the Sierra Mountains near Yosemite. The remaining fifteen
percent is drawn locally from several wells over two hundred
feet beneath the surface and from 2000 feet to 2V& miles away
from the Fairchild site.
Regular sampling of the nearest public water supply well
drawn from the deep aquifer has shown no contamination.
-------
lb begin treating contaminated ground water under lia
property, Fairchild installed three recovery wells in 1982. The
company has been extracting ground water from the A aquifer,
treating it with cattoon filtration, and discharging it under
permit to the sanitary sewer system. To prevent future con-
tamination of soil and ground water; Fairchild replaced its
single-walled storage tanks with double-walled tanks.
Concurrent with Fair child's program, soil and ground
water investigations and remedial work are being performed
by other companies in the Middlefield-Ellis-Whisraan area of
Mountain View.
EPA INVOLVEMENT
A formal governmental process of investigating site
problems and evaluating possible remedies exists under the
Federal and State statutes commonly called the "Superfund"
laws. Iliis process is known as a Remedial Investigation and
Feasibility Study ( RIFS).
In August 1985, Fairchild, and two other Mountain View
companies agreed to undertake a joint RIFS of the soil and
ground water contamination in the Middlefield-Ellis-Whisman
area under EPA supervision.
iitcgnrofibpiaw&niicst^^
extent of the contamination and to identify the sources,
pathways, and potential receptors of the contaminants and
to identify the nature and extent of any public health and
environmental problem presented by the contamination.
Consequently, the investigation involves a substantial amount
of data collection and analysis. Fairchild's and the other
companies' collection efforts include site mapping, hydro-
geological studies, surface and ground-water sampling, and
soil sampling.
The Feasibility Study will define the goals and objectives
of any necessary clean-up, and list potential clean-up alter-
natives. Clean-up alternatives will then be evaluated and
screened based on technical feasibility; reliability, effective-
ness, cost, and the level of environmental and public health
protection they offer
The RIFS currently is expected to be completed within
nine months to a year
Continued on p. 21
-------
Continued frttm p 4
CURRENT REMEDIAL WORKPLAN
To increase ground water protection, Fairchild has
proposed additional containment and clean up work. Before
EPA approves this interim remedial action, public com-
ments will be considered and EPA will evaluate whether the
proposed action might have adverse environmental impacts.
Additional remedial measures may be required as a result of
die RIFS.
Fairchild's "Slurry Wall Proposal" recommends construction
of slurry walls that will confine the site's remaining contami-
nated soils. The water confined by the walls will then be
extracted, treated, and discharged from the site under permit.
'Hie proposed slurry wall project is being independently
pursued by Fairchild.
Developed in Europe, slurry wall technology has been
used successfully for 15 years in European and United States
applications to control underground water movement.
At the Fairchild site, the slurry walls that will enclose each
of the tliree affected properties will be built from ground level
down to the clay layer beneath the A aquifer. ( Figure 3) The
slurry walls will be constructed by digging a deep trench
around each of the properties, blending the excavated sand
and gravel with bentonite clay, and replacing the mixture in
the trenches to produce three-foot-wide walls. Joining the
naturally occurring clay layers, the walls will form a clay
"bowl" beneath each property confining the A aquifer. Alter
each "bowl" is completed, the contained ground water will be
drawn out through extraction wells, treated, and discharged
to the storm drain under permit from the CRWQCB. By
pumping water from within the slurry walls, the chemicals can
be better controlled. Initially there will be one recovery well
installed within each slurry walL
Fairchild has contracted Canonie Engineers, an experienced
environmental engineering company, to execute the project
Slurry wall construction will proceed sequentially, proceeding
from Buildings 1 and 2, to Building 19, and then to Building 9.
(Figure 4)
To ensure public safety, the properties will be fenced
off and access to the buildings restricted during construction.
Warning signs will be posted on fences, and security guards
will patrol the construction site 24 hours a day.
This slurry wall phase of the RIFS project is expected to cost
Fairchild approximately 12.5 to 13 million. If approved by EPA,
work could begin in May or June. The project is expected to
take eight months to complete.
-------
BACKFILL
TRENCH
3
BACK HOC
D
BACK HOE
SLURRY
LEVEL
AQUIFER
sand and Travel
BACKFILL
7-7-7
/'//
CL*V'/ />', , • •
SCHEMATIC OF
SLURRY WALL
CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE
MOUNTAIN VIEW. CALIFORNIA
PII(MII(D ion
FAIRCHILD
SEMICONDUCTOR CORP
CanoiiieEngineers
rHeZEHZiETr
I kmc mi I
lIMnc M
111 o»n
*u_
Figure 3 E336 Schematic of Slurry Wall Construction Procedure
Proposed slurry walls at Fair child Semiconductor's Mountain View site
will be three feet thick and extend downward approximately 35 feet
-------
tins SfHtt*
Figure 4
E299
~
UAIiOMAi AYiMUf
o
PROPOSED SLURRY WALL
LOCATIONS
LEfifcftP'
IOCAIiOn 0* liwlll tttl
MOUNTAIN VIEW. CALIFORNIA
pnCHAAfo loft
FAIRCHILD
SEMICONDUCTOR CORP
m ititniA * uutfia imiai •
MCuflli «(u
rxuruup i' iOuturn hum «tti
OkSIArAlMh «IU l?«4ltUih*4V iOtAl'Oa
'*1.»UVIII * liuMI «lu
•Ku»ia« tttii j#aibi«iaft*> ioc»i>o»i
¦ « • HI •••! I I >b* I |l> 10<»
•.¦iMtiivi «h0f to •) ih'iiMi«r«oi
CanoiueEnqi neers
0*1i i iq at
SCAll *SS>+6»N
{HAWING
a? oil i
Proposed Slurry Wall Locations
-------
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Community members are invited to review the comment
on the Slurry Wall Proposal during a 21-day public comment
period. Copies of the Slurry Wall Proposal will be available for
review at die addresses below:
EPA Region 9 Library Mountain View Public Library
215 Fremont Street 585 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94105 Mountain View, CA 94040
(415)974 7724 (415)966 6335
Call ilie HPA numbers listed below after May 15th to confirm
date ihc report will be available.
WRITTEN COMMENTS ON SLURRY WALL PROPOSAL
Comments on the proposal should be submitted in
writing and sent to:
Rob Stern
Community Relations Coordinator
EPA T-1-3
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
For further information, call one of the numbers beJow.-
Rob Stern EPA'sSuperfund
Community Relations Toll-free Information Service
Coordinator (800)231-3075
EPA Region 9 Library
(415)974 7724
Francine Plaza
Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
Corporate Communications Dept.
(408)864-6031
22
-------
CONTAMINANT CONTOUR MAP
Ptmlii Welding —
PCS*
>90 PPM
100 200
Ji« Woo* =
Expert
Oava'a Industrial
Sandblasting
SCALE IN
FEET
Madlay Concrete Plant
~
Northw «*t 109th Street
LEGEND
PC8a > 1 PPM
~— ARSENIC £5 PPM
— /— LEAO £ 1000 PPM
—~— PROJECT LIMITS FOR CONCENTRATED PCS
(Within tnia boundary, a contaminant can Da lo^nd at thla level ef cenceetratle* ec
G. 8UIL0INQ
REGION IV - PEPPER'S STEEL AND ALLOY SITE, MEDLEY, FL SEPTEMBER 1985
D-11
-------
9 L
s
8 f-
¦«
7h
-
® t~
-
5r
-
4!"
-
3 r
2
U
0 i-
FIGURE 3
PUBLIC USE AND
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
MIDLAND, Ml
/
1A
2378-TCDD (ppb) in
[SURFACE SOILS
.05
.10
.15
.20
ailllon)
.25
FIGURE 4
PERIMETER DOW CHEMICAL
MIDLAND PLANT
2378-TCDD (ppb) im
SURFACE SOILS
L
0.5 1.2 1.5
Concentration (Parts Par SUIIonl
2.0
.5
FIGURE 5
DOW CHEMICAL
MIDLAND PLANT
ZZ1
2378-TCDD (ppb) in I
SURFACE SOILS I
1.0 0.0 3.5 4.0
ConcMtrtiloii (Part* Por Billion)
4.5 35.5
36.0
REGION V - STUDY OF DIOXIN AND OTHER POLLUTANTS APRIL 1985
D-12
-------
FIGURE 7
1983 FISH COLLECTION
IN TITTABAWASSE RIVER
NEAR MIDLAND, Ml
2378-TCDD (ppt)
Carp
(skinless lillet)
Walleye
(skin on fillet)
30 40 50 60 70
Concentration (Part* Par Trillion)
D-12
-------
ON-SITE VS. OFF-SITE DISPOSAL
.jrfn^rarors
¦-ispose or
'"warcou* .wjsie
>n «ne -"lit
¦hi* i ^ r" m
•Jll vvabtrf
8.700
FIRMS
2.300 if
FIRMS n
3.100
FIRMS
"azarcojs .vris
,jon0f
-------
SECTION E
AUDIOVISUALS
-------
SECTION E
AtJDI0VISUALS
This section contains abstracts of slide shows,
videotapes and other audiovisual materials that have been
prepared for the public. You will need to contact the
Region, State, or independent organization directly to
inquire about borrowing, renting or purchasing any of the
items included in this section, unless otherwise indicated
within the abstract. Items from the EPA Headquarters
Audio Visual Division of the Office of External Affairs
can be copied free of charge by Division staff, provided
that you send a blank videotape and there are no copyright
restrictions. In addition, the Headquarters Community
Relations staff has many slides of the hazardous waste
sites which may be helpful if you are planning a slide
show.
The names and addresses of the two organizations
having the majority of the audiovisual materials presented
in this section are listed below:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Audio Visual Division
Television Section (A-107)
401 M Street, sw
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 382-2044
National Water Wells Association
P.O. Box 16737
Columbus, OH 43216
(614) 761-1711
Attn: Vickey Pomeroy
Note: In creating these abstracts we were not able to
preview all audiovisual materials. Therefore, some
abstracts are taken from descriptions provided in
promotional materials.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIAL: Slide Show & Script; 1 hr
TITLE: Superfund in Region III
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA Region III
AVAILABLE FROM: Anne Cardinal
U.S. EPA Region III
Office of Community Relations
FTS 597-9905
<215) 597-9800
ABSTRACT: This slide program was designed as an
introduction to the Superfund program. Included is
information on how a site becomes eligible for Superfund
action, what types of activities are conducted at
Superfund sites, and how the public is involved in the
Superfund program. It was produced by NUS Corporation.
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TYPE OF MATERIALS: View Graphs and Script
TITLE: Risk Assessments (Winthrop Landfill Site)
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA Region I
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA Region I
FTS 8-835-3715
(617) 565-3715
ABSTRACT: These view graphs and script were designed to
explain how and why the risk assessments and feasibility
studies were preformed at the Winthrop Landfill Site in
Rhode Island in order to aid the public in running the
documents and assist them in their preparation of their
comments. Included in the presentation is a discussion of
what is risk (or endangerment) assessment consists of, how
one is performed and how the results of a risk assessment
are used to determine cleanup methods.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Film or videotape; 27 minutes
TITLE: Cleaning Up
PREPARED BY: Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA)
AVAILABLE FROM: CMA, Communications Department
2501 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
For ordering information contact:
Richard Wilson or Gail Krafft at
(202) 887-1226
DATE: 1985
ABSTRACT: This film depicts the hazardous waste site
cleanup process at active sites across the country. It
covers the cleanup process from site discovery to remedial
action and monitoring, and attempts to demonstrate how the
government, industry and environmental groups are
collaborating to solve the hazardous waste problem.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 16mm Film; 26 minutes
TITLE: Wisconsin's Ground Water (EPA Library No: 001061)
PREPARED BY: University of Wisconsin
AVAILABLE FROM: National Water Wells Association (NWWA),
and U.S. EPA Audio Visual Division
PREPARED BY: University of Wisconsin
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: This University of Wisconsin-produced movie is
perhaps one of the best films on the subject of ground
water. Ground water in Wisconsin is discussed in detail
but the information is analogous to other areas of the
United States. Water supply, pollution potential and
resource management are fully explained and illustrated.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; 24 minutes
TITLE: Anatomy of a Crisis (EPA Library No: 000686)
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA Region 6 and State of Louisiana
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA Audio Visual Division
DATE: May 1983
ABSTRACT: At 5:10 a.m., on September 28, 1982, an
Illinois Central Gulf freight train with 101 cars, many
filled with hazardous materials, derailed and exploded in
downtown Livingston, La. This is a documentary on one of
the worst chemical transportation accidents in Louisiana,
but also one of the best managed. Local, state, and
federal agencies worked together along with chemical
industry representatives to handle all aspects of the
operation, which included continuous air, water, and soil
monitoring.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; 28 minutes
TITLE: Toxic Wastes Discovered in Cecil County (EPA
Library No: 000673)
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA
AVAILABLE FROM-: U.S. EPA Audio Visual Division
DATE: March 1983
ABSTRACT: This is a documentary on one hazardous waste
site in Cecil County, Md., and how it was cleaned up.
When EPA is contacted in such a case, it evaluates the
situation, and conducts either a remedial action, an
immediate removal, or a planned removal. Clean-up actions
are shown. The cost of the clean-up was $900,000, but
everyone agrees was worth while. Interviews are conducted
with Ron Nelson, Maryland Waste Management Administration;
William Hedeman, EPA Superfund Administrator; and Tom
Massey, EPA On-Site Coordinator.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; 21 minutes
TITLE: Protecting the Land - RCRA (EPA Library
No: 000712)
PREPARED BY: U.S. EPA
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA Audio Visual Division
DATE: April 1983
ABSTRACT: Protecting the Land is a slide show with an
explanation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976. One of RCRA's most important functions is to
protect our land from the millions of tons of hazardous
wastes generated every year in the United States. The act
authorizes the tracking of hazardous wastes from wherever
they are generated, through any transport, to a treatment,
storage, or disposal facility. Requirements of the
regulations developed from the law are described.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; 22 minutes
TITLE: Investigation of the Denny Farm (EPA Library
No: 000092)
PREPARED BY: EPA Region 7 Surveillance and Analysis
Division
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA Audio Visual Division
DATE: February 1981
ABSTRACT: In 1971, a pharmaceutical company buried wastes
that may have contained dioxin on the Denny Farm site in
Verona, Mo. The company did not tell Mr. Denny of any
hazardous substances that they may have buried there.
This tape is a documentary of the site investigation. EPA
began its investigation with interviews of eyewitnesses,
and included town meetings and regular news media
briefings. It was a success because the investigation was
well planned, coordinated, and took into consideration
emergency contingencies, on-site safety, proper sampling,
chain of custody techniques, and security of the site when
the field investigation was completed. Safety procedures
and sampling techniques are demonstrated.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 16mm film or videotape;
28 minutes
TITLE: Hazardous Waste: Who Bears the Cost
PREPARED BY: David A. Smith, and Carol Grossman,
Mark Kelsey
AVAILABLE FROM: Umbrella Films, Brookline, MA
60 Blake Rd.
Brookline, MA 02146
(617) 277-6639
DATE: 1982
ABSTRACT: This film concerns the oldest chemical dump
site in America, located in Woburn, Massachusetts. It
gives a historical perspective of the hazardous waste
problem in Woburn; describes the reliability of different
treatment and disposal technologies; explains
environmental laws; and suggests the need for increased
public awareness of hazardous waste issues. The film
uniquely combines the past and present circumstances of a
specific waste site to raise general questions about
hazardous waste management in this country and it lays out
the varying viewpoints of industry, government, and
citizens. A study guide that contains questions for film
audiences is sent with the film.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; two 1/2-hour programs
TITLE: Toxic Chemicals: Information is Your Best Defense
PREPARED BY: LWV of California and KTVU Channel 2,
Oakland/San Francisco
AVAILABLE FROM: League of Women Voters (LWV) of California
926 J Street
Suite 1000
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-7215
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: This award-winning documentary graphically
illustrates the public's need for more information about
the potentially dangerous chemicals widely used by many
businesses and industries. In Part I, such examples as
the PCB fire in downtown San Francisco and a toxic gas
release near a school show that firefighters and emergency
teams often are unable to respond appropriately to
chemical accidents because the chemicals involved are
unknown. Part II examines water contamination problems in
Silicon Valley and shows how local groups worked together
for a hazardous materials ordinance as one solution. A
handbook to accompany the film is also available.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; 30 minutes
TITLE: Hazardous Waste in Iowa
AVAILABLE FROM: The Iowa Department of Water, Air and
Waste Management
900 East Grand Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(519) 281-8865
PREPARED BY: The Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League
DATE: 1981
ABSTRACT: This videotape is a thorough introduction to
hazardous waste issues. Topics discussed include
treatment, storage and disposal techniques and the
regulatory and legislative framework for hazardous waste
management. The issues are presented in a concise,
fast-paced and professional format; the technical
information is detailed, yet easily understandable by the
layperson. The 30-minute tape stresses the need for
citizen participation in hazardous waste issues and
provides concrete suggestions for citizen involvement.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 16mm film or videotape;
26 minutes
TITLE: The Disposal Dilemma
PREPARED BY: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
AVAILABLE FROM: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
270 Washington St., SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-3530
DATE: 1982
ABSTRACT: Along with a general description of the
hazardous waste problem. The Disposal Dilemma includes a
candid discussion of the issues by an EPA official,
industry representatives, academicians and environmental
leaders. The film's provocative dialogue sheds light on
the origins of hazardous wastes, and on public attitudes
and possible solutions.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slide/tape show; 14 minutes
TITLE: Hazardous Waste and You: Get the Connection
PREPARED FOR: Water Resource Division of the West Virginia
Department of Natural Resources
PREPARED BY: Claudia K. Del Guidice
AVAILABLE FROM: West Virginia Department of Natural
Resources
1201 Greenbrier St.
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 348-7861
DATE: 1981
ABSTRACT: This slide show provides facts on both general
hazardous waste issues and West Virginia's hazardous waste
program. It contains some excellent on-the-scene slides
of open dumping, abandoned drums and a high-way chemical
spill in West Virginia. Most importantly, the slide show
stresses how hazardous waste contamination contributes to
groundwater pollution, air pollution, run-off problems and
how it affects human health.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slide/tape show; 22 minutes
TITLE: Understanding Groundwater: The Hidden Resource
PREPARED BY: National Association of Conservation
Districts in cooperation with the U.S.G.S.
AVAILABLE FROM: Conservation Districts Foundation,
Conservation Film Service
404 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 776
League City, TX 77573
(713) 332-3404 ext. 34
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: This slide/tape show combines high quality
photography and a good clear narrative to present a
comprehensive picture of the threats posed to ground water
by improper disposal and storage of hazardous materials.
The show defines ground water, illustrates the mechanics
of groundwater contamination problem, identifies
geographical areas where ground water shortages occur and
suggests management strategies to protect and conserve
this vital resource.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 16ram film; 26 minutes
TITLE: Ground Water: Part of the Hydrological Cycle
AVAILABLE FROM: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
PREPARED BY: Cherry Film Productions Ltd., Regina
Saskatchewan
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: A detailed, instructive film concerning the
occurrence of ground water, movement and ground water
study methods. Its effect on the environment and the
relationship between ground water and human activities are
illustrated.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slides and video; 45 minutes
TITLE: Ground Water: Its Occurranee, Movement and
Potential for Pollution
PREPARED BY: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: Narrated by Dr. Jay H. Lehr, this is a new
presentation of quality information for the educated
layperson. It is a completely illustrated introduction to
ground water in one sitting. (80 slides, cassette tape.)
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 16mm film; 13-1/2 minutes
TITLE: Ground Water: America's Buried Treasure
PREPARED BY: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
AVAILABLE FROM: NWWA
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: This color film emphasizes the dangers of
ground water pollution caused by man-made problems such as
sanitary landfills, improperly installed system tanks and
chemical effluents.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slides and video; 13 minutes
TITLE: Ground Water: A Valuable Resource for Everyone
PREPARED BY: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
AVAILABLE FROM: NWWA
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: This presentation includes general information
on ground water and the water well industry. It also
includes more specific information on topics such as the
ground water geothermal heat pump, the NWWA certification
program and the threat of ground water pollution. (70
slides, cassette tape.)
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Videotape; 12 minutes
TITLE: Reducing the Risks of PCBs (EPA Library No:
001103)
PREPARED BY: TSCA Assistance Office
AVAILABLE FROM: U.S. EPA Audio Visual Division
DATE: February 19 86
ABSTRACT: This videotape presents the use of PCBs, their
discovery as a major environmental contaminant (i.e.,
their persistence in the environment), their relationship
to cancer in humans and their regulation under TSCA. The
discussion is divided into six sections: History;
Problems; Activities; Disposal; Responsibilities; and
Summary. The discussion is appropriate for a variety of
audiences.
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TYPE OF MATERIALS: Slides
TITLE: The EPA Underground Injection Control Program
PREPARED BY: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
AVAILABLE FROM: NWWA
ABSTRACT: An explanation of EPA's UIC regulations and how
they have been implemented. Useful as an in-depth look at
how regulations are formulated and put into practice. (80
slides)
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TYPE OF MATERIALS: Slides
TITLE: Aquifer Restoration
PREPARED BY: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
AVAILABLE FROM: NWWA
ABSTRACT: A summary of the state-of-the-art techniques
for remediating ground water contamination and cleaning up
aquifers polluted by organic and metal compounds,
exploring their effectiveness, advantages and
limitations. (80 slides with script and notes).
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: 16mm film; 18 minutes
TITLE: Ground Water: America's Hidden Resevoir
AVAILABLE FROM: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
PREPARED BY: NWWA
ABSTRACT: This film explains the hydrological cycle and
basic ground water terminology. How ground water is used,
how wells are drilled and how simply water can be treated
or conditioned are all subjects of discussion in the film.
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TYPE OF MATERIALS: Slides
TITLE: Water Testing: Why We Insist
PREPARED BY: National Water Wells Association (NWWA)
AVAILABLE FROM: NWWA
ABSTRACT: This presentation explains why chemical and
bacteriological tests are recommended, how they are taken
and what the results mean. This is excellent for
explaining water testing to the general public.
(20 slides with written script)
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TYPE OF MATERIALS: Slide/tape show or videotape
TITLE: Transport and Recovery of Hydrocarbons in the
Subsurface Environment — API Slide Show
AVAILABLE FROM: NWWA
ABSTRACT: Leaking underground gasoline storage tanks are
a universal problem.throughout our nation. This
slide/tape show describes the interaction of leaking
gasolines with the ground, how it can and can't be
monitored, the magnitude of the problem on a site-by-site
basis and the successful cleanup techniques currently
being used in the field.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slide/tape show; 18 minutes
TITLE: Groundwater: Out of Sight, Not Out of Danger
AVAILABLE FROM: Marilin Webb, Supervisor
Division of Health Services
Film Library
P.O. BOX 2091
Raleigh, NC 27602-2091
(919) 733-3471
DATE: 1983
ABSTRACT: Groundwater is the primary source of drinking
water for many United States citizens. This production
defines groundwater, describes the formation of aquifiers,
and discusses the importance of keeping groundwater free
from contamination. The need for appropriate waste
management is presented as one aspect of sound groundwater
protection.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slide/tape or script tape; 8
minutes
TITLE: Recognizing, Reporting, Responding: Cleaning up
Hazardous Waste Sites in North Carolina
AVAILABLE FROM: Marilin Webb, Supervisor
Division of Health Services
Film Library
P.O. Box 2091
Raleigh, NC 27602-2091
(919) 733-3471
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: This production provides an overview of federal
and N.C. State efforts to clean-up in-active hazardous
waste sites and emergency response plans for clean-up of
accidental spills and discharges. Citizen participation
in locating in-active hazardous waste sites is discussed
with guidelines for reporting these problems to the proper
authorities.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slides/tape; 10 minutes
TITLE: Hazardous Waste in North Carolina
AVAILABLE FROM: Emil Brookline, Project Manager
Division of Health Services
P.O. Box 2091
Raleigh, NC 27602-2091
(919) 733-2178
DATE: 1984
ABSTRACT: An introduction to hazardous waste management
in North Carolina, discussing how hazardous wastes are
generated and managed.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slides/tape; 15 minutes
TITLE: Hazardous Waste in Eastern North Carolina
AVAILABLE FROM: Mary Cauley
Learning Resources Center
Linoir Community College
P.O. Box 188
Kinston, NC 28501
(919) 527-6223
ABSTRACT: This slide show provides an overview of
hazardous waste management issues in the eastern part of
North Carolina. The production opens with an introduction
of some of the hazardous waste problems North Carolinians
have faced in the past few years, identifies what
hazardous wastes are and the regulatory laws which exist
for the safe management of hazardous wastes. The film
closes with a description of agencies in North Carolina
that address the management of hazardous wastes.
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TYPE/LENGTH OF MATERIALS: Slide with script; 90 minutes
TITLE: The Use of Treatment Technologies at Superfund
Sites
AVAILABLE FROM: Community Relations Coordinators,
EPA Regions I-X
DATE: December 1986
ABSTRACT: The Superfund program is moving toward
increased use of treatment of wastes rather than the
traditional land disposal. This production provides a
general overview of what treatment technologies are
currently available in the areas of solid waste and
wastewater treatment, onsite, offsite and mobile
treatment. There is also a discussion of new, emerging
technologies and EPA's Superfund Innovative Technology
Evaluation (SITE) program.
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