EPA/600/R-19/245/DECEMBER 2019 | vvw.epa.gov/research
SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
ENGINEERING
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT CENTER
Annual Report Fiscal Year 2018
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EPA Document Number: EPA/600/R-19/245
December 2019
Engineering Technical Support Center
Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2018
By
Katherine Bronstein
RTI International
Research Triangle Park, NC
and
John McKernan and Edwin Barth
Land Remediation and Technology Division
Cincinnati, OH
Project Officer: John McKernan
Office of Research and Development
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Notice/Disclaimer Statement
This report is intended to inform the public and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Remedial
Project Managers, On-Scene Coordinators, and Superfund Technology Liaisons of progress at the
Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC) project sites, cutting-edge remedial technologies, and ETSC
operations.
Disclaimer:
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy,
subjected to review by the Office of Research and Development, and approved for publication. Approval
does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency, nor does mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
ETSC Annual Report Fiscal Year 2018
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Foreword
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged by Congress with protecting the nation's
land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency strives to
formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human activities and the ability
of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this mandate, the EPA's research program provides
data and technical support for solving environmental problems today and building a science knowledge
base necessary to manage our ecological resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and
prevent or reduce future environmental risks.
The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) within the Office of Research
and Development (ORD) conducts applied, stakeholder-driven research and provides responsive technical
support to help solve the Nation's environmental challenges. The Center's research focuses on innovative
approaches to address environmental challenges associated with the built environment. We develop
technologies and decision-support tools to help safeguard public water systems and groundwater, guide
sustainable materials management, remediate sites from traditional contamination sources and emerging
environmental stressors, and address potential threats from terrorism and natural disasters. CESER
collaborates with both public and private sector partners to foster technologies that improve the
effectiveness and reduce the cost of compliance, while anticipating emerging problems. We provide
technical support to EPA regions and programs, states, tribal nations, and federal partners, and serve as the
interagency liaison for EPA in homeland security research and technology. The Center is a leader in
providing scientific solutions to protect human health and the environment.
Gregory Sayles, Ph.D., Director
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Acknowledgements
The Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC) would like to acknowledge the contributions from
Office of Research and Development scientists for their efforts in support of ETSC's mission. Special
recognition goes to a number of our colleagues who have recently retired—their dedication and
commitment to the EPA mission has had a positive impact on human health and our environment. ETSC
extends thanks to our numerous clients in the Office of Science Policy, Office of Land and Emergency
Management, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, the EPA Regions, the
Superfund Technology Liaisons, On-Scene Coordinators, and their management for their patronage and
support. ETSC would also like to recognize the exemplary support provided by our contractors, Pegasus
Technical Services Inc., Battelle Memorial Institute, General Dynamics IT, and RTI International. Finally,
ETSC extends special thanks to our dedicated EPA employees who provide document reviews, respond to
technical request phone calls, and provide all other manner of assistance.
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
The National Impact of Our Work 3
International Partnerships 5
The Impact of Our Work at Select Sites 7
Highly Complex Sites 7
Mohawk Tannery (Region 1) 7
Bay Road Holdings (Region 9) 8
Reynolds Metals (Region 10) 9
Mining Operations 10
Tar Creek (Ottawa County) (Region 6) 10
Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area (Region 8) 11
Bonita Peak Mining District (Region 8) 12
NAPL-contaminated Sites 13
LA. Clarke & Son (Region 3) 13
Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp-Navassa (Region 4) 14
St. Regis Paper Co. (Region 5) 14
Des Moines TCE (Region 7) 16
PFAS-Contaminated Sites 17
Naval Air Engineering Station at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix at Lakehurst, New Jersey
(Region 2) 17
Ellsworth Air Force Base (Region 8) 17
Wolverine (Region 5) 18
Dissemination and Knowledge Sharing 20
References 22
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
List of Acronyms
CESER
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
COC
contaminant of concern
DEQ
Department of Environmental Quality
DNAPL
dense non-aqueous phase liquid
EAFB
Ellsworth Air Force Base
EIP
Engineering Issue Paper
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ETSC
Engineering Technical Support Center
FS
feasibility study
FY
fiscal year
ISS
in situ solidification/stabilization
JBMD
loint Base McGuire-Dix
LRTD
Land Remediation and Technology Division
NAPL
non-aqueous phase liquid
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NHDES
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
NPL
National Priorities List
OCDD
octachlorodibenzodioxin
OITA
Office of International and Tribal Affairs
ORD
Office of Research and Development
OSC
On-Scene Coordinator
OU
Operable Unit
PAHs
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PCP
pentachlorophenol
PFC
perfluorocarbon
PFAS
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
RI
remedial investigation
RPM
Remedial Project Manager
STL
Superfund and Technology Liaison
SVE
soil vapor extraction
TCE
trichloroethylene
TRIP
Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park
TPH
total petroleum hydrocarbons
TSC
Technical Support Center
VOC
volatile organic compound
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Executive Summary
In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA or Agency) created the Technical Support Project
through the Office of Research and Development (ORD)
and the Office of Land and Emergency Management
(formerly the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response). The Technical Support Project consists of a
network of EPA Regional Forums, the Environmental
Response Team, and five specialized Technical Support
Centers (TSCs). The TSCs actively provide support to
the EPA's most complex and high-priority cleanup sites
by delivering expertise on the latest methods,
approaches, and technologies.
The Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC), one
of the five TSCs, is operated by the ORD Center for
Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response
(CESER), Land Remediation and Technology Division
(LRTD) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ETSC's mission is to provide site-specific scientific and
engineering technical support to Remedial Project
Managers (RPMs), On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs), and
other remediation personnel at contaminated sites.
ETSC is primarily staffed with scientists and engineers
from ORD/CESER/LRTD with a broad range of skills
and technical expertise. ETSC collaborates with EPA
programs and other federal agencies to deliver the latest
methods, approaches, and technologies needed to
characterize, remediate, and manage risk at
contaminated sites. Additional assistance is provided by
other ORD Laboratory or Division personnel, EPA
Regional personnel, and external contractors and
consultants as needed. ETSC's combined technical expertise supplements the work performed by
responsible local, EPA Regional, and national authorities, allowing them to work more quickly,
efficiently, and cost-effectively while also increasing the technical experience of the remediation team.
In fiscal year 2018 (FY18), ETSC responded to 172 combined technical support requests from 122 sites across the
10 EPA Regions; technical requests from 8 countries (Argentina, Australia, China, Israel, Peru, Poland, Ukraine,
and Vietnam) and the United Nations; and 20 other non-site-specific technical requests. In 2018, seven of the sites
IMPACTS OF ETSC IN 2018
ETSC provides technical support for soil, sediment,
groundwater, and mining-related contamination.
In FY 18, ETSC provided support to seven
Superfund sites on the Administrator's list of those
targeted for immediate and intense action.
ETSC responded to 172 requests for support at 122
sites from all 10 EPA Regions, 8 countries
(Argentina, Australia, China, Israel, Peru, Poland,
Ukraine, and Vietnam), the United Nations, and
other entities. Twenty-one percent of the site-
specific requests were associated with Superfund
NPL sites.
Technical support requests ranged from site
characterization to modeling, monitoring, and
remediation of soil and water contamination to
ecological effects resulting from chemical
exposures. ETSC also provided technical input in
the areas of engineering and prototype testing,
environmental and human health risk assessment,
and groundwater modeling.
ETSC led or contributed to 29 disseminated
products, including conference presentations,
technical workshops, peer-reviewed journal articles,
and other EPA technical reports and products.
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
to which ETSC provided support were on the
Administrator's Emphasis List of Superfund sites
targeted for immediate and intense action (US EPA,
2019a):
¦ Mohawk Tannery (Rl),
¦ LA. Clarke & Son (R3),
¦ St. Regis Paper Co. (R5),
¦ U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery, Inc. (a.k.a.
USS Lead or East Chicago) (R5),
¦ Tar Creek, Ottawa County (R6),
¦ Des Moines TCE (R7), and
¦ Bonita Peak Mining District (R8).
ETSC also provided support to one site on the Superfund
Task Force's List of Superfund Redevelopment
Opportunity Sites—Bunker Hill Mining &
Metallurgical Complex (RIO) (US EPA, 2019b).
ETSC's efforts directly supported 35 states, with the
most support provided to the following eight states:
Missouri, New Jersey, Montana, Oregon, Washington,
Michigan, Idaho, and Oklahoma.
Varied interdisciplinary backgrounds and expertise
enable ETSC staff to bring creative thinking to life
through applying innovative engineering research to
real-world scenarios. These innovations have the
potential to produce long-lasting dividends and
ultimately safer, more sustainable, and healthier
communities. The selected projects highlighted in this
report provide insight into the unique role that ETSC
plays as a bridge between environmental remediation—
as applied research—and innovative engineering
research in ORD. Several of these support efforts have
already generated substantial results (i.e., cost savings,
effective/timely remediation results, patents), whereas
others are working toward that end.
ETSC also convenes meetings and publishes reports on
significant developments in environmental engineering
in the form of Engineering Issue Papers (EIPs), peer-
reviewed journal articles, technical workshops, and (
contributed to 29 such dissemination products and holds a
INNOVATION
A major component of affecting meaningful
remediation lies in constructing and testing new,
innovative treatment technologies through pilot and
field research. ETSC teams spearhead progressive
field research in many areas, including:
¦ PFAS remediation technologies;
¦ beneficial reuse of agricultural waste
products as biosolids;
¦ phytoremediation of contaminants;
¦ risk assessment prioritization;
¦ containment and treatment methods for
coal combustion residue located near
sensitive ecosystems;
¦ permeable reactive barrier technologies to
slow or stop groundwater contaminants
from escaping sites or reaching receptors;
¦ groundwater pump-and-treat system design
and optimization;
¦ spatiotemporal fate and transport
groundwater modeling to evaluate existing
systems or guide remedy selection;
¦ citizen science tools related to air quality
monitoring; and
¦ engineering plan design reviews to ensure
efficacy of selected site treatment(s) or
remedy and cost efficiency.
ETSC implements proven technologies when
viable, including the application of in situ
solidification, thermal desorption, and in situ
chemical oxidation.
:rencc presentations and posters. In FY18, ETSC
on EPA's Superfund National Remedy Review Board.
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
The National Impact of Our Work
ETSC is helping to accelerate cleanup and advance
economic revitalization through provision of
expertise in the latest methods, approaches, and
technologies for contaminated sites.
In FY18, ETSC experts responded to 172 requests
for support at 122 sites across all 10 EPA
Regions and internationally. Most requests
sought technical input, education, and innovative
ideas for site remediation (63 percent); engineering
and prototype testing (21 percent); and document
review (13 percent). The topics ranged from site
characterization to modeling, monitoring, and
remediation of soil and water contamination to
ecological effects resulting from chemical
exposures. For these requests, ETSC conducted technical document reviews, engineering and prototype testing, and
developed knowledge products such as EIPs to broadly disseminate information.
ETSC provides long-term, continuous support to many high-priority Superfund sites including aid to 12 of the 21
sites from the EPA Administrator's 2017 Emphasis List that contains sites requiring immediate, intense action, and
4 of the 31 sites on the EPA's list of sites with the greatest expected redevelopment and commercial potential.
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Most requests originated from Region 7, with multiple requests for the same sites—West Lake Landfill, Oak Village,
Madison County Mines Operable Unit (OU) 7, and Bridgeton Landfill. ETSC also provided expert technical support
to Region 7 on total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) method validation, innovative technologies used to disperse light
non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in the subsurface, and real-time analytical tools for lead in water.
Mercury
TCE
I I LNAPL AMD
Lead rim
TPH Arsenic PCB LFG
PFAS
Radionuclides Dioxin
Uranium Fluoride
Chlorinated Solvents
DNAPL
Pharmaceuticals
The most frequently identified contaminants of concern (COCs) among
the more than 40 COCs re ferenced in FY18 ETSC requests for support.
Ex-&itu £l In-situ Treatment
( iniundlwiiia" RemetliiiI inn
Lsotopic Analysis
Ambient Exposure Modelling
In-Situ Technologi es
tinmfriieilKilum Hy „
Iwlatiun Barrier Geophysical Survey
Monitoring & Sampling
Solidification/Stabilization
In-Situ Biodegradation 1
Covers/Capping "Vlodeliflg S«bMirr«tc lifting
Dra.inu..L'c System Desijun
Risk Assessment
Phytorcmediation
Site Characterization
Most frequently applied and/or referenced methods and technologies
involved in the technical support requests from FY18.
ETSC provides support for many Superfund sites across the country, many of which are on the National Priorities
List (NPL). These sites include, among others, abandoned mines and legacy contamination from smelters, chemical
manufacturing facilities, paper manufacturing facilities, and more. Nearly 100 different technologies were referenced,
reviewed, or used by ETSC to provide support in FY 18.
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ETSC continues to serve as a world
leader in remediation. In FY 18,
several international partnerships
were developed or strengthened by
providing technical assistance to
Argentina, Australia, China, Israel,
Peru, Poland, Ukraine, Vietnam,
and the United Nations. A brief
description of the support provided
to each of these partners follows.
Argentina—The Ministry of
Environment and Sustainable
Development requested ETSC
support on determining the
effectiveness of, and impact to,
benthic fauna associated with the application of limestone rock on the beds of contaminated site lagoons to remedy
acid mine drainage contamination at a former mining facility. ETSC shared their knowledge and an article coauthored
by an ETSC expert (A1 Abed, 2002).
Australia—An expert on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from Australia contacted ETSC to discuss soil
washing and immobilization technologies, two emerging treatment solutions for PFAS contamination. A private
company also requested a meeting with ETSC to discuss an immobilization product manufactured in Australia that
is available on the U.S. market.
China—ETSC experts met with Chinese scientists regarding a collaboration request from Anew Global Consulting
LLC and ETSC's Chinese counterpart, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
Israel—ETSC supported Region 3 in providing assistance on sampling, analytical, and remediation methods for
military waste on two former military sites being redeveloped for commercial and residential uses.
Peru—Population growth in Latin America has significantly increased in recent years, particularly in coastal areas
where increasing water stress has been observed. Most of Peru's freshwater resources originate in the Amazonian
region, and river/tributary diversions and activities decrease the quantity and quality of water that reaches the most
populous regions. The EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) for Latin America and the Caribbean
requested ETSC expertise on water modeling to demonstrate specifically how modeling scenarios could inform the
country's monitoring and environmental enforcement efforts. The modeling support requested included general
movement of materials (e.g., sediment, contaminants) in waterways, groundwater, physical systems, and watersheds
and their impacts on water quality in lakes, estuaries, and other hydrological systems.
Poland—EPA personnel participated in the Central Eastern European Conference on Health and the Environment
Workshop in Krakow, Poland on June 10-14, 2018. A senior EPA researcher served as a co-organizer for this
International Partnerships
y * «
International countries (highlighted in dark blue) where ETSC provided support in
FY 18-Argentina, Australia, China, Israel, Peru, Poland, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
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conference with other scientists from Poland, Romania, and other Eastern European countries. The EPA co-organizer
was also the lead organizer for the water quality management session and presented case studies on mine-influenced
water remediation and nanotechnology remediation of recalcitrant contaminants in the environment. Other EPA staff
served as the session co-chair for the site remediation and thermal treatment session and an instructor for the
"Chemical Mixtures and Epidemiologic Fundamentals for Risk Assessment Applications" workshop. The focus of
the conference was air pollution, persistent organic pollutants, and site remediation of mining and military sites in
Eastern European countries. In addition, the conference highlighted research on environmental toxicology and
mechanistic biology studies, disease risks, and intervention approaches to improve health.
Ukraine—ETSC received an invitation from the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences in Ukraine
to participate in several educational, scientific, and outreach events in the country in support of an ongoing North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) project.
Vietnam—Pesticide and dioxin contamination issues have been encountered at historic U.S. military installations in
Vietnam. Since FY14, ETSC has collaborated with the Joint Advisory Committee for Vietnam, U.S. State
Department, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
internal EPA entities, including other Centers and Laboratories in ORD, and OITA to provide input on evaluating
and selecting the best remedial solutions for these legacy military sites. In FY 18, ETSC provided technical guidance
on evaluating the effectiveness of in situ solidification and stabilization technologies.
United Nations—ETSC conducted an expert review of the United Nations Stockholm Convention on Persistent
Organic Pollutants titled "Draft risk profile: Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (CAS No: 355 46-4, PFHxS), its salts and
PFHxS-related compounds" (Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, 2018).
RISK ASSESSMENT & DECISION ANALYSIS
ETSC routinely provides guidance on site-specific information to assess risks and support decision making
through decision trees, remedy selection, cleanup plans, models, and other decision support tools. Examples
of support provided by ETSC in FY 18 related to risk assessment and decision analysis include:
• Vo-Toys, New Jersey, Region 2—At this industrial site, ETSC evaluated the worst-case exposure
scenario of mercury being released in a potential warehouse fire.
• Quanta Resources, New Jersey, Region 2—ETSC evaluated risk assessment assumptions for organic
exposure in conjunction with the EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment at this
industrial site.
• B.F. Goodrich, Kentucky, Region 4—ETSC provided technical assistance for consideration of applying
an adaptive management approach to begin action based on available data at this industrial site.
• Bunker Hill Mining & Metallurgical Complex, Idaho, Region 10—ETSC used the Decision Analysis
for a Sustainable Environment, Economy, and Society (DASEES) decision support tool to assist Region
10 in prioritizing the areas to be sampled and to assist in the process of structured decision making for
adaptive site management at this mining complex.
• Hanford Department of Energy, Washington, Region 10—At this military base, ETSC provided support
on the inhalation exposure factor for radiological compounds used for Soil Screening Level Guidance.
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The Impact of Our Work at Select Sites
In FY 1S. the ETSC received 172 technical support requests for contaminated sites across the United States and
internationally. The project and technical support request summaries presented here highlight a few of the many
responses to technical support requests and illustrate the wide range of technical issues for which ETSC is asked to
support, including sampling methodologies and approaches, emerging contaminants, and advances in remediation
and mining sites. They are organized by highly complex sites, mining operations, NAPL-contaminated sites, and
PFAS-contaminated sites. Each summary describes the site and ETSC's contribution to the technical support request.
Highly Complex Sites
Mohawk Tannery (Region 1)
Only limited investigations have been undertaken at the site since June 2005 (other than a 2009 treatability study of
the sludge lagoons) pending a resolution of the funding mechanism (e.g., private developer or finalization of the site
The former Mohawk Tannery facility
poses potential risks to ground- and
surface water from the estimated
60,000 cubic yards of sludge remaining
in unlined disposal areas. The 30-acre
site is 3.5 miles upstream from the
confluence of the Nashua and the
Merrimack Rivers and surrounding
wetlands in Nashua, New Hampshire.
The facility produced leather-tanned
hides between 1924 and 1984. During
its operation, the facility discharged
wastewater containing hazardous
substances like chromium, zinc, and
phenol directly into the Nashua River
and disposed of sludge containing
hazardous substances like chromium
(e.g., trivalent), pentachlorophenol
(PCP), phenol, and 2,4,6-
trichloropehenol into several on-site,
unlined disposal areas. Approximately
5,000 people obtain drinking water
from groundwater wells within a 4-mile
radius of the site, which is on the
Administrator's Emphasis List (US
EPA, 2018a).
The 30-acre Mohawk Tannery site is upstream from the confluence of two rivers
and surrounding wetlands in Nashua, Mew Hampshire. A local developer is
working •with the EPA and NHDES on a remediation and redevelopment plan.
The facility discharged contaminated wastewater, impacting nearby drinking
water wells within a 4-mile radius of the site (US EPA, 2018b).
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on the NPL) for site cleanup. In June 2012, the city of Nashua funded the complete demolition and asbestos abatement
needed to remove the remaining former tannery buildings (excluding the slabs). These buildings had become a visible
nuisance and had been suspiciously burned on several occasions prior to demolition in 2012. The EPA and the New
Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) conducted several field investigations in the
southernmost 15-acre parcel of the site to evaluate which portion of the undeveloped area could be considered for
delisting from the NPL (US EPA, 2018a).
A local developer who is exploring the option of acquiring the site for redevelopment completed a solidification/
stabilization bench-scale treatability study in 2009 to evaluate Portland cement and various additives for the
contaminated soils and sludges and, later, a draft Remedial Action Plan to the EPA (including ETSC) and NHDES.
In 2018, ETSC assisted with the review of public comments to the remedial action plan and evaluated potential issues
with the proposed containment alternatives (e.g., land disposal design requirements), chemical deterioration of sheet
pile seals, and reactive barrier interception trenches. The EPA and NHDES are working together with the developer
and the city of Nashua regarding cleanup strategies and redevelopment potential (NHDES, n.d.; US EPA, 2018a).
Bay Road Holdings (Region 9)
Bay Road Holdings LLC (formerly Romic Environmental Technologies Corporation, or Romic) is a closed hazardous
waste management facility in East Palo Alto, California, near the San Francisco Bay. Romic operated the 12.6-acre
facility from approximately 1964 to 2007, conducting solvent recycling, fuel blending, wastewater treatment, and
hazardous waste storage and treatment. Because of past operations dating to the 1950s, soil and groundwater beneath
the site became contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Typical VOCs found at the site are solvents
used in the dry cleaning and automotive industries. The groundwater contamination extends across most of the site
to a depth of at least 80 feet below ground surface. The groundwater is not a drinking water source (US EPA, 2018c).
After the facility ceased operations in 2007, all of the surface structures, including distillation towers, storage tanks,
and hazardous waste drum storage buildings were demolished in 2009 as part of the closure process (US EPA, 2018c).
The Bay Road Holdings
site in 2008 (left) and after
demolition in 2017 (right).
(US EPA, 2018c).
Remediation of subsurface
solvent contamination is
ongoing via a groundwater
recirculation system with
horizontal injection of a
sugar-based substrate.
EPA selected biological treatment options to remediate the solvent contamination in the soil and groundwater by
using a groundwater recirculation system with horizontal injection wells that delivers a substrate, consisting mainly
of sugar, into the subsurface. The substrate acts as a food source for the natural bacteria that live on the subsurface,
and these bacteria then break down the solvents into less toxic end products. This remedy allows for flexibility during
redevelopment, such as allowing the cleanup to proceed underground while not interfering with the redevelopment
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construction. Approximately 40 percent of the full-scale biological treatment system was constructed and underwent
testing in 2017. The full-scale treatment system is expected to begin operation by 2020 (US EPA, 2018c).
In 2018, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control communicated concerns to ETSC that the substrate
may act negatively on native microbial populations and suggested that a passive bio-trap device be placed in
groundwater wells for 60 days to evaluate the condition of microbes. ETSC provided guidance to the Region on
whether in situ bioremediation was performing as expected and is working with the Department of Toxic Substances
Control to determine whether a passive bio-trap is necessary or beneficial.
Reynolds Metals (Region 10)
The 800-acre Reynolds Metals Company site in
Troutdale, Oregon, is the former location of the
Reynolds/Alcoa aluminum smelter which operated an
aluminum reduction plant from 1941 to 2000.
Historical facility operations contaminated soil,
sediment, and groundwater. EPA investigations of
contaminated waste disposal areas began in 1993, and
in 1994 the EPA placed the site on the NPL. A
remedial investigation (RI)/feasibility study (FS)
conducted from 1996 to 2000 identified arsenic,
beryllium, chromium, cyanide, fluoride, lead, 1,1-
dichloroethene, and tetrachloroethylene in
groundwater, and fluoride and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, process waste, and lake
sediment (US EPA, 2018d).
Several removal and remedial actions have been
performed since the RI/FS, including:
¦ removing 60,000 tons of visible waste and contaminated soil between 1995 and 2002;
¦ installing a geotextile and rock cap at the west end of the lake and a soil cap at the east end to cover the
sediments that could not be removed in 2003 and 2004;
¦ capping a landfill with rock cover to prevent direct contact and to provide flood protection in 2003 and 2004;
¦ installing a focused extraction well system to remove and contain the groundwater fluoride contamination in
2005;and
¦ undertaking additional remedial actions like groundwater monitoring and engineering and institutional
controls to limit future use of groundwater and portions of the property.
In 2005, the soils were confirmed to be within both the EPA's and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's
(DEQ's) acceptable risk range for all carcinogenic contaminants except for a minor exceedance for benzo(a)pyrene
in the east area. No ecological concerns were identified (US EPA, 2018d). Final remedial action objectives were then
implemented to further reduce human exposure to contaminated soil and groundwater and reduce and control the
spread of fluoride and other contaminants of concern (COCs) in ground and surface water.
Reynolds Industrial Park (TRIP), with dedicated areas for
infrastructure, open space, wetlands, and trails. TRIP is a
major community asset, attracting companies (e.g., FedEx,
Amazon) and thousands of workers to the region. In 2018, the
Port of Portland was presented with EPA Region 10's Howard
Orlean Excellence in Site Reuse Award in recognition of its
efforts as part of a diverse group of stakeholders who made the
redevelopment possible.
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In 2018, ETSC experts supported EPA Region 10 in finalizing an optimization review of the site's remediation
approach. ETSC provided technical support in the area of surface and groundwater interactions to inform decisions
for reducing the fluoride contamination, and provided ecosystem risk evaluations for fluoride exposure, specifically
related to groundwater flux into the Sandy River that could potentially harm aquatic life (US EPA, 2018d).
Mining Operations
Tar Creek (Ottawa County) (Region 6)
The 25,600-acre (40-square-mile) Tar Creek site, near Picher, in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, covers a portion of the
100-square-mile Tri-State Mining District that extends into Missouri and Kansas. The area produced substantial
quantities of iron and zinc in the 1920s and 1930s (US EPA, 2018e). Mining operations used room and pillar
techniques, and groundwater accumulated in the rooms and horizontal tunnels after mining operations ceased in the
1970s. In 1979, acid mine water with high concentrations of heavy metals began to discharge to the surface,
contaminating surface water and threatening the regional water supply beneath the mining area (US EPA, 2018f).
In 1980, the governor of Oklahoma established the Tar Creek Task Force to investigate the effects of mine drainage
onto the area's surface water, and based on the investigation's results, the site was added to the NPL in 1983. Five
Operable Units (OUs) were established at the site (US EPA, 2018f):
¦ OUl-Surface Water and Groundwater addresses the surface water degradation by the discharge of acid
mine water and the threat of contamination of the Roubidoux Aquifer, the regional water supply (US EPA,
20181).
¦ OU2-Residential Areas addresses contaminated soil in residential areas.
* OU3-Eagle-Picher Office Complex-Abandoned Mining Chemicals addressed a former office and
laboratory complex. No further action is necessary in this OU (US EPA, 2018f).
¦ OU4-Chat Piles, Other Mine and Mill Waste, and Smelter Waste addresses the undeveloped rural and
urban areas of the site where mine and mill residues and smelter wastes have been placed, deposited,
stored, and disposed.
¦ OU5-Surface Water and Sediments addresses contamination in seven watersheds, covering
approximately 437 square miles and 119 river miles within
Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and eight tribal areas.
In FY 18, ETSC responded to multiple requests related to the
evaluation and use of soil amendments to the "chat" piles of
contaminated rock, which have left the countryside bare and unable
to support revegetation. ETSC recommended strategic soil
amendments (using locally available materials) to remediate
transition zone soil that would (1) restore ecosystem services to the
new topsoil to reduce metals bioavailability to acceptable levels in
transition zone soils; (2) retain and enhance topsoil and its function
based on property-specific land use; and (3) limit excavation and
disposal of transition zone soil (as a cost-saving measure) to only
ETSC Annual Report Fiscal Year 2018
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those soils that cannot be addressed through amendments, deep mixing, or another on-site or in situ measure. ETSC
investigated the pros and cons of soil amendments such as chicken litter and arranged for laboratory analysis of the
amendment/sediment mixtures samples for metal speciation.
Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area (Region 8)
The Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area
site in Butte, Montana, includes
26 miles of stream and streamside
habitat. Wastes from nearby
mining activities were dumped
into streams and wetlands since
the late 1800s, contaminating
groundwater and surface water
with heavy metals. Silver Bow
Creek was listed as a Superfund
site in 1983 and the Butte Area
was listed in 1987.
Over the past three decades, the
EPA has removed contaminated
soil from waste dumps, residential
areas and properties, and railroad
beds, rail yards and reclaimed rail
yards. A waste dump was capped,
and cement channels and sedimentation ponds have been installed throughout Butte to address stormwater
contamination. The EPA also removed contamination from stream sides and channels and has been treating local area
groundwater (US EPA, 2018g). Removal and cleanup actions have been completed to address immediate threats to
human health and the environment in Butte.
Additional cleanup activities, operation and maintenance, sampling, and monitoring actions are underway. Further
actions include (1) removing lead- and arsenic-contaminated soil and attic dust in homes and yards; (2) removing and
disposing of contaminated soil, sediment, and tailings from around Butte; (3) managing remaining wastes left in
place; (4) installing institutional controls; (5) implementing long-term operation and maintenance; (6) treating
contaminated surface and groundwater; and finally (7) performing long-term environmental monitoring (US EPA,
2018g).
In FY 18, ETSC reviewed and provided suggestions to improve the Butte Mine Draft Field Sampling Plan for the
Butte Mine Flooding OU on behalf of the Montana Resources LLP and Atlantic Richfield Company. The Draft Field
Sampling Plan includes an EPA Region 8 QA Document Review Crosswalk form to assist document review, a
Sampling and Analysis Plan, and a Quality Assurance Project Plan.
-« /
The Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund site in western Montana is part of a
larger regional cleanup effort addressing much of the Clark Fork River watershed.
The Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area site includes a large portion of Butte and nearby
Walken'ille.
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Bonita Peak Mining District (Region 8)
The Bonita Peak Mining District in San Juan County, Colorado, consists of 48 historic mines or mining-related
sources that release metals from acid mine drainage into the water and sediments of the Mineral Creek, Cement
Creek, and Upper Animas River drainage areas (US EPA, 2018h). Various remedial activities have been performed
at the site since 2005. This site is on the EPA Administrator's Emphasis List.
From 2015 to 2016, the EPA Superfund Removal
Program installed an engineered concrete bulkhead in the
adit of the Red and Bonita Mine, and conducted an
investigation and assessment of the Gold King Mine. An
interim water treatment plant was installed at the Gold
King Mine to treat ongoing acid mine drainage being
discharged from the mine as part of an emergency
removal action following the 2015 accidental release of 3
million gallons of mine tunnel water (US EPA, 2017 and
2018h).
In 2017, EPA Region 8 requested technical assistance to
assess which contaminants to address at the site, to what
levels, and associated technological approaches to
remediate contamination. ETSC assisted with the
development of a remedial decision tree and in the design
of the RI/FS. ETSC also provided Region 8 with support
to help evaluate various technology vendors and remedial
approaches at the site. ETSC compiled a list of
technologies that were reviewed for the site along with a
description of each technology to assist with knowledge management and later requests for support at this site. In
addition, the EPA, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Mines, and Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment conducted an RI/FS inclusive of a human health risk assessment, ecological risk assessment, and a
hydrologic study of the Bonita Peak groundwater system. The results from the collaborative study will support
decisions regarding future site cleanup options (US EPA, 2018h).
In 2018, ETSC continued to provide technical support and expertise regarding various innovative remediation
technologies for potential applicability at the Bonita Peak Mining District. In particular, ETSC evaluated a type of
solidification process with mine water treatment sludge (metal hydroxides), mine tailings, and lime as part of the
larger FS for this extensive site. ETSC also supported and evaluated bench-scale work plans, leaching test methods,
and test results.
RS5IBhS.~~£
The Bonita Peak Mining District site consists of 48 historic
mines or mining-related Sources where ongoing releases of
metal-laden water and sediments occur within the Mineral
Creek, Cement Creek, and Upper Animas River drainages
in San Juan County, Colorado. This figure illustrates the
size and complexity of the drainage area from the ridgeline
of the mountain peaks (US EPA, 2017).
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
NAPL-contaminated Sites
L.A. Clarke & Son (Region 3)
The 44-acre L.A. Clarke & Son site is in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, approximately 4.5 miles southeast of
Fredericksburg. With only a one-year interruption from 1979 to 1980, wood preservation operations occurred at the
site from 1937 until 1988. L.A. Clarke and Son, Inc. operated the facility from 1937 until 1980 when the facility was
sold to the Curtas family who operated it until it closed in 1988. During operations, railroad ties, telephone poles, and
fence posts were preserved at the wood treatment plant through injection of a creosote and coal tar mixture, resulting
in contamination of site surface soils and sediment with PAHs and benzene, COCs typical of creosote wood treating.
In 1986, the EPA listed the site on the NPL.
In 1988, the EPA issued a Record of Decision to address surface soil contamination and sediments. In 1992, the site
was acquired by RF&P and subsequently sold to Commonwealth-Atlantic-Spotsylvania Inc. (CASI) (US EPA,
2018i). CASI entered into an agreement with the EPA to clean up the site and is currently working under the EPA's
oversight (US EPA, 2018i).
Assessment and remedial activities have been ongoing since the late 1980s. In 2012, groundwater contamination
including dense NAPLs (DNAPLs) was identified on the south side of Massaponax Creek. In 2015, the EPA
determined that the human health and ecological risk assessments had to be revised to properly evaluate all site-
related contaminants and, furthermore, determined that groundwater monitoring is necessary at a minimum of four
times per year. The EPA, in coordination with the Virginia DEQ, is overseeing CASFs investigations and studies
leading to cleanup actions. Long-term remedial alternatives include excavation and biological treatment of some
contaminated soil and sediment through landfarming, backfilling excavated areas, off-site disposal of contaminated
wastewater and associated sludge, and groundwater monitoring.
In 2018, ETSC evaluated DNAPL mobility in site soils and developed a list of technology options for remediation.
The ETSC also evaluated both ex situ and in situ treatment methods for minimizing DNAPL migration, including in
situ thermal heating methods.
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp-Navassa (Region 4)
Tlie Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp-Navassa site is in Navassa,
North Carolina, near the Brunswick River which discharges
to an estuary. The 234-acre site includes the area where Kerr-
McGee Chemical Corporation operated a wood-treating
plant from 1936 to 1980. Hie EPA placed the site on the NPL
in 2010 because of creosote-contaminated groundwater, soil,
and sediment caused by facility operations and wastewater
that was disposed of in on-site ponds and discharged into the
marsh on the south end of the facility. Creosote is a likely
human carcinogen, and the site contamination is impacting
groundwater at and near the site; however, a public water line
conveys potable water to local residences and businesses.
Most of the contamination is located within the southwestern
portion of the former facility, in the former process area, and
in the wetlands south of the former process area. The adjacent
property to the north is a former fertilizer plant and boat
factory. Residential properties are across North Navassa Road to the west. Sturgeon Creek borders the site to the
south. The Brunswick River borders the site to the east (US EPA, 2018j). The site is physically stable and vegetation
protects against erosion.
The EPA and the North Carolina DEQ are working with the Greenfield Environmental Multistate Trust LLC (owners
of a portion of the site) to investigate the site and plan the cleanup. The RI field investigation is currently complete;
the RI Report was finalized in August 2019. The EPA and North Carolina DEQ will propose the cleanup strategy for
the former wood storage areas in 2019.
In FY18, ETSC performed an ex situ pilot study using a green and sustainable synergistic mechanism of
phytoremediation, rhizoremediation, and bioremediation to remove the COCs. ETSC also evaluated potential
remediation technology options as part of the RI.
St. Regis Paper Co. (Region 5)
sl
North CaraliM
J
29
*
In 2010, the Kerr-McGee site was added to the NPL
because of contamination in groundwater, Soil, and
sediment resulting from wood-treating activities
(Talton, 2018).
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
The 125-acre St. Regis Paper Company site is home to a
former wood treatment facility that used creosote and
PCP and operated from the 1950s to the 1980s. The site
is within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Band of the
Ojibwe Indian Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota. The
site's operations included pressure-treating wood with
creosote, PCP, and chromated copper arsenate.
Wastewater from these processes was discharged into se^
wastewater and sludges were hauled to a pit within the former Cass Lake city dump and burned. The disposal from
the ponds occurred almost daily at an estimated rate of 500 gallons per day for a total of 547,500 gallons over the 3-
year period (US DOI, 2019). From 1960 to 1975, unknown quantities of sludge were hauled to the city dump pit.
In 1984, the EPA placed the site on the NPL, and it is now on the EPA Administrator's 2018 Emphasis List of sites
requiring immediate, intense action. Remedial activities began in 1986 with guidance from the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency until 1995 when the EPA became the lead agency for the site. Cleanup continues for soil and
groundwater contamination.
Much work has been done to control soil contaminated with dioxin since it was first identified in 2000. After a Human
Health and Ecological Risk Assessment was completed, several thousand tons of contaminated soil were removed
from several site areas and replaced with clean soil or covered or fenced to reduce exposure. Activities to control the
spread of dioxin from the contaminated soils included comprehensive cleaning of all area residences, supplemental
periodic cleaning of homes, clean soil yard covers, and dust suppression for unpaved roads in 2006. Cleaning of
residences and dust suppression will continue until a final remedy for surface soil is completed (US EPA, 2018k).
Groundwater remediation has occurred since 2005, and as of 2016, substantial amounts of PCP and PAHs have been
removed from the groundwater (US EPA, 2018k). The 2015 Five-Year Review Report described occasional
exceedances of dioxin/furan congeners in the pump-and-treat system discharge effluent. In response, the responsible
parties submitted theoretical and modeling information based on partition coefficients of PCP and
octachlorodibenzodioxin (OCDD). Contrary to model predictions that PCP would break through at effluent limits
years sooner than OCDD, occasional incidents of early OCDD breakthrough have been observed.
In 2018, ETSC responded to a request to review the partition coefficient and modeling results for PCP and dioxin,
evaluate how the results could be extrapolated to other dioxin/furan congeners, and identify viable measures to
improve dioxin removal from the effluent of the pump-and-treat system.
The St. Regis Paper Co. Superfund site is within the
boundaries of the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe Indian
Reser\>ation in Cass Lake, Minnesota. This site was placed
on the NPL in 1984 because of soil and groundwater
contamination from wood treatment operations. In FY 18,
ETSC provided critical reviews of the partition coefficients
of PCP and OCDD and the results of modeling ofpump-
and-treat effluent discharge to improve dioxin removal.
al disposal ponds at the site, and between 1957 and 1960,
ETSC Annual Report Fiscal Year 2018
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Des Moines TCE (Region 7)
The 200-acre Des Moines TCE Superfimd site, located in south-central
Des Moines, Iowa, on the east side of the Raccoon River, is also on the
EPA Administrator's 2018 Emphasis List. Today, the site contains
empty warehouses, but for approximately 40 years, Dico, Inc. owned and
operated steel wheel manufacturing and chemical and pesticide
formulation facilities there. Operations resulted in the release of
trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,2-dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride to the
groundwater; residual pesticides and metals to shallow soils; and
pesticides to buildings and soils on the southern end of the site and
drainage areas (US EPA, 20181). From the mid-1950s through the early
1970s, pesticide and herbicide formulation operations were conducted
on-site, and chemicals were stored in several buildings.
EPA placed the site on the NPL in 1983 and established four OUs:
¦ OU1 addresses the groundwater TCE plume on the Dico
property.
¦ OU2 originated as source soils associated with TCE
groundwater contamination but later focused on residual
pesticides and metals in shallow soils.
¦ OU3 is the source area of trichloroethylene groundwater
contamination north of the Dico property.
¦ OU4 addresses pesticides in buildings and soil on the southern
end of the Dico property and in drainage areas of the Dico property.
A groundwater extraction and treatment system was first installed in 1987 to treat contaminated groundwater and
contain the contamination to protect the nearby public water supply system. The EPA is working with stakeholders
to conduct an optimization study to assess whether changes to the existing pump-and-treat system are warranted or
if a different remedy may be more effective (US EPA, 20181).
To prevent human contact with contaminated soils and building materials, Dico initially cleaned and encapsulated
contaminated buildings and covered much of the property with an asphalt cap to reduce migration of surface soils
and COCs. The EPA is now evaluating how to address the deteriorating contaminated buildings (US EPA, 20181).
In 2018, ETSC provided assistance in evaluating remediation options and associated testing methods for a stormwater
drainage lake and the identification of non-removal, in situ remediation technologies.
Empty buildings on the Dico property (top)
and a section of Raccoon River along the
Dico property border (bottom) (EPA
Region 7, 2007).
ETSC Annual Report Fiscal Year 2018
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
PFAS-Contaminated Sites
Naval Air Engineering Station at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix at Lakehurst, New Jersey
(Region 2)
The 7,382-acre Naval Air Engineering Station-Lakehurst
site is part of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix (JBMD)
Lakehurst and is located in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The site
has been used since the 1920s for research, maintenance,
firefighter training, testing, and disposal activities by the
U.S. Navy. The size of the Lakehurst facility and its
operations have changed over the years; however, its major
function has remained the development and testing of fleet
support systems (US EPA, 2018m).
The Navy identified 44 potentially contaminated areas at
the site in the 1980s, including landfills, open pits, unlined lagoons, and drainage ditches. RIs of most contaminated
areas were conducted by the early 1990s, and long-term remedies were implemented. In 2016, perfluorooctanoic acid
and perfluorooctane sulfonate were identified throughout the Lakehurst site. These two chemicals have been detected
off-site as well; however, they were not detected in the main public drinking water systems. The chemicals are
components of a type of fire-fighting foam used by the Air Force since 1970 to extinguish petroleum fires (US EPA,
2018m).
The ETSC support team evaluated a solidification/stabilization treatability study to represent an in situ solidification/
stabilization (ISS) field process, where the effects of sorbents and cement as a solidification binder are being
evaluated for reducing leaching of chemicals from site soils to groundwater and surface water.
Ellsworth Air Force Base (Region S)
Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB) is a 4,858-acre U.S. Air Force Air
Combat Command base situated six miles east of Rapid City, South
Dakota (US EPA, 2018n). EAFB began operating in 1942, and the site
includes petroleum storage tanks, landfills, fire-training areas,
explosive ordnance disposal areas, and radioactive waste sites.
Military activities have contaminated soil, sediment, surface water, and
groundwater primarily with petroleum products and waste solvents on
the base and on adjacent private land. The EPA placed the site on the
NPL in 1990 (SD DENR, 2018).
The EPA established 12 OUs, including landfills, a fire protection
training area, spill sites, industrial areas, and an explosive ordnance
disposal area. Remedies have been selected and are being implemented
at all OUs (US EPA, 2018n). The Air Force is performing all cleanup
Laboratory analyses of samples at JBMD-Lakehurst
(JBMD-Lakehurst, 2017).
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and 2016groundwater contamination
plumes (in gold) at EAFB (EAFB, 2017).
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
activities with the EPA and South Dakota providing regulatory oversight. Long-term remedies include groundwater
pump-and-treat systems, which were replaced by in-place reductive treatment systems beginning in 2007. and bio-
dechlorination, landfill covers, soil treatment systems, excavation activities, natural attenuation, and institutional
controls.
Base water supply wells were abandoned for off-base residents. Those on the east side are serviced by a water supply
line from the city of Box Elder. Further cleanup for the groundwater is warranted, and the 2015 draft Five-Year
Review identified four on-base areas that need further investigation to determine whether new OUs need to be
established or if they belong in an existing OU. These areas include munitions, vapor intrusion, perfiuorocarbons
(PFCs) from multiple potential sources, and buried concrete monoliths near OU 2 (US EPA, 2018n).
In 2018, the ETSC support team evaluated a solidification/stabilization treatability study to represent an ISS field
process, where the effects of sorbents and cement as a solidification binder are being evaluated for reducing soils
leaching to groundwater and surface water.
Wolverine (Region 5)
The Wolverine World Wide site consists of two facilities in Kent
County, Michigan—an inactive tannery facility at the northern end
of downtown Rockford and a former disposal facility on House
Street in Belmont. Wolverine conducted leather tanning activities
for shoe production from the late 1800s until 2009. In the late 1950s,
leather waterproofing with Scotchgard \ a product that then
contained high levels of several PFAS compounds (US EPA,
2018o), was performed. Only one tannery structure remains on the
site; all other structures were demolished in 2011.
In 2017, investigations identified groundwater contaminated with
PFAS, heavy metals, VOCs, and semivolatile organic compounds
at the tannery site. A waste dump known as the House Street
Disposal Area in Belmont has also been identified as a
contamination source. This dump was used exclusively by
Wolverine for waste disposal of lime-sludge waste from tanning
treatments and lime slurry waste disposal in trenches dug across the
property. The waste dump area also contained seepage pits, which
were used for disposing of lime liquor and other liquid waste. The
third potential source of contamination is the Wolven/Jewell source
area, where Wolverine may have used an old gravel mining
operation site to dispose of tanning process waste (US EPA, 2018o).
Nearby residents are being supplied with water filters and bottled
water.
The Michigan DEQ is the lead agency investigating the PFAS contamination in ground-, surface, and drinking water.
The EPA is directing the investigation of other contamination that may be associated with Wolverine's former tannery
Location of the former Wolverine World Wide
tannery, House Street Disposal Area, and the
Wolven/Jewell source in Michigan.
Groundwater is contaminated with PFAS, with
the extent of contamination shown as non-detect
(green) to high (red) (US EPA, 2018ojL
Location
ppt (1.705)
Non-Detect (924)
>0 to 10(460)
>10 to 70 (198)
• >70(123)
Estimated
ni
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
and the House Street Disposal Area. In 2018, Wolverine was ordered by the EPA to perform soil, sediment, soil gas,
surface water, and groundwater sampling, and monitoring wells were installed to delineate the extent of the plumes.
The Wolven/Jewell area was not included in the EPA's order because it is currently being investigated by DEQ.
The plumes are up to 200 feet deep at both the House Street Disposal site and the Wolven/Jewell source area. Both
sites are located on high ground, and the groundwater plumes flow in multiple directions toward the Rogue River,
making for a highly complex site investigation. As next steps, the EPA will analyze investigation and sampling results
and determine appropriate cleanup actions for the PFAS-contaminated groundwater plumes.
In 2018, ETSC provided support, including research of PFAS and guidance for analytical approaches. ETSC also
began work on delineating groundwater impacts downgradient of the two site areas, collecting groundwater samples
at an impacted former fire-training area for PFAS analysis, and evaluating PFAS analytical methods (US EPA,
2018o).
SAMPLING ASSISTANCE & ANALYSIS
A well-designed sampling plan is critical to properly characterize, assess, and monitor contaminated sites.
ETSC staff help design and review sampling plans to ensure the collected data are representative and
sufficient to make evidence-based decisions. ETSC also assists with selecting field methods and procedures
and analyzing sampling results.
In FY18, ETSC fielded more than 14 requests related to sampling assistance and analysis for a variety of
sites covering soil, surface water, and groundwater:
Landfills
• Deschutes Landfill, Oregon, Region 10 (2 requests)
• Forest Waste Site, Michigan, Region 5
Mining
• Carpenter's Creek/Barker/Danny T, Montana, Region 8
Sites
• Coeur d'Alene. Idaho, Region 10
Industrial
• Central Chemical, Maryland, Region 3
Sites
• DuPont Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, Region 2
• San Jacinto, Texas, Region 6
Military
• DFSP Melville Newport Naval Station, Rhode Island, Region 1
Bases
• Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Region 1
• Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, Region 5
Other
• Lake Michigan, Michigan, Region 5 - natural area
• Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, Region 9 - other
• Brownfields Site, Oregon, Region 10 - other (subsurface heating event)
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
Dissemination and Knowledge Sharing
ETSC shares the results of its work in a variety of formats to broaden its reach. In FY18, 29 scientific
communication products in collaboration with various researchers were produced, many of which are listed below.
¦ Select general reports:
o Evaluating the Protectiveness of Texas Site-Specific Dissolved Oxygen Criteria for Oso Bay and
Laguna Madre in Corpus Christi, TX
o Analysis of Temperature, Gas Quality and Settlement Trends at the Bridgeton Sanitary Landfill in
2016
16
14
12
10
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14
Peer-reviewed journal article: Darlington,
¦
R., Barth, E., and McKernan, J. 2018. The
Challenges of PFAS Remediation. Mil Eng.
110(712): 58-60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
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Presentations and posters:
o Sustainable and Healthy
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Communities Project 3.61:
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Contaminated Sites and Task 2 -
Contaminated Groundwater
Dissemination Product Types and Number by Type
Research
o Sustainable and Healthy Communities Project 3.61: Contaminated Sites
o Contaminated Groundwater Research and Technical Support at the US EPA's Groundwater,
Watershed, and Ecosystem Restoration Division, Ada, OK, USA
o ORD's Contaminated Sites Research and Technical Support Program
o Developing Solutions for Environmental Decision Making
o HHRA Science Assessment Translation and Support
o ORD Technical Support Centers Presentation
o SCMTSC: Assessing Environmental and Human Health Exposures Through Technical Support
o ORD Engineering Technical Support at the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site, EPA Region 7, St.
Louis, MO
o ORD Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC): RARPM Training Meeting 2018
o Using Models to Assist with Clean-up Decisions at Contaminated Sites
o EPA ORD Research to Support Site Characterization and Remediation/Treatment
o Water Treatment and Infrastructure Research
o SCMTSC Case Study Webinar
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ETSC ANNUAL REPORT
o Aquifer Storage & Recovery: ORD Pilot Study
o Risk Reduction Strategies for Dioxin in Soils
o ORD Superfund and Technology Liaison (STL) Program Presentation
¦ Other: Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee Peer Review of Revised James River Chlorophyll-a
Criteria and Assessment
EIPs are prepared when knowledge gaps on a technical subject are identified. EIPs provide a state-of-the-science
review of technologies available for contaminated site cleanup. Once finalized, EIPs are used to support office,
Remedial Project Manager, OSC, or EPA Regional decisions. ETSC conducts an extensive literature review on the
current understanding of the theory, design, and implementation of various remedial or treatment technologies that
form the basis of the EIPs. Leading engineers and scientists inside the EPA, federal government, academia, or
contracting community may also be consulted for input.
KEY RESEARCH PRODUCTS FROM FY18
Key disseminated products from FY 18 include the following:
¦ Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) Technology—ETSC finalized and published an EIP summarizing the
state of the science regarding the widespread use of SVE as a major treatment technology for
removing VOCs from soil. SVE can be applied alone or as an integral component of more complex
remedial technologies that volatilize subsurface contaminants (e.g., thermal remediation, air
sparging). This EIP also provides information describing SVE and its applicability and limitations;
site characterization; design and construction; performance monitoring, evaluation, optimization, and
shutdown; complementary technologies; costs; case studies; and references for further information.
https://cfbub.epa.gov/si/si public record Report.cfm?dirEntrvId=34517l&Lab=NRMRL
¦ Assessment of Sediment Cleanup Level for Dioxin Based on a Two-Carbon Partitioning
Model—ETSC drafted a journal article on the use of a two-compartment partitioning model for a
site containing dioxin-contaminated sediment, using pore water as the water quality criterion.
¦ Evaluation of In-situ Solidification/Stabilization (ISS) of PFAS-contaminated Soils—ETSC
drafted a report on evaluating the effectiveness of various sorbents to stabilize two different PFAS-
contaminated soils, then mixing such soils with cement to decrease the hydraulic conductivity of
the contaminated soils to minimize further PFAS leaching. Pre- and postleaching analyses were
performed to measure whether cement further reduced leachability.
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References
A1 Abed, S.R., D. Allen. E.R. Bates, and D.J. Reisman. 2002. Lime Treatment Lagoons Technology for Treating Acid Mine
Drainage. Available at https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record Report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntrvID=61835.
EAFB (Ellsworth Air Force Base). 2017, September. Ellsworth Air Force Base Restoration News, Issue 9. Available at
https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/Portals/146/Sept%202017%20RAB%20Newsletter.pdf7veF2017-08-31-170815-443.
Accessed March 7, 2019.
JBMD-Lakehurst (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst). 2017. MDL Minute - PFCs. Available at
https://search.usa.gov/search/news?affiliate=afpw mcguire&channel=9478&querv=PFOA. Accessed March 6, 2019.
NHDES (New Hampshire Department of Enviromnental Services), n.d. Mohawk Tannery Site Nashua. Available at
https://www.des.nli.gov/organization/divisions/waste/liwrb/fss/superfund/summaries/documents/moliawk.pdf. Accessed
November 11, 2019.
ODEQ (Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality). 2017. Tar Creek Superfund Site. Available at
http://dea.state,ok.us/LPDnew/SF/Superfund%20Proiect/SF%20Site%20Summaries/TarCreek.html. Accessed March 1,
2019.
Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee. 2018, February. Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS), Its Salts and
PFHxS-Related Compounds: Draft Risk Profile. Available at
http://clim.pops.int/TlieConvention/POPsReviewCommittee/Meetings/POPRC13/POPRC13Followup/tabid/6173/Default.a
spx.
SD DENR (South Dakota Department of Enviromnent & Natural Resources). 2018. Sites on Superfund List (NPL). Available
at https://denr.sd.gov/des/gw/superfund/Superfund Sites.aspx. Accessed March 7, 2019.
Talton, T. 2018. Navassa: Contamination at 'Various Levels.' Coastal Review Online. Available at
https://www.coastalreview.org/2018/01/navassa-contamination-various-levels/. Accessed March 6, 2019.
US DOI (US Department of the Interior). 2019. Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (NRDAR
Program). St. Regis Paper Co. NPL Site. Available at https://www.cerc.usgs.gov/orda docs/CaseDetails?ID=995.
Accessed March 6, 2019.
US EPA Region 7. 2007. Planning for the Future: A Reuse Planning Report for the Des Moines TCE Superfund Site Dico
Property. Available at https://semspub.epa.gov/work/07/30047239.pdf. Accessed March 6, 2019.
US EPA. 2017. DRAFT FINAL Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan. Available at
https://semspub.epa.gov/work/08/1883580.pdf. Accessed March 5, 2019.
US EPA. 2018a. Mohawk Tannery Nashua, NH. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0101188#bkground. Accessed
March 1, 2019.
US EPA. 2018b. Presentation: Mohawk Tannery Information Meeting. July 25, 2018. City Hall Auditorium, Nashua NH.
Available at https://semspub.epa.gov/work/01/628127.pdf. Accessed March 6, 2019.
US EPA. 2018c. Romic Bay Road Holdings, East Palo Alto (formerly Romic). Available at https://www.epa.gov/ca/romic.
Accessed February 28, 2019.
US EPA. 2018d. Third Five-Year Review Report for Reynolds Metals Company Superfund Site Multnomah County, Oregon.
Available at https://semspub.epa.gov/work/10/10Q116773.pdf. Accessed February 28, 2019.
US EPA. 2018e. NPL Site Narrative for Tar Creek (Ottawa County). Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0601269. Accessed March 1, 2019.
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US EPA. 2018f. Tar Creek (Ottawa County) Ottawa County, OK. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0601269#bkground. Accessed
March 1, 2019.
US EPA. 2018g. Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area. Butte, MT. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0800416. Accessed March 6, 2019.
US EPA. 2018h. Bonita Peak Mining District, Unincorporated, CO. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0802497. Accessed November 11, 2019.
US EPA. 2018i. L.A. Clarke & Son Spotsylvania, VA. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0302542#bkground. Accessed
March 4, 2019.
US EPA. 2018j. Kerr-Mcgee Chemical Corp - Navassa, Navassa, NC. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0403028. Accessed March 5, 2019.
US EPA. 2018k. St. Regis Paper Co. Cass Lake, MN. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0503781. Accessed March 5,
2019.
US EPA. 20181. Des Moines TCE, Des Moines, IA. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0700316#bkground. Accessed
March 5, 2019.
US EPA.2018m. Naval Air Engineering Center Lakehurst, NJ. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0201174. Accessed March 6,
2019.
US EPA. 2018n. Ellsworth Air Force Base. Ellsworth AFB, SD. Available at
https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0800585. Accessed March 7,
2019.
US EPA. 2018o. Investigations Underway at Wolverine World Wide, Rockford and Belmont, Michigan. Available at
https://semspub.epa.gov/work/05/944785.pdf. Accessed March 6, 2019.
US EPA. 2019a. Administrator's Emphasis List - April 2019. Available at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/previous-versions-
administrators-emphasis-list. Accessed September 24, 2019.
US EPA. 2019b. Superfund Redevelopment Opportunity Sites. Available at https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-
initiative/superfund-redevelopment-focus-list. Accessed March 6, 2019.
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Contact Information
John McKernan
mckernan.john@epa.gov
Edwin Barth
barth.ed@epa.gov
Co-Directors, ORD Engineering Technical Support Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Mail Stop 190
Cincinnati, OH 45268
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&EPA
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
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