United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA/600/R-17/409
November 2017
www.epa.gov/research
October 2015 - September 2016
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
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Site Characterization and Monitoring
Technical Support Center
FY16 Report
October 2015 - September 2016
Prepared by
Felicia Barnett
Christopher Sibert
Jan Szaro
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
Washington, DC 20460
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Notice / Disclaimer
This report is intended to inform the public, Remedial Project Managers, On-Scene Coordinators, and
Superfund Technology Liaisons of progress at the Site Characterization and Monitoring Technical
Support Center (SCMTSC) involved sites, cutting-edge investigative technologies, and SCMTSC
operations.
This document has been reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and
Development, and approved for publication.
The views expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or
policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Disclaimer-. Mention of company trade names or products does not constitute endorsement by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and are provided as general information only.
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Special Acknowledgements
The Site Characterization and Monitoring Technical Support Center (SCMTSC) is part of a core group of
technical support centers and regional forums established and maintained under the Technical Support
Project.
We at SCMTSC would like to thank John McKernan, Director of the Engineering, Technical Support
Center; Dave Burden, Director of the Groundwater, Technical Support Center; Teresa Shannon, National
Coordinator for the Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center and the Ecological Risk Assessment
Support Center; and Karen Chu, of the ORD Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program for
their cooperation and teamwork in providing high-quality technical support to the Regions. We also
would like to thank the members of the Groundwater, Engineering, and Federal Facilities Forums for their
support and cooperation with the technical support centers through the years.
We would also like to express our great appreciation for the funding provided by the Office of Science
Policy, the Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, and various EPA regional
programs, as well as the in-house staff support provided by the National Exposure Research Laboratory in
Las Vegas and specifically Tammy Jones-Lepp. Without them, we would not have the resources required
to fully achieve our technical support goals and objectives. Finally, we would like to thank Matt Reeves,
Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University; Daniel Mosley, Native Environmental
Services; Daniel Heggem, U.S. EPA/ORD/NERL/SED; Dr. Laura Sherrod, Kutztown University;
Mvriam Medina-Vera, Ph.D., Chief PHCB/EMMD/NERL; for conducting a peer review of this report.
vi
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Contents
Notice / Disclaimer v
Special Acknowledgements vi
Contents vii
Figures ix
Abbreviations and Acronyms xi
Introduction 1
Technical Focus of SCMTSC 2
FY 16 Technical Support 3
Short-Term Requests 3
Region/Program Specific Long-Term Support 4
Review of Technical Documents/Methods 5
R4 - Alaric Area Groundwater Plume Superfund Site 5
R7 - Main Street Site 6
Source Attribution/Fingerprinting 6
R3 - Lower Darby Creek Area (LDCA) Superfund Site 7
Laboratory Support 9
R9 - Yurok Tribe (Klamath Basin) 9
Highly Complex Site Investigations/Models 10
vii
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Contents, continued
R4 - BF Goodrich 10
Geophysics Support 11
R2 - Seneca Army Depot 12
RIO - Warmhouse Beach Dump 12
Statistical Support 13
R9 - Abandoned Uranium Mines on the Navajo Nation 14
RIO - Bunker Hill Mining Site/Coeur dAlene Basin 15
Background Analysis/Background Threshold Values 16
R2 - American Cyanamid (Bridgewater Township) 17
R2 - DuPont Pompton Lakes 18
Sample/Monitoring Plan Review/Development 20
R2 - Myers Property 20
R8 - Mystery Bridge Road 21
Training/ORD Support Capabilities 22
SCMTSC Case Study Webinar 22
State of Wisconsin and Region 5 ProUCL Training 23
Region 7 Tools Cafe 23
ProUCL 24
References 26
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Figures
Figure 1. Flow Chart for Requesting Technical Support 1
Figure 2. EPA Region map 2
Figure 3. FY 16 SCMTSC Cross-Regional Support 4
Figure 4. FY16 SCMTSC Activities by Project Type 4
Figure 5. Aerial Photo of Alaric Groundwater Plume Site 5
Figure 6. Alaric Electrical Resistance Fleating Installation 6
Figure 7. Geophysical survey line across Lower Darby Creek near Clearview Landfill 7
Figure 8. Lower Darby Creek 7
Figure 9. Darby Creek at Pine St, PA 7
Figure 10. Map of Lower Darby Creek Area 8
Figure 11. Warning sign 9
Figure 12. 2005 Algal Bloom Sampling at Klamath Copco Reservoir 9
Figure 13. Map of the Klamath River Basin 10
Figure 14. 3-D model of groundwater contamination at BF Goodrich site 11
Figure 15. Sampling under the Tennessee River 11
Figure 16. Seneca Army Depot igloo storage bunker 12
Figure 17. Seneca Army Depot 12
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Figures, continued
Figure 18. White deer inside fence at Seneca Army Depot 12
Figure 19. Aerial view of Warmhouse Beach Dump 13
Figure 20. Map of Warmhouse Beach Dump 13
Figure 21. Demolition of home contaminated with radiation 14
Figure 22. Radiation Removal Sign 14
Figure 23. Rebuilt home 14
Figure 24. Map of Abandoned Uranium Mines 15
Figure 25. Coeur d'Alene River 15
Figure 26. Brown Trout 16
Figure 27. Site map of American Cyanamid 17
Figure 28. Flooding of American Cyanamid waste impoundments 18
Figure 29. Flag marking where a soil sample was taken near the mouth of Acid Brook where it
empties into Pompton Lake 19
Figure 30. Typical well drilling equipment setup 19
Figure 31. Aerial view of Dupont Site 20
Figure 32. Abandoned well area - Cakepoulin Creek 21
Figure 33. Old family barn housing Myers groundwater treatment plant 21
Figure 34. Aerial view of Mystery Bridge Road Site 22
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
AUMs
Abandoned Uranium Mines
BaP
Benzo (a) pyrene
BTVs
Background Threshold Values
CD
Cultural Debris
C12
Chlorine
cvoc
Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compound
DMA
Demonstration of Method Applicability
DQOs
Data Quality Objective
DTS
Distributed Temperature Sensing
EM
Electromagnetics
EMMD
Exposure Methods and Measurements Division
EPC
Exposure Point Concentrations
ERA
Ecological Risk Assessment
ERH
Electric Resistance Heating
ETSC
Engineering Technical Support Center
FCRs
Field Change Requests
FDEM
Frequency Domain EM
FS
Feasibility Study
FY
Fiscal Year
GPR
Ground Penetrating Radar
GW
Groundwater
GWTSC
Groundwater Technical Support Center
GOF
Goodness of Fit
HABs
Harmful Algal Blooms
HAO
Hanlm-Allied-Olin
XI
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Abbreviations and Acronyms, continued
HC1
Hydrogen Chloride
III IRA
Human Health Risk Assessment
IDHW
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
ISCO
In-Situ Chemical Oxidation
K-M
Kaplan-Meier
LDCA
Lower Darby Creek Area
MD
Munitions Debris
MPPEH
Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard
MQOs
Measurement Quality Objectives
NERL
National Exposure Research Laboratory
NJDEP
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
ND
Non Detect
OD
Open Detonation
OLEM
Office of Land and Emergency Management
ORD
Office of Research and Development
OSP
Office of Science Policy
P&T
Pump and Treat
PAHs
Polyromantic Hydrocarbons
PDI
Pre-Design Investigation
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride
QAPP
Quality Assurance Project Plan
QA/QC
Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
Q-Q
Quantile-Quantile
RI
Remedial Investigation
RI/FS
Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study
ROS
regression on order statistics
RPM
Remedial Project Manager
Xll
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Abbreviations and Acronyms, continued
RSL
Regional Science Liaison
SCMTSC
Site Characterization and Monitoring Technical Support Center
SOPs
Standard Operating Procedures
SRS
Site-specific Remediation Standard
STL
Superfund and Technology Liaison
TDEM
Time Domain Electromagnetic Induction
TDS
Total Dissolved Solids
TEQ
Toxic Equivalents
TEMTADS
Time-domain Electromagnetic Multi-sensor Towed Array Detection System
T-S
Theil-Sen
TSC
Technical Support Center
TSP
Technical Support Project
WDNR
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
XRF
X-ray fluorescence
YTEP
Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
UCL
upper confidence limit
UPL
upper prediction limit
UTL
upper tolerance limit
USGS
United States Geological Survey
U.S. EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Xlll
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Introduction
SCMTSC's priman goal is to provide technical assistance to regional programs on complex hazardous
waste site characterization issues. This annual report illustrates the range and extent of projects that
SCMTSC supported in FY 2016. Our principal audiences are site project managers, regional
management, the Regional Forums and States through their Regional contacts. This report is also
intended for our benefactors, Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) and Office of
Research and Development (ORD), to show that their generous financial investment and expertise are
important components in cleaning up sites and protecting our communities. Our goal for this report is to
demonstrate our capabilities and accomplishments so that project managers and technical support staff
will continue to look to SCMTSC as a valuable resource in solving complex hazardous site investigation
and cleanup issues.
SCMTSC Request
Flow Chart
Tribes
Stakeholders
Regional
Project Managers
Program Managers
STLs
V V
SCMTSC
Director
SCMTSC
Subject Matter
Expert(s)
Technical Support Requests
Technical Products
Communication
Figure 1. Flow chart for requesting technical support.
The SCMTSC is operated by members of ORD s Superfund and Technology Liaison (STL) Program and
supported by staff in National Exposure Research Laboratory Exposure Methods and Measurements
Division (NERL-EMMD) (http://www.epa.gov/nerl/). The process for requesting technical support is
shown as a flow chart in Figure 1. The SCMTSC Director receives requests for technical support from
STLs and EPA regional and headquarters waste program staff for their respective sites, states, and tribes.
The Region's STL logs the request into the Site Technical Assistance Reporting System (STARS)
database. Based on the information provided, the SCMTSC Director communicates with SCMTSC
subject matter experts identifying if and how SCMTSC can address the technical support issue. Light-
blue arrows show these and additional communication channels for identification, discussion, and
development of the technical support needs/requests that ensure planned products are timely and relevant
to the need. Green arrows indicate the specific request and dark blue arrows follow delivery of the
technical support product. Products (review comments, data, reports, issue papers, etc.) are delivered
from the ORD subject matter technical expert(s) to the SCMTSC Director for final approval and delivery
to the client. If the product is sensitive or requires policy or peer review, the SCMTSC Director will
coordinate additional reviews prior to delivery.
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Technical Focus of SCMTSC
Figure 2. EPA Region map.
SCMTSC provides waste program staff with the most up to date science and information to help solve
complex issues at their sites. SCMTSC offers a suite of technical and statistical services, including:
Assisting with statistical needs for site characterization
Reviewing field sampling and monitoring and contaminant measurement activities,
including:
o soil-gas measurements
o site characterization technologies (e.g., field portable X-ray fluorescence [XRF])
o waste fingerprinting
o geophysics
Evaluating reports, models and work plans related to field sampling and measurement
Developing issue papers and providing up-to-date information
Performing non-routine analytical services
Assessing vapor intrusion issues
Performing environmental forensics
Providing reliable and accurate information on innovative site characterization and remediation
technologies
Evaluating remote sensing technologies
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FY16 Technical Support
October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016
additional
Short Term Requests proucL
On a weekly basis, SCMTSC addresses many s Evaluated
short-term requests, including questions from
states and local governments. SCMTSC
provides short-term assistance on a number of
topics, including: determining the most
appropriate statistic(s) to estimate background
threshold values (BTVs); addressing site
geophysical questions, performing trend
evaluations on groundwater (GW) monitoring
data; providing sampling plan review comments
and sampling method recommendations.
In FY-16 SCMTSC:
Addressed inquiries from Scott Miller of
Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality related to performing trend
evaluations on data sets containing
nondetect (ND) observations.
Supported Region 4 personnel in
addressing concerns about Potentially
Responsible Party (PRP) contractor
proposal to drill to determine the
boundaries of a nearby sink hole at the
Tower Chemical Site in Tampa, Florida.
SCMTSC recommended considering
geophysical methods, especially;
electromagnetic induction, electrical
resistivity, and induced polarization; and
maybe microgravity as drilling would be
expensive and inefficient.
Performed statistical evaluations on a
data set provided by Region 10, see
figure 2, and addressed questions from
the Region related to computing Upper
Prediction Limits (UPLs) when entering
observational data into
and extracted site-specific
background data sets for arsenic and
manganese collected from onsite areas
of the AIW Frank Superfund Site in
Exton, Pennsylvania and attended
conference calls with Region 4 and
Region 3 personnel to discuss and
explain background data extraction
results for the site.
Assisted Region 3 with questions on
labs capable of supporting the Region's
efforts to use 42-day chronic toxicity
tests in designing and performing a dose
response study for Monongahela River
sediments contaminated with coal tar
derivatives at the Big John's Salvage
Superfund site in Fairmont, West
Virginia.
Informed and distributed to the Regions
a report based on a comparison study
done at the Red River Army Depot
concerning possible limitations on the
use of HydraSleeve samplers for site
investigations.
In coordination with OLEM, provided
review comments to Lon Kissinger in
Region 10 on the Washington
Department of Ecology analysis of
background concentrations of
contaminants in urban lake sediments in
western Washington (The Lake
Washington Area Regional Background
Sediment Characterization Draft Data
Evaluation and Summary Report).
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Region/Program Specific Long - Term Support
In FY 16, SCMTSC supported 30 sites in 9 EPA Regions by completing numerous individual tasks,
including site-specific work, report reviews, sampling technology evaluations, presentations,
meetings, and conference calls (see Figure 2). SCMTSC also provided training and materials on
technical support capabilities and tools.
SCMTSC FY16
General, Cross-Region Support
30 Total Sites
3 Training/Support
Capability Projects
9% 2 Sites
SCMTSC FY16
Site Technical Support by Project Type
3 Projects
LEGEND
RTD/M
Review of Technical Documents/Methods
SA
Source Attribution/Fingerprinting
HCSI/M
Highly Complex Site Investigations/Models
S/MPD/R
Sample/Monitoring Plan DevelopmentfReview
and Improvement
T
Training/ORD Support Capabilities
LS
Laboratory Support
BTV
Background Analysis/Background Threshold
Values
SS
Statistical Support
GS
Geophysics Support
Support for the State and Tribal Environmental
Programs are provided through the Regions
when possible (reference Figure 1), and there
were a number of requests from the Regions for
support of work on Tribal Lands in FY16.
SCMTSC organizes the site-specific request
support by the type of work provided: Review
of Technical Documents/Methods; Source
Attribution/Fingerprinting; Laboratory Support;
Highly Complex Site Investigations/ Models,"
Geophysics Support; Statistical Support;
Background Analysis/Background Threshold
Values; Sample/Monitoring Plan
Review/Development; and Training/ORD
Support Capabilities. Figure 3 is a pie chart
categorizing these SCMTSC activities.
The figure illustrates that review documents,
geophysics support, statistical support, and
support for background and BTV determination
were a significant portion of the technical
support requests to the SCMTSC in FY16.
Geophysics requests increased in FY 16 and the
need for that support is expected to continue in
future years.
In the following sections, a select number of
technical support requests/projects are
highlighted as examples of the center's work.
Figures, from top left to bottom left.
Figure 3. FY16 SCMTSC General, Cross-
Regional Support.
Figure 4. FY16 SCMTSC Activities by Project
Type.
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Review of Technical Documents/Methods
SCMTSC can review internal and external (PRP, State, etc.) site documents or sampling methods. A
center review performed by experts independent of the project provides a fresh look at old data related
to complex site issues, and additional expert opinion not directly involved in the site work. SCMTSC
can evaluate different methods or technologies to determine if they will provide useful site data in a
more efficient and effective manner. New or old methods and technologies used in an innovative way
may improve site actions and result in time or cost savings.
In FY 16, SCMTSC performed reviews of internal and PRP-generated technical documents and
methods for four sites:
Hanlin-Allied-Olin (HAO), Region 3, Moundsville, West Virginia;
Alaric Area Groundwater Plume, Region 4, Tampa, Florida;
Main Street, Region 7, Moscow, Kansas; and
Keyport, Region 10, Kitsap County, Washington
This report includes examples of document/method review support at the Alaric Area Groundwater
Plume Site in Region 4 and the Main Street Site in Region 7.
Alaric Area Groundwater Plume Superfund Site, Tampa, FL
The Alaric Area Groundwater Plume Site is located near Tampa, Florida in a mostly commercial and
industrial area. Several businesses have occupied the site since the early 1970s, including Alaric, Inc.,
which operated a plastics recycling facility. A septic tank, since removed, is believed to be the main
source of chlorinated solvents contaminating the site.
North 71st Street
iHelena Chemical
Figure 5. Aerial Photo of Alaric Groundwater Plume Site.
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Figure 6. Alaric Electrical Resistance Heating
Installation,
EPA had been using the ISCO (In-Situ Chemical
Oxidation) process to remediate the chlorinated
solvents at the Alaric site. Additionally, pump
and treat systems were employed to treat the
groundwater from the upper and intermediate
aquifers. These systems, after time, were found
to be removing only a minimum amount of
contamination while chlorinated solvent
contamination levels in below-ground soils
remained virtually unchanged. EPA determined
it would be more effective to shut down the
treatment systems and change the remediation
technology to thermal treatment.
EPA Region 4 requested SCMTSC review the
technical proposal of the thermal remediation
contractor selected to implement the Electric
Resistance Heating (ERH) technology at the site.
SCMTSC reviewed the Summary of Activities
and Recommendations document for the site,
then reviewed the contractor's technical
proposal to determine if the proposed
technology was implementable and had a high
likelihood of meeting remediation goals.
SCMTSC determined that the proposal was
reasonable from both technical and cost
standpoints. SCMTSC then tightened the
performance and monitoring objectives
increasing the likelihood for remediation goals
to be realized. The thermal treatment system has
since been installed at the site.
Main Street Site, Moscow, KS
Region 7 was involved in an investigation of
pesticide application health concerns in the City
of Moscow building on Main Street. During
August 2015, pesticides including orthene were
applied in the building, and because of suspected
reactions, extensive clean-up activities occurred
(e.g., carpets cleaned numerous times and walls
washed numerous times). To protect public
health, the Region determined it was necessary
to sample the building for verification purposes
and requested support on sampling methods for
both wipe samples and air samples and
analytical methods for the pesticide
contaminants of concern. SCMTSC made
recommendations regarding appropriate air
sampling media, including a mixed sorbent tube
the Region was considering. QRD NERL
Research Triangle Park researchers assisted in
providing existing Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) as examples for collecting
surface wipes and dust in observational exposure
studies and information on analysis of surface
wipe samples. The sample analysis allowed the
Region to determine that the area was clear of
high levels of the pesticides.
Source
Attribution/Fingerprinting
SCMTSC can assist in potentially identifying
the source and spread of contamination
through the media around a site. Source
attribution and fingerprinting can be critical
to determining remediation strategies and
cost recovery actions.
In FY 16, SCMTSC performed source
identification and fate and transport support
for two sites:
Lower Darby Creek Area, Region 3,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
Pilsen Site, Region 5, Chicago, Illinois.
Read on for a source attribution technical
support example at the Lower Darby Creek
Area site.
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Lower Darby Creek Area (LDCA)
Superfund Site, Philadelphia, PA
Figure 7. Geophysical survey line across Lower
Darby Creek near Clearview Landfill.
Region 3 collected significant soils data from the
Clearview Landfill portion of the Lower Darby
Creek Area (LDCA) site in Philadelphia and
Darby Township. PA; along with significant
background data on multiple areas near the site
and throughout Philadelphia. The Region asked
the SCMTSC to assist in evaluating the data to
determine if Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs) from different data sets are from the
Clearview Landfill and/or different sources
including anthropogenic background sources
(e.g. aerial deposition, flood events, combustible
engine exhaust, asphalt and asphalt sealing
compounds, etc.). Based on initial review of
Remedial Investigation results and Pre-Design
Investigation (PDI) data, SCMTSC helped
develop a sampling and analysis plan for an
additional PAH "fingerprint" evaluation to
attempt to determine if PAHs detected in the
neighborhood soils were attributable to the site,
some other source(s), or a combination thereof
Figure 8. Lower Darby Creek.
SCMTSC analyzed more than 130 soil, 15
sediment, and several groundwater and seep
samples. SCMTSC then evaluated the sampling
data and provided review information which
identified areas where the landfill did not likely
contribute to the contamination due to non-
landfill specific characteristics, wind, and flow
directions. The review could not conclusively
distinguish between specific landfill PAHs and
many other historic or current anthropogenic
urban sources. Although the analysis could not
meet the goal to specifically delineate landfill
vs. non-landfill related PAH contamination, the
sampling and review information will still assist
the project manager in confirming if the
established PAH soil cleanup levels are
appropriate and in determining the extent of
remedial activities in the residential areas
adjacent to the Landfill.
Figure 9. Darby Creek at Pine St. PA.
EK
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Philadelphia
kilometer 0
mile 0
0.25 0.5
Industrial Drive
Properties
Clearview
ndfill
Sun Oil-Darby Creek
Tank Farm
Former Delaware
County Incinerator #2
's-W/
Former Delaware
County Sewage
Treatment Plant
Fokroft Annex
Thoroughfare
Creek //!/
John Heinz
National Wildlife
^ ^ ^ Refuge =**
voog
fjc z
Fokroft Landfill
Contaminant Sources
as of the Final NPL
John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge boundary
Wetlands
re River
np\aware County^__ __ ^ LittleTinicum Island
~~~~ Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Prepared from USGS 1995 and DeLorme 1990.
Figure 10. Map of Lower Darby Creek Area.
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Laboratory Support
SCMTSC can supply limited and unique
laboratory analysis through the (3RD NERL-
EMMD laboratory or specific contract labs.
SCMTSC can also evaluate laboratory
analysis data to identify contaminants not
commonly found or analyzed at hazardous
waste sites. Uncommon, new, or
unidentified contaminants in high
concentrations or with possible undetermined
risk can potentially be contaminants of
concern. Remediation or health protection
decisions may be affected by these
contaminants once they are clearly defined.
In FY16, SCMTSC provided in-house
laboratory support for one site:
Klamath Basin, Region 9, Yurok Tribe,
California.
Klamath Basin, CA - Yurok Tribe
The lower part of the Klamath River runs
through Yurok Tribal lands in California and
into the Pacific Ocean. Microcystes and
Anatoxin from algal blooms have been reported
in the Klamath River and other nearby rivers at
levels that exceed public health thresholds
adopted by the Yurok Tribe, those established
by the World Health Organization, and at levels
triggering posting of warnings at recreational
waters as developed by the California
CyanoHAB Network, part of the California
Monitoring Council, hi recent years tribal and
community members have complained of an
increase in the frequency and severity of skin
rashes and have brought their concerns to the
Yurok Tribe Environmental Program (YTEP)
https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policv-
data/cvanohabs.
In response, YTEP already samples for
microcystin as part of their public health
monitoring but had no capability to obtain
analysis for Anatoxin-a. YTEP contacted the
Region 9 Tribal Liaisons, and SCMTSC
requesting support to run Anatoxin-a analysis if
a suspected harmful algal bloom did
occur. Equipment recently obtained in the
NERL Las Vegas laboratory was used to
perform the analysis. Technical support
included review of the Tribal sampling
procedures, quality control, scheduling to meet
the Tribal sampling already planned for the late
summer when the issue is of highest concern,
and the actual sample analysis. SCMTSC
received the samples in September, ran the
analysis, and provided the Tribe with a report on
the results in December of 2016.
The technical support allowed YTEP to expand
their health monitoring activities at several
locations and assisted the Tribe in assessing and
determining actual levels and possible future
protection activities for their members and the
regional community.
NOTICE
An algae bloom has made
this area potentially
unsafe for water contact.
Avoid direcUcontact with
visible surface scum.
Figure 11. Warning sign.
[C(U<0T1
*/u»ter
Uk
jTby--
Figure 12. 2005 Algal Bloom Sampling at
Klamath Copco Reservoir.
9
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$ Prague
Klamath Falls
Q_Altamont
Upper tfamath
La*?!/*
OREGON
Happy Camp,-
Montaguo
S uO
Willow Creokf
Trtnity Lake
Pacific
Ocean
About 150 miles (241 km) across
CALIFORNIA
Figure 13. Map of the Klamath River Basin.
Highly Complex Site
Investigations/Models
SCMTSC supports regions on sites with
complex site characterization or remediation
issues. These issues can be related to the size
of the site, the number of PRPs involved,
complex conceptual site models, or the
uniqueness of the contaminant or site
characteristics.
In FY 16, SCMTSC provided technical support
for three highly complex site
investigations/models:
BF Goodrich, Region 4, Calvert City,
Kentucky;
JH Baxter, Region 10, Arlington,
Washington; and
Kodiak Island Coast Guard Station,
Region 10, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
An example of complex site investigation
model technical support for the BF Goodrich
site is included.
B.F, Goodrich, Calvert City, KY
Several chemical plants that operated along the
south side of the Tennessee River since the mid-
1950s comprise the B.F. Goodrich Superfund
site. One of the primary chemical products was
a vinyl chloride monomer used in the production
of polyvinyl chloride.
Contamination has been found at depth in and
beneath the Tennessee River next to the site.
The PRPs conducted the initial field
investigation, but EPA took over the preparation
of the Remedial Investigation (RI) in January
2014 when the PRPs could not agree on a
technical approach.
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Region 4 requested assistance from SCMTSC to
help develop the site documents by providing
specific subsurface expertise. Tasks included
project planning, supporting community
relations, evaluating groundwater modeling,
performing treatability studies and developing
and screening Remedial Action Alternatives to
select an appropriate range of waste
management options.
k1
&
Figure 14. 3-D model of groundwater
contamination at BF Goodrich site.
SCMTSC developed a Final Remedial
Investigation Report, Human Health Risk
Assessment and Ecological Risk Assessment in
August 2015. In July 2016, SCMTSC provided
a 3 -D model of the subsurface contaminant
plume to aid in understanding the extent of the
remediation requirements and provide visual
context for regulators and stakeholders.
Increased understandi ng of the contaminant
distribution and subsurface properties is
necessary for selection of a comprehensive
remediation strategy. The 3-D model was used
as part of the remediation review for the site.
The model was further made available for public
meetings to provide a visual and tactile
understanding of the site and relevance to the
selected remedy.
SCMTSC also prepared Phase II sampling maps
for continuation of the offshore investigation.
This additional sampling effort under the
Tennessee River was conducted in October
2016. SCMTSC prepared the QAPP and
provided field sampling support, assisting in the
collection of environmental samples and
preparing the soil boring logs from the core
samples. SCMTSC continues to assist EPA and
the State of Kentucky in developing a
remediation strategy to protect public health and
environmental receptors.
Figure 15. Sampling under the Tennessee River.
Geophysics Support
SCMTSC can assist with developing or
reviewing site geophysics and geophysical
models for a site. Models allow the regions to
integrate related site data into visual indicators
of the dynamics with all or part of the site
media and contamination, allowing for a
clearer understanding of the site and its
associated risks.
In FY16, SCMTSC provided geophysics
technical support for six sites:
Seneca Army Depot, Region 2, Romulus,
New York;
Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Area,
Region 2, Culebra, Puerto Rico;
Clearview Landfill, Region 3, Delaware
and Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania;
Enterprise-Todhunter Propane/AK
Steel, Region 5, Middletown, Ohio;
Wilcox Oil, Region 6, Bristow, Oklahoma;
and
Warmhouse Beach Dump, Region 10,
Neah Bay, Washington.
Two examples (Seneca Army Depot and
Warmhouse Beach Dump) of Geophysics
Support are provided.
11
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Seneca Army Depot, Romulus, NY
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bunker.
The Seneca Army Depot Activity site is located
in Romulus, New York, covers 10,587 acres and
was once one of the largest ordinance storage
depots in the US. The Open Detonation (OD)
Grounds at the Depot were used to destroy
munitions. After demolition was completed,
explosively displaced portions were
reconstructed by bulldozing displaced and native
soils back into the central earthen mound.
Geophysical surveys were conducted to
investigate the vertical deposition of munitions
debris (MD), material potentially presenting an
explosive hazard (MPPEH), and other cultural
debris at the site. The region requested a
geophysical expert review the data to ensure that
the approach taken and the conclusions made are
scientifically sound, facilitating the full and safe
removal of munitions items at the site.
U.S. ARMY 1
SENECA ARMY DEPOT
INBOUND EXPLOSIVE
LADEN VEHICLES TURN
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Review comments were provided in March
2016, and based on the geophysical data within
the report the conclusions seem well founded
and accurate. This technical review aided in
confirming site contamination and allowed the
Region to move forward with site remediation
actions.
r
Figure 17. Seneca Army Depot.
Figure 18. White deer inside fence at Seneca
Army Depot.
Warmhouse Beach Dump, Neah
Bay, WA
The Warmhouse Beach Dump Superfund Site is
within the Makah Indian Reservation. It is
located about three miles northwest of Neah
Bay, the northwest corner of the Olympic
Peninsula, in Clallam County, WA. It is an
inactive dump used by the Makah Air Force
Station, Indian Health Services, U.S. Coast
Guard, the Makah Tribe and tribal members,
other local and non-local residents, and other
entities such as the Cape Flattery School
District. Municipal solid and hazardous wastes
were disposed at the site from the early 1970s
until 2012.
Region 10 requested review of a geophysical
resistivity report on the site. The review noted
that the report was of good quality; however,
highlighted the limitations of the conclusions
when relying on one geophysical method and
little to no ground truth (i.e., borehole data,
excavations, etc.).
12
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Figure 19. Aerial view of Warmhouse Beach Dump.
constrain the resistivity interpretations and aid in
further characterization prior to, or
complementary to. ground truth investigations.
The Region was able to use the review to
strengthen the site investigation.
Statistical Support
Figure 20. Map of Warmhouse Beach Dump.
Other geophysical methods; such as magnetics,
time domain electromagnetic induction (TDEM)
and frequency domain EM (FDEM) would help
SCMTSC can evaluate site data to help
determine final sampling needs or risk
decisions, perform trend analysis to determine
if actions are meeting remediation goals,
develop statistically valid sampling plans, and
verify confidence levels for data sets.
Statistical expertise is often not directly
available to the regional programs and yet can
be a necessity to evaluating data and site risk to
determine appropriate actions.
In FY 16, SCMTSC supplied statistical support
for eight sites:
New Town Creek, Region 2, Brooklyn,
New York;
AIW Frank, Region 3, Exton,
Pennsylvania;
West Lake Landfill, Region 7,
Bridgetown, Missouri;
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Sample Locations
Makah Reservation
Warmhouse Beach Dump
Neah Bay
Clallam County, Washington
13
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US Magnesium, Region 8, Toole County,
Utah;
El Paso Natural Gas Mines, Region 9,
Western Navajo Nation, Arizona;
Abandoned Uranium Mines, Region 9,
Navajo Nation, Arizona; and
Bunker Hill Mining Site, Region 10,
Coeur d'Alene. Idaho; and
Rainier Commons, Region 10, Seattle,
Washington.
Two examples (Abandoned Uranium Mines
on the Navajo Nation and Bunker Hill Mining
Site/Coeur d'Alene) of statistical technical
support are provided.
Abandoned Uranium Mines on
Navajo Nation, AZ
The Navajo Nation is situated on a geologic
formation rich in radioactive ores including
uranium. Beginning in the I940's. widespread
mining and milling of uranium ore for national
defense and energy purposes on the Navajo
Nation led to a legacy of abandoned uranium
mines (AUMs). Some Navajo residents may
have elevated health risks due to the dispersion
of radiation and heavy metal contamination in
soil, water and dust in homes. Since 2010,
Region 9 has assessed and cleaned up numerous
yards and buildings and will continue this
process for at least 3 more years.
https://www.epa. gov/navai o-nati on-uranium-
cleanup.
DANGER
(unauthorized
KEEP OUT
OAPI
Figure 22.
Radiation Removal.
In order to determine if
a building is
contaminated and
should be
demolished, EPA
collects gamma dose
measurements and
compares each
measurement
location to an action
level. This action
level was based on a background threshold level
established for the entire site area which covers
huge tracts of land. However, sampling over
the years has shown that background gamma
dose measurements in different site areas differ
significantly; therefore, Region 9 requested
assistance from SCMTSC to establish a
sampling protocol to better screen residential
gamma samples for false positives. To address
both false positive and false negative error rates
due to these varying background levels, it is
important to compute separate background sub-
populations to represent the actual background
number in specific areas.
Figure 21. Demolition of home contaminated
with radiation.
Figure 23. Rebuilt home.
False positives (levels at background and not
caused by mining contamination) cause the
region to engage in relocation of residents for
extended periods, demolition of residences,
disposal of wastes and costly rebuilding efforts
that could be avoided. SCMTSC evaluated the
areas based on the sampling data and
recommended the use of four separate area
background action levels for use in driving
future sample (measurement) planning and
decision-making.
14
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Figure 24. Map of Abandoned Uranium Mines.
Bunker Hill Mining Site/Coeur
d'Alene Basin, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Figure 25. Coeur d'Alene River.
The Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical
Complex Superfund Site, also known as the
Coeur d'Alene (CDA) Basin (Site) is located in
northern Idaho. Historical mining practices at
the CDA Basin (Operable Unit # 3) have
resulted in contamination of soil, sediment,
surface water, and groundwater with heavy
metals including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd),
lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). Past investigations
in the mid-1990s led Idaho Department of
Health and Welfare (IDHW) and the Coeur
d'Alene Tribe to issue a health advisory and
recommend fish consumption guidelines for
Coeur d'Alene Lake. Data collection, cleanup
and remedial activities for the site including
updated fish consumption advisories at the Lake
have been going on since 2001; however, there
are no specific fish consumption advisories for
the Coeur d'Alene River, chain lakes, South
Fork Coeur d'Alene River, or Spokane River
(within Idaho). Fish tissues in these areas need
to be fully sampled and evaluated.
The Coeur d'Alene Lake Monitonng Program
began in the spring of 2007 conducted by the
Coeur d'Alene Tribe within tribal reservation
waters and the Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality (IDEQ) within State
jurisdictional waters. As a result of this
program, IDEQ is working on the Idaho Fish
Consumption Advisory Project (IFCAP) plan.
The project plan is to collect fish samples which
can be used to improve the fish consumption
advisory. IDEQ's planned fish sampling was
15
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drafted to target 10 individual (discrete) fish per
species & location. Based upon chronic health
effects, IDEQ planned to use a 90 percent (%)
upper confidence limit (UCL90) of mean on the
discrete samples as described in Idaho Guidance.
Region 10 requested assistance in looking for
ways to advise IDEQ on optimizing the
sampling design to reduce uncertainties in fish
tissue concentration estimates without increasing
costs. SCMTSC conducted a statistical
evaluation using historical site data to
investigate whether compositing fish samples
could assist in optimizing the sampling plan.
The analysis showed discrete data sets tend to
have higher variability and follow skewed
distributions. Even though the historical data set
size of 60 was large enough, due to higher
variability, the UCL95 based upon the discrete
data set was higher than all other UCL95s
computed from composite samples. SCMTSC
recommended that it is feasible instead to collect
4 to 5 composite fish samples. The processing
and analysis of a small number (4 to 5) of
composite fish samples for each species in each
area will be less costly in comparison to
collecting and analyzing 10 or more individual
fish samples. The 4 composite samples
collected should be made up of 5 individual fish
samples and all individual samples in a
composite sample should come from the same
location. Every effort should be made to
composite fish of same species, size and type.
Also, based upon composite samples, it is
conservatively suggested that the UCL95 instead
of the UCL90 be used to assess chronic
exposure to fish consumption for protecting
public health. SCMTSCs analysis provided
verification of and concurred with the Region's
recommendation of considering using
composited fish tissue to increase sample
numbers, while limiting analytical costs and
capacity. Data from the sampling effort will be
used by the IDHW to support fish advisories
based on chronic health effects in the Lake area.
Figure 26. Brown Trout.
Background Analysis/
Background Threshold
Values
SCMTSC can help establish and evaluate
background concentrations for complex sites to
determine background concentrations and/or
Background Threshold Values (BTVs).
Establishing background concentrations at
large industrial sites can be complicated by
naturally occurring or urban background
concentrations. BTVs are used by project
managers to determine areas of contamination,
complete the site risk assessment, and develop
the Feasibility Study for site remediation.
hi FY 16, SCMTSC supplied support for
establishing background concentrations and
determining BTVs for four sites:
American Cyanamid, Region 2,
Bndgewater Township, New Jersey;
DuPont Pompton Lakes, Region 2,
Pompton Lakes, New Jersey;
Peck Iron, Region 3, Portsmouth, New
Jersey; and
C&R Battery, Region 3, Chesterfield
County, Virginia;
Two examples (American Cyanamid and
DuPont Pompton Lakes) of Background and
BTV determination technical support are
provided.
16
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American Cyanamid, Bridgewater
Township, NJ
The American Cyanamid Superfimd site is
located next to the Raritan River above the
Brunswick Aquifer - New Jersey's second
largest source for drinking water. The area had
been used for manufacturing chemicals and as a
disposal site of chemical sludge and other
wastes. The PRP is in the design phase for the
groundwater remedy at the site, which includes
the extraction of groundwater from the
overburden and bedrock aquifers, along with
reinject ion of treated groundwater into the
bedrock aquifer. The PRP collected an
additional round of data from wells in the
Inj ection Area in July/Aug of 2015. In addition,
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (NJDEP) requested that up to 4
rounds of data be collected from wells that will
be used as reinj ection compliance monitoring
wells to strengthen the dataset for the
compliance monitoring wells. The PRP
completed 2 of those 4 requested sampling
events, and provided EPA and NJDEP with re-
calculated Background Threshold Values
(BTVs) for 6 constituents (sulfate, manganese,
chloride, sodium, hardness, and TDS) that are
naturally present above federal/state standards in
the bedrock aquifer. There were some
significant changes to the BTVs with the
inclusion of the new data, particularly the
sodium BTV.
WARREN
TOWNSHIP
BRIDGEWATER
TOWNSHIP
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Figure 27. Site map of American Cyanamid.
17
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Figure 28. Flooding of American Cyanamid waste impoundments.
during the facility's operation resulted in
contamination of surface water, soil and
sediment, and ground water both on and off site.
Wastes included lead salts, mercury compounds,
explosive powders, chlorinated solvents, waste
wire drawing solution and detonated blasting
caps. Primary contaminants in the soil and
sediments are metals. Land use in the vicinity is
mostly residential and commercial, but also
includes undeveloped areas, an interstate
highway (Route 287) and state-owned forest.
Cleanup of the facility is required under a
NJDEP order, NJDEP ground water permit and
an EPA permit.
Region 2 requested a review of the PRP
conducted background soil study for arsenic in
relation to the NJDEP guidance
http://www.ni .gov/dep/srp/guidance/srra/soil in
v si ri ra.pdf and to address the Region's and
SCMTSC reviewed the calculations for all 6
parameters to ensure that outliers were identified
appropriately and the correct distribution was
used. SCMTSC also responded to a number of
questions the Region and State wished to have
answered about the statistical evaluation to assist
with the review of the remedy design for the
site. Once finalized, the BTVs will be used by
NJDEP in establishing a permit equivalence for
discharge to groundwater and compliance
monitoring to ensure that the reinjection does
not cause concentrations of these parameters to
increase above background levels.
DuPont, Pomptori Lakes, NJ
E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company
manufactured explosives on this 570-acre site at
the north end of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
from 1902-1994. Waste management practices
18
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the State of New Jersey's concerns about the
study. SCMTSC reviewed the data and made
recommendations on developing a site-specific
remediation standard (SRS) for arsenic. It was
noted that the data indicates that there is a higher
level of contamination in surface soils as
compared to subsurface. A scientifically sound
SRS will limit remediation cost as much as
possible while remaining protective of human
health.
Figure 29. Flag marking where a soil sample was taken near the mouth of
Acid Brook where it empties into Pompton Lake.
Figure 30. Typical well drilling equipment setup.
19
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LEGEND
©
Former Western Valley
Manufacturing Area
©
©
©
©
Former Eastern Valley
Manufacturing Area
Former Northern
Manufacturing Area
Offsite
Groundwater Area
Offsite Wanaque
River Area
Pompton Lakes
Delta Area
Figure 31. Aerial view of DuPont Site.
Sample/Monitoring Plan
Review/Development
SCMTSC can help regions in the review and
development of site sampling and monitoring
plans. Sampling and monitoring plans are a
critical part of the site remediation process.
Well-developed sampling plans designed to
meet clear data quality objectives provide for
accurate information about the site and limit
the cost of additional sampling. Monitoring
plans provide verification that selected
remedies are performing as expected to
cleanup sites and protect public health and
the environment.
hi FY 16, SCMTSC provided technical
support for sample plan review and
development for two sites:
Myers Property, Region 2, Franklin
Township, New Jersey; and
Mystery Bridge Road, Region 8,
Evansville, Wyoming.
Myers Property, Franklin
Township, NJ
The Myers Property Superfimd site is an old
chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC)
contaminated groundwater plume in a fractured
sedimentary rock environment. Four companies
used parts of the site for pesticide and chemical
handling and manufacturing activities. The
Myers family purchased the property in 1971
and used it for residential and farming purposes
until selling the site in 1993.
When the site was first identified, various
drummed materials, as well as uncontrolled
asbestos, were present along with several
buildings including a mill dating back to 1927.
The building remediation was completed in
January 1998, removing five buildings and
miscellaneous surface debris. The soil/sediment
part of the remedy was completed in June 2005,
and a final groundwater treatment remedy was
selected in September 2005.
20
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Figure 32. Abandoned well area - Cakepoulin
Creek.
The PRPs are currently operating the pump and
treat remedy at the site. A monitoring well
cluster next to a creek was abandoned last year
due to erosion of the adjacent creek. These
wells had groundwater concentrations exceeding
regulatory standards. The first attempt at
downgradient replacement wells were found to
be non-detect. EPA Region 2 requested that
SCMTSC provide technical recommendations
on how the PRPs could best collect data and
information to determine the extent of the
groundwater plume and potential discharge
areas. These recommendations would outline, if
and where, the PRPs should install replacement
wells near the areas of known higher level
groundwater contaminant concentrations as well
as how to best obtain information on the location
of the contamination within the top of the rock
layer and where the contamination might be
migrating from there. SCMTSC provided a final
report indicating where replacement wells could
be placed. The report also provided
recommendations on additional survey work to
be conducted to further characterize the plume.
Figure 33. Old family barn housing Myers
groundwater treatment plant.
Mystery Bridge Road, Evansville,
WY
The 410-acre Mystery Bridge Rd/U.S. Highway
20 site is located in Evansville, Wyoming.
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners and the Dow
Chemical Company used the area for industrial
operations from the 1950s through 1965. Site
activities and waste disposal practices
contaminated soil and groundwater with solvents
and oils. Following cleanup, operation and
maintenance activities are ongoing.
The Region requested SCMTSC provide
statistical support and review the existing Dow
monitoring plan for recommendations as to its
validity given the plan was older than recent
OLEM guidance. It was determined the plan
was not statistically sound and recommendations
were made to update the existing monitoring
plan. The Region requested additional support
in how to address the PRPs' response which did
not follow EPA recommendations and proposed
another monitoring plan. The SCMTSC
supported the Region's position that the
recommendations for updating the existing plan
be followed, or if the PRPs propose a different
option, that monitoring plan must be consistent
with the most recent OLEM guidance. Both
options provide a sound scientific basis for
verifying the completion of the site remediation
and protecting public health.
21
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Sinclair-.
Refining
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Mystery Bridge Rd./ U.S. Highway 20 NPL Site
Natrona County, Wyoming
NPl, Boundary
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Figure 34. Aerial view of Mystery Bridge Road Site.
Training/ORD Support
Capabilities
I11 FY 16, SCMTSC performed or supported
3 training activities concerning SCMTSC
and ORD support capabilities for Regional
and State stakeholders. These activities
included:
Case study webinar,
ProUCL training, and
Region 7 ORD Tools Cafe.
SCMTSC developed and provides support
for the ProUCL environmental statistical
program which is free for download and use
on the EPA website.
SCMTSC Case Study Webinar
SCMTSC conducted a webinar on August 2,
2016 to illustrate the types of support available
through the SCMTSC. The webinar featured
Support Program (TSP) Forum Members
(Groundwater Forum, Federal Facilities Forum,
Engineering Forum and their state members).
Remedial Project Managers, Federal Facility
Project Managers, On Scene Coordinators and
Super-fund Technical Support Staff.
jpSSdsTl
case studies on conceptual site models, statistical
sampling plans, vapor intrusion and groundwater
modeling. The webinar included information 011
how to request technical support through the
Technical Support Centers (TSCs). The target
audiences for the webinar were the Technical
22
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Each case study described the project, provided
a description of the technical support needed^
showed the scope of work completed, provided
the output from the technical support, and what
outcome or impact the support had on the
overall objectives of the site. The presentation
was archived for EPA and invited attendees at
https://clu-in. org/conf/ti o/SCMTS C 080216/
The link also contains additional SCMTSC
information and material on the Center's
laboratory support and trend analysis capabilities
and work.
State of Wisconsin and Region 5
ProUCL Training
At the request of and supported by the state of
Wisconsin, the SCMTSC contract statistician
was asked to provide training 011 ProUCL at a
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR) training session for their Remediation
and Redevelopment Program staff. The SCMTC
statistician led a presentation on general
statistics and use of the ProUCL program and
methods on the morning of November 4th, 2015
and was available during the afternoon session
for specific and/or more detailed
questions. Due to expressed interest and the
general proximity of the WDNR meeting and the
Region 5 offices, the statistician also provided
the Region 5 staff with a three hour training
course on ProUCL the afternoon of November
5th. The presentation included an introduction
to ProUCL, a short ten minute demo, case
studies of SCMTSC work using ProUCL to
develop different products (BTVs, UPLs, data
confidence levels, box plot comparisons, trend
analysis, sampling plan development), and a
question and answer session.
Region 7 Tools Cafe
Region 7 and ORD with support from the
Region 7 Regional Science Liaison (RSL) and
STL, developed and coordinated an EPA Tools
Cafe on ORD products for the Region 7 states
on December 9th, 2015. SCMTSC, ETSC, and
GWTSC provided a poster on the Technical
Support available to the Regions through the
TSCs and OSP provided speakers and a poster
on the STL program. SCMTSC also provided a
poster and contacts for the statistical tool
ProUCL which can be downloaded by the
States.
Site Characterization and Monitoring
Technical Support Center
Site Characterization and Monitoring
Technical Support Center (SCMTSC)
The SCMTSC provides sile characterization
Waste Program project managers by supporting (he use of
statc-of-thc-scicncc methods and technologies for identifying
contaminants, determining levels and conccn(rations, and
identifying geographic extent More information about the
SCMTSC is available at:
Technical Focus of the SCMTSC
Providing Geostaiistics Statistical Design, Analysis
and Expertise.
Conducting field sampling and/or monitoring and
contaminant measurement activities, including:
o Site Characterization Technologies (e.g. field
portable X-ray fluorescence)
o Fingerprinting of Wastes
o Geophysics
o Evaluating reports, models, and work plans related
to field sampling and measurement approaches.
Developing issue papers and provide statc-of-thc-
science information
Providing reliable and accurate information on
innovative site characterization and remediation
technologies.
Performing Special Analytical Services
Providing GIS and Data Interpretation
Contact Information
Felicia Barncu, Director,
ORD Site Characterization and Monitoring TSC,
Superfund and Technology Liaison, USEPA. R4
61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta. GA 30303.
404-562-8659 framglt,fc|ififl(5ftp«-g<>v
Bill Hagcl, Associate Director.
Superfund and Technology Liaison, USEPA, R3,
1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia. PA 19103
215-814-3053,
Chris Sibert, Associate Director
NERL, Las Vegas
702-798-2234, sibert-christoaher@ena.Bov
What are TSCs?
ORD's Technical Support Centers are specialized
resource centers which provide technical expertise
to address high priority hazardous waste issues in
EPA Regional Offices. The TSCs can be
accessed directly or by contacting the regional
Superfund and Technology Liaison (STL). More
information about the TSCs is available at:
htiPi 'Vwww.qpa K9v'rcpimV tPd
tech-centers.htm
Technical Support Highlights
DANANG AIR FORCE BASE - REGION 10
USEPA in partnership with the Government of
Vietnam (Academy of Science and Technology) is
evaluating biorcmediation technologies for treatment
of dioxin-contaminatcd soil sites due to Agent
Orange usage during the Vietnam conflict. The
SCMTSC reviewed and performed statistical trend
analysts of dioxin sampling data to determine if any
of the pilot studies showed downward trends. EPA's
objective was to demonstrate the best methods for
sharply reducing the levels of Agent Orange and
dioxins in the soil in cost effective manner given bio-
remediation can be less expensive over a large area
than other more labor intensive technologies. The
analysis showed that there was a consistent
downward trend in dioxin concentrations based upon
one EPA aerobic treatment and trend decreases in all
the aerobic treatments. The DaNang cleanup will
assist Vietnam in expanding the former airbase into
an international airport.
The SCMTSC statistically assessed the geographic
(spatial) patterns of surface soil lead levels and
overlaid those patterns with four historical smelter
locations that once operated at this site in the early
1900s. Identifying a geographic pattern in lead
contamination at the site will assist EPA with
establishing a cost recovery case with the successor
companies for the smelting operations in the local
area, Contact:
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ProUCL: Statistical Support Software for Site Investigation and Evaluation
ProUCL is
statistical software package initially
developed by EPA for computing
statistical intervals 10 respond 10
concerns at a specific Superfund
site. With significant interest, use,
and user feedback on the software
from (be remediation community.
EPA has updated the software
adding new tools and statistical
EPA regions. SB
and other stakeholders use ProUCL
to establish background levels,
determine outliers in data sets, and
compare background and site sample
data sets for site evaluation and rids
monitoring include single and mo-
sample hypotheses tests. ANOVA.
regression, trend evaluation, outlier.
Ease of Use
ProUCL requires no formal
background in statistics, but so
statistical training is helpful to
input retirements for statistical
tests used in decision making. Input
data sets arc straightforward,
requiring columns of detected values
for contaminants and if each value is
a detect or a nondetcct at the
quantitation limit. The user can also
add variables to provide grouping
data, regression variables, or sample
dates. Desired statistical tesu can be
selected from drop-down menus, and
relevant options from subsequent
menus. Results from within the
program may be exported to an
Excel spreadsheet and graphs can be
insened in documents. Data can be
evaluated for fit to normal.
ProUCL version J. 1.00 (May
2016) is the most recent update.
Users can download the software
free of diarge from the USEPA
Regional Science Program (RSP)
htftB:'frvy.w.cpajWy.'taUd:
through CLU-IN on th
ProUCL. These coum
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ProUCL
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Some FY 16 examples of SCMTSC ProUCL support are listed here:
Addressed questions from Tim Fredrick of EPA Region 4 about statistics displayed on a
generated box plot
Responded to inquiries from Heather Clark of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division
related to unhandled exceptions when importing/loading Excel files
Responded to questions from Dr. James Callegary of United States Geological Survey (USGS)
about percentiles (for data sets with NDs) computed by Stats/Sample Sizes module
Addressed several inquiries of Bonnie Brooks and other staff of the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency about computing TEQ equivalents based upon Kaplan-Meier (KM) sums, computation of
KM statistics in raw and log scale using the Stats/Sample Size Module, and performing
proportion tests and interpreting derived results, and
Responded to inquiries from Scott Miller of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
related to performing trend evaluations on data sets containing non-detect observations
Addressed questions from Ryan Evans of the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection
about imputation of nondetects using ROS methods
Addressed determination of sample sizes differences between UCL95 and 95% percentile
inquiries of Dr. Norka E. Paden of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Addressed questions about t-value used to compute one-side UCLs from David Sampson of the
Population Health Unit, Canada
Responded to statistical inquiries of Kristina Delidjakova, from the Toronto and Region
Conservation Group, Canada, about methods to deal with data sets with nondetects and using
methods applicable to right-censored data sets in biomedical studies
Answered questions on the availability of QA/QC data sets from Andrew McQueen, Clemson
University
Addressed Mann-Kendall and Theil-Sen trend tests related inquiries of Dr. Yu Tabayashi of
University of Tsukuba, Japan
25
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