FINAL ^6D COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN AVTEX FIBERS SUPERFUND SITE FRONT ROYAL, WARREN COUNTY, VA March 2010 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 3 The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Superfund Community Involvement Program is committed to promoting COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CITIZENS AND THE AGENCY. Active public involvement is crucial to the success of any public project. 1 ------- FINAL Seel ion Page 1 OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN 4 2 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES 6 3 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES 7 3.11 Table 1-Guide for Community Involvement Activities 12 4 COMMUNITY BACKGROUND 14 4.1 Community Profile 14 4.1.1 Warren County Demographics 14 4.1.2 Front Royal, Va. Demographics 15 4.2 Community Interests and Concerns 16 4.2.1 EPA Response to identified Community Concerns 18 4.2.2 Community Interview Standard Questions 19 5 EPA BACKGROUND 20 5.1 Superfund Programs 20 5.2 Site-Related EPA Offices and Branches 22 5.3 The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 25 5.4 State Role 25 5.5 Local Role 25 6 SITE BACKGROUND 26 6.1 Site Description 26 6.2 Site History 28 6.3 Site Contamination 29 6.4 EPA Actions to Date 29 6.4.1 Community Involvement Activities to Date 31 2 ------- FINAL APPENDICES A LIST OF CONTACTS 43 A. 1 Federal Elected Officials 43 A.2 State Elected Officials 43 A.3 Local Officials 44 A.4 U.S. EPA Region 3 Officials 46 A.5 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) 46 A.6 Virginia Departments of Environmental Quality and Health 46 A.7 Media 47 B INFORMATION REPOSITORIES AND POTENTIAL MEETING LOCATION 48 B. 1 Information Repositories 48 B.2 Potential Meeting Location 48 C GLOSSARY 01 TECHNICAL TERMS 49 D LIST OF ACRONYMS 53 E TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT (TAG) 54 F COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP (CAG) 55 G SUPERFUND JOB TRAINING INITIATIVE 56 MAPS 1 SITE LOCATION 57 TABLES 1 GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES 12 2 COMMUNITY INTERVIEW RESPONSES 19 3 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES 31 ATTACHMENTS A Operable Unit 7 (OU-7) Proposed Plan Fact Sheet (pdf attachment 3 ------- FINAL SECTION 1 Overview of the Community Involvement Plan This Community Involvement Plan (CIP) identifies issues of concern and interest to the community potentially affected by the Avtex Fibers Superfund Site located in Front Royal, Virginia. The Norfolk and Southern railway divides the 440 acre site, with the former manufacturing area to the east and the basin impoundment area to the west. The Randolph Macon Academy is located along the eastern property boundary. The former General Chemical plant and the Norfolk and Southern rail maintenance building are located along the northern border of the Site. Residential areas are located to the east, south, and northeast of the property boundaries. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is located along the western portion of the property. (Terms that are in bold and italic text are defined in the Glossary in Appendix C of this CIP.) This CIP contains information from the files of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 office, as well as information gathered by EPA during community interviews and conversations with other interested parties and regulatory authorities. The EPA will use the information in this CIP to help identify and address current matters of concern, and to review past community involvement efforts as the cleanup project progresses. The CIP will also provide guidance to EPA staff and help to ensure that community needs are addressed throughout the cleanup process. The CIP is intended to: • Encourage community interest and participation throughout EPA's involvement at the site. • Initiate and support two-way communication between EPA and the community. • Help ensure that community members understand the Superfund process, and the opportunities it offers them to participate in the decision-making process regarding the site cleanup. This CIP was developed for the Avtex Fibers Superfund Site under Contract Number EP-S3-04- 01 with EPA Region 3. EPA Region 3 is conducting activities at the site under the guidelines of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), a federal law passed in 1980 and commonly known as "Superfund"; the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), enacted in 1986; and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), revised in 1990. Cleanup Responsibility: Federal and state regulatory authorities each have a role to play in cleaning up hazardous waste sites. When EPA has the primary responsibility for Superfund activities at a site, the state provides technical and regulatory guidance and support to EPA, as needed. In some cases, the state takes the lead while EPA provides regulatory and technical support. States are responsible for 10% of the cost of cleanup, and they are expected to assume 4 ------- FINAL responsibility for any required Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of cleanup technologies at the end of the first year after cleanup construction is completed. For this site; however, the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRP) are taking the lead for the cleanup along with EPA, so the states are not responsible for this site. 5 ------- SECTION 2 Community Involvement Plan Objectives Throughout the investigation and cleanup of the site, EPA will endeavor to keep community members informed of and involved in the cleanup process. To do this, EPA may employ a variety of tools and techniques, some of which are described in the next section. The specific communication effort will be based on the level of community interest, identified community issues and concerns, and the complexity and duration of the site investigation and cleanup. The level of participation sought by some communities or individual community members varies. EPA encourages those who want a greater level of participation to consider forming a Community Advisory Group (CAG) and/or applying for a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG). For additional details on the TAG and CAG programs, see Appendices E and F or contact the Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) listed in Appendix A. The CIP for this site is intended to provide general Superfund program information to interested community members, as well as help them identify the many participation opportunities and options available to them throughout the cleanup. The CIP is also intended to be an information resource for EPA staff members assigned to the site team. The following community involvement objectives help to ensure that avenues of communication between the EPA and the community are established and maintained. Objectives include: • Provide timely, site-specific information to community members so that they are able to participate in, or closely follow, site-related activities to the maximum extent they desire and the process allows. • Provide a direct contact for community members by assigning a CIC for this site. The CIC will act as a liaison between the community and the EPA. • Provide opportunities for community input that are tailored to the needs and concerns of the community. • Help ensure that community members are well informed, so that they are knowledgeable about site activities and the Superfund process. • Enhance communications between EPA and local officials to help ensure that officials are informed of site-related activities and that EPA benefits from the officials' insights regarding the community and its concerns, the site and its history, and local regulatory issues. • Enhance communications between EPA and the media to help ensure reporters are provided timely information about site-related activities and events and are aware of site-related pertinent topics. 6 ------- SECTION 3 Community Involvement Activities By performing the following activities, EPA can help ensure that community members know about the Superfund process and the actions taking place at the site, and that they are aware of the opportunities for the community to participate in site-related decisions. By providing accurate information about the site investigation and cleanup, EPA will enable interested parties to make recommendations regarding the site that are appropriate for their community. • Assign an EPA Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) A site-assigned CIC provides community members a direct link to EPA Region 3 and acts as a liaison between EPA and the community. As a member of EPA's Site Team, the CIC can often respond to inquiries as they are received. Should an inquiry require specific information that the CIC does not have, the CIC can obtain the information or refer the inquiry to an appropriate specialist, such as the Remedial Project Manager (RPM) or toxicologist assigned to the site. Interested parties may contact the CIC at any time, whenever questions or concerns arise, and the CIC will make every effort to respond promptly and accurately to all inquiries. Larry Johnson is the CIC for this site. He can be reached at 215-814-3239 or 1-800-553-2509. (See Appendix A for all related EPA contact information, including the RPM.) • Establish a toll-free hotline number for the public EPA maintains a hotline for Superfund inquiries. The hotline can be used to reach EPA or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) employees located in the EPA Region 3 office. During working hours, the Community Involvement staff may answer the hotline. When calls are answered by an answering machine, callers should state which site they are calling about in addition to leaving their names, phone numbers and the reasons for their calls. Every effort will be made to return calls promptly. The toll-free number is 1-800-553-2509. • Prepare and distribute fact sheets to residents and interested parties Fact sheets (also referred to as community updates or newsletters) are useful when communicating with large groups of people about topics of common interest. For example, fact sheets are helpful for explaining specific events and issues, discussing and dispelling rumors, explaining relevant scientific or technological data, or informing interested parties about progress or problems related to the site or the schedule of work. Fact sheets should be provided on an as-needed or annual basis. An annual fact sheet should be considered when site activities are "invisible" to the community for long periods of time, as is the case when laboratory analyses are being completed, data is being verified, reports are being written, or access and other legal agreements are being negotiated. 7 ------- • Develop a mailing (and contact) list Mailing (and contact) lists are developed and maintained to facilitate distribution of materials, such as fact sheets and meeting notices, to interested and potentially-affected community members. The lists also provide EPA a quick reference to key community members, such as local officials and community group leaders, in the event EPA wants to provide a timely notice about unanticipated events, such as sudden media interest in site activities. Local residents, local businesses, elected officials, and the media are routinely included on mailing and contact lists. Community surveys and local tax maps form the basis of most mailing lists, but the lists are revised to include those who request to be added (or deleted) and those who provide their names and addresses on meeting and event sign-in sheets or correspondence. EPA makes every effort to protect the privacy of community residents, which includes denying requests to share personal information, such as names, addresses and individual residential sampling results, with non-government persons. The mailing list will be periodically updated and revised throughout the course of the cleanup. E-mail lists as well as U.S. Postal Service lists may be maintained. • Make site-related information, including data and documents, available to community members locally Information is always available to community members at EPA Region 3 in Philadelphia. However, EPA must also make it available to local residents at easily accessible locations, such as a local library or municipal building. The available information may be in any one of several forms, including paper copies, online (via the Internet), or CD-ROM, depending on the capabilities and preferences of the local host facility. The information made available will include documents comprising the Administrative Record File (AR), as well as this CIP and other site-related documents. The Administrative Record File is also posted on www.epa.gov/arweb. The Samuels Public Library, located in Front Royal, Virginia, has been established as the local information repository host, and will maintain a site file for public review. Some of the site file information is also posted on the EPA website at: http://epa.gov/reg3hwmd/super/sitesAVVD024185373/index.htm. (See Appendix B for location and contact information for the EPA Region 3 Office and the local repository, as well as how to access files from EPA's Administrative Record website.) • Keep local officials well-informed about site activities and developments By keeping local officials abreast of the work schedule and site-related developments, EPA can promote a collaborative relationship to help ensure that officials are able to respond knowledgeably to citizens' inquiries. When local officials are well-informed, they can enhance the flow of accurate information between EPA and concerned community members. (See Appendix A for contact information for local officials.) 8 ------- • Keep local media well-informed about site activities By distributing timely and accurate information to the local media, EPA can minimize misinformation and speculation about site-related risks and cleanup activities. News releases, written materials, and direct phone calls are all appropriate ways to provide information to media representatives. The media should always be notified of public meetings and similar events, and may be offered opportunities to participate in news briefings or conduct interviews with EPA officials. Upon request, or when circumstances warrant, special information sessions or news conferences can be useful to ensure that complex situations are understood and can, thus, be accurately conveyed to the public. Every effort will be made to address media inquiries quickly. (See Appendix A for media contacts.) • Conduct Public Meetings and/or Public Availability sessions Public Meetings are required when EPA is approaching a formal decision, and they are recommended whenever project milestones are reached, such as the start or finish of a Remedial Investigation (RI). When conducted, Public Meetings will be held at a convenient location during evening hours so that most interested parties will be able to attend. Public Availability Sessions are less structured than meetings. Generally, there are no formal presentations. Instead, community members are invited to come at their convenience within the set time frames, and talk one-on-one with EPA and other experts associated with the site cleanup activities. Public Availability Sessions may include afternoon and evening hours so that interested parties can attend at their convenience. • Place Public Notices in local publications Public Notices regarding required and elective activities will be placed in the Northern Virginia Daily, the Warren County Report and the Warren Sentinel newspapers. (See Appendix A for a list of all local media.) To ensure the widest possible exposure, Public Notices about Superfund activities are often run as retail display ads, rather than placed in the classified or legal-notice sections. Public Notices announce important site-related developments, Public Meetings and Availability Sessions, the release of site-related documents, or any other information of importance to the community at large. 9 ------- Hold Public Comment Periods Superfund law requires EPA to advertise and conduct Public Comment Periods at key points in the cleanup process, such as prior to making official cleanup decisions or significant changes to previously announced cleanup decisions. Although there is no requirement that EPA conduct public meetings during comment periods unless a request is received, EPA Region 3's policy is to do so. Meetings held during comment periods allow community members to discuss EPA's rationale for proposed actions with EPA and other regulatory authorities. At public meetings held within public comment period time frames, community members may express their opinions and concerns for inclusion in the official record, without having to provide a written statement to EPA. A stenographer transcribes all meetings held during official comment periods, and prepares an official transcript of the proceedings for EPA's records. Those who do not attend the official meetings may still submit their comments via regular mail or e-mail within the announced public comment period time frames. Prepare Responsiveness Summaries A Responsiveness Summary (RS) is a required part of the official cleanup decision document, known as the Record of Decision (ROD). The RS summarizes all substantive comments submitted to EPA during the comment period and provides EPA's responses to them. EPA prepares the RS after the public comment period closes. Promote information sources available through EPA EPA provides various sources of information to assist community members in understanding the Superfund process and site-related activities. EPA representatives may be contacted directly by phone, mail, or e-mail. Information may also be accessed through the EPA websites at: www.epa.gov/arweb and http://epa.gov/reg3hwmd/super/sitesAVVD024185373/index.htm. A toll-free hotline (1-800-553-2509) is available to call in questions or concerns. Additionally, EPA has established a local repository to store site- related information and documents for public viewing. Contact information and additional information resources will be included in all materials that are distributed to community members. (See Appendices A and B for additional information.) Provide Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) EPA offers grants of up to $50,000 to communities affected by Superfund sites. TAGs are made available to allow community groups to obtain independent technical expertise to review EPA's documents and data on behalf of the group and the community, and to help them evaluate the work that EPA has done. (See Appendix E for more information on the TAG.) 10 ------- • Provide support for Community Advisory Groups (CAGs) CAGs are community-lead groups that are intended to represent and include all interested members of the community, including representatives of the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs). By meeting regularly to discuss the cleanup and the community's issues and concerns, CAGs often help to keep the community informed and involved in the cleanup process. CAGs can also provide valuable information to EPA and to local governments concerning the future use of Superfund properties and the communities' collective long-term goals. Although these groups are not funded by EPA, EPA can assist interested community members in forming CAGs and can also provide support services to the groups, such as assistance with production and mailing of newsletters they develop. (See Appendix F for more information.) • Provide information about the Superfund Job Training Initiative (Super JTI) The SuperJTI program is designed to provide job training for residents living near Superfund sites, particularly residents in disadvantaged communities. EPA has partnered with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to support pre-employment training and classroom instruction. SuperJTI is a valuable program that can enhance community involvement and benefit the local economy. SuperJTI can help residents gain career job skills and may provide an employment base for Superfund site cleanup contractors. (See Appendix G for more information on this program.) • Revise Community Involvement Plan as needed Superfund projects can take several years to complete. It is important that the CIP is periodically updated to reflect changing concerns of the community as the site cleanup progresses. The CIP contact list should be revised whenever elections result in a change in elected officials, or when personnel changes affect non-elected official contacts. This is the first CIP for this site. 11 ------- 1 3.1.1-TABLE 1 1 I Guide for Community Involvement Activities I Activity Summary Designate a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) to handle site inquiries. Larry Johnson has been named the CIC for this site. Prepare and distribute fact sheets to residents and interested parties. EPA has and will continue to prepare fact sheets as new information arises, and to announce site-related events. Maintain information repositories in the local area. EPA has established a local repository (Samuels Public Library), and will continue to update the site file as new information becomes available. Keep local officials of the Town of Front Royal and Warren County well-informed about site activities. EPA will communicate with officials to discuss significant events at the site or changes in the cleanup schedule. Keep local media well-informed about site activities. EPA will notify media of site-related events and meetings. Conduct public meetings and public availability sessions. EPA will hold meetings and/or public availability sessions at various stages of the Superfund process, as requested by community members. Place public notices in local publications. Notices will be placed in the Northern Virginia Daily, the Warren Sentinel and the Warren County Report to announce Public Meetings and the release of site-related documents. Hold public meeting and public comment period regarding the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) EPA will hold a meeting and a comment period following the release of the PRAP. Prepare a Responsiveness Summary (RS). EPA will prepare a RS following the comment period. Promote information sources available through EPA. EPA will promote the information repository, Internet resources, and any public meetings throughout the Superfund process. Revise Community Involvement Plan. EPA will revise the CIP at various phases of the Superfund process, as needed. 12 ------- SECTION 4 Community Background 4.1 Community Profile 4.1.1-Warren County Demographics Warren County is located in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is bounded by Frederick and Clarke Counties on the north, Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties on the east, Page County to the south, and Shenandoah County to the west. The current county government consists of a five member Board of Supervisors, representing the Shenandoah, North River, South River, Fork, and Happy Creek districts, a county administrator, various other county offices, a Sheriffs Department and the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Warren County offers a variety of jobs in various industries including: agriculture, manufacturing, government, and transportation. The Economic Development Authority provides technical and financial assistance to existing, expanding, and emerging companies to encourage investment in Warren County. Since 1995, fourteen international and domestic companies, both large and small, selected Warren County for investments exceeding $185 million. Warren County has a total land area of 219 square miles. The rural part of the County contains 209.9 square miles and the Town of Front Royal covers 9.1 square miles. As of the 2000 census, there were 31,584 people, 12,087 households, and 8,521 families residing in the county. (In 2006, the US Census shows that Warren County had an estimated population of36,102 in 2006.)The population density was 148 people per square mile (57/km2). There were 13,299 housing units at an average density of 62 per square mile (24/km2). The demographics of the county is (2000) 92.71% White. 4.83% Black or African American. 0.27% Native American. 0.43% Asian. 0.02% Pacific Islander. 0.46% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 1.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 12,087 households out of which 32.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.50% were non-families. 24.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.04. In the county, the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 30.60% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.90 males. 13 ------- FINAL The median income for a household in the county was $42,422, and the median income for a family was $50,487. Males had a median income of $37,182 versus $25,506 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 19,841. About 6.00% of families and 8.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.70% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over. 4.1.2-Front Royal, VA Demographics As of the 2000 census, there were 13,589 people, 5,425 households, and 3,585 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,464.9 people per square mile (565.4/km2). There were 5,752 housing units at an average density of 620.1/sq mi (239.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 88.31% White, 8.68% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.66% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.13% of the population. There were 5,425 households out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8%) were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.01. In the town the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males. The median income for a household in the town was $34,786, and the median income for a family was $42,675. Males had a median income of $32,373 versus $24,182 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,901. About 9.1% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over. 14 ------- FINAL 4.2 Community Interests and Concerns-Synopsis Community Interviews were conducted in July and August of 2009. A listing of the boilerplate questions asked during the interviews follows this synopsis in Table 3. 28 interviews were conducted. Interviewees represented advocacy groups, local elected officials, concerned citizens, general citizenry (for benchmarking purposes), development officials and academia. The most common responses to the questions posed during the interviews revolved almost exclusively on four topics. 1. Beneficial redevelopment of the eastern portion of the site. 2. EPA's commitment to the conservation and preservation of the Western portion of the site 3. The duration of the cleanup 4. The potential redevelopment of the site into a solar energy generating station. Front Royal, taken as a whole, has overcome the difficulties which sometimes are associated with both the closing of a major employer and a Superfund site. Discussions with not only elected officials but also the general citizenry indicates that there is a great desire on the part of all interviewees for the AVTEX Fibers site to be reclaimed by the community and returned to beneficial reuse. The interim leadership of the Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is a guidepost for other communities faced with similar circumstances. The EDA actively promotes the development of new properties and the re-development of the AVTEX site in particular and has been a dynamic force to bring forward new ideas and new strategies to develop underutilized properties in Warren County. Additionally, there is broad support among all interviewees for the overall mission of EPA and a sensibility that what was done in the past was necessary for the environmental health of the community at large and for the greater Shenandoah Valley as a whole. The community is very enthusiastic and positive about the reclamation of the eastern portion of the site. The potential for the site to be retasked as a solar energy generating station has captured the imagination of almost all of the interviewees. The benefits to Front Royal becoming a test bed for alternative energy programs has the elected officials of the town very motivated to see this project through to fruition. The only negative aspect to the development has been a less than transparent funding mechanism from private parties promoting the project. A significant area of concern has been the longevity of the AVTEX Fibers project. Early expectations of a complete and thorough cleanup were given optimistic projections. An important lesson to learn is that it is imperative to provide the community with manageable, achievable expectations throughout the life of the project. Some earlier projections that the site 15 ------- FINAL could be returned for beneficial reuse did not materialize. However, members of the community still remember those promises and were disturbed that the metrics were not met. Conservation of the western portion of the site also ranks high in the community interest. Several groups exist which champion the restoration of the natural state of the western portion of the site. Interviews with citizens who strongly advocate conservation indicate that the desire to reuse the site to integrate with the natural state of the Shenandoah is of major concern. Conclusion Overall the community is represented by advocates for particular and specific outcomes. Beneficial re-use of the site is the common thread amongst all the participants interviewed. Whether that reuse is a conservation effort to restore the natural state of the Shenandoah or the redevelopment of a large section of the AVTEX Fibers site as offices, educational facilities or as indicated above, an alternative energy generating station. The Town of Front Royal has rebounded successfully from the loss of a major employer and after a significant amount of time and effort expended to clean up the AVTEX Fibers site, opportunities for beneficial reuse of the property are bountiful. Residents and advocates all voiced an opinion that the future of the Town of Front Royal is tied directly to the AVTEX Fibers site and that with proper planning, allocation of resources and cooperative efforts from all the stakeholders involved new opportunities for growth and development are at hand. 16 ------- FINAL 4.2.1-EPA Response to identified community concerns Item 1-EPA support of beneficial redevelopment EPA supports beneficial redevelopment of Superfund sites. As part of this effort EPA has retasked FMC to accelerate remediation of property on the eastern side of the site. Additionally, EPA is referring Agency resources to stakeholders to take advantage of various programs which support beneficial reuse of Superfund sites and alternative energy initiatives. Item 2-EPA support for conservation and preservation initiatives The Conservation and Environmental Protection Easement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants drafted in November 1999 specifically detail potential Institutional Controls (IC) mandating the restrictions on future use of the AVTEX fibers properties. The eastern portions of the site are potentially re-developable with IC's in place that restrict the use of the site to protect the long term efficacy of the remedy. The western portion of the site is established as a conservancy and shall be returned to such use after remediation. Item 3- Duration of the Clean-up EPA is committed to the timely and protective clean-up of the AVTEX Fibers site. However, the complexity of designing and implementing a remedy at such a large site takes time. EPA will proceed with the clean-up in such a way that protects human health and the environment and provides the most effective long term remediation possible using good science and sound engineering. Item 4- Redevelopment of portions the AVTEX fibers site as a solar generating station EPA supports the goal of redeveloping portions of this site to beneficial reuse as a solar generating station. However, direct funding or assistance in this project is not within the scope of the Agency's regulatory authority. The Agency, however, does recommend EPA and Department of Energy programs which promote the development of alternative energy projects. The site team can assist local elected officials and concerned citizens in seeking out and accessing such programs as are currently available. 17 ------- FINAL 4.2.2-TABLE 2 Community Interview Standard Questions Question 1. How long have you lived in the community (or had an official position in the community)? 2. In general, what local issues receive the most attention? 3. Who do you consider to be the leaders in the community? 4. How sensitive is the community to environmental issues on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being extremely sensitive? 5. What is the most important environmental issue facing this community? 6. What organizations or individuals do you consider to be most credible or trustworthy when it comes to environmental information? 7. Do you think there is environmental interest and concern about the site? 8. Do you know of any local environmental or community groups that may be interested in the site? 9. Do you and/or your family members participate in any outdoor or recreational activities in or around the site? 10. Have you or someone you know had any problems you think might be attributable to the site? 11. From what sources have you received information about the site? 12. Do you feel that EPA has provided you with enough information? 13. What would be the best way to keep the community informed about the site? 14. What newspapers cover local issues? 15. What television stations do you watch for local news? 16. What radio stations do you listen to for local news? 17. Do you use the Internet as an information source? 18. An information repository has been set up at Marshall County Public Library. Do you think this is the best and most convenient location to store information? 19. Where do you think the best place to hold a Public Meeting would be? 20. Do you know of any residents living near the site who have special needs (i.e., homebound, deaf, blind, speaks a language other than English)? 21. Do you know of anyone else we should contact to be a part of this survey? 22. Do you have anything else you would like to add that you think EPA should know about the site? 18 ------- FINAL SECTION 5 EPA Background 5.1 Superfund Programs Superfund cleanups are very complex and require the efforts of many experts from numerous disciplines. Experts in various sciences, engineering, construction, public health, management, law, community and media relations, and numerous other fields will be called upon to participate. The Superfund program is managed by the EPA in cooperation with individual states and tribal governments. The program locates, investigates, and cleans up hazardous waste sites and responds to hazardous materials emergencies and the threat of hazardous materials releases. An example of a threat of release is an abandoned, or poorly maintained, facility where hazardous substances are stored in deteriorating, or inappropriate, containers and are unprotected from vandalism; and/or the facility is without emergency response capabilities, such as alarms or fire suppression systems. Superfund is a federal program. It was created in 1980 under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which was amended in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). Superfund is guided by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The NCP outlines the procedures that EPA must follow when investigating or addressing a release of hazardous materials into the environment. Under CERCLA, EPA has the authority to: • Prevent, control, or address actual or possible releases of hazardous substances. • Require parties responsible for environmental contamination to conduct or pay for cleanup. • Provide funding for cleanup activities when money is not available from responsible parties. Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) currently fund about 70% of all Superfund cleanups nationwide, and frequently conduct cleanup activities under EPA supervision. Funding for the remaining site cleanups has, historically, come from a Trust Fund (a.k.a. the Superfund) established by Congress with revenue from a tax levied on the chemical and petroleum industries. However, EPA's authority to collect the tax expired in 1995, and fund monies are being depleted. Since the tax expired in 1995, Congress has not reauthorized it. EPA does not have the authority to reinstate this tax. 19 ------- FINAL EPA currently funds cleanup actions with what monies remain in the Trust Fund, as well as with monies from other sources, such as general revenue funds and funds which become available when other funded projects are delayed, discontinued, or completed under budget. Careful prioritization of cleanup projects ensures that all sites that pose a significant risk to human health or the environment will continue to be funded for the foreseeable future. As always, EPA will continue to seek reimbursement of cleanup costs from polluters whenever possible. Identifying Sites for Cleanup EPA investigates hazardous waste sites throughout the U.S. and U.S. Territories. A Preliminary Assessment!Site Inspection (PA/SI) is performed at each site to determine whether hazardous contaminants pose a significant risk to human health or the environment, such that additional investigation or cleanup is needed. Each site is evaluated using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS). The HRS is a measurement tool that calculates a site-specific score based on the potential for a hazardous substance to reach a receptor. It is a numerically-based screening system that uses information from the PA/SI to assess the relative potential of a site to pose a threat to human health or the environment. Part of the HRS calculation considers exposure pathways. EPA places sites with an HRS score of 28.50 or higher on the National Priorities List (NPL). HRS scores do not determine the priority in funding EPA remedial activities, or the ranking place of a site on the NPL. Selecting and Implementing a Cleanup Plan After a site is placed on the NPL, EPA performs a Remedial Investigation (RI) and a Feasibility Study (FS). The RI identifies the types, concentrations, and extent of contamination, and defines subsurface conditions at the site. A risk assessment is then performed to determine the threat these findings pose to human health and the environment. The risk assessment is incorporated into the RI report. The FS considers the physical characteristics of the site and evaluates possible cleanup technologies that could be used to control, remove, or reduce the contamination identified by the RI. Information from these studies is used to develop several possible cleanup alternatives that could be used at the site. After comparing the alternatives, EPA will recommend the cleanup method believed to be the best for the site in a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (Proposed Plan or PRAP). A 30-day Public Comment Period begins when the PRAP is released to the public. The community is asked to review the plan and offer comments on EPA's proposed actions. All pertinent comments received during the comment period must be considered by EPA before a final decision is made. After reviewing the community's comments, EPA will prepare a Responsiveness Summary (RS) to summarize the comments received, as well as EPA's responses. The summary is attached to the document that records the cleanup alternative selected by EPA for the site. This document is called a Record of Decision (ROD). 20 ------- FINAL Implementing EPA's Cleanup Decision When a ROD is signed, EPA must decide whether to conduct the next steps itself or to seek cooperation from PRPs. If financially-viable PRPs are available, EPA may negotiate their participation in the Remedial Design and Remedial Action. Remedial Design refers to the period when a work plan is written, and drawings and specifications are developed for the cleanup alternative selected by the ROD. This period can take several months depending on the complexity of the design and other factors, such as the need to conduct pilot studies, obtain permits, or conclude legal negotiations. When the Remedial Design is completed and approved, the Remedial Action may begin. Remedial Action refers to the actual work that will turn the cleanup design into a reality. Some typical activities that are conducted during remedial actions include fence and field office installation, vegetation clearing, well drilling and installation, general construction, and earth-moving activities. EPA may seek reimbursement from the PRPs for the cost of any work performed by EPA at any time during the cleanup process. When the Remedial Action is completed, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) will begin, unless all contaminants have been removed from the site. In addition to site-specific O&M and routine monitoring, sites are thoroughly reviewed by EPA every five years, to ensure the remedy is operating as planned, that it remains protective of human health and the environment, and that it is in compliance with any Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs). Once a site is listed on the NPL, it will remain a Superfund site even after the cleanup is completed, until the site is formally deleted from the list. A site can be removed from the NPL only after the cleanup goals established for it have been reached and confirmed, and EPA certifies that the cleanup is complete. When this point is reached, EPA must publish a Notice of Intention to Delete (NOID) a site in the Federal Register. The notice will also be published in one or more local newspapers, announcing the NOID and the Public Comment Period regarding the NOID. 5.2 Site-Related EPA Offices and Branches EPA has ten Regional offices across the nation and a Headquarters located in Washington, D.C. Each Regional office has both community involvement and technical staff involved in Superfund site cleanups. EPA Region 3 is comprised of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington D.C. The EPA Region 3 office is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It houses several different offices and branches that work on a number of hazardous waste sites. Descriptions of EPA offices that are involved in the site follow. Hazardous Site Cleanup Division (HSCD) HSCD oversees the Superfund program. HSCD focuses on emergency response, risk determination and stabilization, and long-term cleanup of hazardous materials that pose a threat to human health and the environment. These threats frequently result from abandonment of facilities or materials; improper operating procedures or disposal practices; or accidents that occur while handling, transporting, or storing hazardous materials. 21 ------- FINAL The HSCD is comprised of six offices: Office of Superfund Site Remediation; Office of Preparedness and Response; Office of Brownfields and Outreach; Office of Enforcement; Office of Federal Facility Remediation and Site Assessment; and Office of Technical and Administrative Support. Within the HSCD, the two main personnel assigned to a site are the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) and the Remedial Project Manager (RPM). The OSC handles the emergency response actions at a site, while the RPM handles the activities related to the long-term cleanup. The RPM is located within the Office of Superfund Site Remediation, and the OSC is located within the Office of Preparedness and Response. The RPM and the OSC draw on the other branches in the organization to accomplish the goals of the Superfund program. Office of Superfund Site Remediation (Region 3) This office oversees long-term investigations and cleanup work at Superfund sites, and also maintains cooperative relationships with state agencies. Office staff includes RPMs. RPMs are responsible for overseeing the cleanup process at individually assigned Superfund sites. Each RPM is responsible for coordinating the work of internal and external site team members and overseeing the work of EPA and PRP consultants and contractors. RPMs also develop PRAPs, RODs, and RSs, as well as other documents, as needed. (See Appendix A of this CIP for the contact information for the assigned RPM.) Office of Preparedness and Response (Region 3) EPA's Office of Preparedness and Response includes OSCs, Site Assessment Managers (SAMs), and Contracting and Field Administrative Specialists. This office responds to emergencies involving hazardous materials and biologicals. Some typical emergencies include: transportation accidents, pipeline breaks, fires, and explosions involving hazardous compounds. This office is responsible for operating and maintaining the Regional Response Center, providing a 24-hour emergency spill notification network to facilitate regional response activities relating to reported oil and hazardous material spills, incidents and/or accidents. The office performs time-critical removal actions when circumstances require immediate action to protect public health or the environment from releases of hazardous materials that have already occurred or may occur at any time. One example of a time-critical situation is routine water sampling that reveals high levels of contamination that pose unacceptable risks from short-term exposures. Another example is a facility inspection that reveals a facility that either contains hazardous materials and is in danger of physical collapse, or employs such negligent materials handling and storage practices that a hazardous release is very likely to happen. OSCs conduct removal actions and oversee stabilization efforts at sites on the NPL until an interim or long-term cleanup method can be implemented. SAMs conduct preliminary site assessments, develop HRS scores, and recommend sites for the NPL. Contracting and Field Administrative Specialists manage site-related expenditures and contracts. 22 ------- FINAL Office of Brownfields and Outreach (Region 3) Under this office, the Community Involvement and Outreach Branch manage communication activities and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests regarding Superfund sites. This branch helps gauge the interests and concerns of each community near a site on an individual basis. Based upon the community's input, EPA develops a Community Involvement Plan (CIP) to enhance communication between community members and EPA and to facilitate community involvement throughout the cleanup process. EPA works to inform and involve residents, public officials, media representatives, local businesses, PRPs, community groups, and stakeholders in the Superfund cleanup process. To facilitate this process, EPA assigns a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) for each site. (See Appendix A for the contact information of the CIC for this site.) The Brownfields and Land Revitalization Branch awards and manages grants to selected Brownfields pilot sites and manages the region's land revitalization program. Office of Enforcement (Region 3) This office oversees all of the enforcement programs for the Superfund, Oil and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know programs in the Region, and consists of two branches. The Cost Recovery Branch's main responsibility is to recuperate Superfund money spent on sites by managing the cost recovery program, and by providing enforcement and administrative support to the other program offices by conducting PRP searches, preparing administrative enforcement actions, and providing support to EPA's Office of Regional Counsel for litigation. The second branch of this office is the Oil and Prevention Branch, which is responsible for regulatory enforcement authorities as well as ensuring that the notification and reporting requirements for storage and/or releases of hazardous substances by facilities are done in accordance with the law. Office of Federal Facility Remediation and Site Assessment (Region 3) Similar to the Office of Superfund Site Remediation, this office performs oversight of site investigations and cleanups at federal facilities and/or previously owned federal facilities in the Region under the Superfund program. That includes NPL and non-NPL sites. An example of a federal facility is a former military base or other government-owned property. The office is also responsible for federal facility hazardous waste site assessments, investigations of potential federal facility Superfund sites, and hazard ranking of federal facility sites for the NPL. Office of Technical and Administrative Support (Region 3) This office provides a wide range of information management services, as well as scientific and technical support to the Superfund program. The office is comprised of technical staff, including database experts, toxicologists, hydrologists, geologists, and other scientists, having both broad and specialized expertise in the environmental sciences. It also includes specialists in contracts management, involving state and interagency agreements; and budget oversight, including managing the Superfund intramural and extramural budgets. 23 ------- FINAL 5.3 The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ATSDR is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created in 1980 under CERCLA to prevent adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life associated with environmental pollution. ATSDR is not a regulatory agency like EPA. It is a public health agency that advises EPA on the health effects associated with exposure to hazardous materials. ATSDR is required, under Superfund law, to become involved with all sites proposed to the NPL. Specifically, ATSDR conducts public health assessments of and/or health consultations with NPL site (or proposed NPL site) communities. 5.4 State Role Superfund cleanups require EPA and states to work together. In most cases, EPA is the lead regulatory agency conducting cleanups, but states may choose to take the lead. Typically, however, states provide support to EPA by bringing their technical expertise and resources to bear and providing regulatory guidance. In addition, states are responsible for 10% of the cost of the cleanup, and for O&M of cleanup technologies in place after the cleanup construction is completed. The state agency cooperating in the cleanup of this site is the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ). (See Appendix A for contact information for the state representative for this site.) VADEQ and the Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (VDHHR) are the state health agencies associated with this site. EPA and ATSDR consult with state health authorities on site-related health matters, as needed, to keep each entity informed of issues that may be of concern to local residents. (See Appendix A for contact information) 5.5 Local Role Town of Front Royal and Warren County EPA has been and will continue to consult with the Town of Front Royal and Warren County officials during the cleanup process, to ensure that cleanup activities are conducted in accordance with local ordinances. The city and county officials can provide EPA with information concerning the operating history of sites and regulatory issues, as well as community concerns and demographics. They also may act as a conduit of information to concerned community members who may contact them for site-related news and updates. (See Appendix A for contact information for local officials.) 24 ------- FINAL SECTION 6 Site Background 6.1 Site Description The Avtex Fibers Site is located in Front Royal, Virginia and occupies approximately 440 acres. The Randolph Macon Academy is located along the eastern property boundary. The former General Chemical plant and the Norfolk and Southern rail maintenance building are located along the northern border of the Site. Residential areas are located to the east, south, and northeast of the property boundaries. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is located along the western portion of the property. Drainage to the river occurs through the overburden and bedrock ground water flow, and designed features such as the discharge from the onsite wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). During operation of the plant, a significant amount of waste was disposed in impoundments situated within the 100-year flood plain of the River. In 1999, EPA and FMC entered into a comprehensive Consent Decree, which incorporated work for the OU10 ROD, the Non-Time Critical Removal Actions, and included work to be performed for OU7. A final Record of Decision (ROD) for the remaining Operable Unit 7 for the remediation of contaminated ground water, surface water and Viscose Basins 9 was signed in January 2010. 25 ------- FINAL Over the last 20 years numerous removal and remedial activities have been conducted to remove imminent threats to human health and the environment as outlined below: Removal and Remedial Activities OU/Removal Action Description Status 1 Ground Water - ROD #1 issued on 9/30/88 Suspended and deferred to OU7 2 PCB Contaminated Soil - ROD #2 issued on 9/28/90 Completed January 1992 3 Acid Reclaim Building - ROD#2 issued on 9/28/90 Completed September 1993 4 Site Security - ROD#2 issued on 9/28/90 Completed September 2002 5 Drum material - ROD#2 issued on 9/28/90 Completed September 1994 6 Investigation of Buildings Suspended and deferred to Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) 7 Ground Water, Surface Water and Viscose Basins 9, 10, and 11 ROD issued 1/13/2010 8 Areas B (open lot) and C (former parking lot) - ROD #3 issued on 9/29/00 Being addressed through a Conservation Easement 9 Ecological Investigation and Risk Assessment Addressed under NTCRA #1 10 Plant Area Soils, Viscose Basins 1 through Remedial Action is 8, New Landfill, and Waste Water ongoing. Treatment Plant (WWTP) - ROD#4 issued on March 10, 2004 TCRA Investigate buildings - work is either completed or addressed under OU 10 ROD or Non-time Critical Removal Action (NTCRA) Complete or addressed under other actions NTCRA #1 Basins - includes sulfate basins 1 through 5, fly ash basins, fly ash stock pile, and WWTP On-going NTCRA#2 Buildings and sewers On-going - all the buildings have been demolished and the sewers are in the final stages of being removed. 26 ------- FINAL 6.2 Site History The Avtex Fibers Site, located in Warren County, Virginia is a 440-acre former manufacturing plant that produced rayon and other synthetics from 1940 until 1989. Tons of rayon manufacturing wastes and by-products including waste viscose, zinc hydroxide sludge (sulfate), and fly ash and boiler room solids were disposed on-site in 23 impoundments and fill areas encompassing 220 acres. Waste disposal practices at the plant contaminated the groundwater under the Site and in residential wells across the South Fork Shenandoah River (River) from the Site. In 1982, the Commonwealth of Virginia detected carbon disulfide in residential wells located across the South fork of the Shenandoah River. In 1984, EPA proposed that the Site be addressed under the federal Superfund program. The site was formally added to the National Priorities List (NPL) on June 10, 1986, Between 1986 and 1988, Avtex conducted an investigation of the source and extent of the carbon disulfide in ground water. The investigation determined that waste viscose containing carbon disulfide was leaching from three of the eleven viscose basins (VB9, 10, and 11). In 1988, EPA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) which called for pumping and treating the ground water beneath and down gradient of VB9-11. This remedy was subsequently suspended pending a Site-wide investigation. Shortly after the 1988 Record of Decision was issued, Avtex shut down the facility. After the plant shut down in 1989, EPA initiated response actions to ensure there would be no uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances or other threats to human health and the environment. In the several years following the plant's shutdown, EPA responded to the various emergency and time critical conditions the Site presented. September 2006 marked the opening of the Skyline Soccerplex, the first completed redevelopment of the Site. FMC, EPA, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the local Economic Development Authority (EDA) worked together to clean up the 30-acre parcel of land and construct four soccer fields. The EDA is moving forward with the redevelopment efforts for a 160-acre commercial/industrial park east of the railroad tracks and a nature conservancy west of the tracks. 27 ------- FINAL 6.3 Site Contamination Types of Contaminants: Individual contaminants are classified into contaminant groups based on their chemical structure and physical properties. Some major contaminant groups include: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Metals, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Detailed information on the contamination is listed in Appendix C-Glossary of Technical Terms. Additional information is available at ATSDR's TOXFAQ Website (www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html) 6.4 EPA Actions to Date Due to the magnitude and the complex nature of contamination at the Avtex Fibers site, it has been the subject of a number of removal and remedial actions. The following is a summary of the major activities performed to date. EPA began removal activities at the Site in 1989 to address various threats to human health and the environment when the facility was abandoned. EPA continued removal activities as the vacant plant degraded. Actions focused on operating the wastewater treatment system to protect the Shenandoah River from untreated discharges, and removing or treating thousands of gallons of chemicals left in the deteriorating process lines, vessels and laboratories. EPA also removed the 22 carbon disulfide storage impoundments. The severe deterioration of 17-acres of the manufacturing process area of the facility ultimately lead EPA to determine that cleanup activities would be best accomplished by large-scale mechanical demolition of buildings to remove the remaining chemical residuals. EPA initiated demolition in November 1997. By September 1998, EPA had completed the demolition and consolidated demolished rubble and waste materials into waste piles for later management. In 1999, EPA and FMC entered into a Consent Decree for work to be performed at the Site. As part of this agreement, FMC assumed the responsibility to perform various cleanup activities. Time-Critical Removal Action (TCRA) Buildings: Under this TCRA, FMC sorted, segregated and characterized the approximately 62,500 cubic yards of demolition debris and waste materials generated during EPA's demolition activities. Most of these materials were either cleaned for reuse on-site or transported off-site for recycling or disposal. In late May 2004, treatment to stabilize hazardous levels of lead in approximately 5,000 cubic yards of the debris was begun so that it could be safely placed in an on-site lined landfill. Material that could not be treated successfully was sent off-site for disposal in April of 2006. The final activities associated with this action are being implemented concurrently with the non- time-critical removal action (NTCRA) for the remaining buildings and sewers and the Operable Unit 10 Plant Area Soils remedy. Non-Time-Critical Removal Action (NTCRA) Buildings: To address the remainder of the plant area, EPA signed an Action Memorandum on December 20, 2001 for the decontamination of the 28 ------- FINAL remaining buildings and excavation of the remaining sewers. FMC completed decontamination of the remaining above ground buildings in September 2005. Not only did this effort manage the remaining environmental threats associated with the buildings, it also facilitated the demolition of these buildings by US ACE and reduced the costs associated with managing the demolition debris. Cleanup of the buildings is approximately 95% complete, with some sub grade foundations and structures remaining to be managed. Excavation of the sewers began in June 2005 and has been conducted in phases as buildings and other obstacles to sewer excavation have been removed. Sewer removal is ongoing and is about 50% completed; with more than 27,000 feet of sewers excavated to date. NTCRA Basins: EPA signed an Action Memorandum on January 31, 2000 for the closure of approximately 120 acres of industrial waste basins (Sulfate Basins 1 through 5 and the Fly Ash Basins), the Fly Ash Stockpile and the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) basins. The cleanup plan calls for the consolidation of wastes on site and provides for closure of the basins containing wastes using protective caps. The cleanup activities are facilitating the implementation of the Conservancy Park Master Plan that was developed for the future use of this portion of the Site. The conservancy park concept has been integrated into the cleanup activities by revegetating the cleanup areas with appropriate vegetation, construction of a pond and wetland area, and providing the frame work for future park trails. The NTCRA Basins closure activities were started in May 2001. Approximately 75% of the Sulfate Basins, 95% of the Fly Ash Basin and Fly Ash Stockpile, and 30% of the WWTP closures have been completed. The remaining Sulfate Basins and the WWTP are needed for storm water management and treatment, therefore, for the most part, the remaining work will be undertaken when other areas of the Site have been cleaned up and storm water collection and treatment is no longer necessary. Operable Unit 10 (OU-10): In March 2004, EPA selected a remedial action cleanup plan for Viscose Basins 1 through 8, the on-site landfill (New Landfill) and the Plant Area Soils in the Record of Decision (ROD) for Operable Unit 10. The ROD calls for capping the viscose basins and the on-site landfill, treating leachate and monitoring groundwater. The detailed technical plans to implement this portion of the cleanup plan were approved in January 2008 with field work expected to begin this spring. The ROD also calls for the excavation of those Plant Area Soils that contain contaminants at levels that exceed the cleanup standards and provides for appropriate treatment or disposal of the soil. In January 2006 EPA issued an Explanation of Significant Differences to expand the area being addressed as Plant Area Soils to include additional areas of concern that had been identified. The detailed technical plans to implement the cleanup of Plant Area Soils were completed in September 2006. The Plant Area Soils cleanup is underway and is approximately 75% completed. Operable Unit 7 (OU-7): The final OU-7 Feasibility Study (FS) which evaluates a variety of cleanup alternatives for the Viscose Basins 9 through 11, groundwater contamination and surface water is being finalized. Integral to evaluating the alternatives of the FS are the results of the treatability testing performed during the Summer of 2006. Following completion of the FS, a proposed plan which provides EPA's preferred cleanup option was presented to the public in Sept 2009. A Record of Decision was issued on Jan 13, 2010 29 ------- FINAL The primary components of the selected remedy are: 1. Installation of a low permeability cap over Viscose Basins 9, 10 and 11 2. Construction and operation of a groundwater extraction and treatment system to meet both the risk-based and ARAR based in-situ cleanup standards 3. Construction and operation of a wastewater treatment plant. 4. Evaluation of the basins and extraction and treatment of the leacheate to meet performance standards 5. Characterization, removal and disposal of impacted sediments associated with seeps adjacent to Viscose Basins 9, 10 and OU7 soils located outside Viscose Basins 9, 10 and 11. 6. Implementation of Institutional Controls. 7. Provision of water to impacted property owners on west side of the South Fork Shenandoah River. 8. Post-closure monitoring and maintenance. 30 ------- FINAL 6.4.1 Community Involvement Activities to date TABLE 3 Summary of Community Involvement Activities-1999-2009 DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES 1999 MSG Meetings - 8 Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC EPA Press Conference - 2 Avtex Site EPA, FMC Public Workshops -2 Front Royal, VA EPA, VADEQ, EDA, FMC, DQ, OVC, EDAW Conservancy Park - public interviews, meetings, design charettes (3 schools) - importance of history noted. Festival of Leaves Main St, Front Royal, VA OVC Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and As. 2000 In-depth stakeholder survey Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, FMC, OVC Public Design Workshops- 2 Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Conservancy Park - public interviews continue EDAW Conservancy Park Plan Presented Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Board of Supervi sors/ED A MSG Meetings - 2 Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Public Hearing - OU8 Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC EDA Green Design Conference 4-H Center, Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Game and Inland Fisheries Meeting Government Center, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, EDA Eastern Birding Trail - Conservancy Park nominated and accepted Wine and Craft Festival Main St, Front Royal OVC Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and As. Festival of Leaves Main St, Front Royal OVC, DQ Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and A's. 31 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Trade Fest 2000 Bowling Green Country Club, Front Royal, VA OVC, ED AW Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and A's. Taiwanese Delegation AVTEX Site FMC Tour and update. Outreach meetings/site tours(5) AVTEX Site OVC, FMC END 2000 Note: New Site Manager on site late 2000. 2001 Project Sponsor Meetings (2) AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Strategic PR planning. MSG Meetings (2) Union Hall, Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Began to review MSG leadership structure. 1st FMC/AVTEX Site Open House- MSG Meeting AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Over 250 attendees; site tours and picnic lunch. Door-to-Door Outreach, Site neighbors Viscose City, Kendrick Lane, West Main Street, EPA, FMC, OVC, DQ Answered questions, handed out fact sheets. Wine and Craft Festival Main St., Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and A's. Festival of Leaves Main St., Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, DQ Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and A's. Trade Fest 2001 Bowling Green Country Club, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce. CRC, Dr. William McShea AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Orientation and tour. CRC begins bird counting and amphibian surveys. END 2001 Informal Outreach Lunches and tours - 12 Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Outreach lunches with local Town and County Officials, EDA Board and key members of the community. 32 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES 2002 Sponsors Group Meeting DQ, Washington, DC EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Strategic communications planning. Tree Planting AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, EPA, EDA, Town and County Officials, Local schools, OVC Weeklong event. FMC hosted "Easement Summit" AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, EPA, VADEQ, EDA, Warren County, LFS&W, VCC First group meeting of all parties on-site. MSG Meeting (1) RMA Academy, Front Royal, VA EPA, Project Sponsors, DQ, OVC Final MSG meeting - leadership transitioned to ARAC. ARAC Meeting Government Center, Front Royal, Va. EPA, FMC, OVC First meeting of ARAC - group would meet monthly for next two years. Virginia Governor's School AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA FMC Update and Site Tour. Wine and Craft Festival Main St., Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, DQ Exhibit Booth, handouts, Qs and As. Festival of Leaves Main St., Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, DQ Exhibit Booth, handouts, Qs and As. 2nd Annual FMC Open House AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA EPA, Project Sponsors, DQ, OVC CRC, Dr. William McShea AVTEX Site FMC, OVC CRC continues bird counting and stops amphibian surveys. CRC Open House Remount Road, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, DQ Exhibit Booth, handouts, Qs and As; focus on CRC's involvement on site. FMC Donation of Laboratory Glassware AVTEX Site, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC FMC donates over $100,000 of laboratory glassware to local schools. 33 ------- FINAL STAFF AND DATE EVENT LOCATION REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Collecting data on community involvement/public University of AVTEX Site, participatory process in furthering environmental Hull, UK Front Royal, VA FMC cleanup. Informal Outreach Lunches and tours (8) FMC, OVC Notes: (1) ASTDR public meeting - 3 people showed; (2) AVTEX END 2002 Brochure published and distributed. 2003 RMA Biology Class AVTEX Site FMC Tour and update on remediation. Czechoslovakia Republic- Governors and Tour and update on Vice Governors AVTEX Site FMC remediation. Congressman Wolf AVTEX Site EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Tour and update on remediation. OU-10 Public Availability Session Town Chamber, Front Royal, VA EPA, DQ, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC Governors School Tour and update on of VA AVTEX Site FMC remediation. Pure Water 2000 Sojourners Trip down the Andy Guest State Park, Front Lunch and update on Shenandoah Royal, Va. FMC, OVC remediation efforts. Wine and Craft Main Street, FMC, OVC, Friends of Exhibit Booth, handouts, Festival Front Royal, VA the Shenandoah River Q's and As. Festival of Main Street, FMC, OVC, Friends of Exhibit Booth, handouts, Leaves Front Royal, VA the Shenandoah River Q's and As. CRC, Dr. CRC continues bird William McShea AVTEX Site FMC, OVC counting. Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and A's; focus on Remount Road, CRC involvement on CRC Open House Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC site. 34 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Trade Fest 2003 Junior High School, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and As. MSG/ARAC Meeting Government Center, Front Royal, Va. EPA, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC, ARAC Historical exhibit. VMI Civil Engineering Students AVTEX Site FMC Tour and update on remediation. Outreach/Site Tours (13)) AVTEX Site FMC END 2003 Notes: Fall 03 Avtex Dispatch published and distributed to stakeholders. 2004 ARAC Government Center, Front Royal, VA FMC Monthly meetings continue. UVA Charlottesville, VA FMC Brownfields Revitalization 2004. VMI Annual Environmental Conference Lexington, VA FMC Annual Environmental Conference. Australia Rotarians AVTEX Site FMC Update on remediation; site tour. Pure Water 2000 Sojourners Trip down Shenandoah AVTEX Site, Conservancy Park landing FMC, OVC Update on remediation; site tour. Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Banquet Front Royal, VA FMC Received "Outstanding Site Management Award" for FMC. State of VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation/VA Division of State Parks AVTEX Site ARAC members, FMC Site update and tour. Wine and Craft Festival Main Street, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, Friends of the Shenandoah River Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and As. 35 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Festival of Leaves Main Street, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint Exhibit Booth FMC, FOSR, Soccer Assoc.; handouts, Q's and A's. CRC Open House Remount Road, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Exhibit Booth, handouts, Q's and A's; focus on CRC involvement on site. Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRL) AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Site update and tour. Informal Outreach Lunches and tours (14) AVTEX Site FMC, OVC END 2004 Notes: Center's Historical Exhibit dedicated at Warren County Government Center. Spring 04 Avtex Dispatch published and distributed to stakeholders. 2005 Shenandoah University AVTEX Site FMC, Archeology Class; update and tour. Joint ARAC/MSG Meeting Warren County Government Center ARAC EPA, VADEQ, FMC, EDA, OVC FMC, OVC ARAC announces dissolution and transfer of responsibility to EDA. EDA Open House AVTEX Administration Building, AVTEX Site EPA, VADEQ, FMC, USACE, EDA, OVC FMC, OVC Exhibits, refreshments, handouts, Q's and A's; site tours; 225 attendees. Soccerplex Ribbon Cutting Skyline Soccerplex Town and County Officials, EPA, FMC Four community soccer fields open. Boiler House Implosion AVTEX Site Senior officials from USACE, EPA, FMC, & Town and County; Major press event; over 500 attendees; Exhibits, refreshments, site tours. 36 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES EDA, OVC Lord Fairfax Soil and Water AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Update and tour. CRC Director and National Zoo Director CRC Facility and AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Meetings to address possible partnering between FMC/CRC. Wine and Craft Festival Main St., Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint Exhibit booth, handouts, Q's and A's. Festival of Leaves Main St., Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint Exhibit booth, handouts, Q's and A's. CRC Open House Remount Road, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Exhibit booth, handouts, Q's and A's; focus on CRC involvement on- site. VNRL AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Update and tour. Governors School AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Update and tour. END 2005 Informal outreach lunches/tours (21) AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Seven Tours for interested developers. 2006 Town of Front Royal Open House Bing Crosby Stadium, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Exhibit, handouts, Q's and A's, update on cleanup Senator George Allen AVTEX Site EDA, FMC Update on cleanup and site tour Governor's School (2 classes) AVTEX Site, Historical Archive FMC, OVC Update on remediation and history; tours Wine and Craft Festival Main St., Front Royal FMC, OVC, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint exhibit booth. VNRLI AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Update on remediation and tour. CRC, Dr. Vickie McDonald AVTEX Site FMC, OVC Orientation and tour. CRC resumes bird counting and amphibian surveys and begins butterfly surveys. JMU AVTEX Site FMC Update on remediation efforts. 37 ------- FINAL STAFF AND DATE EVENT LOCATION REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Exhibit booth, handouts, Festival of Downtown Front FMC, OVC, Friends of Q's and As; focus on Leaves Royal the Shenandoah River cleanup. Exhibit booth, handouts, Q's and A's; focus on Remount Road, CRC involvement on- CRC Open House Front Royal, Va. FMC, OVC site. Informal Town and County END Outreach Officials, local members 2006 Lunches/Tours Avtex Site FMC, OVC of the community OVC and the Site Manager began to regularly host Town and County and EDA Officials on site for lunch, an update of cleanup activities and a 2007 tour of the site in addition to providing updates bi-annually at public meetings of Board of Supervisors and Town Council. Monthly updates continue for EDA monthly meetings VNRL Institute Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update on cleanup and site tour. Virginia Governor's School/Two groups Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update on cleanup and site tour. EDA/Interested Numerous tours Developers Avtex Site FMC throughout year. Lord Fairfax Soil & Water Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update of cleanup and site tour. CRC Dr. Vickie McDonald Avtex Site FMC, OVC Continuing bird counting and amphibian/butterfly surveys. Shenandoah University Archeology class Avtex Site FMC Update of cleanup and site tour. Joint Exhibit Booth Spring Wine and Downtown Front FMC, OVC, Friends of handouts, before and Craft Festival Royal the Shenandoah River after photos, Avtex 38 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Dispatch. Fall Festival of Leaves Downtown Front Royal FMC, OVC, EDA, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint Exhibit Booth handouts, before and after photos, Avtex Dispatch. CRC Open Houses Remount Road, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC, EDA Joint Exhibit Booth handouts, before and after photos, Avtex Dispatch. JMU School of Communications Avtex Site FMC, OVC History of Site and Cleanup, site tour. Local media Avtex Site FMC, OVC Tour and update on cleanup. END 2007 Note: Spring Avtex Dispatch published and distributed to stakeholders. 2008 Note: OVC and the Site continues to regularly host Town and County and EDA Officials on site for lunch, an update of cleanup activities and a tour of the site. OVC and Site Manager continue to provide updates monthly to the EDA and at least twice a year to the area County Board of Supervisors and the Town Council. Virginia Governor's School/Two Classes Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update on cleanup and tour of site. Wine and Craft Festival Main Street, Front Royal FMC, OVC, EDA, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint Exhibit Booth, handouts, before and after photos, Avtex Dispatch. VNRL Institute Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update on cleanup and tour of site. 39 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES CRC, Dr. Vicki McDonald Avtex Site FMC, OVC Continuing bird counting and amphibian/butterfly surveys. Festival of Leaves Main Street, Front Royal FMC, OVC, EDA, Friends of the Shenandoah River Joint Exhibit Booth, handouts, before and after photos, Avtex Dispatch. CRC Open House Remount Road, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Exhibit Booth, FMC and EDA, handouts, before and after photos, Avtex Dispatch. EDA Interested Groups Avtex Site FMC, OVC Numerous updates on cleanup and tours of site. Lord Fairfax Soil and Water/VCC Avtex Site FMC, OVC Annual update on remediation and site tour. Bi-annual meeting of Town, County, EDA and FMC Avtex Site FMC, OVC Remediation update and tour of site. Note: New Executive Director of EDA selected. Avtex Winter 2008 Dispatch in preparation for publication. END 2008 40 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES 2009 OVC and the Site Manager continue to regularly host Town and County and EDA Officials on site for lunch, an update of cleanup activities and a tour of the site. Updates monthly to the EDA and at least twice a year to the area County Board of Supervisors and the Town Council continue Wine and Craft Festival Main Street, Front Royal EPA, FMC, OVC, Friends of the Shenandoah River FMC and EDA representatives CRC Open House 10/3/09 -10/4/09 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA FMC, OVC Festival of Leaves 10/10/09 Main Street, Front Royal FMC, OVC CRC, Dr. Vicki McDonald Avtex Site FMC, OVC Continuing bird counting and amphibian/butterfly surveys. Governor's School (2) Classes (May timeframe) Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update on history and cleanup and tour of site. Lord Fairfax Soil and Water/VCC Avtex Site FMC, OVC Update of cleanup and tour of site. EDA Interested Groups- numerous Avtex Site FMC,OVC Updates on cleanup and tours of site. Bi-annual meeting of Town, County, EDA and FMC Avtex Site FMC, OVC Remediation update and tour of site. July- Aug 2009 Community Involvement interviews with stakeholders EDA conference room or at the residence or office of the stakeholder EPA Preparation for first CIP for this site. 41 ------- FINAL DATE EVENT LOCATION STAFF AND REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS/NOTES Sept 22 OU-7 Proposed Plan Public Meeting Randolph Macon Academy Media Center EPA Public Comment period for Groundwater Remedy (OU-7) 42 ------- FINAL APPENDIX A List of Contacts A.1 Federal Elected Officials UNITED STATES SENATORS Honorable Jim Webb 144 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510 202 224-4024 Honorable Mark Warner B40C Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510 202 224-2023 UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U. S. Congressman - 10th District Honorable Frank R. Wolf 241 Cannon House Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20515 202 225-5136 A.2 Stale Fleeted Officials Governor Robert F. McDonnell Office of the Governor Patrick Henry Bldg., 3rd Floor 1111 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804 786-2211 STATE SENATORS 27th District Jill Vogel 117 East Piccadilly Street Winchester, VA 22601 540 662-4551 FRONT ROYAL STATE HOUSE OF DELEGATES 15th District G. Todd Gilbert P.O. Box 309 Woodstock, VA 22664 540-459-7550 26th District Mark D. Obenshain P. O. Box 555 Harrisonburg, VA 22803 540 437-1451 WASHINGTON, SPERRYVILLE 31st District L. Scott Lingam P. O. Box 406 Richmond, VA 23218 804 698-1031 43 ------- FINAL A.3 Local Officials TOWN OF FRONT ROYAL Mayor Eugene R. Tewalt 1032 Wine Street Home: 635-8227 TOWN COUNCIL Bret W. Hrbek 1207 Windsor Court Cell: 660-5732 bhrbek@frontrovalva.com Thomas H. Sayre 835 Shenandoah Shores Road Home: 635-9844 Thomas E. Conkey 1401 N Royal Avenue Home: 636-7335 conkev@frontrovalva. com Carson C. Lauder, Jr. 733 E. Stonewall Drive Home: 636-9905 WARREN COUNTY County Administrator Douglas P. Stanley 220 North Commerce Avenue, Suite 100 Front Royal, Virginia 22630 Work (540) 636-4600FAX (540) 636-6066 dstanlev@warrencountvva.net lauder@frontrovalva. com Chris W. Holloway 1093 Kesler Road Cell: 771-7653 hollowav@frontroyalva. com N.. Shae Parker 5 East 17th Street Home: 631-0748 parker@frontrovalva.com Town Manager J. Michael Graham PO Box 1560 Work: 635-8007 mgraham@frontrovalva. com Town Attorney Thomas R. Robinett PO Box 1560 Work: 635-7872 trobinett@frontrovalva. com County Attorney Blair D. Mitchell County of Warren 220 North Commerce Avenue, Ste. 100 Front Royal, Virginia 22630 Work (540) 636-6674 FAX (540) 636-6980 44 ------- FINAL BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (Happy Creek District) Tony F. Carter Stoneburner & Carter Insurance P. O. Box 1355 Front Royal, Virginia 22630 Work (540) 635-8401 Home (540) 635-5247 FAX (540) 635-6083 tcarter@stoneburnercarter. com (Shenandoah District) Richard H. Traczyk 179 Bowling Green Road Front Royal, Virginia 22630 FAX (540) 635-4624 lilmtn@shentel.net (South River District) Mrs. Linda Glavis 3446 Browntown Road Front Royal, VA 22630 Home 540 636-3802 lglavis@comcast.net (North River District) Mr. Glenn White, Vice-Chairman 37 High Bluff Road Middletown, Virginia 22645 Home (540) 631-9447 gl ennan@ email. com (Fork District) Archie A. Fox, Chairman 21 Lower Valley Road Work (540) 636-9948 Home (540) 636-4335 FAX (540)636-9013 fox m ech @ em b arq m ai 1. co 45 ------- FINAL A.4 U.S. EPA Region 3 Officials Superfund Hotline: 1-800-553-2509 Larry Johnson, Community Involvement Coordinator U.S. EPA Region 3 1650 Arch Street-3HS52 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215- 814- 3239 iohnson.larry.c@epa.gov Kate Lose, Remedial Project Manager U.S. EPA Region 3 1650 Arch Street-3HS23 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-814-3240 lose.kate@epa.gov Amelia Libertz, TAG/CAG Coordinator U.S. EPA Region 3 1650 Arch Street-3HS52 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-814-5522 libertz.amelia@epa.gov LaRonda Koffi, Governmental Affairs U.S. EPA Region 3 1650 Arch St Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-814-5374 koffi.laronda@epa.gov A.5 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Robert Helverson 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-814-3139 Gfu6@cdc.gov or www.atsdr.cdc.gov A.6 Virginia Departments Tom Modena Remedial Project Manger Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 629 E. Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 804 698-4183 or 800 592-5482 46 ------- FINAL A.7 Media Newspapers Northern Virginia Daily 15 W. Jackson Street Front Royal, VA 22630 540 636-6188 Winchester Star 2 N Kent St Winchester, VA22601-5038 (540) 667-3200 Television Stations WAZT TV 123 E. Court Street Toms Brook, VA 540 459-4210 CHANNEL 10 467 Mt. Hebron Road Woodstock, VA 540 436-8647 ABC Channel 3 633 Millwood Ave. Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 504-0883 Warren Sentinel 429 N. Royal Avenue Front Royal, VA 22630 540 635-4174 Warren County Report 122 W. 14th Street Front Royal, VA 22630 540 551-2072 WHSV-TV3 50 North Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22802 USA Business: (540) 433-9191 Toll Free: (888) 801-1883 Comcast Channel 16 Government access channel Town of Front Royal P. O. Box 11560 Front Royal, VA 22630 540 635-8007 Radio Stations Oldies Radio 95 3 WZRV 365 Rock Harbor Dr Winchester, VA 22602 540 665-3826 WINC RADIO 520 N Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester, VA22601-5654 (540) 662-9462 WZRV FMAVFTR AM RADIO WZRV AMAVFTR P. O. Box 192 Front Royal, VA 22630 47 ------- FINAL APPENDIX B Information Repositories and Potential Meeting Location B.1 Information Repositories Samuels Public Library 330 E. Criser Road Front Royal, VA 22630 26041 www.samuelslibrary.net 540 635-3153 Hours: Monday through Thursday -10 a.m. to8p.m. Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m.to p.m. Sunday - closed U.S. EPA Region 3 Administrative Records Room 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-814-3157, by appointment Internet: You can also access the Administrative Record file online at www.epa.gov/arweb. You may also find additional information at www.Avtexfibers.com. B.2 Potential Public Meeting Locations Randolph Macon Academy 200 Academy Drive\ Front Royal, VA 22630 540 636-5200 Warren County Government Center 220 N. Commerce Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 540 636-4600 EDA Conference Center 400 D Kendrick Lane Front Royal, VA 22630 540 635-2182 48 ------- FINAL APPENDIX C Glossary of Technical Terms Administrative Record File (AR): The official files containing the Remedial Investigation (RI) report, Risk Assessment, Feasibility Study (FS), and all other documents that provide the basis for EPA's selection of a remedial cleanup alternative at a Superfund site. Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs): Any state or federal statute that pertains to protection of human life and the environment in addressing specific conditions or use of a particular cleanup technology at a Superfund site. Carbon disulfide-Pure carbon disulfide is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor that is like the smell of chloroform. The impure carbon disulfide that is usually used in most industrial processes is a yellowish liquid with an unpleasant odor, like that of rotting radishes. Carbon disulfide evaporates at room temperature, and the vapor is more than twice as heavy as air. It easily explodes in air and also catches fire very easily. In nature, small amounts of carbon disulfide are found in gases released to the earth's surface as, for example, in volcanic eruptions or over marshes. Commercial carbon disulfide is made by combining carbon and sulfur at very high temperatures Cleanup: An action taken to deal with a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that could adversely affect public health and/or the environment. The word cleanup is used to refer to both short-term removal response actions and long-term remedial actions at Superfund sites. Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC): An individual EPA assigns to work closely with technical staff to keep the local community informed about, and involved in, a site cleanup. Community Involvement Plan (CIP): A document that assesses a community's concerns about a site, recommends activities that EPA may conduct to address these concerns, and suggests means to foster communication between EPA and the community. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): A federal law (commonly known as "Superfund") passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The law gives EPA the authority to investigate sites where there is a suspected threat to public health or the environment caused by the release or potential release of hazardous substances. The law also created a special tax on the chemical and petroleum industries. Money was collected under the tax until 1995 and deposited into a trust fund to be used to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled waste sites. Under the law, EPA can pay for the site cleanup when the parties responsible for contamination cannot be located or are unwilling or unable to perform the cleanup. EPA can also take legal action to require parties responsible for site contamination to clean up the site or pay back the federal government for the cost of the cleanup. 49 ------- FINAL Contamination: An adverse effect on air, water, or soil caused by any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter. Exposure Pathways: Route or way in which humans or the environment may come into contact with contaminants. Feasibility Study (FS): A study that examines information provided by the remedial investigation activities and evaluates possible cleanup methods that can be used to remove or reduce contamination at a site. Groundwater: The supply of fresh water found beneath the earth's surface in empty areas between rocks and soil particles. Groundwater is a major source of drinking water. Hazard Ranking System (HRS): A measurement tool used to evaluate the risks to public health and the environment posed by a hazardous waste site. The HRS calculates a score based on the potential of a hazardous substance moving from the site through the air, water or soil. EPA places sites with a HRS score of 28.50 or higher on the National Priorities List (NPL). Information Repository: A collection of documents about a specific Superfund site and the general Superfund process. EPA usually places the information repository in a public building that is conveniently located. Mercury (Hg): Heavy metal that can accumulate in the environment and is highly toxic if breathed or swallowed. (See also heavy metals.) National Priorities List (NPL): EPA's list of the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites identified for long-term cleanup under Superfund. Operation and Maintenance (O&M): (1) Activities conducted after a Superfund site action is completed to ensure that the action is effective. (2) Actions taken after construction to ensure the constructed facility is properly operated and maintained to achieve expected effectiveness and efficiency levels. Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as congeners). There are no known natural sources of PCBs. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids that are colorless to light yellow. Some PCBs can exist as a vapor in air. PCBs have no known smell or taste. Many commercial PCB mixtures are known in the U.S. by the trade name Aroclor. PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don't burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs was stopped in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build up in the environment and can cause harmful health effects. Products made before 1977 that may contain PCBs include old fluorescent lighting fixtures and electrical devices containing PCB capacitors, and old microscope and hydraulic oils. 50 ------- FINAL Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs): The companies or people responsible for the contamination at a site. Whenever possible, through administrative and legal actions, EPA requires these parties to clean up hazardous waste sites they have contaminated. Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI): The preliminary assessment is the initial process of collecting and reviewing available information about a known or suspected waste site or release. The assessment is followed by the more extensive site inspection. The purpose is to gather information necessary to score the site, using the Hazard Ranking System, and to determine if it presents an immediate threat requiring prompt removal. Proposed Remedial Action Plan (Proposed Plan or PRAP): A plan that discusses the Remedial Investigation (RI) and Feasibility Study (FS) and proposes various cleanup methods for a site. EPA highlights its preferred cleanup method in this plan. Public Comment Periods: Designated periods of time during which EPA requests the public to review and comment on specific documents and/or EPA actions. For example, EPA holds a minimum 30-day Public Comment Period to allow community members to review and comment on a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP). Record of Decision (ROD): A formal document that discusses in detail the cleanup plan EPA has decided to implement at a site. Remedial Action: The actual construction or implementation phase that follows the Remedial Design of the selected cleanup plan for a Superfund site. Remedial Design: The engineering phase that follows the Record of Decision (ROD). During this phase, technical drawings and specifications are developed for the Remedial Action at a site. It is similar to a blueprint or work plan. Remedial Investigation (RI): A study in which EPA identifies the types and amounts of site contamination and determines the threat this contamination poses to human health and the environment. Remedial Project Manager (RPM): The EPA or state official responsible for overseeing on- site remedial action. Responsiveness Summary (RS): A summary of oral and written comments that EPA receives during a Public Comment Period and EPA's responses to those comments. The RS is part of the Record of Decision (ROD). Superfund: A fund that can be used to finance cleanup actions at hazardous waste sites. The fund was established under the legislative authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) with monies received largely from a tax levied on the chemical and petroleum industries. Fund monies can be used by EPA to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare, or the environment. The term "Superfund" also refers to the EPA programs which conduct cleanups using these fund monies. 51 ------- FINAL Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA): Modifications to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) enacted on October 17, 1986. 52 ------- FINAL AR ARAC ARARs AT SDR CERCLA CAG CIC CIP CRC DQ EDA EPA FMC FS HRS HSCD JTI LFS&W MSG NCP NIEHS NOID NPL O&M OSC OVC PA/SI PERC PRAP PRP RI RI/FS ROD RPM RS SARA TAG USACE VADEQ VCC WWW Appendix D List of Acronyms Administrative Record Avtex Redevelopment Advisory Committee Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Community Advisory Group Community Involvement Coordinator Community Involvement Plan Conservation and Research Center Decision Quest Economic Development Authority (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency FMC Corporation Feasibility Study Hazard Ranking System Hazardous Site Cleanup Division (Superfund) Job Training Initiative Lord Fair Soil and Water District Multi Stakeholder Group National Contingency Plan (shortened from National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Notice of Intent to Delete National Priorities List Operations & Maintenance On-Scene Coordinator Old Virginia Communications Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection Perchl oroethyl ene Proposed Remedial Action Plan Potentially Responsible Party (ies) Remedial Investigation Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Record of Decision Remedial Project Manager Responsiveness Summary Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act Technical Assistance Grant US Army Corps of Engineers Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Valley Conservation Council World Wide Web 53 ------- FINAL APPENDIX E Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) EPA provides Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) of up to $50,000 as part of its Superfund Community Involvement program. The TAG program enables citizens in a site area to hire a technical expert to review and interpret site reports generated by EPA or other parties. A TAG has not been awarded at this site. For more details, visit the TAG website: www.epa.gov/superfund/community/tag, or contact: Amelia Libertz, CAG/TAG Coordinator U.S. EPA - Region 3 1650 Arch Street (mail code 3HS52) Philadelphia, PA 19103 1-800-553-2509 libertz.amelia@epa.gov EPA accepts applications for TAGs as mandated by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). Only one group per site can receive a TAG, so EPA urges local groups to join together to apply. The following are federal publications on the TAG program, which can be obtained by calling EPA's publications number: 1-800-490-9198. • Superfund Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Brochure Order No. EPA540K93002 • Superfund Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Handbook: Applying For Your Grant Order No. EPA540K93003 • Superfund Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Handbook: Application Forms With Instructions Order No. EPA540K93004 54 ------- FINAL APPENDIX F Community Advisory Group (CAG) CAGs are community-lead groups that are intended to represent and include all interested members of the community, including representatives of the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs). Although EPA does not fund these groups, EPA can assist interested community members in forming CAGs, and can also provide support services to the groups. A CAG has not been formed at this site. For more details, visit the CAG website: www.epa.gov/superfund/community/cag, or contact: Amelia Libertz, CAG/TAG Coordinator U.S. EPA - Region 3 1650 Arch Street (mail code 3HS52) Philadelphia, PA 19103 1-800-553-2509 libertz.amelia@epa.gov 55 ------- FINAL APPENDIX G Superfund Jobs Training Initiative (SuperJTI) The Super JTI is a program designed to provide job training for residents living near Superfund sites, particularly residents in disadvantaged communities. The Super JTI program can help residents who could benefit from learning career job skills and may provide an employment base for Superfund site cleanup contractors. Residents who take part in Super JTI can gain career skills and could potentially participate in the environmental remediation activities in the neighborhood. For more details, visit the Super JTI website: www.epa.gov/superfund/community/sfiti. or contact: Karen L. Martin U.S. EPA Headquarters Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (mail code 5204P) Washington D.C. 20460 703-603-8772 martin.karen@epa.gov 56 ------- FINAL Former Sulfate Basin 5 Looking North 57 ------- FINAL 58 ------- |