RECORD OF DECISION US FINISHING/CONE MILLS SUPERFUND SITE OPERABLE UNIT 3 SITE WIDE GROUNDWATER Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina EPA ID: SCD003358744 Prepared By: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 Superfund & Emergency Management Division Atlanta, Georgia ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Super&nd Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 RECORD OF DECISION Table of Contents PART 1: DECLARATION 1 1.0 Site Name and Location 1 2.0 Statement of Basis and Purpose 1 3.0 Assessment of Site 1 4.0 Description of Selected Remedy 1 5.0 Statutory Determinations 2 6.0 Data Certification Checklist 2 7.0 Authorizing Signature 3 PART 2: THE DECISION SUMMARY 4 1.0 Site Name, Location and Brief Description 4 2.0 Site History and Enforcement Activities 9 2.1 Site Activities Leading to Current Problems 9 2.2 History of Investigations and Cleanup Actions 9 2.2.1 History of State of South Carolina Investigations and Cleanup Actions 9 2.2.2 History of EPA Investigations and Cleanup Actions for OU3 1 1 2.3 History of CERCLA Enforcement Activities 12 3.0 Community Participation 14 4.0 Scope and Role of the Operable Unit or Response Action 14 5.0 Site Characteristics 15 5.1 Conceptual Site Model 15 5.2 Overview of the Site 16 5.3 Sampling Strategy 17 5.4 Known or Suspected Sources of Contamination 17 5.5 Nature and Extent of Contamination 17 5.6 Location and Potential Routes of Migration 19 6.0 Current and Potential Future Groundwater and Land Uses 20 7.0 Summary of Site Risks 20 7.1 Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) 20 7.2 Basis for Action 22 8.0 Remedial Action Objectives 23 i ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Super&nd Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 9.0 Description of Alternatives 24 9.1 Alternative GW 1: No Action 24 9.2 Alternative GW2: In-Situ Chemical Reduction and Institutional Controls 25 9.3 Alternative GW3: In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation and Institutional Controls. 25 9.4 Alternative GW4: In-Situ Chemical Reduction, In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation and Institutional Controls 26 9.5 Common Elements and Distinguishing Features of Each Alternative 26 10.0 Comparative Analysis of Alternatives 26 10.1 Overall Protection of Human Health and the Environment 27 10.2 Compliance with ARARs 27 10.3 Long-Term Effectiveness and Permanence 28 10.4 Reduction of Toxicity, Mobility and Volume 28 10.5 Short-Term Effectiveness 28 10.6 Implementability 29 10.7 Cost 29 10.8 State Acceptance 30 10.9 Community Acceptance 30 11.0 Principal Threat Wastes 30 12.0 Selected Remedy 30 12.1 Summary of the Rationale for the Selected Remedy 3 1 12.2 Detailed Description of the Selected Remedy 31 12.3 Cost Estimate for the Selected Remedy 3 1 12.4 Estimated Outcomes of Selected Remedy 32 13.0 Statutory Determinations 32 13.1 Protection of Human Health and the Environment 33 13.2 Compliance with ARARs 33 13.3 Cost Effectiveness 34 13.4 Use of Permanent Solutions and Alternative Treatment Technologies to the Maximum Extent Practicable 34 13.5 Preference for Treatment as a Principal Element 34 13.6 Five-Year Review Requirements 34 14.0 Documentation of Significant Changes from Preferred Alternative of Proposed Plan 35 15.0 References 35 n ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 PART 3: RESPONSIV ENESS SUMMARY 36 1.0 Public Review Process 36 1.1 Introduction 36 1.2 Public Review Process 36 1.3 Public Comment Period, Public Meeting, and Availability Sessions 37 1.4 Receipt and Identification of Comments 37 1.5 Locating Responses to Comments in the Comment and Response Index 37 2.0 Technical and Legal Issues 37 3.0 References 37 Tables Table 1: Maximum Detections of COCs in Groundwater 19 Table 2: OU3 Risks 22 Table 3: Cleanup Levels for Groundwater 23 Table 4: Remedial Alternative Costs 29 Table 5: Estimated Costs for Selected Remedy 32 Table 6: Cleanup Levels for Groundwater 32 Table A-1: Risk Summary of Reasonable Maximum Exposures to Groundwater Contaminants in the Saprolite Lithology 39 Table A-2: Risk Summary of Reasonable Maximum Exposures to Groundwater Contaminants in the Bedrock Lithology 40 Table A-3: Location-Specific ARARs/TBC for OU3 at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site 411 Table A-4: Action-Specific ARARs/TBC for OU3 at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site 433 Table A-5 Chemical-Specific ARARs/TBC for OU3 at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site 62 Figures Figure 1: Site Layout 6 Figure 2: Total Chromium Plume in Alluvium/Saprolite with Proposed Injection Locations (for remedy review and selection) 7 Figure 3: Total Chromium Plume in Bedrock with Proposed Injection Wells (for remedy review and selection) 8 Figure 4: Groundwater Monitoring Well Locations 13 Figure 5: CSMforOU3 16 Appendices State of South Carolina Concurrence 1 Comment and Response Index 1 in ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Super&nd Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Acronyms and Abbreviations AFP American Fast Print, Ltd. AOC Area of Concern ARAR Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirement BERA Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment bgs Below Ground Surface BRA Baseline Risk Assessment CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations COC Chemical of Concern CO PC Chemical of Potential Concern CSM Conceptual Site Model Duke Energy Duke Energy Corporation EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ERA Ecological Risk Assessment FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FS Feasibility Study HHRA Human Health Risk Assessment HI Hazard Index HQ Hazard Quotient I SCR In-Situ Chemical Reduction ISEB In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation Law Law Engineering Testing Company MCL Maximum Contaminant Level |ig/L Micrograms per Liter mg/L Milligrams per Liter MIP Membrane Interface Probe NCP National Contingency Plan NPL National Priorities List O&M Operation and Maintenance OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSWER Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response OU Operable Unit PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl Piper Properties Piper Properties of Greenville, LLC PPb Parts per Billion ppm Parts per Million PRG Preliminary Remedial Goal RAO Remedial Action Objective RI Remedial Investigation RMT RMT, Inc. ROD Record of Decision SCDHEC South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control SESD Science and Ecosystem Support Division Site US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site svoc Semi-Volatile Organic Compound iv ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Super&nd Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 TBC To Be Considered VOC Volatile Organic Compound WQS Water Quality Standard ¥ ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 PART 1: DECLARATION 1.0 Site Name and Location US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site Operable Unit 3 (OU3): Sitewide Groundwater 3335 Old Buncombe Road, Greenville County, Greenville, South Carolina Superfund Site Identification Number SCD003358744 2.0 Statement of Basis and Purpose This Record of Decision (ROD) presents the Selected Remedy for operable unit 3 (OU3) at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund site (the Site) in Greenville, South Carolina (Figure 1). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chose the Selected Remedy (Alternative GW4: In-Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR), In-Situ Enhanced Bioreniediation (ISEB) and Institutional Controls) in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 42 U.S.C. Section 9617 of the Superfund, and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), as set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 300.430(f)(2). This decision is based on the Administrative Record file for the Site. The scope of the final OU3 remedy addresses groundwater contamination in the alluvium, saprolite and bedrock lithologies of the aquifer underlying the Site. The EPA is the lead agency for site activities. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) is the support agency. In accordance with 40 CFR Section 300.430(f)(2), SCDHEC provided input during the remedial investigation (Rl) and feasibility study (FS) and the remedy selection process. The State of South Carolina concurs with the Selected Remedy (see Appendix B). 3.0 Assessment of Site The response action selected in this ROD is necessary to protect the public health or welfare or the environment from actual or threatened releases of hazardous substances to the environment. Groundwater in the alluvium, saprolite and bedrock lithologies of the aquifer underlying the Site is contaminated with contaminants of concern detected above calculated risk-based drinking water levels or promulgated federal and SCDHEC Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Primary Drinking Water Standards maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). 4.0 Description of Selected Remedy The Selected Remedy is the final action to restore contaminated groundwater to its beneficial use as potential drinking water source and address potential human exposure to contaminated groundwater in OU3. The Selected Remedy is Alternative GW4: ISCR, ISEB and Institutional Controls. The primary components of the Selected Remedy include: 1 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Super&nd Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 • In-situ treatment through injection wells of highest groundwater contaminant concentrations using a combination of I SCR. and ISEB reagents. • Groundwater monitoring to assess efficacy of treatment, attaining cleanup levels and inform additional remedial activities such as optimization of injections, as needed. • Implementation of institutional controls to prohibit groundwater use and to prevent installation of wells near or in groundwater contamination until cleanup levels are met. The Selected Remedy will address residual groundwater contamination following cleanup of source materials under OIJ1. There is no principal threat waste in groundwater at the Site. 5.0 Statutory Determinations The Selected Remedy meets the requirements for remedial actions set forth in Section 121 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621, and the NCP at 40 CFR § 300.430(f)(l)(ii) because it: 1) is protective of human health and the environment; 2) meets a level or standard of control of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants which at least attains the legally applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements under federal and more stringent state environmental laws/regulations or justifies a waiver; 3) is cost effective; 4) utilizes permanent solutions and alternative treatments (or resource recovery) technologies to the maximum extent practicable; and (5) satisfies the statutory preference for treatment as a principal element to the extent practicable. Because this remedy will result in hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants remaining above levels that allow for unlimited use and unrestricted exposure, five-year reviews under CERCLA Section 121(c) will be required for this remedial action. 6.0 Data Certification Checklist The following information is included in the Decision Summary Section of this ROD. More information can be found in the Administrative Record file for the Site. • Chemicals of concern (COCs) and their respective concentrations (Section 5). • Baseline risk represented by the COCs (Section 7). • Cleanup levels established for COCs and the basis for these levels (Section 8). • How source materials constituting principal threats will be addressed (Section 11). • Current and reasonably anticipated future land use assumptions (Section 6). • Potential future land and groundwater uses that will be possible at the Site as a result of the Selected Remedy (Section 6). • Estimated capital, annual operation and maintenance (O&M), and total present worth costs, discount rate, and the number of years over which the remedy cost estimates are projected (Section 10). • Key factors that led to selecting the remedy (i.e., describe how the Selected Remedy provides the best balance of tradeoffs with respect to the balancing and modifying criteria, highlighting criteria key to the decision) (Section 12). 2 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills Super&nd Site OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 7.0 Authorizing Signature P A M n A I I Digitally signed by r\/"M ML/ALL RANDALL CHAFFINS CHAFFINS ^oa2023 09'28 07:01:03 Caroline Y. Freeman, Director Superfund & Emergency Management Division 3 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 PART 2: THE DECISION SUMMARY 1.0 Site Name, Location and Brief Description The Site is located at 3335 Old Buncombe Road in Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina (EPA ID: SCD003358744). The Site originally included approximately 259 acres. The EPA is the lead agency for site activities. The SCDHEC is the support agency. Historical textile operations at the Site contaminated surface water, groundwater, sediment, and soil. Operations at the Site began in 1903 and stopped in 2003, when a fire partially destroyed the Main Plant. To manage investigations and cleanup, the EPA divided the Site into three OUs. OIJ1 is the Main Facility. OU2 is Off Main Facility. OU3 is sitewide groundwater. Figure 1 shows the locations of OIJ 1 and OU2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the extent of the total chromium plume (including hexavalent chromium) in the alluvium, saprolite and bedrock lithologies of the aquifer underlying the Site. The contamination occurs adjacent to and beneath slab foundations of the former facility. OIJ 1 will address removal of the slabs to facilitate sampling and treatment, as needed, of any source material located in the sub slab area. Langston Creek borders the Site to the east. Reedy River borders the Site to the west and south. Residential properties border the Site to the north. Most of the residential areas that border the Site are low density. No municipal or private drinking water supply wells are located near the plume or downgradient of the Site. The EPA selected the remedy for OIJ 1 in a 2022 Record of Decision (ROD). OIJ 1 includes 11 areas of concern (AOCs): AOC02 - Aeration Lagoon. AOC03 - Reedy River Floodplain. AOC04 - Basement Sludges. AOC05 - Former Chromium Tank and Lines. AOC06 - Former Petroleum Lines. AOC07 - Caustic Plume Area. AOC08 - Blue Pond. AOC 10 - Soils Between Main Plant and Langston Creek. AOC 1 1 - Alston Street Fuel Oil Storage Tank Area. AOC 12 - Water Treatment Plant. AOC 16 - Main Plant. Remedial actions are planned for AOC 12 and AOC 16; the other nine AOCs require no further action to support unlimited use unrestricted and unrestricted exposure. The EPA partially deleted the no further action OIJ 1 AOCs (AOC02, AOC03, AOC04, AOC05, AOC06, AOC07, AOC08, AOC 10, and AOC 1 1 - totaling about 70 acres) from the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) on February 22, 2023 (88 Federal Register 1085 1). 4 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 The EPA issued a No Action ROD for OU2 in 2021. The EPA deleted OU2 (about 150 acres) from the Superfund program's NPL on September 14, 2021 (86 Federal Register 51010). OU2 includes six AOCs: • AOCO1 - Permitted Sludge Landfill. • AOC09 - Langston Creek. • AOC13 - Reedy River. • AOC14 - Northern Reservoir. • AOC 15 - Northwestern Reservoir. • AOC 17 - Forested Tract. This decision document addresses groundwater contamination (OU3) in the alluvium, saprolite and bedrock lithologies forming the aquifer underlying the Site.1 1 The groundwater beneath the Site is present in four differing lithologies: alluvium, saprolite. partially weathered rock and bedrock. They each have differing hydraulic properties but arc considered one aquifer with normal varying degrees of heterogeneity. There are no defined confining layers, and these units acts together as one unconfincd aquifer. 5 ------- Figure 1: Site Layout US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Northern Reservoir [Northwestern] WResewoirB [Aeration] Igaqoorrl j Approximate " Site Boundary CI! Main Plant OU1 K- k«>L 1 11 Sans Souci ¦ fi ! FIGURE 1: Site Layout US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site City of Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina Disclaimer This map and any boundary lines within the map are approximate and subject to change. The map is not a sun/ey. The map Is for informational purposes only regarding the EPA's response actions at the Site. Sources: NC CGIA, Maxar, Estl Community Maps Contributors. City of Greenville. Esrt, HERE. Garmln. SafeGraph. GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS. EPA, NPS. US Census Bureau, USDA. USGS NHD. the 2020 BERA and the 2021 ROD 6 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Figure 2: Total Chromium Plume in Alluvium/Saprolite with Proposed Injection Locations (for remedy review and selection) Notes: 1. Wells screened across multiple zones (alluvial and saprolite) are included in the saprolite isocontour model. 2. Sample points without detectable chromium modeled as a zero value for contouring purposes. 3. U - Indicates chromium was analyzed for, but not detected above the sample quantitation limit. 4. Apparent discontinuities in chromium (total) isocontours and individual well concentrations are the result of a vertical concentration gradient quifer zone. Legend PT Discrete G ample (Hydro) ® Temporary Wells Monitoring Well • Saprolite/Alluvial ® Saprolite 1 AOC16 Main Plant Site Boundary Stream/River eflilHfe Chromium (Total) Isoconcentration (pg/L) Saprolite Chromium (Total) Groundwater Concentration Isocontour Saprolite Inferred Chromium (Total) -——— Groundwater Concentration Isocontour Proposed Injection Locations (Alluvial) 15' apart with 3D" row spacing March 2014 GWEIevation Contour US Finishing/Cone Mills Greenville, Greenville County South Carolina FIGURE 5-1 Proposed Alluvium/Saprolite Injection Locations VERSAR Greenville County South Carolina Source: Sitewide FS Report for US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville. Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared by Versar. July 15, 2020. 7 ------- Figure 3: Total Chromium Plume in Bedrock with Proposed Injection Wells (for remedy review and selection) US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Source: Sitewide FS Report for US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared by Versar. July 15, 2020. 8 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 2.0 Site History and Enforcement Activities 2.1 Site Activities Leading to Current Problems In 1903, the Arrington family constructed and operated a textile bleaching and finishing facility under the name of Union Bleachery. Between 1903 and 1947, the plant expanded on several occasions. In 1947, the Aspinook Corporation purchased the facility. In 1957, Cone Mills acquired the facility. Cone Mills operated the plant until 1984 under the name Union Bleachery/Cone Mills. American Fast Print, Ltd. (AFP) purchased the facility in May 1984 and operated under the name US Finishing until November 2003, when a fire partially destroyed the Main Plant. Operational details from 1903 through 1957 are not available. The main production area was on the first floor of the Main Facility. The second floor contained the dye and chemical mixing areas and the inspection and grading areas for completed material. The basement consisted of an eastern and a western side separated by a concrete trench. The basement was used for spare parts storage, wastewater storage, and wastewater conveyance. Chemicals were stored in the basement until a flood in 1974 inundated the basement and flooded many of the chemical storage areas. The western half of the basement contained a wastewater conveyance system that included the dye range sump (dye sump), piping, and a few smaller trenches leading to the main wastewater trench running the length of the center of the building. The main trench routed wastewater through the plant, north to south, toward the underground piping and pumps for ultimate discharge into the wastewater treatment lagoon. A brine pit, for the storage of a brine solution used in plant processes, was located on the southwest side of the facility, near one of the storage warehouses. The brine pit was a concrete basin measuring 32 feet by 12 feet. It was covered during use. After the 2003 fire, the brine pit was pumped out and the contents taken off the facility property for use by another manufacturer. Demolition of the brine pit basin took place in 2005. The water treatment plant was used for the preparation of process water for use by the facility. The water for the water treatment plant came from the Northern Reservoir and Northwestern Reservoir. Prior to building the Northern Reservoir, raw water was pumped during emergencies from a pumping station on the Reedy River and directed to a raw water lagoon. 2.2 History of Investigations and Cleanup Actions 2.2.1 History of State of South Carolina Investigations and Cleanup Actions Since 1994, there have been multiple remedial and removal actions at the Site. The following investigations and cleanups took place at the Site prior to 2008: • 1980: Cone Mills submitted a Hazardous Permit Application, Part A. • 1981: The SCDHEC issued a memorandum documenting the special survey conducted by the Greenville Monitoring Section. The survey area consisted of Langston Creek upstream of the facility to just downstream of the confluence of Langston Creek and the Reedy River. The impoundment and Langston Creek 9 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 downstream of the pool were tinted yellow-green and chromium concentrations in surface water and sediment at the pool and downstream were detected at concentrations above the upstream areas. The SCDHEC officials concluded that the point of discharge for the chromium was below the Langston Creek impoundment on the east side of the facility property. Cone Mills retained Law Engineering Testing Company (Law) to determine the source of chromium contamination in Langston Creek. Law performed a resistivity study in the Langston Creek floodplain and installed monitoring wells to identify lateral extent of chromium in the upper aquifer. The preliminary conclusions indicated that the source of chromium contamination in the groundwater was a break in the line between the old chromium storage tank and the dyeing area, with the exact source unknown. 1982: Cone Mills installed and operated a groundwater recovery and remediation facility on the property to address chromium contamination adjacent to Langston Creek. 1984: Cone Mills entered into a Consent Order with the SCDHEC. The Consent Order documented the groundwater contamination and required that Cone Mills continue to recover and treat contaminated groundwater after AFP purchased the plant. 1985: Cone Mills retained Aquatic Analysts to conduct a macroinvertebrate assessment. The assessment found decreases in the number of both tax a and specimens and recommended further study. 1985: Cone Mills and AFP conducted chromium analysis on fish tissue and organs. The SCDHEC completed a Preliminary Assessment for the Cone Mills Plant. 1987 - 1990: Rogers and Callcott Engineers, Inc., joined by GeoTrans in 1989, conducted a Preliminary Investigation on behalf of AFP. In 1989, Cone Mills and AFP conducted a second chromium analysis on fish tissue and organs. 1990 - 1991: GeoTrans completed the RI on behalf of AFP from August 1990 to June 1991. GeoTrans submitted the Rl/FS Report on July 25, 1991. 1993 - 1999: AFP contractors removed basement sludge. Sludge removal was achieved through a combination of shoveling, sweeping, and/or washing. 1994 - 1995: Soil removal activities were conducted at the facility from July 1994 through March 1995 by RMT, Inc. (RMT) on behalf of Cone Mills as part of a 1993 Settlement Agreement with the State of South Carolina. Soil removal activities excavated about 3,636 tons of total petroleum hydrocarbon-affected soil, 6,958 tons of chrom i urn -affected soil, and 3,145 tons of caustic-affected soil from the facility. November 2003: A fire destroyed much of the Main Facility. 2004: Due to an impending bankruptcy. Cone Mills removed the groundwater recovery and treatment system, after 20 years of operation. The SCDHEC completed an Expanded Site Inspection. Sampling detected metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the soils and sediments. Barium, chromium, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, and vanadium were detected in groundwater samples collected downgradient of the Langston Creek floodplain and the sludge settling basin. 10 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 • 2004: Removal activities took place, under State of South Carolina oversight, at the facility between October 2004 and December 2004. Removal activities addressed the area of soil contamination near the southwest corner of the Main Plant building, sediment from the maintenance shop drain, contaminated soil near the elevated railroad bed, and contaminated soil near the oil pump house. In addition, contents from both the brine pit and the former groundwater treatment plant basin were removed. Then, the brine pit and the groundwater treatment plant basin were pressure-washed and demolished. Although removal activities were conducted at the plant, confirmation samples from the areas of soil contamination near the southwest comer of the Main Plant building, the elevated railroad bed, and the oil pump house indicated that contamination remained in place. • 2005: Fletcher Group, Inc. ( AFP contractor) conducted confirmation sampling for the basement sludge removal conducted between 1993 and 1999. Post-removal, concentrations of chromium exceeded the cleanup goal of 400 parts per million (ppm) in four samples; chromium concentrations in two of the four samples exceeded 1,000 ppm. Subsequently, AFP power-washed those areas to remove the remaining chromium contamination. The soil beneath the basement was not removed during the cleanup and removal of the basement sludge, with the exception of "Area 3", which had soil removed to a maximum depth of 1.5 feet. • 2006: AFP, Duke Energy Corporation (Duke Energy), and Piper Properties of Greenville, LLC (Piper Properties), (the Settling Parties), entered into a settlement agreement with the SCDHEC, as documented by a Consent Decree presented to the Court in November 2006. The Consent Decree stated that textile operations by some of the owners/operators significantly contaminated the property and surrounding areas with hazardous substances, as defined by CERCLA. The Settling Parties agreed to assume all future obligations for remedial action, including the completion of the R1 and the FS, and the performance of the remedy to be selected by the SCDHEC at the property, consistent with the technical intent of the NCP. • 2007: Duke Energy led an investigation to delineate the extent of PCB soil contamination in the vicinity of the substation and near the oil pump house, the coal storage area, and former and current pole-mounted transformers. Following the delineation of the extent of PCB contamination in those areas of the facility, Duke Energy submitted a Soil Removal Plan and removed PCB-contaminated soil and collected and confirmation samples. Clean fill was brought in to backfill the removal areas. 2.2.2 History of EPA Investigations and Cleanup Actions for OU3 EPA Region 4's Science and Ecosystem Support Division (SESD) and contractor Versar performed field activities from August 2012 to November 2016 to inform development of the Final Remedial Investigation Report for OU3, completed in April 2020, and the Final Feasibility Study Report for OIJ1, OU2, and OU3, completed in July 2020. Monitoring well surveys, repairs, and abandonments of the Site's existing monitoring and recovery well network took place in August 2012, from March 2013 to May 2013, and in July 2013. Figure 4 shows the current monitoring well network at the Site. 1 1 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Temporary monitoring well installations took place: • August 2012 for AOCO1. • June 2013 for AOC03 and AOC 14. • November 2013 for AOC06 and AOC 16. • July/August 2014 for AOC05, AOC06, AOC07, AOC11, AOC 12, and AOC 16. Permanent monitoring well installations took place: • October/November 2013 for AOC 16. • December 2013 for AOC 16, AOC08, and AOC 1 1. • March 2014 for AOC02, AOC03, AOC09, and AOC 16. Ten groundwater sampling events took place between August 2012 and November 2016. 2.3 History of CERCLA Enforcement Activities This section provides a brief summary of the Site's regulatory history: • In 1981, Cone Mills submitted a Notification of Hazardous Waste Site to EPA Region 4 for the Union Bleachery/Cone Mills plant. • In 1984, Cone Mills entered into a Consent Order with the SCDHEC stating that sampling in nearby Langston Creek in 1980 and 1981 exhibited excessive levels of chromium and a groundwater study found chromium contamination in groundwater beneath the Cone Mills facility property at levels exceeding South Carolina Water Quality Standards (WQS). The Consent Order further outlined that Cone Mills should continue to recover and treat the contaminated groundwater, despite the sale of the property to AFP. • The Settling Parties entered into a settlement agreement with the SCDHEC, as documented by a Consent Decree in November 2006. The Settling Parties agreed to assume all future obligations for remedial action, including the completion of the RI and the FS, and the performance of the remedy to be selected by the SCDHEC at the property. • EPA added the Site to the NPL in 201 1. 12 ------- Figure 4: Groundwater Monitoring Well Locations US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Source: Sitewlde FS Report for US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared byVersar. July 15, 2020. 13 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 3.0 Community Participation The public has been kept informed of the progress on the RI and FS and other Superfund actions through community notification flyers, presentations, and updates in accordance with the EPA's Community Involvement Plan for the Site, available at: https://semspub.epa.gOv/src/document/04/l 1145228. The EPA released the Proposed Plan for OU3 for public comment on June 21, 2023. The Proposed Plan and other site-related documents were made available to the public in the Administrative Record file maintained in the Site's online information repository at https://semspub.epa.gov/src/collections/04/AR/SCD003358744. The Site's local information repository is Hughes Main Library, located at 25 Heritage Green Place in Greenville, South Carolina 29601. The library is open and provides computer access for the community to access the Site's Administrative Record file online. The notice of availability of these documents was published in the Greenville News on June 21, 2023. A public comment period was held from June 21, 2023, to August 11, 2023. To present the OU3 Proposed Plan to the community, the EPA sponsored a public meeting on July 11, 2023, at Parisview Baptist Church, located at 100 Bud Street in Greenville, South Carolina. The Site's remedial project manager discussed the OU3 Proposed Plan with community members in attendance, explained why the EPA prefers this remedy, and responded to questions and comments. Comments received by the EPA during the public comment period are summarized and addressed in the Responsiveness Summary (see Part 3 and Appendix C). Prior community involvement activities that informed the future land use of the site property include the Greenville County Planning Commission spearheading a consortium of area stakeholders in development of a Comprehensive Plan for future land use in Greenville County in 2009. This plan discussed the Priority Investment Act and led to selection of a large land area including the site, as "Priority Investment Area Three." This designation serves as a supplement to the county's Future Land Use Map and identifies a priority area where the county can most effectively accommodate future growth, and where growth is needed to support overall future land use objectives. The Future Land Use Map and priority investment designation informed consideration of reasonably anticipated future land uses for the site property. 4.0 Scope and Role of the Operable Unit or Response Action The EPA divided the Site into three OUs to manage the CERCLA remedy selection process. The EPA will pursue the partial deletion of the Site from the NPL as required OU cleanups are completed and OUs become ready for their anticipated future use. The focus of this ROD is OU3 (contaminated sitewide groundwater). The EPA issued a No Action ROD for OU2 (Off Main Facility) on April 1, 2021, after determining that no remedial action is necessary to ensure protection of human health and the environment. The EPA deleted the entirety of OU2, including the six AOCs listed in Section 1.0, from the NPL on September 14, 2021 (86 Federal Register 5 1010). The EPA issued the OlJ 1 (Main Facility) ROD on June 27, 2022. The EPA determined that a CERCLA response action at the following AOCs in OlJ 1 is unnecessary (No Action Decision) 14 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 because, based on the baseline risk assessment (BRA) performed as part of the RI, there is no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment based on current and reasonably anticipated future land use (commercial/industrial or recreational for AOC03): • AOC02 - Aeration Lagoon. • AOC03 - Reedy River Floodplain. • AOC04 - Basement Sludges. • AOC05 - Former Chromium Tank and Lines.2 • AOC06 - Former Petroleum Lines. • AOC07 - Caustic Plume Area. • AOC08 - Blue Pond. • AOC 10 - Soils Between Main Plant and Langston Creek. • AOC 1 1 - Alston Street Fuel Oil Storage Tank Area. The EPA partially deleted the no further action OIJ1 AOCs (about 70 acres) from the Superfund program's NPL on February 22, 2023 (88 Federal Register 10851). Remedial actions are planned for OIJ 1 AOC 12 and AOC 16, including removal of contaminated soils for off-site disposal, removal of friable asbestos-containing materials in the Powerhouse Building, maintenance of disposal cell covers, and institutional controls to prevent potential, future unacceptable exposures to wastes remaining on site. The OIJ 1 remedy also includes removal of a former building slab to determine whether a potential source area for groundwater contamination is located beneath the slab. Remedial design of the OIJ 1 remedy is scheduled to begin in 2023. This ROD addresses OU3 (contaminated sitewide groundwater). Ingestion of water extracted from the groundwater contamination plume poses a current and potential future risk to human health because the EPA's generally acceptable risk range is exceeded, and concentrations of contaminants are greater than the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for drinking water (as specified in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Primary Drinking Water Standards regulations at 40 CFR 141. 61 and 141.62) which are considered relevant and appropriate requirements under CERCLA Section 121(d)(2) and the NCP at 40 CFR §300.430(e)(2)(i)(B. Although there are no water supply wells located near the plume, groundwater at this site is a potential future source of drinking water per SCDHEC R.61-68 H. Class Descriptions and Specific Standards for Ground Waters. 5.0 Site Characteristics 5.1 Conceptual Site Model The Conceptual Site Model (CSM) incorporates information on potential chemical sources, affected media, release mechanisms, routes of migration, and known or potential human and ecological receptors. The CSM illustrates the physical, chemical, and biological relationships between contaminant sources and affected resources. A simplified CSM showing important 2 The remedy selected for AOC 5 is "no further action" based on previous removal actions conducted under SCDHEC oversight, which removed surface and subsurface chromium-contaminated soil (Soil Removal Report. Former Union Bleachery. Greenville. SC. May 1995 by RMT, Inc.). Any groundwater contamination and deep residual soil contamination beneath this area will be addressed as part of OU3. 15 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 features of the groundwater, sources of contamination, and aspects of contaminant degradation and migration was developed for OU3. Groundwater in the area is not currently used as a potable water source and there are currently no plans to access the groundwater for potable uses in the future. The CSM (Figure 5) showed that there are several potentially complete exposure pathways: • Ingestion of groundwater. • Inhalation of vapors released from groundwater. The following receptor population was evaluated: • Future lifetime residents. Exposure assumptions were based on the latest EPA guidance. Figure 5: CSM for OU3 Complete 5.2 Overview of the Site The 259-acre site property is bordered by Langston Creek on the east, Reedy River to the west and south, and residential properties to the north. The OU1 property included about 110 acres of land; the EPA deleted 70 of these OU1 acres from the NPL in 2023 because no further action was needed for this land to support unlimited use and unrestricted exposure. OU2 included approximately 150 acres. The EPA deleted OU2 from the NPL in 2021. 5.2.1 Geologic, Hydrogeologic and Topographic Information Site topography varies. The Main Facility area is generally flat, with a downhill gradient sloping toward Langston Creek. Ground surface elevations at the Site range from about 930 feet to 954 feet above mean sea level. Surface water flows into Langston Creek and then to the Reedy River or directly into the Reedy River. Most of the eastern and southern sides of the property lie within a 100-year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone along the Langston Creek and Reedy River floodplains. Federally designated wetlands are next to the Reedy River in the southwest part of the Site. 16 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 The Site is in the Piedmont geologic province, where bedrock is characterized by high-grade metamorphic and igneous rock. Drilling logs indicate that the gray granite gneiss bedrock is overlain by weathered bedrock (saprolite) and poorly sorted alluvium. In the alluvium, the groundwater gradient flows generally southeast near the Main Plant toward Langston Creek and Middle Creek, south near the Aeration Lagoon and Reedy River Floodplain toward Reedy River, and west and northwest on the opposite side of Langston Creek. The flow patterns in the saprolite are similar to those in the alluvium, northwest of Langston Creek. The flow pattern in the bedrock is also similar based on the limited number of bedrock wells. Unlike the alluvium lithology, the flow direction continues south and southeast on the opposite side of Langston Creek and Middle Creek. Depending on topographical location, groundwater is about 3 feet to 30 feet below ground surface. Bedrock fractures are directly connected forming an integrated groundwater flow system that can act as a reservoir and allows stored water to move vertically in the fractured rock. Groundwater in bedrock of the Piedmont Aquifer is generally unconfined. Locally, artesian and confined conditions can exist when wells penetrate deeply buried fractures that are hydraulically connected to recharge areas at higher altitudes or in places where the regolith is clayey and forms a confining unit. 5.3 Sampling Strategy The sampling strategy was developed based on a review of previous investigations. Sampling completed as part of the OU3 R1 characterized the extent of the groundwater contamination in the alluvium, saprolite, and bedrock lithologies of the aquifer across the entire Site as compared to MCLs and risk-based screening levels. From August 2012 to November 2016, EPA Region 4's Science and Ecosystem Support Division and Versar (an EPA contractor) completed 10 groundwater sampling events. Samples were analyzed for metals, PCBs, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). 5.4 Known or Suspected Sources of Contamination Historical textile operations, disposal practices, and chemical storage are the primary sources of contaminants at the Site. Specifically, chromium was used as the oxidation chemical for the dyeing process. Facility operations contaminated groundwater with metals, SVOC, and volatile organic compounds VOC. Chromium is the primary COC in groundwater and the main source of risk to human health. Soils underneath the remaining Main Facility structure are likely contaminated with chromium and are a suspected source of groundwater contamination. 5.5 Nature and Extent of Contamination A summary of the nature and extent of contamination associated with OU3 is in the R1 documents, which are available in the Site's Administrative Record. Sampling completed as part of the R1 characterized the extent of the contamination within OU3 as compared to the EPA's and SCDHEC's Primary Drinking Water Standards MCLs and risk-based screening levels based on drinking water levels. A brief summary of the nature and extent of the groundwater contamination is below. 17 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 The 2020 RI Report for OU3 found metals, VOCs and SVOCs in groundwater at concentrations exceeding MCLs, or levels that exceed protection of human health from direct exposure to contaminated groundwater. Metals contamination consisted primarily of chromium and, more specifically, hexavalent chromium. With a few exceptions, total chromium and hexavalent chromium were detected in similar concentrations; if the concentration of one metal exceeded MCLs, both metals did. In most instances, the remaining metals preliminary remediation goal (PRG) exceedances were widespread and occurred at different locations than the chromium exceedances. VOCs and SVOCs were detected in areas both with and without chromium exceedances. No PCBs were detected. No MCL exceedances were detected for pesticides. Metal, VOC, and SVOC contamination was present in groundwater beneath the Site. In the aquifer, the chromium exceedance plume occurs mostly east of the Main Plant and west of the facility property boundary at Blue Ridge Drive. The highest concentrations occurred along Langston Creek, near the Langston Creek Impoundment. A separate shallow plume occurs in the alluvial sediments southwest of the Main Plant, near the Main Plant gray warehouse. The plume in the alluvium and saprolite lithologies extends west under the Main Plant and southwest to Main Plant gray warehouse. Vertical contaminant migration is evident due to exceedances in both saprolite and bedrock lithologies. 5.5.1 Quantity/Volume of Waste that Needs to Be Addressed The plumes of hexavalent chromium concentrations exceeding the PRG encompass an area of about 15 acres (653,400 square feet) in both the alluvium and saprolite. The plume of hexavalent chromium exceeding the PRG encompasses an area of about 2.1 acres (89,800 square feet) in the bedrock. The alluvium and saprolite groundwater contamination extends approximately between 2 feet below the ground surface (bgs) and 53 feet bgs east of the Main Plant and between 2 feet bgs and 26 feet bgs beneath the Main Plant, for an average contaminant plume thickness of 38 feet (2 feet bgs to 40 feet bgs). Using an average composite porosity of 0.35 for the alluvium and saprolite, the plume is expected to contain a volume of about 65.01 million gallons. 5.5.2 Concentrations of COCs The 2018 Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) examined the risk of exposure to children and adults through the inhalation and ingestion pathways for groundwater contaminants and selected chemicals of potential concern (COPCs) for the saprolite lithology (Table A-1) and the bedrock lithology (Table A-2) based on risk to human health. The primary groundwater COC at the Site is chromium and, more specifically, hexavalent chromium, which poses the greatest risk to human health. The COCs for site groundwater include 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 4-chloroaniline, arsenic, cobalt, hexavalent chromium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and strontium. Table 1 lists maximum concentrations detected for site COCs during the OU3 RI. The April 2020 RI Report is available in the Administrative Record. 18 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Table 1: Maximum Detections of COCs in Groundwater Maximum COC MCL Concentration Monitoring Well Sou rce" (M«/L) Detected (MJl/L) 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 75 13 AOC1629 Table 6-5 2-Methylnaphthalene not established 4.7 U MIP02 b Table 6-4 4-Chloroanilinc not established 11 U. J. QL-1 RMT-2 Table 6-4 Arsenic 10 45 AOC0502 Table 6-1 Cobalt not established 31 c AOC0726 Table 6-1 Hcxavalcnt chromium 100 d 22,000 W-9 Table 6-1 Iron 300 e 130,000 AOC0502 Table 6-1 Manganese 50e 13,000 MW-16R Table 6-1 Molybdenum not established 57 VV-2 Table 6-1 Strontium not established 15,000 MW-113D Table 6-1 Notes: a. References table used as source in the 2020 OU3 Rl Report. b. Discrete groundwater sample collected using Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) technology; probe locations were abandoned after sample collection. c. Several 50 p,g/L results were marked with a "U" qualifier, indicating the anal vie was not detected at or above the reporting limit. d. The MCL value at 40 CFR 141.62 is for total chromium. e. The MCL value is the secondary MCL from the EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations which are based on organoleptic factors as opposed to health based considerations. |ig/L = micrograms per liter J = reported value is an estimate. QL-1 = laboratory control spike recovery less than method control limits. U = analyte not detected at or above reporting limit. 5.6 Location and Potential Routes of Migration Metal, VOC, and SVOC contamination was present in groundwater beneath the Site. In the aquifer, the chromium exceedance plume occurs mostly east of the Main Plant and west of the facility property boundary at Blue Ridge Drive. The highest concentrations occurred along Langston Creek, near the Langston Creek Impoundment. A separate shallow plume occurs in the alluvial sediments southwest of the Main Plant near the Main Plant gray warehouse. The plume in saprolite lithology extends west under the Main Plant and southwest to Main Plant gray warehouse (See Figure 2 and Figure 3). Vertical contaminant migration is evident due to exceedances being present in both saprolite and bedrock lithologies. Current and future potential routes of exposure are through the ingestion and inhalation pathways. Based on detected COC concentrations in groundwater, as compared with respective screening levels, it is likely that contamination could pose an unacceptable risk to human populations. 19 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 6.0 Current and Potential Future Groundwater and Land Uses Currently, there are no municipal or private water supply wells located near the plume. However, according to SCDHEC R.61-68 H. Class Descriptions and Specific Standards for Ground Waters, the groundwater located underneath the Site is considered Class GB. This includes all state groundwater that meets the definition of underground sources of drinking water. Therefore, while no current plans are in place to use groundwater as a drinking water source, groundwater is considered a potential future source of drinking water. Cleanup will necessitate groundwater remediation to attain Safe Drinking Water Act primary drinking water standards maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or human-health risk drinking water levels in the absence of an MCL throughout the plume. The site property is vacant and not in use. Future anticipated use includes mixed use and commercial. 7.0 Summary of Site Risks This section summarizes the results of the 2018 HHRA for OU3. In addition, per the NCP, the EPA conducted a baseline risk assessment as part of the 2020 OU3 R1 to estimate the current and future effects of site contaminants on human health and the environment. A baseline risk assessment is an analysis of the potential adverse human health and ecological effects of releases of hazardous substances from a site in the absence of any actions or control s to mitigate such releases, under current and reasonably anticipated future land uses. The baseline risk assessment typically includes an HHRA and an ecological risk assessment (ERA) It provides the basis for taking action and identifies the contaminants and exposure pathways that need to be addressed by the remedial action. Groundwater at the Site is in the subsurface and does not have any ecological receptors. For this reason, an ERA was not performed for OU3. 7.1 Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) A four-step process assesses site-related human health risks for a reasonable maximum exposure scenario: • Hazard Identification - uses the analytical data collected to identify the CO PCs at the Site for each medium, with consideration of several factors explained below. • Exposure Assessment - estimates the magnitude of actual and/or potential human exposures, the frequency and duration of these exposures, and the pathways by which humans are potentially exposed. • Toxicity Assessment - determines the types of adverse health effects associated with chemical exposures, and the relationship between magnitude of exposure (dose) and severity of adverse effects (response). • Risk Characterization - summarizes and combines outputs of the exposure and toxicity assessments to provide a quantitative assessment of site-related risks. The risk characterization also identifies contamination with concentrations which exceed acceptable levels, defined by the NCP as an excess lifetime cancer risk greater than 1 x 10"6 to 1 x 10"4, or a hazard index (HI) greater than 1.0. Contaminants at these concentrations are considered COCs and will typically require remediation. This section also includes a discussion of the uncertainties associated with these risks. 20 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 The HHRA estimates the risks the Site poses if no action was taken. It provides the basis for taking action and identifies the contaminants and exposure pathways that need to be addressed by the remedial action. This section of the ROD summarizes the results of the HHRA for the Site. 7.1.1 Hazard Identification The 2018 HHRA considered data collected during the OU3 R1 (August 2012 to November 2016) to evaluate groundwater. Constituents detected in groundwater data were compared to EPA regional screening levels for tap water. The HHRA retained groundwater COPCs following EPA Region 4 guidance. 7.1.2 Exposure Assessment The exposure assessment calculates potential chemical intake, or exposure concentration, for the exposure pathways evaluated in the HHRA. Exposure is a function of the chemical concentration at the point of contact (i.e., exposure point concentrations) and parameters that characterize the activity patterns of the potentially exposed receptors. The assessment of pathways by which human receptors may be exposed to chemicals of potential concern includes an examination of existing migration pathways (i.e., soil) and exposure routes (i.e., ingestion, dermal absorption), as well as those pathways that may be reasonably expected in the future. Potentially complete exposure pathways examined in the 2018 Final HHRA for OU3 are: • Ingestion of groundwater. • Inhalation of vapors released from groundwater while showering. Potential receptor populations include child and adult future residents. Groundwater in the area is not currently used as a potable water source and there are no plans to access the groundwater for potable uses in the future. 7.1.3 Toxicity Assessment The toxicity assessment summarizes the health effects that may be associated with exposure to the COPCs selected for the risk assessment and identifies doses that may be associated with those effects. It involves evaluating the potential for a constituent to cause an increase in the incidence of adverse effects in exposed individuals and quantitatively characterizing the chemical dose and the incidence of adverse health effects in the exposed receptor. The potential toxicological effects induced by a given dose of a chemical are classified as either noncancer effects or cancer effects. Toxicity values typically employed to calculate baseline non- carcinogenic hazards include reference doses for oral and dermal exposures, and reference concentrations for inhalation exposures. Oral and dermal cancer slope factors and inhalation unit risks are typically used to estimate carcinogenic risks. Constituent-specific toxicity values were used to calculate potential effects for these two types of effects. Toxicological criteria were selected following the EPA's 2003 hierarchy, as follows for the HHRA: 21 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 • Tier 1 - the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System. • Tier 2 - the EPA's 2018 Provisional Peer Reviewed Toxicity Values. • Tier 3 - Other toxicity values, including EPA and non-EPA sources of toxicity information, including: o Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Minimal Risk Levels, o EPA Health Effects Assessment Summary Table values. 7.1.4 Risk Characterization EPA considers two types of risk: cancer risk and noncancer risk. The likelihood of any kind of cancer resulting from a Superfund site is generally expressed as an upper bound probability, for example, a " 1 in 10,000 chance". In other words, for every 10,000 people that could be exposed, one extra cancer may occur because of exposure to site contaminants. An extra cancer case means that one more person could get cancer than would normally be expected to from all other causes. For noncancer health effects, the EPA calculates a "hazard index" or HI. The key concept is that a "threshold level" (measured as an HI of less than 1) exists below which noncancer health effects are no longer predicted. A CERCLA response action is generally warranted when cancer risk is greater than 1 x 10"4 or when noncancer health effects are greater than an HI of 1. Cancer and noncancer risks were calculated for each exposure pathway and scenario by integrating the exposure doses calculated in the exposure assessment with the toxicity criteria determined in the toxicity assessment. Excess cancer risk exceeded the EPA's generally accepted risk range for a future lifetime resident (1 x 10"1) in the saprolite lithology (Figure A-1) and (4 x 10"2) in the bedrock lithology (Figure A-2). Noncancer hazards exceeded the EPA's generally accepted HI of 1 for a future lifetime resident (HI = 206) in the saprolite aquifer and (HI = 66) in the bedrock aquifer. Hexavalent chromium is the primary risk driver for both carcinogenic and non-cancer risk in both lithologies. Table 2: OIJ3 Risks Groundwater Lithology Exposure Seenario Excess Cancer Risk NoncancerHI Saprolite lifetime resident 1 x 10"1 206 Bedrock 4 x 10"2 66 Notes: Source: Table on page 2-17 of the Final Feasibility Study Report for OU1. OU2. and OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville. Greenville Count v. South Carolina. Versar. My 15, 2020. 7.2 Basis for Action The response action selected in this ROD is necessary to protect the public health or welfare or the environment from actual or threatened releases of hazardous substances into the environment. The presence of COCs in the groundwater exceeding MCLs, and protective human health risk-based levels in the absence of an MCL for a particular COC, present an unacceptable risk of exposure to future residents. The primary risk is attributable to exposure to hexavalent chromium. 22 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 8.0 Remedial Action Objectives (RAOs) Before developing cleanup alternatives for a Superfund site, the EPA establishes RAOs - specific goals and objectives to protect human health and the environment. RAOs address contaminated media, exposure pathways and risks posed by the Site. RAOs may also include reference to PRCs, which are based on applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs) such as promulgated chemical-specific standards, where available or other information and standards, such as to-be-considered (TBC) guidance, and site-specific risk-based levels. PRGs may be refined throughout the Rl/FS as more information becomes available and are identified as final remediation goals or cleanup levels in the ROD. The following RAOs have been identified for OU3: • Prevent exposure of humans to groundwater contaminated with COC concentrations above federal or more stringent state primary drinking water standards (i.e., MCLs) and health-based cleanup levels in the absence of a MCL for a particular COC. • Restore groundwater to its beneficial use as a potential drinking water source by reducing groundwater COC concentrations to meet federal or more stringent state primary drinking water standards (i .e., MCLs) or health-based cleanup levels in the absence of a MCL for a particular COC. Table 3: Cleanup Levels for Groundwater Groundwater COC Cleanup Levels (jig/L) Basis Cobalt 9 hazard quotient level, residential, hazard quotient = 1 Iron 20,256 Manganese 4,051 Molybdenum 145 Strontium 17,362 2-Methylnaphthalene 116 4-Chloroanilinc 0.4 cancer risk level, residential. 1 x 10~6 Chromium (including Cr+6) 100* MCLs Arsenic 10 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 75 Notes: * = The federal primary drinking water standard (MCL) at 40 CFR 141.62 for total chromium is 0.1 mg/L or 100 ppb. This regulation assumes that a measurement of total chromium is 100% hcxavalent chromium, the more toxic form. See httos://www.eDa.gov/sdwa/chromium~drinking-water. Source: Final Feasibility Study Report for OU1. OU2. and OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville. Greenville County. South Carolina. Versar. July 15, 2020. mg/L = milligrams per liter ppb = parts per billion 23 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 9.0 Description of Alternatives Section 12 l(b)( 1) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621 (b)( 1), mandates that remedial actions must be protective of human health and the environment, be cost effective, comply with ARARs, and utilize permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies and resource recovery alternatives to the maximum extent practicable. Section 12 l(b)( 1) of CERCLA also establishes a preference for remedial actions that employ, as a principal element, treatment to reduce permanently and significantly the volume, toxicity or mobility of the hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants at a site. Section 121(d)(2) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621(d), further specifies that a remedial action must attain a level or standard of control of the hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants that at least attains ARARs under federal and more stringent environmental state laws, unless a waiver can be justified pursuant to Section 121(d)(4) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621(d)(4). The 2020 Sitewide FS Report evaluated four remedial action alternatives for groundwater: • Alternative GW1: No Action. • Alternative GW2: In-Situ Chemical Reduction (1SCR) and Institutional Controls • Alternative GW3: In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation (1SEB) and Institutional Controls • Alternative GW4: In-Situ Chemical Reduction, In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation and Institutional Controls Detailed descriptions of the remedial alternatives presented in the Sitewide FS Report (July 2020) are summarized below. • Capital costs - expenditures required to construct a remedial alternative. • O&M costs - the post-remedy construction costs necessary to ensure or verify the continued effectiveness of a remedial alternative. They are estimated on an annual basis. • Indirect costs - these project and construction management costs are for the management of the remedial action as well as costs associated with institutional controls. • Present value - this value represents the amount of money that, if invested in the current year, would be sufficient to cover all costs associated with a project over time, calculated using a discount rate of 7% and a 30-year time interval. • Construction time - the time required to construct and implement the remedial alternative. It does not include the time required to design the remedy, negotiate the performance of the remedy with responsible parties, or procure contracts for design and construction. 9.1 Alternative GW1: No Action Estimated Capital Cost: $0 30-Year Net Present Worth of Annual O&M Costs: $94,000 Indirect Costs: $0 Net Present Value: $0 Estimated Construction Timeframe: 0 years Estimated Time to Achieve RAOs: RAOs would not be met 24 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 The "no action" alternative must be evaluated under the NCP as a baseline against which all other alternatives are compared. Under this alternative, no remedial actions would take place. There are no capital costs associated with Alternative 1, though the comparative analysis includes a cost estimate for five-year reviews. 9.2 Alternative GW2: In-Situ Chemical Reduction and Institutional Controls Estimated Capital Cost: $7,483,750 30-Year Net Present Worth of Annual O&M Costs: $844,000 Net Present Value: $8,282,750 Estimated Construction Timeframe: 4 months Estimated Time to Achieve RAOs: 2 years Alternative GW2 consists of in-situ treatment using I SCR. and institutional controls. A chemical reductant solution would be used to remediate the areas with the highest hexavalent chromium concentrations. The reductant solution, injected into the groundwater via underground injection wells, would reduce and immobilize hexavalent chromium to the less-toxic trivalent chromium. Proposed injection locations for the saprolite aquifer (Figure 2) and the bedrock aquifer (Figure 3) were developed to inform remedial technology review and selection. Groundwater monitoring would assess the effectiveness of reagent injections and the reduction of hexavalent chromium and other COCs that would not be directly treated. Institutional controls would be implemented to prohibit use of groundwater and to prohibit installation of new water supply wells within the plume area until cleanup goals are achieved. 9.3 Alternative GW3: In-Situ Enhanced Bioreniediation and Institutional Controls Estimated Capital Cost: $4,262,500 30-Year Net Present Worth of Annual O&M Costs: $844,000 Net Present Value: $5,106,500 Estimated Construction Timeframe: 3 months Estimated Time to Achieve RAOs: 2 years Alternative GW3 consists of treating the plume using ISEB and institutional controls. An electron donor solution would be injected via underground injection wells into the groundwater in the areas with the highest hexavalent chromium concentrations. The proper application of ISEB would reduce and immobilize hexavalent chromium to the less-toxic trivalent chromium. Proposed injection locations for the saprolite aquifer (Figure 2) and the bedrock aquifer (Figure 3) were developed to inform remedial technology review and selection. Groundwater monitoring would be implemented to assess the effectiveness of reagent injections and the reduction of hexavalent chromium and other COCs that would not be directly treated. Institutional controls would be implemented to prohibit use of groundwater and to prohibit installation of new water supply wells within the plume area until cleanup goals are achieved. 25 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 9.4 Alternative GW4: In-Situ Chemical Reduction, In-Situ Enhanced Bioreniediation and Institutional Controls Estimated Capital Cost: $9,535,000 30-Year Net Present Worth of Annual O&M Costs: $844,000 Net Present Value: $10,379,000 Estimated Construction Timeframe: 3 months Estimated Time to Achieve RAOs: 2 years Alternative GW4 consists of treating the plume using a combination of I SCR, ISEB and institutional controls. A chemical reductant solution along with an electron donor solution would be injected into the groundwater via underground injection wells in the areas with the highest hexavalent chromium concentrations. The use of the two technologies, combined with the use of the latest advancements in I SCR. and ISEB reagents, would simplify implementation by reducing the overall injection volume. This alternative could also use a reagent to reduce arsenic concentrations by co-precipitation. The proper application of I SCR and ISEB would reduce and immobilize hexavalent chromium to the less-toxic trivalent chromium. The details of these complex geochemical processes will be resolved in the Pre-Design Investigation and Remedial Design. Proposed injection locations for the saprolite zone of the aquifer (Figure 2) and the bedrock portion of the aquifer (Figure 3) were developed to inform remedial technology review and selection but will be finalized as part of the remedial design. Groundwater monitoring would be implemented to assess the effectiveness of reagent injections and the reduction of hexavalent chromium and other COCs that would not be treated and to determine whether to optimize the remedy such as modifying injection locations and frequency. Institutional controls, to include proprietary controls in the form of restrictive covenants, would be implemented to prohibit use of groundwater and to prohibit installation of new water supply wells within the plume area until cleanup goals are achieved. 9.5 Common Elements and Distinguishing Features of Each Alternative Alternatives GW2, GW3 and GW4 all involve injections into the saprolite and bedrock aquifers to administer reagents to treat groundwater contamination and implementation of institutional controls to restrict groundwater use and to prevent well installation in the groundwater plume. The alternatives differ regarding the reagents to be injected. Alternatives GW2, GW3, and GW4 would all require long-term monitoring and maintenance, as well as five-year reviews, until OU3 groundwater is restored to beneficial use. For all three alternatives, groundwater monitoring would inform progress towards achieving cleanup goals, whether optimization of injections is needed, as well as any changes to institutional controls resulting from groundwater cleanup and restoration of groundwater quality. 10.0 Comparative Analysis of Alternatives In selecting a remedy, the EPA considered the factors set out in Section 121 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C.§ 9621, by conducting a detailed analysis of the viable remedial response measures pursuant to the NCP, 40 CFR §300.430(e)(9), and EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) Directive 9355.3-01. The detailed analysis consisted of an assessment of each of the individual response measures per remedy component against each of nine evaluation criteria and a comparative analysis focusing on the relative performance of each response 26 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 measure against the criteria. This section of the ROD compares the relative performance of Alternatives GW1, GW2, GW3, and GW4 against the nine criteria, noting how each compare to the other options under consideration. THRESHOLD CRITERIA - The first two criteria are known as "threshold criteria" because they are the minimum requirements that each response measure must meet in order to be eligible for selection as a remedy. 10.1 Overall Protection of Human Health and the Environment Overall protection of human health and the environment addresses whether each alternative provides adequate protection of human health and the environment and describes how risks posed through exposure pathway are eliminated, reduced, or controlled through treatment, engineering controls, and/or institutional controls. During every FS, a "no action" alternative is developed as a baseline for comparative analysis purposes. The current condition of OU3 groundwater represents a potentially unacceptable risk and does not meet the RAOs. Without engineering controls and/or institutional controls, there is a potential for exposure to hexavalent chromium and other COCs for current and future site users. Therefore, Alternative GW1 ('No Action) does not meet the threshold criteria and will not be assessed further in these comparative analyses. Alternatives GW2, GW3 and GW4 would be protective of human health and the environment. Restricting the use of groundwater would eliminate potential risks to human health from exposure to contaminated groundwater. I SCR. under Alternatives GW2 and GW4 and ISEB by carbon substrate injection under Alternatives GW3 and GW4 would eliminate the highest concentrations of hexavalent chromium in groundwater, facilitating attenuation in the remainder of the groundwater plume. The use of monitoring would protect human health and the environment by assisting in predicting when remediation will reach cleanup levels and whether optimization of the injections is needed. This will be further quantified by the development of a Remedial Management Plan as part of the remedial design. That document will identify and approximately quantify the expected timeframe for successful remedial action and identify criteria that would trigger the need for additional treatments. 10.2 Compliance with ARARs Section 121(d) of CERCLA and NCP §300.430(f)(l)(ii)(B) require that remedial actions at CERCLA sites attain legally applicable or relevant and appropriate federal and more stringent state environmental requirements, standards, criteria, and limitations that are collectively referred to as "ARARs", unless such ARARs are waived under CERCLA section 121(d)(4). ARARs do not include occupational safety or worker protection requirements. Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is required separately by 40 CFR §300.150. Alternatives GW2, GW3 and GW4 would comply with the potential location-specific and action- specific ARARs identified in the 2020 Sitewide FS Report and summarized in preceding sections of this Proposed Plan. While outer portions of the plume would not be treated in the proposed injection strategies, the reduction in the higher concentration areas of the plume would allow 27 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 natural attenuation to treat the remaining plume more effectively. Chemical-specific ARARs, specifically MCLs, would eventually be achieved in the groundwater plume with any of these three alternatives, although restoration timeframes will vary. BALANCING CRITERIA - The next five criteria, criteria 3 through 7, are known as "primary balancing criteria". These criteria are factors by which tradeoffs between response measures are assessed so that the best options will be chosen, given site-specific data and conditions. 10.3 Long-Term Effectiveness and Permanence Long-term effectiveness and permanence refer to expected residual risk and the ability of a remedy to maintain reliable protection of human health and the environment over time, once cleanup levels have been met. This criterion includes the consideration of residual risk that will remain on site after remediation and the adequacy and reliability of controls. Alternatives GW2, GW3 and GW4 would provide long-term effectiveness and permanence. Elimination of the highest hexavalent chromium concentrations by I SCR, ISEB or both should enhance the attenuation processes and shorten the time to achieve cleanup goals. Institutional controls would effectively address the human health risk until treatment and chemical processes reduce the remaining hexavalent chromium and other COC concentrations to cleanup levels. Hexavalent chromium reduction to trivalent chromium forms an immobile precipitate. The reversal reaction will not occur at the natural pH of the groundwater, thereby providing long- term effectiveness and permanence. Reduction of hexavalent chromium should enhance the natural attenuation processes for all COCs and shorten the time to cleanup goals. 10.4 Reduction of Toxicity, Mobility and Volume Reduction of toxicity, mobility, or volume through treatment refers to the anticipated performance of the treatment technologies that may be included as part of a remedy and which permanently and significantly reduces the toxicity, mobility, or volume of the hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants as a principal element. There are no principal threat wastes in OU3. However, Alternative GW2, Alternative GW3 and Alternative GW4 will all reduce the toxicity, mobility and volume of hexavalent chromium, as well as other COCs, in groundwater through in-situ treatment and reduce the total plume area until cleanup goals are achieved. While outer portions of the plume would not be treated, the reduction in the higher concentration areas of the plume would allow attenuation processes to reduce levels in the remaining plume more effectively. In addition. Alternative GW4 could also reduce dissolved arsenic concentrations with the injection of the reagent AquaZVI. Arsenic is co-precipitated by ZVI by forming complexes with ZVI corrosion products. 10.5 Short-Term Effectiveness Short-term effectiveness addresses the period of time needed to implement the remedy and any adverse impacts that may be posed to workers, the community, and the environment during construction, and operation of the remedy until cleanup levels are achieved. 28 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Exposure to contaminated groundwater during on-site injection or sampling activities could present a short-term risk to workers for Alternative GW2, Alternative GW3 and Alternative GW4. Exposure to calcium poly sulfide could be a short-term risk for Alternative GW2. Exposure to pH buffer could be a short-term risk for Alternative GW3 and Alternative GW4. However, the potential for exposure would be minimized by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and compliance with the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration regulations and site-specific health and safety procedures. Implementation of Alternative GW2, Alternative GW3 and Alternative GW4 would not result in short-term adverse impact on the community. The short-term risk of mobilization of redox- sensitive and exchangeable sorbed metals would be monitored under Alternative GW2 and Alternative GW4, as arsenic and manganese are more soluble when reduced. In addition, institutional controls will be implemented to prohibit groundwater use until cleanup levels are achieved. 10.6 Iinplementability Implementability addresses the technical and administrative feasibility of a remedy from design through construction and operation. Factors such as availability of services and materials, administrative feasibility, and coordination with other governmental entities are also considered. Alternative GW2, Alternative GW3, and Alternative GW4 are all implementable at the Site using proven in-situ treatment technologies with readily available equipment and injection reagents. Alternative GW3 and Alternative GW4 are both easier to implement due to reduced injection volumes compared to Alternative GW2. If property ownership changed, appropriate provisions would be incorporated into the property transfer documents to ensure continued implementation of institutional controls. 10.7 Cost Cost estimates, including capital costs and long-term operating costs, were prepared for each remedial alternative. They are summarized below. Table 4: Remedial Alternative Costs Alternative GWl Alternative GW2 Alternative GW3 Alternative GW4 Construction cost (capital): $0 $8,282,750 $4,262,500 $9,535,000 30-year net present worth of O&M activities: $94,000 $844,000 $844,000 $844,000 Construction time: 0 months 4 months 3 months 3 months Time to achieve RAOs: not applicable 2 vcars 2 vcars 2 vcars MODIFYING CRITERIA - The final two evaluation criteria, criteria 8 and 9, are called "modifying criteria" because new information or comments from the state or the community on the Proposed Plan may modify the preferred response measure or cause another response measure to be considered. 29 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 10.8 State Acceptance This criterion indicates whether, based on its review of the RI/FS reports and the Proposed Plan, the state supports, opposes, and/or has identified any reservations with the selected response measure. The state has reviewed the public comments received and submitted a letter of concurrence on September 21, 2023.(Appendix B). 10.9 Community Acceptance This criterion summarizes the public's general response to the response measures described in the Site's Proposed Plan and the RI/FS reports. This assessment includes determining which of the response measures the community supports, opposes, and/or has reservations about. The public comments received during the comment period were generally supportive of the Preferred Alternative. A letter of support was submitted by the Friends of the Reedy River. 11.0 Principal Threat Wastes The NCP establishes an expectation that the EPA will use treatment to address the principal threats posed by a site wherever practicable (NCP Section 300.430(a)(l)(iii)(A)). The "principal threat" concept is applied to the characterization of "source materials" at a Superfund site. A source material is material that includes or contains hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that act as a reservoir for migration of contamination to groundwater, surface water or air, or acts as a source for direct exposure. Contaminated groundwater generally is not considered to be a source material. There are no principal threat wastes known to be present in OU3 groundwater. 12.0 Selected Remedy Based on the above information in the Site's Administrative Record file, the EPA's Selected Remedy for OU3 at the Site is Alternative GW4: I SCR, ISEB, and Institutional Controls. The estimated capital cost is $9,535,000. The estimated cost for the remedy is $10,379,000. Based on currently available information, the EPA believes Alternative GW4 meets the threshold criteria and provides the best balance of tradeoffs among the other alternatives with respect to the balancing criteria and modifying criteria. The EPA expects the Selected Remedy to satisfy the following statutory requirements of CERCLA Section 121(b), 42 U.S.C. §9621(b): 1) be protective of human health and the environment; 2) comply with ARARs (or justify a waiver); (3) be cost effective; (4) utilize permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies or resource recovery technologies to the maximum extent practicable; and (5) satisfy the statutory preference for treatment as a principal element to the extent practicable. The EPA recommends this alternative because it provides the highest-level reduction of toxicity, mobility and volume of contamination in the shortest timeframe to achieve RAOs. Alternative 30 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 GW4 would be easier to implement than Alternative GW2 due to reduced injection volumes. Alternative GW4 would also reduce dissolved arsenic concentrations by incorporating the injection of a reagent and provides maximum flexibility regarding choosing the most effective reagent and technologies to optimize groundwater cleanup. The EPA believes the Selected Remedy will be protective of human health and the environment. 12.1 Summary of the Rationale for the Selected Remedy Based on consideration of the results of site investigations, CERCLA requirements, the detailed analysis of the response measures, and public comments, the EPA has determined that Alternative GW4: I SCR, ISEB and Institutional Controls is the appropriate remedy for OU3 contamination because it best satisfies the requirements of Section 121 of CERCL A, 42 U.S.C. § 9621, and the NCP's nine evaluation criteria for remedial alternatives, 40 CFR § 300.430(e)(9). Of those alternatives that are protective of human health and the environment and comply with ARARs, the EPA has determined that the Selected Remedy provides the best balance of tradeoffs in terms of the five balancing criteria, while also considering the statutory preference for treatment as a principal element, bias against off-site treatment and disposal, and considering state and community acceptance. The EPA and the SCDHEC concur that the selected remedy will satisfy the following statutory requirements of CERCLA Section 121(b), 42 U.S.C. § 9621(b): 1). 12.2 Detailed Description of the Selected Remedy Alternative GW4 consists of the following remedial activities: • In-situ treatment of highest hexavalent chromium groundwater concentrations using a combination of I SCR and ISEB reagents via underground injection wells. • Groundwater monitoring to assess efficacy of treatment and inform additional remedial activities such as optimization of the injections, as needed. • Implementation of institutional controls to prohibit groundwater use and to prevent installation of wells near or in groundwater contamination until cleanup levels are met. 12.3 Cost Estimate for the Selected Remedy The information in the cost estimate summary table below is based on the best available information regarding the anticipated scope of the remedial alternative. Changes in the cost elements are likely to occur as a result of new information and data collected during the engineering design of the remedial alternative. Major changes may be documented in the form of a memorandum, in the Site's Administrative Record, an Explanation of Significant Differences, or a ROD Amendment. 31 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Table 5: Estimated Costs for Selected Remedy Activity Alternative GW4 Estimated capital cost: $9,535,000 Estimated O&M costs (30-year net present worth): $844,000 Estimated time to achieve RAOs: 2 years 12.4 Estimated Outcomes of Selected Remedy The Selected Remedy will protect human health and the environment by restoring contaminated groundwater to achieve drinking water levels and by eliminating, reducing, or controlling risks at OU3 through in-situ injection of reagents and institutional controls. While not currently used as a drinking water source, the aquifer underlying the Site is designated as a potential drinking water source and may be used as such in the future. Implementation of the Selected Remedy and achievement of the final cleanup levels will accomplish the RAOs for OU3. The table below identifies the final cleanup levels. Table 6: Cleanup Levels for Groundwater Groundwater COC Concentration (jxg/L) Basis Cobalt 9 hazard quotient level, residential, hazard quotient = 1 Iron 20,256 Manganese 4,051 Molybdenum 145 Strontium 17,362 2-Methylnaphthalene 116 4-Chloroanilinc 0.4 cancer risk level, residential. 1 x 10~6 Chromium (including Cr+6) 100* MCLs Arsenic 10 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 75 Notes: * = The federal primary drinking water standard maximum contaminant levels (MCL) at 40 CFR 141.62 for total chromium is 0.1 mg/L or 100 ppb. This regulation assumes that a measurement of total chromium is 100% hexavalent chromium, the more toxic form. See httds://www.eDa. eov/sdwa/chromium-drinking-water. Source: Final Feasibility Study Report for OU1. OU2. and OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville. Greenville County, South Carolina. Versar. My 15, 2020. 13.0 Statutory Determinations As noted previously. Section 12 l(b)( 1) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621 (b)( 1) mandates that remedial actions must be protective of human health and the environment, cost effective, and utilize permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies or resource recovery technologies to the maximum extent practicable. Section 12 l(b)( 1) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 32 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 9621 (b)( 1) also establishes a preference for remedial actions that employ treatment to permanently and significantly reduce the volume, toxicity, or mobility of the hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants at a site. Section 121(d) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621(d) further specifies that a remedial action must attain a degree of cleanup that satisfies ARARs under federal and more stringent state environmental laws, unless a waiver can be justified pursuant to Section 121(d)(4) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9621(d)(4). 13.1 Protection of Human Health and the Environment The EPA believes the Selected Remedy meets the threshold criteria and provides the best balance of tradeoffs among the other alternatives with respect to the balancing and modifying criteria. The EPA expects the Preferred Alternative to satisfy the following statutory requirements of CERCLA 121(b) and (d): (1) be protective of human health and the environment; (2) comply with ARARs (or justify a waiver); (3) be cost effective; (4) utilize permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies or resource recovery technologies to the maximum extent practicable; and (5) satisfy the statutory preference for treatment as a principal element to the extent practicable. The EP A selected the Selected Remedy over the other alternatives because of its overall potential effectiveness and efficiency in addressing site contamination. The proposed remedy will provide for permanent long-term risk reduction through in-situ treatment of groundwater contamination that could present unacceptable risk to human health from direct exposure and to restore groundwater to its beneficial use as a potential drinking water source. The EPA believes the Selected Remedy will be protective of human health and the environment. 13.2 Compliance with ARARs Section 121(d) of CERCLA, as amended, specifies, in part, that remedial actions for cleanup of hazardous substances must comply with requirements and standards under federal or more stringent state environmental laws and regulations that are applicable or relevant and appropriate (i.e., ARARs) to the hazardous substances or particular circumstances at a site or justify invoking a waiver under Section 121(d)(4) (see also 40 C.F.R. §§ 300.430(f)(l)(ii)(B) and (C), and 40 C.F.R. §§ 300.430(f)(5)(ii)(B) and (C)). ARARs include only promulgated federal and state environmental or facility siting laws/regulations. They do not include occupational safety or worker protection requirements. Compliance with OSHA standards is required by 40 C.F.R. § 300.150. Therefore, the CERCLA requirement for compliance with or waiver of ARARs does not apply to OSHA standards. Under CERCLA Section 12 l(e)( 1), federal, state, or local permits are not required for the portion of any removal or remedial action conducted entirely on site, as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 300.5 (see also 40 C.F.R. §§ 300.400(e)(1) & (2)). Also, CERCLA actions must only comply with the "substantive requirements," not the administrative requirements of a regulation or law. Administrative requirements include permit applications, reporting, recordkeeping, and consultation with administrative bodies. Although consultation with state and federal agencies responsible for issuing permits is not required, it is recommended for determining compliance with certain requirements such as those requirements typically identified as location-specific ARARs. 33 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 In accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 300.430(f)(5)(ii)(B), this ROD includes ARARs that the remedy is expected to attain that were identified by the EPA and the State of South Carolina. Tables A-3, A-4, and A-5 list, respectively, the location-specific, action-specific and chemical-specific ARARs/TBCs for the selected remedial action. A waiver is not being invoked for any of the identified ARARs. 13.3 Cost Effectiveness The EPA has determined that the Selected Remedy is cost effective, and that the overall protectiveness of the remedy is proportional to the overall cost. As specified in 40 CFR § 300.430(f)(l)(ii)(D), the cost effectiveness of the Selected Remedy was assessed by comparing the protectiveness of human health and the environment in relation to three balancing criteria (long-term effectiveness and permanence, reduction in toxicity, mobility, or volume, and short- term effectiveness), with the other alternatives considered. While more than one remedial alternative can be considered cost effective, CERCLA does not mandate the selection of the most cost-effective or least-expensive remedy. 13.4 Use of Permanent Solutions and Alternative Treatment Technologies to the Maximum Extent Practicable The EPA has determined that the Selected Remedy represents the maximum extent to which permanent solutions can be used in a practicable manner at the Site. As described earlier, in-situ treatment of contaminated groundwater will achieve the RAOs and thereby permanently prevent any unacceptable risk to human health. A combination of 1SEB and I SCR will treat contaminants in groundwater on site. No resource recovery technologies are used. The Selected Remedy does not present short-term risks different from the other treatment alternatives. There are no special implementability issues that set the Selected Remedy apart from any of the other alternatives evaluated. 13.5 Preference for Treatment as a Principal Element No principal threat wastes are present in OU3 groundwater. Injection of reagents will address contaminant concentrations exceeding MCLs or respective health risk-based drinking water levels through ISEB and I SCR. The use of these treatment technologies will reduce the toxicity, mobility and volume of hexavalent chromium in site groundwater. The reduction of areas of groundwater exhibiting higher concentrations of contamination will facilitate natural attenuation processes in effectively reducing the residual contamination in remaining areas of the plume in view of attaining cleanup levels throughout the plume. 13.6 Five-Year Review Requirements Because hazardous substances will remain at the Site above levels that allow for unlimited exposure and unrestricted use, the EPA will review the remedial action no less than every five years, per CERCLA Section 121(c) and the NCP at 40 CFR 300.430(f)(4)(ii) until the levels of COCs allow for unrestricted use of soil and groundwater with unlimited exposure to these media. If results of the five-year reviews show that remedy integrity is compromised and protection of 34 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 human health and the environment is insufficient, then the EPA and the SCDHEC will evaluate more remedial actions. 14.0 Documentation of Significant Changes from Preferred Alternative of Proposed Plan Pursuant to CERCLA Section 1 17(b) and NCP §300.430(f)(3)(ii), the ROD must document any significant changes made to the Preferred Alternative discussed in the Proposed Plan. The EPA reviewed all written and verbal comments submitted during the public comment period. There are no other significant changes to the remedy, as originally identified in the Proposed Plan. 15.0 References EPA, 2022. Proposed Plan. US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site, Operable Unit 3 (OU3), Greenville County, Greenville County, Greenville, South Carolina. Versar. 2020. Final Feasibility Study Report OU1, OU2, OU3. US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina, dated July 15, 2020. Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Remedial Action Contract II Lite, EPA Region 4. Versar. 2018. Final Human Health Risk Assessment, OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Remedial Action Contract II Lite, EPA Region 4. Versar. 2020. Final Remedial Investigation Report, OU3. US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Remedial Action Contract II Lite, EPA Region 4. 35 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 PART 3: RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY 1.0 Public Review Process 1.1 Introduction This Responsiveness Summary provides a summary of comments and concerns received during the public comment period related to the Proposed Plan for OU3 at the Site. It also provides the EPA's responses to those comments and concerns. A Responsiveness Summary serves two functions. First, it provides the deci si on maker with information about the views of the public, government agencies, and potentially responsible parties regarding the proposed remedial action and other alternatives. Second, it documents the way in which public comments have been considered during the decision-making process and provides answers to significant comments. Public involvement in the review of Proposed Plans is stipulated in CERCLA Section 1 17(a) and Sections 300.430(f)(3)(i)(F) and 300.430(f)(5)(iii)(B) of the NCP. These regulations provide for active solicitation of public comment. This Responsiveness Summary addresses all public comments received. The Responsiveness Summary was prepared following guidance provided by the EPA in the EPA's 1992 Community Relations in Superfund: A Handbook and the EPA's 1988 Community Relations during Enforcement Activities and Development of the Administrative Record. The comments presented in this document have been considered in the EPA's decision in the selection of a remedy for OU3 at the Site. The text of this Responsiveness Summary explains the public review process and how the EPA responded to public comments. Appendix C provides the Comment and Response Index, which contains summaries of every comment received during the public comment period and the EPA's responses. 1.2 Public Review Process The EPA relies on public input to make sure community concerns are considered when selecting an effective remedy for each Superfund site. The EPA released the Proposed Plan for OU3 for public comment on June 21, 2023. The complete Administrative Record file, which contains the Rl/FS reports and risk assessments on which the Selected Remedy is based, is available at the locations listed below. Online at https://semspub.epa.gov/src/collections/04/AR/SCD003358744. The Site's local information repository is Hughes Main Library, located at 25 Heritage Green Place in Greenville, South Carolina. It is open and provides computer access for the community to access the Site's Administrative Record file online. 36 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 1.3 Public Comment Period, Public Meeting, and Availability Sessions The goal of the public comment period is to gather information about the views of the public regarding both the remedial alternatives and general concerns about the Site. A notice of the start of the public comment period, the public meeting date, the preferred remedy, contact information, and the availability of above-referenced documents was provided in a fact sheet distributed to the public on June 21, 2023, and published in the Greenville News on the same day. The public comment period for the OU3 Proposed Plan started on June 21, 2023. It continued until August 11, 2023, for a total of 51 days. 1.4 Receipt and Identification of Comments Public comments on the Proposed Plan and EPA Region 4 responses were received as written comments submitted to EPA Region 4 via email and verbally during the Q& A session at the public meeting presenting the Proposed Plan. The comments from the July 11, 2023 public meeting are summarized in Appendix B. EPA received a letter of support for the preferred alternative from The Friends of The Reedy River dated August 10, 2023. 1.5 Locating Responses to Comments in the Comment and Response Index The Comment and Response Index (Appendix B) contains a complete listing of all comments and responses from the EPA. 2.0 Technical and Legal Issues No technical or legal issues were raised. 3.0 References EPA, 1988. Community Relations During Enforcement Activities and Development of the Administrative Record. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D C. OSWER Directive 9836.0-01 A. November 1988. EPA, 1992. Community Relations in Superfund: A Handbook. Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D C. OSWER Directive 9230.0-03C. EPA 540-R-92-009. January 1992. 37 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 TABLES 38 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Table A-l: Risk Summary of Reasonable Maximum Exposures to Groundwater Contaminants in the Saprolite Lithologv3 Table 10.1 RME Risk Summary Reasonable Maximum Exposure: Saprolite Groundwater US Finishing/Cone Mills Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina Scenario Timeframe: Futu re Receptor Population: Resident Receptor: Child - Adult Receptor Location: Saprolite Groundwater Exposure Medium Exposure Point Carcinogenic Risk Non-Ca reinogen ic-Haza rd Quotient Med iu m Chemical of Concern Ingestion Dermal Inhalation Exposure Routes Total Primary Target Organ(s) Ingestion Dermal Inhalation Exposure Routes Total Groundwater Saprolite Tap Arsenic 6E-05 NA NA 6E-05 Vascular 0.4 NA NA 0.4 Groundwater Chromium, Hexavalent 1E-01 NA NA 1E-01 None reported 204 NA NA 204 Coba It NA NA NA NA Thyroid 0.7 NA NA 0.7 Iron NA NA NA NA Gl Tract 0.1 NA NA 0.1 Manganese NA NA NA NA CNS 0.16 NA NA 0.2 Molybdenum NA NA NA NA Incr uric acid 0.2 NA NA 0.2 2-Methyl naphthalene NA NA NA NA Lung 0.1 NA NA 0.1 4-Chloroaniline 6E-06 NA NA 6E-06 Spleen 0.02 NA NA 0.02 1,4- Dich lo ro be n ze n e 9E-07 NA 2E-07 1E-06 Liver 0.006 NA 0.00006 0.006 Chemical Total 1E-01 NA 5E-07 1E-01 206 NA 0.06 206 Exposure Point Total 1E-01 206 Exposure Medium Total 1E-01 206 Receptor Total 1E-01 206 Total Risk Across All Media = | 1E-Q1 Total Hazard Across All Media = | 206 Total Kidney HI Across All Media = TotalThyroid HIAcross All Media = Total Decreased Body Weigt HIAcross All Media = 0.1 0.7 0.06 3 Source: Versar. 2018. Final Human Health Risk Assessment, OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Remedial Action Contract II Lite, EPA Region 4. 39 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Table A-2: Risk Summary of Reasonable Maximum Exposures to Groundwater Contaminants in the Bedrock Lithology4 Table 10.2 RME Risk Summary Reasonable Maximum Exposure: Bedrock Groundwater US Finishing/Cone Mills Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina See n a r io Timefra me: Future Receptor Population: Resident Receptor: Child - Adult Receptor Location: Bedrock Groundwater Medium Exposure Med iu m Exposure Point Chemical of Concern Carcinogenic Risk Non-Carcinogenic-Hazard Quotient Ingestion Dermal Inhalation Exposure Routes Total Primary Target Organ(s) Ingestion Dermal Inhalation Exposure Routes Total Groundwater Bedrock Groundwater Tap Chromium, Hexavalent 4E-02 NA NA 4E-02 None reported 64 NA NA 64 Molybdenum NA NA NA NA Incr uric acid 0.8 NA NA 0.8 Strontium NA NA NA NA Bone 0.5 NA NA 0.5 Chemical Total 4E-02 NA NA 4E-02 66 NA 0.00001 66 Exposure Point Total 4E-02 66 Exposure Medium Total 4E-02 66 Receptor Total 4E-02 66 Total Risk Across All Media = | 4E-02 | Total Hazard Across All Media = | 66~ Total Increased Uric Acid HI Across All Media = 0.8 Total Bone HI Across All Media = 0.5 4 Source: Versar. 2018. Final Human Health Risk Assessment, OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Remedial Action Contract II Lite, EPA Region 4. 40 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Table A-3: Location-Specific ARARs/TBC for OU3 at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site Location Characteristic(s) Requirements Prerequisite Citation(s) Presence of Floodplain(s) designated as such on a map5 Shall take action to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health and welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by fkxxiplains. Federal actions that involve potential impacts to. or take place within, floodplain - To Be Considered NOTE: Federal agencies required to comply with E.O. 11988 requirements. Executive Order 11988 Section 1. Floodplain Management Shall consider alternatives to avoid, to the extent possible, adverse effects and incompatible development in the floodplain. Design or modify its action in order to minimize potential harm to or within the floodplain Executive Order 11988 Section 2.(a)(2) Floodplain Management Where possible, an agency shall use natural systems, ecosystem processes, and nature-based approaches when developing alternatives for consideration. Federal actions that involve potential impacts to. or take place within, floodplain - To Be Considered NOTE: Federal agencies required to comply with E.O. 13690 requirements. Executive Order 13690 Section 2. (c) Presence of Floodplain(s) designated as such on a map2 The Agency shall design or modify its actions so as to minimize'' harm to or within the floodplain Federal actions affecting or affected by Floodplain as defined in 44 C.F.R. § 9.4 - relevant and appropriate 44 C.F.R. § 9.11(b)(1) Mitigation The Agency shall restore and preserve natural and beneficial floodplain values. 44 C.F.R. § 9.11(b)(3) Mitigation The Agency shall minimize: • Potential harm to lives and the investment at risk from base flood, or in the case of critical actions . from the 500-year flood; 44 C.F.R. §9.11(c)(1) and (3) Minimization provisions 5 Under 44 CFR § 9.7 Determination of remedial action's location, Paragraph (c) Floodplain determination. One should consult the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the Flood Boundary Floodway Map (FBFM) and the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) to determine if the Agency's remedial action is within the base floodplain. 6Minimize means to reduce to smallest amount or degree possible. 44 C.F.R. § 9.4 Definitions. 7 See 44 C.F.R. § 9.4 Definitions. Critical action. Critical actions include, but arc not limited to. those which create or extend the useful life of structures or facilities such as those that produce, use or store highly volatile, flammable, explosive, toxic or water-reactive materials. 41 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Location Characteristic(s) Requirements Prerequisite Citation(s) • Potential adverse impacts that action may have on floodplain values ARAR = applicable or relevant and appropriate requirement CWA = Clean Water Act CFR = Code of Federal Regulations EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SCDHEC = South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control TBC = to be considered 42 ------- Table A-4: Action-Specific ARARs/TBC for OU3 at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation General Construction Standards—AH Land-disturbing Activities (i.e., excavation, clearing, grading, etc.) Managing storm water runoff from land- disturbing activities All erosion and sediment control plans shall include details and descriptions of temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control measures and other protective measures shown on the stormwater and sediment management plan. Procedures in a stormwater and sediment management plan shall provide that all sediment and erosion controls arc inspected at least once every seven calendar days and after any storm even of greater than 0.5 inches of precipitation during any 24-hour period. Land disturbing activities related to residential, commercial, industrial or institutional land use which are not specifically exempted or waived by these regulations - applicable SCDHEC R. 72-307B.1 - South Carolina Storm Water Management and Sediment Reduction Regulations The stormwater management and sediment control plan shall contain at a minimum the information provided in the following subsections: A narrative description of the stormwater management and sediment control plan to be used during land disturbing activities. The location of temporary and permanent vegetative and structural stormwater management and sediment control measures. Activities involving two (2) acres or less of actual land disturbance which arc not part of a larger common plan of development or sale - applicable SCDHEC R. 72-307H(2) and (5)(d) The stormwater management and sediment control plan shall contain at a minimum the information provided in the following subsections: • A plan for temporary and permanent vegetative and structural erosion and sediment control measures which specify the erosion and sediment control measures to be used during all phases of the land disturbing activity and a description of their proposed operation; • Provisions for stormwater runoff control during the land disturbing activity and during the life of the facility meeting the peak discharge rate and velocities requirements in subsections (e)l. and (e)2. of this section. Activities involving more than two (2) acres and less than five (5) acres of actual land disturbance which arc not part of a larger common plan of development or sale - applicable SCDHEC R. 72- 307I(3)(d) and (e) Managing fugitive dust emissions from land disturbing activities Emissions of fugitive particulate matter shall be controlled in such a manner and to the degree that it docs not create an undesirable level of air pollution. Activities that will generate fugitive particulate matter (Statewide) - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-62.6 Section 111(A)- Control of Fugitive Particulate Matter Statewide 43 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Volatile organic compounds shall not be used for dust control purposes. Oil treatment is also prohibited. SCDHEC R. 61-62.6 Section lll(D) 44 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Monitoring Weil Installation, Operation, and Abandonment Installation of Permanent and Temporary Monitoring Wells All monitoring wells shall be drilled, constructed, maintained, operated, and/or abandoned to ensure that underground sources of drinking water arc not contaminated. Construction of permanent and temporary monitoring wells, as defined in R. 61 -71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61- 71H. lb. Installation of Permanent Conventionally Installed or Direct Push Monitoring Wells Wells shall be grouted from the top of the bentonite seal to the land surface. Grout is to be composed of neat cement, a bentonite cement mixture, or high solids sodium bentonite grout. Construction of permanent conventionally installed or direct push monitoring wells, as defined in R. 61- 71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.2.a.(l),(2) [conventionally installed wells] SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.3.b.(l),(2) [direct push wells] The diameter of the annular space shall be large enough to allow for forced injection of grout through a trcmic pipe. All grouting shall be accomplished using forced injection to emplace the grout. When emplacing the grouting material, the trcmic pipe shall be lowered to the bottom of the zone to be grouted. The trcmic pipe shall be kept full continuously from start to finish of the grouting procedure, with the discharge end of the trcmic pipe being continuously submerged in the grout until the zone to be grouted is completely filled. SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.2.a.(3),(4) [conventionally installed wells] SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.3.b.(3),(4) [direct push wells] A cement or aggregate reinforced concrete pad at the ground surface of appropriate durability and strength, considering the setting and location of each well, that extends six inches beyond the borehole diameter and six inches below ground surface is required. The pad shall be capable of preventing infiltration between the surface casing and the borehole to the subsurface. SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.2.a.(5) [conventionally installed wells] SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.3.b.(5) [directpush wells] 45 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation istallation of Permanent Conventionally Installed or Direct Push Monitoring Wells (cont'd) Well Construction and Materials Standards - (1) Casing shall be of sufficient strength to withstand normal forces encountered during and after well installation and be composed of material so as to minimally affect water quality analyses. (2) Casing shall have a sufficient diameter to provide access for sampling equipment. (3) A properly hydrated bentonite seal with a minimum thickness of twelve inches directly above the filter pack shall be used, if the well has a filter pack. (4) The monitoring well intake or screen design shall minimize formational materials from entering the well. The filter pack 17 shall be utilized opposite the well screen as appropriate in so that parameter analyses will be minimally affected. (5) A locking cap or other security devices to prevent damage and/or vandalism shall be used. (6) Monitoring wells completed below grade shall be in a watertight vault with a well cap to prevent infiltration of surface water into the well. Construction of permanent conventionally installed or direct push monitoring wells, as defined in R. 61- 71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61- 71 H.2.b. [conventionally installed wells] SCDHEC R. 61-71H.3.c [directpush wells] All monitoring wells shall be properly labeled with an identification plate immediately upon well completion. The identification plate shall be constructed of a durable, weatherproof, rustproof, material. The identification plate shall be permanently secured to the well casing or enclosure floor around the casing where it is readily visible and shall identify: (1) company name and certification number of the driller who installed the well; (2) date well was completed; (3) total depth (feet); (4) casing depth (feet); (5) screened Interval; (6) designator and/or identification number. R. 61-71H.2.C. [conventionally installed wells] SCDHEC R. 61-71H 3 d [directpush wells] Additional Requirements for Installation of Direct Push Monitoring Wells Direct push wells cannot be installed below a confining layer unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department that cross-contamination of the aquifer systems can be prevented. Construction of direct push monitoring wells, as defined in R. 61- 71B - applicable R. 61-71H.3.a. 46 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation istallation of Temporary Monitoring Wells Construction and Materials - (1) Casing shall be of sufficient strength to withstand normal forces encountered during and after well installation and be 20 composed of material so as to minimally affect water quality analyses. (2) Casing shall have a sufficient diameter to provide access for sampling equipment. (3) The monitoring well intake or screen design shall minimize forinational materials from entering the well. The filter pack or intake shall be utilized opposite the well screen as appropriate so that parameter analvses will be minimally affected. Construction of temporary monitoring wells, as defined in R. 61 -71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-71H.4.a. All temporary monitoring wells shall be sealed with a watertight cap or seal until abandoned. Temporary monitoring wells shall be maintained such that they arc not a source or channel of contamination before they arc abandoned. Operation and maintenance of temporary monitoring wells, as defined in R. 61 -71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61- 71H.4.b. Abandonment of Permanent Conventionally Installed Monitoring Wells Abandonment shall be by forced injection of grout or pouring through a treinie pipe starting at the bottom of the well and proceeding to the surface in one continuous operation. The well shall be filled with either with neat cement, bentonite- cement. or 20% high solids sodium bentonite grout, from the bottom of the well to the land surface. Abandonment of permanent conventionally installed monitoring wells - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-71H.2.C. Abandonment of Permanent Direct Push Monitoring Wells (1) Permanent direct push wells that do not penetrate a confining layer shall be abandoned by removing all casing from the subsurface and be grouted by forced injection through a treinie pipe from the total depth to the land surface, or by forced injection or pouring of neat cement, bentonitc-ccincnt. or 20% high solids sodium bentonite grout through a treinie pipe starting at the bottom of the well and proceeding to the surface. (2) Direct push wells that penetrate a confining layer shall be abandoned by forced injection or pouring of neat cement, bentonitc-ccincnt. or 20% high solids sodium bentonite grout through a treinie pipe starting at the bottom of the well and proceeding to the surface in one continuous operation. Abandonment of permanent direct push monitoring wells, as defined in R.61-71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-71H.2J. 47 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Abandonment of Temporary Conventionally Installed or Direct Push Monitoring Wells (1) All temporary monitoring wells shall be abandoned within 5 days of borehole completion. (2) A conventionally drilled temporary well shall be abandoned by forced injection of neat cement, bcntonitc-ccnicnt. or 20% high solids sodium bentonite grout through a trcmic pipe starting at the bottom of the well and proceeding to the surface in one continuous operation. (3) A temporary direct push well that docs not penetrate a confining layer shall be abandoned by forced injection of neat cement, bentonitc-ccmcnt. or 20% high solids sodium bentonite grout through a trcmic pipe after the sampling device has been removed. (4) A temporary direct push well that penetrates a confining layer shall be abandoned by forced injection of neat cement, bentonitc-ccmcnt. or 20% high solids sodium bentonite grout through the sampling device as the sampling device is removed from the sub-surface. Abandonment shall occur during the initial withdrawal from the original push borehole and not by a separate trcmic tool after the sampling device has been removed to ensure the breech in the confining layer is permanently scaled. Abandonment of temporary conventionally installed or direct push monitoring wells, as defined in R.61- 71B - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-71H.4.C. Underground Injection Control Requirements (e.g., injection of reagents or bio-amendments) Injection of fluids, solids, or mixtures into subsurface No owner or operator shall construct, operate, maintain, convert, plug, abandon, or conduct any other injection activity in a manner that allows the movement of fluid containing any contaminant into underground sources of drinking water, if the presence of that contaminant may cause a violation of any primary drinking water regulation under 40 CFR Part 142 or may otherwise adversely affect the health of persons. Underground injection into an underground source of drinking water - applicable. 40 CFR 144.12(a) The movement of fluids containing wastes or contaminants into underground sources of drinking water as a result of injection is prohibited if the presence of the waste or • May cause a violation of any drinking water standard under R61-58.5; or. • May otherwise adversely affect the health of persons. As defined in R.61-87.2: Underground injection of any fluids into the subsurface or ground waters of the State of South Carolina - applicable. SCDHEC R.61-87.5(A) and (B) 48 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation ' 'Fluid'' means material or substance which flows or moves whether in a semisolid, liquid, sludge, gas, or any other form or state. "Well" means any excavation which is cored, bored, drilled, jetted, dug, or otherwise constructed the depth of which is greater than its largest surface dimension; or. a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or. an improved sinkhole; or. a subsurface fluid distribution system. No person shall construct, use or operate a Class V.A. well for injection in violation of R61-87.5. R.61-87.11(E)(1) - Class V.A. injection wells include: (g) Injection wells used in experimental technologies Class V.A injection wells [as classified in R.61-87.11(E)(1)(g)- relevant and appropriate SCDHEC R.61- 87.11(E)(2)(b) Operation of underground injection wells At a minimum, the following information concerning the injection formation shall be determined or calculated: (1) Fluid pressure; (2) Estimated fracture pressure; (3) Physical and chemical characteristics of the injection zone. Operation of Class V.A. wells, [as classified in R61-87.11(E)( 1 )(g)| for underground injection into the subsurface or ground waters of the State of South Carolina - relevant and appropriate SCDHEC R.61-87.14(D) Shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and controls which arc installed or used. SCDHEC R.61-87.13(X) Shall report malfunction of injection system which may cause fluid migration into or between underground sources of drinking water; shall immediately stop injection upon determination that the injection system has malfunctioned and could cause fluid migration into or between underground sources of drinking water; shall not restart the injection system until the malfunction has been corrected. SCDHEC R.61- 87.13 (EE) Monitoring of underground injection wells An appropriate number of monitoring wells shall be completed into the injection zone and into any underground sources of drinking water which could be affected by the injection operation. These wells shall be located in such a fashion as to detect any excursion of injection fluids, process by-products, or formation fluids outside the injection area or zone. If the operation may be affected by subsidence or Monitoring of Class V.A. wells, [as classified in R.61-87.ll(E)(g)], used for underground injections into the subsurface or ground waters of the State of South Carolina - relevant and appropriate SCDHEC R.61- 87.14(G)(1) 49 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation catastrophic collapse the monitoring wells shall be located so that they will not be physically affected. Waste Ch aracterization (e.g., excavated soils, soil cuttings from well installation, wastewater) Characterization of solid waste (all primary and secondary wastes) and listed hazardous waste determination Must make an accurate determination as to whether that waste is a hazardous waste in order to ensure wastes arc properly managed according to applicable RCRA regulations. A hazardous waste determination is made using the following steps: (a) Must be made at the point of waste generation, before any dilution, mixing, or other alteration of the waste occurs, and at any time in the course of its management that it has. or may have, changed its properties as a result of exposure to the environment or other factors that may change the properties of the waste such that the RCRA classification of the waste may change (b) Must determine whether the waste is excluded from regulation under 40 CFR § 261.4 (c) Must use the knowledge of the waste to determine whether waste meets any of the listing descriptions under subpart D of 40 CFR Part 261. Acceptable knowledge that may be used in making an accurate determination as to whether the waste is listed may include waste origin, composition, the process producing the waste, feedstock, and other reliable and relevant information Generation of solid waste as defined in40 CFR § 261.2 / R.61-79.26In- applicable 40 CFR § 262.11(a), (b) and (c) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.11(a),(b), and (c) Determination of characteristic hazardous waste The person then must also determine whether the waste exhibits one or more hazardous characteristics as identified in subpart C of 40 CFR part 261 by following the procedures in paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section, or a combination of both. Generation of solid waste which is not excluded under 40 CFR § 261.4(a) - applicable 40 CFR § 262.11(d) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.11(d) 50 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation determination of characteristic hazardous waste through knowledge The person must apply knowledge of the hazard characteristic of the waste in light of the materials or the processes used to generate the waste. Acceptable knowledge may include process knowledge (e.g., information about chemical feedstocks and other inputs to the production process); knowledge of products, by-products, and intermediates produced by the manufacturing process; chemical or physical characterization of wastes; information on the chemical and physical properties of the chemicals used or produced by the process or otherwise contained in the waste; testing that illustrates the properties of the waste; or other reliable and relevant information about the properties of the waste or its constituents. A test other than a test method set forth in subpart C of 40 CFR part 261. or an equivalent test method approved by the Administrator under 40 CFR 260.21, may be used as part of a person's knowledge to determine whether a solid waste exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste. However, such tests do not. by themselves, provide definitive results. Persons testing their waste must obtain a representative sample of the waste for the testing, as defined at 40 CFR 260.10. 40 CFR § 262.11(d)(1) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.11(d) Determination of characteristic hazardous waste through testing When available knowledge is inadequate to make an accurate determination, the person must test the waste according to the applicable methods set forth in subpart C of 40 CFR part 261 or according to an equivalent method approved by the Administrator under 40 CFR § 260.21; or and in accordance with the following: (i) Persons testing their waste must obtain a representative sample of the waste for the testing, as defined at 40 CFR §260.10. (ii) Where a test method is specified in subpart C of 40 CFR part 261. the results of the regulatory test, when properly performed, arc definitive for determining the regulatory status of the waste. Generation of solid waste which is not excluded under 40 CFR § 261.4(a) - applicable 40 CFR § 262.11(d)(2) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.11(d) Must refer to Parts 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 268, and 273 of Chapter 40 for possible exclusions or restrictions pertaining to management of the specific waste. Generation of solid waste which is determined to be hazardous - applicable 40 CFR 262.11(e) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.11(e) 51 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Special rules for characteristic hazardous waste Must determine each EPA Hazardous Waste Number (waste code) applicable to the waste in order to determine the applicable treatment standards under subpart D of this part. This determination may be made concurrently with the hazardous waste determination required in § 262.11 of this chapter. For purposes of part 268, the waste will carry the waste code for any applicable listed waste (40 CFR part 261, subpart D). In addition, where the waste exhibits a characteristic, the waste will carry one or more of the characteristic waste codes (40 CFR part 261, subpart C), except when the treatment standard for the listed waste operates in lieu of the treatment standard for the characteristic waste, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Generation of characteristic hazardous waste for storage, treatment, or disposal - applicable 40 CFR § 268.9(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 268.9(a) Must determine the underlying hazardous constituents [as defined in 40 CFR § 268.2(i)] in the characteristic waste. Generation of RCR A characteristic hazardous waste (and is not D001 nonwastewaters treated by CMBST, RORGS. or POLYM of § 268.42 Table 1) for storage, treatment, or disposal - applicable 40 CFR § 268.9(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 268.9(a) Determinations for land disposal of hazardous waste Must determine if the waste has to be treated before it can be land disposed. This is done by determining if the hazardous waste meets the treatment standards in §268.40, 268.45, or §268.49. This determination can be made concurrently with the hazardous waste determination required in §262.11 of this chapter, in either of two ways: testing the waste or using knowledge of the waste. If the generator tests the waste, testing would normally determine the total concentration of hazardous constituents, or the concentration of hazardous constituents in an extract of the waste obtained using test method 1311 in "Test Methods of Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods," EPA Publication SW-846, (incorporated by reference, see §260.11 of this chapter), depending on whether the treatment standard for the waste is expressed as a total concentration or concentration of hazardous constituent in the waste's extract. ( Alternatively, the generator must send the waste to a RCRA-pcrinitted hazardous waste treatment facility, where the waste treatment facility must comply with the requirements of §264.13 of this chapter and paragraph (b) of this section.) Generation of hazardous waste for storage, treatment, or disposal - applicable 40 CFR § 268.7(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 268.7(a) (1) 52 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation General Requirements for Remediation Wastes Characterization of remediation wastes Obtain a detailed chemical and physical analysis of a representative sample of the hazardous remediation wastes to be managed at the site. At a minimum, the analysis must contain all of the information which must be known to treat, store or dispose of the waste according to this part and part 268 of this chapter and must be kept up to date. Management of remediation wastes at facility that docs not have a RCRA permit - applicable 40 (l-'R % 264.10X2) Waste Storage - Primary Wastes (contaminated media) and Secondary Wastes (spent treatment media, PPE, etc.) emporary on-site accumulation of hazardous waste in containers A small quantity 8 generator may accumulate hazardous waste on site without a permit or interim status, and without complying with the requirements of parts 124, 264 through 267, and 270 of this chapter, or the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA. provided that all the substantive conditions for exemption listed in this section arc met. Accumulation of RCRA hazardous waste in containers on-site as defined in 40 CFR § 260.10 - applicable 40 CFR § 262.16(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.16 Condition of containers If a container holding hazardous waste is not in good condition, or if it begins to leak, the small quantity generator must immediately transfer the hazardous waste from this container to a container that is in good condition, or immediately manage the waste in some other way that complies with the conditions for exemption of this section. 40 CFR § 262.16(b)(2)(i) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.16(b) Compatibility of waste with container Must use a container made of or lined with materials that will not react with, and arc otherwise compatible with, the hazardous waste to be accumulated, so that the ability of the container to contain the waste is not impaired. Accumulation of RCRA hazardous waste in containers on-site as defined in 40 CFR § 260.10 - applicable 40 CFR § 262.16(b)(2)(ii) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.16(b) Management of containers (A) A container holding hazardous waste must always be closed during accumulation, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste. (B) A container holding hazardous waste must not be opened, handled, or accumulated in a manner that may rupture the container or cause it to leak. 40 CFR § 262.16(b)(2)(iii) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.16(b) Inspections At least weekly, the small quantity generator must inspect central accumulation areas. The small quantity generator must look for leaking containers and for deterioration of containers 40 CFR § 262.16(b)(2)(iv) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.16(b) 8 The quantity of hazardous waste accumulated on site never exceeds 6,000 kilograms (13,200 pounds). 53 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation caused by corrosion or other factors. See paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section for remedial action required if deterioration or leaks are detected. Labeling and marking of containers A small quantity generator must mark or label its containers with the following: (A) The words "Hazardous Waste"; (B) An indication of the hazards of the contents (examples include, but arc not limited to. the applicable hazardous waste characteristic(s) (i.e., ignitable. corrosive, reactive, toxic); hazard communication consistent with the Department of Transportation requirements at 49 CFR part 172 subpart E (labeling) or subpart F (placarding); a hazard statement or pictograin consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR § 1910.1200; or a chemical hazard label consistent with the National Fire Protection Association code 704); and (C) The date upon which each period of accumulation begins clearlv visible for inspection on each container. Accumulation of RCRA hazardous waste in containers on site as defined in 40 CFR §260.10 - applicable 40 CFR § 262.16(b)(6)(i) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 262.16(b) Storage of hazardous waste in container area Area must have a containment system designed and operated in accordance with 40 CFR 265.175(b). Storage of RCRA hazardous waste in containers with free liquids - applicable 40 CFR 264.175(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 264.175(a) Area must be sloped or otherwise designed and operated to drain liquid from precipitation, or Containers must be elevated or otherwise protected from contact with accumulated liquid. Storage of RCRA-hazardous waste in containers that do not contain free liquids (other than F020, F021, F022, F023, F026 and F027) - applicable 40 CFR 265.175(c)(l)-(2) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 265.175(c) (l)-(2) Closure of RCRA container storage unit At closure, all hazardous waste and hazardous waste residues must be removed from the containment system. Remaining containers, liners, bases, and soils containing or contaminated with hazardous waste and hazardous waste residues must be decontaminated or removed. | Co in me nt: At closure, as throughout the operating period, unless the owner or operator can demonstrate in accordance with 40 CFR 261.3(d) of this cliapter that the solid waste removed from the containment system is not a hazardous waste, the owner or operator becomes a generator of hazardous waste and must manage it in accordance with all applicable requirements of parts 262 through 266 of this chapter]. Storage of RCRA hazardous waste in containers in a unit with a containment system - applicable 40 CFR 264.178 SCDHEC R. 61-79. 264.178 54 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Temporary on-site storage of rcmediation waste in staging piles (e.g., excavated soils) Must be located within the contiguous property under the control of the owner/operator where the wastes arc to be managed in the staging pile originated. For purposes of this section, storage includes mixing, sizing, blending or other similar physical operations so long as intended to prepare the wastes for subsequent management or treatment. Accumulation of non-flowing hazardous remediation waste (or remediation waste otherwise subject to land disposal restrictions) as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 260.10 -applicable 40 C.F.R. § 264.554(a) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(a) Staging piles may be used to store hazardous remediation waste (or remediation waste otherwise subject to land disposal restrictions) based on approved standards and design criteria designated for that staging pile. Note: Design and standards of the staging pile should be included in CERCLA Remedial Design document approved or issued by EPA. 40 CFR § 264.554(b) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(b) Performance criteria for staging piles Staging Pile must be designed to: • facilitate a reliable, effective and protective remedy; • prevent or minimize releases of hazardous wastes and constituents into the environment, and minimize or adequately control cross-media transfer as necessary to protect human health and the environment (e.g., use of liners, covers, run-off/run-on controls); 40 C.F.R. § 264.554(d)(l)(i) and (ii) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(d)(l)(i) and (ii) Operation of a staging pile Must not operate for more than 2 years, except when an operating term extension under 40 CFR 264.554(i) is granted. Note: Must measure the 2-year limit (or other operating term specified) from first time remediation waste placed in staging pile. 40 C.F.R. § 264.554(d)(l)(iii) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(d)(l)(iii) Must not use staging pile longer than the length of time designated by EPA in appropriate decision document 40 CFR § 264.554(h) Extension of up to an additional 180 days beyond the operating term limit may be granted provided the continued operation of the staging pile: • Will not pose a threat to human health and the environment; and • Is necessary to ensure timely and efficient implementation of remedial actions at the facility. 40 CFR 264.554(i)(l)(i) and (ii) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(i)( 1 )(i) and (ii) 55 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Design criteria for staging pile In setting standards and design criteria, must consider the following factors: • Length of time pile will be in operation; • Volumes of waste you intend to store in the pile; • Physical and chemical characteristics of the wastes to be stored in the unit; • Potential for releases from the unit; • Hydrogeological and other relevant environmental conditions at the facility that may influence the migration of any potential releases; and • Potential for human and environmental exposure to potential releases from the unit. 40 CFR § 264.554(d)(2)(i)-(vi) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(d) (2) (i) - (vi) Operation of staging pile Must not place ignitable or reactive remediation waste in a staging pile unless the remediation waste has been treated. rendered, or mixed before placed in the staging pile so that: • The remediation waste no longer meets the definition of ignitable or reactive under 40 CFR 261.21 or 40 CFR 261.23; and • You have complied with 40 CFR §264.17(b); or Must manage the remediation waste to protect it from exposure to anv material or condition that may cause it to ignite or react. Storage of ignitable or reactive remediation waste in staging pile— applicable. 40 CFR §264.554(e)(l)-(2) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(e)(l)-(2) Must not place in the same staging pile unless you have complied with 40 CFR § 264.17(b) Storage of "incompatible" remediation waste (as defined in 40 CFR §260.10) in staging pile in - applicable 40 CFR § 264.554(f)(1) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(f)(1) Must separate the incompatible waste or materials, or protect them from on another by using a dike. bcrm. wall, or other device. Staging pile of remediation waste stored nearby to incompatible wastes or materials in containers, other piles, open tanks or land disposal units— applicable. 40 CFR § 264.554(f)(2) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(f)(2) Must not pile remediation waste on same base where incompatible wastes or materials were previously piled unless you have sufficiently decontaminated the base to comply with 40 CFR § 264.17(b). 40 CFR §264.554(f)(3) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(f)(3) 56 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Closure of staging piles of remediation waste Must be closed within 180 days after the operating term by removing or decontaminating all remediation waste, contaminated containment system components, and structures and equipment contaminated with waste and leachatc. Storage of remediation waste in staging pile in previously contaminated area - applicable 40 CFR §264.554(j)(l) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554®(1) Must decontaminate contaminated sub-soils in a manner that EPA determines will protect human and the environment. 40 CFR §264.554(j)(2) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(j)(2) Must be closed within 180 days after the operating term according to 40 CFR §§ 264.258(a) and 264. 111. or 265.258(a) and 265. 111. Storage of remediation waste in staging pile in uncontaminated area - applicable 40 CFR §264.554(k) SCDHEC R. 61- 79.264.554(k) Waste Treatment / Off-Site Disposal —Primary Wastes (e.g., contaminated media) and Secondary Wastes (e.g., contaminated equipment and PPE) Disposal of solid waste Shall ultimately dispose of solid w aste at facilities and/or sites permitted or registered by the Department for processing or disposal of that waste stream. Generation of solid w aste intended for off-site disposal - relevant and appropriate SCDHEC R. 61- 107.5(D)(3) Disposal of RCRA- hazardous waste in an off-site land-based unit May be land disposed if it meets the requirements in the table "Treatment Standards for Hazardous Waste" at § 268.40 before land disposal. Land disposal, as defined in 40 CFR 268.2, of restricted RCRA waste - applicable 40 CFR 268.40(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79 §268.40(a) All underlying hazardous constituents (as defined in 268.2(i)) must meet the Universal Treatment Standards, found in § 268.48, Table Universal Treatment Standards, prior to land disposal as defined in § 268.2(c). Land disposal of restricted RCRA characteristic wastes (D001-D043) that are not managed in a wastewater treatment system that is regulated under the CWA, that is CWA equivalent, or that is injected into a Class 1 nonhazardous injection well - applicable 40 CFR 268.40(e) SCDHEC R. 61-79 §26SA0(e) Must be treated according to the alternative treatment standards in 268.49(c) or must be treated according to the Universal Treatment Standards (UTS) [specified in 268.48 Table UTS] applicable to the listed and/or characteristic waste contaminating the soil prior to land disposal. Land disposal, as defined in 40 CFR 268.2, of restricted hazardous soils - applicable 40 CFR 268.49(b) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.49f&; To determine whether a hazardous waste identified in this section exceeds the applicable treatment standards of 40 CFR 268.40, the initial generator must test a sample of the waste extract or the entire waste, depending on whether the treatment standards arc expressed as concentration in the waste extract or waste, or the generator may use knowledge of Land disposal of RCRA toxicity characteristic wastes (D004-D011) that arc newly identified (i.e., wastes or soil identified by the TCLP but not the Extraction Procedure) - applicable 40 CFR 268.34(f) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.34(f) 57 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation the waste. If the waste contains constituents (including UHCs in the characteristic wastes) in excess of the applicable UTS levels in 40 CFR 268.48, the waste is prohibited from land disposal, and all requirements of part 268 arc applicable, except as otherwise specified. Disposal of RCRA- hazardous waste soil in a land-based unit You must comply with LDRs prior to placing soil that exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste, or exhibited a characteristic of hazardous waste at the time it was generated, into a land disposal unit. Land disposal, as defined in 40 CFR 268.2, of restricted hazardous soils - applicable 40 CFR 268.49(a) SCDHEC R. 61-79. 268.49(a) Treatment of RCRA hazardous waste soil Prior to land disposal, all "constituents subject to treatment." as defined in 268.49(d), must be treated as follows: Treatment of restricted hazardous waste soils - applicable 40 CFR 268.49(c)(1) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.49(c)(1) For non-metals, except carbon disulfide, cvclohexanone. and methanol, treatment must achieve a 90 percent reduction in total constituent concentrations, except as provided in 268.49(c)(1)(C). 40 CFR 268.49(c)(1)(A) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.49(c)(1)(A) For metals and carbon disulfide, cvclohexanone. and methanol, treatment must achieve a 90 percent reduction in total constituent concentrations as measure in leachatc from the treated media (tested according to TCLP) or 90 percent reduction in total constituent concentrations (when a metal removal technology is used), except as provided in 268.49 (c)(1)(C). 40 CFR 268.49(c)(1)(B) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.49(c)(1)(B) When treatment of any constituent subject to treatment to a 90 percent reduction standard would result in a concentration less than 10 times the Universal Treatment Standard (UTS) for that constituent, treatment to achieve constituent concentrations less than 10 times the UTS is not required. UTS arc identified in 268.48 Table UTS. 40 CFR 268.49(c)(1)(C) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.49(c)(1)(C) In addition to the treatment requirement required by paragraph (c)(1) of 268.49, soils must be treated to eliminate these characteristics. Soils that exhibit the characteristic of ignitability. corrosivity. or reactivity intended for land disposal - applicable 40 CFR 268.49(c)(2) SCDHEC R. 61-79 268.49(c)(2) Provides methods on how to demonstrate compliance with the alternative treatment standards for contaminated soils that will be land disposed. Treatment of restricted hazardous waste soils - TBC Guidance on Demonstrating Compliance with LDR Alternative Soil Treatment 58 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation Standards, U.S. EPA 530- R-02-003 (Julv 2002) Disposal of RCRA wastewaters into CWA wastewater treatment unit Wastes that are hazardous only because they exhibit a hazardous characteristic, and which are otherwise prohibited under this part, arc not prohibited | fro in land disposal] if the waste meet any of the following criteria, unless the wastes arc subject to a specified method of treatment other than DEACT in §268.40, or arc D003 reactive cyanide: (i) The wastes arc managed in a treatment system which subsequently discharges to waters of the U.S. pursuant to a permit issued under section 402 of the Clean Water Act [SC R.61-9 and R. 61-68]; or (ii) The wastes arc treated for purposes of the prctrcatmcnt requirements of section 307 of the Clean Water Act [SC R. 61-9 and R.61-68]; or (iii) The wastes arc managed in a zero discharge system engaged in Clean Water Act-cquivalcnt treatment as defined in 268.37(a); and (iv) The wastes no longer exhibit a prohibited characteristic at the point of land disposal (i.e., placement in a surface impoundment). Restricted RCR A characteristic hazardous wastewaters managed in a wastewater treatment system —applicable 40 CFR §268.1(c)(4) SCDHEC R. 61-79 §268.1(c)(4) Prctrcatnicnt standards for discharges into POTW A user may not introduce into a POTW any pollutants which cause pass through or interference (as defined in 403.3). Introducing pollutants into POTW (defined in 40 CFR 403.3) by a user whether or not user is subject to other National Prctrcatnicnt Standards or national. State, or local prctrcatnicnt requirements - applicable 40 CFR §403.5(a)(1) SCDHEC R.61-9 §403.5(a)(1) The following pollutants shall not be introduced into a POTW: (1) pollutants which create a fire or explosion hazard, including waste streams with a closed cup flashpoint of < 140 °F or 60 °C, using test methods specified in 40 CFR 261.21; (2) pollutants which will cause corrosive structural damage, but in no case discharges with pH < 5.0, unless POTW is designed to accommodate such discharges; (3) solid or viscous pollutants in amounts which will cause obstruction to flow resulting in interference; 40 CFR §403.5(b)(l)-(8) SCDHEC R.61-9 §403.5(b)(l)-(8) 59 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation (4) any pollutant, including oxygen demanding pollutants (BOD) released in a discharge at flow rate and/or pollutant concentration which will cause interference; (5) heat in amounts which will inhibit biological activity resulting in interference, but in no case heat in quantities causing temperature at POTW to exceed 40°C (104°F) unless alternate temperature limits approved by POTW; (6) petroleum oil. nonbiodegradable cutting oil. or products of mineral oil origin in amounts that will cause interference or pass through; (7) pollutants which result in presence of toxic gases, vapors, or fumes within POTW in quantity that may cause acute worker health and safety problems; and (8) any trucked or hauled pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the POTW. Where specific prohibitions or limits on pollutants or pollutant parameters arc developed by a POTW in accordance with paragraph (c) above, such limits shall be deemed Prctrcatment Standards for the purposes of section 307(d) of CWA. 40 CFR §403.5(d) SCDHEC R.61-9 §403.5(d) Transportation of Wastes Transportation of hazardous waste on-site The generator manifesting requirements of §262.20 and §262.32(b) do not apply. Generator or transporter must comply with the requirements set forth in §§263.30 and 263.31 in the event of a discharge of hazardous waste on a private or public right-of-way. Transportation of hazardous wastes on a public or private right-of-way within or along the border of contiguous property under the control of the same person, even if such contiguous property is divided by a public or private right-of- way - applicable 40 CFR §262.20(0 SCDHEC R. 61-79 §262.200 Transportation of hazardous waste off-site Must comply with the generator requirements of §§ 262.20-23 for manifesting. §262.30 for packaging. §262.31 for labeling. § 262.32 for marking. §262.33 for placarding. §§262.40, 262.41(a) for record keeping requirements, and §262.12 to obtain EPA ID number. Generator who initiates the off-site shipment of RCRA-hazardous waste - applicable 40 CFR §262.10(h) SCDHEC R. 61-79 §262.10(h) Must comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 263.11-263.31. A transporter who meets all applicable requirements of 49 CFR 171-179 and the requirements of 40 CFR 263.11 and 263.31 Transportation of hazardous waste within the United States requiring a manifest - applicable 40 CFR § 263.10(a) 60 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision Action Requirements Prerequisite Citation will be deemed in compliance with 40 CFR 263. Transportation of hazardous materials Shall be subject to and must comply with all applicable provisions of the HMTA and DOT HMR at 49 CFR 171-180. Any person who, under contract with a department or agency of the federal government, transports "in commerce," or causes to be transported or shipped, a hazardous material - applicable 49 CFR §171.1(c) Transportation of samples (i.e., solid waste, soils and wastewaters) Are not subject to any requirements of 40 CFR Parts 261 through 268 or 270 when: • the sample is being transported to a laboratory for the purpose of testing; or • the sample is being transported back to the sample collector after testing. • the sample is being stored by sample collector before transport to a lab for testing. Samples of solid waste or a sample of water, soil for purpose of conducting testing to determine its characteristics or composition - applicable 40 CFR §261.4(d)(l)(i)- (iii) SCDHEC R. 61-79 §26\A(d) (1) In order to qualify for the exemption in 40 CFR 261.4 (d)(l)(i) and (ii), a sample collector shipping samples to a laboratory must: • Comply with U.S. DOT. U.S. Postal Service, or any other applicable shipping requirements. • Assure that the information provided in (1) thru (5) of this section accompanies the sample. • Package the sample so that it docs not leak, spill, or vaporize from its packaging. 40 CFR 261.4(d)(2) 40 CFR 261.4(d)(2) (ii)(A) and (B) SCDHEC R. 61-79 261 A(d) (2)(ii)(A) and (B) ARAR = applicable or relevant and appropriate requirement CFR = Code of Federal Regulations CVVA = Clean Water Act of 1972 DEACT = deactivation DOT = U.S. Department of Transportation EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency HMR = Hazardous Materials Regulations HMTA = Hazardous Materials Transportation Act LDR = Land Disposal Restrictions NPDES = National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System RCR A = Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 SCDHEC = South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control TBC = to be considered TCLP = Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure UHC = underlying hazardous constituents UTS = Universal Treatment Standard WVVTU = Wastewater Treatment Unit 61 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 Table A-5: Chemical-Specific ARARs/TBC for OU3 at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site Chemical-Specific ARARs A ction/Media Requirements Prerequisite Citation Classification of ground water All South Carolina groundwater that is a potential underground source of drinking water is classified Class GB under SCDHEC R. 61-68H.9. Groundwater, except within mixing zones, within the state of South Carolina - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-68H.2 Restoration of ground water as a potential drinking water source All inorganic and organic contaminants in underground sources of drinking water may not exceed Maximum Contaminant levels (MCLs) as set forth in SCDHEC R.61-58, State Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Shall not exceed the Safe Drinking Water Act National Revised Primary Drinking Water Regulations: MCLs for organic contaminants specified in 40 CFR § 141.61 and inorganic contaminants specified in 40 CFR § 141.62. Groundwater classified as underground source of drinking water (USDW) as (defined in SCDHEC Reg. 61-68B.62) - relevant and appropriate SCDHEC R. 61-68H.9.b (Groundwater Quality Standards for Class GB Ground Waters) 40 CFR Part 141 Subpart G {National Primary Drinking Water Regulations) Shall not exceed concentrations or amounts such as to interfere with use. actual or intended, as determined by SCDHEC. Presence of waste, pesticides, other synthetic organic compounds, deleterious substances, or constituents thereof not specified in SCDHEC R. 61-68H.9aorb. in Class GB groundwater - relevant and appropriate SCDHEC R. 61-68H.9.C Discharge to surface water Any discharge into waters of the State must be permitted by the Department and receive a degree of treatment and/or control which shall produce an effluent which is consistent with the Act, the Clean Water Act (P L. 92-500, 95-217, 97- 117, 100-4), this regulation, and related regulations. NOTE: Under CERCL A Section 121(e) permits arc not required for on-site response actions. Instead, discharges must meet any applicable effluent limits or other substantive requirements in order to protect the water quality of the receiving water. Discharge of pollutants (including toxic substances) into waters of the State of South Carolina - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-68E.4.a All ground and surface waters All ground waters and surface waters of the State shall at all times, regardless of flow, be free from: a. Sewage, industrial waste, or other waste that will settle to form sludge deposits that arc unsightly, putrescent, or odorous to such degree as to create a nuisance, or interfere with classified water uses or existing water uses; b. Floating debris, oil. grease, scum, and other floating material attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or other Standards applicable to all waters of the State - applicable SCDHEC R. 61-68E.5 GENERAL RULES AND STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL WATERS 62 ------- US Finishing/Cone Mills OU3 Record of Decision September 2023 waste in amounts sufficient to be unsightly to such a degree as to create a nuisance or interfere with classified water uses or existing water uses; c. Sewage, industrial, or other waste which produce taste or odor or change the existing color or physical, chemical, or biological conditions in the receiving waters or aquifers to such a degree as to create a nuisance, or interfere with classified water uses (except classified uses within mixing zones as described in this regulation) or existing water uses; and. d. High temperature, toxic, corrosive, or deleterious substances attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or other waste in concentrations or combinations which interfere with classified water uses (except classified uses within mixing zones as described in this regulation), existing water uses, or which are harmful to human, animal, plant or aquatic life. ARAR = applicable or relevant and appropriate requirement CVVA = Clean Water Act of 1972 CFR = Code of Federal Regulations EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SCDHEC = South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control 63 ------- APPENDIX A State of South Carolina Concurrence A-l ------- T^dhec Healthy People. Healthy Communities. September 21, 2023 Caroline Y. Freeman, Director Superfurid & Emergency Management Division US EPA, Region IV Atlanta Federal Center 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Re: State Concurrence for Record of Decision of OU3: Sitewide Groundwater U.S. Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site Greenville, South Carolina SCD003358744 Dear Ms. Freeman: The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control {SCDHEC or Department) has received the request for written concurrence on the Environmental Protection Agency {EPA) decision to proceed with the Record of Decision (ROD) of OU3: Sitewide Groundwater for the U.S. Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site located in Greenville, South Carolina. The Department has reviewed and concurs with all parts of the ROD for OU3 dated September 2023. In concurring with this ROD, the Department agrees that the Remedy was selected in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), 42 United States Code (USC) §9601 et seq., as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), and, to the extent practicable, the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), 40 CFR Part 300, as amended. The Selected Remedy, Alternative GW4, includes In-Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR), In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation (ISEB), and Institutional Controls. This remedy involves the injection of reagents (a chemical reductant for ISCR and an electron donor for ISEB to immobilize hexavalent chromium by conversion to trivalent chromium) into the saprolite and bedrock aquifers to treat groundwater contamination and the implementation of institutional controls to restrict groundwater use and to prevent well installation in the groundwater plume. The selected remedy meets the Threshold Criteria and provides the best balance of tradeoffs among the other alternatives with respect to balancing and modifying criteria. It addresses chromium impacted groundwater and is expected to meet the statutory requirements under CERCLA Section 121(b). S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control 2600 Bull Street. Columbia. SC 29201 (803)898-3432 www.scdhec.gov ------- Ms. Freeman Page 2 The Selected Remedy for the U.S. Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Sitewide groundwater is estimated to cost $9,500,000 for OU3. The cost estimate is based on a 30-year timeframe and all available information regarding the scope of the response actions. The estimate may change as a result of new information and data collected during the Remedial Design phase. SCDHEC agrees that the Selected Remedy presented in the ROD is protective of human health and the environment, complies with Federal and State requirements that are applicable or relevant and appropriate to the remedial action, are cost-effective, and utilize permanent solutions and alternative treatment technologies to the maximum extent practicable. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the ROD. if you have any questions concerning the Department's concurrence, please feel free to contact Susan Fulmer at (803) 898-4331. Henry J. Porter, Chief Bureau of Land and Waste Management cc: Glenn Adams, EPA Region 4 Scott Martin, EPA Region 4 Scott Miller, EPA Region 4 G. Ken Taylor, BLWM R. Gary Stewart, BLWM Susan Fulmer, BLWM Sara MacDonald, BLWM Natalie Kirkpatrick, EA Update Greenville Region File # 50936 Sincerely, ------- APPENDIX B Comment and Response Index B-l ------- U.S. Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site, Operable Unit 3 (OU3) Public Meeting July 11, 2023 Question &Answer Session/Responsiveness Summary The following questions were asked by attendees during the public meeting held on July 11, 2023, at Parisview Baptist Church, Greenville, South Carolina, during the Q&A session following EPA's presentation of the proposed plan for OU3 - Site-wide Groundwater. The EPA's responses are provided below. How long/how many injections will there be? The number of injections needed will be determined during the remedial design process. A round of injections may take 4 to 6 months to implement. It is anticipated that multiple rounds of injections may be needed over a period of years. The estimated time frame to achieve remedial action objectives is 2 to 15 years depending on the response of contamination to treatment. Was Langston Creek tested? Yes. Surface water and sediment samples were collected in Langston Creek as part of the remedial investigation in 201 1, 2012, 2013, and 2016. The results of the sampling indicated that no remedial action was necessary. Langston Creek was deleted from the National Priorities List in September 2021. Can anything be built during this time? Yes. Construction on the Main Facility area can begin during the time of groundwater remediation. Limitations on construction in the area of groundwater remediation may be needed until cleanup goals are achieved. Is this federally funded? Where will the funds come from? The US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site is a fund lead remedial action. The federal government will fund the remedial action for OU3: Sitewide Groundwater. W ho purchased the Site? Approximately 150 acres of the OU2: Off Main Facility area have been purchased by the Cone Mills Acquisition Group (CMAG). EPA determined No Action was warranted for OU2 and thus OU2 was deleted from the National Priorities List in September 2021. How deep is the plume? The depth of the contaminated groundwater plume varies across the Site and can be found as deep as 50 feet below ground surface. B-2 ------- Could there be concerns regarding community gardens? The groundwater contamination is located on Site and, based on information currently available to the EPA, there are no community gardens within the extent of the plume. Who is responsible for removing the old bleachery and what is the time frame to make it visibly attractive? The Record of Decision for OIJ1: Main Facility was approved in June of 2022. The selected remedy calls for the demolition of the remaining Main Facility slab, removal of contaminated soils under the main slab area, and institutional controls to protect to areas used to contain demolition material and Asbestos Containing Material (ACM). The OIJ 1 remedy will be implemented by the EPA fund lead or under EPA's oversight pursuant to a voluntary cleanup agreement with a prospective developer. Are the new water/sewer lines being installed by Greenville County impacting the plumes? EPA does not anticipate that the installation of new water and sewer lines would impact the groundwater plume. The pond lake view, when was it sampled and what action was taken? The Northern Reservoir, across from Lakeview Middle School, had soil and groundwater samples taken during the remedial investigation. The results of the sampling indicated that no remedial action was necessary. The area was deleted from the National Priorities List in September 2021. The areas that EPA states does not require action, will the eventually require cleanup action? Areas that were designated as No Action by the EPA will not receive remedial action from the EPA. What about the water treatment area that is full of water near brooks, a pond? Will they rehome the turtles? The aeration lagoon located near Brooks Avenue was designated as a No Action area by the EPA and removed from the National Priorities List in February 2023. Future use of this area has yet to be determined. B-3 ------- Can you explain the nuances of the Brownfield cleanup versus EPA cleanup? Superfund sites are uncontrolled or abandoned sites or properties where hazardous waste or other contamination is located. A contaminated site is generally considered a "Superfund site" if the federal government is or plans to be involved in cleanup efforts. Many of these sites are listed on the National Priorities List (NPL). The federal government may provide funding for the cleanup efforts or direct a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) to conduct the cleanup. Brownfield sites are real properties, the expansion, development, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Generally, the federal government is not involved at brownfields. Rather, state and tribal response programs play a significant role in cleaning up and helping to revitalize these sites, frequently through state voluntary cleanup programs. What is a VCC? A VCC is a voluntary cleanup contract conducted under the state Brownfields program. What are the extra requirements of state/brownfields that EPA does not do? Extra requirements required by the state Brownfield program are varied. Additional requirements may be needed depending on the future use of an area under the Brownfield program. For example, if the EPA determined an area required remediation to levels acceptable for industrial/commercial uses based on the existing or reasonably anticipated land use for the Site, but a new owner/developer later wants to use the area for residential use, additional cleanup may be required by the state and could be conducted by the new owner under the state Brownfield program through a voluntary cleanup contract. How is the groundwater different form the drinking water being used by the city? While the groundwater at the Site is designated as a potential source of drinking water the City of Greenville does not use groundwater as a source of drinking water. Greenville utilizes Table Rock Reservoir, North Saluda Reservoir, and Lake Keowee to obtain drinking water. When you dig for water/development does the evaporated water then create air contamination from the contamination in the water? No. Any vapors from excavation of soil or treatment of groundwater are not a risk as a source of air contamination. If water does become contaminated, what are the chances of health risks for the neighborhood due to the groundwater injections? The groundwater on the main facility is currently contaminated with the main contaminant of concern being chromium. The purpose of the injections is to treat the contaminated groundwater. Treatment will decrease the chances of health risks to the neighborhood. The surrounding neighborhoods utilize City water so residents are not exposed to the groundwater. B-4 ------- What kind of chemical is leaking/exists in the groundwater? How much has been cleaned up? The main contaminant of concern in the groundwater is chromium. Prior to facility closure in 2003 due to fire, a pump and treat system was operated by the facility under state oversight to treat groundwater. The EP A does not know the exact detail of how much groundwater was treated, but the system operated for over 20 years. The EPA's selected OU3 groundwater remedy will utilize additional active treatment measures to address remaining contamination in the plume. Are there any effects on the ecosystem from the injections? No. Negative impacts to the ecosystem are not anticipated from treating the groundwater contamination. Did you retest after destroying the structures/trees? No. The EPA did not sample after the structures/trees located in portions of OU2: Off Main Facility were cleared by the new owner of the [northern] portion of the former Cone Mills property. Approximately 150 acres of OU2 qualified as No Action in the Superfund program. These areas were deleted from the federal Superfund Program's National Priorities List in September 2021 and require no further action by the EPA. Will you test to see if there is any runoff in the creeks/ponds after cleanup? Groundwater monitoring will be conducted as part of the remedial action for OU3: Sitewide Groundwater. Surface water sampling of Langston Creek and the Reedy River may be conducted as part of the post remedial action for OU3, but that has not been determined at this time. B-5 ------- Frcends August 10, 2023 To Whom This May Concern, Friends of the Reedy River (FoRR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Greenville, South Carolina dedicated to promoting, preserving, and restoring the Reedy River. We accomplish this through education, advocacy, and action to fulfill our vision of a safe, clean, and accessible river corridor that enhances the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors. Founded in 1993, Friends of the Reedy River is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the restoration and preservation of tributaries and wetlands within the Reedy River watershed. We advocate for improved watershed management to minimize stormwater impacts and sedimentation, community activation and volunteerism, water quality monitoring, and public education initiatives. FoRR has a vested interest in the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site (the Site) due to its abundant riparian lands adjacent to the Reedy River and Langston Creek. As advocates for the restoration of these waterways, we recognize the contamination and degradation of the groundwater at the Site could have significant ramifications on downstream water quality, adversely increasing health risk to local communities and decreasing the viability of the Reedy River as a drinking water source. Moreover, the Site is surrounded by communities that have a legacy of bearing the impacts of pollution. The residents of these areas, many of whom belong to economically disadvantaged groups, already face numerous environmental challenges, with the surrounding neighborhood exceeding national and state averages for all thirteen Environmental Justice indices provided in EPA's EJScreen Environmental Justice Mapping Tool (see attachment). The potential exposure to hazardous substances from the Site poses severe health and economic risks to these communities, making the remediation efforts even more crucial to ensuring environmental justice and equitable access to clean water. Furthermore, the area surrounding the Site is experiencing rapid development and growth. As this region of the watershed undergoes significant urbanization, there is an increased risk of exacerbating existing environmental issues and contaminant spread. By addressing the contamination promptly and comprehensively, the EPA's cleanup efforts will not only protect the environment but also support sustainable and responsible development in the long term. After reviewing the Proposed Plan for the Operable Unit 3 (OU3) at the Site, FoRR fully supports the preferred remedial alternative of GW-4, combining in-situ chemical reduction, Post Office Box 9351 • Greenville, South Carolina 29604 ------- enhanced bioremediation, and institutional controls. We support this alternative as it provides a portfolio of interventions and will achieve the highest level of reduction in contamination within the shortest time frame. FoRR, a now 30-year-old organization, has a deep history and connection with the communities of Greenville. As such, we would like to offer our resources and capacity to assist the EPA with the solicitation of community engagement and feedback in this process to the best of our ability. While we understand that this process is well under way as OIJ1 and 2 have already been delisted as NPL sites, we appreciate the significance of completing contamination clean up of this site. Additionally, we want to highlight the significance of preparing the community that has been historically impacted by this pollution as they will see new pressures, namely development of these sites. We also welcome collaboration with those involved in the redevelopment following the delisting of the Site. Sincerely, Friends of the Reedy River P.O. Box 9351 Greenville, SC 29604 i nfo@fri endsofthereedy ri ver.org j osi e@fri endsofthereedy ri ver.org Attachment: EJ Screen Environmental Justice Mapping Tool Sans Souci.pdf Post Office Box 9351 • Greenville, South Carolina 29604 ------- The United States Environmental Protection Agency Memorandum of Public Meeting Minutes for the US Finishing/Cone Mills Site Greenville, South Carolina I am Zariah Lewis the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator for the U.S. Finishing/Cone Mills Site. There was a proposed plan public meeting held on July 11, 2023 in Greenville. South Carolina at the Parisview Baptist Church. The meeting was called to order by Zariah Lewis at 6:35 pm and the agenda/presentation (attached) was presented by Scott Martin, the Remedial Project Manager. The presentation covered the Site's Proposed Plan for the alternative cleanup remedy for Operable Unit 3: Groundwater and notified the community of their options to comment on the proposed plan during the comment period. The presentation ended around 7: 00 p.m. and transitioned to a Q and The meeting was attended by a total of 55 community members. 3 South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control representatives, and 2 representatives from the Prospective Purchasers. Cone Mills Acquisition Group. LLC. The meeting concluded around 7:30 p.m. A court reporter was not hired for the meeting, thus, there is no formal transcription of the meeting. Though there is no formal transcription, Zariah Lewis took note of the questions asked and answ ered during the meeting. Those questions are bulleted below and will also be responded to in writing by EPA in the Record of Decision responsiveness summary. • How long/how many injections will there be? • Langston Creek was blue, was the creek tested'.' • Can anything be built during this time'.' • Going back my first question, after 15 years, will the construction begin or will there be any construction at all? • Is this federally funded'.' Where will the funds come from'.' • Who purchased the Site'.' • How deep is the plume'.' • Could there be concerns regarding community gardens'.' • Who is responsible for removing the old bleachery and what is the time frame to make it visibly attractive'.' • Are the new water/sewer lines being installed by Greenville County impacting the plumes'.' • The pond lake view , when was it sampled and what action was taken'.' • The areas that EPA states does not require action, will the eventually require cleanup action'.' What about the water treatment area that is full of water near the pond'.' Will they rehome the turtles'.' • Can you explain the nuances of the Brow nfield cleanup versus EP A cleanup? • What is a VCC • What are the extra requirements of state/brow nfields that EPA does not do'.' • How is the groundwater different form the drinking water being used by the city? • When you dig for water/development docs the evaporated water then create air contamination from the contamination in the water? • If water does become contaminated, what are the chances of health risks for the neighborhood due to the groundwater injections'.' • What kind of chemical is leaking/exists in the groundw ater'.' How much has been cleaned up'.' • Is there any effects on the ecosystem from the injections'.' • Did you retest after destroying the structures/trees'.' • Will you test to see if there is any runoff in the creeks/ponds after cleanup'.' A. ------- This memo was prepared by Zariah Lewis, the Community Involvement Coordinator, from notes taken during the meeting using the notes function on her cellphone on July 11, 2023 at approximately 7:00 pm. Zariah Lewis EPA Community Involvement Coordinator 61 Forsyth Street Atlanta, Ga 30303 (404) 562-8342 Sincerely. Attachments: OU1 Proposed Plan PowerPoint Presentation ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency OU3 Proposed Plan Summary Presentation 2023 Proposed Plan for OU3 and Administrative Record httDs://www.eDa.aov/suDerfund/us-finishinq-cone-mills The public may review the online Administrative Record at: Hughes Main Library 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC, 29601 (864) 242-5000 Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday-Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Public Comment Period Comments must be submitted by August 11, 2023, Mail U.S. EPA Region 4 Attention: Scott Martin 61 Forsyth Street, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Email Scott Martin, Remedial Project Manager Martin.Scott@epa.gov Zariah Lewis, Community Involvement Coordinator Lewis.Zariah(S)eDa.aov Phone Scott Martin (404) 562-8916 Zariah Lewis (404) 562-8342 ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Process THE SUPERFUND REMEDIAL PROCESS /Issessmenf t i= os ;i Discovery of Preliminary Contamination Assessment Site Inspection National Priorities List (NPL) Site Listing Characterization rf ~ Remedial investigation/ Feasibility Study & Proposed Plan CURRENT STAGE Selection of Remedy Record of Decision Cleanup Remedial in Remedial Action Post-Construction Operation and Maintenance NPL Deletion Five-Year Reviews Community in vofvement and planning for a site's redevelopment are integral fo the entire process ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency SiteC • Located approximately 2.5 miles north of downtown Greenville, SC. • Approximately 260 acres; multiple parcels • Three Operable Units - OU1: Main Facility - OU2: Off Main Facility - OU3: Sitewide Groundwater • The site is currently not in use. ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency • Facility operated as a textile mill, under various owners, for -100 years. • 2003 - American Fast Print closed due to fire destroying main plant. No viable responsible party. • 2011 - EPA listed Site on the National Priority List (NPL) • 2011 - EPA initiated a Time Critical Removal Action at the main facility to remove and contain exposed asbestos resulting from main plant fire. • 2011 - EPA initiated sitewide remedial investigation to assess nature and extent of site contamination. [granbrcokiCti IPJniteyT&rji !NiHaven*Dr- Site History ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Approximately 220-acres Removed From NPL In Sept. 2021 approximately 150-acres were removed from NPL for OU2 after EPA issued No Action ROD for OU2. h fl' w - *.A* SL ¦ -*• ' llx ifcP /¦ i '' ^a! In Feb. 2023, approximately 70-acres were removed from NPL for OU1 main plant areas requiring no action. lA. iiSfe* /4 •• ill#j ¦SI w HW . T- .* r^-au^ iniuffig K * (>.. && * Fm' $m a&W--. "mM' y Bar¦# '; n • „4rV - •¦ ¦ H - |i ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Remedial Investigation (Rl) A sitewide Remedial Investigation was conducted to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the site. This included the analysis of soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater. • This Proposed Plan will focus on the RI that was conducted on the sitewide groundwater. Additional details regarding the sitewide RI can be found in the Administrative Record. ------- United States Environmental Protection Anpn r»\/ Remedial Investigation (Rl) The W-17 screened interval extends through alluvial, saprolhic. and bedrock aquifer materials. Legend Monitor Wells ~ Alluvial ~ Saprolite/Alluvium ~ SapnoJrte ~ Bedrock Recovery ~ Staff Gauge ** Piezometer Abandoned ~ Temporary Wells DPT Discrete Groundwater Sample (Hyrdropuncti) i i Main Plant (AOC 16) I I Gray Warehouse . Site Boundary H—I- Former Railroad Stream/River i ' " « r « 1 1 125 250 500 WGSS4 US Finsshin-gj'Cone Mills Green vrtle, Greenville County South Carolina Figure 3-1 Monitor WeJI Locations Operable Unit 3 ^VERSAR ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Remedial Action Objectives • Prevent exposure of humans to groundwater contaminated with contaminants of concern (COC) concentrations above federal or state primary drinking water standards (i.e., Maximum Contaminant Level, MCL) and health-based cleanup goals in the absence of a MCL for a particular COC. • Restore groundwater to its beneficial use as a potential drinking water source by reducing groundwater COC concentrations to meet federal and state primary drinking water standards (i.e., MCLs) or health-based cleanup goals in the absence of a MCL for a particular COC. ------- Preliminary Remediation Goals for Soils United States Environmental Protection Agency Prelim nary Remedial Goals Groundwater COC PRO (jig/L) Basis Cobalt 9 Hazard Quotient Tevel, Residential, Hazard Quotient = 1 Iron 20.256 Manganese 4.051 Molybdenum 145 Strontium 17,362 2 -Methylnaphthalene 116 4-Chloroaniline 0.4 Cancer Risk Tevel, Residential, 1 x 10"6 Chromium (including Cr+6) 100* MCTs Arsenic 10 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 75 Notes: * = The federal primary drinking water standard (MCL) for total chromium is 0.1 mg/L or 100 ppb. This regulation assumes that a measurement of total chromium is 100 percent chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium), the more toxic form. See https://www. ep a.gov/sdwa/chromium-drinking-water Source: Final Feasibility Study Report for OUT, OU2, and OU3, US Finishing/Cone Mills, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Versar. July 15, 2020. ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Remedial Alternatives • The 2020 Sitewide Feasibility Study Report evaluated four remedial action alternatives for groundwater: Alternative GW1: No Action. Alternative GW2: In-Situ Chemical Reduction and Institutional Controls Alternative GW3: In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation and Institutional Controls Alternative GW4: In-Situ Chemical Reduction, In-Situ Enhanced Bioremediation and Institutional Controls • Alternatives GW2, GW3 and GW4 all involve injections into the aquifers to administer reagents to treat groundwater contamination and implementation of institutional controls to restrict groundwater use and to prevent well installation in the groundwater plume. The alternatives differ regarding the cost and the reagents to be injected. ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Evaluation of Alternatives Threshold Criteria — Overall Protection of Human Health and the Environment — Compliance with Applicable or Relevant & Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) Balancing Criteria — Long-term Effectiveness and Performance — Short-term Effectiveness — Reducing Toxicity/Mobility/Volume Through Treatment — Implementability — Cost Modifying Criteria — State Acceptance mmunitv A mmrn ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Evaluation of Alternatives Effectiveness Implementability Cost In-Situ Chemical in-situ Enhanced No Action Reduction ISCR Bioremediation ISEB and ICs and ICs Protective of Human Health & the Env. Achieves Removal Objectives Reduction of Contamination Short-Term Long-Term Technical Feasibility Availability Capital Cost (conventional injections) Capital Cost (hydro-fracture injections) RESULT ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Preferred Alternative • EPA's Preferred Alternative for 0U3 is Alternative GW4: ISCR, ISEB and Institutional Controls. Alternative GW4 consists of the following remedial activities: • In-situ treatment of highest hexavalent chromium groundwater concentrations using a combination of ISCR and ISEB reagents. • Groundwater monitoring to assess efficacy of treatment and inform additional remedial activities, as needed. Implementation of institutional controls to prohibit groundwater use and to prevent installation of wells near or in groundwater contamination until cleanup levels are met. Cost approximately $ 9,500,000. ------- 20OFeei NADB3 Sate Plane South Caioli assays oEPA Example Injection Points Shallow Aquifer Environmental Protection ® ® Agency Notes 1 i/VpIH; cj-rp»pnori arrncs mnlfiplfl rnrps | alluvial and saprohte) are mended m the saprone (socontour madei 2. &arrf3le points without decectabte chromium mode ted as a zero value ror contouring purposes 3 U - Indicates ctn-omium was analysed far. but not de tccte d -3b ove the sarru le qua nbtabon I mt 4 Apparent discontinuities n chromium (total) isocontours and individual well concmtnjlions are the resiit of a vertical concentration gradient vwthin the saprolite aquifer zone 5 The 1.000 ut/L alluvial isoconloir east of 1he Man Plant is -within the same area as the sa pi elite 1.000 ugfl. saprditc isocartour Legoitd DP T Discrete Groundwater ® Sam pie (H ydiopunch) ~ Tern poraiywalls Monitor ing W*B ~ SsprolteW luvi d ~ saproite ADC 16 Main Ptant 1 Stte Bounttary Stream/River Chromium (Total) l soconcanlraticn (pg/L,i Sapiolila ChiotnuJiri |To1aQ . Grou ndwater C o nee r.ii ato n laoconteur Seproiile Interred Chromium (ToteO ¦ &rou ndwaier C o nee rnrato n Isaconlou r Alkjv ial G id undwaler Concentration laocoirtour Gray Waraho use Proposed Injection Locations (SSftfCitd] 15* aparl with 30' raw spacing Proposed Injection Locations {AjiuviaD 15' apart with 30' row spaetn g March 201* GWEIevaticn Concur US Finishing/Gone Mi#s Greenville. Greenville County South Carolina FIGURE 5-1 Proposed Alluvium/Sapiolite Injection Locations fVERSAR ------- 9 MADB3 Slabs Plana South Carolina torn Wore s. 1 On V ma ritor vw I s screen ed v-ith in die bedrock aie included m the bedrock potenbornetric surface mode! 2 Groundwater elevations were measured Auflust 2,2014. 3. Bedrock wells not shown rrere not gauged on August 2. 2D 14 United States Environmental Prot EW 4' V V * ¦> Legend Monlteitog w«» • BeflrocK AOC16 Main Plant — Site Boundary StrearruRi'/er Chromium (Total) Iscconcentration [ugrt-l Chromium (Toiall ticjndrtattr Concentration bDcorilour In I or rod Chromium (Total) - Groundwater Concentration bocontour Gray "Warehouse P reposed In_£cl5 cn Wei is (H ednxk) 45' apart with 90* row spacing August 20lit GWEIevatlon Contour GreeovtUe County f So uih Carolina US Finishing/Cone Mills Greenville, Greenville County Soutti Carolina FIGURE 5-2 Proposed Bedrock Injection Wells ^ VERSAR ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Questions? ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency Public Comment Period Comments must be submitted by August 11,2023. Mail U.S. EPA Region 4 Attention: Scott Martin 11th Floor 61 Forsyth Street, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Scott Martin, Remedial Project Manager Martin.Scott@epa.gov Email Zariah Lewis, Community Involvement Coordinator Lewis.Zariah@epa.gov Phone Scott Martin (404) 562-8916 Zariah Lewis (404) 562-8342 ------- |