-
UNITED STATES FNvlRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCYRFCI ON [
THE MATTER OF:
C E N T R A L L A N D F I L L
Rhode I s l a n d So . l id Was teM a na ge me n t C o rp o ra t
i on39 P i k e Street"Providence , , RI 02903
/' 6
) U.S. EPA) Docket No. ] -87- 1.016I
P R O C E E D I N G U N D E R SECTION 106 (a) OF THE )C O M P R
E H E N S I VE ENVI R O N M E N T A L RESPONSE, , )COMPENSATION, ,
A N D L I A B I L I T Y ACT OF 1980 )( 4 2 LI . S . C „ S 9 6 0 6 (
a I ) A N D S E'C T I ON 7 0 0 3 )O F T H E R E S O U R C E C O N S
E R V A T I O N A N D R E C O V E R S )ACT ( 4 2 U . S . C . S 6 9
7 3 ) . )
This A d m i n i s t r a t i v e Order by Consent (Consent
Order) is
e n t e r e d in to v o l u n t a r i l y by and be tween the U
n i t e d States ;
E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency ( E P A ) and the
Rhode I s l a n d
s o L i. d Wa s t: e Ma na ge me n t Co r. p o r a t i on ( R I
SWMC 'I . Th e Co ns e n t
0 r d e r c o n c e r n s t h e p r e p a r a t i o n o f t h e
R e m P d i a I "I n ve s t i g
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C o m p e n s a t i o n , and L i a b i l i t y Act o f 1980 ( C
E R C L A ) , 42
U . S ,,C . § 9 6 0 6 ( a ) , a s a m e n d ed b y t h e Su pe r
i:u nd A me n d me in t s
and R e a u t h o r i z a t i o n Act of: 1986 ( S A R A ) . Th
i s a u t h o r i t y was
delegated 1 to the A d m i n i s t r a t o r of: the U n i t e d
States
E n v i r o n m e n t a l P ro t ec t ion Agency ( R P A ) o n A
u g u s t 1 4 , 1981,
by E x e c u t i v e Order 12316, 46 Federal^ Reg__is_te_r 4
,223" '
( r t i - igus t
A d m i n i s t r a t o r , EPA, Reg ion I by EPA Delegation
Nos. 1.4-14-A
and 14-14-C. This Consent Order also Ls issued p u r s u a n
t
to the a u t h o r i t y vested in the A d m i n i s t r a t o r
of E P A by
Section 7003 of the Resource Conservat ion and Recovery
Ac t ( R C R A ) , 42 U . S . C . « 6973 . T h i s a u t h o r i
t y was,
de lega ted to t h e Reg iona l A d m i n i s t r a t o r , EPA,
, Region "[
by EPA Delegat ion Nos. 8-22-A and R - 2 2 - C . Moreover , R T
S W M C
consents to the j u r i s d i c t i o n asserted in th is Order
fo r the
purposes of a n y subsequent proceedings for the e n f o r c e m
e n t
of th i. s Or de r:. P u rs ua n t t o Se c t i on s .1.0 6 ( a
) a rid 1 21 ( f )
ol: C E R C L A , as amended by S A R A , and Section 7003 of R
P R A ,
not ice has been provided to the State of Rhode I s l a n d of:
the
scope of the response a c t i o n governed by t h i s Consent
Order ,
o I: t he nego t i ,=i t i ons w i t h RI S W MC ,, a n d o f:
the i s s u a nce o f
t h i s Consent Order. ,
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
2 . T n e n t e r i n g i n t o th is Consen t Order , , t h e m
u t u a l o b j e c t i v e s
o f R P A a n d R ' [ SWMC are: ( 1 ) t o e v a l u a t e t h e
n a t u r e
and e x t e n t of: any t h r e a t to the p u b l i c h e a l t
h , w e l f a r e
or the e n v i r o n m e n t w h i c h may be caused by the re
lease or
-
.. "I ..
t h i: ea I: e ne d r e .1 e a s e o 1: h a z a r d ou s su hs t
an ces „ po 1 Lu ta n ts ,
o r c o n t am i na n t s Fr om t h e C n t r a I L a n d f i l
l , J o h n s h o n ,
.Rhode island by conducting a Remedial Investigation c:H:
t h e S i t e,, i n a cc o r da n ce w 11 h t h e wo c k p-.l a
n s u h n 111Pd
by RISWMC dated February 1985, entitled "Revised Proposal
for Sampling,, Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting of
C o n d i 11 o n s a t t h e C e n t r a .1 L a n d i! i 11, Joh
ns t. o n, Rho d e i; s 1
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a ny a n d a L 1. ot he r pot e n t i a I ] y r P s p o n s i b
1e p a r t i e s w i t b
r e fe rence to the Si te ,
F I N D I N G S OF FACT
4. RL SWMC is a public: corporation of the State of:
Rhode I s . l a n d created by act of the Rhode I s l a n d G e
n e r a l
Assembly in 1974. The Corporation generates revenue
th rough resource recovery and the sale of its services .
RISWMC has the power to issue negotiable notes and bonds
to achieve its corporate purposes. R I S W M C is able to
cont rac t w i t h e n g i n e e r i n g f i r m s to assist
them in
e n v i. r on me n t a 1 p r o j e c t s .
5. RISWMC present ly owns and operates a sol id waste
1 a n d f: i L1 ( a p p r o x i. rtia t e 1y 1 5 4 a c r e s i.
n s i. z e ) 1 o c a t e cl o n
Shun P ike in J o h n s t o n , Rhode Island,. The land): i LI
was
f o r m e r l y owned and ope ra t ed by the Si 1 ves t r i.
Brothers
u n t i l i ts purchase on December c > , 1980, by R I S W M
C . The
154 acre l a n d f i l l , w i l l h e r e i n a f t e r he
termed the "Site."
6. The Site is located a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1. ,000 fleet f
rom the
n o r t h w e s t e r n edge of S immons Rese rvo i r and a p p
r o x i m a t e l y
3 , 5 0 0 f e e t sou th of the Almy Reservoir. , Cedar
Swamp
B rook is located! a p p r o x i m a t e l y 200 f ee t f r o m
the southern
border of : the l a n d f i l l and f lows sou theas te r ly a l
o n g the
south pe r ime te r of: the Site,, e v e n t u a l l y feed ing
in to the
S i. mmo n s Re s e r v o i r .
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1. The S i t e cons i s t s of a 154 acre r e f u s e d i s p o
s a l
1 L ce n s e d by t he c t a t e o f R h or] p T s 1:) n d , i.
n c 111 d i n q
a o ne - t h i r d a c r e E" o i: me r 11 qu i d h a z a r d ou
:=; »/a s t e d L s p oc; a 1
a r e a , T h e h a z a r d o u s w a s t e d i s p o s a l a
rea w a s o p e r a t e d
f r o m December , 1976 t o M a y 3 0 , 1979 . I n J u l y 1 9 H
2 , t he
h a z a r d o u s w a s t e d i sposa l a rea w a s closed! w i
t h 20 f e e t
ol: b o u l d e c s and g r a n u l a r f i l l , 5 f e e t of:
f l y a s h , a 20
m i l P V C l i n e r , 10 f e e t o f F l y a sh and! a 2 - foo
t g r a n u l a r
f i l l cover. From M a y 1 9 7 9 u n t i l t h e i n s t a l l
a t i o n
of the PVC l i n e r , the hazardous waste disposal area
was used for sewage sludge disposal. , .
8 , Based upon h a z a r d o u s was te m a n i f e s t s on f i
l e a t the
Rhode I s l and Hep art: merit of Envi ronmenta l Management
( R T D E M ) , it is es t ima ted t h a t d u r i n g 1978 and
1 9 7 9
a p p i: o x i ma t e I / I „ 5 irri i. 111 on g a 11 ons o f h
a z, a r d ou R wa s t e
gene ra ted in Rhode ' I s l a n d 1 were d i s p o s e d of at
the S i t e .
9. T h e h a z a r d o u s waste m a n i f e s t s o n f i l e
at R I D E M
i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e was te s d i s p o s e d oF at t h
e S i te i n c l u d e
a qu e ou s s o 1 u t i ons o 1! 1 a t e x wa p t: e , a c i d w
a s t e , c or r os i v e
w a s t e , w a t e r soluble o i l s and waste s o l v e n t s
, such as
me t: h y I e n e c h Lo r i de, t o 1 ue n e „ 1 , 1 , 1 1r i c
h I or o e t: h a ne a n d
t e t ra c h 1 o r oe t h y 1 e ne .
I 0 ., ft m o n 11 o r i nq w e 11 n e t wo r k t h a t i n c L
u d e s m o n i i o r i n q
w e l l s a r o u n d tour s i d e s o f t h e S i t e has been
i n s t a l l e d
a n d h a s c; h < 3 w n t h a t c o n t:a rn i n a n t: s n
a y h a ve be < > n r 1 e a s o d
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... A
f ron the s i t e . Sanpl.es f r o m these wel l s were E ' l i
r s t . t aken
on O c t o b e r 1 4 , 1980,. Resu l t s f r o m this s a m p l
i n g and
add i t i ona l sampling since 1980, indicate that the fo l l
owing
c o n t a m i n a n t s ace present, in the ground watec along
the
s o u t h e r n and noi: t hea s t e r rn boundar ies of the
site: chloro™
ben z e n e , b en zen e, t o 1 uene , 1 ,1, .1. -1 r ic h1oc o
ethan e,. t et r a
c h 1 o ro e t hy 1 ene , 1 , 1 ••••d i. c h 1 o r o e t han e,
1 , 2 •••d i ch1o t: o e thein e,
xy lene and m e t h y l e n e c h l o r i d e . Along the sou
thern boundary ,
the levels of contamination range from 550 parts per billion
( p p b ) of chlorobenzene (October 14, 1982) to trace
c o n t a m i n a n t s in wel l s located alone:] the face c
loses t to S h u n
P ike Along the northeastern boundary of: the Si te in wel
ls
located around the sludge disposal area and the fo rmer
haza rdous was te disposal a r ea , the levels of c o n t a m i
n a t i o n
are as h igh as 34 ,000 ppb of chloro benzene ( J a n u a r y 1
9 8 3 ) .
I 1 „ Trace amounts of 1 ,1 , 1-tnchloroethane , 1. , 1-d.i c
lnloroet ban e ,
i: et r ach ioroet hy lene , t r i c h l o r o e t h y iene, to
Luene and me thy 1 ene
c h l o r i d e have been detected in d r i n k . i n g water
well samples
t aken f rom homes located in the area s u r r o u n d i n g the
site.
These subs tances have been shown in s c i e n t i f i c s
tudies to
h av e ad v e r se e f E e c t s o n h uma n h e a 11 h.. Ho mes
w i. t h h i g h
levels have been connected to pub l i c water or suppl ied
bo t t l ed w a t e r . The source of these chemica l s has
not
y e t b e e n d e t e r nined ..
12 . The p re sence u f these c h e m i c a l s i n the y r o u
n d w a t e r u n d e r
am] a d ] a c e n t to the Si te i n d i c a t e s t h a t t h e
l a n d f i l l
r e 1 e a s e s co n t amL n a 11 on i. n t o t: h e e n v i ron
men t.
http:Sanpl.es
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1 3 . Da I: =J cn 1 1 ec t e d f! r n m t h e s a r f- a ce w a
t e r s a m p 1 e s f r o tn
Ceda r S w a m p Brook d o w n s t r e a m of t h e S i t e i n
d i c a t e s t h e
p r e s e n c e o f 1 , 1 , 1 -• t. r i c h 1 o r o e t h a n e
, c h 1 o r ob e n z e n e a n ti
benzene in the s t r e a m . " I t i s suspected t h a t the
c o n t a rn i na t i o n h a s o r i. g i n a I: e d f c o rn
re .1. e a s e s a t t h e s i t e .
1 4 „ E P A h a s d e t e r m i ned t Ih a t e nv i r o nm e n t
a L c o n t a m i n a t i o n
i n t h e a r ea o f: t h e S i t e ma y p os e a p r e s e n t:
o r p o t: e n t i a L
threat to avian and mammalian species or wildlife that
r e s i d e a n d f e e d u p o n t h e w a t e r , v e g e t a
t: i on ,, o r g a nis ms a n d
other animals in the re g ion of the Site.,
1 5. P u r: s ua n t t o Se c t i on 10 ':> f B )( b ) o I: C
ER C LA , 4 2 U „ S . C ,.
S 9 6 0 5 ( 8 M b ) , the S i te was proposed Cor i n c l u s i
o n on the
N a t i. on .a 1 P r i. o r i t i e s L i s t ( M P L ) pu b 1 i
s h e d by t h e
A d m i n i s t r a t o r of! EPA in t h e Federal Ri-'Sister i
n
October , .1984 .
16 . EPA has budgeted f u n d s f o r EPA pe r sonne l and
contractors
t o o v e r s e e a ny s t u d i. e s c on d u c t e? d by p o t
e n t i a 11. y r e s p o n s i h 1 e
p a r t i e s re 1. a t e d t o t h e s i t: e .
17. The S i t e i s a " f a c i l i t y " w i t h i n the m e a
n i n g of Sec t ion
10 1. ( 9 ) o f C R RCLA , 4 2 U ., S ,. C ., «i 9 6 0 1 ( 9 )
.,
18, . Respondent R'[ SWNIC is a ""person"" as d e f i n e d in
Sec t ion
.1 0 1 ( 2 1 ) o f C ER C LA , 4 2 U . S ., C . S 9 6 n 1 f 2 1
) , a n d S e c t i on
6 c1 0 0 4 ( 1 5 ) o F RC R A , 4 2 U ,. S . C ,. S > 0 3 ( 1
5 ) .,
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19. R e s p o n d e n t R L SWMC is the o w n e r a n d o p e r
a t o r of the $ i t- e
a nd t h e t: e 1: o t: e , i. s a p o t e n t i. a 11 y t: e s
p o n «. i. h 1. e p a r t y pu r s u a n t
t o S e c t i on 1 0 7 ( a ) o F C FL, RC LA , 4 2 U „ S . C „ p
o a e d
S i t e are hazardous substances as d e f i n p d
I 0 1 ( 1 4 ) o t C E RC LA , 4 2 U. S . C ,. S 9 6 0 1 ( 1 4 )
.
o E a t t. 'h e.
i n Sect ion
2 1 . FPA has de t e rmined t h a t the a c t u a l r e leases
and/or
th rea tened releases of h a z a r d o u s substances f rom
the
f: a c 11 i. t / rti a y p r e.s e n t a n i mm i ne n t a n d s
ub s t a n t i. a 1 e nda ng e r -••
merit to the p u b l i c h e a l t h , w e l f a r e or the e n
v i r o n m e n t
w i t h i n the m e a n i n g of! Section l O f t ( a ) of:
CERCLA, 4 2 U . S . f .
§ 9 ft 06 ( a ) ,.
2 2 . The past , present and p o t e n t i a l irni .gr at Ion
of haza rdous
s u b s t a nc e s i: rom t h e S i t e co n s t i. tu t e s a n
a c t u a 1 a n d/ o r
t h re a t e n e d "' r e 1 e a s e " a s d e f i n e d i n S e
c t i on 1 01 ( 2 2 ) o i:
C E R C L A , 42 U . S . C . S 9 6 0 1 ( 2 2 1 , as amended by
SARA.
23. S o l i d w a s t e s and h a z a r d o u s w a s t e s , as
those terms are
d e f i n e d i n Section 1 0 0 4 ( 2 7 ) a n d ( 5 ) o f : R C
R A , 4 2 U . R . C .
S 6 9 0 3 ( 2 7 ) and ( 5 ) , have been 'handled, , stored
and
d isposed at the Site.
24. Respondent R1SWMC
o f s o 1 i. d wa s t e a t
has
t h e
c o n t r i b u t e d
S i t e „
to the d i s p o s a l
2 5 . £ PA h a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t t: h e h a n < H
i ng , =; t o r a g e a n d
disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste at: the
s i t e may present an imminent and substantial
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end ange rnent to health or the environment w i t h i n
t he me an i ng o f Sec t i on 1 0 0 3 ( a ) of R CRA, 4 2 U „ S
. C .
§ 697-H'a),.
26. EPA has determined that, in order to protect: public
health and welfare and the environment, it is necessary
that actions be taken to investigate, and if necessary,
abate such situation. EPA has determined that such actions
include, but: may not necessarily be limited to, the RI/FS,
which is the subject of this Order. The actions called
foe in this Order are consistent, with CERCLA, as amended by
SARA, and, to the extent possible, with the National
Con t: i in g e n cy P 1 a n ( NCP ) , 4 0 C . F ,, R . P ar t 3
0 0 .
2 7 . C P A ha s a r r ang ed 1: o r ov e r s .1 g h t and r ev
i e w o f the R1/ F S
by bo t h q u a 1 i f i ed E P A p e r s on 11 e I a nd q u a 1
i. f i ed c o n t: r a c t: o r s,
in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h Sec t ion 1 0 4 ( a ) o f C E R C
L A , a s amended
by S A P A .
2 8 . EPA h a s < i e t e rm i ned t: h a t R IS \t MC i s q
u a 11. f i ed t o co n d u c t
t h e RI /FS and tha t the R L / F S w i l l be conduc ted p r o
p e r l y
a n d p r o m p t l y , i n acco rdance wi th Sect ion 1 U 4 ( a
) o E C E R C L A ,
as amended by S A R A , i f R . L S W M C engages a q u a l i f
i e d c o n t r a c t o r
p u r s u a n t to Pa rag raph 30 and i.i: the R I / F S is
conducted as
d e s c r i b e d in t h e RI W o r k pi an and p u r s u a n t
: to the c o n d i t i o n s
131: t h i s C o n s e 111 O rd e r.
2 9 . T h i s
u po n
C o n s e n t Order
t: h e f o 11o wi n g
s h a l l a p p l y
p a r t: i e s:
t o a n d b e b i n d i n g
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a , Th e {I n i 1: ed S t a t es P nv 1r on me n t a 1 Prot ec
t- i. o n
Ag e n cy ,
b . R I! SWM C„ i t s aq e n t ?> , enp 1 oy pes ,
r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a nd c o n t r a c t o r s „
ORDER
Based on the foregoing, it is hereby AGREED TO AMD ORDERED
that the following work sha LI be performed:
30. All work performed pursuant to this Consent Order shall.
be under the direction and supervision of n qualified
individual with appropriate expertise,. Prior to the
initiation of site work, the 'Respondent shall
notify EPA in writing regarding the name,, title, and
qualifications of such individual and of: any contractors
and/or subcontractors to be used in carrying out the
terms of this Consent Order. EPA shall, have the right to
disapprove any individuaLs or contractors engaged by Rl SWMC
to conduct work, under this Consent Order if EPA determines
that such person4" are not qualified to conduct: the RL /F'S
as required by Section L04(a) of CERCLA, as .amended by
.SARA.
All work per formed pursuant to this Consent Order is
subject
to approval by EPA and shall be consistent with the NCP and
and CERCLA,, as amended by SARA. If any inconsistencies
among
the above or any previously published EPA guidance are
discovered, then the provisions of: CERCLA, as amended by
SARA, wi 11 govern work under this Order.
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31. W i t h i n seven ( 7 ) c a l e n d a r days of t h e e f f
e c t i v e d a t P
o f : t h i s C o n s e n t O r d e r , t he R e s p o n d e n t
s h a l l commence t he
Re med i a 1 T n ves 1.1 g a t i. o n., Th i s w o r k s h a 1 1
be c on d u c t ed i n
accordance w i t h the terms o f t h i s Consent : Order ,
EPA
Re me d i. a 1. "[ n ves 11 g a t i on ( RI ) g u i d9 nce d o c
u n e n t s , i. n c 1 u d i n rj
the EPA " I in te r irn G u i d a n c e on Supe r f u n d Select
- ion of R e m e d y , "
OSWER Direct ive No. 9355.0-1.9,, e f f e c t i v e December 24
, , 1986,
a n d t h e s t a n d a r d s , s p e c i f i c a t i o n s a n
d schedu le c o n t a i n e d
in the Rl workp lan incorpora ted h e r e i n a s A t t a c h m
e n t A ,
and A t t a c h m e n t s R and C to t h i s Order , .
3 2 . W i t h i n s i x t y ( 6 0 ) c a l e n d a r days o f t h
e e f f e c t i v e da te
of this Consent Order, the Respondent s h a l l submit to
RPA
a p l a n fo r a complete F e a s i b i l i t y Study ( F S ) .
T h i s p l a n
s h a l l , be developed in accordance w i t h the E P < V FS
g u i d a n c e
document. ' ) p r e v i o u s l y suppl ied to Rl SWMC by E P A
, i n c l u d i n g
the EPA " I n t e r i m Guidance on S u p e r f u n d Select ion
of Remedy , "
O SWE R D i re c t i v e No. 9 3 5 5 ., 0 - 19 , e f f e c 11 v
e De cembe r 2 4 , I 9 8 6 ,
and s h a l l be i n c o m p l i a n c e w i t h the p r o v i s
i o n s of r ' F R C L A , as
amended by S A R A . I f c a n y i neons is te rices be tween t
h e E P A FS
g u i d a n c e documents and C E R C L A , as amended by S A R
A , become
e v i d e n t , , then the provis ions of C E R C L A , as
amended by S A R A , ,
s h a l l govern t he p l a n . A l l r emed ia l , a c t i o n
s proposed fo r t he
s i te unde r t h i s order sha l l comply w i t h the c l e a n
- u p
s t a n d a r d s of Section 121 of CERCLA, as amended by
SARA.
T h i s FS W o r k p l a n w h e n added to the Rl W o r k p l a
n s u b m i t t e d
b y P I SWMC d a t e d F e b r u a r y 1 9 f i ' : > r a n d
a s m o d i f i e d h e r e i n ,
w i l l f o r m the basis f o r i n v e s t i g a t i o n s u n
d e r t h i s o r d e r ,
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33. Rased on d a t a p rov ided by the RI , EPA p re sen t ly i
n t e n d s to
conduct an En da n gee me nt Assessment ( I R A ) for the s i te
.
E P A w i l l p r o v i d e R e s p o n d e n t an o p p o r t u
n i t y t o r e v i e w
and comment upon t he E A W o r k p l a n and d r a f t o f t he
E A .
S h o u l d EPA choose not: to conduct: the EA, i t : reserves
the
r i g h t to r equ i r e RI SWMIC to conduct such a s t u d y .
Based
on the EA,, RI SWMIC shall f o r m u l a t e and e v a l u a t e
a n u m b e r of
a l te rna t ives for on-site 'source control, on-site waste
mi n i m i zat ion , destruct ion ,, and t t reatment, . of
f-••?; ite
it: e me d i a 1 a c t i ons a n d t h e n o a c t i on a 11e
rna t:iv e,.
34 . A f t e r r ece ip t of the FS W o r k p l a n by EPA, ,
EPA w i l l
n o t i f y the Respondent in w r i t i n g of E P A ' s approva
l or
d i s a p p r o v a l of the FS W o r k p l a n or any par t t
he reo f .
In the even t of any d i s app rova l , EPA wi l l s p e c i f y
in
w r i t i n g both the d e f i c i e n c i e s and any EPA
recommended
m o d i f i c a t i o n s regarding the FS Workplan.
35, W i t h i n t h i r t y ( 3 0 ) c a l e n d a r days o f .
the receipt of
EPA n o t i f i c a t i o n of FS W o r k p L a n d i s a p p r
o v a l , the Respon
den t sha l l amend a n d s u b m i t to EPA a revised FS W o r
k p l a n .
In the event : of: subsequent d i sapprova l . oE the E:'S
W o r k p l a n , EPA re ta ins the r ight : to conduct,, at i
ts op t ion ,
e i the r an FS or a complete RI /FS pursuant to its a u t h o r
i t y
u n d e r C E B C L A , as amended by SARA. ,
-
... •[ 3
3 6 . Upon E P A a p p r o v a l , R e s p o n d e n t s h a l l
i m p l e m e n t : t h e
t a s ks de t a 11ed i n t h e a p p r ove d Feas i h i 1 i t y
S t u d y ( K S)
W o r k p l a n . T h i s work sh r i l l , be conduc ted i n
accordance
w i t h t he t e r m s o f t h i s Consen t O r d e r , - t he R
P A FS g u i d a n c e
docu in e n t s , t h e s t a nd a r d s , spec i i: i c a t i.
on s , a n d s ch e d u 1 e
c o n t a i n e d i n the FS W o r k p l a n , and A t t a c h m
e n t C to t h i s
O r d e r .
37,. The Respondent shall provide monthly w r i t t e n
progress
repor ts to E P A . At. & m i n i m u m , these progress
reports
shall.:: ( 1 ) describe the ac t ions ; w h i c h have he en t a
k e n
toward achieving compliance w i t h this Consent Order,
(2 ) i nc lude a l l resul ts o f s a m p l i n g and tests and
a l l
other da ta rece ived by the R e s p o n d e n t , and ( 3 ) i n
c l u d e
a l l plans; and procedures comple ted subsequent to EPA
a p p r o v a l of the RI and FS W o r k p l a n s d u r i n g
the past:
m o n t h „ as w e l l as such ac t i ons , d a t a , and p l a
n s w h i c h are
schedu led for the n e x t m o n t h , . These reports? are to
be
' s u b m i t t e d to E P A by the t e n t h day of each mon th
f o l l o w
i n g the e f f e c t i v e date of t h i s Consen t Order,
.
J R . The R e s p o n d e n t sha l l p r o v i d e d r a f t a
n d f i n a l PT a n d F S
Repor t s to E P A according to the schedule con ta ined i n
A t t a c h m e n t C.
!! 9 . E P A. wi 1 1. r
-
... i 4 part thereof:. In the event of any disapproval, FPA
w i l l specify in writing both the d e f i c i e n c i e s and
the
reaso n s F or such d i s approva 1..
40. Within thirty (30) calendar days of. receipt of EPA
in ot i f: i. c a t i. on o f p re L i. m i n a ry o r f i na 1.
re poct d i s a p p ro v a 1,
ot: such addition.:!], time reasonably necessary by the
Respondent and approved by EPA, the Respondent
shall amend and submit to EPA such revised reports.
In the event of disapproval, EPA retains the right
to amend such reports, to perform additional studies,
and to conduct an RI, FS or complete RI/PR pursuant
to its authority under CEPCLA, as amended by SARA.
41 ,. Documents, including reports, approvals, disapprovals,
and other correspondence, to be submitted pursuant to
this Consent Order,, shall be sent, to the following
addresses or to such cither addresses as the Respondent
o r E P A he r e a f: t e r ma y de s i gn a t e i n wr i. t i n
g :
I I Documents to be submitted to RPA should be sent tn:
(4 copies)
Kenneth Wenger E nv i. ron me n t a 1 P rot ec t i on Age n cy W
a s t e M a n a gem e n t D i v i. s i o n J FK Fede ra I Flu i Ld
i. ng - HSV-1 9 0 7 Boston, MA 0 2 2 0 3
2 ) Documents to be s u b m i t t e d to the Responden t s h o u
l d he
s e n t t o : Th oma s E . Wr igh t , E xe c u t i v e ll i. re
c t o r R . I ,, So 1 i d Was t e Mia na ye me n t C o rp o ra t i
on 39 P i k e SI: ,. Providence, , R . I . 0290"!
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- 1 5
4 2 . The R e s p o n d e n t , s h a l l make Lhe r e s u l t s
of a l l s a m p l i n g
a n d / o r tests or o t h e r d a t a genera ted by Lhe R e s p
o n d e n t /
o r on the R e s p o n d e n t ' s b e h a l f , w i t h respect
to t h e
i m p 1 e m e n t: a 1i o n o f 1: h i. s C o n s ein t 0 t:d e
i:, av a i 1a b 1 e to L F A
a n d s h a 11 s u b rn 11 t: h e se r e s u 11s i n mo n t h 1
y pr o g re s s i: e •-•
por ts as desc r ibed in P a r a g r a p h 37 and A t t a c h m
e n t C to
th i s Co risen t Otrd er,
EPA w i l l make a v a i l a b l e to t he Respondent the r e s
u l t s o f :
s amp 11 ng a nd /o r t e s t: s o t: o t: h e t: d a t a s im
i1 a r 1 y g e n e i: a t ed b y
E P A .
At the request : of : E P A , the Responden t s h a l l a l l o
w s p l i t o it-
d u p l i c a t e samples to be t aken by E P A and/or its a u t
h o r i z e d
t: e p r es e n t a t i v e s, o f any s am p 1 e s co 1. .1 e c
t ed by t.h e R e s poin d e n t
p u r s u a n t : to the i m p l e m e n t a t i o n of: t h i s
Con sent O r d e r . The
R e s p o n d e n t sha l l n o t i f y EPA not less than 5 d a
y s in advance
o f a n y s a m p 1 e c o 1.1 e c 11on a c t:i v i t y .
4 3. E P A a nd / o r a n y E PA a u t h o r i z ed r e p r e s
e n t a t i v e s h a 1 1
h a v e the a u t h o r i t y to e n t e r and f r e e l y move
about: a l l
property at the S i te at all reasonable t imes for the
purposes o f : , in te r a 1i_a:_ i n spec t ing and copying r e
c o r d s ,
o p e r a t i n g logs, and c o n t r a c t s r e l a t ed to
the S i t e ;
r e v i e w i n g the progress of the Respondent in c a r r y i
n g out
t h e terms o f t h i s Consent O r d e r ; c o n d u c t i n g
such t e s t s a s
EPA or t h e P r o j e c t C o o r d i n a t o r deem neces sa
ry ; us i n-j a
a c a m e r a , sound r e c o r d i n g / o r o t h e r d o c u
m e n t a r y t y p e
c q u L p men t:; and v e r i f: y .1 n g t: h e d a t a s u b n
111 ed t o E P A
by the Fie 3 pond en t:,, The R e s p o n d e n t s h a l l p e
r m i t : such
-
... i 6
persons to inspect and vr i . l l , upon reques t , p rovide cop
ie s
of a l l records, f i l e s , photographs , document ' s , and o
ther
wr i. 11ngs , in c .1 ud 1 ng a 11 s .amp 1 i ng and mon 11:o r
i nq d a t a,
in any way p e r t a i n i n g to work u n d e r t a k e n p u r
s u a n t to
t h i s Consent Order. A l l par t ies w i t h access to the
Site p u r s u a n t to this paragraph shal l comply wi th a l
l
approved hea l th and safe ty plans. Re a so in .able e f f o r
t s w i l l
be made to conduct work dur ing normal l a n d f i l l operat
ing
hour s, and w i t h a m i n i m u m of: i n t e r f e r e n c e
w i t h the ope cat ion
o f t h e 1 and f: i 1 1 . The pro v i. s io n s o i: t hi s o
t: d e r in n o way
l i m i t E P A ' s au thor i ty under § 3007 of: RCRA and §
104
of C B R C L A , as amended by SARA.
44 . The Respondent may assert, a c o n f i d e n t i a l i t y
c l a i m , i E:
appropr ia te , covering part 01: al l of: the i n f o r m a t i
o n
requested by t h i s Consent Order: pursuant to 40 C . F . R
.
§ 2 . 2 0 3 ( b ) an d S e c 11 on 10 4 (e ) ( 1 ) o f C ER C
LA, a s a me nd eel by
SARA. Such an assertion sha l l be adequately substant iated
when the assertion is made. Analytical data s ha. 1.1 not be
claimed as conf ident ia l by the Respondent. Intormation
determined to be conf ident ia l by EPA wil l be a f fo rded
the
pro tec t ion specified in 40 C . . F . R , Par t 2, Subpart B,
and
in Sect ion 1 0 4 ( e ) ( 7 ) of: C K R C L A , as amended by
SARA. I f
no such c l a i n accompanies the i n f o r m a t i o n when i t
i s
s u b m i t t e d to E P A , i t may b e made a v a i l a b l e
to t h e p u b l i c
by C P A w 11: ho u t: f u r t. h e r n o t i c e t o t h e R e
s po n d e n t.,.
-
- ] 7
45. W h e n e v e r n o t i c e is r e q u i r e d t.o be g i v
e n or a repor t ,
or p l a n is r e q u i r e d to be f o r w a r d e d by one p a
r t y to a n o t h e r ,
i t s h a l l be d i r e c t e d to the D e s i g n a t e d C o
o r d i n a t o r s s p e c i f i e d
in Par,:i g raph 4 1 .
4 6 . E P A ' s D e s i g n a t e d C o o r d i n a t o r s h a
l l h a v e t h e a u t h o r i t y
vested i n the Remedia l P r o j e c t M a n a g e r by 40 C . F
. P . P a r t 300 ,
i n c l u d i n g b u t n o t L i m i t e d t o t h e a u t h o
r i t y t o s top work
b e i ng p e c f o r me d pu rs u a nt t o t h i. s Co n s e n
t: 0 r d e r ,.
47 . T h i s Consen t Order s h a l l he e f f e c t i v e upon
the s i g n i n g o f
t h e F e g i ona 1 Ad mi n i s t ra t: o r . A 1 1 t i mo s f o
r p e r f or ma n ce o f
r e s p on s e a c t: i v 1 1 i e s s ha 1 .1 he c a 1 c u "I a
t e d f: r om t h a t d
-
R T / F S W o r k p l a n . I n o rder to p r o v i d e q u a l
i t y a s surance
a nd ma i n t a i n q \ i a 1 i t y co in t r o 1 re q a r d i
ng a 11 s a m p 1 e
-
Spect romet ry , etc.) baken at regularly scheduled sample
times, may be provided to each laboratory for analysis.
49. R L S W M C s h a l l p reserve , d u r i n g bhe p e n d e
n c y o f t h i s
Consent O r d e r a n d for a m i n i m u m of: s i x ( 6 )
years a f t e r -
app rova l of the f i n a l RI /F 'S , a 1.1 records and documen
t s
in t h e i r : possession and in the possession of : t h e i
r
d i. v i s i on s , em p 1 o y ee s , a ge n t s , a ccou n t a
n t: s , c o nt r a ct or s ,
or a t t o r n e y s w h i c h relate;1 i n any w a y to the s i
t e ,
desp i t e a n y d o c u m e n t r e t e n t i o n p o l i c y
to the
c o n t r a r y , A f t e r t h i s s ix . year pe r iod , the
Responden t
s h a l l n o t i f y EPA w i t h i n 30 c a l e n d a r days p
r io r to the
des t ruc t ion of any sue hi d o c u m e n t s . Upon request
by E P A ,
the Responden t sha l l make a v a i l a b l e to EPA such
records
or copies of a n y such records,, A d d i t i o n a l l y , , i
f IE PA
reques ts that some or al l document::; he preserved fo r a
longer p e r i o d of t i m e , t he Responden t s h a l l
comply w i t h
t ha t reques t „
I? I s PJHF R ES n L t] T r ON
50. If R1SWMC objects to any EPA no- 1: ice of disapproval
or
decision made pursuant to this Consent Order,, RISWMC
shall notify EPA in writing of its objections within
fourteen (14) days of receipt, of the decision. EPA and
R 1 S WM C w i. 1. 1 t h e n h a v e a n a d c! 11 i o n a 1 F o
u r t e e n (14) d a y s
from the receipt by EPA of the notification of objection
to reach agreement. [f agreement cannot be reached on
-
... 2 iQ
a n y issue w i t h i n t h i s f o u r t e e n ( 1 . 4 ) day p
e r i o d , H PA s h a l l
i mme d i. a t e 1 y p r ov i de a wr i t t en a t 3 t erne n t
o f 1 t c=. d Pc i. a i on
to R I S W M C . Respondent sha l l not: be deemed oi.it: of
compl i ance w i t h t h i s Consent O r d e r d u r i n g t h e
p e n d e n c y
o f a n y d i s p u t e t: e s o 1 u t i. o n p r o c e e d i n
g s d e s c r i he d i n t h i ::>
p a r a g r a p h .
- P R F O R M A N C V S T r P l J L A T E D F ™ A/n: ? S
51 . A. The; p a r t i e s agree t h a t the t i m e l y conplet
ion of
t h e work r equ i r ed by th is Orde r is i m p o r t a n t .
The p a r t i e s
t o t h i s 0 r d e t: s h a 1 1 u s e t h e i r b e s t e f: f
o r t s a n d s h a 1 1
u n d e r t a k e a l l reasonable m e a s u r e s to e n s u r
e t h a t the t i m e
r equ i r emen t s s e t f o r t h i n t h i s O r d e r a r e
met .
B « I f: a ny e v e n t o c c u r i w h i c h c a u s e s d e 1.
a y i n t h e a r h i v e
merit of the r e q u i r e m e n t s of: t h i s Consent O r d e
r , the
R e s p o n d e n t sha l l , have the b u r d e n o f ! p r o v
i n g t h a t the
delay was caused by c i r c u m s t a n c e s beyond the
reasonab le
control of: the Respondent w h i c h c o u l d not have been
overcome by clue d i l i gence , . The Respondent: s h a l l , p
r o m p t l y
n o t i f y E PA ' s D e s i g n a t e d C o o r d i n a t o r o
r a 11 y a n d s h q 11 ,
w i t h i n seven ( 7 ) business days of o ra l n o t i f i c a
t i o n to
EPA, n o t i f y EPA i n w r i t i n g of the a n t i c i p a t
e d l eng th a n d
cause of the d e l a y , the measures t a k e n and /or to be t
a k e n
to p r e v e n t o r m i n i m i z e the d ^ l a y , a n d the t
i m e t a b l e by
w h i c h t h e R e s p o n d e n t i n t e n d s t o i m p l e
m e n t these m e a s u r e s .
I f t he pai r t ie- ; can agree t h a t t h e d e l a y or a n
t i c i p a t e d
-
-- 2 1
delay has been or will be caused by circumstances beyond
the reasonable control, of: the Respondent, the t imp for
performance hereunder shall be extended for a period
equal to the delay resulting from such circumstances,
The Respond e n t sha 11 a d op t a 11 reason a b 1 e me a su
res t o
avoid or minimize delay. Failure of the Respondent: to
comply with the notice requirements of this paragraph
shall constitute a waiver of the Respondent's right: to
request a waiver of the requirements of this Consent
Order. Increased costs of performance of the terms of
this Consent Order or changed economic circumstances
shall not be considered circumstances beyond the reason
able control), of the Respondent,.
In the event that EPA and the Respondent cannot (agree
that any delay in achievement of the requirements of this
Consent Order, including the failure to submit any report
or document, has been or w i l l be caused by circumstances
beyond the reasonable control of the Respondent:,, the
dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the provi
sions of Paragraph 50 hereof.,
C. Except as excused pursuant to Subparagraph R, above,,
RISWMC shall be liable to pay the following stipulated
p enalties for failure to comply w i t h ;iny time deadlines
e s t: a b I i. s hed p«j r R u a n t t o t h i s Co n s e n t O
r d e r, i nc ] u d i nn
-
-22
Per i od o f: F a_ i l_u re Jto_Com£ 1 y P e n a 1 ): % Pe r
Da_y_
1st - 14th day S i n n . 00
15tht - 28th day S 2 5 0 . 0 0
B e y o n d 2 8t h d a y S ]. , 0 0 0 . 0 0
A n y s u c h p e n a 1 1y s h a L 1 be du e a n d p a y a b 1 e
t e n ( 1 0 'I d a y s
f o l l o w i n g r e c e i p t of a w r i t t e n demand by E p
A . Payment- of
any such p e n a l t y shal l be made by c e r t i f i e d c h e
c k pay* h iP
t o Treasurer , , U n i t e d States o f A m e r i c a , and n a
i l e d to the
f o l l o w i n g address w i t h
-
- 23
a ge n t. s , con s u L t a n t s o r co n t. r s c t o r s i n
r a r r yr i n g o 111 t h e
a c t i v 11 ies pu r s u a n t: t: o t Ih i s 0r cl P r.
RE I _M_B URS_EME_N_T_n_F_ _C _OSTS
53 . A t the end of each year , EPA s h a l l ' submit to R I
SWMC an
a cc ou in t. i rig o f: a 11 c o s ts i nc u r r P d h y t: h e
I J . S „ Gov e r rime n t:
in overseeing and r e v i e w i n g the conduct: of the R I / F
S u n d e r
t h i s Consent: Order., Rl SWMC agrees , w i t h i n 30 c a l e
n d a r days
of receipt of t h a t a c c o u n t i n g , , to r e m i t : a
check f o r t he
a m o u n t o f : those cos ts made p a y a b l e to the H a z a
r d o u s
Substances Supe r f u n d , . Checks should spec if ical ly re
fe rence
t h e id e n t i t y o f t h e s i t e a nd b e a d cl r e s s
ed t o:
U . S. E n v i. r on m e n t a 1 Pro t e c t i o n A g e n c y
Ac c ou nt i ng Op e r a t i on s O f f i ce ( P M - 2 2 f i )
P .O. Box 2 9 7 1 , Room M - 3 4 1 9 W a s h i n g t o n , D . C
, 2 0 0 1 3
A t: t e n t: i o n : [ Co .11 e c t: i o n Of 1: i
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.... 2 4
OTH]ER_LAWS
54 . A I L .act ions requi red to be t a k e n p u r s u a n t
to t h i s Order sha l l
be u n d e r t a k e n in accordance w i t h the r equ i r emen
t s of: a l l
app l i cab le s ta te and federal laws and r egu l a t i ons ,
i n c l u d i n g
laws r e l a t i n g to occupat iona l s a f e t y and h e a l t
h , and in
accordance w i t h app l icab le requ i rements , of o ther f e
d e r a l
e n v i r o n m e n t a l laws, , as d e f i n e d in c u r r e
n t EPA pol icy, .
In the event tha t there is a c o n f l i c t in the app l i ca
t i on
of: f e d e r a l or s ta te laves or r egu la t i ons , , the
more s t r i ngen t
of the c o n f l i c t i n g provis ions sha l l a p p l y ,
55. This Consent Order may be amended by mutua l agreement
of: the part ies . Any such amendment ( s ) shal l be in w r i t
i n g ,
J?ROC£DUREJR2R_RJ:2/^
56. Except: for the FS W o r k p l a n , the d r a f t and f i n
a l RI
Repor ts , and the d r a f t and f i n a l FS Reports w h i c h
are
governed by Paragraphs 32-36 and 38-40, EPA w i l l rev iew
all P l a n s , Reports and other del iverabl .es ( R e p o r t
s )
s u b m i t t e d by Respondent to de te rmine whe the r they
are
cons i s t en t w i t h the requi rements of the W o r k p l a n
and
the Consen t Order., I f EPA de te rm tries that r ev i s ions
to
a Repor t are necessary , , EPA w i l l n o t i f y 'Respondent
o f
IS P A ' s requested r ev i s ions , a n d , to the e x t e n t
necessary
http:deliverabl.es
-
otr cles i rab .1 e, K PA an d Responde n t s ha 1.1 e xped i t
i ou s 1y
c o n f: e r t o d i s cu E; s Ei; P A " s p r opo s e d r e v i
s ion p, „ P e s p on d e n t
shell..I. t h e n submi t , a d r a f t of t he Report: a c c e
p t a b l e to
E P A i n accordance w i t h a d e a d l i n e For r e v i s i o
n set by
EPA w h i c h is a p p r o p r i a t e to the n a t u r e a n d
e x t e n t of
t he proposed r ev i s ions . I f R e s p o n d e n t f a i l s
to s u b m i t
a re v i. s e d Re p o t: t w i. t h i. n t h e s p e c i f i e
d de a d 1 i n e,, t h e n
EPA may invoke the provisions of paragraph 50,. T i:
Respondent submi t s a revised Report w i t h i n the d e a d l
i n e
but: EPA d e t e r m i n e s t ha t a l l or part, of : the r e
v i s e d
Report: f a i l s to comply w i t h the s p e c i f i c a t i o
n s of th is
Consent : Order o r w i t h F P A ' s r e q u e s t f o r r e v
i s i o n s , , t h e n
E P A s h a l l , so n o t i f y Respondent and E P A may t h e
n i n v o k e the
d i s pu t e r e s o 1 u t: i on p r o ce du r e s o I: p a r a
g r a p h 5 0 . r> u r i n g t h e
period of any d i spu te c e s o l u t i o n i n v o k e d under
the c i r c u m
s t ances of the p r e c e d i n g sentence, , p e n a l t i e s
s h a l l not be
assessed u n d e r pa rag raph 51 fo r de lay i n p r o v i d i
n g a s a t i s ™
f a c t or y re v i s ed Re p o r t. 1f «_ h e d i. s pute r e s
o 1. u t i on pro c e du r e
invoked he re in re su i t is i n agreement: between
Respondent:
and EPA on all issues referred to it, then a m o d i f i e d
Report, r e f l e c t i n g a l l of the ag reemen t s reached i
n the
d i spu te r e so lu t ion procedure s h a l l be s u b m i t t
e d to F P A
f o r f i n a l r e v i e w a n d approval , . EPA w i l l , p
rov ide w r i t t e n
n o t i c e to Responden t when a Repor t has been q i v e n F i
n a l
a p p r o va 1 u n d e r t h i s p a r a g r a p h , w h e r e u
p on t h e i m p 1 e m e n t
-
-26
subsequen t pa r t s of: t h e w o r k p l a n to t h e e x t e
n t : t h a t
such w o r k can he done I n d e p e n d e n t l y of EPA
comment and
a p p r o va L o E: a p re ce d i. n g R e por t ..
U p o n s a t i. s f: a c t: i o n o 1! i. I: s o h 1 i. g a t
i. ons u n d e r t hi i s C n n s e n t
Order E P A w i l l issue a c e r t i f i c a t e to the
Respondent:
t hi a t i t s r e s p on s i b i 1 i t i e s un d e r t: h i s
C o n s e n t O r d e r h ave
been c o m p l e t e l y and s u c c e s s f u l l y d i s c h a
r g e d and pe r fo rmed
in accordance w i t h the p r o v i s i o n s of CERCLA , as
amended
by S A R A , and the N C R ,
5 "7 . N o t w i t h s t a n d i. n g c omp .1. i a n c e w i t
h t h e t e r irn s o (! t h i s
Consent Orde r , i n c l u d i n g the comple t ion of an
RPA
a p p r ov e d R e me cl i. a 1 1 n v e s t i g a t i o n a n cl
F e a s i b i 1 i. t y S t udy ,
the Respondent is not released f r o m l i a b i l i t y , i f a
n y ,
f o r a n y a c t i o ns b e y o n d t he t e r ms o f t h i s C
on s e n t: 0 r d e r
t a k e n by EPA respect ing the Si te . RPA reserves the
r i g h t to take a n y e n f o r c e m e n t ac t ion p u r s u
a n t t o C E R C L A ,
as amended by SARA,, and/or any other a v a i l a b l e
legal
a u t h o r i t y , i n c 1 u d i n g t he r :i ght t o s e e k
i. nj u n c t i. ve re 1 1 e f ,
mi o n e t a r y p e na .1. t: i e s , a n d pu n i (• i v e d a
PI a g e s f o r a ny v i o 1. a t i o n
of l a w our t h i s Consent. Order. This Consen t Order does
not
c o n s t i t u t e any dec is ion on p reau thor i za t ion of
f u n d s u n d e r
Sec t ion 1 1 1 ( a ) ( 2 ) of C E R C L A , as amended by S A R
A . Work
p e r f o r m e d he ire u n d e r does not re lease R'[ SWMf f
r o m , or l i m i t
E P A a u t h o r i t y t o r e q u i r e , , a r e m e d i a l
d e s i g n ( R D ) a n d r e m e d i a l
a c t i o n ( R A ) f o r t h e s i te .
-
- 2 7 .
5 8 . I f , i n t h e course o f : p e r f o r m a n c ? o f t h
e a c t i o n s r e q u i r e d
by t h i. s Co n s e n t 0 r d e r, E P A he 1 i e v es t h a t:
R ] S WM C h a s
H a i l e d to comply ma t e r i. a 11y w i t h any of the p rov
is ion ; : ,
of t h i s C o n s e n t O r d e r , EPA w i l l s u b m i t to
PT SWMC A
w r i 11 e n n o t i ce o f 11s d e t: e r n i n a t i o n , w h
i ch n o t i ce s ha 1 .1
i n c lude a d e s c r i p t i o n of the a c t i o n ' s needed
t o remedy the
n on •••
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• 2 8
ET IS SO AGREED AMD ORDERED Bt:
L Wiclhci el. 'R . Del. and Reg i ona .1. A dm i. n i s t ra t
or Env i r on me n t a 1 Pr otec 11on Ag e n cy
Date
I. T IS SO A G R E E D :
s1 an d So 1 i. d Was t: e 'Wa na ge me n t •poration
Joseph H. 0" Donne 11, Jr., Chairman
Da t e
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ATTACHMENT A
R EVI S ED P F 0 PO S A L F O R S A M P L I. N G ,
A N A LY SI S , MOM I TO RI NIG AN D R E FOR T [ NG O F
C O N D I T I O N S A T T H E C E N T R A L L A N D F I L L
J O H N S T O N , , RHODE: I S L A N D
Submitted by:
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation
February 1985
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REVISED PROPOSAL FOR SAMPLING,
ANALYSIS, MONITORING AND REPORTING OF
CONDITIONS AT THE CENTRAL LANDFILL
JOHNSTON, RHODE ISLAND
Submitted by:
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation
1 ̂ ^L,
February 1985
i/
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WEHRAN ENGINEERING Consulting Engineers
February 26, 1985
Mr. Ronald T. Delfino, Director Engineering and Operations Rhode
Island Solid Waste Management Corporation 39 Pike Street
Providence, RI 02903
RE: Revised Proposal for Sampling Analysis,
Monitoring, and Reporting of
Conditions at the Central Landfill
Johnston, Rhode Island
USEPA Docket No. 84-1045
(WE Project No. 02254324/C-l)
Dear Mr. Delfino:
Enclosed is our revised proposal for sampling analysis,
monitoring, and reporting of conditions at the Central Landfill.
This proposal was revised in accordance with comments contained in
a letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) which was received on January 28, 1985, and based on
discussions at a meeting with the USEPA on February 1, 1985. We
believe that this proposal addresses all the issues raised by the
USEPA.
Please call us if you have any questions.
Very truly yours,
Joseph J. Gurda, P. E. Vice-President Wehran Engineering
Corporation
Michael A. Powers Associate Goldberg-Zoino & Associates,
Inc.
JJG/MAP/cas Enclosure
Research & Design Center:
666 East Main Street
Middletown, NY 10940
(914) 343-0660
A New York Professional Corporation • A New Jersey Business
Corporation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.00 INTRODUCTION 1
1.10 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 1
1.2 0 PROPOSED STUDY SCOPE 1
1.30 PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING 2
2.0 0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2
2.10 GEOLOGIC SETTING 3
2.2 0 PAST DISPOSAL PRACTICES 4
3.00 DATA EVALUATION 6
3.10 GROUNDWATER DATA EVALUATION 6
3.2 0 CONTAMINANT IDENTIFICATION 7
3.30 EXISTING DATA DEFICIENCIES 8
3.31 Landfill Monitoring Wells 8
3.32 Private Domestic Supply Wells 8
3.33 Integrity of Monitoring Wells 9
3.34 Sampling and Analysis Regularity 9
4.00 FIELD STUDY PLAN 9
4.10 RESIDENTIAL WELL SAMPLING 9
4.2 0 BEDROCK FRACTURE TRACE ANALYSIS 10
4.21 Viewing of the Photographs 11
4.22 Key Recognition Elements 11
4.23 Trace Analysis Utilization 12
4.30 EARTH RESISTIVITY SURVEY 12
4.31 Sounding Survey 13
4.32 Profiling Survey 14
4.4 0 MAGNETIC GRADIOMETER SURVEY 14
4.5 0 SEISMIC REFRACTION INVESTIGATION 15
4.6 0 AIR QUALITY SURVEY 15
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4.70 SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM 17
4.71 Vertical Seismic Profiling 17
4.72 In-Situ Bedrock Permeability
Evaluation 18
4.73 Test Pit Explorations 18
4.80 MONITOR WELL INSTALLATION 19
4.90 SAMPLE COLLECTION 19
4.91 Groundwater Sampling 19
4.92 Surface Water and Sediment Sampling 20
4.93 Subsurface Soil Samples 20
5.00 LABORATORY ANALYSES 20
6.00 DATA EVALUATION AND REPORTING 21
6.10 DATA EVALUATION 21
6.11 Groundwater Quality Evaluation 21
6.12 Surface Water Quality Evaluation 22
6.2 0 PROGRESS REPORT 22
6.3 0 FINAL REPORT 23
7.0 0 PROJECT SCHEDULE 23
TABLES
TABLE NO. 1 SUMMARY OF DATA SEARCH
TABLE NO. 2 ESTIMATED AGE OF TONNAGE IN PLACE AT THE
CENTRAL LANDFILL
TABLE NO. 3 SOURCES OF CURRENT LANDFILL MATERIAL
TABLE NO. 4 OBSERVATION WELL DATA
TABLE NO. 5 PROPOSED BORING LOCATION DATA
TABLE NO. 6 ESTIMATED SCOPE OF CHEMICAL ANALYSES
FIGURES
FIGURE NO. 1 PROJECT LOCUS
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FIGURE NO. 2
FIGURE NO. 3
FIGURE NO. 4
FIGURE NO. 5
FIGURE NO. 6
FIGURE NO. J
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX D
EXISTING MONITORING WELLS
GROUNDWATER CONTOURS
PROPOSED ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SURVEY
PROPOSED TEST DRILLING LOCATIONS
PROPOSED SURFACE WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS
BEDROCK CONTOURS
RESUMES
GOUNDWATER QUALITY DATA
QA PLAN
HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN
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1.00 INTRODDCTION
This document is a technical proposal for sampling,
analysis,
monitoring, and reporting of hydrogeologic conditions at the
Central Landfill in Johnston. Rhode Island. Refer tO Figure
1 for a proiect locus plan. This study plan was prepared for
the Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation (RISWMC)
by Wehran Engineering and Goldberg-Zoino & Associates (the
Proiect
Team^ in response to EPA's comments (forwarded to RISWMC on
January 28. 1985^ on an October 5. 1984 study plan.
That October 5. 1984 document was prepared in response to an
administrative order. Docket No. 84-1045. issued to RISWMC
on
June 29. 1984. Major revisions to the earlier study plan are
delineated in this document by underscoring.
1.10 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The overall purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects
that the landfill has had, and may have on the environment
and
human health. The issues to be addressed are: the types of
contaminants present in the landfill, the pathways by which
the identified contaminants may enter the environment and,
the
potential effects that landfill contaminants may have on
potential
receptors.
The end product of the study will be a report which will:
detail
all investigations undertaken as a part of the study,
describe
the studies findings, and provide appropriate conclusions
and
recommendations. The principal objectives of the report are
to: identify the major effects that the landfill may have
already
had on the environment, assess the likely effects that the
landfill
may have on the environment in the future and, if necessary,
provide recommendations to reduce significant adverse
effects
of the landfill on the environment and/or human health.
1.20 PROPOSED STUDY SCOPE
The scope of the proposed study was developed based on: the
Project Team's experience with similar projects, the
hydrogeologic
setting in which the landfill was developed, existing
available
information, requirements of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and the Rhode Island Department of
Environmental
Management, and the desire of the RISWMC to run an
environmentally
safe and cost-effective landfilling operation.
The types of contaminants which are in the landfill have
been
tentatively identified by a review of past disposal
practices.
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These findings will be substantiated by the collection and
testing
of samples from within the landfill debris. The two major
potential
pathways of contaminant migration have been identified as
groundwater
flow, including groundwater migration within the bedrock,
and
wind blown dust particles. Identifiable potential receptors
of contamination are residential supply wells. Cedar Swamp
Brook,
and the Simmons Reservoirs. Additional studies will be
undertaken
to evaluate the effect of the landfill, if any, on the Almy
and Scituate Reservoirs, and residential wells within these
watersheds.
1.30 PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING
The study will be completed for RISWMC by the project team
with
support from specialty subcontractors. Specifically,
chemical
analyses will be performed by Rhode Island Analytical
Laboratories
of Warwick, Rhode Island, and test drilling to be provided
by
contractors to be selected on the basis of solicited
proposals.
The Project Team is under the direction of Richard A.
Peluso,
P.E., Senior Vice-President of Wehran Engineering
Corporation.
Mr. Peluso will review the performance of the project team
and
monitor the project's progress. Assisting the Project
Director
in management tasks will be Joseph J. Gurda, P.E., Senior
Engineer
and Project Manager for Wehran. The Project Manager will
administer
all technical tasks and subtasks, provide coordination with
the Project Director, and maintain communication with the
Rhode
Island Solid Waste Management Corporation representatives.
William J. Siok, Senior Hydrogeologist and Director of
Wehran's
New England office, will serve as Wehran's manager for the
site
investigations.
The hydrogeologic study team is under the overall direction
of Michael A. Powers, P.E. of Goldberg-Zoino & Associates.
Mr. Pow
ers will continuously monitor all the major technical
aspects
of the hydrogeologic site investigation. Michael F. Conway,
as GZA's Project Manager, will coordinate the daily
investigative
and analytical tasks of the investigation.
Assisting RISWMC will be Mr. Anthony Perrotti, Rhode Island
Analytical Laboratory's Director, who will oversee all
chemical
analytical work. Resumes of the above key team members are
presented
as Appendix A.
2.00 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
There exists, through a variety of sources, a considerable
amount
of information regarding conditions at the Central Landfill.
As an initial task much of this information was collected,
organized
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and evaluated. As additional information is received it will
be incorporated into the data base.
Table 1 presents a summary of the contacts made to date and
the types of information made available to the Project
Teayn.
In general the information assembled can be divided into two
categories; that relating to the hydrogeologic setting, and
that regarding the types and quantities of wastes that were
reportedly disposed of at the site and which have been
detected
in the area's groundwaters. The following sub-sections
provide
a brief overview of background information. Project Team
evaluations
of that data are presented in Section 3.00.
2.10 GEOLOGIC SETTING
The Central Landfill study area and its immediate environs
are
underlain by shallow bedrock and unconsolidated sediments
primarily
of glacial origin. The general geologic sequence consists of
a met a-igneous bedrock, glacial till, glacial outwash, and
subsequent
recent swamp deposits.
According to the published interpretation of surficial
geology
of the site environs as mapped by Robinsond) , the glacial
sediments
at the landfill consist of till, deposited at the base of
advancing
ice or deposited directly from within the wasting ice mass.
Outwash deposits are found in the southeast portion of the
landfill
site along Cedar Swamp Brook, and peripheral to the
southeast
of the landfill along the walls of the valley occupied by
the
Simmons Upper and Lower Reservoirs. The outwash materials
were
deposited by flow between the valley walls and an ice mass
remaining
in the center of the valley.
Generally, in terms of site hydrogeology, local topography,
shallow but typically dense bedrock, and a limited thickness
of till cover appear to focus the direction of both surface
and groundwater flow from the landfill area to the outwash
aquifer
southeast of the study area.
Bedrock underlying the landfill site and the majority of the
North Scituate Quadrangle has been mapped by Quinn (2) as
the
Scituate Granite Gneiss, a meta-igneous intrusive unit. This
rock is primarily crystalline, exhibiting foliation, which
has
been attributed to magmatic flow. The rock fabric is
essentially
impermeable with groundwater flow being limited to cracks
and
fissures within the rock mass. A limited review of private
supply v;ell data indicates that wells developed in the rock
typically have yields of less than 5 gallons per minute (GPM)
.
Observations of visible exposures generally confirmed
bedrock
underlying the site to be dense, crystalline, and of
granitic
composition. Rock along the western periphery of the active
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landfill area was highly fractured and exhibited three
principal
joint orientations.
Fracture density may be reflective of rock blasting during
past
quarry operations at the site. Fracture continuity, depth
and
areal extent under the study area will be further evaluated
by fracture trace analysis and rock core test drilling. See
Section.q 5.00 and 5.70.
Unconsolidated sediments overlying bedrock over the RISWMC
property
consist of glacial till. Till is generally a dense, poorly
sorted material deposited directly by glacial ice and
consisting
of sediments ranging in size from clay to boulders. The till
in the North Scituate Quadrangle has been described as
generally
sandy, consisting of boulders, pebbles, sands and silt, and
generally less than 5% clay sized particles. A more compact
till, with a lower percentage of pebble sizes and a higher
clay-size
content is reported to occur to the southwest at Lawton
Hill,
along the south periphery and in the northeast portion of
the
study area. Due to its dense, unsorted nature, glacial till
is generally of low permeability. Published literature indicates
(3)
that domestic supply wells developed in the till generally
provide
sustained yields on the order of 5 GPM or less.
Glacial outwash deposits in the study area are limited to
the
Cedar Swamp Brook valley and the valley occupied by the
Simmons
Reservoirs southeast of the Central Landfill. These deposits
are mapped by Robinsond) as paired kame terraces formed by
the deposition of sediments by flow between the valley walls
and an ice mass remaining in the center of the valley.
Robinson
characterizes these outwash sediments largely as variable in
gain-size composition, sorting and stratification. Published
literature (2) indicates that supply well yield in outwash
sands
and gravels in the vicinity of the Simmons Reservoirs to be
potentially 100 to 300 GPM.
Past sand and gravel/rock quarry operations and subsequent
landfilling operations have largely altered original kame
geomorphology
at the southeast portion of RISWMC site. The depth and
extent
of the more permeable, sands and gravels characteristic of
deposits
remaining on site and potentially in hydraulic connection
with
the kame terrace deposits along the Simmons Reservoir valley
walls will be evaluated by test pits and borings.
2.20 PAST DISPOSAL PRACTICES
In 1952, Silvestri Brothers purchased part of the present
Central
rohnston, Rhode Island. From 1952 to 1955, Landfill Site in
Johns
the area in question was used to conduct a combination sand
& gravel/quarry stone operation. In 1955, Silvestri
Brothers
started a refuse burning dump on the 65 acre site. Due to
public
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health concerns with burning wastes in an open area,
Silvestri
Brothers discontinued burning solid waste and started
burying
disposed materials in 1962.
Until its sale to the RISWMC on December 9, 1980, the 25
year-old
landfill had accepted approximately 5 million tons of
municipal,
commercial, and industrial solid waste (for estimated
tonnage,
see attached Table 2) . This landfill is presently the
largest
sanitary landfill operation in the State of Rhode Island.
Currently
27 of Rhode Island's 39 communities use the landfill.
Private
carters also use the site. For more details, see attached Table
3.
The present 154 acre landfill (see Figure 2) includes a
one-third
acre portion where approximately 1.5 million gallons of
manifested
and reported hazardous waste from Rhode Island were disposed
of between December 3, 1976 and May 30, 1979. Within this
hazardous
waste area, bulk liquid waste was dumped into 3 trenches
that
had previously been excavated to bedrock. Throughout this
three
year period, these trenches were left exposed to the
elements.
This area was then used for disposal of sewage sludge until
July 1982 when it was capped with boulders. 5 feet of
granular
fill. 20 feet of flv ash, a 20 mil PVC liner. 10 feet of fly
ash and a 2-foot granular fill cover.
The Rhode Island State Police have also investigated reports
that prior to 1980 drums of chemicals were buried at the landfill.
These allegations have been denied by the former operator of. the
landfill. Other than the installation of monitoring wells, no
explorations have been performed to substantiate these allegations.
Information provided by the State Police will be used to locate
test pits to be excavated as part of this study.
Hazardous waste manifests on file at Rhode Island Department
of Environmental Management (RIDEM) indicate that the wastes
disposed of at the former hazardous waste area include latex
waste, acid waste, corrosive waste, water soluble oils and
waste
solvents, including methylene chloride, toulene,
1,1,1-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethylene. Monthly operating
reports for
transporters on file at Massachusetts Department of
Environmental
Quality Engineering (Mass. DEQE) indicate that an additional
1 million gallons of wastes including motor oils, industrial
oils and emulsions, solvents, lacquers, organic chemicals,
inorganic
chemicals, cyanide, plating wastes, clay and filter media
with
chemicals, plating sludge and oily solids were disposed of
at
the site. These monthly operating reports are not structured
with the checks inherent to the post-CERCLA manifest system.
The previous landfill owner denies that some substances
indicated
on these monthly reports were ever disposed of at the site.
From 1980 to 1983, the RISWMC operated two separate areas at
the Central Landfill: one area received between 1500-2000
tons/day
of solid waste, and the other received 225 tons/day of
wastewater
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treatment plant sludge. Since obtaining ownership of the
Central
Landfill, RISWMC has disposed of an annual average of
approximately
one-half a million tons of solid waste and over 50 thousand
tons of municipal sludge. Within the last year, RISWMC has
been
allowed to co-dispose municipal and industrial sludge with
solid
waste throughout the active facility area.
In addition to the above materials the Central Landfill has
also received industrial waste products at an average rate
of
approximately 100 tons per days. This material includes
drums
of nnn-hazardous industrial waste products. All industrial
waste materials have been, on at least one occasion, tested
and approved for disposal by the RIDEM. For example, grab
samples
iLf_products from the American Hoechst Corporation of
Coventry
R.I. analyzed in September 1983 and February of 1984 and
found
to be non-hazardous by the Rhode Island DEM.
In October and December 1984. samples of groundwater were
collected
bvR.T. Analytical Laboratories (RIAL) from eight on-site
monitoring
wells. These samples were analyzed by RIAL for pH.
conductance.
chlorides, iron, the eight drinking water metals, and the
volatile
organics on the EPA's list of priority pollutants. The
results
of that testing were compared to previous on-site analytical
test data. In general . the results of the October and
December
1984 testing fell within the range of previously reported
test
results. While these data have not yet been subjected to a
statistical evaluation, the initial review suggests that niU
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Evaluation of surface topography, bedrock contours, boring
logs
from previous investigations, as well as water level
elevations
in monitoring wells indicate that both surface runoff and
groundwater
flow across most of the site largely tend in a generally
south
easterly direction. Figure 3 provides a groundwater contour
map of conditions at the site, as interpreted from
groundwater
elevation data collected in August, 1984. Figure 7 provides
a bedrock contour map depicting the results of previous
subsurface
explorations. Refer to Table 4 for a summary of the actual
groundwater elevation data. Note that Figure 3 was developed
based on a limited amount of data and actual conditions may
vary from the conditions shown on Figure 3.
When the flow patterns suggested by Figure 3 are evaluated
in
conjunction with available analytical data (see section 3.2)
it appears that a source of volatile organic contaminants
exists
upgradient or to the northwest of observation well J. This
generally corresponds to the area where liquid chemical
waste
were reportedly disposed. Well E, which is upgradient of
both
well J and the liquid chemical waste area exhibits similar
volatile
organics at levels one to two orders of magnitude lower than
have been detected at well J. Well M is. to the north of Well
E
and appears to be in a separate water shed. Samples frPIH
this
well also exhibit low levels of volatile organics,
indicating
a potential for at least seasonal migration of landfill
leachate
to the Almy Reservoir watershed.
Based on both chemical analytical data and reported geologic
information it appears that both the overburden and the
bedrock
are possible pathways for contaminant migration. For
example,
at the location of monitoring well cluster "B", the
overburden
well generally exhibited higher concentrations of
contaminant
than did the bedrock well, where as at cluster "C" the
contaminant
concentrations in the rock and overburden are similar.
3.20 CONTAMINANT IDENTIFICATION
Based on reported disposal practice, and an evaluation of
existing
groundwater analytical data, it appears that the primary
contaminants
present in groundwater at the Central Landfill are volatile
organic compounds. The compound present in highest
concentrations,
and accounting for the majority of the total volatile
organics
detected, is chlorobenzene. Chlorobenzene has been reported
in concentrations as high as 34 parts per million (ppm) in
ground
water at well J.
Graphical presentations of available landfill groundwater
quality
data are presented in Appendix B. These bar graphs indicate
relative observation well contaminant levels at points in
time.
The recurring apparent trend observed in these figures is
that
well J exhibits contaminants at levels orders of magnitude
higher
than the more downgradient wells.
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The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
standard for exposure to chlorobenzene is 75 ppm in air
averaged
over an eight hour work shift. No SNARL (Suggested No
Adverse
Response Level) or RMCL (Recommended Maximum Contaminant
Level)
values have been established for chlorobenzene in water. The
solubility of chlorobenzene in water is reported as 500 ppm
and the specific gravity is 1.1. Other contaminants reported
present in groundwater at the site include benzene,
ethylbenzene,
xylene, toluene, 1,1,1 trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene,
and dichloromethane. Review of available private domestic
well
data indicates that chlorobenzene has not been reported
present
and that 1,1,1 trichloroethane accounts for most of the
volatile
organics reported present in the private wells.
3.30 EXISTING DATA DEFICIENCIES
A series of point-in-time analytical profiles have been
developed
for the landfill observation wells. These are presented in
Appendix B. Recently acquired information i.e. well
elevation
data, indicates that well M may not constitute an upgradient
point, therefore a basis for statistical evaluation of the
down-
gradient concentrations may not exist.It appears that the
protocol
or lack of adherence to same, in sampling
observation/monitoring
wells and private domestic wells may constitute cause for
caution
in using existing chemical information for detailed
evaluations
of groundwater contamination. Recent testing performed for
RISWMC by Rhode Island Analytical (see Appendix B-l) does,
however,
indicate these data may be useful in evaluating general
groundwater
quality trends. The following subsections detail apparent
data
deficiencies.
3.31 Landfill Monitoring Wells
Based on interviews of the RISWMC personnel who were charged
with sample collection, in "some" sample rounds observation
well groundwater samples were collected utilizing a "hand
operated
bilge pump and a garden hose". Additionally, it appears no
attempts at pump and hose cleaning between sample collection
points or sampling rounds were made. A memorandum dated
September
27, 1984 from RISWMC indicates sampling methodology followed
in other sample collection rounds deviates from current EPA
protocol. (See memo in Appendix D).
3.32 Private Domestic Supply Wells
According to Rhode Island Department of Health personnel
the sample collection protocol for private domestic well
sampling
involved running the faucet for a prescribed period of time
(5 minutes) and then collecting a sample from the faucet.
While
this method of sample collection might yield analytical
results
which are representative of the quality of ingested water,
the
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reported levels may not adequately reflect the groundwater
quality
at the point of extraction.
3.33 Integrity of Monitoring Wells
A basis from which to evaluate the integrity of existing
monitoring wells does not exist. The available boring logs
do not, in general, include installation details regarding
placement
of screen packing or bentonite seals. At least one
monitoring
well (well D) was observed to have a loosely placed
protective
casing, and well A is reportedly so out of plumb that it
cannot
be sampled by bailer. It was recently learned that
additional
riser pipe had been installed on some wells to prevent their
loss due to landfill operations. This necessitated new
topographic
survey of well elevations. This survey data has been
utilized
to develop the groundwater contours presented in Figure 3.
3.34 Sampling and Analysis Regularity
The existing data indicates that not all wells were sampled
during each sample round and not all parameters were
determined
for each sample. Thus it is difficult to separate temporal
from areal variations in chemical concentrations.
4.00 FIELD STUDY PLAN
Based on evaluation of available existing data and
consideration
of the items discussed above, the following technical
approach
is recommended. As the purpose of the study is investigative
by nature, the outlined sequence is necessarily conditional,
with each task relying, to some extent, on the results of
the
previous task.
In an effort to insure that the proposed studies are
performed
in a manner consistent with the NCP, 40 CFR Part 300, RCRA
and
other applicable state and federal statutes, the project
team
will discuss applicable sections of 40 CFR Part 300 with the
EPA project site manager prior to execution of any specific
task. All studies will be performed in accordance with the
requirements of the QA Plan (see Appendix C) and will follow
the guidelines presented in the health and safety plan (Appendix
D) .
4.10 RESIDENTIAL WELL SAMPLING
Sampling and analysis of residential wells in the area of
Central
Landfill has been conducted at irregular intervals and by
v^i-ous
parties since 1980. Both the Rhode Island Department of
/Health
|\ and a private analytical laboratory have reported the
pfesencdx
of volatile organic contaminants in some residential wells
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In order to evaluate the potential effects of the landfill
on
residential wells, water quality sampling and analyses will
be implemented. The residential well sampling will be
conducted
in accordance with the project OA plan.
The program will be directed at identifying potential
contaminant
receptors and will be performed as a phased program. Phase
I win include the sampling and analysis of approximately
thirty
residences. The scope, number or need for subsequent phases
win he determined by the results of previous phases.
Phase I of this program will concentrate on homes using
bedrock
wells as their primary source of drinking water.
Additionallyf
the Phase I testing will be directed towards homes which are
close to the landfill and believed to be downgradient of the
site. The task of selecting potential residences to be
tested
win he performed by the Project Team. Gaining access to
these
homes will be accomplished jointly by the Solid Waste
Corporation
and the US EPA.
Based on the recommendation of Mr. Donald Berger of the US
EPA.
re.qjdential well sample collection will be from the kitchen
faucet, provided no home treatment system exists between the
faucet and the well. No sample will be collected after home
treatment systems. Sampling will be performed in accordance
with the project OA plan. The first set of samples will. in
a n cases. be analyzed for all compounds on the EPA's list
of
priority pollutants.
At the recommendation of the EPA, and as part of Phase I. a
second sample set will be collected from the same locations
and under the same conditions within 7 days of the initial
collection
date at each location. This second sample set will be
analyzed
for the volatile organic chemicals on the EPA's list of
priority
PQ.13utantS. As it is anticipated that volatile organic
compounds
win constitute the majority of contaminants detected, the
results
from this second sample set will serve to assess short term
temporal variations in water quality and will help establish
the degree of reproducability achieved.
4.20 BEDROCK FRACTURE TRACE ANALYSIS
Evaluation of available geologic information and
observations
by geologists during field reconnaissance indicate that the
site is underlain by the Scituate Granite Gneiss.
Granite, in general, has a tendency to fracture in response
to stress conditions that occur during various episodes of
the
geologic history.
An indication of the relative density and geographic
orientation
of bedrock fractures, which is the major factor affecting
bedrock
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hydraulic conductivity and groundwater flow patterns may be
determined through the trained geologic interpretation of
appropriate
aerial photographs.
Geologic interpretation of aerial photographs is generally
considered
to be a two-step process. The first step includes
observation
and identification of features on the photographs. The
second
step involves rational processing of this data in terms of
geologic/hydrogeologic significance. The features of surface
expression
used in photogeologic interpretation are identified on the
basis
of recognition elements, characteristics of the photographs
that result from the scale selected, the rock types
observed,
the overlying vegetation, and the soils of the terrain
photographed;
and related factors.
4.21 Viewing of the Photographs
Photographs may be viewed singly as mosaics of photographs,
or as stereoscopic pairs. For the purposes of this study,
stereo
scopic pair, will be utilized as more details such as fine
lines
or textural differences are shown clearly in this mode. Such
clarity is in many places a direct result of the common
association
of fine lines and textures with relief changes, which are
exaggerated
in most stereoscopic models.
4.22 Key Recognition Elements
The elements to be evaluated in viewing aerial photographs
of this site are relative photographic tone, texture and
pattern.
A. Photographic Tone
Photographic tone is considered to be fundamental to all
other recognition elements. Tones on conventional aerial
photography range from black through shades of gray to
white. Because of the ability of the human eye to
differentiate
subtle tone changes, relative photographic tone is one
of the useful facets available to the geologist interpreting
aerial photographs.
The usefulness of photographic tone depends on the problem
under consideration and how tone is used in association
with the other recognition elements. This is particularly
useful in fracture trace analysis.
B. Texture
The term "texture" as it applies to aerial photography
interpretation has been defined as the "frequency of tone
change within the image, and is produced by an aggregate
of unit features too small to be clearly discerned
individually
on the photograph" (Colwell 1952).
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Texture in the photographic sense is actually a feature
composed of several characteristics, including photographic
tone, shape, size, and pattern and observation of all these
factors is necessary when applying this recognition factor
to fracture trace analysis.
C. Pattern
Pattern refers to the orderly spatial arrangement of
geologic,
topographic, or vegetative features on a photograph.
Patterns resulting from particular distributions of lines
are frequently of structural significance, representing
possible expressions of faults, joints, or fractures
indicative
of hydrogeologically significant areas.
4.23 Trace Analysis Utilization
The results of the fracture trace analysis will be
interpreted
and used to evaluate proposed locations for the bedrock
observation
well installations.
4.30 EARTH RESISTIVITY SURVEY
Approximately 3000-foot of electrical resistivity
determinations
will be run in the approximate location indicated on Figure
4. The earth resistivity geophysical technique provides a
method
for shallow subsurface investigation by the means of
electrical
measurements taken at the ground surface. This method has
been
well documented in the literature as being a useful and
reliable
method for delineating the approximate locations of
groundwater
contamination plumes. In addition, it is much less expensive
than drilling wells, extracting, and analyzing water
samples.
Earth resistivity study is a technique for measuring the
variations
of subsurface geologic strata by passing successive
electrical
currents through the earth's surface in the area of interest
and measuring resultant voltage drops between input and
measuring
electrodes. Earth resistivity readings vary, depending on
the
lithology, density, degree of saturation, and nature of
saturation
of the geologic strata tested.
Where groundwater quality varies significantly with respect
to total dissolved solids, and hence electrical
conductivity,
contrasts in groundwater quality can be discerned
electrically.
However, natural and artificial conditions affecting the
conduct
ivity/resistance of subsurface materials will often mask the
existence of groundwater pollution. Therefore, its
application
is limited to those areas where significant variations in
groundwater
guality occur which can be differentiated from other changes
in resistivity due to factors other than water quality.
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The natural resistivity of earthen materials varies
significantly.
Dense bedrock or other non-porous materials ordinarily
exhibit
high resistivity values. Some porous but unsaturated
materials,
such as dry sand, will exhibit moderately high resistivity
values.
Even saturated clean sands and gravel containing low
dissolved
solids (salts) can exhibit moderately high resistivity,
hence,
low conductivity. Conversely, dirty gravels containing
intermixed
clays will exhibit lower resistivities due to the free ion
content
(salinity) of the charged clay particles.
Because clays and silts are capable of holding more water
(above
the water table) than clean sands and gravels, they,
predictably,
exhibit lower resistivity. Equal resistivity readings do not
always signify similar materials if the survey is conducted
where moisture contents vary appreciably. Therefore, periods
of extended rainfall can create problems in the
interpretation
of data results.
Resistivity can be correlated with various materials. For
dense
rocks, expected values may range from several thousand to
several
tens of thousands of ohm-feet. Most soils, since they are
moist
and contain clays with net ionic charges, have lower
resistivities
in the range of 20 to 200 ohm-feet.
The chemical character of , the groundwater occupying the
pore
spaces of the soil also affect apparent resistivity,
particularly
if the groundwater has a high specific conductance as a
result
of contamination. As would be expected, the high groundwater
conductivity decreases the overall soil resistivity. It has
been well documented that, where this is the case, and where
the natural resistivity of the soil is relatively uniform,
the
earth resistivity technique can greatly facilitate
delineation
of the areal extent of a groundwater contamination plume.
4.31 Sounding Survey
A brief sounding survey would be conducted at the site
where prior information reveals highly conductive,
contaminated
groundwater.
Electrical resistivity soundings are performed by
progressively
increasing the electrode spacings which send the current
progres
sively deeper, permitting an indication of the vertical
variability
of the soil's apparent resistivity. The Wenner electrode
config
uration would be used in the sounding survey. In this
procedure,
the depth of measurement is roughly equivalent to the probe
spacing.
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4.32 Profiling Survey
A profiling survey would then be conducted in which the
electrode spacing is held constant and readings are taken at
various locations in an effort to define the areal limits of
the plume of contamination. Electrode spacing (s) would be
determined
from the sounding survey, as discussed previously. The
initial
effort of the profiling survey is to establish a range of
background
apparent resistivity in the area. Once background levels are
determined, readings are then taken within the suspected
area
of the plume migration. The location of each Earth
Resistivity
Station (ERS) as well as the apparent resistivity measured
at
each station would then be recorded and plotted on a site
base
map.
4.40 MAGNETIC GRADIOMETER SURVEY
Proton precession vertical gradiometer surveys have been
utilized
in several applications to successfully locate magnetic
anomalies
which may be associated with buried material. The
gradiometec
is a differential magnetometer which allows resolution of
composite
or complex anomalies into individual constituents and
automaticallv
removes the regional magnetic gradient to allow better
definition
of shallower anomalies.
Because of allegations that drums of chemicals were buried
at
Central Landfill prior to 1980. the application of vertical
gradiometer survey to determine the location and extent of
buried
drums has been considered.
Since RISWMC began operations at the site in December 1980.
an average net elevation increase of 30 to 40 feet has been
experienced across the landfill area with lifts of 60 feet
or more placed in some areas. Included in the refuse placed
bv RTSWMC are shredded and unshredded scrap metals, white
goods,
and hundreds of nonhazardous and empty drums.
Based on GZA's experiences with magnetometer applications at
landfills and the fact that "it is relatively important in
any
ground gradient applications that there be no significant
surface
magnetic noise. for gradient anomalies tend to greatly
enhance
such .qhallow noise sources which would be detrimental for
most
objectives(3) ," it is anticipated that a gradiometer survey
would not generate useful data.
Allegations regarding the disposal of drums of chemicals at
the landfill prior to 1980 have been referenced above.
Attempts
to identify particular areas of drum disposal through
records
search and interview have not proven fruitful. The former
site
operator vehemently maintains that although-bulk hazardous
liquids
in excess of a million gallons were deposited at the
landfill,
drums of chemicals were not deposited there.
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In addition, were allegations regarding disposal of drummed
waste prior to 1980 found to be true. it iS highly unlJKely
that any such drums would, at this time, contain liquid
wastes.
After careful consideration, it is. therefore, recommended
that
the search for buried drums be limited to the execution of
borings
at proposed locations WE 85-1 through WE 85-4 in the
landfill
area and the excavation of test pits in the white metal axe^
(a location delineated by the state police) and the
evaluation
of groundwater quality trends.
The rationale for selection of the boring locations is that
the area targeted coincides with where the bulk of
landfilling
occurred during the time of the alleged drum disposal.
4.50 SEISMIC REFRACTION INVESTIGATION
Seismic refraction techniques are used to determine the
velocity
of compressional waves through subsurface strata and provide
information regarding strata density and depths to
contrasting
strata interfaces such as a bedrock-overhurden boundary.
In an amenable environment such information as depth to
groundwater,
depth to bedrock and subsurface strata boundaries might be
determined
t?y seismjg refraction. in a landfill situation, however,
the
presence of random debris and pockets of biodegradation gas
products would result, respectively, in signal scatter and
attenua
tion. The acquisition of useful data under these conditions
is unlikely.
Application of seismic refraction around the perimeter of
the
landfill would not provide high resolution results as the
subsurface
strata is known to consist of fractured bedrock overlain by
a glacial till. These strata exhibit similar wave velocities
and provide poor resolution of interface depth.
Based on the above limitations, the use of a seismic
refraction
survey at the Central Landfill site is not recommended. TeSt