PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
PANTEX PLANT
AMARILLO, CARSON COUNTY, TEXAS
Pantex Plant Reference Documents Reviewed
Acquavella JF, Wiggs LD, Waxweiler RJ, MacDonell DG, Tietjen GL, Wilkinson GS. Mortality among workers at the Pantex weapons facility. Health Phys 1985 June;48(6):735-46.
Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Research Division. Draft RCRA facility investigation report for groundwater in zone 12 at the DOE Pantex Plant. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Chicago, IL: November 1995.
Barns & McDonnell. Land use census Pantex facility (draft). Kansas City, MO: March 1991.
Barns & McDonnell. Revised land use census Pantex facility. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy and Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Kansas City, MO: June 1995.
Battelle Pantex. Pantex Plant environmental restoration program. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: December 1992.
Battelle Pantex. Pantex Plant federal facility compliance act mixed waste treatment program: Conceptual site treatment plan. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: October 1993.
Battelle Pantex, Environmental Protection Department, Environmental Monitoring Section. Uranium in pullman soils of the Texas panhandle. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: October 1991.
Bounini L, Desmare W, Orban J, Rellergert C, Thalhammer D, Williams M, Zygmunt S. AL mixed waste treatment plan (final issue). March 1994.
Bureau of Economic Geology. Hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of the Ogallala Aquifer, southern high plains, Texas panhandle, and eastern New Mexico. Austin, TX: 1988. Report of investigations no. 177.
Geo-Marine, Inc. A cultural resources survey of 500 acres surrounding the sewage playa at the Pantex Plant facility, Carson County, Texas. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Plano, TX: May 1994. Miscellaneous report of investigations no. 75.
Geo-Marine, Inc. A cultural resources survey of 2,400 acres at the U.S. Department of Energy Pantex Plant, Carson County, Texas. Prepared for Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Plano, TX: March 1995. Miscellaneous report of investigations no. 87.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. RCRA facility investigation report for construction landfills 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 15 (draft final). Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Albuquerque, NM: December 1995.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. RCRA facility investigation report for construction landfills 3, 13, original, 1, 2, sanitary, and abandoned zone 10 (draft). Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Albuquerque, NM: February 1996.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. in conjunction with Ogden Environmental and Energy Services Company. Chemical high explosives hazards assessment for the Pantex Plant Amarillo, Texas. Albuquerque, NM: October 1993.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. in conjunction with Ogden Environmental and Energy Services Company. Hazardous materials hazards assessment for the Pantex Plant Amarillo, Texas. Albuquerque, NM: November 1992.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. in conjunction with Ogden Environmental and Energy Services Company. Natural phenomena hazards assessment for the Pantex Plant Amarillo, Texas. Albuquerque, NM: October 1993.
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. in conjunction with Ogden Environmental and Energy Services Company. Recalculation of potential deposition levels and dose exposure levels for the Pantex radiological hazards assessment for the Pantex Plant Amarillo, Texas. Albuquerque, NM: October 1993.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Potential Ogallala Aquifer impacts of a hypothetical plutonium dispersal accident in zone 4 of the Pantex Plant. Los Alamos, NM: November 1992.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Hydrologic study for Pantex. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-A.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Radiation monitoring and radiological assessment of routine releases. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-C.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Dispersion analysis for postulated accidents. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-D.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Review of occupational exposures to radiation. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-E.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Radiological consequences of immediate inhalation of plutonium dispersed by postulated accidents. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-F.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Estimated releases and downwind concentrations of air pollutants from waste organic solvent evaporation, waste high-explosive burning, and high-explosive test shots. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-G.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Geohydrologic investigations. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-H.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Agricultural food chain radiological assessment. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-M.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: Long-term radiological risk assessment for postulated accidents. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-O.
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Supplementary documentation for an environmental impact statement regarding the Pantex Plant: A comparison of county and state cancer mortality rates. Los Alamos, NM: December 1982. Document no. LA-9445-PNTX-P.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1973. Prepared for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Amarillo, TX: May 1974. Document no. MHSMP-74-12.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1974. Prepared for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. Amarillo, TX: May 1975. Document no. MHSMP-75-8.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1975. Prepared for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. Amarillo, TX: March 1976. Document no. MHSMP-76-8.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1976. Prepared for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. Amarillo, TX: March 1977. Document no. MHSMP-77-7.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1977. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: March 1978. Document no. MHSMP-78-7.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1978. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1979. Document no. MHSMP-79-24.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1979. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1980. Document no. MHSMP-80-12.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1980. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: March 1981. Document no. MHSMP-81-18.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1981. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: April 1982. Document no. MHSMP-82-14.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1982. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: March 1983. Document no. MHSMP-83.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1983. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: 1984. Document no. MHSMP-84-15.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1984. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: April 1985. Document no. MHSMP-85-17.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1985. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1986. Document no. MHSMP-86-17.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1986. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: April 1987. Document no. MHSMP-87-18.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring report for Pantex Plant covering 1987. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: April 1988. Document no. MHSMP-88-1.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant site environmental report for calendar year 1988. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1989. Document no. MHSMP-89-27.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant site environmental report for calendar year 1989. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1990. Document no. MHSMP-90.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant site environmental report for calendar year 1990. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: July 1991. Document no. MHSMP-91-06.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant site environmental report for calendar year 1991. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: December 1992.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant site environmental report for calendar year 1992. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: December 1993.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. 1993 environmental report for Pantex Plant. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: June 1994. Document no. DOE/AL/65030-9413.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. 1994 environmental report for Pantex Plant. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: June 1995. Document no. DOE/AL/65030-9506.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. 1995 environmental report for Pantex Plant. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1996. Document no. DOE/AL/65030-9602.
Mason & Hanger Corporation. 1996 environmental report for Pantex Plant. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1997. Document no. DOE/AL/65030-9704.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Environmental monitoring plan for the Pantex Plant. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: March 1996. Document no. PLN-20.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Groundwater protection management program plan. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: May 1993. Document no. PLN8.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Groundwater protection management program plan (update for FY95). Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: June 1995. Document no. PLN8.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant draft site treatment plan. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: August 1994.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex Plant environmental monitoring program. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: December 1991.
Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Pantex zone 12 treatability study, Vol No 1: Interim data reports no. 1, 2, 3. Amarillo, TX: December 1995.
Mason & Hanger Corporation. Risk reduction rule guidance for Pantex Plant RCRA facility investigations (final). Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Amarillo, TX: August 1996.
Morrison Knudsen Corporation. RCRA facility investigation report for miscellaneous high explosives/radiation release sites Pantex Plant, Amarillo, TX ADS 1212 (AL-PX-11) (draft final). Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Englewood, CO: January 1996.
Morrison Knudsen Corporation. RCRA facility investigation report firing sites for 5, 6, and 15 ADS 1205 (AL-PX-09) (draft final). Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Englewood, CO: February 1996.
Pacific Northwest Laboratory. An evaluation of meteorological data differences between the Pantex Plant and Amarillo, Texas. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Richland, WA: June 1993. Document no. PNL-8718.
Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Ecological investigations at the Pantex Plant Site, 1992. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Richland, WA: September 1993. Document no. PNL-8810.
Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Pantex Plant cell 12-44-1 tritium release: Re-assessment of environmental doses for 1990 to 1992. Prepared for Battelle Pantex and Mason & Hanger - Silas Mason Co., Inc. Richland, WA: March 1994. Document no. PNL-9367.
Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Pantex Plant meteorological monitoring program. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Richland, WA: July 1993. Document no. PNL-8744.
Radian Corporation. RFI report, Vol 1: Pantex RCRA facility investigation AL-PX-8 ditches and playas, ADS 1216 (draft final). Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Austin, TX: September 1995. (Vol 1 of 5)
Texas Department of Health. Letter to Claudia Blackburn from Minda M. Weldon concerning a response to a concern about an excess of infant mortality in Potter and Randall Counties. April 11, 1997.
Texas Department of Health. Letter to Deborah Martin from Jean D. Brender concerning congenital malformations - panhandle region. March 19, 1987.
Texas Department of Health. Summary writeup: Analysis of parental occupation and workplace, and distribution by zip code. Austin, TX: October 1996.
Texas Department of Health, Birth Defects Monitoring Division. Pantex investigation: Birth defects component. Austin, TX: August 1996.
Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control. Environmental monitoring annual report 1987. Austin, TX: March 1990. Document no. TBRC EMR-87.
Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control. Environmental monitoring annual report 1988 and 1989. Austin, TX: March 1991. Document no. TBRC EMR-88/89.
Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control. Environmental monitoring annual report for 1990. Austin, TX. Document no. TBRC EMR-90.
Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control. Environmental monitoring annual report for 1991. Austin, TX. Document no. TBRC EMR-91.
Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control. Environmental monitoring annual report for 1992. Austin, TX. Document no. TBRC EMR-92.
Texas Department of Health, Cancer Registry Division. Study of cancer in selected counties near the Pantex Nuclear Weapons Plant. Austin, TX: June 1994.
Texas Department of Health, Texas Cancer Registry. Summary of investigation into the occurrence of cancer in selected counties in the Texas panhandle. Austin, TX: July 1996.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. Pantex Plant federal facility compliance act proposed site treatment plan/compliance plan. Austin, TX: March 1995.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Monitoring Operations Division. Pantex nuclear weapons facility quality assurance project plan for ambient air monitoring. Austin, TX: June 1995. Document no. RG-140.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Monitoring Operations Division. Pantex nuclear weapons facility quality assurance project plan for ambient air monitoring. Austin, TX: August 1997. Document no. RG-140/97.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Final work plan, Vol I (generic): RCRA facility investigations for ditches and playas. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Tulsa, OK: May 1991.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Final work plan, Vol II (site specific): RCRA facility investigations for ditches and playas. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. Tulsa, OK: May 1991.
U.S. Department of Defense. DOD ammunition and explosives safety standards. Washington, DC: October 1992. Document no. DOD 6055.9-STD.
U.S. Department of Energy. Programmatic Information Document. Environmental impact statement: The continued operation of the Pantex Plant and associated storage of nuclear weapon components. Washington, DC: October 1995.
U.S. Department of Energy. Draft environmental impact statement for the continued operation of the Pantex Plant and associated storage of nuclear weapon components (summary). Washington, DC: March 1996. Document no. DOE/EIS-0225D.
U.S. Department of Energy. Draft environmental impact statement for the continued operation of the Pantex Plant and associated storage of nuclear weapon components (Vol I-main report). Washington, DC: March 1996. Document no. DOE/EIS-0225D.
U.S. Department of Energy. Draft environmental impact statement for the continued operation of the Pantex Plant and associated storage of nuclear weapon components (Vol II-appendixes). Washington, DC: March 1996. Document no. DOE/EIS-0225D.
U.S. Department of Energy. Environmental restoration program solid waste management units information booklet. Washington, DC: May 1995.
U.S. Department of Energy. Final environmental impact statement Pantex Plant Site Amarillo, Texas. Washington, DC: October 1983. Document no. DOE/EIS/0098.
U.S. Department of Energy. Risk reduction rule guidance to the Pantex Plant RFI (final). Washington, DC: September 1996.
U.S. Department of Energy. Tiger team assessment of the Pantex Plant Amarillo, Texas. Washington, DC: February 1990. Document no. DOE/EH-0130.
U.S. Department of Energy, Albuquerque Operations Office, Environment, Safety, and Health Division, Environmental Programs Branch. Comprehensive environmental assessment and response program Phase I: Installation assessment Pantex Plant (draft). Washington, DC: October 1986.
U.S. Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety, and Health. Human radiation experiments: The Department of Energy roadmap to the story and records. Washington, DC: February 1995. Document no. DOE/EH-0445.
U.S. Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety, and Health. Report of the task group on operation of Department of Energy tritium facilities. Washington, DC: October 1991. Document no. DOE/EH-0198P.
U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Restoration Program. Remedial investigation report, Vol 1: Task 1, stage 1 (draft). Albuquerque, NM: June 1989.
U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Restoration Program. Remedial investigation report, Vol 2: Task 1, stage 1 (draft). Albuquerque, NM: June 1989.
U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Restoration Program. Remedial investigation report, Vol 3: Task 1, stage 1 (draft). Albuquerque, NM: June 1989.
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management. Site history of Pantex Plant (draft). Washington, DC: January 1993.
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management. Site maps and facilities listings. Washington, DC: November 1993.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency & Remedial Response, Office of Program Management.
National priorities list sites: Texas. Washington, DC: September 1990. Document no. EPA/540/4-90/043.
Pantex Plant Groundwater Treatability Study
In September 1995, the Pantex Plant initiated a groundwater treatability study. The purpose was to investigate methods to treat the perched aquifer groundwater under the plant. The initial treatment system filtered the groundwater through granulated activated carbon, removing any of the historic explosive or volatile organic compounds.
Phase I of the study showed treatment was effective in removing explosives, and the system was expanded and improved to increase effectiveness. Phases II and III of the study involved completing 10 additional groundwater extraction wells, one additional water injection well, and one Ogallala monitoring well.
Under Phase II, four additional extraction wells were installed in optimum locations to remove explosives and chromium. These wells help preclude potential movement of the explosives and chromium off site. The drilling began in August 1996 and was completed on September 30, 1996. Three extraction wells were placed in the leading edge of the chromium plume. One extraction well was placed in the area of a low concentration of 1,2-dichloroethane. An Ogallala monitoring well was completed to monitor the Ogallala groundwater downgradient from the perched aquifer. The Ogallala aquifer lies about 100 feet below the perched interval.
Phase II also included adding a chemical precipitation system to the treatability unit to remove metals. An insulated building, constructed to enclose the unit and protect the system during the winter, allows year-round operations.
Phase III work involved the installation of six new extraction wells. This phase increased the size of the study to include water extraction from additional areas where explosives were found. Because the additional wells process more water than was previously processed, this should further slow movement of the plumes off site.
The system is currently treating an average of 70,000 gallons of water per day for explosives and 14,000 gallons per day for chromium. It is estimated that as much as 43,000 gallons will be processed for chromium each day when the unit goes to 24 hours per day operation. A treatment rate of 115,000 gallons per day for the whole system is anticipated. As of March 31, 1998, 30 million gallons of perched aquifer groundwater had been treated.
The treatability system is effective in that treated water contaminant concentrations (explosives and total hexavalent
chromium) are below detection limits. The detection limit for explosives is 1 ppb, total chromium is 5 ppb, and hexavalent
chromium is 10 ppb. The system is about 98% effective in removing total chromium. Even at that percentage, the presence
of total chromium in the effluent is nondetectable. Initial amounts of explosives and chromium have ranged as high as 1,800
micrograms per liter (µg/L) and 3,490 µg/L respectively. The treated water is presently being re-injected into the perched
aquifer to help groundwater flow. Evaluation of the treatment system continues, and the system may be expanded further to
develop better extraction from known areas or to include other new areas for treatment.
Pantex Plant Solid Waste Management Units
1. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-1, BURNING GROUNDS ASSESSMENT [Activity Data Sheet (ADS) 1232]
The Burning Grounds is in the north central portion of the Pantex Plant area and comprises approximately 58 acres. Operations at the Burning Grounds began at least as early as 1952. The site is used for the demilitarization and sanitization of High Explosive (HE) components and treatment of HE and HE-contaminated material. Disposal of solvents at the site was discontinued in the early 1980s, but other permitted treatment activities continue. Units in the Burning Grounds include burn trays, flashing pits, racks, and the demonstration/detonation sites. Closure approval for burn racks, burn cages, and flashing pits was received from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in 1996. Inactive units investigated include the solvent evaporation pit and pans, the former chemical burn pit, burn pads, and the Burning Grounds landfills. The solvent evaporation pans were closed under the Plant Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permit in April 1991.
The potential contaminants of concern are HEs, solvents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and radionuclides. The Phase I fieldwork consisted of a geophysical survey, soil samples, and a groundwater investigation. This investigation ran from March through May 1995. The Remedial Facility Investigation (RFI) Report was submitted to TNRCC August 1, 1995. A Phase II investigation was completed in 1995 and a Draft Final RFI Report was submitted to TNRCC in FY97.
2. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-2,
HIGH PRIORITY POTENTIAL RELEASE SITES (ADS 1219)
Various industrial operations in support of the Pantex Plant mission had the potential for the release of hazardous
contaminants to the environment. These releases are associated with nine sites collectively referred to as the High Priority
Potential Release Sites Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU) Grouping.
| SWMU 11 | Surface Impoundment in Zone 5 |
| SWMU 13 | Former Surface Impoundment, Building 11-51 |
| SWMU 109 | Releases from Building 12-68 Outside Sump |
| SWMU 136 | Subsurface Leaching Beds, Building 12-59 |
| SWMU 139 | Photo Processing Leaching Bed at FS-10 |
| AOC 12 | Building 12-5D Paint Shop Area |
| SWMU 78 | FS-24 Concrete Sump |
| Unnumbered | FS-1 Landfill and FS-22 Container |
The Phase I fieldwork, conducted from December 1993 through February 1994, consisted of soil gas sampling and soil boring samples. Based on TNRCC Risk Reduction Standards 1 and 2, a request for a finding of No Further Action (NFA) was made on six of the nine SWMUs in this operable unit. The remaining three SWMUs were closed by Interim Corrective Measures (ICMs) in FY95 and RFI Reports were submitted on September 14, 1994 and June 30, 1995.
3. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-3, FORMER COOLING TOWER IN ZONE 12 (ADS 1207)
The former cooling tower site is in Zone 12 in the east central portion of the Pantex Plant area. It operated from 1950 through 1964 and has since been dismantled. Only a rectangular concrete foundation (approximately 25 feet x 120 feet) remains.
Contamination resulting from the operation of the former cooling tower could have occurred from overflow of the water reservoir, leakage through or adjacent to the foundation, or air-blown dispersion of the cooling water. The specific composition of the cooling water is unknown; however, varying mixtures of chromates, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide salts are commonly used to control and remove algae and calcium deposits from cooling tower condenser systems. Phase I fieldwork consisted of five shallow borings and one boring of a monitoring well as part of the Zone 12 north groundwater assessment. Sample analyses for potential contaminants of concern were evaluated, and the concentration of each contaminant detected was compared to the TNRCC's risk reduction standards. The comparison indicated contaminant levels to be less than the TNRCC's Risk Reduction Standards, indicating that the contaminants in the soil do not pose a threat to human health or the environment. An RFI Report including an NFA request was submitted to TNRCC October 15, 1993. The NFA request is pending. A separate ICM of the ancillary piping associated with the Former Cooling Tower will be conducted in FY97 to remove chromium contaminated soils to a depth of 5 feet.
4. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-4, OLD SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE BEDS (ADS 1220)
The Old Sewage Treatment Plant (OSTP) sludge beds are in Zone 13 in the extreme northeast corner of the Pantex Plant area. The OSTP operated from 1942 until 1987 and is now out of service. The facility treated wastewater from the Pantex Ordnance Plant, Amarillo Air Force Base, and the Pantex Plant. The OSTP consists of six rectangular, sloped, concrete-lined units filled with pea-sized gravel. Each bed is approximately 40 feet x 100 feet. Sludge entered the OSTP sludge beds from the anaerobic sludge digester and was discharged to the individual beds. Sludge residue was retained on top of the gravel, while excess liquid trickled through the gravel. The liquid then flowed along the sloped concrete liner surface and was collected in sumps at the edge of each bed before being returned to the plant for processing.
The potential contaminants of concern at this site were VOCs, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, PCBs, metals, and HEs. Phase I fieldwork conducted in June and July 1992 included taking 35 soil boring samples and 12 sludge bed samples. A Draft Final RFI Report was submitted to TNRCC on September 2, 1993. Phase I results have indicated slight metals contamination to 40 feet. Phase II fieldwork is scheduled for FY98 to confirm and define the extent of metals contamination.
5. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-5, FIRE TRAINING AREA BURN PITS (ADS 1203)
This SWMU grouping consists of two fire training Area burn pits, a drainage ditch, a crawl tube, and a drum storage area. Training exercises typical of those conducted by all fire departments allowed Pantex Plant firefighters to practice extinguishing different types of fuel or chemical fires in a controlled environment. Training exercises, conducted approximately twice a year beginning in 1973, ceased at pits 1 and 2 in 1987 and 1990, respectively.
The RFI Fieldwork completed in 1992-1993 included a passive soil gas survey and a soil sampling program. Twenty seven soil borings were drilled. The potential contaminants of concern at this site were VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, dioxins/furans, and metals. An interim corrective measure was completed in 1995, achieving contaminant concentrations below Risk Reduction Level 2. The upper 2 feet of soil was excavated at hot spots, disposed of off-site, followed by confirmation sampling and analysis. A small area required excavation to 5 feet.
6. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-6, ZONE 12 GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT (ADS 1230)
Zone 12 covers approximately 280 acres in the southeastern portion of the Pantex Plant area. Its southern portion is a high-security area. The buildings in Zone 12 consist of, or have consisted of, administration and support facilities, vehicle and high explosive development operations locations, chemical and photographic laboratories, and quarters for other industrial operations.
Phase I and Phase II fieldwork has been completed. The RFI Report for groundwater was submitted to TNRCC in November, 1995. Included in the Phase II fieldwork was the drilling and installation of numerous borings and monitoring wells on the east side of the plant to identify any off-site migration of contaminants. The following types of contaminants were detected during the investigations: VOCs, metals, and explosives. A groundwater treatability system using granulated activated carbon was installed in September 1995 which reduces the explosives in the groundwater to below drinking water standards. The treated water is being injected in the up gradient monitoring well in PTX06-1004 which has been converted to an injection well. Currently, another 10 extraction wells have been installed along with another up gradient injection well to enhance the treatability system.
7. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-7, LANDFILLS (ADS 1200)
Because the Pantex Plant was established in 1942, a significant amount of sanitary and industrial solid waste generated there was disposed of in landfills located throughout the facility. Sixteen of the 23 landfills at the Pantex Plant are included in this group. The major types of waste buried in the landfills are sanitary waste (waste from the cafeteria and other general trash, such as paper, plastic, empty containers, and food), construction debris (material such as metal scrap, lumber, roofing materials, concrete, railroad ties/rails, drums, insulation, plastic, and wire), high explosive contaminated waste, chemical waste, used batteries, residual ash, pesticides, asbestos, depleted uranium, and other miscellaneous trash and debris. These burial practices have been discontinued. In addition to using the Amarillo Landfill, Pantex now has only one type of active landfill, and waste disposal practices meet the requirements of 30 Texas Administrative Code 335.2(d), 335.5, and 335.6.
Phase I fieldwork, completed during the period January through August 1994, consisted of geophysical surveys, soil gas surveys, surface and/or subsurface soil sampling, and groundwater monitoring. Phase II fieldwork, completed during the period June through September 1995, consisted of surface and subsurface soil sampling, trenching, and screening surveys in 7 of 16 landfills. Both investigative phases were designed to determine the nature and extent of contamination. Two RCRA Facility Investigation Reports (RFIR) were prepared outlining two discreet landfill groupings as follows: RFIR for Group II Landfills (Nos. 5,6,7,9,10,12 and 15) was submitted to TNRCC January 30, 1996; RFIR for Group III Landfills (Nos. 1,2,3,13, Original Zone 10, and sanitary) was submitted TNRCC June 28, 1996.
The following types of contaminants were detected during the investigations: VOCs, SVOCs, metals, pesticides, PCBs, asbestos, and radionuclides; however, concentrations in all but one landfill were below action levels. Maintenance covers were placed on Landfills 1, 2, 12, and 13 in November 1996. Landfill 3 has been recommended for further evaluation and corrective measures study.
8. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-8, DITCHES AND PLAYAS (ADS 1216)
This SWMU grouping consists of the constructed ditches and the natural flow system that drain the plant area. Most Plant site rainfall and runoff enter the ditches and natural drainage system and ultimately flow to four on-site playas. Historically, drainage was also diverted off-site to Pantex Lake northeast of the plant. In the past, the industrial operations in Zones 11 and 12 caused chemical releases that potentially entered the drainage ditches and playas at the plant. Surface runoff from the Burning Grounds flowed into playa #3, and effluent treated at the OSTP (inactive since 1987) was pumped to Pantex Lake. The specific contamination at each site is dependent on the history of the site. However, some of the compounds being evaluated are VOCs, SVOCs, high explosives, pesticides/PCBs, metals, nitrites and nitrates.
Phase I fieldwork was conducted from June 1992 through March 1993. The large number of SWMUs being investigated under this RFI have been grouped into six flow systems. Each flow system contains a playa and the ditches that drain to that playa. Flow System 6 consists of the groundwater data from the nine perched aquifer monitoring wells installed during this RFI. Phase I fieldwork did not provide enough information to characterize this SWMU Grouping properly. Phase II fieldwork began in December 1994 and was completed in February 1995. Additionally, data were collected from surface samples and soil borings from ditches and playas unaffected by industrial activities. Data from the investigations conducted were incorporated in the RFIR and submitted for TNRCC review in September 1995. These data have been used to support the Risk Reduction Rule Standards Guidance document in establishing background constituent levels.
The plant has completed ICMs that removed hot spots in the ditches and source areas of contamination. Most ditches and source areas have been closed to RRS2. This has resulted in closure to RRS2 for 18 SWMUs. Another 7 SWMUs require further consideration in the Corrective Measures Study. The ditch and playa system will be evaluated in the baseline risk assessment.
9. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-9, FIRING SITES (ADS 1205)
The firing sites are located in the north central portion of the Pantex Plant area and were operational as early as 1952. The
sites historically were used for testing high explosives in connection with quality control and research and development
activities. Some radioactive materials, primarily depleted uranium, were involved in the testing program. This investigative
grouping consists of seven SWMUs:
| SWMU 69, Firing Site 4 SWMU 70, Firing Site 5 SWMU 71, Firing Site 6 SWMU 72, Firing Site 10 SWMU 73, Firing Site 15 SWMU 74, Firing Site 21 SWMU 75, Firing Site 22 |
The potential contaminants of concern include high explosives, metals, and small amounts of radionuclides. Phase I fieldwork, including a radiological survey, an electromagnetic survey, and a surface and subsurface soil investigation, began in June 1995 and was completed in August 1995. Results of the field work was outlined in the RFIR submitted for TNRCC review in February 1996. Limited soil removals were conducted to address residual surficial contamination from November 1995 through January 1996. Because some of the sites are still active, a request to investigate only the inactive Firing Sites 5, 6, and 15 was forwarded to the regulators in 1996. A soil investigation is scheduled for FY98. ICM activities began on FS-5 in FY-96 and will be completed during FY98.
FS-5 will be closed using Texas Risk Based Closure Criteria for RCRA constituents and EPA Closure Criteria for Radiological constituents. The remaining sites will be closed and investigated when they are no longer operational.
10. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-10, LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (ADS 1223)
Two Pantex Plant locations known to have experienced gasoline leaks are a garage in Zone 12 (Building 12-35) and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (Building 16-1). From 1951 to 1976, five underground steel tanks for storing gasoline, diesel fuel, and motor oil were installed southeast of Building 12-35. Two gasoline leaks occurred: one in 1974 or 1975 and one in 1985. Because of those leaks, all tanks were removed by 1988. In 1980, two fiberglass tanks for storing diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline were installed south of Building 16-1. One diesel fuel leak occurred in 1985. Because of that leak, both tanks were removed in 1989.
Phase I fieldwork at the Underground Storage Tank (UST) locations in June 1992 consisted of soil borings, perched aquifer monitoring well installation, and sampling of both soil and groundwater. Phase II fieldwork, conducted in July 1993, consisted of a soil gas survey and a records search. This fieldwork was sufficient to characterize the site. No significant soil contamination could be attributed to the USTs previously located at those sites. Low concentrations of benzene, toluene, xylene (BTEX) constituents were detected in the perched aquifer beneath Building 12-35. This groundwater contamination has been investigated under the Zone 12 North Groundwater Assessment. The Draft Final Corrective Action Report was submitted to TNRCC October 11, 1994.
11. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-ll, HIGH EXPLOSIVE/RADIATION SITES (ADS 1212)
The High Explosive (HE)/radiation sites are located in Zones 4, 10, 11, and 12 and northwest of Zone 7. Activities at all of the HE/radiation sites involved handling, storing, and disposing of HE and/or radioactive waste.
The following waste sites will be evaluated: temporary HE burn sites, the nuclear accident residue storage area, a subsurface leaching bed, six trinitrotoluene (TNT) settling ponds/pits; two HE wastewater filter buildings, and an HE fabrication building. The investigation will consist of geophysical and radiological surveys, sediment sampling, surficial soil sampling, and borings. If there is a need for groundwater monitoring, it will be part of the Zone 12 North Groundwater Assessment. Fieldwork began in January 1995. A RFIR was submitted for TNRCC review in January 1996.
Site characterization to date indicates that radiological levels are well below health concern. The plant is currently completing residual radiation (RESRAD) calculations. All but two sites are being considered for Risk Reduction Standard 2 (RRS2) closure. Sites 12-43 and 12-24 are being recommended for further evaluation. As a result of the Playas and Ditches ICM fieldwork, 18 SWMUs have been closed to RRS2. An additional 7 SWMUs will require further consideration in the Corrective Measures Study. The ditch and playa system will be evaluated in the baseline risk assessment.
12. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-12, MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICAL SPILLS/RELEASES (ADS 1198)
The miscellaneous chemical spills/release sites consist of several locations where spills or releases occurred or may have occurred during routine Pantex Plant operations. These sites are located in Zones 4, 10, 11, and 12 and in the central and southern portions of the Pantex Plant area.
Phase I fieldwork, performed from July through September 1994, included a soil gas survey, a ditch sediment investigation, and a soils investigation. The Draft Final RFI Report was submitted to TNRCC September 1, 1995. Many of the ditches near the chemical spill sites are being sampled as part of the ditches and playas RFI and were not sampled under this RFI unless additional sampling was needed to identify analytes specifically for the chemical spills. In 1996, additional fieldwork was performed at nine sites to support NFA request. Additional sampling was performed at five sites. ICMs (hot spot removals) were completed at four sites. The sites were recommended for closure under RRS1 or RRS2 standards. An NFA request for 14 sites was submitted along with the closure report to TNRCC December 1996.
13. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-13, SUPPLEMENTAL VERIFICATION SITES (ADS 1222)
The Supplemental Verification Sites (SVS) SWMU Grouping includes eight landfills and other miscellaneous surface sites requiring verification throughout the facility. The sites have received or are suspected of having received hazardous constituents, or they present unspecified potential for contaminant risks. Various operations and maintenance activities at Pantex Plant have resulted in on site chemical usage, incidental disposal of spent materials, and demolition of structures with disposal in on-site rubble landfills.
Phase I fieldwork consisted of preliminary field screening activities, including geophysical surveys (e.g., magnetometer, ground penetrating radar, soil gas, and radioactive screening); surface soil sampling; sampling of landfill materials; and soil borings. The TNRCC is reviewing data packages detailing RFI results. The RFI Report recommending those sites for NFA was submitted to TNRCC May 2, 1996.
14. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-14,
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS AT OTHER LOCATIONS (ADS 1227)
Four underground storage tanks (USTs) were located in Zone 12, and one was at the current Vehicle Maintenance Facility. Four USTs were recommended for NFA in the Draft Final Corrective Action Plan submitted to TNRCC October 14, 1994. Phase II fieldwork for UST #9 was completed in November 1994. The Draft Final Corrective Action Plan for UST #9 was submitted to TNRCC April 24, 1995. All five tanks have been removed.
Phase I fieldwork, conducted in April and May 1993, consisted of passive soil gas surveys and soil borings. Based on the results of the Phase I fieldwork, four USTs were recommended for NFA in the RFI Report submitted to TNRCC October 14, 1994. Phase II fieldwork for UST #9 was completed in November 1994 with the RFI Report submitted to TNRCC April 28, 1995. A draft Final Corrective Action Plan has been prepared and submitted to TNRCC. Based on the results of the Phase II fieldwork, this plan recommends no corrective action or further investigation of UST #9.
15. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT GROUPING AL-PX-15,
11-14 HYPALON POND
This unit is a RCRA-regulated surface impoundment in Zone 11 in the central portion of the facility. It was constructed in 1975 as a neutralization and settling basin for acidic wastewater generated at Building 11-36. The unit is defined as the 11-14 Pond due to its location near Building 11-14; however, it never managed waste from that building. The unit has not been used since March 1989, and wastewater, sludge residue, and the hypalon liner were removed and disposed of at a permitted facility. The pond was backfilled and graded in March 1990.
Phase I fieldwork activities consisted of removing the ancillary pipeline, collecting surface and subsurface soil samples, drilling boreholes through the former pond, constructing four perched groundwater monitoring wells, and performing several rounds of sampling. Subsurface soil samples identified low concentrations of acetone and barium. Based on the results of the investigation, Pantex prepared and submitted a closure plan to the TNRCC in June 1991; regulatory approval was received in December 1991. Closure activities occurred in March, April, and July 1992. Partial Closure Documentation was submitted to the TNRCC in October 1992. Based on site characterization data, contamination of soil was observed in excess of closure plan target levels for several inorganic and organic constituents. Low concentrations of 1,2-dichloroethane and trichloroethane were detected in the groundwater samples. These same chemical contaminants have also been detected at similar concentrations in other Pantex groundwater monitoring wells located upgradient of the 11-14 Pond. Contaminants detected in the groundwater do not appear to be attributable to the pond operation and will be monitored under the Zone 12 North Groundwater Assessment. A risk assessment was submitted to the TNRCC for review. Approval of the Risk Assessment allowed formal RCRA closure of the unit pursuant to 30 TAC 335, Subchapter S, Risk Reduction Standards in June 1995.
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