PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE (USAF)
(a/k/a RICKENBACKER AIR FORCE BASE)
COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO
Figure 3. ATSDR's Exposure Evaluation Process
Figure 4. Locations of Installation Restoration Program Sites and Local Production Wells
Figure 5. Locations of Remedial Investigation Sites
APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF 44 INSTALLATION RESTORATION PROGRAM SITES FOR RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE(4)
| Site | Site Description/Waste Disposal History | Investigation Results/Environmental Monitoring Results | Corrective Activities and/or Current Status | Public Health Evaluation |
|
Former Hazardous Waste Storage Area (Site 1) |
Site 1 is a former hazardous waste storage area (HWSA) which was operated by the Air Force from 1983 to 1986. Environmental investigations conducted in 1989, 1990, and 1991 concluded that groundwater contamination underlying the site was attributable to past HWSA activities. Site 1 is no longer used for waste disposal. | Groundwater: Sixteen monitoring wells
are monitored quarterly at Site 1 to determine the extent and rate of migration
of underlying contaminants. Chemicals of concern include aromatic and chlorinated
aliphatic hydrocarbons. Aromatics detected are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,
and xylenes (BTEX) (up to 390 parts per billion [ppb]). Trichloroethylene
(TCE) (up to 20,000 ppb) exceeded ATSDR's drinking water comparison value
(5 ppb). Vinyl chloride (up to 650 ppb) exceeded the United States Environmental
Protection Agency's (USEPA's) Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) of 2 ppb.
Detected concentrations of cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE), trans-1,2-DCE,
and 1,1-dichloroethene were below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water.
Groundwater contaminants are not migrating off base. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site exceeded ATSDR comparison values for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), but most contamination occurs in subsurface soils. |
Corrective Activities: • The Air Force and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) are discussing the need for Site 1 remediation. The Air Force is programming new Resource Conservation and Recovery Act projects for Site 1 which will include groundwater and soil remediation. The Air Force will carry out all remedial activities necessary to prevent potential future public exposures. Current Status: • Groundwater continues to be sampled quarterly. • The Closure/Post Closure Plan for Site 1 was revised in May 1997 and submitted to OEPA in February 1998. Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base (RANGB) awaits OEPA Comments on the Closure/Post Closure Plan. • Site 1 was transferred under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to fall under OEPA supervision. Quarterly sampling at the site may continue. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 1. There is no public exposure to underlying
groundwater. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred in the past. No past or current health hazards exist because there has been no pubic exposure to underlying groundwater. If necessary, potential future exposures will be prevented by RANGB remediation activities. |
| JP-4 Bulk
Storage
Tank Farm
(Site 2) |
Site 2 is located in the northwestern part of the base. It began operations in 1953, but is no longer used. Site 2 consists of a diked area enclosing six, one-million gallon capacity, above-grade, fuel (JP-4) storage tanks. Until recently, the bulk storage tanks were either empty or were used to store jet fuel. The tanks previously held JP-4 jet fuel and aviation gasoline (Avgas). Each tank is surrounded by an earthen dike with a clay liner. Other facilities present at Site 2 include a truck and rail loading/unloading rack and pumphouse, a building/laboratory, and an abandoned leach field. Three large fuel spills have been recorded since 1979, ranging in size from 1,000 to 60,000 gallons. Most of the fuel was reportedly recovered. | Groundwater: Petroleum hydrocarbons and
chlorinated VOCs were detected, most at concentrations below ATSDR comparison
values. Detects above ATSDR comparison values included sporadic detections
of acetone (maximum detected concentration of 1,400 ppb). All detected VOCs
were petroleum hydrocarbons. Toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene concentrations
were below ATSDR comparison values, but benzene concentrations reached up
to 260 ppb in the upper water-bearing zone (UWBZ) and exceeded 20 ppb in
the intermediate aquifer. The MCL for benzene in drinking water is 5 ppb.
Benzene contamination underlying Site 2 forms a definable plume that is
apparently stabilized (steady-state) and does not extend far from the site.
Migration of contaminants with groundwater flow appears to be controlled
by the occurrence and extent of sand channels within the UWBZ. Soil: Soil contaminants present at Site 2 are primarily petroleum hydrocarbons. BTEX concentrations were greatest near the rail line and fuel hydrant lines, with benzene (maximum detected concentration of 1.5 parts per million [ppm]) most frequently detected. All contaminant concentrations were below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • In March 1993, an Amended Closure/Post Closure Plan was submitted that included decontamination of site buildings, removal of underground storage tanks (USTs), and installation of a groundwater recovery and treatment system. • In 1995, the USTs were removed and the site was recommended for inclusion in the Air Force's intrinsic remediation program. • Other remedial activities have not yet begun, but the Air Force is considering alternatives. The favored remedial approach presently includes institutional controls, natural attenuation, and a groundwater cutoff trench with a reactive treatment barrier wall. This wall will ensure that downgradient production wells are not impacted by the benzene plume. • Natural attenuation is occurring. Field observations suggest that the Site 2 benzene plume does not extend (approximately 500 feet) far from the contamination source. Transport modeling for benzene indicates that concentrations will be below 5 ppb within 9 years, assuming no continuous source is present, and within 15 years if a continuous source is assumed. Current Status: • The Air Force published the Final Feasibility Study (FS) for Site 2 in October 1998. • USEPA, OEPA, and other agencies submitted comments on the Draft Proposed Plan in November 1998. RANGB revised the Draft Proposed Plan and held a Public Meeting, followed by a Public Comment Period in January 1999. • The Air Force, USEPA, and OEPA signed the Remedial Action Decision Document in October 1999. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of the benzene plume. Several residences, however, are
located within one mile and downgradient of Site 2. The benzene plume has
not and will not impact any production wells, however, primarily due to
natural attenuation and RANGB remediation efforts. There is no public exposure
to groundwater contamination. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in an industrial/commercial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| JP-4
Pumphouse
4
(Site 3) |
Site 3 consists of the area adjacent to and including the former Pumphouse 4. Eight 50,000-gallon USTs, one 25,000-gallon UST, one 6,000-gallon UST, and associated piping were located at the site. In 1976, a 25,000-gallon spill of jet fuel (JP-4) occurred at this location as a result of a ruptured fuel line. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • From 1993 to 1995, the site building and USTs were removed from the site during base-wide UST removal operations. As part of this removal operation, contaminated subsurface soil exceeding ATSDR comparison values, was removed and treated offsite. All excavation, investigation, and remedial activities were completed under the Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR) and in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety protection requirements. Current Status: • Site 3 was closed under BUSTR in October 1995. • This site has been designated a no further action (NFA) site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 3. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| JP-4
Pumphouse
5
(Site 4) |
Site 4 included a building, four 50,000 USTs and the area around Pumping Station Number 5. In 1985, 200 gallons of JP-4 fuel were spilled when a tank was overfilled. The spill was reportedly never cleaned up. The fuel either evaporated, infiltrated the soils, or entered the base storm-drain network (Site 25). | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • In 1994, all USTs present at this site were removed and the pumphouse building was razed. Contaminated groundwater encountered in excavated UST pits was treated by activated carbon filtration. Contaminated soil encountered adjacent to the USTs was excavated and transported off-site for biological treatment. All excavation, investigation, and remedial activities were completed under BUSTR and in compliance with OSHA worker safety protection requirements. Current Status: • Site 4 was closed under BUSTR in October 1995. • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 4. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Lateral
Safety Spill
Zone
(Site 5) |
Site 5 experienced two JP-4 fuel spills, one in 1972 and one in 1985. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 5. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Base Filling
Station
(Shopette)
(Site 6) |
Site 6 is the former base gas station. The former UST system at this site consisted of two fiberglass 6,000 gallon tanks. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • In 1994 and 1995, all USTs were removed from the site during base-wide UST removal operations. As part of this removal operation, contaminated subsurface soil exceeding ATSDR comparison values, was removed and treated offsite. All excavation, investigation, and remedial activities were completed under BUSTR and in compliance with OSHA worker safety protection requirements. Current Status: • The Air Force's sampling reports were submitted to the BUSTR, under the supervision of the State Fire Marshal's Office within the Department of Commerce. • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 6. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Transmitter
Oil Tank
(Site 7) |
Site 7 was investigated as a site with potential fuel/oil contamination from unrecorded historical spills. No contamination was discovered at Site 7. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 7. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Storm Sewer
Grate (Paint
Dump
Location)
(Site 8) |
In the past, paint may have been dumped down the Site 8 storm sewer grate during unrecorded waste disposal practices. RANGB investigations, however, did not physically locate a storm sewer gate in the general area. Therefore, no sampling was done at this location. | Groundwater: Groundwater was not sampled. Soil: Surface soil was not sampled. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the presumed vicinity of Site 8. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to soil occurred because the site vicinity lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. The site does not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Salvage
Yard
(Site 9) |
Site 9 consists of a former salvage yard and the surrounding area. Beginning at an unknown date and continuing until 1983, pesticides and hazardous materials were disposed of at Site 9. In a 1983 accident, several drums of pesticides caught fire, and chemicals were spilled when the fire was extinguished. The salvage yard is currently inactive. | Groundwater: SVOCs, pesticides, and metals
were detected at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for drinking
water. Soil: Di-n-butylphthalate, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc) were detected at levels below ATSDR comparison values. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 9. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| JP-4 Fuel
Line
Rupture
(Site 10) |
In 1982, a JP-4 fuel spill occurred at Site 10. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 10. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| JP-4 Fuel
Line
Rupture at
Building 844
(Site 11) |
In 1984, a JP-4 fuel spill occurred at Site 11. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 11. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Old Drum
Storage Area
(Site 12) |
Beginning at an unknown date and continuing until 1984, solvents, strippers, and oils were disposed of at Site 12. This site consists of a badly weathered concrete paved area used to store drums containing methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone), solvents, and paint strippers. The area is adjacent to a drainage swale where any leakage could have been flushed, and into which the contents of some of the drums were dumped. | Groundwater: The distribution of contaminants
in groundwater indicates that contaminants are migrating across the site,
with concentrations decreasing from northwest to southeast. Metals, SVOCs,
and VOCs were detected, including total 1,2-DCE and TCE at concentrations
over 1,000 ppb, and vinyl chloride and 2-hexanone at concentrations over
100 ppb. The MCLs for TCE, 1,2-DCE, and vinyl chloride are 5 ppb, 70 ppb,
and 2 ppb, respectively. There currently is no MCL for 2-hexanone. The VOC
contamination at Site 12 forms a discernable plume that may have migrated
to the water table at the site. Groundwater flow is to the southeast. Soil: VOCs, SVOCs, and metals were detected, including acetone, benzene, tetrachloroethylene, TCE, toluene, and xylenes, but most contamination occurred in subsurface soils. Surface soil contaminant levels are below ATSDR comparison values. |
Corrective Activities: • The Air Force and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) are discussing the need for Site 12 remediation to prevent potential future public exposures. Current Status: • Because Site 12 is located within property controlled by the Air National Guard, further Installation Restoration Program activities related to Site 12 will be conducted by the Air National Guard. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 12. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist, provided that on-site workers comply with OSHA protocol and protective-gear requirements. If necessary, potential future exposures will be prevented by RANGB remediation activities. |
| RB-47 Crash
Site
(Site 13) |
In 1958, jet fuel spilled at Site 13. Site 13 was removed from the RANGB preliminary investigation because the spilled fuel was consumed by a fire resulting from an RB-47 aircraft crash. | Groundwater: Groundwater was not sampled. Soil: Surface soil was not sampled. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 13. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. The site does not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| KC-135
Crash Site
(Site 14) |
In 1960, JP-4 spilled at Site 14. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 14. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Fuel Dump,
Southwest
End of
Runway
(Site 15) |
At unknown dates in the past, JP-4 and Avgas were disposed of at Site 15. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 15. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Fuel Dump,
Northeast
End of
Runway
(Site 16) |
At unknown dates in the past, JP-4 and Avgas were disposed of at Site 16. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 16. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Old
Entomology
Lab
(Site 17) |
The Old Entomology Lab was located in the north end of Building S-422. Equipment used to spray pesticides was cleaned and stored in this building. Pesticides were not stored in the building. | Groundwater: Contamination is minimal.
Low concentrations, below ATSDR comparison values, of PAHs, one pesticide,
one herbicide, and metals were detected in groundwater samples. Soil: Two VOCs, one SVOC, four pesticides, and four metals were detected above background in surface soil samples, but at levels below ATSDR comparison values. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 17. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Pesticide
Storage
Building
(Site 18) |
Site 18 stored pesticides during unknown dates in the past. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 18. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| North Coal
Pile
(Site 19) |
A large rectangular concrete pad capable of holding 6,000 tons of coal is located at Site 19. The north coal pile was in use from 1953 to 1989. Currently, no coal is stored in the area. | Groundwater: One VOC, one SVOC, and metals
were detected, but at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for drinking
water. Surface water: One SVOC (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) and nine metals (antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, selenium, and zinc) were detected above background in surface water samples. Soil: SVOCs (primarily PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), and metals were detected in surface soils. Total PAH concentrations ranged up to 32,390 ppb. Beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium were detected above surface soil background concentrations. |
Corrective Activities: • A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit was obtained in 1988 for the runoff from the site. This permit requires the analysis of discharge for pH, oil/grease, and total non-filterable residue. In response to permitting requirements, the drainage pattern was altered to collect all runoff at the southern corner of the site. Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 19. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist, provided that on-site workers comply with OSHA protocol and protective-gear requirements. |
| South Coal
Pile
(Site 20) |
The South Coal Pile is a large irregularly-shaped asphalt slab capable of storing 4,000 tons of coal. The area was used from 1953 to 1989. Currently no coal is stored in the area. The site is surrounded by drainage ditches that receive runoff from the pile and flow into Site 25.The primary potential route of contaminant migration at the site is movement of contaminated sediment via these ditches. | Groundwater: Metals were detected at
concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. Surface water: Eight metals (arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, and zinc) were detected above background in surface water samples. Soil: SVOCs, primarily PAHs, TPHs, and metals were detected above background surface soil. Total SVOC concentrations ranged up to 185,000 ppb. Arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, thallium, and zinc were also detected above soil background concentrations. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 20. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist, provided that on-site workers comply with OSHA protocol and protective-gear requirements. |
| Leaking
Drum and
Oil Change
Area at
Water
Treatment
Plant
(Site 21) |
Site 21 was operated from an unknown date to 1992. It is identified as two areas of oil-stained soil adjacent to and southeast of the Water Treatment Plant. The larger area of oil staining is approximately 100 square feet and was the location where crankcase oil was drained from vehicles parked in the area. The second area covers approximately 50 square feet and surrounded a drum of WD-30 lubricating oil. The primary source of TCE at Site 21 is postulated to be spillage of solvent material at some point in the past history of the base. Two buildings, 412 and 409, are located on this site, but only their foundations currently remain. Site 21 lies within a partially fenced area surrounding the base's water treatment plant. | Groundwater: Thallium (up to 0.013 ppm)
was the only metal detected above its respective MCL (0.002 ppm for thallium).
Groundwater samples from a Site 21 monitoring well (located upgradient of
the soil removal area) contained vinyl chloride at concentrations (up to
30 ppb) above the MCL of 2 ppb. Other Site 21 wells contained TCE (maximum
detected concentration of 5,050 ppb) and cis-1,2-DCE (maximum detected concentration
of 2,988 ppb), both detected above their MCLs of 5 ppb and 70 ppb, respectively.
It appears that the TCE in groundwater is decaying to form vinyl chloride
in groundwater. Migration of vinyl chloride with groundwater flow appears
to be controlled by the occurrence and extent of sand channels within the
UWBZ. Soil: Prior to remediation activities, two spillage areas contained petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations above ATSDR comparison values for soil. Current soil contaminant concentrations are below comparison values. Ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes were detected at concentrations of 0.04, 0.04, and 0.14 ppm, respectively. TCE in soil was detected (up to 0.27 ppm) and appears to be acting as a secondary source for TCE in groundwater at Site 21. |
Corrective Activities: • The petroleum contaminated soil was excavated and removed from both locations in 1995. During the removal action, a 1,000-gallon UST containing used oil was discovered and removed. • Corrective activities have not yet begun, but the Air Force is considering remediation alternatives, including institutional controls, hot spot removal, and natural attenuation for residual contamination. • Natural attenuation is occurring. Transport modeling indicates that vinyl chloride concentrations will decay below the MCL within 12 years and that the contamination will not migrate offsite due to low groundwater velocity and UWBZ sediment structure. Current Status: • The Air Force published The Final FS for Site 21 in October 1998. • USEPA, OEPA, and other agencies submitted comments on the Draft Proposed Plan in November 1998. RANGB revised the Draft Proposed Plan and held a Public Meeting, followed by a Public Comment Period in January 1999. • The Air Force, USEPA, and OEPA signed the Remedial Action Decision Document in October 1999. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity or downgradient of Site 21. The nearest production wells
lie over a mile away and contaminant plumes have not and will not impact
these wells. There is no public exposure to groundwater contamination. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Lube Oil
Drum
Storage
(Site 22) |
Beginning at an unknown date and continuing until 1990, Site 22 served as a lube oil and solvent storage area. Site 22 consists of a concrete pad behind the heating plant, adjacent to the North Coal Pile. This area was used to store drums of oil. Approximately 20 square feet of oil-stained gravel are visible around the edge of the pad. Stressed vegetation also was evident around the edges of the pad. Oil-stained soil and gravel adjacent to a nearby shed are also included in Site 22. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Except for oil-stained gravel in two contained areas, Site 22 surface soil contaminant concentrations were below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • The petroleum contaminated gravel, adjacent soil, and Site 22 pad were excavated and removed from both locations in 1995. Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 22. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Fire
Training
Area
(Site 23) |
Site 23 consists of three loosely-packed earthen dikes intended to contain flammable liquids that were ignited for fire-training purposes. The diked areas range in size from 4,000 to 22,000 square feet. At the time of the preliminary assessment, much of the dike material was stained and had a strong petroleum odor. The dikes rest on top of an old runway surface, which is constructed of 1 to 3 inches of asphalt over 8 to 12 inches of reinforced concrete. Surface runoff from the area would flow to either side of the old runway and into catch basins. Although the basins are covered with soil and plants, they appear to collect drainage from the site. All drainage flows into Site 25. From the 1950s through the 1980s, fuels and oils were spilled on the fire training area. | Groundwater: SVOCs, pesticides, and metals
(primarily arsenic and lead) were detected above background in groundwater
samples from Site 23, but all at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values
for drinking water. Soil: VOCs, SVOCs, and metals were detected above background surface soil. Acetone, ethylbenzene, and methylene chloride were the only VOCs detected in surface soil, all at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values. Total SVOC concentrations ranged up to 9,934 ppb. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 23. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. Because the site is flat and paved, the potential for erosion of contaminated soil is limited. No past, current, or future health hazards exist, provided that on-site workers comply with OSHA protocol and protective-gear requirements. |
| Sewage
Treatment
Plant Sludge
Beds
(Site 24) |
Site 24 includes USTs, concrete-sided sludge beds, and the sludge disposal area. The base sewage treatment plant was active between the late 1950s and 1983. While in operation, the sludge beds were periodically filled to allow sludge to de-water. The partially dried sludge was either transported off base or deposited in the sludge disposal area as a soil enhancer for a community garden plot. No residual sludge remains in the beds. Presently, the site's flat topography is covered with vegetation. | Groundwater: One VOC,one SVOC, and metals
were detected above background, but at concentrations below ATSDR comparison
values for drinking water. Soil: VOCs, SVOCs, and metals were detected above background surface soil concentrations. Acetone and 2-butanone were the only VOCs detected in surface soil, all at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values. Arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, sodium, thallium, and zinc were detected above background, primarily from the sludge spreading area. |
Corrective Activities: • In 1994 and 1995, all USTs were removed from the site during base-wide UST removal operations. As part of this removal operation, contaminated soil exceeding ATSDR comparison values was removed from Site 24 and treated offsite. All excavation, investigation, and remedial activities were completed under BUSTR and in compliance with OSHA worker safety protection requirements. Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 24. • Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. Erosion of contaminated soil at Site 24 is limited by the flat topography and vegetation. The potential for movement of contaminated soil off site is low. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Base
Drainage
Ditch
(Site 25) |
In the 1940s, the ditch system was constructed to (and currently functions as) a storm drain network. All surface water runoff from the base eventually discharges into this network. Water courses in the assessment area include approximately 8,600 linear feet (over 8 miles in length) of drainage ditches. The largest ditches are about 20 feet wide; the smallest swales are less than two feet deep. Various spills, leaks, and dumping eventually discharged into the storm drain network, including solvents, paints, fuels, and other waste materials. | Groundwater: • On-base groundwater underlying Site 25 contained low concentrations of VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, and metals. • Off-base contaminants concentrations were below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. Surface water: • On-base surface water contained low concentrations of SVOCs, pesticides, and metals in some samples, but contaminant concentrations were generally below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. Some detected concentrations, however, did exceed ATSDR comparison values, including: VOCs up to 10 ppb, SVOCs up to 20 ppb, and PAHs slightly above 100 ppb in limited locations. • Off-base concentrations were below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. Soil/Sediment: • SVOCs, primarily PAHs, were detected in on-base sediment samples from all four quadrants at total concentrations over 100,000 ppb. The distribution of PAHs was similar in all four quadrants, with the highest concentrations typically detected in the upper portions of the ditches and near the emergency interceptors. Some areas contained total SVOCs in excess of 6,000,000 ppb. • The maximum detected off-base total SVOC concentration was 1,463 ppb, collected from the ditch located northeast of the flight-line. SVOCs in sediments collected from Little Walnut Creek included both phthalates and PAHs. |
Current Status: • The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) clean-up team (BCT) for the base has formed a special task force to address issues related to Site 25 (and Site 27). This task force involves the Air Force, USEPA, and OEPA. • The Air Force received regulator comments on the BCT's Scientific Management Decision Point Paper in November 1998. USEPA did not concur with Air Force recommendations for NFA site status. • The Air Force will evaluate USEPA comments and revise the BCT's Scientific Management Decision Point Paper as necessary. • USEPA recommend conducting toxicity testing, a feasibility study, or "hot spot removal" actions. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 25. Surface Water: No one drinks Site 25 surface water, on or off base. Soil/Sediment: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site sediment occurred because it lies underwater during most of the year. There is minimal, if any, public exposure to contaminated sediments. Exposure to Site 25 sediment contaminants appears limited to on-site workers (who are protected under OSHA regulations) and trespassers. Incidental exposure to sediment is not likely to present a public health hazard. No past, current, or future health hazards exist off-site from exposure to Site 25. Levels of off-site contamination currently present do not pose a health hazard. |
| Electrical
Transformer
Storage
(Site 26) |
Transformer oils may have been spilled at Site 26 in 1975. | Groundwater: Groundwater was not sampled. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 26. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Drainage
Ditch Near
Landfill
(Site 27) Consolidated into Site 25 |
Site 27 includes the drainage ditch adjacent to the landfill gate. In 1982, a spill of unknown origin was observed in the ditch. Solvents and paints are the primary wastes disposed of at Site 27. | Groundwater: Underlying and surrounding
Site 27, low-level concentrations (below ATSDR comparison values) of VOCs,
SVOCs, pesticides, and metals were detected. Herbicides and PCBs were not
detected. Surface Water: Surface water contaminant concentrations are below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. Soil: VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, and metals were identified in sediment samples at Site 27. Total SVOC concentrations exceeded 40,000 ppb. Elevated pesticide concentrations were associated with Site 27 sediment samples. Total pesticide concentrations were slightly below 1,000 pbb. |
Current Status: • BCT has formed a special task force to address issues related to Site 27 (and Site 25). This task force involves USEPA and the Air Force. • The Air Force received regulator comments on the BCT's Scientific Management Decision Point Paper in November 1998. USEPA did not concur with Air Force recommendations for NFA SITE status. • The Air Force will evaluate USEPA comments and revise the BCT's Scientific Management Decision Point Paper as necessary. • USEPA recommend conducting toxicity testing, a feasibility study, or "hot spot removal" actions. • Site 27 has been combined with Site 25 for future investigation and remediation efforts. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 27. Surface Water: No one drinks Site 27 surface water. Soil/Sediment: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site sediment occurred because it lies underwater during most of the year. There is minimal, if any, public exposure to contaminated sediments. Exposure to Site 27 sediment contaminants appears limited to on-site workers (who are protected under OSHA regulations) and trespassers. Incidental exposure to sediment is not likely to present a public health hazard. No past, current, or future health hazards exist off-site from exposure to Site 27 (currently part of Site 25). |
| USTs
(Site 28) |
Site 28 formerly contained numerous USTs, including: • a 2,500-gallon UST at the sewage plant (Building 600) used from 1960 to 1983 to store fuel oil. • two 12,000-gallon USTs near the Water Tower that stored gasoline from 1942 to 1953. • three 25,000-gallon USTs near Building 560 that stored fuel from 1950 to 1964. • a 2,500-gallon and a 1,000-gallon UST at Building 413 that stored diesel during unknown dates of operation. • two 6,000-gallon USTs behind the Base Filling Station that stored gasoline from 1953 to 1981. • a 5,000-gallon Waste Oil Tank at Building 848 that stored waste oil from 1964 to an unknown date of operation. • a 2,000-, a 25,000-, and four 50,000-gallon USTs at building 1010 that stored JP-4 from 1953 to 1981. • four 25,000-gallon USTs near building 560 that stored De-icing Fluid from 1942 to 1992. • a 1,000-gallon UST and four 12,000-gallon USTs at Building 554 that stored diesel and kerosene from 1942 to 1981. |
Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • In 1994 and 1995, all USTs were removed from the site during base-wide UST removal operations. As part of this removal operation, contaminated soil exceeding ATSDR comparison values, was removed and treated offsite. All excavation, investigation, and remedial activities were completed under BUSTR and in compliance with OSHA worker safety protection requirements. Current Status: • In 1998, the Air Force submitted a Final Report to BUSTR, under the supervision of the State Fire Marshal's Office within the Department of Commerce. This report recommends NFA, except for in one area adjacent to Building 848. At this location, some potential residual contamination is proposed to be further investigated (and remediated, as necessary) under Site 41. • BUSTR has assigned NFA on all but tow of the USTs in Site 28. BUSTR action on the remaining two USTs is under evaluation. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 28. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| USTs near
Building 890
(Site 29) |
Site 29 lies within the geographic vicinity of Site 3. Site 29 formerly consisted of one 6,000-, one 25,000-, and eight 50,000-gallon USTs that stored JP-4 and/or waste water from 1953 to 1990. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 29. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building
1093
(Site 30) |
Site 30 lies within the geographic vicinity of Site 4. Site 30 formerly contained a 300-gallon UST that stored diesel from 1953 to 1990. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 30. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 846
(8,000-gallon,
diesel)
(Site 31) |
Site 31 formerly contained a 8,000-gallon UST that stored diesel from 1970 to 1990. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 31. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 846
(15,000-gallon)
(Site 32) |
Site 32 formerly contained a 15,000-gallon UST that stored MOGAS from 1970 to 1990. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 32. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 846
(8,000-gallon,
MOGAS)
(Site 33) |
Site 33 formerly contained a 8,000-gallon UST that stored MOGAS from 1970 to 1990. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 33. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 848
(Site 34) |
Site 34 formerly contained a 5,000-gallon UST that stored fuel oil from 1964 to 1989. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 34. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 877
(Site 35) |
Site 35 formerly contained a 940-gallon UST that stored heating and diesel fuel from 1961 to 1989. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 35. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 932
(Site 36) |
Site 36 formerly contained a 15,000-gallon UST that stored fuel oil from 1955 to 1989. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 36. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| UST at
Building 944
(Site 37) |
Site 37 formerly contained a 800-gallon UST that stored fuel oil from 1977 to 1989. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 37. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| USTs at
Building 891
(Site 38) |
Site 38 formerly contained one 6,000-, one 25,000-, and four 50,000-gallon USTs that stored JP-4 and waste water from 1953 to 1990. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 38. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Fuel Dump,
Southwest
End of
Runway
(Site 39 [Replaces Site 15]) |
In the 1940s, Avgas was disposed of at Site 39. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 39. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Fuel Dump,
Northeast
End of
Runway
(Site 40 [Replaces Site 16]) |
In the 1940s, Avgas was disposed of at Site 40. | Groundwater: Groundwater contaminant
concentrations underlying the site are below ATSDR comparison values for
drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Current Status: • This site has been designated a NFA site. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 40. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Oil/Water
Separator at
Building 848
(Site 41) |
This multi-chambered Oil/Water Separator, located north of Building 848, is designed to remove free-phase petroleum from wastewater prior to the water entering the sanitary sewer system. It has operated from 1977 to present. The separator has historically received effluent emanating from the floor drains in Buildings 846, 848, and 849, all of which were vehicle maintenance facilities. Releases of contaminants has occurred from both the oil/water separator and from the waste oil tank. In May 1995, a release of petroleum from the oil/water separator to a sanitary sewer manhole occurred. Site 41 occupies an area approximately 180 feet by 80 feet, or 0.4 acres. | Groundwater: Groundwater occurs at a
depth of approximately 4 feet at Site 41. Two areas of groundwater contamination
were identified: an area of petroleum hydrocarbons and an area of chlorinated
VOC contamination. These two areas correspond to the oil/water separator
and the waste oil tank. Acetone (up to 2,400 ppb), benzene (up to 1,300
ppb), TCE (up to 2,700 ppb), and xylene (up to 4,000 ppb) were detected
above ATSDR comparison values (1,000 ppb, 5 ppb, 5 ppb, and 2,000 ppb, respectively).
TCE was found in samples primarily taken from the sand at depths of approximately
14 feet below ground surface. The TCE plume extends in a down gradient direction
approximately 100 feet, contained with a sand lens. Thallium (up to 0.007
ppm) was the only metal detected at a concentration above an MCL (0.002
ppm). The low conductivity nature of silt deposits and the natural formation
of sand lenses underlying Site 41 appear to have limited the migration of
contaminants at the site. Soil: BTEX was detected at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for soil. TCE was detected in two subsurface samples (maximum detected concentration was 38 ppm), but surface soils did not exceed ATSDR comparison values. |
Corrective Activities: • A waste oil UST that was located northwest of the separator was removed in April 1994. The UST was closed in accordance with Ohio BUSTR regulations. • An area of petroleum-contaminated soil, spoil from an excavation for a nearby large area network underground cable, was deposited in the fall of 1994. The petroleum-contaminated soil was stockpiled northwest of the separator, and the workers rerouted the cables to avoid disturbing additional contaminated soil. • Other remedial activities have not yet begun, but the Air Force is considering alternatives. Currently, the favored remediation approach includes institutional controls, oil/water separator removal, free-product removal, TCE hot-spot removal, and natural attenuation for residual contamination. Current Status: • The Air Force published a Final FS for Site 41 in October 1998. • USEPA, OEPA, and other agencies submitted comments on the Draft Proposed Plan in November 1998. RANGB revised the Draft Proposed Plan and held a Public Meeting, followed by a Public Comment Period in January 1999. • The Air Force, USEPA, and OEPA signed the Remedial Action Decision Document in October 1999. |
Groundwater: TCE appears to move with
groundwater flow in a sand channel within the UWBZ. Since the extent of
the sand is limited, migration beyond the sand channel is not expected.
No active production wells lie in the vicinity or downgradient of Site 41.
The nearest production wells lie over a mile away and contaminant plumes
have not and will not impact these wells. There is no public exposure to
groundwater contamination. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Jet Engine
Test Stand
(Building
896)
(Site 42) |
The Jet Engine Test Stand, also known as Building 896, is located adjacent to Taxiway A in the central portion of the base near the southern end of the existing runways. Site 42 is defined by a circular area with a diameter of approximately 250 feet, encompassing an area of approximately 1.1 acres. The test stand is a concrete structure where jet engines were attached and run up to test performance. The stand is an approximately 1,600 square foot concrete pad surrounded by pavement, support facilities, and a mown grass field. The test stand was built in 1961, and it was most recently modified in 1986, when pavement around the test stand was replaced. The primary source of contaminants at Site 42 appears to be solvent spillage, potentially during test pad cleaning and testing of equipment. | Groundwater: An area of groundwater containing
halogenated VOCs, primarily vinyl chloride, exists at Site 42. Vinyl chloride
concentrations reached up to 3,335 ppb. TCE concentrations reached 9,276
ppb) and cis-1,2-DCE concentrations at the site reached 12,113 ppb. It appears
likely that the degradation of the TCE in groundwater may be the primary
source of vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-DCE, and other halogenated compounds.
Petroleum hydrocarbons were detected along or downgradient from underground
fuel lines, with benzene concentrations ranging up to 71 ppb. Arsenic was
also detected at concentrations exceeding 50 ppb at Site 42. Soil: All detected contaminant concentrations were below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • Corrective activities have not yet begun, but the Air Force is considering remediation alternatives, including institutional controls, hot-spot removal, and natural attenuation for residual contamination. Current Status: • The Air Force published a Final FS for Site 42 in October 1998. • USEPA, OEPA, and other agencies submitted comments on the Draft Proposed Plan in November 1998. RANGB revised the Draft Proposed Plan and held a Public Meeting, followed by a Public Comment Period in January 1999. • The Air Force, USEPA, and OEPA signed the Remedial Action Decision Document in October 1999. |
Groundwater: From the distribution of
TCE in groundwater, it appears that the migration of TCE has been limited
to approximately 50 to 100 feet from the Site 42 source. No active production
wells lie in the vicinity or downgradient of Site 42. The nearest production
wells lie over a mile away and contaminant plumes have not and will not
impact these wells. There is no public exposure to groundwater contamination. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| Test Cell
Hush House
(Building
926)
(Site 43) |
The Test Cell Hush House is a former jet engine test stand located in the southwest portion of RANGB. Site 43 is located within a circular area with a diameter of approximately 225 feet and an area of 0.9 acres. The Test Cell Hush House was a noise-baffling structure where jet engines were tested. The house was reportedly built in 1978, and was removed in mid-1993. Up to four test stands were variously present at the site. One empty single-room building remains at the site (Building 926). Storm water drainage from the site passes through an oil/water separator prior to entering the base drainage system. The primary source of Site 43 contaminants (primarily groundwater contamination) is unknown. It is presumed that releases of fuels and solvents occurred during operation of the facility and that releases are not continuing. | Groundwater: The primary contaminant
of concern, benzene, was detected at 724 ppb. The highest detected concentrations
of petroleum hydrocarbons were m,p-xylene (4,432 ppb), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene
(1,480 ppb), 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (1,813 ppb), and gasoline range organics
(550 ppb). In addition to petroleum hydrocarbons, the halogenated VOCs TCE
and 1,2-dichloroethane were detected above their MCLs at 21.7 and 12.4 ppb,
respectively. All groundwater contamination, however, occurs in a relatively
small area in one sand channel. Soil: Soil contaminant concentrations are below ATSDR comparison values. |
Corrective Activities: • Corrective activities have not yet begun, but the Air Force is considering remediation alternatives, including institutional controls, oil/water separator removal, and natural attenuation for residual contamination. • Without remedial activities, natural attenuation processes may lower benzene levels within 8 years to levels below the MCL of 5 ppb. Other contaminants will take less time to naturally attenuate below their respective MCLs. Current Status: • The Air Force published a Final Feasibility Study (FS) for Site 43 in October 1998. • USEPA, OEPA, and other agencies submitted comments on the Draft Proposed Plan in November 1998. RANGB revised the Draft Proposed Plan and held a Public Meeting, followed by a Public Comment Period in January 1999. • The Air Force, USEPA, and OEPA signed the Remedial Action Decision Document in October 1999. |
Groundwater: The distribution of contaminants
in groundwater is limited and stabilized (steady-state). No active production
wells lie in the vicinity or downgradient of Site 43. The nearest production
wells lie over a mile away and contaminant plumes have not and will not
impact these wells. There is no public exposure to groundwater contamination. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
| 1942 Gas
Station
(Site 45) |
Used for a short duration in the 1940s, this site formerly contained USTs. | Groundwater: Initial investigations detected
benzene levels slightly above its MCL of 5 ppb. Resampling efforts found
all groundwater contaminants, including benzene, at levels below ATSDR comparison
values for drinking water. Soil: Surface soil contaminant concentrations at the site are below ATSDR comparison values for soil. |
Corrective Activities: • OEPA and the Air Force jointly assessed Site 45 contamination. After an additional sampling event for benzene, the site was transferred to BUSTR, under the supervision of the State Fire Marshal's Office within the Department of Commerce. Current Status: • Pending results from a December 1999 groundwater sampling event, a Remedial Action Summary Report for Site 45 will be submitted to BUSTR in early 2000. |
Groundwater: No active production wells
lie in the vicinity of Site 45. Soil: It is unlikely that frequent or prolonged public exposure to site soil occurred because this site lies in a commercial/industrial use area. No past, current, or future health hazards exist. Levels of contamination currently present at the site do not pose a health hazard based on current and likely future land use. |
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