|
On June 18, 2005 the OSC initiated enhanced security measures at the site due to concerns over evidence of recent trespasser activity. A security company was hired by START and a guard was positioned outside the entrance during daylight hours.
START submitted its Geophysical Survey Report on the Elkton Farms Firehole Site Surface and Subsurface Conditions on June 28, 2005. The report determined the following: "Two large trench-like areas are apparent, along with other areas of high concentrations of metallic material. Outside the Firehole Area, metallic material is evident in various concentrations throughout the investigation area." The investigation area was 55 acres along the northwest portion of the 150 acre farmland.
The report concludes the following: "The interpretation of the data clearly shows a very high number of anomalies present throughout the entire survey area. By using two time gates and the differential calculation data, target discrimination and definition was greatly improved, enabling the investigation goals to be met or exceeded. Two large, trench-like areas running north to south are prevalent in the northwest section of the survey area. This is consistent with the suspected Firehole location from historical data and previous investigations. An area of heavy contamination continues moving generally south and east for several hundred feet from the suspect Firehole area as well, with apparent trends of concentration tapering off from the east-central portion. Additionally, several smaller pockets of contamination and individual anomalies are scattered throughout the remainder of the survey area. The data from the eastern and southern portions of the survey area show a general decrease in the concentration of anomalies encountered, however, there are no areas presently identified by the survey that could be declared clear of anomalies. Historical data indicates a substantial concentration of MEC was disposed of as part of the normal site activities. This MEC is readily identifiable during visible observations of the site and a risk assessment conducted at the site by Tetra Tech for U.S. EPA indicates an extremely high risk to personnel and property due to the presence of this material. Without further investigation, it is impossible to tell with certainty that the subsurface anomalies encountered during the geophysical survey are MEC. However, the signal strength of the anomalies encountered throughout the site is consistent with the expected output from the items described in the available historical data. It is also consistent with the MEC items visually observed at the site. Based on the available information, Tetra Tech has concluded that a majority of the anomalies encountered are most probably MEC related, and that further investigation and removal actions are required for the Firehole site and the surrounding survey area."
On June 27, 2005 the OSC along with a CIC performed community outreach activities with local residents. A fact sheet was distributed during a door to door outreach effort to update those in the vicinity of the site.
Site Action Memo was submitted to regional management on June 27, 2005.
|