The EPA OSC was onsite on 07/05-06, 07/17, and on 07/25-27. The U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has provided a federal government representative to be at the site daily in the OSC's absence. The following summarizes the highlights and other important findings observed during the reporting period:
A sheet pile wall measuring 130' long by 63' wide was completed on 07/15. Pile sections which encircle a floor slab covering the most highly contaminated soils onsite were driven to a minimum depth of 6' BLS, and were driven in some instances as deep as 20' BLS in order to be seated firmly in the underlying clay layer. ERRS personnel and equipment configuration was modified once pile driving operations were finished on 07/15. ERRS resources currently onsite are as follows: • 1 Project Manager (PM) • 1 Field Clerk • 3 Equipment Operators • 1 CAT 320CL track excavator w/bucket. • 1 Linkbelt 80 small track excavator w/vibrating compaction attachment. • 1 CAT 924 rubber tire loader w/bucket. • 1 Ingersoll Rand SD-70D self-propelled vibratory sheepsfoot compactor. • 1 Case 650K dozer (arrived onsite at 1600 hrs). • 4 pickup trucks.
-On 07/17, while working on the construction of a perimeter drain around the sheet pile wall, ERRS crews encountered an unexpected source of highly contaminated soils, characterized by visible discoloration and a strong solvent odor. Further investigation revealed that additional (and possibly significant) volumes of contaminated soils exist in other areas of the Site, which were not predicted based on a review of past investigative work. This discovery prompted initiation of: (1) discusssions with engineers for the City of Ludlow to explore raising the final grade elevations for proposed reuse plans to allow for a greater volume of material to be placed under the cap. (2) profiling of soils for possible offsite disposal, if necessary, and (3) expansion of the perimeter drainage system to other areas upgradient of the newly discovered subsurface contamination, in an attempt to re-route subsurface drainage away from suspected hot spots.
The perimeter drain for the north end of the Site was completed on 07/25. By visual observation, subsurface water exiting the perimeter drain now appears to be free of leachate, and efforts are underway to further analyze this material for confirmation.
- With one notable exception, work activities continue in Level D PPE. On 07/20, First , the MultiRae Plus PID recorded organic vapors in the cab of the Linkbelt 80 excavator in a range of 5-12 organic vapor units (o.v.u.). This required an upgrade to Level C PPE, until 1300 hrs., when readings dropped below the action level of 5 o.v.u.
On 07/27, OSC Smith met with KYDEP Superfund Branch personnel, and the City of Ludlow to update the status of the Site. Notably, the OSC requested that the City provide more detailed info. on the elevations to which the cap can be built such that it doesn't interfere with future construction operations. Furthermore, EPA and KYDEP agreed on the location for installing a shallow and a deep monitoring well at the site perimeter in order to evaluate for potential contaminant migration offsite.
|