Removal Site Assessment activities continue at the Currie Avenue Site. For background information, see Polrep #1. Participating agencies and individuals include the property owner, Chesapeake Fire & Emergency Services, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
EPA and EPA's START contractor, TetraTech EM, Inc., returned to the Site this week to perform subsurface soil sampling and groundwater sampling. The purpose of this sampling is to determine if hazardous substances have migrated to subsurface soils and/or offsite. The OSC will use this information to determine if a removal action is necessary and also whether a referral to EPA's Site assessment section should be prepared.
Nine locations were selected for subsurface sampling. These locations include the four corners of the Site as well as "soft spots" which did not appear to be natural soils. Due to the high groundwater table in this area, these soft spots can also be a result of higher groundwater.
START subcontracted a drilling company to use a geoprobe to auger to groundwater. Generally, groundwater was encountered on the Site at a depth of 4-7 feet below ground surface. One area had a depth of approximately 10 feet; however, this area appeared to be filled with mulch and fill material rather than native soils. Subsurface samples will be analyzed for semi-volatile organic compounds and metals.
Temporary piezometers were installed in the drilled locations and purged on Tuesday 8/19. On Wednesday 8/20, EPA and START returned to Site to collect groundwater samples. Groundwater samples will be tested for volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and metals.
GPS locations of drilling points were logged. Drilling points were also surveyed. The drilling locations were filled and grouted by the drilling subcontractor.
Ons surface water sample was collected offsite to determine potential downstream receptors.
OSC Wagner coordinated with the owner of the Site on current Site activities. OSC Casillas assisted OSC Wagner on Site 8/20/08.
The OSC will use the results of the removal assessment to determine if a removal action is warranted.
OSC Wagner to provide owner a receipt for samples tomorrow.
OSC will make arrangements for s cylinder specialist to visit the Site to advise on possible cylinder contents.
Despite the owner's efforts to maintain Site security, trespass and vandalism at the Site is still obvious. The OSC discovered a new "excavation pit" which did not exist two weeks ago.
The OSC is coordinating with the Chesapeake Fire Marshal's office on potential fire hazards of the cylinders on Site.
The OSC was approached by a representative of Dominion Power, the neighboring facility. Dominion has offered to purchase a gate for the Site to minimize opportunities for trespass. Dominion has coordinated with the owner on this proposal. The OSC supports this action and will coordinate with the Chesapeake Fire Marshal's OFfice.
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