EPA conducted field activities for a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE) in June and December 2011(still awaiting the results of the data). Field screening with radiation detectors and radiation analysis of soil samples further defined the lateral, vertical, and areal extent of contamination.

As prescribed by the project work scope, EPA developed a Field Sampling Plan outlining field-sampling methods. All field activities were conducted in accordance with the project Field Sampling Plan and QAPP approved June 2011.

In June 2011, EPA advanced 15 (5 background & 10 samples) Geoprobe direct-push borings on the property, for the purpose of collecting soil sample cores. Ground water samples were not collected as KDHE did not identify any areas where groundwater concerns were noted. Samples collection depth varied between 0 to 4 feet in depth.

Five (5) background locations were established along the west and south side of the Sites. The background location consistently indicated 13 – 17 microRoentgens per hour (uR/hr) and approximately 37,000 counts per minute (cpm). The entire Site property and surrounding buildings were surveyed. Radium-226 was detected in four of the five background samples taken. None of the samples were above the current joint EPA-Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) screening level of 5 picocuries per gram (5 pCi/g) plus background. Background sample readings ranged from 0.49 – 1.02 pCi/g.

A general screening criterion of two times background (2x background) was used to determine potentially impacted areas of radium-226 contamination during the Ludlum screening survey. The twice background level for the survey is more sensitive to the soil screening concentration of 5.0 pCi/g plus background than the standard CERCLA background comparison of 3x background used for metals.

Radium-226 was detected in all ten of the samples taken. However, only eight soil samples were above the current joint EPA-Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) screening level of 5 picocuries per gram (5 pCi/g) plus background. Sample readings ranged from 1.99 – 367 pCi/g. Soil sample B-8 indicated radium-226 at 367 pCi/g and was the highest outdoor sample reading found. The site-specific action level was determined to be 5.58 pCi/g, as identified by the KDHE UFA.

In December 2011, EPA went back to conduct a further removal assessment of the interior of the residence and the east wall adjacent to the alley. Three core samples were taken inside the residence (2 in the kitchen & 1 in the living room) and three were taken along the east wall of the residence, outside in the alley.

Gamma survey readings in the residence ranged from 80 uR/hr and 3500 cpm in the living room to 1.5 mR/hr and 3100 cpm in the kitchen, next to the dishwasher. These results correlated closely to the levels found in the June assessment. Gamma survey readings in the three locations in the alley, along the east wall ranged from 50 – 80 uR/hr and 4200 – 16,500 cpm. Readings significantly decreased towards the fence and gate at the northern edge of the alley.

Garwin began operations at 918 W. Dooley in 1952. Garwin, Inc., became Garwin-Carruth, Inc., in 1963 and obtained Kansas Radioactive Materials License (KRML) #25- RB0-01 in December 1965.  The license was obtained so the facility could repair aircraft instrument dials containing radium-226 paint. Weston Instruments, Inc., purchased Garwin­ Carruth, Inc., in 1966 and transferred the KRML to show Weston Instruments, Inc., as the licensee in 1967. An internal survey conducted in 1967 identified internal radioactive contamination within the building. From available operational information, it does not appear that any radium dial repair has taken place at the West Dooley location since ownership by Weston Instruments, Inc. EPA is currently undertaking a PRP search to address the radium-226 release at the site.   

EPA and KDHE found several areas on the property which are elevated above removal action level of 5.58 pCi/g. Locations include the two grassy areas that border the front door and in the alleyway, next to the east side of the residence. Also, three areas were identified in the residence and radon was also detected.

In June 2011, EPA advanced 15 (5 background & 10 samples) Geoprobe direct-push borings on the property, for the purpose of collecting soil sample cores. Ground water samples were not collected as KDHE did not identify any areas where groundwater concerns were noted. Samples collection depth varied between 0 to 4 feet in depth.

The challenges were to ensure that Kansas One Call and the City of Wichita Water Department came out and thoroughly identified and marked all utility, power, and water lines.

Beckie Himes, PIO

Office of Public Affairs

2.5.3 Information Officer
Beckie Himes, PIO

Office of Public Affairs

U.S. EPA Region 7

901 N. 5^th Street

Kansas City, KS  66101

Phone: 913-551-7253 or

Toll Free: 1-800-223-0425
himes.beckie@epa.gov

A fact sheet will be developed for the site and provided to the congressional and state representatives and the Director of the Sedgwick County, Kansas Health Department, who provides briefings to the local government. The Removal Assessment is still on-going at this time.