SWMU 32 – PWD Storage Yard/Battery Collection Area Description

SWMU 32 is located in the Public Works Department storage yard, near the Transportation Shop. It was described in the 1988 RFA as an outdoor area where discarded batteries were stored. However, approximately 100 to 110 55-gallon drums of contaminated jet fuel and soil were observed during the 1993 follow up investigation. They were stored on wooden pallets resting on bare ground. Along with these drums an area of stained soil was visible. Discarded batteries were also noted. In addition, a small, partially open, uncurbed storage building (“paint locker”) contained cans. A first-phase RFI for surface soils was required in the permit. It should be noted that the area has now been cleaned up and is used for the storage of spare parts and for equipment parking.

Status

• RFI work plans were approved in 1995.
• The first phase RFI was conducted, in accordance with EPA approved work plans, during investigations at OU 1 SWMUs. No significant findings were noted with the exception of two detections of dioxins in an area immediately adjacent to Building 31 where drums were reportedly stored in the past. Although the dioxin levels were not high, they did trigger a risk to on-site workers because of the low risk threshold numbers for dioxins.
• The EPA required additional confirmatory sampling in this area.
• A work plan was submitted and subsequently approved.
• The confirmatory sampling was performed September/October 1997.
• Additional sampling indicated an unacceptable risk to onsite workers from potential exposure to dioxins.
• The EPA required a CMS.
• The CMS outline was submitted in December 1998.
• The CMS was started; however, additional investigations were required.  A Work Plan was submitted in June 1999 and, following USEPA approval, investigations were conducted the same month.
• The Draft CMS Final Report was submitted in January 2000.
• Following agency comments, the Final CMS Final Report was submitted in April 2000.
• The Draft CMI Work Plan was submitted in August 2000.
• The Final CMI Work Plan was submitted in January 2001.
• The EPA approved the Final CMI Work Plan Design Package to send out for public comment.
• The RCRA 7003 Administrative Order on Consent recommends the implementation of the Final CMI Work Plan for SWMU 32.