SWMU 9 – Tanks 212-217 Sludge Disposal Pits

SWMU 9 consists of unlined earthen pits in which petroleum sludges were buried after tank cleanings. These burial pits are near fuel tanks 212 through 217, located along Forrestal Drive. The tanks were installed in 1940, and were cleaned approximately every five years, until 1978. During IR Round 1 (1986) investigations, groundwater monitor wells were installed. Sampling of the wells indicated the presence of benzene and toluene in the groundwater at levels above relevant action levels. In addition, sediment samples were collected in the mangrove swamps, below the tanks. Organic constituents and lead were detected in these sediment samples, but below relevant action levels. An RFI of soils and groundwater was required in the permit. Based on the results of these investigations, investigations may also be required for surface water and sediments.

Status

• RFI workplans were approved by EPA in 1995.
• The RFI was submitted in March 1998.
• A work plan for additional field investigations was submitted and approved. Investigations were conducted in June 1999.
• The Revised Draft RFI Report was submitted in March 2000 and approved by EPA.
• The Draft CMS Work Plan was submitted in July 2000 and, following agency comments, the Draft Final CMS Work Plan was submitted in November 2000.
• Field investigations were conducted in December 2000.
• The Final CMS Work Plan was submitted in January 2001 and approved by EPA in May 2001.
• EPA approved the Revised Final Steps 3b and 4 of the Baseline ERA in January 2006.
• The RCRA 7003 Administrative Order on Consent recommends the implementation of the Final CMI Work Plan for SWMU 9.
• Steps 5 and 6 of the Baseline ERA were completed in 2006.
• A Phase I RFI Work Plan for additional investigation at Tank 214 Area was submitted to the EPA on December 4, 2006.
• EPA approved the Final Phase I RFI Work Plan on February 13, 2007.
• The Field Work for additional investigation was completed in March 2007.
• The Draft Phase I RFI Report for SWMU 9 Area B, Tank 214 Area was submitted on August 14, 2007.
• EPA approved the Phase I RFI Report on August 21, 2007.
• Based on EPA comments, the Navy determined that a full RFI was necessary.
• The Final Full RFI Work Plan for SWMU 9, Area B, Tank 214 Area was submitted on February 29, 2008, and approved by the EPA on April 10, 2008.
• The Draft Full RCRA Facility Investigation Report was submitted July 14, 2009.
• EPA provided comments on August 31, 2009, and the Navy requested additional sampling to complete field work requriements for a Full RFI.
• A Draft Project Closeout Report - Remedial Action for Soil Remediation was submitted to the EPA on December 4, 2009.
• Additional Sampling to be conducted for Full RCRA Facility Investigation.