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Final
Kickoff Meeting Minutes
Treatability Study for Area of Concern 65
Camp Stanley Storage Activity
F41624-00-D-8024/Delivery Order 0058
Parsons 740999.01000

Date:                        November 13, 2001

Time:                        9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Place:                       Camp Stanley Storage Activity (CSSA)

Subject:                    Technical Planning Meeting

Attendees:

Attendee

Organization

Phone

Brian K. Murphy

CSSA ENV

(210)698-5208

Teri DuPriest

AFCEE/ERD

(210)536-5274

Chris Beal

WPI

(210)295-7417

Ross Miller

Parsons

(801)572-5999

Kyle Caskey

Parsons

(210)865-9629

Ken Rice

Parsons

(210)719-6050

Gary Cobb

Parsons

(512)719-6011

BrianVanderglas

Parsons

(512)719-6059

Minutes prepared by Brian Vanderglas, Parsons.

These meeting minutes are organized in the order discussed.

General

The meeting was opened with brief introductions.  The purpose of the meeting was announced as discussing the existing scope of work (SOW) and the planned removal action in and around Building 90, the soil vapor extraction (SVE) treatability study, and additional investigation and/or treatability study activities that would improve evaluation of SVE versus other treatment alternatives under the subject Task Order (TO 0058).  Discussions included data collection and treatability testing to be considered part of the treatability study and removal action planned at AOC 65.

The contracting officer was not present at the meeting so contracting issues were not discussed in detail.  Additionally, data quality objectives (DQOs) for this Task Order were discussed briefly.  A DQO meeting for this Task Order is scheduled for November 15, 2001. 

Presentation by the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA)

    Bill Blanford, Ph.D, of UTSA presented a proposal for a technical approach to investigate the three-dimensional distribution of hydraulic and other aquifer properties retarding the transport of trichloroethylene through the subsurface near Building 90.  The primary goal of his proposal was to aid monitoring and remediation decision-making for this site.  Some of UTSA’s technical approach could potentially be incorporated into the treatability study, if expanded.  Of particular interest to the group was their proposal for SVE performance tracer tests and assessment of TCE/PCE migration following rainstorms.  The applicability of data from these types of tests for inclusion into an expanded treatability study had already been discussed separately with AFCEE and CSSA prior to UTSA’s presentation.  CSSA’s Commander, LTC Jason Shirley and Jason Embry were present for the UTSA presentation. 

    Following the presentation, Dr. Blanford departed from CSSA, and the UTSA proposal was discussed.  The general consensus was that the proposal presented was very expensive for collecting data that would not have any real impact on the work planned under this Task Order and would need to be scaled back considerably.  Some of the data collection ideas discussed (detailed core analyses) may have applicability for development of the conceptual groundwater model by providing specific properties that may affect contaminant migration through the fractured limestone.  Also, determination of the limestone matrix properties may aid in determining the volume of contamination contained in the vadose zone and help direct future remediation efforts.  Parsons indicated that the presentation would be forwarded to Susan Roberts, the project manager, for review of the conceptual groundwater model.  Commander Shirley and Mr. Embry departed after brief discussion of the UTSA proposal.

DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL DATA NEEDS

    The investigation and treatability study activities included in the technical scope provided by Parsons in the September 14, 2001 proposal were determined to be insufficient to fully evaluate the implementability and effectiveness of SVE or other remedial options for AOC 65.  It was the general consensus that additional data collection is warranted.  Collection of additional data was discussed, focusing on the technical rationale and potential use for each additional type of data.  The potential need for additional removal actions at Building 90 was also included in the discussion.  Most of the additional data discussed would affect Tasks 3 and 4 (Removal Action and Treatability Study, respectively).  The specific investigation topics and data collection activities discussed are presented below by task number.  The potential effect that any of these additional investigation or treatability study activities would have on the other tasks was also discussed.

Task 1:  Delivery Order Management

    The period of performance would need to be extended to complete the data collection activities discussed at the meeting.  The period of performance would need to be extended for a period of at least 1 year to September 30, 2003 to allow for collection of data over an extended period for the treatability study test.  Preparation of plans and start of the treatability testing field activities will be delayed by inclusion of extra geophysical testing planned at the site.  Installation of a more elaborate and extensive treatability study test system, plus collection of data over a longer duration than proposed, would require an extension in the period of performance. 

    CSSA also requested that Parsons consider contracting with a Karst expert to provide technical peer review of all Karst investigation work performed at the site, particularly in the vicinity of AOC 65.  CSSA is planning to hire a local Karst hydrogeologist (expert) to perform a Karst investigation in the vicinity of Building 90, and possibly throughout CSSA. 

Task 2:  Meetings and Site Visits

    There are currently six technical interchange meetings (TIMs) planned for TO 0058 with two technical staff attending each meeting.  CSSA previously expressed concerns that additional meetings will likely be required, and that the number of Parsons personnel participating in all TIM meetings should be greater than the two specified in the Parsons technical approach document in the September 14, 2001 proposal.  CSSA indicated that the extended period of performance and expanded treatability study activities would make it necessary to include up to four TIM meetings in addition to what was requested in the September 14, 2001 request for proposal (RFP) SOW, and that the average number of technical staff attending each meeting should be four.  A technical planning meeting, a meeting to discuss DQOs, and a meeting with the Karst expert mentioned under Task 1 will also need to be added to the SOW if AFCEE/CSSA change the task order SOW by including the additional treatability study activities discussed at the meeting.  CSSA requested that Parsons Remediation Technical Manager, Ross Miller, be available to attend at least four of the TIM meetings and the technical planning meeting.

    In addition, CSSA indicated Parsons should be prepared to provide full support to two public meetings by providing six technical experts and preparing static displays rather than providing attendance at two public meetings, as stated in the RFP’s SOW.  The TO 0058 technical approach SOW (dated September 14, 2001) included two public meetings attended by two Parsons professionals.  CSSA also indicated that Parsons should prepare two static displays and two additional fact sheets with subsequent mailing. 

Task 3:  Interim Measures Removal Action

A tour of Building 90 was conducted from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to assess the planned removal actions in and around the building.  Removal actions for AOC 65 were discussed in detail.  Installation of a subslab ventilation system was discussed to remove volatile organic contamination detected under the building during the soil gas survey.  Up to 12 soil borings should be drilled and sampled into the fill material underlying the building’s concrete floor, and vent/extraction wells should be installed to facilitate vapor extraction (ventilation) of volatile contaminants from under the building.

Upon further review of the data and access difficulties noted during the tour inside Building 90, it was determined that removal of soil from beneath the Building 90 floor may not be necessary, and that the work should be phased so that soil data would be initially collected from borings during installation of the subslab ventilation system.  Data collected from these soil borings drilled into the fill material underlying the building and the subsequent data collected from the subslab ventilation installed inside Building 90, would be used to assess whether any excavation removal action inside the building would be cost effective, or whether subslab ventilation is more appropriate.  CSSA reminded Parsons and AFCEE that any modifications to the building would require consultation with the State Historical Program Office (SHPO). 

Based on the discussion, AFCEE and CSSA indicated that the following items should be considered for future treatability or waste removal activities:

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    Prior to initiating the removal action in Building 90, 12 soil borings should be drilled inside the building around the north vat, near the suspected source vat, and in other portions of the building, to determine the contaminant mass underlying the building.  These borings would be completed as combination vapor monitoring points/subslab extraction wells for use as subslab ventilation and possibly as monitoring points during the planned SVE treatability study (outside Building 90).  All vapor extraction wells installed inside the building should include a valve and fitting to enable each point to be used as a vapor monitoring point.  Each well will include a riser to the ceiling, and will be manifolded to an extraction blower located on the east side of the building to enable ventilation (extraction) of the subslab fill material.  Drilling activities will need to be scheduled during the evenings or weekends to reduce potential exposures to CSSA employees working inside the building.  

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       The removal action should be expanded to include the drainage ditch outside and west of Building 90.  This will require removal of asphalt and underlying soil in addition to soil in the ditch.  Soil samples will be collected along the ditch and from under the asphalt.  This sampling will be completed in conjunction with the installation and sampling of VEWs and VMPs inside Building 90.  Soil/rock sampling from the VEWs/VMPs will be used to estimate the volume of material that will need to be removed from the vat area.  The depths attained during this removal action will also be used to estimate the potential thickness of impacted materials underlying Building 90 in the vicinity of the suspected leaking vat.

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       Asphalt uncovered during the removal action of the ditch will need to be replaced.  An engineering plan will be prepared so that drainage from the gutters will be diverted away from the ditch and Building 90 during future rainfall events.  The ditch will be backfilled to grade, and covered with asphalt.  

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      A structural engineering evaluation and construction quality assurance (CQA) should be included for replacement of the building floor if removal actions inside Building 90 are warranted.  CSSA indicated the outer dock of Building 90 might need to be removed to facilitate better access to the excavation areas inside the building.  Repair of the dock would be required as directed by CSSA.

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       Waste removal volumes estimated in the technical approach document and proposal (dated September 14, 2001) inside the building may need to be adjusted to account for greater excavation volumes than the volumes generated from the 2 foot depth estimated in the technical approach.  Under the vat, a maximum of 2 feet will be removed, but under other portions of the building floor, the thickness of excavated fill material may exceed 4-5 feet.  Soil borings designed to characterize waste underlying the building floor (described in a previous bullet) should provide better definition of the estimated waste volumes for the Environmental Cleanup Plan.

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    The air permit for Building 90 will need to revisited with regard to the planned remediation efforts.  A standard exemption may need to be prepared for the subslab ventilation and for any removal actions requiring negative pressure engineering controls.  The standard exemptions will assume no off-gas treatment of the subslab treatment system, but CSSA requested that any extraction system in proximity to Building 90 be constructed with an off-gas treatment system.  CSSA suggested that any additional work (SVE or removal actions) should include responses to all air permitting issues associated with Building 90.  

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    An evaluation of the potential effectiveness of a subslab SVE system will need to be completed as part of the removal action inside Building 90.  The SVE effectiveness testing would be completed prior to any removal action of contaminated fill material underlying the building so that volatile organics in soil gas could be ventilated prior to floor removal, and to determine whether subslab ventilation could effectively treat the contamination without having to disturb the building’s floor and operations.  

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    Parsons Health and Safety Plan (HASP) will be expanded to address safety issues for all visitors to Building 90 during the removal action, including CSSA employees working in Building 90.  During any removal actions inside the building, temporary wood containment walls will be installed around the work area, and negative pressure airflow within this sealed portion of the building will be used to help reduce the potential for exposure to CSSA employees.

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    Any removal action inside the building will concentrate on the existing citrus cleaner area currently used in the building and the underlying vat.  The subcontractor will be responsible for removing and re-installing the citrus cleaner after the floor has been rebuilt.  The subcontractor will not be required to re-build the vat after its removal.  Steel casing and screen, which may be used in subsequent SVE remedial efforts inside Building 90, will be installed within the excavation prior to backfilling and rebuilding the floor.  This casing will be plumbed with access along the western wall or through the wall to the exterior loading dock to enable ventilation (extraction) or injection of amendments to enhance contaminant removal from beneath the slab.

Task 4:  Treatability Study Implementation

    After completing the removal action discussion, treatability testing of the upper 100‑150 feet around Building 90 was discussed in detail.  CSSA and AFCEE indicated that the surface geophysical testing currently planned to assist in locating treatability test wells may need to be expanded to include several geophysical techniques in addition to the electrical resistivity proposed in the TO 0058 technical approach.  It was determined that the techniques should be conducted in four phases so that methods that are not providing quality results can be removed from consideration.  After each phase, the results will be evaluated and the subsequent phases will be planned.  The four phases of the geophysical investigation are:

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     Phase 1 – Electrical resistivity (expand by at least 1 week to existing technical approach) and add microgravity.  During the microgravity, Gary Cobb of Parsons indicated he would like to try another low-cost geophysical tool since the only cost to CSSA would be instrument rental (the testing could be performed in concert with microgravity testing).  CSSA and AFCEE suggested that this testing should be implemented immediately following the electrical resistivity testing.  

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          Phase 2 – CSSA indicated that the Army might be interested in expanding resistivity and microgravity into other areas located to the south and west of Building 90, including off-post property to the west.  Work in this off-post area may require vegetative clearing and associated chipping (mostly cedars).  Ground Penetrating Radar is another geophysical testing technology that was recommended by CSSA and AFCEE for possible geophysical testing around Building 90.  Phase 2 geophysical testing also includes performing electrical resistivity under different conditions than the phase 1 testing over the same grid so that one test would be completed under saturated conditions and one test would be completed under dry conditions.  

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          Phase 3 – Perform two-dimensional seismic testing over a broad area (at least 100 acres) and three-dimensional electrical resistivity over a small area (less than ½-acre), presumably in the vicinity of AOC 65.  The location of the three-dimensional array will be based on results of the two-dimensional resistivity testing performed in phases 1 and 2 described above.  If two-dimensional resistivity testing does not provide quality results, then the three-dimensional resistivity study may be waived.

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          Phase 4 – The final phase of geophysical testing includes three-dimensional seismic and other borehole resistivity testing, such as cross-bore resistivity and borehole flow meter.  The three-dimensional seismic testing would be performed in a section of the two-dimensional seismic testing, and may involve shear-wave seismic testing.  Locations selected will be based on results of the two-dimensional seismic testing, but will likely by either near Building 90 or to the west toward Ralph Fair Road.  Given the high cost of three-dimensional seismic testing, utilization of three-dimensional testing will depend on the quality and usability of results from the two-dimensional seismic work.  Downhole geophysical testing technologies mentioned above will be evaluated and, if appropriate, planned in selected wells installed as part of the SVE treatability study.  These borehole geophysical technologies generally require saturated conditions, which may or not exist in the upper 150 feet during the duration of the treatability testing. 

    In addition to the geophysical testing mentioned above, the following items were discussed for consideration by CSSA and AFCEE during the treatability study at AOC 65:

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          A weather station could be set up and continuously operated on the west side of Building 90 in the vicinity of up to six nested piezometers set to depths to 150 feet below grade.  

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          The weather station would be fitted with a rain gauge, and each piezometer would be constructed with a downhole transducer.  A data recorder will be secured at the weather station and will record readings from both the rain gauge and each transducer to assess the affect of rainfall intensity on the migration of water into the various screened intervals.  The data recorder will be solar powered, and will be capable of transmitting real-time data to CSSA, either through telemetry or telephone lines. 

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    Piezometers would be constructed with 25 feet of screen, and any piezometer below 100 feet below grade would be required to include surface casing similar to groundwater monitoring wells in the same area.  The screened intervals would be selected to provide complete coverage of the entire upper 150-foot profile of the unsaturated formation.  The piezometer casing inside diameter should be 2 inches.  Piezometers deeper than 100 feet would only be installed if the water table is deeper than 150 feet below grade during drilling to avoid the CSSA requirement for sampling saturated intervals to monitor for potential cross-contamination between intervals.  The completion method for piezometers may be revised in the future.  Parsons and CSSA will re-evaluate this decision at a later date.

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          Groundwater will be sampled from the piezometers for analysis of volatile organic compounds following significant rainfall events.  A schedule for sampling the piezometers will be established in the treatability test plan, but it will entail sampling following major rainfall events (at least greater than 1.0 inch) on the day after the rainfall event, and periodically as the water levels in the wells drop.  These samples will be collected using dedicated bailers without purging or development.  The samples will considered “grab” samples and require minimal QA/QC.

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         The current SOW from the September 14, 2001 technical approach only included one vapor extraction well (VEW) and three multi-depth vapor monitoring points (VMP).  Under the treatability study discussed at the meeting, six VEWs and six multi-depth VMPs would be installed for use in the SVE treatability study test.  The six VEWs would be installed on both sides of the building, with most installed on the west side near the building’s suspected vat and the associated drainage ditch.  The screened interval lengths of the VEWs would be limited to 25 feet, while the depths of the VEWs would extend to 30  feet, 50 feet, 75 feet, 100 feet, 125 feet, and 150 feet below grade.  The multi-depth VMPs would include up to four distinct screened intervals per boring and would extend to a maximum depth of 100 feet below grade.  Most of the VMPs would be located in the vicinity of Building 90 and the drainage ditch, with some VMPs located on the opposite side of the building from the main SVE VEW located closest to the suspected vat inside the building.  A summary table of the borehole completions is provided below.  These multi-depth monitoring points and VEWs should enable the treatability study to evaluate the depths where the highest levels of contamination appear to be present and the interconnectivity of the fractures between multiple well locations and depth intervals.  

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          Locations of the VEWs and VMPs will be selected based on the geophysical testing results.  These wells will serve multiple purposes other than their use as a treatability test or monitoring well.  These wells will serve to validate findings from the geophysical testing, and will also provide additional data on contaminant and groundwater movement into the lower saturated zones of the formation.  The top of each VEW manifold will be constructed to enable collection of water level data or groundwater samples.  The frequency of collecting groundwater samples from these wells will be described in the Treatability Test Plan, but several rounds of data collection would be anticipated.  The VEWs will be designated: AOC65-VEW1-LGR, AOC65-VEW2-LGR, AOC65-VEW3-LGR, AOC65-VEW4-LGR, AOC65-VEW5-LGR, and AOC65-VEW6-LGR.  The VMPs will be designated AOC65-VMP1-LGR, AOC65-VMP2-LGR, AOC65-VMP3-LGR, AOC65-VMP4-LGR, AOC65-VMP5-LGR, and AOC65-VMP6-LGR.

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         An air emissions standard exemption for the SVE system will be prepared assuming no off-gas treatment of the SVE treatability system, but CSSA requested that any extraction system in proximity to Building 90 be constructed with an off-gas treatment system.  CSSA suggested an activated carbon treatment system be used for both the treatability study blower and the subslab ventilation blower, given their relatively low levels of contaminants anticipated in the emission flow.

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         Treatability testing should be performed over a longer period of time than indicated in the TO 0058 SOW to enable collection of data through several heavy rainfall events, and to assess effectiveness of pulsing extraction on the performance of the SVE system.  It may also be advantageous for CSSA and AFCEE to consider treatability testing of dual-phase extraction (liquid and air) pilot systems, such as vacuum enhanced pumping (VEP) so that its potential effectiveness of contaminant removal could be evaluated and compared to SVE.

 

Borehole Completion Summary Table

Type of Installation

Number Planned

 

Screened Intervals (below grade)

Piezometers

6

1
2
3
4
5
6

125-150 feet
100-125 feet
75-100 feet
50-75 feet
25-50 feet
5-30 feet

Vapor Extraction Wells

6

1
2
3
4
5
6

125-150 feet
100-125 feet
75-100 feet
50-75 feet
25-50 feet
5-30 feet

Vapor Monitoring Points

6

1
2
3
4
5
6

10-20, 35-45, 60-70, & 85-95
10-20, 35-45, 60-70, & 85-95
10-20, 35-45, 60-70, & 85-95
10-20, 35-45, 60-70, & 85-95
10-20, 30-40, 50-60, & 70-80
10-20, 30-40, 50-60, & 70-80

 

Task 5:  Technology Evaluation Report

    There were no potential changes to the existing TO 0058 SOW discussed regarding this task during the planning meeting.

Action items

AFCEE and CSSA will prepare a scope of work for possible modifications to the subject Task Order based on the technical approaches and strategies discussed at this meeting.

There were no other action items.