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8th Quarter - Final Quarterly Progress Report

Interim Measures

IM are being conducted to mitigate a current or potential threat to human health and/or the environment.  The IM are estimated to represent approximately 30% of the required actions at CSSA.  The IM include Interim/Stabilization Measures Work Plan (7% of IM), Interim Measures Implementation (70% of IM), and Reports (23% of IM).  Based on information currently available at the end of Quarter 8, the IM are approximately 41% complete.

Task I - Interim/Stabilization Measures Work Plan

Task Description

The Interim/Stabilization Measures Work Plan includes A) a description of on-going and planned interim measures; B) a statement of the objectives of each interim/stabilization measure, including how the measure mitigates a potential threat to human health and the environment and is consistent with and integrated into any long-term remedy for CSSA; and C) proposed locations, design plans and specifications, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements of the interim measures, including a sampling and analysis plan.  Existing plans, which are included in CSSA’s Environmental Encyclopedia, will be referenced to the extent possible.  As of August 2, 1999, completion of this task is fully funded (under delivery order RL74).

Activities this Quarter

There were no activities associated with this task this quarter.

  1. Percent Complete

This task makes up approximately 7% of the IM phase and is 100 percent complete.

Task II - Interim/Stabilization Measures Implementation

Task Description

The Interim/Stabilization Measures Implementation includes sampling and analysis of groundwater from off-site wells; sampling and analysis of groundwater in CSSA wells; location of all off-site water wells located within ¼-mile of the facility boundary; evaluation of alternative measures and implementation of selected interim measures at SWMU O-1; closure of SWMU O‑1; IM activities at AOC 50 to remove nickel penetrate, characterization and determination of proper disposition of SWMUs B-8, B-20, B‑24, B-28, and the DD soil piles; and implementation of the identified disposition method.  The status of each is described below.

Completion of this task is partially funded.  One round of sampling and analysis of three off‑site wells (RFR-3, RFR-8, and JW-30) located to the west of CSSA (under RL74) and sampling and analysis of CSSA wells is completely funded through March 2001 (under DO23, RL74, and RL83), along with interim measures and a partial facility closure of SWMU O‑1 (under RL74).  In addition, sampling of 20 off-site wells for 6 quarters (VOCs only) starting in June 2001 is funded (under DO5084).  The first round of off-site groundwater sampling under DO5084 may need to be delayed until September 2001 to allow sufficient time for coordination with the public.  An appropriate disposition method will be identified for the soil piles (under RL83).  However, final implementation of the yet to be selected disposition method is not funded.  Due to the amount of soil in these piles, it is anticipated that funding may be spread over several years.

Activities this Quarter

CSSA is currently in the process of identifying private wells for eventual off-site groundwater sampling under the AETC contract DO5084.  CSSA will be evaluating their public communication plans with regard to this off-site sampling, and will begin the process of obtaining access agreements from private well owners to allow sampling of the selected off-site wells.

Actual sampling of 20 off-site wells (under DO5084) will begin after access agreements are finalized and after one round of sampling and analyses is complete at the new monitoring wells currently being installed.

After completing excavation at SWMU B-10, an approximate total of 4,500 cubic yards of soil were disposed of at Covel Gardens Landfill located in San Antonio, Texas (operated by Waste Management, Inc.), and 1,500 tons of recovered metallic materials were recycled at Newell Metals Recycling Facility.

Excavation activities at AOC 50 were initiated on March 12, 2001.  To start the fieldwork, a Parsons ES UXO avoidance team swept the area for potential OE items.  Only two spent rifle grenades were located at the site.  During the sweep, the magnetometer was used to locate metal debris and penetrate which was subsequently flagged for removal.  A burial trench was located at the periphery of the site on March 14, 2001.  The trench was noted as an anomaly during the geophysical survey, but was thought to be associated with nickel penetrate in the same locality.  The trench contents included banding material, glassware, burnt timbers, horseshoes, and other rubbish.  Activities were halted at AOC 50 since this waste did not fit the current disposal profile established for AOC 50.  The excavation subcontractor was remobilized to the site on April 6, 2001 to remove and stockpile the contents of the trench.  The stockpile was then sampled for waste profiling.  To date, approximately 190 cubic yards of soils with nickel penetrate have been removed and transported to Covel Gardens Landfill in San Antonio, Texas (operated by Waste Management, Inc.).  Another 120 cubic yards of material excavated from the trench is currently stockpiled onsite awaiting sampling results and profiling.  An additional 100 cubic yards of soil with nickel penetrate was located on April 10, 2001, and will be disposed at Covel Gardens Landfill during Quarter 9.

Parsons ES is currently incorporating changes into the final version of the Water Well Survey.  Recent data acquired from Camp Bullis was reviewed to determine the proximity and applicability to the report.  The review showed that only one Camp Bullis monitoring well was located within 1 mile of CSSA.  The remaining Camp Bullis wells located at potential hazardous waste sites are located distances of 2 to 4 miles from CSSA, and are not deemed relevant to the well survey report.  The final version will be submitted as a new section to the CSSA Environmental Encyclopedia (Volume 5, Water Well Survey) during Quarter 9.

Quarterly groundwater monitoring of the on-site wells was performed the week of March 19, 2001.  Wells 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 16, D, I, MW-1, and MW-2 were sampled.  In addition, one off-site sample was collected at well LS-7 on March 20, 2001.  Samples were analyzed by O’Brien and Gere (O’B&G), and results were submitted to Parsons ES on April 13, 2001.  Preliminary unvalidated groundwater results are provided in Attachment 2.

Efforts relating to the determination of proper disposition of previously sifted soil piles at SWMUs B-8, B-20, B-24, B-28, and Demo Dud (DD) were continued in Quarter 8.  Initial investigation efforts were initiated in Quarter 4 with the collection of chemistry data on metals, VOCs, and explosives.  The initial investigation samples were collected in a systematic random effort to identify contaminants of concern.  Results indicated the sifted soil piles are impacted by metals contamination with minimal impact from VOCs or explosives.  These data were used to identify “worst case” metals impacted soils for collection of TCLP data.  In Quarter 7, sifted soils within SWMUs B-8, B-20, B-24, B‑28, and DD were collected from “worst case” locations and sent for TCLP metals analyses to provide data for determining proper disposition.  Additionally, a composite sample was collected from each of the SWMUs of concern for waste characterization.  The waste characterization data will include TCLP results for the metals regulated by the State of Texas (i.e., antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, and vanadium).  Analytical data from the waste characterization sampling efforts were received in Quarter 8.  Results of the waste characterization efforts for the excavated soils indicate that all excavated soil piles are non-hazardous as defined in 30 TAC Chapter 335, subchapter R.  Even the “worst case” samples collected from each of the SWMUs of concern to provide data for proper disposition indicate that the soils do not leach above hazardous toxicity characteristic levels as defined in 40 CFR 261.24.

A treatability study for stabilization of the excavated soils at SWMUs B-8, B-20, B-24, B-28, and DD was continued during Quarter 8.  The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) and UFA Ventures, Inc. are demonstrating a stabilization process using Phosphate Induced Metal Stabilization (PIMS) on soils contaminated with lead and other metals.  The PIMS laboratory benchscale treatability study was completed during Quarter 5.  Results of the benchscale treatability study indicate that the PIMS stabilization process may be applicable in reducing leachable lead content and to inhibit the bioavailability of the lead into the environment.  CSSA received six tractor-trailer loads of Apatite II material to be used during the PIMS field study stabilization effort.  The initial results of the treatability study are further discussed under Task VI (Treatability Studies).  The UFA Ventures treatability study will be incorporated into Volume 4 of the CSSA Environmental Encyclopedia.  It is anticipated that a field scale treatability study will be continued during Quarter 9.  Additionally, the Draft Soil Disposition Assessment Report is expected to be completed, along with the initiation of bench-scale studies of other treatment technologies (e.g., density treatment, phytoextraction, etc.) during Quarter 9.

  1. Percent Complete

This task makes up approximately 70% of the IM phase. This task is considered 33% complete, based on the current projected activities listed in Task II, Task Description.  If investigation results at other sites indicate an immediate threat to human health or the environment such that IM activities are warranted at additional sites, the percent complete will be adjusted accordingly.

  1. Summary of Findings

Quarterly groundwater monitoring of the on-site wells and one off-site well was performed during the week of March 19, 2001 at CSSA (Attachment 2).  A map of the well locations was provided in Attachment 3 of the 4th Quarterly Report.

On-site Wells, March 2001: CSSA wells 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 16, D, I, MW-1, and MW-2 were sampled during the March 2001 sampling event.  Wells G and H were not sampled during this event either because the water level in the well was too low (well G) or the well is inoperable (well H).  Results of the March 2001 groundwater monitoring event will be formally reported in a draft Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Report to be submitted to CSSA and AFCEE during Quarter 9 and placed in the Environmental Encyclopedia, Volume 5.  A table showing preliminary unvalidated laboratory results is included as Attachment 2.

Off-site Wells, March 2001: One off-site sample was collected at well LS-7 during the March 2001 sampling event.  Samples were analyzed by O’B&G, and results were submitted to Parsons ES on April 13, 2001.  Results of the March 2001 groundwater monitoring event will be formally reported in a draft Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Report to be submitted to CSSA and AFCEE during Quarter 9 and placed in the Environmental Encyclopedia, Volume 5.  Preliminary unvalidated laboratory results are shown in Attachment 2.

  1. Summary of Changes

No changes were made for the IM activities during this reporting period.

  1. Summary of Contacts

No contacts, with the exception of the owner of well LS-7, associated with IM activities were made during this reporting period.

  1. Summary of Problems

No problems associated with IM activities this reporting period.

  1. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

No actions to correct problems associated with IM activities necessary this reporting period.

  1. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

Contractor procurement activities associated with treatability studies for the soil piles are expected to be complete next quarter.  These duties include the generation of detailed statements of work for soliciting proposals for the anticipated treatability studies.  Procurement of subcontractor services for the planned treatability studies at SWMUs B-8, B-20, B-24, B-28 and DD are expected to be complete during the next reporting period.

The IM removal actions at SWMU O-1 and SWMU B-10 are complete.  CSSA will continue with the operation and maintenance activities for SWMU O-1 until a final remedy of the associated vadose and groundwater zone is complete.  These continued O&M activities include watering the cap to keep the vegetation from drying out, and to keep it growing.  IM removal actions will continue at AOC 50 during Quarter 9.  Confirmation surface samples from AOC 50 will be collected verify that all waste materials have been removed (totals) for VOCs, metals, and explosives.

The next quarterly groundwater monitoring event will be conducted in June 2001.  This upcoming event will include existing CSSA wells typically sampled, as well as any new completed and developed wells.  Final versions of the December 1999, March 2000, and June 2000 groundwater monitoring reports will be issued for inclusion into the CSSA Environmental Encyclopedia (Volume 5, Groundwater Monitoring).

Activities for contract efforts to install additional monitoring wells and a sub-slab SVE system for Building 90 remediation will be initiated.

  1. Copies of Daily Reports, Inspection Reports, Data, etc.

No daily reports, inspection reports, or data related to the report generated during this reporting period.

Task III - Reports

Task Description

Reports associated with the IM include quarterly progress reports and an Interim/Stabilization Measure Report.  This progress report is submitted as part of this task.  The O-1 IM/Closure Report documented IM activities conducted at SWMU O-1.  In addition, it documents that the project is consistent with design specifications and was performed adequately.  (Note:  the progress reports also meet the Task VII requirements under the RFI).

Completion of this task has been partially funded.  Progress reports for two years (August 1999 – May 2001) have been funded (under RL83 of the AMC contract).  Another six progress reports (July 2001 – October 2002) were funded (under DO5084 of the AETC contract).  In addition, the IM Report associated with SWMU O-1 has been completely funded (under RL74).  IM reports for each of the soil pile sites have not been funded.

While the determination of an appropriate disposition method for the soil piles is funded, actual completion of the soil pile IM will likely be spread over several years due to funding difficulties.  The IM Report will be in three phases.  The first phase will be a baseline report, the second phase will be a progress report, and the third phase will be a final report at the completion of the project.  Funding for the first two phases is anticipated to be completed in the next fiscal year.  Currently it is uncertain if the budget for the next fiscal year will fully fund the third phase, and may carry over to the following fiscal year.

Activities this Quarter

The final March 2000 Groundwater Monitoring Report was submitted in late November 2000, for inclusion in Volume 5 of the Environmental Encyclopedia.  Draft versions of the June 2000 and September 2000 Groundwater Monitoring Reports and the Offsite Well Survey were submitted for AFCEE and CSSA review during August 2000.  Comments/responses received indicated that an introduction to the groundwater monitoring reports should be created that includes the data prior to June 2000, and each quarter after that would just have that quarter's data included in the report.

  1. Percent Complete

This task makes up approximately 23% of the IM phase.  With completion of this progress report, this task is approximately 45% complete based on the current projected activities listed in Task II, Task Description.  If investigation results at other sites indicate an immediate threat to human health or the environment such that IM activities are at additional sites, the percent complete will be adjusted accordingly.

  1. Summary of Findings

No findings associated with progress reports or IM reports this reporting period.

  1. Summary of Changes

No changes associated with progress reports or IM reports this reporting period.

  1. Summary of Contacts

No contacts related to quarterly progress reports or IM Reports were made during this reporting period.

  1. Summary of Problems

Preparation of the Soil Pile Disposition Assessment Report was delayed due to analytical data package verification, validation, and review.

  1. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

Several meetings were held to discuss the appropriate methodologies for analytical data packages including contractual agreements between the government, contractors and subcontractors.  Results of these meetings provided a clear path for the level of effort expected on the verification, validation and review of the remaining analytical data packages.

  1. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

Preparation of the draft Soil Pile Disposition Report will be completed next quarter.

Parsons ES will submit the Introduction to the Groundwater Monitoring Program, the final June 2000 and September 2000 Groundwater Monitoring Reports, and the draft December 2000 Groundwater Monitoring Report for review next quarter.

  1. Copies of Daily Reports, Inspection Reports, Data, etc.

No daily reports, inspection reports, or data related to the report generated during this reporting period.

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