The RFI is being conducted to characterize the environmental setting of CSSA, define the sources of contamination, define the degree and extent of contamination, identify actual or potential receptors, and to assess whether any additional IM may be warranted. The RFI is estimated to represent approximately 30 percent of the required actions at CSSA. The RFI includes a Preliminary Report (5 percent of RFI), RFI WP (10 percent), Facility Investigation (45 percent), Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (15 percent), Investigation Analysis (10 percent), Treatability Studies (10 percent), and Progress Reports (5 percent). As of the end of Quarter 17, the RFI is approximately 45 percent complete.

Task I - Preliminary Report: Description of Current Conditions

Task Description

This task includes preparation of the DCC Report. The DCC Report includes information from previous investigations and other relevant data. Information related to the facility background, nature and extent of contamination and pre-investigation evaluation of corrective measure technologies is included in the DCC Report. CSSA’s Environmental Encyclopedia was used to meet the DCC Report submittal requirements. The final DCC Report was submitted to the EPA and TCEQ on August 1, 1999. No regulatory comments have been received on the report. This task makes up approximately 5 percent of the RFI phase, and is 100 percent complete.

Activities this Quarter

No activities associated with the Description of Current Conditions were conducted this period.

Task II - RFI Work Plan

Task Description

The Order requires that the RFI WP task include a Project Management Plan, Data Collection Quality Assurance Plan, Health and Safety Plan (HSP), and a Community Relations Plan (CRP). As previously agreed by EPA, CSSA’s Environmental Encyclopedia has been used to fulfill this requirement. The Environmental Encyclopedia includes all the information required by the Order. Completion of this task is funded for the planned RFI tasks.

Activities this Quarter

Planning for the next phase of work at several SWMUs and AOCs was continued during this quarter. A new TO 0019 which includes field work and reporting with the overall goal of bringing 16 additional SWMUs and AOCs to closure under the Risk Reduction Standards (RRS) was awarded and initiated. Preparation of plans for the closure project was initiated, and a Data Quality Objective (DQO) meeting was held at CSSA on May 22, 2003, to discuss objectives for each of the 16 sites included in the new TO.

On June 10, 2003, a technical interchange meeting (TIM) #2 was held at CSSA to discuss re-start of the removal actions at AOC 55 under TO 0009. The initial removal actions uncovered approximately 100 ordnance related scrap items, which require removal from the impacted soil media before disposal at an off-post landfill facility. Due to the unexpected field conditions at AOC-55 modifications to contracts and WPs were made and mechanical sifting efforts were initiated during this quarter for removal of ordnance and explosive scrap from the soil matrix.

The soil vapor extraction (SVE) treatability study field activities were completed on June 11, 2003. O&M activities were initiated for continued operation of the SVE system beginning in July 2003 under TO 0058. A draft O&M WP was prepared to guide the O&M activities, schedule, and sampling requirements. The draft WP was submitted for review in July 2003. Parsons also prepared a draft standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide field sampling personnel (Parsons or CSSA) who may collect data associated with the shallow groundwater recharge study following major rainfall events. Draft WP and sampling and analysis plan addenda for an SVE system and geologic investigation at SWMU B-3 were prepared and submitted to AFCEE and CSSA for review on June 27, 2003.

1. Percent Complete

The RFI WP task makes up approximately 10 percent of the RFI phase. Estimation of percent complete is difficult due to the continuing need for plan addenda as new task orders are added. As of the end of Quarter 17, WPs currently under scope are approximately 80 percent complete. The CSSA Environmental Encyclopedia will continue to be updated as WPs are completed and made Final.

2. Summary of Findings

No new findings are associated with RFI WP preparation during this reporting period.

3. Summary of Changes

No changes other than those described above in Activities this Quarter to existing RFI WP were made during this reporting period.

4. Summary of Contacts

No contacts occurred during this reporting period.

5. Summary of Problems

No significant problems occurred during this reporting period.

6. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

No actions were taken for any problems during this reporting period.

7. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

WPs for TO 0008, TO 0019, TO 0009, TO 0058 and RL83 will be finalized for submittal in Quarter 18.

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

No daily reports, inspection reports, or data related to the RFI WP task were generated during this reporting period.

Task III - Facility Investigation

Task Description

An investigation of the facility is being conducted to:

1. Characterize the environmental setting of the facility;

2. Define the source(s) of contamination;

3. Define the nature and extent of contamination; and

4. Identify actual or potential receptors.

In some cases, multiple investigational phases may be necessary. The investigation results will be used to develop and evaluate alternatives during the CSM. All investigation activities are being conducted in accordance with the RFI WP.

Completion of this task is partially funded for the planned RFI tasks. Attachment 2 indicates the sites for which investigations have been funded and subsequently conducted as well as sites that have been identified, but not yet investigated. New TO 0019 which funds additional investigations at SWMUs B-29, B-25, Bldg 43, B-11, B-30, B-33, DD, B-23A, B-12, B-2, B-23, B-34, and AOC-38, -41, -56, and -50 was awarded during Quarter 17. Funding for on- and off-post groundwater monitoring through March 2004 is covered under new TO 0008 awarded during Quarter 17. A modification to an existing delivery order (RL 83) was awarded to enable a subsurface investigation and SVE pilot test to be performed at SWMU B-3. Future TOs and/or modifications will address investigations at remaining sites. New TO 0005 was awarded during Quarter 17 to provide LAN support, quarterly progress reports and updates to the CSSA Environmental Encyclopedia.

Activities this Quarter

The majority of current ongoing environmental activities at CSSA are part of the RFI task. Work on each of these tasks is described in the following paragraphs. The main areas of work this quarter include groundwater monitoring, maintenance of the off-post granular activated carbon (GAC) wellhead treatment systems, analytical data verification and validation, RFIs of selected SWMUs and AOCs, well installations, Building 90/AOC-65 investigations SWMU B-3 SVE system, AOC-55 remediation activities and various miscellaneous tasks.

Groundwater Monitoring

Sampling of all on-post and selected off-post wells is conducted quarterly. Off-post wells were sampled from June 9-18, 2003. Thirty-one private and public off-post drinking water wells were sampled, including FO-J1, HS-2, HS-3, I10-2, I10-4, I10-7, JW-6, JW-8, JW-9, JW-13, JW-14, JW-26, JW-27, JW-29, JW-30, LS-1, LS-2, LS-3, LS-4, LS-5, LS-6, LS-7, OFR-1, OFR-2, OFR-3, OFR-4, RFR-8, RFR-9, RFR-10, RFR-11 and RFR-12. All samples were collected from ports located near the wellhead. The locations of these wells are shown on Figure 1.0 in Attachment 1. Samples were analyzed for the approved short list of VOCs by Agriculture & Priority Pollutants Laboratories, Inc. (APPL). The VOC short list includes 1,1-dichloroethene, bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, dibromochloromethane, dichlorodifluoro-methane, methylene chloride, naphthalene, tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, toluene, trans-1,2-dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride. Preliminary data on these samples were received on June 30, 2003 by Parsons. Data validation and verification for these samples were initiated this Quarter.

Quarterly groundwater monitoring of 38 on-post monitoring and/or drinking water wells was performed from June 16-23, 2003. CSSA wells CS-1, CS-2, CS-4, CS-9, CS-10, CS-11, CS-D, CS-MWG-LGR, CS-MWH-LGR, CS-MW1-BS, CS-MW1-CC, CS-MW1-LGR, CS-MW2-LGR, CS-MW2-CC, CS-MW3-LGR, CS-MW4-LGR, CS-MW5-LGR, CS-MW6-BS, CS-MW6-CC, CS-MW6-LGR, CS-MW7-CC, CS-MW7-LGR, CS-MW8-CC, CS-MW8-LGR, CS-MW9-BS, CS-MW9-CC, CS-MW9-LGR, CS-MW10-CC, CS-MW10-LGR, CS-MW11A-LGR, CS-MW11B-LGR, CS-MW12-BS, CS-MW12-CC, CS-MW12-LGR, CS-MW16-LGR, CS-MW17-LGR, CS-MW18-LGR, and CS-MW19-LGR were purged and sampled. Locations of the on-post wells sampled are shown on Figure 1.0 in Attachment 1. Samples were analyzed by Severn Trent Laboratories (STL) for the approved short list of VOCs as well as the metals barium, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead. Newly installed monitoring wells were also sampled for cations, anions, carbonate and alkalinity. The preliminary data were received by Parsons July 16, 2003. Data validation for VOCs, metals, and cations and anions was initiated this Quarter.

The Final Off-post Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Report for March 2003 was added to the Environmental Encyclopedia during Quarter 17. The draft On-post Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Report for March 2003 was submitted to CSSA and AFCEE during Quarter 17. AFCEE comments were received and responses to comments were submitted. CSSA comments to the March on-post report are pending. The Draft June Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Reports were prepared during Quarter 17.

In addition, preparation of an Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report was continued during Quarter 17, and the final report will be submitted during Quarter 18. This first annual report will include an analysis of all quarterly groundwater monitoring results, with a focus on the quarterly events conducted through June 2003.

Off-Post GAC Systems

Based on previous sampling results indicating VOC levels above or approaching the MCL, GAC filtration systems were installed at seven off-post wells. In accordance with the CSSA Off-post Monitoring Program Response Plan dated June 2002 (the Plan), off-post GAC wellhead treatment systems installed at these wells are maintained by CSSA. Monthly O&M activities for the 5-micron filters at the off-post residential GAC treatment systems were performed this quarter. This filter exchange maintenance is scheduled to be performed monthly on the wells with GAC filtration systems installed, specifically wells LS-6, LS-7, RFR-10, RFR-11, and OFR-3. The next post–GAC confirmation sampling will be conducted in September 2003.

Carbonair reviewed contaminant levels entering the LS-2/LS-3 GAC system and the volume of water treated to date. Based on the data reviewed and the low-levels of VOCs that are generally found in these wells, it was determined that the 10-month change out at this GAC, which was due October 2003, could be postponed to a later date.

Data Validation and Verification

Laboratory results from sampling efforts and investigations are validated and verified by Parsons’ chemists to ensure results are in compliance with AFCEE Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) or CSSA QAPP requirements. Data validation and verification continued during Quarter 17 under CSSA projects, TO 0042, TO 0058, RL17, RL83, and TO 0009.

Data packages related to quarterly groundwater monitoring activities consist of groundwater monitoring conducted on- and off-post during Quarter 17 (the June 2003 quarterly sampling event). Additional data packages related to rain event groundwater sampling, investigation derived waste (IDW), screening samples, waste characterization, and investigations at SWMUs BLDG 43 and B-34 were also generated. Verification of these data packages continued during Quarter 17. AFCEE chemists approved two groundwater data packages this quarter (TO42-O and TO42-N), on May 5 and 23, 2003. AFCEE chemists approved one other data package (RL17-A) on June 26, 2003. Other data packages are being validated during this quarter for outfall discharge, IDW, SWMU investigations and June 2003 groundwater monitoring by Parsons for submittal to AFCEE during Quarter 18.

RCRA Facility Investigations of SWMUs and AOCs

A total of 84 SWMUs, AOCs, and Rifle Management Units (RMUs) have been identified at CSSA and investigations have been conducted at 59 of those sites. A summary of the status of each site, including whether the site is recommended for closure or if closure is approved, is provided in Attachment 2. CSSA received comments from TCEQ on the closure report for SWMU B-32 during Quarter 17; responses were sent on May 13, 2003. CSSA has also submitted closure recommendations for SWMU B-10, which is pending comments from TCEQ, and an RFI Report was submitted for SWMU B-23A.

In March 2003, additional surface soil sampling was conducted at SWMUs B-8, B-34, and Building 43 in an effort to define the horizontal extent of surface soil contamination. Results of the additional sampling indicate that the extent of metals-contaminated surface soils has not yet been determined at these sites. In addition, possible unexploded ordnance (UXO) was identified on the ground surface near the SWMU B-8 boundary; therefore, an EM-61 geophysical survey was conducted in the area to determine if additional possible UXO items or trenches may be located in the area.

Well Installations

There are currently 37 drinking water, livestock, and monitoring wells at CSSA. TO 0042 funded the installation of 17 new monitoring wells: 10 wells to be completed in the Lower Glen Rose Formation, two in the Bexar Shale, and five in the Cow Creek Formation. In addition, five upgrades to existing wells were completed under TO 0042 (CS-16, CS-G, CS-H, CS-MW1-LGR, and CS-MW2-LGR). At the end of Quarter 17, the well upgrades and the installation of 13 new monitoring wells under TO 0042 were 90% complete. New well installations are expected to continue into Quarter 18.

Drilling was initiated at the CS-MW16-CC well location during this quarter. The corehole was advanced to 342 feet below ground surface (bgs) and was geophysically logged. The Bexar Shale was encountered at a depth of 324 feet. Discrete interval groundwater samples of Lower Glen Rose intervals at CS-MW16-CC (315’-327’) had detections of tetrachloroethene (PCE) at 44.3 parts per billion (ppb) and trichloroethene (TCE) at 47.1 ppb. Samples collected from CS-MW16-CC (190’-202’) had detections of PCE and TCE of 19.5 ppb and 22.1 ppb, respectively.

The corehole was reamed to 16-inches in diameter to accommodate a 12-inch surface casing to 335.5 feet. The Bexar Shale interval was cored and logged, followed by the installation of 8-inch surface casing to a depth of 393 feet. Once the casing was installed, coring continued to 473 feet bgs. The Cow Creek/Hammett Shale contact was encountered at 383 feet bgs. Discrete interval samples for the Cow Creek were collected from the intervals 411-423’ and 398-410’. Results indicated detections of PCE at 48.4 ppb and TCE at 131 ppb (411’-423’) and PCE at 8.58 ppb and TCE at 95 ppb (398’-410’).

Installation of the four Westbay-equipped wells was initiated during Quarter 17. Upon completion of CS-MW16-CC, the drilling rig was mobilized to the southern portion of the post. Coring was completed on CS-WB01-LGR (314 feet), CS-WB02-LGR (309 feet), CS-WB03-LGR (312 feet), and CS-WB04 (513 feet). Each corehole was geophysically and video logged by GeoCam. Discrete interval samples were collected from CS-WB01-LGR, CS-WB02-LGR CS-WB03-LGR, and CS-WB04. While drilling CS-WB04-MTA at an off-post location, private well RFR-10 was inspected and tested. During the inspection an alternative water supply was provided for the RFR-10 resident. Laboratory results were received this period and the following detections were reported:

Following the discrete interval testing of each Westbay corehole, a FLUTe liner was installed in each borehole pending specialty logging by COLOG. From July 16-July 25, 2003, COLOG performed hydrophysical and optical televiewer logging on WB01, WB02, WB03, and WB04. After COLOG completed their work, the FLUTe inners were reinstalled in the WB wells, pending final decisions on completion intervals.

Well development was conducted this Quarter at CS-MW11A-LGR, CS-MW11B-LGR, and CS-MW16-CC. After completion of development, QED Environmental Systems, Inc., (QED) low flow sampling pumps were installed in each of these wells.

Because testing indicates low levels of VOC contamination, groundwater and drilling fluids produced during drilling efforts at the CS-MW16-CC and Westbay locations were contained and treated at the CSSA GAC unit and discharged at Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES)-permitted Outfall 002. Parsons operated and maintained the GAC unit, and prepared a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) each month this Quarter to comply with TPDES requirements. Through June 2003, nearly 110,000 gallons of water containing VOCs was treated by GAC and discharged from Outfall 002 during Period 17. Sample results show that water discharged from the outfall contains less than the laboratory Method Detection Limit (MDL) of potential contaminants of concern (COCs).

Building 90/AOC-65 Investigation

The TO 0058 task order covers investigations conducted at Building 90 and treatability studies at Building 90/AOC-65. The evaluation of soil vapor extraction (SVE) as a treatment method is a subtask under TO 0058. Work continued during Quarter 17 on the Building 90/AOC-65 investigations, the SVE system, and vapor monitoring point (VMP) and vapor extraction well (VEW) installation and sampling. Under TO 0058, the draft IM Report for the removal action at AOC-65 was reviewed and finalized upon CSSA and AFCEE concurrence of Parsons response to comments.

SVE testing of the SVE system was restarted on May 28, 2003 and operated for a three-week period to assess the radius of influence from extraction at VEW-17. No significant changes were noted in monitoring points surrounding VEW-17 after three weekly test events, so the second test was discontinued and the system was shut down on June 11, 2003 to allow the vadose soil gas to equilibrate in preparation of full SVE system operation, which was initiated on July 15, 2003. Initial system checks and soil gas monitoring for both SVE systems were performed on July 10, 2003 to establish base-line conditions for the full-scale operation.

During the testing, power outages or shortages accompanied some storm events that temporarily knocked the system off-line (June 4-12, 2003). Based on the dates of the storm events, Parsons believes that the system was never shut down for longer than a 24-hour period; so measured results were not likely significantly affected by the shut-downs.

Parsons prepared a draft SOP to guide any personnel (Parsons or CSSA) who may collect data associated with the shallow groundwater recharge study following major rainfall events. The purpose of the SOP is to ensure consistency in protocols performed during data collection. The unanticipated rain events mentioned in the previous paragraph accelerated the shallow groundwater recharge sampling ahead of approval of the SOPs prepared for piezometer data collection and management. Groundwater sampling was initiated on June 5, 2003, following a heavy rainfall event of close to 1-inch. Approximately 0.1-0.8 inches of rain continued to fall on an almost daily basis for slightly longer than one week. Additional groundwater sampling was conducted on June 6, June 7, June 8, June 11, and June 16, 2003. No notable water level rise was observed in any of the piezometers during the groundwater sampling conducted, although the deeper piezometers exhibited some stabilization of the water levels.

To obtain any comments from the CSSA project team, the draft SOP was submitted to CSSA and AFCEE in preparation for the June 19, 2003, DQO teleconference (TIM#3 under TO 0042). The draft SOP was utilized as a guide for recharge sampling conducted in June 2003, and will continue to be utilized until it is finalized.

Parsons began preparation of the SVE O&M manual for the two systems currently operating at AOC-65 during Quarter 17.

SWMU B-3 SVE System

Additional subsurface investigations at SWMUs B-3 and O-1 and an SVE Pilot Study at SWMU B-3 are planned under RL83. This work will focus on remediation of chlorinated hydrocarbons from vadose zone fractured bedrock underlying the B-3 trench. A modification to RL83 was funded and a draft WP and sampling addenda prepared during Quarter 17. Upon approval of the WP and addenda, Parsons will begin the additional SWMU B-3 and O-1 studies.

AOC-55 Excavation

Removal actions were continued at AOC-55 in Quarter 17. The current findings at AOC-55 have included the discovery of more than 100 ordnance/explosive (O/E) scrap items, many of which were found at depths greater than two feet. The O/E items include 75mm projectiles, 155mm projectiles, and Stokes mortars. Approximately 19 of the items of UXO may still contain high explosive filler; however, none were found to be fused. Due to these findings, the workplan was modified to include identification and removal of UXO or O/E scrap by UXO specialists. The originally planned methodology for identifying and removing O/E scrap was inadequate for soil/waste material destined for an off-post landfill because the potential for “missing” an item using visual identification was too high.

Removal actions were modified so that soil/waste media undergo mechanical sifting operations to effectively remove all O/E scrap items and ensure UXO material is properly identified. Use of a mechanical method of O/E removal will ensure that all items greater than two inches in size will be removed. The sifting operations were not anticipated for the project and resulted in a modification of the TO to include additional funding for the revised methodology. The funding has been provided and work will continue through Quarter 18.

Miscellaneous

Preparation of the hydrogeologic conceptual site model (CSM) funded under RL83 continued during Quarter 17. Work on the CSM focused on the AOC-65 area in preparation for the installation of multi-level monitoring points (Westbay-equipped wells) in the vicinity of Plume 2. Detailed cross-section stratigraphic analysis was conducted to best determine the locations and zones to monitor. The geologic model is being prepared using the Rockworks^® software package to visualize the subsurface conditions. Preparation and submittal of the final well installation report for cluster wells installed under RL83 was completed during Quarter 17.

Fact Sheet 14, summarizing the findings of the March 2003 quarterly groundwater monitoring event, was mailed to area residents in June 2003. Letters summarizing the results of the March 2003 off-post groundwater monitoring were mailed to the owners of the off-post wells on May 23, 2003. Preparation of Fact Sheet 15, summarizing the findings of the June 2003 quarterly groundwater monitoring event were initiated this Quarter. The draft Fact Sheet and draft letters to the well owners will be submitted to CSSA for review during Quarter 18.

The CSSA website was updated with documents added to the Environmental Encyclopedia through the end of July 2003. The website includes CSSA’s Administrative Record.

The flyover for an updated very high resolution color aerial photograph was conducted this quarter. In addition, digital earth surface data was obtained using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology. The LIDAR data will be used to create a highly accurate digital terrain map of CSSA and its vicinity. This map and the updated aerial photograph will be helpful in developing/updating the CSM. In addition, CSSA and Parsons met to discuss CSM visualization software. A combination of EVS for ArcView^®, Rockworks™, and Surfer^® will be used to prepare cross-sections, flow models, fence diagrams, and other 3D images.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a study of the faults in the area of CSSA from ground survey data. CSSA received the draft report from USGS. CSSA will provide comments on the draft report in Quarter 18. An aerial geophysical survey is expected to begin in Quarter 18.

1. Percent Complete

The Facility Investigation task makes up approximately 45 percent of the RFI phase. As of the end of Quarter 16, this task is approximately 30 percent complete.

2. Summary of Findings

Groundwater Monitoring

Quarterly groundwater monitoring for both on- and off-post wells was performed at CSSA from June 9–23, 2003. A map of the well locations sampled is provided in Figure 1.0 of Attachment 1 of this report. This figure includes monitoring well installations completed through the end of June 2003.

On-post Wells, June 2003: Thirty-eight on-post monitoring and/or drinking water wells were sampled: CS-1, CS-2, CS-4, CS-9, CS-10, CS-11, CS-D, CS-MWG-LGR, CS-MWH-LGR, CS-MW1-BS, CS-MW1-CC, CS-MW1-LGR, CS-MW2-LGR, CS-MW2-CC, CS-MW3-LGR, CS-MW4-LGR, CS-MW5-LGR, CS-MW6-BS, CS-MW6-CC, CS-MW6-LGR, CS-MW7-CC, CS-MW7-LGR, CS-MW8-CC, CS-MW8-LGR, CS-MW9-BS, CS-MW9-CC, CS-MW9-LGR, CS-MW10-CC, CS-MW10-LGR, CS-MW11A-LGR, CS-MW11B-LGR, CS-MW12-BS, CS-MW12-CC, CS-MW12-LGR, CS-MW16-LGR, CS-MW17-LGR, CS-MW18-LGR, and CS-MW19-LGR. Samples were analyzed by STL. Results of the June 2003 groundwater monitoring event will be formally reported in the draft June 2003 Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Report to be submitted to CSSA and AFCEE for review and comments during Quarter 18 for review and comments.

Off-post Wells, June 2003: Thirty-one private and public off-post drinking water wells were sampled, including FO-J1, HS-2, HS-3, I10-2, I10-4, I10-7, JW-6, JW-8, JW-9, JW-13, JW-14, JW-26, JW-27, JW-29, JW-30, LS-1, LS-2, LS-3, LS-4, LS-5, LS-6, LS-7, OFR-1, OFR-2, OFR-3, OFR-4, RFR-8, RFR-9, RFR-10, RFR-11, and RFR-12. All samples were analyzed by APPL. Results of the off-post groundwater monitoring will be formally reported in a draft June 2003 Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Report to be submitted to CSSA and AFCEE during Quarter 18.

Building 90/AOC-65 Investigation

Results from testing indicated PCE levels in the deep piezometers ranging from 25.9 to 31.6 ppb in PZ1, 3.59-4.27 in PZ3, and 17.0-20.6 in PZ5, while the shallow piezometers had sporadic detections in PZ2 as high as 28 ppb, but also at non-detectable levels. TCE was detected in PZ1 around 13 ppb, in PZ3 near 5 ppb, and in PZ5 around 1.3 ppb. With the exception of sporadic levels reported in shallow piezometers, there were no significant changes in contaminant levels observed throughout the 10-day rainfall period of close to 4 inches of cumulative rainfall. The most intriguing finding was the detection of low levels of benzene in some of the samples collected in PZ2 and PZ4, with the highest benzene level (2.32 ppb) encountered in PZ4 in the sample collected on June 8, 2003. Data from groundwater sampling were received during Quarter 17 and data validation was initiated but not completed. Since these data are screening in nature, only limited data verification is being performed to ensure that the data meets a basic level of data quality.

A laboratory audit was conducted June 24-26, 2003, at the APPL facility in Fresno, CA. Brian Murphy attended for CSSA and Edward Brown and Lt. Jeremy Tack of AFCEE/ERS along with Tammy Chang of Parsons conducted the audit. No major deficiencies were noted during the audit. The final audit report was prepared by Edward Brown and Tammy Chang and delivered to APPL on July 17, 2003. The laboratory will provide all corrective actions and responses by August 30, 2003.

3. Summary of Changes

No changes to the RFI were made during the reporting period.

4. Summary of Contacts

On June 19, 2003, TIM #3 was held under TO42 to discuss revisions needed to the Groundwater DQOs. Planning for the groundwater monitoring task orders required that existing Groundwater Monitoring DQOs approved April 22, 2002, be revised. Some personnel from Parsons traveled to CSSA to attend the meeting while others participated by telephone. Following the meeting, the revised Groundwater DQOs were drafted and submitted to Portage Environmental for further review on July 9, 2003. Parsons began the preparation of cumulative data tables in support of the DQO revisions.

On July 17, 2003, a meeting was held at TCEQ offices to discuss closure strategies for upcoming SWMU and AOC closure investigations, background metals concentration levels, site closure sampling guidelines, PIMS soil remediation, and perchlorate groundwater sampling. The meeting was attended by Sonny Rayos with TCEQ, Brian Murphy of CSSA, and Julie Burdey, Brian Vanderglas, Kirk Lawson and Ken Rice from Parsons. TCEQ staff indicated that CSSA should submit a written request for consideration that site closures be grand-fathered under the previous RRS rules. Alternatively, CSSA should review the Order to determine if sites can be grand-fathered past the May 1, 2005, report deadline. Parsons additionally requested that COCs be examined on a unit-specific basis rather than compared to a facility-wide background level. CSSA should again review the Order to determine if this method is allowable. The sampling frequencies required for clean-closure were discussed and TCEQ staff indicated that verification sampling may be conducted using unit-specific verification sampling plans if allowed by the Order. Ken Rice described potential remediation of soils by PIMS treatment. TCEQ staff recommends sampling for perchlorates at off-site drinking water wells. Brian Murphy indicated that EPA staff had recommended sampling on-site wells only, initially. Because of potential human-health exposure concerns, TCEQ staff recommends a one-time on-site and off-site sampling for perchlorates.

On July 30, 2003, TIM #7 was held at CSSA to discuss preliminary findings from the groundwater recharge and SVE treatability studies being conducted at AOC-65. Discussions included a detailed assessment of technologies that have been evaluated at the site and preliminary results. The hydrophysical logging and packer test results provided data to guide future investigations and remedy selections. Parsons will conduct composite testing of the SVE wells operating inside Building 90, and investigate the possibility of increasing blower size and pipe diameters of the SVE system to improve extraction rates and extraction radius of influence. The groundwater recharge study was discussed and development of piezometers at Building 90 to determine whether the water present is from the formation or fresh flow during a rainfall event. The future installation of a well upgradient of Building 90 and two additional SVE wells were discussed Parsons also recommended conducting a push-pull test in these SVE wells with a tracer to evaluate whether dechlorination of PCE can be enhanced by injecting biological amendments in the wells, and to utilize WB03 to monitor flow of the tracer. Additional detail of these discussions will be included in the meeting minutes to be submitted during Quarter 18.

5. Summary of Problems

No significant problems were encountered during the reporting period.

6. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

No actions beyond those previously reported for the data package review and approval process have been taken to correct problems.

7. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

Fact Sheets

Fact Sheet 15, summarizing the findings of the June 2003 Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring will be prepared and submitted to CSSA and AFCEE. After approval, the fact sheet will be distributed to area residents.

Groundwater Monitoring

The next quarterly groundwater monitoring event will be conducted in September 2003. The upcoming event will include the existing CSSA drinking water and monitoring wells, approximately 25 off-post wells (VOCs only), and any newly completed and developed monitoring wells. On- and off-post quarterly sampling will be funded under TO 0008 in September 2003. O&M at the residential GAC filtration systems (LS-6, LS-7, OFR-3, RFR-10, and RFR-11) and on public water supply systems (LS-2/LS-3) will be conducted monthly during Quarter 18. In addition, the Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report will be submitted. Draft Groundwater Monitoring DQOs will be submitted to CSSA and AFCEE for review.

Building 90/AOC-65 Investigation

SVE and shallow groundwater recharge data collection at AOC-65 will be continued in Quarter 18. The AOC-65 SVE O&M Plan will be submitted to CSSA and AFCEE for review, and upon approval, data collection activities specified in the plan will be implemented. The groundwater recharge study SOP will be approved in Quarter 18 and will guide future data collection activities. Parsons will continue to coordinate with CSSA following significant rainfall events as to the necessity to initiate additional shallow groundwater sampling from the study’s six piezometers. Water level and conductivity data will continue to be downloaded on a monthly basis.

Data verification of groundwater recharge and SVE air emission/SVE individual well samples will be conducted and the data will be evaluated per the TO 0058 DQOs and Groundwater DQO objectives developed during the June 19, 2003, DQO meeting.

Well Installations

Work will continue with the on-post well installation funded under TO 0042. Installation of Westbay-equipped wells will be completed in the next quarter.

SWMU B-3 SVE System

The initial excavation activities (Phase 1) at SWMU B-3 were only able to complete the removal actions within the eastern trench. Continuation of this removal action (excavation) has been temporarily halted until adequate funding can be obtained. Upon approval of the SVE pilot test WP and SAP addenda under RL 83, Parsons will begin the subsurface studies and installation of the SVE pilot test system in Quarter 18.

AOC-55 Excavation

The removal action will continue during Quarter 18. It is estimated that approximately 35,000 cubic yards of Class 2 Non-Hazardous waste will be excavated and disposed. Prior to waste excavation work, confirmation sampling will be conducted in order to close AOC-55 under RRS1.

SWMU and AOC RFI/Closure Reports and Planned Closure Projects

Continued preparation and submittal of final RFI and Closure reports will be conducted in Quarter 18. The Final RFI/Closure report for SWMU Bldg 40 will be submitted after the recommended pressure washing activities are conducted. Pressure washing at Bldg 40 will be conducted following pressure washing at Building 90. In addition, it is anticipated that closure work recommended in previous RFI Reports will be initiated at several SWMUs and AOCs during Quarter 18.

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

Reports summarizing the most recent groundwater findings are submitted to present the results from quarterly groundwater sampling events (on- and off-post). The quarterly groundwater monitoring reports present the groundwater elevations recorded (on-post wells only) and the analytical results received for each well (on- and off-post). The groundwater elevations are presented in the On-post Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Reports on a potentiometric surface map and in tabular format. Analytical results from the most recent sampling events are compared to levels from the previous quarters, while comprehensive historical analytical results can be found in tables which are revised quarterly and presented in the Introduction to the Quarterly Groundwater Monitoring Program, Volume 5, Groundwater. Reports for each previously conducted quarterly monitoring event are also located in Volume 5, Groundwater, behind the On-post Groundwater Monitoring and Off-post Groundwater Monitoring tabs. Copies of these reports and analytical data are presented separately to the EPA by electronic version on CD Rom, at the request of the EPA. The CD Rom has been delivered to the EPA three weeks following the submittal of each quarterly progress report.

Preliminary groundwater data for the June 2003 sampling event (on- and off-post) were received by Parsons in Quarter 17. Various screening data packages were received under TO 0042 and TO 0009 delivery orders. SWMU investigation data packages were received under RL17 and RL83. These data packages were verified by Parsons’ chemists during this quarter and will be submitted to AFCEE for approval during Quarter 18.

The Annual Groundwater Monitoring report for 2002 continued to be drafted during Quarter 17 and will be submitted to CSSA for review during Quarter 18. The Annual Report will provide a more detailed evaluation of historical groundwater trends and include information on the off-post GAC systems, preliminary findings from the recharge study and CSM, and recommendations for additional work or scope modifications.

The laboratory audit findings were forwarded to APPL on July 17, 2003, following the June 4-26, 2003, audit conducted by AFCEE/ERS Parsons, and CSSA. APPL’s responses will be submitted during Quarter 18.

Task IV - Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment

Task Description

This task includes a screening risk assessment, or if necessary, a baseline risk assessment for the potential human health and environmental risks posed by the site in the absence of any remedial action. For human health risks, this effort will involve the following components:

1. Contaminant Identification;

2. Exposure Assessment;

3. Toxicity Assessment; and

4. Risk Characterization.

For ecological risks, the effort will include the following components:

1. Problem Formulation;

2. Exposure Assessment;

3. Ecological Effects Assessment; and

4. Risk characterization.

Completion of this task is partially funded. Currently planned and funded (under RL83) is preparation of a preliminary post-wide human health and ecological CSM for risk assessment. The CSM identifies potential human and ecological receptors and land use surrounding the facility. In addition, a Risk Assessment Technical Approach has been prepared.

This task makes up approximately 15 percent of the RFI phase. The amount of effort needed to accomplish this task is not yet known because analytical data have not yet been fully evaluated. The percent complete will depend on the number of sites requiring risk assessment.

Task V: Investigation Analysis

Task Description

This task includes preparation of an Investigation Analysis to support the selection of protection standards for CSSA. For sites closing under the State of Texas RRS, this analysis will be included as part of the RFI Report. For sites closing to a risk-based standard, the analysis will be submitted along with the Risk Assessment Report. Background levels will be used to determine the possibility of closure under RRS1. The Investigation Analysis will also include groundwater protection standards and other relevant protection standards. The relevant protection standards will be used at sites where an RRS1 closure is not applicable. Due to the promulgation (September 23, 1999) of the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) (30 Texas Administrative Code [TAC] §350) by the TCEQ, two options are being considered for the protection standards. One option is to base the protection standards on the RRS2 Media-Specific Concentrations. The other option is to use the Protective Concentration Limits developed under TRRP. Site-by-site decisions will be made as additional information becomes available. New TO 0019 seeks closure of SWMUs and AOCs under the RRS and it is anticipated that any sites not submitted for closure under TO 0019 must proceed under the TRRP standards in the future.

Activities this Quarter

During this quarter, data table preparation was continued to compare investigation results to closure criteria. Preparation of investigation/closure reports for each SWMU investigated was continued as described previously in RFI Task III.

1.  Percent Complete

This task makes up approximately 10 percent of the RFI phase, and is approximately 69 percent complete.

2. Summary of Findings

As described in Task III, 45 Final RFI reports have been completed and submitted to CSSA and TCEQ. As part of the preparation of these reports, investigation results were compared to closure criteria. A summary of recommendations is provided in Attachment 2. Based on the final reports submitted through Quarter 17, 19 were recommended for closure while the remaining sites may require future investigation and/or cleanup. Through July 31, 2003, a total of 17 SWMUs or AOCs have been approved by TCEQ for closure and SWMUs B-10 and B-32 are pending TCEQ approval for closure.

3. Summary of Changes

No changes associated with the Investigative Analysis were made during this reporting period.

4. Summary of Contacts

No contacts related to the Investigative Analysis were made during this reporting period.

5. Summary of Problems

No problems related to the Investigative Analysis occurred during this reporting period.

6. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

No actions to correct problems were necessary during this reporting period.

7. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

Continued work on comparison of investigation results to closure criteria will be performed.

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

No daily reports, inspection reports, or data related to investigation analysis/risk assessment were generated during this reporting period.

Task VI - Treatability Studies

Task Description

Funded activities include bench-scale treatability studies for SWMU B-20 and SVE and other treatability studies for treatment of soils at AOC-65 if further contamination exists.

Activities this Quarter

As part of the Task II Interim/Stabilization Measures, a treatability study for stabilization of the excavated soils was continued during Quarter 17. O&M activities on the PIMS study site included leachate monitoring efforts (includes sampling of lysimeters in July 2003) and maintenance activities. Monitoring of the field treatment efforts is expected to continue through September 2003. Monitoring data are anticipated to support similar closure/remediation efforts at sites with similar contaminants of concern. Additionally, a bioassessment of the PIMS treatment technology was completed during this quarter through Dr. Michael Ruby. Triplicate samples of treated soils (Phase I and Phase II) and untreated soils from SWMU B-20 were collected and assessed by Dr. Ruby for bioavailability to humans. Dr. Ruby’s work was correlated to Dr. J. H. Graziano’s efforts in the assessment of oral bioavailability of lead in soil to humans. Initial results of the bioassessments of the PIMS treated CSSA soils indicate a 47 percent reduction of lead to humans. These findings will be documented in a Technical Report and a Cost and Performance Report anticipated to be completed during Quarter 18.

1. Percent Complete

This task makes up approximately 10 percent of the RFI phase. The amount of effort needed to accomplish this task is not yet known because all pertinent data (e.g., analytical, physical, etc.) are not yet available. The percent complete depends on the number of sites requiring treatability studies and/or the need for a Treatability Study Program, but is currently estimated to be 38 percent complete.

2. Summary of Findings

Analytical data continue to be received from the PIMS treatability study monitoring efforts. The results will be reported in the treatability study report anticipated to be completed in September 2003.

3. Summary of Changes

No changes associated with the treatability studies occurred during this reporting period.

4. Summary of Contacts

Revisions to the scope of work proposed by University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for characterization of contaminant migration near AOC-65 were submitted in a previous Quarter. CSSA continues to consider the studies proposed.

5. Summary of Problems

No problems related to the PIMS treatability studies occurred during this reporting period.

6. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

No actions to correct problems were necessary during this reporting period.

7. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

Data collection and O&M at the AOC-65 SVE system will continue into the future.

Monitoring and bioassessments of SWMU B-20 PIMS-treated soils for the PIMS treatability study is expected to completed during Quarter 18. Additionally, field scale treatability studies of PIMS for the previously sifted soil piles will continue in Quarter 18 as part of the treatability activities for the soil pile disposition assessment.

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

No analytical data are submitted during this reporting period.

Task VII - Progress Reports

This task includes quarterly progress reports pertaining to the status of the RFI phase of work. This progress report is submitted as part of this task.

Completion of the quarterly progress report preparation task is partially funded. Four progress reports (January 2003 – November 2003) are currently funded under TO 0079, and five (December 2003-January 2005) are funded under new task order TO 0005.

1. Percent Complete

This task makes up approximately 5 percent of the RFI phase. The percent complete is unknown because the number of quarterly progress reports needed is currently unknown; however, it is estimated to be approximately 20 percent complete.

2. Summary of Findings

No findings associated with the progress reports were made during this reporting period.

3. Summary of Changes

No changes associated with the progress reports occurred during this reporting period.

4. Summary of Contacts

No contacts relating to progress reports were made during this reporting period.

5. Summary of Problems

No problems relating to progress reports occurred during this reporting period.

6. Actions Taken to Correct Problems

No actions to correct problems were necessary during this reporting period.

7. Projected Work for the Next Quarter

The Progress Report for Quarter 18 will be submitted.

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

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

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