Fact Sheet #2000-04 Chemical Spill-19 (CS-19) Study Area A fact sheet providing updated information on the CS-19 study area, groundwater contamination, and cleanup efforts. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide updated information to the public regarding the Chemical Spill-19 (CS-19) study area that is located within the Impact Area of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). This information is provided by the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) which is part of the group that manages the Superfund cleanup program at the MMR Words that appear in italics are defined in the glossary at the end of this fact sheet. Background The CS-19 study area contains an inactive site of about 0.32 acres (approximately 100-foot by 150-foot area) located in the west-central region of the Impact Area (see Figure 1). The primary source of contamination at the CS-19 source area is ordnance and military waste disposal. It is believed that debris was placed in shallow excavations and buried, or doused with flammable substances and ignited. These ordnance and waste disposal practices at the CS-19 source area resulted in contaminant releases to the surrounding soil and groundwater. In addition, it is unknown what the use of the area as a target area for live-fire artillery training, and related unexploded ordnance (UXO), have contributed to contamination at the site.
Previous Studies In 1990, a member of the Technical Environmental Affairs Committee (TEAC) brought forth information that the CS-19 area was possibly a source area on MMR. Subsequently, the CS-19 study area was the focus of a 1991-1992 Preliminary Assessment (PA), a 1992 Site Assessment (SA), a 1994 Limited-Focus Site Inspection, and a 1997 Supplemental Site Investigation. More recently, investigations during the 1997-1999 Camp Edwards Impact Area Groundwater Study have occurred in and around the CS-19 study area. In addition to the previous studies, the following actions regarding the CS-19 study area have occurred:
Preliminary Assessment: The findings from the PA supported the idea that the CS-19 area was historically used as an ordnance and military waste disposal site, in addition to an artillery target area. The PA was based on a review of historical aerial photographs and interviews with current and former base employees. The aerial photos show an open pit at CS-19 and cleared brush. Site Assessment: During the SA, geophysical surveys were conducted in the CS-19 area including magnetometer, terrain conductivity, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technologies. Test pit excavations were also performed at seven locations. The test pits were excavated with a backhoe to a maximum depth of 11 feet and identified remains of three former burn pits, large quantities of buried ordnance debris and buried piping. Most of the buried ordnance consisted of spent 2.75-inch rocket motors, motor assemblies, and aluminum canisters, which held the motors. Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, herbicides, dioxins, furans and explosives were detected in shallow soil samples, from ground surface to 2 feet below ground. Site Inspection: In 1994, the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM) conducted a Limited-Focus Groundwater Contamination Site Inspection at the CS-19 site. Four monitoring wells (58MW0001, 0002, 0003 and 0004) were installed and sampled (see Figure 1). Water level data from the wells indicated a west-northwest flow direction, with groundwater being encountered at 67 feet above mean sea level (approximately 120 feet below ground surface). A preliminary risk evaluation identified four chemicals of potential concern that were detected in groundwater at the CS-19 site: Royal Dutch Explosive (RDX), acetone, chromium, and manganese. Supplemental Site Inspection: In 1997, AFCEE conducted a Supplemental Site Investigation to determine whether the groundwater contamination had moved beyond the immediate vicinity of the CS-19 source area and whether there were other sources of explosive residues in the vicinity of CS-19.
Camp Edwards Impact Area Groundwater Study: In October 1997 through January 1999, the NGB sampled four wells in the CS-19 study area as part of the ongoing Camp Edwards Impact Area Groundwater Study. The wells sampled were 58MW0002, 0006E, 0009E, and 0011E. RDX was detected in all wells. HMX was only detected in two wells, 58MW009E (9.73 ug/l) and 58MW0002 (7.2 ug/l). Concentrations for RDX ranged from 0.45 ug/l (58MW0011E) to 20 ug/l (58MW0002). RDX and HMX have lifetime health advisory levels of 2 ug/l and 400 ug/l, respectively. Current Investigations Currently, AFCEE is implementing a RI at the CS-19 study area. The objectives of the investigation are:
Soil samples will be collected from 25 grids in an approximately 400-foot by 400-foot area. Samples will be collected from 0 to 6 inches and 18 to 24 inches below ground surface. At six locations within the center of the CS-19 study area, soil samples will be collected from 2 to 10 feet below ground surface. Four soil borings will be drilled to approximately 100 feet below the water table. One of these soil borings will be at the center of the CS-19 study area. To determine the extent of contamination downgradient of the CS-19 study area, groundwater samples will be collected every ten feet beginning at the top of the water table. Based on the groundwater screening data in each boring, up to two monitoring wells may be installed within that boring. Soil and groundwater will be tested for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, herbicides, dioxins, furans, metals and explosives. The field investigation began in November 1999. What’s Next? After completion of the fieldwork, a final RI report will be published in the Fall 2000. The final RI will present all of the data and provide recommendations for the next phase of the cleanup for the CS-19 site. This report will include groundwater modeling if a definite plume is identified. If the baseline risk assessment identifies a human health or ecological risk, then a feasibility study (FS) maybe completed to evaluate potential cleanup alternatives present in the soil, subsurface soils, and/or groundwater at CS-19. The following FFA milestones have been established for the CS-19 study area:
Community Involvement Community involvement during the decision-making and implementation periods is critical for a successful cleanup program. An informal 14-day public comment period was held from January 31, 2000 to February 14, 2000 on the CS-19 Remedial Investigation Workplan. The public will be notified of the start-up, progress, and completion of fieldwork at the CS-19 site. This will be done through news releases, fact sheets and process action team meetings. acetone—used in paint, varnish, solvents, and cleaning fluids and is the primary chemical agent used in many nail polish removers. alpha-BHC—a general use pesticide. Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM)— Department of Defense agency charged with providing preventative medicine and health promotion leadership, direction, and services to the U.S. Army. dioxins—a common name for a group of toxic chemicals (dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) that are unavoidable byproducts of chemical manufacturing and burning certain wastes. It is released to the air, water, and soil from a variety of mostly industrial activities. Incineration of municipal, medical, or hazardous wastes is a major source of dioxin. The manufacture and use of chemicals, such as weed killers and wood preservatives, is also recognized as another significant source of dioxin. enforceable deadlines—the time limitations to perform certain work (such as drilling monitoring wells), write specific documents (such as workplans), or make definite decisions. The time limits are established under the terms of the FFA. Feasibility Study (FS)—a report that describes and evaluates potential cleanup alternatives for a site that requires further remedial action. Federal Facility Agreement (FFA)— an agreement between the Air Force, the National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), guiding the cleanup of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). It contains the schedules and deadlines for all sites on the base that are being investigated and cleaned up under the Installation Restoration Program (IRP), the base cleanup program for past environmental contamination. furans—see dioxins ground penetrating radar—an instrument that uses high frequency radio waves to acquire subsurface information, such as rock and soil conditions. Can also be used to detect buried wastes. groundwater plume—a body of groundwater containing contaminants that exceed federal and state drinking water levels or other risk-based levels at multiple test well locations. Her Majesty’s Explosive (HMX)— known also as octogen and cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine, as well as by other names. It is a colorless solid that dissolves slightly in water. HMX does not occur naturally in the environment. It is made from other chemicals known as hexamine, ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, and acetic acid. HMX explodes violently at high temperatures. Because of this property, HMX is used in various kinds of explosives and rocket fuels. A small amount of HMX is also formed in making cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine (RDX), another explosive similar in structure to HMX. hexachlorobenzene—used as a pesticide until 1965 to protect the seeds of onions and sorghum, wheat, and other grains against fungus. It was also used to make fireworks, ammunition, and synthetic rubber. Currently, there are no commercial uses of hexachlorobenzene in the United States. hexachlorodibenzofurans (HxCDFs)—see dioxins Impact Area—a training range in which live ammunition was fired. lifetime health advisory levels—The concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse non-carcinogenic effects over a lifetime of exposure with a margin of safety. magnetometer—an instrument that locates buried ferrous metals (iron, steel) such as drums. ordnance—weapons of all kinds, including heavy artillery, and associated ammunition. Preliminary Assessment (PA)—early phase of investigation which gather information from files and interviews to evaluate the potential for a past release of hazardous substances in a particular area. Proposed Plan (PP)—a document that summarizes the preferred remedial action for a site and presents the rationale for the preference. Record of Decision (ROD)—a document presenting the remedial action selected under agreement with the regulatory agencies and also includes a record of public comments and the responsiveness summary Remedial Investigation (RI)—an investigation to gather and analyze data necessary to determine the nature and extent of contamination at a site and possible threats to the environment and people nearby. Royal Dutch Explosive (RDX)—known also as cyclonite or hexogen. The chemical name for RDX is 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine. RDX is a white powder used as an explosive and in combination with other ingredients in explosives. semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs)—carbon compounds that do not readily evaporate to the atmosphere. Site Assessment (SA) (also Site Inspection)— process to evaluate whether contamination is present, but not necessarily how much contamination is there or how far it may have traveled. Superfund—the common name for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Passed in 1980, it directed EPA to prepare a National Contingency Plan as a blueprint for the programs and procedures required to accurately assess and properly address the risks associated with hazardous waste contamination. Technical Environmental Affairs Committee (TEAC)—a committee formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1996 that was chaired by the National Guard Bureau. The overall purpose of the TEAC was to discuss and review all information relevant to the identification, investigation, research and development, and cleanup of contamination from hazardous substances, pollutants, and any associated structures or buildings. terrain conductivity—used to detect groundwater salinities, variations in conductivity associated with soil type. In other settings, the instrument can be used to locate contaminant plumes, buried metal, and underground drainages. unexploded Ordnance (UXO)—military ammunition which has not functioned as intended. volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—organic chemical compounds that evaporate readily to the atmosphere. For More Information: Doug Karson, Community Involvement Specialist Jim Murphy, Community Relations Coordinator Ellie Grillo, Community Involvement Coordinator
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