Meeting Minutes

Agenda Item #1. Welcome, Introductions, Groundrules

Mr. Field convened the meeting at 6:03 PM, and reviewed the meeting agenda and groundrules. He then introduced the following individuals: Ms. Kiley, of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Mr. Lim, of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Ms. Valiela, a Falmouth Selectman; Mr. Gadd, of Jacobs Engineering; Mr. Minior, of the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE); Mr. Karson, a representative with AFCEE, and Mr. Snyder, also with AFCEE.

Agenda Item #2. Summary of Activities

Mr. Gadd reported that he would provide an update on the construction phase of the Fuel Spill 28 (FS-28) Bog/River Separation project. He stated that this has been a dynamic project that could not have been accomplished without the cooperation of all the parties involved: the EPA, the DEP, the Falmouth Conservation Commission, the bog owners, and the property owners.

Mr. Gadd stated that one purpose of this project was to protect human health by reducing risk from ethylene dibromide (EDB) in surface water, groundwater, and/or cranberry crops, while minimizing impacts to ecological systems. This project was also intended to accelerate the restoration of the Coonamessett River. Mr. Gadd reported that there were four methods to accomplish the goals of this project: (1) to physically separate the river from the bogs with the use of sheet pilings or berms; (2) to extract the contaminated groundwater; (3) to treat the groundwater at the FS-28 treatment facility with discharge of the treated water into the Coonamessett River, and (4) to provide an alternative water supply to flood the cranberry bogs.

Mr. Gadd displayed a plume area map and identified the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) boundary, the EDB plumes, the Coonamessett project area, the upper bog system, and the lower bog system. He then displayed a close-up map of the Coonamessett River bogs and a close-up map of the FS-28 plume, including the groundwater contours. He noted that the map illustrates how the EDB plume is "funneling" as it approaches the bog complex. Mr. Gadd pointed out the location of the extraction well 1 (EW-1) and the shallow well extraction system. He displayed a cross-section of the plume and pointed out the area where the plume upwells dramatically because of the strong vertical gradient in that area. Mr. Gadd pointed out the location of EW-1. He stated that the screened interval of EW-1 is approximately 200 feet deep, where water currently is being extracted at a rate of 400 gallons per minute (gpm). He pointed out the area of upwelling in the cranberry bogs, where the shallow well-extraction system also is located.

Mr. Gadd displayed a plan view of the existing and ongoing work conducted since the last update. He identified the location of the FS-28 treatment facility and EW-1. He pointed to the area on the map where a reservoir was planned to be placed during this project; however, a determination was made that constructing a reservoir was not necessary. Mr. Gadd pointed out the location of the shallow extraction system and reported that 175 well points were installed in this particular area of upwelling. He noted that groundwater was measured at 10 to 15 feet below the ground surface. Mr. Gadd then pointed out the location of a surface water bubbler where treated water is discharged. He stated that an alternative water supply source was added, which bordered north to south along the existing bog systems, and flows below Thomas B. Landers Road, down to the Chaston Bogs. He also pointed to the surface water sampling locations, which are sampled on a monthly basis.

Mr. Gadd reported that construction began in early February 1999. The plant was operational, with the addition of the new treatment system, by April 6, 1999. He noted that the plant originally was pumping 650 gpm. The shallow extraction system was added, and the full capacity of the treatment plant was increased to 750 gpm. He stated that although most construction activities were completed in order to get the treatment system operational by April 6, 1999, there were a few ongoing activities that remained through the rest of the summer, such as sheet pilings and a few "other things" needed to complete the project

Mr. Gadd reported that the project included modifications to the FS-28 treatment plant. The plant had to be reconfigured in order to accommodate the new influent from the shallow well point extraction system. He stated that a new influent line was added, and the flow at EW-1 was decreased from 650 gpm to 400 gpm.

Mr. Gadd reported that the shallow well point extraction system has been constructed and 204 well points make up the header system. He also reported that there is an extraction pump in the new pump house, that the pipeline was installed from the pump house to the FS-28 treatment plant, and that the FS-28 treatment facility was modified.

Mr. Gadd displayed a close-up photograph of the shallow well point extraction system, and pointed out the white header pipes, the pump house, and the shallow well points, which are connected to the header pipe. He noted that this is a self-drained system; if there were a power outage in the system, the water would not remain in the pipes, it would flow back into the groundwater system as a safeguard against the pipes freezing. Mr. Gadd displayed a close-up photograph of the well points and the header system. He noted that the well points reach a depth of 12 to 15 feet below the ground surface, into the cranberry bog itself. He also noted that vacuum gauges are used to monitor the system. Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of a pumphouse interior, and pointed to a hydrovac pump, an 800-gallon surge tank, and a pump that takes the water from the bottom of the surge tank and pumps it to the treatment plant.

Mr. Gadd reported that a discharge pipeline was installed. He explained that 4000 linear feet of high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe run from existing discharge points along the cranberry bogs to six different locations along the cranberry bogs. The purpose of the discharge pipeline is to provide an alternative water supply to flood the bogs for harvesting purposes. He noted that each of the bogs in the system has a separate bog owner and valve system, and individual valves can be turned on or off to control the release of water into a particular bog. Mr. Gadd reported that sheet pile walls were installed on the Adams and LaSalle bogs and new berms were constructed on the Baptiste and Thompson bogs, in order to separate the bogs from the river.

Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of the sheet piles being constructed on the Adams bog. He explained that wood chips on top of a plastic covering were placed on the ground to protect the bog from construction activities, as large equipment was used to install the sheet piles. Mr. Gadd reported that the wood chips and plastic did not work as well as was hoped. Mr. Gadd stated that the sheet piles, which are 14 feet long, were driven 10 feet into the ground. He displayed photographs of the installed sheet piles along the bog ditch at the Adams bog, the berm on the Broad River and the Upper Baptiste bog, and a berm on the Thompson bog. He pointed to the bubbler, one of six that were installed, which provides an alternative water supply.

Mr. Gadd reported that unexpected hurdles were encountered during this project. He noted that the sheet pile wall was difficult to install due to gravel layers and buried debris. Mr. Gadd reported that there was a delay in the primary power to the pump system, due to landowner concerns and access issues. This caused a series of work-around activities and related problems. Mr. Gadd also reported that the temporary generator that was used during construction activities caused noise issues. Also, there was a dust issue, which the Air Force currently is trying to resolve.

Mr. Gadd reported that the shallow well point system was effective immediately in reducing EDB levels in the Coonamessett River. He noted that half of the 204 well points are currently in operation. The Air Force was able to isolate the plume as it upwells into the particular bog areas, and extract and treat the plume. He stated that the EDB levels dropped to non-detect closer downstream to the system then initially expected. Mr. Gadd reported that there was no observed impact on the water levels in the Coonamessett River, and due to the positive results of this effort, construction of a new reservoir was not required. He also reported that the EDB levels at all surface water and irrigation well sampling locations remain non-detect. He noted that there is a handout that shows all the sampling data collected (See attachment #1.) He stated that before the treatment plant and the shallow extraction system became operational, non-detects were seen in the Broad River.

Mr. Gadd reported that ongoing activities include: daily inspection of the treatment plant, the pump house, and the project site; remote monitoring at the Sandwich Road Treatment Facility; monthly surface water and FS-28 in-plant sampling; quarterly EDB sampling at 19 wells; monthly EDB sampling at 26 surface water locations; annual EDB sampling of 13 irrigation water supply locations; biweekly EDB sampling of four irrigation water supply locations during irrigation season; monthly measurements of field parameters at eight surface water locations; hourly measurement of field parameters at one surface water location (discharge point); monthly discharge measurements at five river locations; and monthly water-level monitoring in 19 wells. Mr. Gadd reported that the irrigation wells have remained non-detect through the duration of this project.

Mr. Gadd commented that he believes this has been a successful project and he is very pleased to have been involved.

Agenda Item #3. Discussion

Mr. Mack, a resident of Little John Road, stated that he was told that the gravel on "the road" would be replaced. He said that the gravel has not been replaced, and all summer there has been dust in his home, and now the roadway is being washed away. He then asked if this problem will be ignored. Mr. Gadd assured Mr. Mack that the dust problem will not be ignored. He stated that he has been trying to facilitate the activities to remedy the problem, and added that tomorrow the Air Force and its contractor will schedule time to complete that work next week. Mr. Mack said that he hopes so. He remarked that three weeks ago he was told that funding has not been approved, and nothing has been done.

Mr. Mack commented that there are little stones on either side of the new culvert, and children could throw stones in the river and partially block the river. He then suggested the use of larger stones. Mr. Gadd stated that he will take Mr. Mack’s concerns under advisement. He also stated that he will have Jacobs Engineering operations and maintenance (O&M) staff look at that area tomorrow. Mr. Mack remarked that he thinks the area is a "mess" and he thinks that the Air Force and Jacobs Engineering could at least make the area more presentable for the neighborhood.

Mr. Mack then remarked that he was walking through the woods near Hatchville Road, when he noticed that the Coonamessett River is almost dry where it flows under Hatchville Road. Mr. Gadd said that he observed the same situation this past summer. Mr. Mack commented that he thought the river ran all year. Mr. Karson reported that several weeks ago, representatives with the Falmouth Conservation Commission, DEP, EPA, and AFCEE, walked the area to look at potential future construction for the remainder of that plume, about which a decision will be made next year. He noted that the river does dry up entirely during certain periods, especially with a dry summer like this year. He stated that a lot of the water that recharges in that area is from groundwater, and the groundwater levels are affected by the lack of rain.

Mr. Field asked if monitoring can be done to watch for low flow conditions. Ms. Foster replied that the discharge is measured on a monthly basis. She defined discharge as flow in the river, in cubic feet per second. She then explained that for more than two years the Coonamessett River flow has been monitored regularly at four stations. Mr. Snyder asked if there has been a lower flow in the river this year. Ms. Foster replied that there has. She noted that one of the stations north of Hatchville Road has been dry for some period and there are several reasons, which explain the dry river. Ms. Foster stated that there is a low flow condition. She explained that the river starts at the Coonamessett Pond, which is a controlled structure, and if there is not any water coming out of the pond, there will not be any water in the river when it crosses Hatchville Road. She further explained that the river loses water in that stretch and does not begin to gain more flow until it reaches the area of upwelling, which is where the shallow well points are located. Ms. Foster stated that the area from near Hatchville Road and north is a very sensitive part of the river.

Mr. Mack said that he has a concern about the number of dead fish in that area. He reiterated that he hopes the area of Little John Road and around the ponds will be restored to its original condition.

Ms. MacRae commented that the other day she walked the area of the treatment plant near the Broad River, which used to have a lot of shrubbery. She stated that this shrubbery has since been cut down and she asked when the vegetation would be replanted. Ms. MacRae said that she was told that after the work was completed, the area would be returned to its original condition, and currently it has not. Mr. Gadd replied that the area to which Ms. MacRae referred would be examined.

Ms. MacRae remarked that she was told that a portion of the East Thompson bog will be taken out of operation, and she asked if this was still part of the plan. Mr. Minior replied that this is the plan for that area. He noted that this is a Falmouth Conservation Commission and Town of Falmouth issue, with which the Air Force is not involved. Ms. MacRae asked for a commitment from Ms. Valiela that a portion of the East Thompson bog will be taken out of production. Ms. Valiela stated that it is her understanding that the portion to which Ms. MacRae is referring will be taken out of production. Ms. Valiela stated that she made the commitment before and she stands by it.

Mr. O’Hara referred to the cross-section of the FS-28 plume and inquired about the slug that appears to be separated from the plume itself. Ms. Foster displayed a plan view of the plume and pointed to the detached portion. She explained that the detached slug is converging to a point, and she noted that the tip of the plume is detectable in the well that is located on Thomas B. Landers Road. Ms. Foster stated that the wells in that area are 100 feet apart, and the plume is very narrow there. She also noted that monitoring is done on a quarterly basis. Ms. Foster stated that the detached portion of the plume is approximately one third of one percent of the total mass of the entire plume. She explained that the plume is expected to continue to merge in this tiny stringer. She said that it is a naturally converging flow field, and the groundwater flows perpendicular from the contours shown on the map. She further explained that the water is coming up into the river and is coming in from both sides, so the stringer eventually will come up into the river somewhere further downstream. Ms. Foster stated that the stringer is not believed to be a significant risk because of its mass and the high volume of water. She explained that the river continues to gain water as it moves downstream; therefore, as the stringer continues to migrate and eventually upwell into the river, it will be non-detectable. It will, however, be monitored closely.

Mr. O’Hara commented that although he has not been as affected by this plume as the residents who live closer to it, he thinks that the Air Force has been successful in its efforts and he thinks the people involved deserve to be congratulated on the accomplishments to date.

Agenda Item #4. Summary of Key Findings from the Kansas State University Study

Mr. Karson reported that approximately one year ago he escorted representatives from Kansas State University (KSU) and AFCEE Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, to a cranberry bog in West Falmouth where cranberries were collected for this particular study. He reported that the KSU study has been completed and a report, dated August 27, 1999, has been published (See attachment #2.) He stated that the purpose of the study was to determine the possible association of EDB with mature cranberry fruit. He reiterated that the cranberries were collected in the Cape Cod area. During the course of the study, KSU utilized varying degrees of concentrations of EDB, exposure, temperature, shaking, and rinsing. Mr. Karson stated that KSU simulated shaking and rinsing, a common practice when harvesting cranberries, to see what potential effect this would have on the levels of EDB that might adhere to the skin of the cranberry fruit.

Mr. Karson reported that the results of the study indicate that EDB does adhere to the outside cuticle wax layer of the fruit, and that rinsing the cranberries reduces, by 64% to 75%, the amount of EDB that adheres to the outside skin of the fruit. The report states that this finding suggests that most of the EDB is loosely adhered to the waxy cuticle layer instead of being absorbed by the flesh of the fruit. Mr. Karson reported that the study also determined that concentrations of EDB, length of exposure, and temperature, affect the amount of EDB that adheres to the cranberries. He explained that the skin of cranberries exposed to warmer temperatures and higher concentrations of EDB resulted in higher levels of EDB adhering to the skin of the fruit. Mr. Karson reported that the study determined that injury to the surface of the cranberry fruit, such as that which is caused by shaking, resulted in less EDB associated with the fruit. Less EDB adheres to the cranberries with skin damaged during the shaking process.

Mr. Karson reported that, based on the findings, the Air Force believes that EDB can be deposited on the fruit, and that its actions to protect the public health, by reducing and eliminating EDB in the river system, were appropriate and timely.

Mr. Karson stated that a copy of the KSU report has been provided to the main libraries of Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich, and Bourne, and copies are available tonight. He also stated that a second KSU study is under way to determine if EDB can enter the fruit through the root system or leaves, and where EDB travels within the plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruit. He explained that cranberries currently are growing in test chambers at KSU, where they are being exposed to EDB through three different types of scenarios: plants grown with EDB-contaminated soil; plants watered with EDB-contaminated water, and plants misted with EDB-contaminated water. Mr. Karson stated that this report is scheduled to be distributed in November 2000.

Agenda Item #5. Discussion

Mr. O’Hara inquired about the source of the EDB in this plume. Mr. Karson replied that the source of the EDB for this particular plume is unknown. He explained that an investigation was conducted north of Route 151, up onto the base, and into the Crane Wildlife Area. As the plume was traced backwards, non-detects were encountered, which, in this case, indicates that the plume is disconnected from its source. He noted that EDB is a fuel additive.

Agenda Item #6. Adjourn

Mr. Field summarized the concerns expressed at the meeting, as follows: the gravel road should be replaced or repaired to address dust issues; the culvert blockage should be examined and addressed; re-vegetation at the treatment plant should be addressed; and there is a desire to take part of the East Thompson bog out of production because of public health concerns related to the MacRae residence. Mr. Field adjourned the meeting at 6:43 PM.