Fuel Spill-28 Public Meeting
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Falmouth, MA
December 11, 1997, 6:30 P.M.
Meeting Minutes

Welcome and Introductions:

Mr. Karson convened the meeting at 6:35 P.M. and welcomed the attendees. Mr. Karson stated that he worked in the Community Involvement program for the Air Force. He went on to say that the presentations given this evening would provide an overview of the work currently underway on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). Mr. Karson also stated that the meeting would be broken into three sections. The first, a summary of Fuel Spill-28 (FS-28) presented by Mr. Szymoniak, the project manager of FS-28 for Jacobs Engineering. Mr. Aker, a senior hydrologist, and FS-28 project manager for the Air Force would give the second segment on upcoming fieldwork. Mr. Karson then stated that he would conclude the meeting with a discussion of the private well testing program.

Mr. Karson explained that the reason for this meeting was to address any questions or concerns proposed by the attendees. He then asked the audience members to please raise their hand to signify that they would like to ask a question. He also asked them to introduce themselves when making a comment. He said that the goal of the meeting was to answer all questions posed.

FS-28 Summary, Tom Szymoniak:

Mr. Szymoniak began by introducing a few co-workers. He introduced technical engineer Lauren Foster, property access person Carl Gustfason and, Kathy Collins who works with the residential sampling program.

Mr. Szymoniak explained to the audience members that he would summarize the work that had been done over the past year. He said that a treatment system was installed to attempt to capture the "hot spot". He also said that surface water sampling as well as air sampling was done on the Coonamessett River. He mentioned that irrigation wells had been installed to take downgradient users off surface water. He then said that he would conclude his presentation with the discussion of future actions.

Mr. Szymoniak then displayed a transparency depicting FS-28 (see attached). He then went on to discuss the Groundwater Sampling Program (see attached). He stated that 70 monitoring wells were installed since August 1996. He then said that it was determined that the majority of the plume was upwelling just below Broad River. He stated that the highest level of ethylene dibromide (EDB) detected was in the "hot spot" and that extraction wells were installed. He stated that monthly monitoring was continuing.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that the Coonamessett water supply well and the sentry wells were being sampled on a monthly basis. He added that there was one hit in a sentry well but that it was barely detectable and posed no risk. He also stated that there was a wellhead carbon protection system at the water supply well. Mr. Szymoniak said that raw water was sampled before entering the carbon as a protective measure. He pointed out that EDB was not detected.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that quarterly sampling (see attached) was being conducted in the "hot spot" as well as in the four monitoring wells on the leading edge. He stated that the last sample was taken in October 1997 and that there was no detection of EDB at that time.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that the extraction wells were installed in an attempt to capture the "hot spot" which had moved slightly. He also said that the levels of EDB were still above the maximum containment level (MCL). He stated that the MCL was set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

Mr. Szymoniak displayed a transparency explaining the treatment system (see attached). He stated that the treatment system was extracting 750 gallons per minute (gpm) at the "hot spot" and that it was believed to be capturing eighty percent of the plume. He said that the granular activated carbon system consisted of two 40 thousand-pound canisters of carbon. He stated that the water was being discharged into the river. He explained that the upwelling from this activity was a problem and that steps were being taken to discharge the water in a in a normal manner. He then stated that some levels of low dissolved oxygen (DO) were found and that it was very important to the fish to have the DO at the correct level. He said that the level should be five parts per million (ppm) and that it was now at four ppm. He stated that work was being done with the Fish and Wildlife Division and with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) to correct the situation. He explained that the treatment system was temporary and would be used to help determine what the permanent most effective system should be.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that the influent water that went into the system was being sampled and that the EDB level in the well continued to drop as expected. He then said that the system was in continuous operation since October 14, 1997. He also stated that the results would continue to be evaluated.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that surface water sampling (see attached) had also been conducted over the past year. He mentioned that the sampling had begun on a weekly basis but was now on a monthly time schedule. He said that nine locations on the river were sampled. He stated that at this time, four locations were being sampled on a continuous basis. He went on to say that the key location where measuring of the surface water concentrations were occurring for EBD were located right before the upwelling as well as at downgradient stations such as station six, fourteen, twenty-four, forty-nine and then fifty-three. He said that the highest level of EDB detected was at station fourteen and that was 0.36 parts per billion (ppb).

Mr. Szymoniak then displayed a graph displaying the influence of the bog flooding (see attached). He said that when the bog was flooded the highest concentration of EDB was less than the MCL. He said that the concentrations were nondetect during the wet harvest season.

Mr. McDermott asked whether the EDB was being drawn off. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the EDB wanted to come up into the river. He said that as the water came up and recharged into the stream channel it carried the EDB with it and therefore, as the bog was flooded, the water was depressed and consequently, the EDB was depressed as well. Ms. MacRae asked whether the EDB dispersed. Mr. Szymoniak replied that the EDB did not necessarily disperse but that it remained lower and may travel at that lower level. Mr. McDermott asked whether the EDB could remain stationary. Mr. Szymoniak stated that it was possible but that it was not known for sure. He then stated that the vertical gradient controlled how water moved up and that when the bog was flooded, the gradient was changed to a flattened surface, and therefore it may be possible that the water would reach an equilibrium which would prevent it from moving. He went on to say that as the bog was flooded the EDB would try to find another pathway out but that the gradient would not be as strong.

Ms. Foster stated that the Coonamessett River had a certain flow near the north and that as it gained in flow the river got bigger and bigger. She explained that the increase in the river was from groundwater coming up from the aquifer into the river and that as the water came up, it carried the EDB. She then stated that when the bog was flooded, there was the extra weight of a couple of feet of water on the bog and therefore, the water had to work much harder to reach the surface. She also said that the water was still coming up when the bog was flooded but that not as much was coming up. Ms. Foster stated that another reason the EDB levels changed was that EDB was a volatile compound and that when the bogs were flooded, there was more surface water for the EDB to mix with.

Ms. MacRae stated that the Air Force distributed a fact sheet concerning FS-28 under flooding conditions that said that the EDB was dispersed and not spread. Mr. Szymoniak said that EDB was not necessarily spread but rather diluted during flood conditions. Ms. MacRae stated that the Air Force believed that flooding the bogs would spread EDB and that Mr. Snyder suggested that the bogs not be flooded. Mr. Szymoniak replied that flooding was a normal process of operating the bogs. He also said that when the bogs were flooded, the water remained underground but that it was not known where it may move. He said that a vertical cross section showed a piece of the plume that may be moving when the bogs were flooded. He went on to say that flooding the bogs did decrease the EDB detection and that if the bogs were flooded for a long period of time the EDB would probably disperse. However, the flooding was only two to three months out of the whole year. Ms. MacRae stated that the Air Force gave a false impression when stating that there was no detection of EDB when the bogs were flooded. Mr. Szymoniak replied that for that short period of time that the bogs were flooded, there was not a risk from EDB.

Mr. Karson stated that from a groundwater aspect, there were a series of groundwater monitoring wells to monitor whether the EDB was spreading.

An audience member asked whether the plume spread north. Mr. Szymoniak replied that the plume was spread out in the north. Ms. Foster stated that the shape of the plume indicated that the plume was not dispersing but that it was funneling as it moved downgradient. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the plume wanted to come out of the groundwater into the surface water. He then said that the surface water flow was measured on a monthly basis. An audience member asked the exact location of where Mr. Szymoniak was referring. Mr. Szymoniak replied that he was referring to the Coonamessett River. Mr. Gustfason stated that it was between Hatchville Road and Thomas Landers Road.

Ms. MacRae stated that the plume was not following a dependable pattern. Mr. Szymoniak replied that there were different source areas on the base from which the plume has traveled from.

An audience member asked whether the plume would feather out. Mr. Szymoniak replied that the answer to that question was dependent on the type of contaminant. Ms. MacRae stated that she was talking about the predictability of the pattern in which it would flow. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the dumping happened 50 years ago on the base. Mr. McDermott asked whether 50 years ago was the correct time frame. Mr. Szymoniak replied yes, 50 years was correct for chlorinated solvents. Mr. McDermott said that it was his understanding that EDB was a fuel additive.

Mr. Karson stated that Mr. Aker would discuss potential sources later. Mr. Szymoniak asked if there were any other questions. Mr. Karson asked the audience members to please state their names before asking a question.

An audience member from Cloverfield Way stated that the "pattern" of the plume indicated that it was not even connected. Mr. Szymoniak replied that part of the investigation was to start with what was known and to then work out. The same audience member said that she did not live close to any bodies of water. Mr. Karson explained that there was groundwater flow and that a number of monitoring wells were installed in the last year and a half but that that was where the investigation had ended.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that Mr. Aker would discuss the railroad tracks where there was an area that was used as a fuel unloading area, which was investigated by the base several years ago. He also stated that there was a tetrachloroethylene (PCE) detection in one of the residential samples taken which drove the investigation to move out. He went on to say that part of the investigation was to determine the depth of the plume and that one of the tools used was the groundwater model.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that air monitoring was done (see attached). He stated that the Air Force was committed to additional sampling if deemed necessary. An audience member asked what was the danger level. Mr. Szymoniak replied that the danger level in terms of cancer risk was 1 in 100,000. He stated that the extraction system was installed to mitigate the long-term risk.

Mr. Szymoniak then reviewed future actions (see attached). Mr. Karson stated that the reason that the irrigation wells were installed was for the cranberry growers to use rather than to use surface water containing EDB. Mr. Szymoniak stated that monitoring would continue and that data was being collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment system. Mr. Karson asked if the audience members had any questions.

Ms. MacRae asked what level the surface water sample had to be at before the air was sampled. Mr. Szymoniak responded that the Air Force had proposed 1.2 ppm for the surface water and that the MassDEP stated that it might be .5 ppm. Ms. MacRae asked what the surface water was showing downstream. Mr. Szymoniak stated that it was too early to tell and that with this particular plume, it would probably detach from itself and there will be a piece that would move out as well as a piece that would be cleaned. He went on to say that the plume at that particular location was about 240 feet thick and may not be able to be captured 100 percent. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the possible break up of the plume, the concentration levels and the surface water would all be evaluated.

Ms. MacRae stated that she had asked at a Senior Management Board (SMB) meeting about the cranberry testing and asked whether it was determined how the EDB entered the cranberries. She stated that the SMB told her that it would be determined how the cranberries were contaminated. Mr. Lim with the US EPA stated that a scoping meeting was scheduled for January to discuss cranberry sampling analysis. Ms. MacRae stated that it was important to determine how the EDB got into the cranberries and expressed concern for her own vegetable garden.

Ms. Kiley from the MassDEP stated that the Air Force conducted testing on the cranberries and that they determined that the EDB had not adhered onto the skin of the berry but that they had not done the study to determine whether the EDB came through the root. Mr. Karson stated that the issue needed to be addressed and that the DEP, the EPA, and the Department of Public Health (DPH) were here tonight. He went on to say that there were meetings in the past few months on that issue and the Air Force has done some testing but that he did not have the details of the testing tonight. He stated that it was important and the information needed to be told. He also stated that they would have more results in January.

Upcoming Field Work, Marty Aker:

Mr. Aker stated that he would be discussing the South West Operable Unit (SWOU) (see attached). He then displayed a map of the plume area (see attached) which depicted the area of interest. Mr. Aker went on to say that SWOU was formed to address a number of different sites. He explained that there were several sites under the SWOU to save time by having one large study rather than several small studies. In addition, some of the plumes were related to one another.

Mr. Aker stated the objectives (see attached) of the SWOU. He went on to say that the EDB concentrations indicated that the source may never be found. He also stated that they would prepare a baseline risk assessment, which would evaluate the human health and ecological dangers. He also stated that the remedial alternatives would also be evaluated.

Mr. Aker then discussed an overview of activities (see attached). He explained that there were forty locations planned for monitoring wells but that there would actually be sixty wells in total. He went on to say that the locations of the wells would be based on data gaps that were identified in the first phase of the FS-28 study. He went on to say that particle track modeling would be used to determine groundwater flow and the best location of well placement.

Mr. Karson asked Mr. Aker to explain to the attendees how the monitoring wells were installed. Mr. Aker stated that the wells were primarily installed using a screened hollow stemmed auger methodology. Every ten to fifteen feet a screen sample would be collected from the total depth. He also stated that the screens would be set based on the highest level of contamination that was detected. He also said the Coonamessett River and Coonamessett Pond would be sampled as well as Broad River.

An audience member asked whether Deep Pond was checked. Mr. Szymoniak replied that yes, five samples were taken last spring and that nothing was detected. The same audience member asked whether the pond would be tested in the future. Mr. Szymoniak stated that part of the investigation was to install monitoring wells to see if there was any contamination and that Deep Pond would be monitored. Mr. Karson asked Mr. Aker to point out where the sampling would take place (see attached). Mr. Aker pointed out the work plan for Deep Pond and said that they were going to collect sediment samples as well as water samples. Mr. Karson showed the attendees the sample sites (see attached) that were completed earlier where no detection was found.

Mr. Aker then displayed the sampling grid that was done at Coonamessett Pond (see attached). Ms. MacRae asked whether Mr. Aker was referring to surface water samples. Mr. Szymoniak replied that the samples were taken by what was called a random sampling pattern and that random numbers were used to dictate the depth of the sample. He also said that the first step was to determine how deep the pond was at a particular location and then it would be screened all the way down and a random number would be used where the sample would be taken.

Mr. Aker then pointed out the future locations for wells for the Coonamessett River (see attached). Mr. Szymoniak explained that the risk to the receptors was being evaluated.

Mr. McDermott stated that he was amazed that he was hearing that there was a difference between ecological damage and human health damage. He then stated that these two considerations were linked together and that if there was damage in the eco-system, there would subsequently be damage to human health. Mr. Szymoniak replied that the he was referring to migratory birds that used that particular area.

Ms. Foster stated that the easiest way to explain risk assessment was that many of the non-human life forms that were being studied for the eco-health risk assessment did not have contact with the groundwater, only the surface water. She went on to explain that the human health risk assessment would focus on the groundwater. Mr. McDermott reiterated that it was all connected. Mr. Szymoniak stated that he was correct and that the study would focus on exposure pathways to assess the long and short-term risks.

Mr. Aker showed the sampling plan for Broad River (see attached).

Ms. O’Brien, of Spectacle Pond Drive, stated that the plan was very ambitious. She went on to say that she has been observing the activities for twelve years as her children were growing up in these conditions. She then asked when would town water be provided.

Mr. Karson replied that town water extensions were agreed upon and that water mains were constructed in the last six to eight months in the Hatchville area. He went on to say that town water hook-ups would extend westward based on further negotiations with the town. Ms. O’Brien asked how she could feel comfortable drinking the water knowing what she did about the contamination. Mr. Karson replied that all of the information had to be evaluated. He stated that he would later be presenting the information on the private well sampling that was done in the area upgradient of Spectacle Pond Road. Ms. O’Brien stated that there was an incredible amount of technical data but that she had not seen anything that made her feel comfortable about drinking the water.

Ms. MacRae stated that the citizens should be putting pressure on the town officials and that the town should take some of the responsibility.

Ms. Valiela stated that no one in the Hatchville area was going to be totally comfortable depending on a well. She went on to say that individual streets had sent petitions asking to become part of the town water system and the town was extending water to areas whether there was contamination in the area or not. She went on to say that if there was contamination, the town had consistently made a case to the Department of Defense (DoD) that they should fund for the extension of the water main.

Ms. O’Brien stated that the problem was that the studies took so long to show that pollution. Ms. Valiela stated that the report would be ready next September. She stated that it was not feasible for the DoD to study the whole town at once. She went on to say that there had been an ongoing crisis of water problems in the last ten years. She stated that the town of Falmouth made a case to the DoD that another areas in town needed town water and that the DoD was responsible. Ms. Valiela stated that the DoD answered that the SWOU program would define the area and that the report would be complete next September.

Ms. O’Brien stated that a lot of money was spent on studies but that no money was spent to hook up the water. Mr. Karson stated that the schedule was accelerated and that it may not be necessary to wait for the report to come out in September to make decisions. He said that this was an issue that concerned many people in that area and that numerous homes had their private wells tested.

Mr. McDermott asked whether Spectacle Pond Drive was specifically scheduled to be hooked up to town water. Ms. Valiela stated that a petition was submitted for that area.

Ms. MacRae stated that she was in the same position a year ago and that the town was not doing anything. She went on to say that Ms. Valiela only attended a meeting when there was a crisis and asked why something could not be done to avoid a crisis. She then asked why everybody could not be hooked up to town water. Ms. MacRae also stated that she read in the newspaper that Mr. Carl Pavetto of the Joint Program Office (JPO) stated that the public should not presume that the military was going to pay 100 percent to find a new water source. She then asked why shouldn't we assume that the military would pay when they were responsible for the contamination. Mr. Karson replied that the military would pay for replacing water supplies that were effected by the plumes or imminently threatened by the plumes. He also said that in order to justify that, evidence was needed.

Ms. MacRae stated that the Air Force knew about the EDB three years before it hit her well. She then asked why something was not done before it hit her neighborhood. Mr. Karson stated that was one of the reasons that the private well sampling area was expanded. Ms. MacRae stated that this was another example, the EDB was expected to go below the wells but it did not and now it was happening again. She recommended addressing the water issue and then do the study. Mr. Karson stated that one of the ways to do that was through private well testing.

An audience member stated that recently on the West Side of Route 151 EDB was not detected but that town water was hooked up in the Hatchville area.. He then stated that he lived in the area that was the last section of town to be addressed and that now the EDB was on the side of the street where he lived and that four homes had come up contaminated. He then asked why it was still necessary to wait until September for the report. Mr. Karson stated that they worked closely with the public health agencies and looked to them for guidance and the approach resulted from a consensus decision.

Mr. Karson stated that there were three detections of EDB on November 3, 1997 and that the residents were notified immediately and provided with bottled water. He went on to say that more samples were collected that same day and that there was no detection of EDB. The same audience member asked what the military was doing about the homeowners’ animals and whether the military was providing clean water for swimming pools as well. Mr. Karson replied that the ultimate decision could very well be to extend town water to that area but that determination would be made based on sampling. He stated that in the mean time, bottled water was provided as well as frequent testing to monitor the situation. He stated that all of the information gathered was shared with the regulatory agencies and town officials.

Mr. McDermott asked why the health officials and the Air Force were not in agreement on when to sample the air. Mr. Karson stated that Mr. Szymoniak gave the figure that was originally proposed by the Air Force. Ms. MacRae stated that the number proposed by the Air Force was higher than that of the regulatory agencies which indicated little concern on behalf of the Air Force. Mr. Karson stated that was the original proposal and that there was a meeting with all of the parties involved which resulted in the final number. Ms. MacRae stated that it showed little concern on behalf of the Air Force. Ms. MacRae also said that if the Air Force wanted the public to believe in them, it was necessary to be up front and honest. Mr. Karson agreed with Ms. MacRae and stated that that was one of the main reasons for tonight’s meeting. He also said that there were representatives from the EPA, DEP, and DPH present tonight and that these were the "players" that made the decisions on these issues. Ms. MacRae pointed out that the public attendees were the "players" that lived in the neighborhoods and that it was vital that the "players" that made the decisions hears their voice.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that the DPH said that there was potential for long-term risk and that the well was installed to address the long-term risk from the air exposure pattern.

Mr. Braun from the DPH stated that the numbers that were seen in the air monitoring did not indicate cause for immediate concern. He also said that the DPH was not convinced that the Air Force was going to use a "trigger value" of surface water. He stated that .5 ppb was proposed by the Air Force but that the DPH was not yet convinced that the Air Force has provided enough evidence to prove that .5 ppb would definitively protect public health. He went on to say that there was a limited amount of data on air monitoring and that some uncertainty was involved. He also said that the DPH felt that the Air Force was making efforts to protect public health. Mr. Braun then mentioned that he would be available for more questions following the meeting.

Mr. McDermott asked if there was EDB in the cranberries. Mr. Braun replied that EDB was detected in some of the cranberries that were sampled but that the EDB was not detected in the cranberries tested by the Air Force. He went on to say that there would be an effort in the spring to determine the process to collect and analyze cranberries and other produce.

An audience member asked Mr. Aker to discuss the area of Cloverfield Way, specifically near Boxberry Hill Road. The same audience member then asked what was the game plan for that area. Mr. Aker replied that the area in question would be one of the first areas under investigation and that if contamination was found in that area, it would be handled in the same manner as the Hatchville area. Mr. Aker displayed a transparency depicting the SWOU (see attached) to show the attendees where the testing would start.

Ms. Armstrong stated that she understood that the MMR was the only base in the United States where the Air Force has contaminated the land and therefore, it was not known what the consequences may be. She then asked if this type of situation was occurring anywhere else. Mr. Karson responded that contamination was a very common problem across the country at many military facilities. He also stated that the sole source aquifer complicates the situation on Cape Cod as well as the sandy soils, which allowed the water to move rapidly compared to other areas. Ms. Armstrong then asked whether there was a similar location with which the MMR could be compared. Mr. Karson asked if she was talking in terms of risk. She replied that her daughter bathed in this water and asked whether she should be concerned.

Mr. Braun replied that there were not a lot of places to compare the EDB exposure to and that the data that was available was mostly animal data. He also said that the numbers that were used for EDB with humans were very conservative. An audience member asked whether it was OK for his children to bath in the water. Mr. Braun replied that taking all of the EDB detection’s into consideration in the Hatchville area that, yes, it was safe for bathing. Ms. O’Brien asked if it was safe to use a vaporizer. Mr. Braun replied that it was safe but that he could only base the answer on what he has seen for the private wells in Hatchville. He also said that relatively low levels at a seldom rate were detected. He reiterated that the numbers used were very conservative because they were based on animal data. Mr. Braun stated that the MCL was .02 ppb, which considered water consumption to be 20 percent of the exposure. Mr. Wolseley asked Mr. Braun if he was willing to go on record saying that the water was safe. Mr. Braun replied that he did not wish to go on record saying that the water was safe. Mr. Braun went on to say that based on the Hatchville data and what was known about EDB, that he did not see where there was a real health risk at this time.

Ms. Kiley stated that the health risk question of safe water depended on a number of factors. She went on to say that the health risk was dependent on how the exposure occurred and that factors such as age, gender and lifestyle were also taken into consideration. She went on to say that it was very difficult to say straight out yes or no and that it was an individual concern. Ms. Kiley then suggested that concerned citizens contact the public health office on the base with individual questions. She also stated that she would be available after the meeting to answer questions.

An audience member asked what the timetable was on when Cloverfield Way and Boxberry Hill Road would be tested. Mr. Aker replied that drilling would begin at the end of January. He also said that one of the main reasons that this meeting was being held was to request for public cooperation as far as access was concerned due to the tight schedule. He then mentioned that they were denied access to drill at one home on Cloverfield Way. A number of audience members volunteered their property for drilling.

Mr. Baker of Cloverfield Way expressed that his property was available for drilling a well. He also said that the bottom line was that it was not known where the water was traveling, what it was going to do to people or, how long it will take for town water hook up. He then asked whether whole house filtration systems could be installed while the decisions were being made. Mr. Aker replied that the bottled water was a better offer than a filtration system due to the levels of detection.

Mr. Karson stated that the day before Thanksgiving was when he had to call people with the bad news and that on the following Monday, the Air Force met with the regulatory agencies to discuss these issues and to come up with what the most appropriate action. He went on to say that the conclusion was to provide bottled water and to test every two weeks and to install the wells as quickly as possible. He then stated that he was pleased to hear that there was support to get the wells installed.

Mr. Karson stated that two tests were done on Cloverfield Way after the November 3, 1997 sample and that the two tests did not detect EDB. He also said that the laboratory that ran the initial test showing the EDB detection provided him with a document which indicated that the EDB detection could have been a laboratory error. Mr. Karson then stated that he was not saying that that was a reason not to worry. He then said that samples were closely monitored and that one of the drawbacks of the sampling program was that when preliminary information was bad news, it would be communicated right away whether it was valid or not. Mr. Karson then stated that in this case, it may be that the EDB was not there. He also said that there was always uncertainty but that the situation would be treated as a serious issue and that the Air Force was not backing out on their commitment. He went on to say that testing and bottled water would continue with the drilling to focus on the Cloverfield Way area.

An audience member stated that he lived on the corner of Route 151 and Boxberry Hill Road and offered his property as a well location. Mr. Szymoniak replied that an employee of Jacobs Engineering lived in that area and that his property would be used. He then said that drilling had not begun in that location as the work plan was still being devised. He stated that the initial focus would be on Cloverfield Way where trichloroethylene (TCE) was detected in a private well on a frequent basis. He explained that because there were known contaminants in that area, the idea would be to work out from that location. Mr. Szymoniak went on to say that when work was completed last May, there were no detection’s of TCE and PCE but there was some carbon tetrachloride. He then stated that many wells were sampled and that it was necessary to review all of the data to come to any conclusions.

Ms. Starr asked how the EDB could have shown up at the laboratory and stated that it was ironic that EDB was the only contaminant to show up. Mr. Karson replied that the sample was taken on November 3, 1997 at which time three bottles of water were collected from each house on the street. He then said that the bottles of water were Federal Expressed to the laboratory in Tampa, Florida where they were analyzed. On November 5 or 6, 1997, an extract was taken from one of the three bottles of water and placed in the equipment used to test for different chemicals. Mr. Karson then stated that the laboratory ran an analysis that tested positive for EDB at the three residences. The Air Force then went back to the laboratory to determine the chain of events that lead up to the EDB detection. He said that a portion of the extract taken from the original sample was placed in a vial. In addition, the other two original vials were put into cold storage. Mr. Karson said that the extract was retested, that one of the original vials was also tested, and that EDB was not detected in either case. He said that the Air Force asked the laboratory why the extract did not show EDB again. The laboratory replied that when the initial extract was taken, a mislabel may have occurred. Mr. Karson stated that the laboratory tested a lot of samples from the field investigation work as well as the private well sampling and that it was possible that the extract was mislabeled.

An audience member asked how the public could have faith in any of the analyses if a mistake like this could happen. Mr. Szymoniak replied that that was definitely a concern and that Jacobs Engineering was planning to audit the laboratory. He then said that Jacobs had used the laboratory for a long time and had reliable results. He also stated that this could be a freak incident but that the laboratory would be audited to determine exactly how the samples were handled.

An audience member asked why the samples were sent to a laboratory in Florida. Mr. Szymoniak replied that a tremendous amount of sampling took place everyday and that a large laboratory was needed to handle that volume. He then said that Quantera (the laboratory in question) was a very large laboratory and was capable of identifying one of the lowest detection’s for EDB. He went on to say that in the past, the results from Quantera were very consistent with the on site laboratory which was located on the base last year.

An audience member stated that the Air Force came to his home right after Thanksgiving and asked to take a sample but the water was not turned on. He went on to say that the Air Force telephoned his wife and said, "good news, your water is fine". The same audience member then asked, how could the Air Force have tested the water when it was not turned on. He stated that the Air Force said that there must have been a mistake. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the audience member was on a bi-weekly sampling program and that data would continue to be collected.

Mr. Szymoniak said that the peaks in the EDB were examined and that it was also run through another column to get double column confirmation. He then stated that it was important that sampling continue in the specific areas where EDB was showing up regularly. Mr. Szymoniak then said that low levels were seen in the Coonamessett sentry well.

An audience member asked how long ago the detection were seen in the sentry well. Mr. Szymoniak replied that low levels were still being detected in the sentry level and that the first detection was last August and that sampling was started in February. Mr. Karson stated that Mr. Szymoniak was referring to a test well north of the actual supply well and that the EDB was not showing up at the Coonamessett supply well. Mr. Szymoniak stated that there was a carbon filter system installed for added protection in case there were higher concentration approaching the well. He also said that a routine or predictable pattern was anticipated.

An audience member stated that she has lived on Cloverfield Way for fifteen years and used a lot of water. She then said that there was a spill behind her home at the railroad tracks and asked whether it could be in her water. Mr. Szymoniak replied that she was referring to FS-2. The same audience member asked if the EDB was coming from that plume. Mr. Szymoniak said that another possibility was FS-13, which was very deep. The audience member then asked if monitoring was done in that location. Mr. Szymoniak replied that a lot of sampling was done in that area and that an alternative to an extraction fence was under consideration to try to capture the plume. Mr. Szymoniak then stated that the groundwater was radial and that what could happen was that the part of it could break off and that the source area for the EDB could be in another location. The same audience member asked if it were possible that the EDB was down there all those years and was just now showing up. Mr. Karson stated that FS-28 had been in the ground for some time.

The same audience member then asked whether it was possible that she was living on top of a plume. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the plume was moving a foot and a half a day and that EDB did not break down as it traveled through the ground. He also stated that the EDB spill dated back to the 1950’s. He then explained that there was an extensive study on the Zone Two’s and that EDB was not detected. Mr. Szymoniak stated that in some cases it was necessary to drill deeper to determine where the spill came from and when it was put there. He said that the geology of the area was a factor. The same audience member stated that where she lived was mostly rock. Mr. Karson said that when the Cloverfield Way testing was completed and if EDB was detected, the Air Force would have a better idea of where it came from and how long it has been there.

An audience member said that just a few minutes ago he said that there was not any EDB in the three well samples. Mr. Szymoniak replied that it was not known for sure because there was a chance of mislabeling and that it would not be known for sure until the area was drilled and the aquifer profiled. The same audience member asked if all three samples were mislabeled. Mr. Szymoniak replied that all three samples were done at the same time. The audience member asked Mr. Szymoniak how he could account for the fact that the EDB was not detected the second time the same water sample was analyzed. Mr. Karson replied that something probably occurred in the laboratory. He said that based on what was known so far that EDB was probably not there but that regardless, testing would continue to come up with a definitive answer. The same audience member again asked how all three of the samples could have been mislabeled. Mr. Szymoniak replied that it was not necessary to focus on those three samples but on what was happening now in that particular area.

An audience member asked if a different laboratory would be used. Mr. Karson replied that the laboratory would be audited and that a decision would be made as to whether to use the laboratory again. He also said that a different laboratory was used for the testing that was done on the day before Thanksgiving. Mr. Szymoniak said that there were a number of tests that the data went through to provisw quality control.

Ms. Kiley stated that the data was used before it went through all of the checks and that it was basically "preliminary data". She also said that the Air Force released "preliminary data" and that backtracking was done at the same time to ensure that there was not a laboratory error. She went on to say that as the backtracking was done, the Air Force was protecting the public health by providing sampling and bottled water. Mr. Karson stated that the reason that people were notified was to protect public health. Mr. Szymoniak explained that there was a strict protocol that the samples went through.

An audience member asked if the fact that wells were at various depths made a difference in the sampling process. She also asked if specifics were known on every well that was tested. Mr. Szymoniak stated the person taking the sample should ask the homeowner the depth of the well. Mr. Karson stated that several specifics from Cloverfield Way were known. He also said that the Board of Health should have the specifics on newer wells. Mr. Karson stated that the town had been contacted and informed the Air Force of several of the wells but that he would be happy to speak with anyone that knew the specifics on their well.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that when a monitoring well was drilled everything was cleaned and that the well screens were decontaminated, which provided confident data collecting. He also said that approximately 50 gallons of water was used per sample that was treated and discharged as it came out of the well. Mr. Szymoniak stated that a sample could then be taken of the groundwater and that there could be an immediate turnaround using the laboratory on the base and that this would help to determine where the screen should be placed.

An audience member asked whether TCE was the same type of compound as EDB. Mr. Szymoniak replied that EDB was normally used as part of the jet fuel additive and that other fuel constituents were not seen at that point. He also said that FS-12 was a major site for EDB and that other contaminants were detected there as well. He explained that chlorinated solvents were being seen here and that they were separate. The same audience member asked if TCE was found in one spot did that mean that there was a separate plume next to the plume with the EDB? Mr. Karson said that the investigation would answer that question. The same audience member asked if the TCE was a new discovery. Mr. Szymoniak replied that it was new in that location.

Ms. Foster stated that each plume consisted of mainly one type of contaminant. Mr. Karson stated that the majority of the plumes on the base were TCE and PCE and that FS-28 was the EDB plume. Mr. Szymoniak said that chlorinated solvents were expected to keep sinking and suggested that perhaps the geology was different which would prevent it from sinking. He went on to say that the boring would provide information about the geology and perhaps explain why the EDB was coming up at shallow locations.

Mr. McDermott asked what the protocol was for a negative reading. Mr. Karson answered that all of the results went through quality control procedures. Mr. McDermott asked whether non-detect results were retested. Mr. Karson responded that no, non-detect results were not retested but did go through the quality control procedures. Mr. McDermott asked whether it was also possible for the laboratory to make a mistake on a false negative. Mr. Karson stated that the laboratory did not know what samples they were receiving. Mr. Szymoniak stated that they sent them blind samples and they have no idea where it came from or what it was. An audience member asked if another laboratory would be used while Quantera was being audited. Mr. Szymoniak replied that there were other smaller laboratories available but could probably not be able to handle that amount of testing that was required. He also said that Quantera was audited a year ago and that no discrepancies were noted.

Mr. Karson asked that the audience members to please hold all questions until Mr. Aker completed his presentation.

Mr. Aker referred to the Overview of Activities (see attached). He then referred to a chart showing feasibility study process (see attached). Next Mr. Aker referred to the Project Schedule (see attached). Mr. Karson asked if there were any other questions for Mr. Aker.

Private Well Sampling, Doug Karson:

Mr. Karson stated that he would provide an overview of the sampling program. He began by referring to a map depicting the areas being sampled. (see attached). He added that the area designated for bi-weekly sampling had recently increased from quarterly sampling based on the new test results. He also said that the semi-annual program had increased dramatically in the past few months when homes from the Hatchville Road and Boxberry Hill Road were added due to the detection of PCE in a monitoring well north of Route 151.

He went on to say that there were 20 to 25 houses on Boxberry Hill Road that had been sampled semi annually. Mr. Karson then said that several properties were added when the EDB issue became known. He then mentioned that all of the homes on Round Pond Drive were tested a couple of months ago.

Mr. Karson stated that he would like to explain what they have seen in those different areas. Mr. Karson displayed a transparency on the semi-annual program (see attached). He explained that approximately 170 homes were added to the semi-annual program due to the PCE detection north of Route 151.

He went on to discuss the analytical findings for Hatchville (see attached) and explained that the detection of chloroform was common in the groundwater on Cape Cod and was not associated with the groundwater plumes emanating from the base. He also mentioned that there were detections of methyl tert-butyl ether which was a compound added to gasoline and was becoming a nation-wide problem. Mr. Karson stated that the dichloromethane was usually attributable to being a laboratory contaminant.

Mr. Karson refereed to the bi-weekly sampling done in the Hatchville area (see attached). He explained that out of the 50 groundwater monitoring wells installed south of the Coonamessett Pond, only EDB was detected.

An audience member asked if the samples were taken at the same time of day each time and whether the water activity would be the same. Mr. Karson replied that the time of day or the activity of the water would not be a factor.

Ms. Foster replied that the pipes were drained before the sample was taken. Mr. Karson said that the samples were not taken from the stagnant water in the holding tanks but rather from the well which provided a good example of the aquifer from which it came.

Ms. MacRae asked if EDB adhered to the soil particles. Mr. Szymoniak replied that it did not.

Mr. Karson then displayed "project highlights" (see attached).

He explained that the quarterly testing was changed to bi-weekly testing due to the EDB detections. He also said that retesting was done and that all of the results were non-detect for EDB.

Mr. Karson stated that TCE was also detected in that area but that it never did exceed the drinking water standard.

Mr. Karson stated that the bottled water service was on a three-month program during which time the fieldwork that was discussed by Mr. Aker would begin. Mr. Karson again asked any interested homeowners to speak to Mr. Szymoniak or Mr. Aker after the meeting to volunteer property for wells.

An audience member asked how deep the three wells in question were on Cloverfield Way. Mr. Karson replied that he believed that they were between 120 and 140 feet below ground surface.

An audience member stated that his tank was not emptied before the sample was taken. He then said that he was never asked the depth of his well nor was he asked if a well could be installed on his property. He then asked when town water would be hooked up.

Mr. Karson said that he met with the Falmouth town administrator, the deputy program manager, the utilities manager, and others recently and told them what was presented tonight. He stated that he told them that the Air Force was in the position to fund town water connections once the information says the wells were or would be threatened. He went on to say that right now, that information was not available and that the best approach was to continue to monitor the situation until the work could be done.

An audience member stated that there was still no answer as to whether the EDB was bad for the public because the Air Force still did not have that information. Mr. Karson referred to the answers provided by the public health officials earlier.

Ms. Kiley stated that she would personally look in to the situation that the audience member brought up about his tank not being purged.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that the samplers kept a detailed logbook and welcomed the homeowner to review the log. The same audience member pointed out that the public did not have that information to begin with. Mr. Szymoniak responded that that was the purpose of the meeting, to inform the public.

An audience member asked why a whole house filter would not be installed between now and when the town water hook ups took place. Mr. Karson stated that issue was discussed at the meeting a week ago and that the Air Force and the regulatory public health officials agreed that a house filtration system was not appropriate at this time.

Ms. MacRae asked how soon the residences were notified after their well tested positive for EDB. Mr. Karson replied that the owners were notified on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Ms. MacRae asked when the sample was taken. Mr. Karson answered that the first sample was taken on November 3, 1997 and reached the laboratory the following day. He then stated that those samples were on a 21-day turn around which was agreed upon with the public regulatory health officials. He stated that Cloverfield Way samples were now on a seven-day turn around. Mr. Szymoniak stated that testing was done several months earlier and that no detection was found at that time and that was why the street was on a standard 21-day turn around time.

An audience member asked if there was any doubt that FS-28 was emanating from the base. Mr. Karson replied that it was believed that the FS-28 plume was coming from the base based on groundwater flow and potential source areas on the base. The same audience member then asked why the problem could not be taken care of if the contamination was definitely coming from the base. A different audience member stated that they were told five years ago that the plume would be hitting their neighborhood and asked why was it not addressed at that time. She also stated that the whole picture was not being addressed and that the future was not being considered in a pro-active manner.

Mr. Karson stated that this program had been around for a long time and most of that time was spent on looking for the contamination. Mr. Karson went on to address the other concern of the audience member; that not a lot has been done. He encouraged her and others to visit the base to view the projects that were underway. He then stated that there was a schedule that the EPA and the state were holding the Air Force. He went on to say that the schedule was accelerated.

An audience member said that this had been going on for quite some time. Mr. Karson stated that he had been involved with this program since 1985 and had seen it change over the years. He also said that the program was not perfect, but was improving all the time. He also mentioned that the MMR was the number one site in terms of funding.

An audience member stated that there was no possible way that the Air Force could clean up the "mess". He went on to say that it was now 1997 and the contamination was not shrinking but rather it was expanding. Mr. Karson stated that there were treatment systems in place that were believed to be achieving 100 percent capture. He went on to say that there were also two other systems going into design that may not capture 100 percent and that was a concern. The same audience member then stated that the citizens were still paying taxes and that nothing was being done. Mr. Karson stated that it was a broad picture and that future water supplies were a consideration and that the goal was to clean up as much as the contamination as possible.

An audience member stated that this was her first meeting and that the public needed to realize that "they" were the Air Force not just the people giving the presentations. She also said that they were not placing blame but just wanted to see some action. She said that the bottom line was cooperation and honesty. Mr. Karson agreed.

Mr. Szymoniak stated that Ms. MacRae had started a group, Everybody Deserves Better (EDB). He went on to say that Ms. Valiela was pushing the issue also.

An audience member asked why something was not done five years ago when the contamination was detected. She stated that because nothing was done then it added to the mistrust felt by the public. Mr. Szymoniak explained that because the plume was so old it was difficult to know exactly where it was. He stated that between 1985 and 1997, interviews and investigations were conducted to determine the location of the various source areas. He went on to say that the The Enemy Within was a book available at the library put out by the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod and provided a history of the contamination. He also recommended the follow up book, Broken Trust. He mentioned that it was important to look back as well as forward.

Ms. Armstrong stated that she was upset. Ms. Armstrong asked why she should have to call someone on the base or go to the library to obtain information. She stated that the notice in the Enterprise referring to tonight’s meeting was tiny. She then stated that she lived on Braeburn Court and asked whether anyone knew where that was. Ms. Armstrong stated that the history should not be the focus, that providing town water should be the focus.

Mr. Karson stated she raised important issues and that the Air Force realized that the public needed real information that was easily understood. He said that there was a risk communication sub-group that was formed by the Air Force that consisted of the DEP, the EPA, and the DPH and that the group was in the process of putting together a fact sheet on EDB. Mr. Karson asked Ms. Armstrong if she lived on Ray Burn Road and whether her well was sampled. Ms. Armstrong replied yes to both questions. She asked why Ms. Valiela was not still at the meeting listening to the public.

Ms. MacRae stated that the Air Force was literally knocking on doors to tell the public that EDB was in the neighborhood and that the public was not doing anything. Ms. MacRae stated that the town citizens needed to get together and stand up to the town officials. Ms. Armstrong asked what she should do now.

Mr. Karson replied that one action she could take was to take these issues to the town selectmen. Ms. MacRae stated that the people needed to organize. Mr. Karson stated that the plan was set and that the town was expecting drilling to begin in January, not in September when the report would be ready. He said that funding would drive this program and that proof was required to obtain the funding. Mr. Karson explained that the only way this could be done was through the private well testing program.

An audience member stated asked about the three-month program. Mr. Karson stated that the bottled water provision would not stop until the Air Force and the regulatory agencies all believed that the water was safe. He said that as the program proceeded, the data would be passed along through public notices and public information meetings.

An audience member asked what was the average cost of water lines per year. Mr. Karson replied that he did not have that information with him. The same audience member asked how much had been spent so far. Mr. Karson responded that the total included about 500 homes and was approximately six to seven million dollars since 1986. The same audience member stated that more money was spent on testing than the actual hook up. Mr. Karson replied that a lot of money was being spent on both. Mr. Szymoniak stated that a lot of remediation was done last year and that most of the money went in to extraction wells and treatment facilities.

An audience member asked what was being done for the residences on the base. Mr. Szymoniak replied that there was a water supply well on base. He also said that Mr. Aker was currently working on a regional water supply issue that would include the base. The same audience member asked whether the water on the base was safe. Mr. Szymoniak replied that it was safe and that routine testing was done.

An audience member asked about the groundwater modeling and how accurately it was able to predict the direction of the plumes. Mr. Szymoniak stated that the model was only as good as the data that was put in to it and that in order to calibrate the model it was necessary to study how well it predicted what was now known. He also said that a regional model was in use. The same audience member asked if it was necessary to wait until a well was contaminated before putting that house on town water or would the predicting of contamination be sufficient proof.

Mr. Karson replied that the Air Force took the position that it was not necessary for a well to be contaminated but it would have to be imminently threatened. He went on to say that modeling was used to predict two years ahead based on groundwater flow rates.

Mr. Karson asked if there were any more questions. There were none. Mr. Karson proceeded to thank everyone for attending. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.