| Introduction |
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"It is my pleasure to
present the AFCEE 2001 Annual Report" |
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| As the program manager for the
Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence at the Massachusetts Military Reservation, I
am responsible for the groundwater cleanup effort. I pledge to keep the public informed
and engaged during this process. The year 2001 was one of significant forward progress. We saw plume sizes
reduced, levels of plume contaminants decrease, tons of soil removed from areas that were
sources of the plumes, funding committed for water supply improvements for local towns, an
innovative treatment to reduce phosphorus applied in Ashumet Pond, and advances in
cultural resources preservation.
To ensure that contaminated groundwater
plumes do not affect public health adversely, we continued to work closely with the
surrounding towns and government agencies to protect drinking water supplies and
recreational ponds. For example, we provided town boards of health with up-to-date
information on the plumes so they could make informed decisions on well permitting.
We sampled hundreds of residential wells to
ensure they were not affected by nearby groundwater plumes. |
Highlights of
the Year
- Operated and maintained 12 activated carbon
plume cleanup systems
- Cleaned 4.2 billion gallons of water for a
total of 11.4 billion gallons since 1993
- Removed and transported over 23,000 tons of
contaminated soils from MMR
- Signed $5.2 million agreement with the Town
of Falmouth for water supply improvements
- Performed innovative phosphorus treatment of
Ashumet Pond
- Reduced the size of the Storm Drain 5 and
Fuel Spill 12 plumes
- Began design for cleanup of the remainder of
the Fuel Spill 1 plume
- Signed agreement with the Wampanoag Tribe
for cultural resources preservation
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"Let me leave no
question––the Air Force is committed to restoring the quality of the water
affected by past practices at the MMR, and specifically to public involvement in the
process, for as long as it takes." |
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Also, we provided funds to help obtain new sources of water for the Town of Falmouth, and
the Mashpee and Sandwich water districts. The funds paid for construction of connections
to the recently-completed Upper Cape Water Supply Cooperative system.We worked with local boards of health for the Air
Force to pay for the cost of sampling the surface water in recreational ponds during the
2001 season. Results indicated the ponds were safe to use for all recreational purposes.
Additionally, you’ll read on the
following pages about many other projects we completed in 2001.
Yet, too often, my staff and I heard from
our own neighbors and people we met on the street that "the military hasn’t done
anything out there yet" or "that place will never be cleaned up." They were
not aware that we constructed 12 cleanup systems in the past five years that are now
restoring twelve million gallons of groundwater every day and returning it
–clean-back into the Upper Cape’s sole source of drinking water. They
didn’t know that the Air Force has spent $500 million to date and expects to spend
another $350 million in the future on the cleanup.
Let me leave no question––the Air
Force is committed to restoring the quality of the water affected by past practices at the
MMR, and specifically to public involvement in the process, for as long as it takes. I am
committed, both professionally and personally, to the achievement of these goals.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Gill
Remediation Program Manager
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| Status of Groundwater Cleanup Groundwater cleanup relies upon a proven technology
of extraction and treatment. Pumps extract contaminated groundwater from the ground
through wells. The water is pumped through pipes to a treatment plant that has vessels
containing granular activated carbon. The carbon is similar to carbon in a home fish tank
filter. As the contamination comes in contact with the carbon, it sticks to it leaving
only clean water exiting the vessel. The clean water is then returned to the environment
by a deep well, a shallow leaching field, or by surface discharge into river systems,
depending on location.
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Currently there are 12
groundwater plumes. The three areas in long-term monitoring—Eastern Briarwood,
Western Aquafarm, and Fuel Spill 13—no longer meet the definition of a plume. In the
chart below, three plumes are included twice: Fuel Spill 1 (FS-1), Chemical Spill 4
(CS-4), and Chemical Spill 10 (CS-10). The FS-1 treatment system is being designed now and
the Quashnet River treatment system, which is related to FS-1, is in operation.
Likewise, the CS-4 treatment
system has operated since November 1993, but is being redesigned. The CS-10 plume has
treatment systems in operation, but the leading edge is under investigation.
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| A groundwater plume is
a volume of contaminated groundwater that extends away from the area of the source of the
contamination. A plume may be separated from its source area. A plume is defined as a body of groundwater
containing contaminants that exceed regulatory drinking water or risk–based standards
in multiple samples from multiple monitoring wells. |
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| Budget
Summary |
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| Budget Category |
FY01 Actuals: ($ Millions) |
FY02 Budget ($ Millions) |
| Administration |
$5.4 |
$4.9 |
| Studies |
$2.5 |
$1.2 |
| Capital Costs |
$18.4 |
$16.7 |
| O&M/LTM |
$13.2 |
$15.3 |
| Total |
$39.5 |
$38.1 |
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| Administration includes IRP staff
and contracted technical and managerial support, community involvement, and administrative
record programs. Studies includes
investigations and reports for IRP sites.
Capital Costs includes design and
construction of cleanup actions and supporting activities.
Operation & Maintenance
(O&M)/Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) includes operation and maintenance of treatment
systems along with performance monitoring and reporting.
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Status of Source Area
Cleanup
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The cleanup of contaminated
soil at 26 source areas on the MMR proceeded on schedule. All 26 sites were investigated
fully to establish the extent of contamination and many were excavated and backfilled with
clean native soils. Over 23,000 tons of contaminated soils were excavated.
Originally, the soils at many of the sites
were to be excavated and treated using a process called cold-mix asphalt batching.
However, a decision was made in conjunction with the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
that a better remedy was to haul these soils off-base for disposal at an approved site.
Two soil vapor extraction (SVE) and
biosparging systems went into operation to treat other source areas.
A SVE system removes soil contaminants that
have a tendency to volatilize or evaporate easily. An air vacuum is created through a
system of underground wells that pulls the contaminants to the surface in vapor form.
There, the vapors are treated using carbon adsorption, a process similar to carbon
filtration of contaminated groundwater. Once the carbon filters are saturated with
contaminants, they are taken off-base and recycled. Biosparging injects oxygen into the
ground to speed up the work of naturally-occurring microorganisms. The organisms eat and
digest the contaminants into harmless products — mainly carbon dioxide and water.
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| A source area is the
location where contamination originally entered the soil. A groundwater plume may or may
not be formed at a source area, depending on the amount and extent of the contaminant(s).
A plume may be separated from its source area. |
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| Click on map to see a larger version. |
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| Activities
Conducted in Bourne Based
on new data on the Landfill 1 (LF-1) plume, the plume boundary was redrawn. Instead of
showing one large plume outline, the new depiction breaks it into
its separate smaller portions.
Freshwater that seeps to the surface of the
ground near Red Brook and Squeteague Harbors was sampled for volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). Only seep samples near Squeteague Harbor showed trace amounts of some VOCs related
to the LF-1 plume. The concentrations were not high enough to cause concern under
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal guidelines for risk to humans or the
environment. We will continue to monitor both harbors to ensure there is no risk to public
health or the environment.
As a precaution, work began to
connect residences in the Scraggy Neck area to the municipal water
supply. The Air Force and the Army are paying 100% of the cost of this project.
Routine sampling continued for Bourne Water
District’s sentry wells for its two municipal drinking water wells near the LF-1
plume. All results met Commonwealth and federal standards for safe drinking water during
calendar year 2001.
| A volatile organic compound (VOC)
is any organic compound that evaporates readily to the atmosphere. For example,
trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) are VOCs found in solvents that can be
emitted into the atmosphere when the solvent evaporates. VOCs also are found in paints,
plastics, gasoline, and other products. |
A sentry well acts as a forward
guard to warn of the danger of contaminants approaching water supply wells behind
(downgradient to) it. A sentry well monitors the groundwater flowing toward water supply
wells. It is sampled routinely to give an early warning so that actions can be taken to
protect drinking water supply wells before contaminants reach them. |
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Activities Conducted in FalmouthAn agreement was signed with the Town of Falmouth to provide $5.2 million
to the town for water supply improvements. The funding will
pay to construct, operate, and maintain a permanent groundwater treatment facility for the
Coonamessett Water Supply Well and one-third of the Crooked
Pond Water Supply Well.
The Coonamessett Water Supply Well
continues to be treated with granular activated carbon as a precaution. The
groundwater pumped from this well remained non-detect for ethylene dibromide (EDB) during
2001.
Monthly monitoring of surface water in the
Coonamessett River continued. Data collected showed that surface water south of the FS-28
treatment system continued to be free of EDB contamination.
Ethylene
Dibromide (EDB) is a chemical additive in gasoline, including aviation gasoline. EDB
is no longer used. |
Work began to connect 261 residences in the
Hatchville area to Falmouth municipal water as a precaution. The Air Force and the Army
are paying 100% of the cost of this project.
The Ashumet Plume Citizens’ Committee
continued to hold regular meetings. The committee was formed as part of the Ashumet Valley
Response Decision. The Town of Falmouth Board of Selectmen appointed the committee in
1997. Funding for its activities is provided by the Air Force. With selectmen approval in
2001, the committee hired a marketing firm to initiate a campaign aimed at reducing use of
nitrogen-bearing lawn fertilizers which contribute to the damage of coastal ponds in
Falmouth. The Ashumet Plume Citizens’ committee is working with us to improve
outreach efforts to the local community about the committee’s work.
Additional drilling was completed for the
wellfield design of Chemical Spills 4, 20, and 21, and Fuel Spill 29 plumes in Hatchville.
A total of 82 new monitoring wells were installed and sampled at 43 new boring locations.
A study using approximately 230 wells and
groundwater movement indicators (piezometers), was conducted of the water levels in the
Hatchville area. The study helps engineers understand the groundwater flow dynamics, which
is very important in designing a treatment system.
| A piezometer is a small
slotted standpipe, usually hand-driven into the ground, which is used to measure water
pressure, seepage of groundwater, and groundwater movement. It also can be used to sample
near–surface groundwater. |
See the Mashpee activities
page for information about the treatment to remove phosphorus from Ashumet Pond.
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| Activities
Conducted in Mashpee An
innovative treatment was completed to reduce algae growth, improve water clarity, and
increase fish habitat in Ashumet Pond. A mix of the chemicals aluminum sulfate and sodium
aluminate was injected deep into a small area of the pond. Treatments usually are applied
to the entire surface of a pond. The treatment is expected to reduce the release of
phosphorus from pond-bottom sediments for several years. Continued monitoring of the pond
will assess the effects of the treatment. Reducing phosphorus within the pond ecosystem
will help improve the pond’s biological health.
Additional investigative work was completed to define the leading
edge of the Chemical Spill 10 groundwater plume. This information will be used to develop
cleanup alternatives in 2002.
A decision was made on the final cleanup system and monitoring
network for the Fuel Spill 1 (FS-1) treatment system. The design includes three new deep
extraction wells operating in combination with the one currently-operating deep extraction
well. The system will restore the aquifer and protect human health and the environment by
removing EDB from the water and reintroducing clean water into the Quashnet river and bog
areas.
| An aquifer is where the soil is
saturated with water, containing usable amounts of groundwater that can supply wells and
springs. |
A cultural resources survey of the FS-1 cleanup area was begun in
coordination with the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and local Mashpee Wampanoag
tribal representatives. The survey will assist in our efforts to preserve cultural
resources.
The boundaries of the Storm Drain 5 (SD-5) North and South
groundwater plumes were reduced (see map above). The reduction resulted in the decision in
2001 not to restart the recirculation well on Wheeler Road, as it was no longer needed.
The well had shut down in December 2000 due to a mechanical failure.
The Eastern Briarwood plume and Western Aquafarm site located
just north of Johns Pond have been in a long-term monitoring program for five years. Data
indicated in 2001 that there is no longer contamination exceeding federal and Commonwealth
of Massachusetts standards for safe drinking water in the Eastern Briarwood plume.
Therefore, this site is no longer being defined as a groundwater plume. However, these
areas will remain in the long-term monitoring program.
| An extraction well is a well from
which contaminated water is pumped out in order to treat the water or to redirect
groundwater movement. |
Activities
Conducted in Sandwich
The Fuel Spill 12 (FS-12) plume became
smaller (see map below). The effects of the operation of the treatment system since 1997
resulted in the plume drawing in toward the extraction system wells. Monitoring indicated
that over 90 percent of the ethylene dibromide (EDB) and benzene contamination has been
removed. Maximum concentrations have been reduced significantly.
| Benzene is an
industrial chemical made from coal and oil. It is used to manufacture other chemical
compounds and is a component of gasoline. |
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For a more detailed map go to the IRP web site at http://www.mmr.org.
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| Drive point sampling was
conducted in Snake Pond at two locations every two weeks throughout the summer to
determine if EDB was entering the pond. This technology involves installing small diameter
tubes a few feet below the bottom of the pond and then collecting and analyzing
groundwater samples. No EDB was detected. We continued to share information and coordinate Air Force groundwater
cleanup activities with the Army National Guard (ARNG)
groundwater cleanup effort. The ARNG’s Impact Area Groundwater Study Program (IAGWSP)
also operates in the Snake Pond area. Contact the IAGWSP at (508) 968–5286 or http://www.groundwaterprogram.org
for more information on its program. |
| A reinjection well is a
well through which clean water is pumped into the aquifer to replace contaminated water
that has been removed. |
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How to Get More Information |
The Installation Restoration
Program (IRP) public information repositories and web site give the public access to the
following information:
• Brochures, fact sheets, and other
general information
• Maps of the sites and groundwater plumes
• Meeting summaries
• News releases
The online administrative record enables
the public to search and view the following documents:
• Preliminary Assessment and Site
Investigation reports
• Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study reports
• Technical studies
• Records of Decision/Decision Documents
IRP Public Information Repositories
Locations
Jonathan Bourne Library
19 Sandwich Rd.
Bourne, MA 02532
(508) 759–0644 |
Falmouth Public Library
123 Katharine Lee Bates Rd.
Falmouth, MA 02540
(508) 457–2555 |
Sandwich Public Library
142 Main St.
Sandwich, MA 02563
(508) 888–0625 |
Mashpee Public Library
100 Nathan Ellis Highway
Mashpee, MA 02649
(508) 539–1435 |
U.S. Coast Guard Library
Building 5205, Ent St.
Otis ANGB, MA 02542
(508) 968–6456
(Base access pass required.) |
Online web site at
http://www.mmr.org
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Environmental Crossword Puzzle
All answers can be found within this
report.
| ACROSS 2. ___s are found in solvents
4. A body of groundwater containing contaminants
6. Massachusetts Military Reservation
8. An ___ contains groundwater that can supply wells
10. A study of water levels helps engineers understand the groundwater ___ dynamics
11. Ethylene dibromide
13. ___ water is returned to the environment by deep wells
14. Forces water through a pipe
19. The boundaries of the SD-5 and FS-12 groundwater plumes were ___ in 2001
22. A ___ is where freshwater comes to the surface
24. Usable amounts of ___ can supply wells and springs
26. A ___ area is where contamination originally entered the soil
27. A ___ well warns of contaminants approaching water supply wells
28. The branch of the military that the IRP works for
31. Granulated activated ___ removes contaminants from water
32. Benzene is a component of ___
34. Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence
36. Perchloroethylene is this type of chemical
38. ___ organic compound |
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DOWN
1. A VOC is any organic compound that
_________ readily
3. Advisory members act as a ___
5. "C" in "CS"
7. A ___ of the chemicals aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate will
help reduce phosphorus in Ashumet Pond 9. AFCEE is responsible for
the Air Force ___ of contamination caused by past MMR practices
12. Cranberry ___
15. Perchloroethylene
16. Trichloroethylene
17. A piezometer can be used to sample ___-surface groundwater
18. A ___ well pumps clean water into the aquifer
20. Massachusetts agency that helps regulate the MMR cleanup program
21. The ___ provides advice to the IRP on cleanup decisions
23. An ___ well pumps contaminated water out of the ground
25. Federal agency that regulates the MMR cleanup program
29. "F" in "FS"
30. "LF"
33. A plume may be ___ from its source area
35. Over 23,000 tons of contaminated soils were ___ in 2001
36. An ___ system removes VOCs from the soil
37. The Air Force is committed to the MMR for as ___
39. as it ___
ANSWERS
Why Become Involved?
Comments from Plume Cleanup Team
members:
Who
to Contact:
Doug Karson
Community Involvement Specialist
HQ AFCEE/MMR
322 East Inner Road
Otis ANGB Base, MA 02542-5028
Phone: (508) 968-4678 x 2 Fax: (508) 968-4673
Toll free: 1-866-GO-AFCEE (1-866-482-3233)
e-mail: doug.karson@mmr.brooks.af.mil
Jim Murphy
Community Involvement Coordinator
USEPA New England Region, Suite 1100
One Congress St (RAA)
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: (617) 918-1028 or (888) 372-7341
Fax: (617) 918-1029
e-mail: murphy.jim@epa.gov
Ellie Grillo
Community Involvement Coordinator
MassDEP
20 Riverside Drive
Lakeville, MA 02346
Phone: (508) 946-2866 Fax: (508) 947-6557
e-mail: ellie.grillo@state.ma.us
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