Santa Susana Field Laboratory
Monthly Status Report
August 2012
This monthly update is to inform the community of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) investigation and cleanup activities under the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) oversight that occurred in August, 2012, as well as activities that are expected to occur in September 2012. An overview summary of The Boeing Company, United States Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA areas at SSFL is included at the end of this report.
Completed Within the Past 30 Days
DTSC
Chemical Soil Background Study
DTSC posted the draft chemical background study report to DTSC’s SSFL website. The public review and comment period on the draft report began on August 2nd and closes September 4th 2012.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
DTSC worked with the CEQA contractor, AECOM, to plan the overall SSFL CEQA approach. DTSC expects to have the recommended approach posted in early-September.
DTSC prepared a Notice of Exemption for the Groundwater Interim Measures (GWIM) Work Plan and the notification was filed.
A CEQA Initial Study is being prepared for the chemical oxidation field test.
NASA
NASA is currently conducting chemical data gap investigations to complete soil and surficial media characterization at the two SSFL areas under its administration, which include the 41-acre NASA portion of Area I (the former Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Plant) and the 409-acre Area II. The status of the NASA - Field Sampling Plans (FSPs) is as follows:
Primary field sampling at the five NASA FSP areas was complete as of August 10, 2012.
Additional soil sampling is being conducted to fill small data gaps and areas not included in the previous NASA Area 1 and Area 2 sites sampling efforts. The sampling should be completed in early September 2012.
DOE
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with DTSC and DOE, is implementing its second round of sampling efforts to define the nature and extent of radiologic contamination in Area IV. US EPA's round two sampling locations are based upon the validated sampling results they received from their Round 1 sampling. In coordination with DTSC, DOE
continues to conduct Phase 3 Soil Chemical Data Gap Investigation sampling in subareas located throughout Area IV. The status of the Phase 3 soil chemical investigation sampling efforts is presented below.
Northern Buffer Zone (Phase 1 Co-Located and Phase 2 Random Co-Located):
All field work has been completed.
All of the chemical analytical data has been received and 50 percent has been validated.
On August 28, 2012, US EPA held a stakeholder meeting to present the Northern Buffer Zone radiological investigation results.
Deep Borings (Phase 1 Co-Located):
All field work has been completed.
All analytical results have been received and validated.
HSA-5C (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
Approximately 77 percent of surface and subsurface soil boring sample locations have been completed. The remaining 13 percent of sample locations consist of trenches and test pits that will be completed after the geophysical survey to be conducted this fall (2012).
All of the analytical results for the surface and subsurface soil boring have been received; however, validation has not yet started.
HSA-5B (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
Approximately 65 percent of the surface and subsurface soil boring sample locations have been completed.
Approximately 8 percent of sampling locations consist of trenches and test pits that will be completed after the geophysical survey is conducted this fall (2012).
Six locations were not sampled due to their proximity to archaeological zones.
67 percent of the analytical results have been received; however, validation has not yet begun.
Area III Drainage Sediment Sampling (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
All field work is now complete.
100 percent of the analytical results have been received; however, validation has not yet started.
Boeing
Investigation
DTSC is working with Boeing to address DTSC comments and finalize the data quality objective process. The data quality objectives need to be worked out prior to developing the data gap investigation documents.
Building Demolition
Boeing notified DTSC of their intent to demolish Building 4015 as well as two potable water storage tanks in Area IV. Boeing has identified these as non-radiological. DTSC has requested the work be placed on hold pending the resolution of radiological
characterization and disposal issues. DTSC is coordinating the radiological characterization issue w/ the California Department of Public Health.
Groundwater Characterization and Cleanup
The groundwater characterization and cleanup program is being conducted by Boeing on behalf of the three parties at the site; Boeing, DOE and NASA. The groundwater characterization and cleanup program consists of:
o Investigation and characterization of groundwater contamination
o Ongoing groundwater monitoring of existing wells,
o Sampling of new groundwater locations, and
o Treatment of contaminated groundwater with permitted discharge from the Groundwater Extraction and Treatment System.
Groundwater Investigation
DTSC has been meeting with Boeing/DOE and NASA to discuss specific recommendation regarding additional sampling to complete the groundwater investigation. Additional seep sampling locations and geophysical work as well as additional well sampling locations have been identified. The information will be developed and provided in a draft workplan that will be presented at a Stakeholder meeting.
Groundwater Monitoring
Sampling for the 2012 third quarter monitoring event was substantially completed.
Groundwater Interim Measures
WS-09A is being pumped to lower the groundwater elevation and reduce the amount of Trichloroethene (TCE) contamination in the groundwater near the southwest corner of
Area II. This area is located north of the southern buffer zone.
• On August 31, 2012 DTSC posted the draft 2009 Groundwater Interim Measures Workplan on the DTSC SSFL website, for public comment. The public review and comment period on the draft report began on August 31st and closes October1st, 2012. The project includes the installation and operation of eight source zone groundwater extraction wells, with the water being sent to the existing Groundwater Extraction Treatment System.
Treatability Studies
Treatability studies are being conducted on several technologies to be evaluated in the feasibility study. The treatability studies address both soil/bedrock and groundwater contamination. Treatability studies can be either field studies or laboratory studies.
Four groundwater laboratory studies are being conducted:
o Chemical oxidation using potassium permanganate,
o Thermal heating of rock core,
o Microbial characterization of rock core, pore water, and
o Bio-Stimulation.
Status of Testing
Boeing's contractors are continuing work on the chemical oxidation, microbial characterization, and bio-stimulation laboratory studies.
Two proposed field tests are in the planning stage:
o Bedrock Vapor Extraction, and
o In-situ chemical oxidation (groundwater).
Interim Source Removal Actions (ISRA) (Note: ISRA activities are conducted under the authority of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LA-RWQCB)):
On August 23, 2012, DTSC issued a letter allowing use of the USEPA December 2011 radiological trigger levels (RTLs) for all radionuclides as the values for disposal of the ISRA soils. DTSC concluded that use of the RTLs will not be inconsistent with SSFL radiological Lookup Table values.
Boeing is planning to conduct ISRA soil removal at a single Area I location in the vicinity of Building 300 following demolition of the building. Soil samples have been collected and analytical results are pending. Excavation and subsequent surface re-grading is expected to be completed this year before the onset of the rainy season.
Public Participation
The GWIM Work Plan is available for review and comment. The Public Comment period will run from August 31, 2012 until October 1, 2012. All comments and questions should be sent to Roger Paulson, Project Manager, at roger.paulson@dtsc.ca.gov or at 8800 Cal Center Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826.
On August 9, 2012, DOE and DTSC hosted a Technical Stakeholder Meeting at SSFL to discuss the Phase 3 Chemical Data Gap Sampling for Subarea 5A.
On August 9, 2012, DTSC participated in a joint meeting with Cal EPA and the public to discuss ongoing investigations at the SSFL Site.
Community Bus Tours were held at the SSFL Site on August 17, 2012 with over 40 community members participating in a Site tour that included a historical perspective of SSFL, an overview of current investigations, and a summary of the progress being made toward cleanup of the area.
The EPA held a Stakeholder Meeting for the Area IV Radiological Study at SSFL on
August 28, 2012.
Activities Expected to Occur Within the Next 30 Days:
DTSC
Chemical Soil Background Study
The public comment period on the draft Chemical Background Study will close September 4, 2012. DTSC will prepare and post responses to comments received. The comments and responses will be published in conjunction with the final report.
Based on the comments from stakeholders, DTSC will consider necessary revisions to the draft Chemical Background Study report.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
DTSC will review and post the CEQA contractors (AECOM) proposed overall SSFL CEQA approach in early-September.
Continue development of a CEQA Initial Study for the chemical oxidation field test.
Boeing
DTSC is working with Boeing to address DTSC comments and finalize the data quality objective process. The data quality objectives need to be worked out prior to developing the data gap investigation documents.
Chemical Oxidation Field Study
Boeing is currently evaluating contractor bids to conduct this study.
Building Demolition
DTSC anticipates resolving radiological disposal issues for Boeing buildings in Area IV.
Feasibility Study
DTSC is completing review of the Feasibility Study for site-wide groundwater and bedrock/soils. The Feasibility Study identifies, develops, and evaluates a range of potential technologies that can be used during remediation and disposal activities. Upon completion of this review, the document will be available for public review and comment.
Interim Source Removal Actions (ISRA) (Note: ISRA activities are conducted under the authority of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LA-RWQCB))
Boeing is planning to conduct ISRA soil removal at a single Area I location in the vicinity of Building 300 after demolition of the building is complete.
NASA expects to initiate ISRA excavation work in Area II Ash Pile/Sewage Treatment Plant (AP/STP) areas in early September 2012. Excavation and subsequent surface re-grading is expected to be completed this year, before the onset of the rainy season.
Boeing and NASA are expected to submit the 2011-2012 Rainy Season Summary Report.
Groundwater Investigation and Cleanup
DTSC will complete and distribute the responses to public comments on the Groundwater Remedial Investigation document.
Begin RD-10 pump test at Happy Valley.
Approve and install new groundwater injection and monitoring wells near the former building 300 pad with drilling to follow in the future.
Coordinate off-site seeps monitoring in the Runkle Canyon and Dayton Canyon areas.
NASA
Final field sampling activities for NASA Field Sampling Plans 1-5 will conclude in September, 2012, and Data Summary Reports will be prepared for release in 2013.
A sixth NASA surficial media FSP will be prepared to account for data gaps remaining from the initial five FSPs.
DOE
Phase 3 soil-sampling in Area IV, Subarea 5B to be completed.
Draft Addendum No. 4 to Phase 3 Master Field Sampling and Analysis Plan for Subarea 5A to be added.
Public Outreach (updated as of September 11, 2012)
The Chemical Soil Background Study Report is available for public review and comment through September 4. The Groundwater Interim Measures Workplan is available for public review and comment from August 31, 2012 through October 1, 2012.
DTSC will continue to provide monthly updates regarding the progress of the site investigation and cleanup process to the community.
On September 19, 2012, DOE and DTSC will jointly hold a public visit to observe sampling activities in Area IV.
The evening of September 20, 2012 Boeing, DOE, NASA and DTSC will provide an update on the Groundwater Investigation and groundwater data gap activities. Date was changed to Monday, September 24, 2012.
On September 25, 2012, Boeing, DOE, NASA and DTSC will have a technical roundtable meeting on the seeps investigation and sampling. Meeting date changed and will be in late October, 2012.
On September 27, 2012, DOE will hold a Soil Treatability Investigation Group (STIG) meeting.
Overview
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
DTSC and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are participating in chemical soil sampling efforts in Area IV of the SSFL property where former DOE activities occurred on the Site. Area IV is a 290-acre area located in the northwestern section of the site. DOE owns facilities on a 90-acre site within Area IV. Area IV includes the Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC) facility where nuclear research, development, and testing began in the 1950’s.
The Area IV radiological soil sampling effort is being conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The US EPA approached the investigation by splitting the Area IV and Northern Buffer Zone (NBZ, collectively referred to as the “Site”) investigation into historical site assessment (HSA) subareas. The chemical soil sampling efforts follow the same HSA subarea designations. DOE and DTSC are participating in Area IV and NBZ co-located soil sampling for chemical contaminants. The sampling includes three phases,
as specified in the December 2010 Administrative Order on Consent for Remedial Action (AOC), signed by DTSC and DOE:
o Phase 1 - co-located sampling for chemical analysis at US EPA’s first phase of radiological sampling locations in Area IV and the NBZ.
o Phase 2 sampling is identified as randomly selected sampling locations, and
o Phase 3 sampling, identified as the Chemical Data Gap Investigation that shall be used to determine the locations at the Site where insufficient chemical data exists and additional chemical investigation is necessary.
US EPA, in coordination with DTSC and DOE, is implementing its second round of sampling efforts to define the nature and extent of radiologic contamination in Area IV. US EPA’s round two sampling locations are based upon the validated sampling results they received from their Phase 1 sampling.
Findings of the chemical data gap investigation may not result in sampling at all of the same locations that US EPA identifies for additional sampling during the second round. Not all of US EPA’s Round 2 sample locations will need to be sampled for chemical contaminants, and chemical data gap investigation locations may be required where no radiological sampling is needed. The rationale and selection of chemical data gap investigation sampling locations will be provided in the Work Plan for Chemical Data Gap Investigation, Phase 3 Chemical Sampling at Area IV, and discussed with the community.
NASA
NASA is currently conducting chemical data gap investigations to complete soil and surficial media characterization at the two SSFL areas under its administration that include the 41-acre NASA portion of Area I (the former Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Plant), and 409-acre Area II. Area II was used primarily for rocket engine testing and includes the Alfa, Bravo, Coca, and Delta Test Stands and support structures. Under the terms of the December 2010 Administrative Order on Consent (AOC), NASA is developing and implementing a series of five Field Sampling Plans (FSPs) to address data gaps in the soil investigations. A sixth NASA surficial media FSP will be prepared in late 2012 to account for any data gaps remaining from the initial five FSPs.
A summary of the five current NASA surficial media FSPs is provided below:
FSP-1 (Alfa-Bravo Fuel Farm, Coca-Delta Fuel Farm, Propellant Load Facility)
o All soil chemical field work completed
o Data Summary Report anticipated in Summer 2012
FSP-2 (Incinerator/Ash Pile/Sewage Treatment Plant, Building 204, Storable Propellant Area, and Skyline Road)
o All soil chemical field work completed
o Data Summary Report anticipated in late-Summer 2012
FSP-3 (Alfa Test Stand, Bravo Test Stand)
o Field sampling completed
o Data Summary Report anticipated in late Summer 2012
FSP-4 (Liquid Oxygen Plant, Area 2 Landfill, Expendable Launch Vehicle)
o Field sampling underway
o Data Summary Report anticipated in Fall 2012
FSP-5 (Coca Test Stand, Delta Stand, R2 Ponds)
o Field sampling underway
o Data Summary Report anticipated in Fall 2012
Boeing
Boeing owns most of Area I and all of Areas Ill and IV. Areas I and Ill total 791 acres and are operated by Boeing. Boeing also owns the 1143 acre southern buffer zone and 182 acre northern buffer zone. Soils in Area IV and the northern buffer zone are being characterized in the DOE portion of the project.
Boeing continues to investigate and characterize soils in Area I, Area Ill, and the southern buffer zone. Data Gap Sampling and Analysis Plans (Data Gap SAPs) will be prepared to address data gaps identified in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation Reports submitted to date. DTSC anticipates these activities will complete the characterization of the Boeing sites.
Boeing sites are located in Reporting Groups 1A, 1B, 5, 9 and 10. Boeing intends to prepare the Data Gap SAPs in subgroups identified as Boeing RFI Groups:
o 1A North, 1A Central, 1A South
o 1B North, 1B Southwest, 1B Southeast
o 5/9 North, 5/9 South, and
o Group 10
