Santa Susana Field Laboratory
Monthly Status Report
July 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 between July 1 and July 30, 2012 as well as activities that are expected to occur in the next 30 days. 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 continued working with its consultant in completing the draft Chemical Soil Background Study results report. The public comment period will begin in late July 2012.
- DTSC prepared a series of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) and answers for posting to the DTSC SSFL website along with the Study's draft results report. The FAQs and answers are intended to assist stakeholders in better understanding both the Study's objectives, and key concepts and findings as discussed in the draft report.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- A CEQA Initial Study is being prepared for the chemical oxidation field test.
- DTSC worked with the CEQA contractor, AECOM to plan the overall SSFL CEQA approach.
- DTSC prepared a Notice of Exemption for the Groundwater Interim Measures Work Plan.
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:
- Field Sampling is being conducted at the FSP, Subarea 4 locations including the Liquid Oxygen Plant, Area 2 Landfill, and Expendable Launch Vehicle Area.
- Field Sampling is being conducted at the FSP, Subarea 5 locations including the Coca Test Stand, Delta Test Stand, and R2 Ponds.
U.S. Department of Energy (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.
Northern Buffer Zone (Phase 1 Co-Located and Phase 2 Random Co-Located):
- All field work is now completed.
- All of the chemical analytical data has been received and validation has not yet started.
Deep Borings (Phase 1 Co-Located):
- All field work completed.
- All analytical results received and in the process of being validated.
HSA-5C (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
- Approximately 77 percent of surface and subsurface soil boring sample locations completed. The remaining 13 percent of sample locations consists of trenches and test pits, which will be completed after submittal, review and approval of a geophysical survey addendum and subsequent completion of the geophysical survey.
- All of the 5C data collected thus far has been reported by the laboratories.
HSA-5B (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
- Approximately 15 percent of the surface and subsurface soil boring sample locations have been completed.
- Approximately 40 percent of the 5B data collected thus far has been reported by the laboratories.
Area III Drainage Sediment Sampling (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
- All field work is completed.
- Awaiting receipt of chemical analytical data. Data validation has not yet started.
Boeing
DTSC is working with Boeing to address DTSC's comments, and to 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
Demolition of Building 300 was completed.
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:
- Investigation and characterization of groundwater contamination
- Ongoing groundwater monitoring of existing wells,
- Sampling of new groundwater locations, and
- Treatment and disposal of contaminated groundwater.
DTSC met with Boeing, DOE and NASA on July 30 and 31, 2012 to discuss the fault characterization related to groundwater. Information discussed at the meeting will be used to develop a work plan to address data gaps regarding the fault characterization.
Planning for pump testing along the Happy Valley Fault has been performed using a simulating model. It is anticipated well RD-10 will be the extraction well and pumped at 20 gallons per minute for approximately 30 days. Water pumped from RD-10 will be sent to the Groundwater Extraction Treatment System using the pipeline from well RD-1.
DTSC has completed a CEQA review and developed a Notice of Exemption for the Groundwater Interim Measures Work Plan. The Plan will be available for public review and comment in September 2012.
Groundwater is being pumped from WS-9A at 20 gallons per minute to reduce flow at the adjacent seep.
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.
Groundwater laboratory studies being conducted:
- Chemical oxidation using potassium permanganate,
- Thermal heating of rock core,
- Microbial characterization of rock core, ore water, and
- Bio-Stimulation.
- The enhanced biological stimulation laboratory study is underway.
- DTSC submitted comments on the in-situ (in-place) chemical oxidation addendum and is working on the bedrock vapor extraction comments.
Monitoring and Sampling
- The second quarter 2012 groundwater monitoring report is being prepared.
- The third quarter 2012 groundwater sampling event began July 9, 2012. DTSC issued a letter regarding the deferral of sampling in the third quarter 2012 for many wells, but a few will need to be sampled in the third quarter 2012.
Boeing requested DTSC's assistance in accessing some of the off-site areas for instrumenting and collecting samples from the seeps. DTSC will help obtain access and is awaiting the contact information for the property owners.
Interim Source Removal Actions (ISRA) (Note: ISRA activities are conducted under the authority of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LA-RWQCB)):
ISRA activities are currently on-hold pending resolution on use of December 2011 Radiation Trigger Levels for ISRA soil removal activities in Area II (NASA). DTSC is working with NASA to resolve the soil disposal criteria and approval process.
Public Participation
- On July 11, 2012, DTSC hosted a Technical Stakeholder Meeting to discuss the results of the Chemical Soil Background Study (CSBS). The CSBS report will be made available to the public for review and comment.
- On July 19, 2012, DOE hosted a Soils Treatability Investigation Group meeting which included the presentation and discussion of soil remediation technology study boundaries and objectives, results from soil remediation technology screening, use of research in the form of treatability studies to resolve uncertainties regarding soil remediation, preliminary list of possible treatability studies that could be used to address identified uncertainties, and proposed measures.
Activities Expected to Occur Within the Next 30 Days:
DTSC
Chemical Soil Background Study
- DTSC will issue the Background Study's draft results report for a 30-day public review and comment period.
- DTSC will begin preparing responses to comments received from stakeholders. The comments and responses will be published on DTSC's website.
- Based on the comments from stakeholders, DTSC will revise the Background Study report as needed.
Boeing
Boeing sites are located in Reporting Groups 1A, 1B, 5, 9 and 10. Boeing intends to prepare the Data Gap Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) in subgroups identified as Boeing Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) facility investigation (RFI) Groups:
- 1A North, 1A Central, 1A South,
- 1B North, 1B Southwest, 1B Southeast,
- 5/9 North, 5/9 South, and
- Group 10.
DTSC is working with Boeing to address DTSC comments and to 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 soliciting bids for a contractor to conduct this Study.
Building Demolition
Installation of erosion controls to be completed at former Building 300 in Area I.
Groundwater Investigation and Cleanup
- Third quarter groundwater monitoring program sampling activities to be completed by mid-August.
- DTSC will complete and distribute the responses to public comments on the Groundwater Remedial Investigation document.
- DTSC will complete work on the Groundwater Interim Measures document.
- RD-10 pump testing to be conducted at Happy Valley.
- Installation of new groundwater injection and monitoring wells near the former building 300 pad to be completed.
- Off-site seeps monitoring in the Runkle Canyon and Dayton Canyon areas to be coordinated.
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.
NASA
- Field sampling to be completed at locations identified in Field Sampling Plan, Subarea 4 and the Field Sampling Plan for Subarea 5.
- 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.
- Draft Addendum No. 4 to Phase 3 Master Field Sampling and Analysis Plan for Subarea 5A.
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.
- Boeing and NASA expect to submit the 2011-2012 Rainey Season Summary Report to DTSC by August 31, 2012.
Public Outreach
- On August 9, 2012 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, DOE and DTSC will co-host a Technical Stakeholder Meeting at SSFL to discuss the Phase 3 Chemical Data Gap Sampling for Subarea 5A.
- The Chemical Soil Background Study Report will be available for public review and comment. In September DTSC will host a meeting to discuss public comments on the Chemical Background Report.
- The public comment period for the Groundwater Interim Measures Work Plan and associated CEQA document is expected to begin in mid-August 2012.
- Boeing will host Community Bus Tours on August 17, 2012.
- DTSC and Boeing will co-host a community meeting to discuss the status of the groundwater investigation.
- DTSC and Boeing will co-host a community meeting to discuss Boeing's upcoming schedule for the Sampling and Analysis Plans which are currently in development.
- The public comment period for the Draft Feasibility Study will be scheduled.
- DTSC will continue to provide monthly updates regarding the progress of the site investigation and cleanup process to the community.
SSFL 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. It is currently owned by Boeing, with a 90-acre section that is leased to the DOE. 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:
- Phase 1 - co-located sampling for chemical analysis at US EPA's first phase of radiological sampling locations in Area IV and the NBZ.
- Phase 2 sampling is identified as randomly selected sampling locations, and
- Phase 3 sampling is identified as the Chemical Data Gap Investigation, which 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, which 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. The review process for each of these FSPs includes a public roundtable meeting and site tour of the sites. 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)
- All soil chemical field work completed
- Data Summary Report anticipated in Summer 2012
FSP-2 (Incinerator/Ash Pile/Sewage Treatment Plant, Building 204,
Storable Propellant Area, and Skyline Road)
- All soil chemical field work completed
- Data Summary Report anticipated in late-Summer 2012
FSP-3 (Alfa Test Stand, Bravo Test Stand)
- Field sampling completed
- Data Summary Report anticipated in late Summer 2012
FSP-4 (Liquid Oxygen Plant, Area 2 Landfill, Expendable Launch Vehicle)
- Field sampling underway
- Data Summary Report anticipated in Fall 2012
FSP-5 (Coca Test Stand, Delta Stand, R2 Ponds)
- Field sampling underway
- 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 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:
- 1A North, 1A Central, 1A South
- 1B North, 1B Southwest, 1B Southeast
- 5/9 North, 5/9 South, and
- Group 10
Additional Information can be found on DTSC's website at: http://dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Santa_Susana_Field_Lab/index.cfm
