Santa Susana Field Laboratory
Monthly Status Report
September 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 September, 2012, as well as activities that are expected to occur in October 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
During the public-review-and-comment period that closed September 4, 2012, DTSC received several stakeholder comments and questions regarding the Study’s draft report. DTSC prepared responses to the comments and took into consideration making several revisions to the draft report to clarify certain statements therein. DTSC will post the responses along with the final report to the SSFL website.
DTSC received from its independent contractor, Dr. Mark Schilling – California State University, Northridge, draft background threshold values (BTVs) based on combining data for those constituents that were not previously combined in the initial, stratified statistical assessments.
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
In August 2012, NASA completed the first phase of sample collection to complete soil and surficial media chemical characterization at the two SSFL areas under its administration. These areas include the 41-acre NASA portion of Area I (the former Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Plant) and the 409-acre Area II. Samples collected during this nine month program are currently being analyzed and data is being generated for assessment of the extent of remaining chemical data gaps. The second and final phase of sample collection is expected to commence in late spring 2013.
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 analytical results have been received and 50 percent have been validated.
Deep Borings (Phase 1 Co-Located):
All field work has been completed.
All of the analytical results have been received and validated.
HSA-5A (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
Addendum No. 4 to Master Field Sampling Plan for Phase 3 Chemical Data Gap Investigation, Subarea 5A approved by DTSC on September 4, 2012.
Standard Operating Procedure No. 14 (revision 1) Geophysical Survey approved by DTSC on September 24, 2012.
Geophysical Survey conducted.
HSA-5B (Phase 3 Data Gap Investigation):
Approximately 92 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.
All of the analytical results have been received; however, validation has not yet started.
Geophysical Survey conducted.
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 have been received; however, validation has not yet started.
Geophysical Survey conducted.
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 continuing to work 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
DTSC requested that Boeing not begin demolition of non-radiological buildings in Area IV pending the resolution of radiological characterization and disposal issues. DTSC is coordinating the radiological characterization issue with the California Department of Public Health and the USEPA.
DTSC continues to review demolition proposals for two Boeing Area IV Non-Radiological areas. Building 4015 and Potable Water Tanks 812/851.
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 recommendations 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.
On August 31st a draft work plan for completing the investigation of seeps and springs was submitted. DTSC is reviewing the work plan.
On September 13th DTSC submitted comments on the Happy Valley pump test work plan. (well RD-10).
On September 24th a public meeting was held to present an update on the groundwater characterization process.
Groundwater Monitoring
Sampling for the 2012 third quarter monitoring event was 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.
The public review and comment period on the draft 2009 Groundwater Interim Measures work plan continued through the month of September and closes on October 1st. 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 Treatability Study 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
-DTSC, Boeing, DOE and NASA are working through final comments on the work plan addendum.
o In-situ chemical oxidation (groundwater).
–On September 24, 2012, DTSC issued an approval of the In-situ chemical oxidation field test work plan and addendum.
–The next step is to complete the initial study for CEQA, and to post a public notification.
Interim Source Removal Actions (ISRA) (Note: ISRA activities are conducted under the authority of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LA-RWQCB))
NASA reinitiated ISRA soil excavation activities On September 5, 2012 at Ash Pile/Sewage Treatment Plant (AP/STP) area. The AP/STP ISRA excavation activity is anticipated to remove approximately 4,000 yards of soil and be completed within four weeks, pending acceptable confirmation soil sample results. Excavation and subsequent re-grading are expected to be completed this year before onset of rainy season.
Boeing received soil sample results and completed delineation ISRA soil removal area IEL-3. Waste characterization planning is ongoing. Excavation and subsequent surface re-grading are expected to be completed this year before onset of rainy season.
Public Participation
The GWIM Work Plan is available for review and comment. The Public Comment began on August 31, 2012 and ends on 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 9/12/2012 DTSC staff participated in a Congressional Site Tour at SSFL.
On 9/24/2012 Boeing and DTSC held a public meeting to discuss the Groundwater Investigation and Groundwater data gap activities. At SSFL.
On September 27, 2012, DOE hosted a Soils Treatability Investigation Group Meeting for community members which included a presentation by Sandia National Laboratory regarding recommendations for soil treatability studies.
Activities Expected to Occur Within the Next 30 Days:
DTSC
Chemical Soil Background Study
DTSC will continue reviewing and finalizing the draft combined-data BTVs; to be issued as a supplement to the final report.
DTSC expects to post to the SSFL website the final report, responses to comments, and combined-data BTVs by mid-October.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
DTSC will prepare an SOQ to select a contractor for programmatic CEQA work.
DTSC will submit 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
DTSC will approve the construction of monitoring wells to be used in an in-situ chemical oxidation field test.
An initial study for CEQA will be prepared and the public notification will be made.
Bedrock Vapor Extraction Field Study
DTSC will finalize review and responses for bedrock vapor extraction work plan.
Building Demolition
DTSC anticipates resolving radiological screening and waste disposal issues for two Boeing Area IV Non-Radiological areas (Building 4015 and Potable Water Tanks 812/851).Pending resolution of the remaining screening and disposal issues, DTSC concurrence with the demolition plans may be provided by October 8, 2012. No other Boeing Area IV demolition proposals have been submitted for review by DTSC.
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 submit 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.
Meet with RPs to plan faults characterization work plan.
Conduct public meeting on seeps and springs.
Begin 4th quarter groundwater elevation gauging.
NASA
Data Summary Reports for the first phase of the 2011-2012 chemical data gap investigation (Field Sampling Plans (FSPs) 1 through 5) are in preparation for release in 2013.
A second and final phase of NASA surficial media sampling (FSP-6) will be prepared to account for data gaps remaining from the initial five FSPs implemented in 2011-2012.
DOE
Draft Addendum No. 5 to Phase 3 Master Field Sampling and Analysis Plan for Subareas 3 and 6 to be submitted for review/approval.
Phase 3 soil sampling activities will continue in Area IV.
Public Outreach
The Chemical Soil Background Study Report was available for comment in September. The public comment period for this document concluded on 9/4/2012.
The Groundwater Interim Measures Work plan is available for public review and comment as of October 1, 2012.
On Monday, September 24, 2012 Boeing, DOE, NASA and DTSC provided an update on the Groundwater Investigation and groundwater data gap activities.
On September 27, 2012, DOE held a Soil Treatability Investigation Group (STIG) meeting.
DTSC will continue to provide monthly updates regarding the progress of the site investigation and cleanup process to the community.
DTSC is in the process of working with the SSFL Community to establish a Community Advisory Group (CAG). As this process progresses additional information will follow via the DTSC/SSFL email list, website and other communication mediums.
On October 23, 2012, DTSC and Boeing will conduct a community meeting and site visit to discuss the Groundwater and Seeps at SSFL. Additional information can be found on the SSFL calendar at the SSFL website.
On October 25, 2012, DTSC and DOE will host a technical stakeholder meeting to discuss the proposed Phase 3 chemical data investigation sampling approach for Subareas 3 and 6. The meeting will be held at the SSFL site from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Parties interested in attending should contact Jazmin.bell@emcbc@doe.gov
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, has implemented 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 identified for additional sampling during the second round. Not all of US EPA’s Round 2 sample locations were 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 41.7-acre NASA administered portion of Area I (the former Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Plant), and 409.5-acre Area II. Area II was used primarily for rocket engine testing and includes the Alfa, Bravo, Coca, former 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, former 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
