Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) pursuant to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) at Installation Restorat
Summary
SCH Number
2005068488
Public Agency
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Document Title
Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) pursuant to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) at Installation Restorat
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/28/2005
Document Description
Based on the comparative analysis in the EE/CA, the Air Force recommends injection of emulsified soybean oil in the Site 8 contaminant source area. The in-situ anaerobic bioremediation technology utilizes naturally occurring or introduced microorganisms to convert organic contaminants into simple compounds under manipulated environmental conditions. Bioremediation uses a destruction technique directed towards stimulating the microorganisms to grow and use the contaminants as a food and energy source. Prior to full-scale application of emulsified soybean oil, an initial bench test would be implemented to assess whether indigenous bacteria are capable of completely degrading VOCs and perchlorate. Additional groundwater monitoring wells will be installed near the source area and the bench test would be followed by a 6-month pilot test in the area southwest of the SLC-4E launch tower. After the pilot test, a successful, additional injection wells would be installed to address the remaining treatment area. A sequence of up to five injection well arrays, each consisting of seven injection wells (35 total injection wells) would be considered for deployment at the site. The rows and wells would be placed at 20 to 30-foot intervals. After the initial injection, soybean oil could be injected every 3 to 5 years using the existing well field, as needed. Evaluation of the remedy and quarterly monitoring reports will be submitted after each injection.
No final cleanup goals have been set for this IRA. The final remedy to remediate contaminated groundwater at this site will be selected in the feasibility study phase. The proposed IRA is designed, however, to be compatible with and potentially comprise the final remedy at Site 8.
Contact Information
Name
Tayseer Mahmoud
Agency Name
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Lompoc
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Unincorporated
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
General Rule 15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed remedial action has only limited activities. It will not create any significant environment impact because:
1. The site is located within the boundaries of Vandenberg AFB, an isolated, active military installation. The area in which Site 8 cluster is located is in a remote area in the southern half of the base. The land use surrounding the site is strictly industrial use and involves supporting the VAFB launching operations. The Base's family housing and main cantonment area are located approximately 7 miles from the site. SLC-4E is surrounded by a security fence with armed guards posted at the entrance; there is no access available to the area by the general public. Access by non-essential personnel will be restricted during field work and installation of new injection wells. The nearest city, the city of Lompoc, is about ten miles away.
2. The SLC-4E launch pad area features a gantry tower and support buildings constructed on a reinforced concrete pad. Asphalt paved access roads encircle the pad area. All proposed drilling locations at SLC-4E are situated in areas of concrete or asphalt pavement, or in borders adjacent to access roads. The only ecological habitat in the pad area is in patches of ice plant on slopes bordering the access roads, which is of marginal quality, limited to squirrels and voles. Field mobilization and installation of additional monitoring and injection wells will have minimal impact to animals identified at the site and will not disturb the existing habitat for the following reasons: the only viable drilling locations are situated in areas of asphalt or concrete, or on road shoulders, where no ecological habitats exist; the installed monitoring and injection wells will be closed at all times and the animals will not have access to the wells.
3. Based on the Rarefind search of the Natural Diversity Data Base, no known endangered plant on the site is identified. The project will not alter the overall appearance of the site because the project activities are limited to construction of groundwater wells, and periodic injection of soybean oil into the well arrays.
4. Site 8 is not located in an area known for cultural and paleontological resources. The contractor will obtain a site-specific work permit or dig permit from the Base, which requires clearance from the Base Cultural Resources for Native American burial sites, archaeological, historical, etc., before field activities. The contractor will only install wells in areas approved by the Base.
5. The investigation derived waste (IDW) generated during the installation of monitoring and injection wells include soil cuttings, well development water, and decontamination wastewater. The IDW will be characterized (sampled and analyzed) and managed in accordance with applicable regulation standards, requirements, criteria, and guidelines previously approved for the project under a site-wide agreement with the DTSC and the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Base.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.