20023_Sealtest Dairy_GW Assessment Report_2016.03.25

Groundwater Assessment Report

ECS Carolinas, LLP
4811 Koger Boulevard
Greensboro, North Carolina 27407
[phone]

Former Sealtest Dairy, 2115 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, Catawba
County, NC
ECS Project No. 49.1624A

ECS Project No. 24839C

Prepared for:
Insite Real Estate, LLC
Oak Brook, IL

Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

March 25, 2016

Mr. Dan Uebelhor
InSite Real Estate, LLC
1400 16th Street Suite 300
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

Reference: Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A

Dear Mr. Uebelhor:

As authorized by your acceptance of our Proposal 49.639P dated March 4, 2016, ECS Carolinas, LLP
(ECS) has completed our Groundwater Assessment Report for the above referenced site. Included in
this report is a description of the field activities, the results obtained, and our conclusions and
recommendations.

ECS appreciates the opportunity to provide our services to you. If there are questions regarding this
report, or a need for further information, please contact us at [phone].

Respectfully submitted,

ECS CAROLINAS, LLP

John M. Stewart, P.G.
Chief Geologist

John Lair, P.G.
Director of Environmental Services
Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SITE INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 FIELD ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 RESULTS .................................................................................................................................................. 4
4.0 CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 4
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 5
6.0 QUALIFICATIONS OF REPORT .................................................................................................................. 5

FIGURES

Figure 1 Site Location Map
Figure 2 Site Map
Figure 3 Sample Location Map

TABLES

Table 1 Summary of Groundwater Analytical Results

APPENDIX

Appendix A Boring Log and Well Construction Diagram
Appendix B Laboratory Data Sheets and Chain-of-Custody Record

Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

1

1.0 SITE INFORMATION

The site is located at 2115 Highway 70 SE in Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina (Figure 1 and
Figure 2). ECS recently completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the site in
September 2105 (ECS Project No. 09.26039). The site consists of an approximate 1.45 acre tract
identified as Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 371107792430. The site currently contains an
approximate 3,680 square foot commercial building, occupied by Direct TV and an automobile repair
business (southern portion of the site); two single family residences (northern portion of the site);
asphalt parking areas; and, landscaped areas.

The commercial building was reportedly occupied by various commercial businesses, including Old
Sealtest Dairy and DRR Properties, LLC and Harold King. The Direct TV portion of the building contained
offices and storage areas. The automotive repair portion of the building contained an automotive repair
bay/workshop and a restroom. De minimis staining was observed on the concrete floor in this area;
however, floor drains were not observed in the building and the spilled material had not left the
concrete. According to interviews, the automobile repair business had been located on the site for
approximately three months. Based on this information, the automobile repair business was not
considered a recognized environmental condition (REC) for the site.

An automobile repair facility was reportedly located on adjoining property east of the site from at least
1992 to 1999. Based on the proximity to the site, a release from this property could impact the site.
Therefore, ECS concluded the former automobile repair facility represented a REC for the site.

A regulatory database search report was provided by Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR). The
EDR report identified the Old Sealtest Dairy site as having a documented release. We reviewed the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) file for this incident. According to
information in the file, a release was discovered during the removal of a 6,000 gallon gasoline UST, a
5,000 gallon gasoline UST, a 1,100 gallon diesel UST, and a 550 gallon fuel oil UST March 1997.
Laboratory analysis of confirmation soil samples collected from the base of the excavations indicated
that total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were detected above state action levels. Approximately 50
cubic yards of petroleum impacted soil was removed from the former UST basins in September 1997.
Laboratory analysis of confirmation soil samples did not identify petroleum constituents above
detection limits. The NCDEQ issued a No Further Action letter for this incident, dated October 28, 2003.

A soil and groundwater assessment was performed in October 2013 by Geological Resources, Inc. (GRI)
in the area where the dispenser for the former gasoline USTs was located. The gasoline USTs and
dispenser were located along the east side of the property. Laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater
collected during the investigation did not detect petroleum compounds above detection limits in the
soil or groundwater; however, tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichlorofluoromethane were discovered
in the groundwater sample. PCE was detected above its respective 15A NCAC 02L Groundwater Quality
Standards (NC2L standards). Trichlorofluoromethane was detected below the NC2L standard. The
incident was transferred to the Inactive Hazardous Site Branch (IHSB) due to the presence of Perc in the
groundwater above the NC2L standard. Based on information in the file, additional assessment had not
been performed since 2003. The PCE impacted groundwater represented a REC of the site.
Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

2

In November 2015, ECS collected two groundwater samples using a direct push rig in the area of the
former USTs (previous sample of MW-1) and in what is believed to be the downgradient direction
(based on surface topography). The samples were submitted to Research and Analytical Laboratory
(R&A) in Kernersville, North Carolina for chemical analysis for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using
EPA Method 8260 and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) using EPA Method 8270BNA (base
neutrals and acid extractable). Laboratory analysis of groundwater samples GWB1 and GWB2 did not
detect VOCs or SVOCs above laboratory quantitation limits.

The information was presented to the North Carolina Division of Waster Management, Inactive
Hazardous Sites Branch (IHSB) for review and consideration of writing a No List Letter. The IHSB
requested a groundwater sample be collected from the top of rock and analyzed for VOCs prior to
making a closure determination.

ECS was contracted by Mr. Dan Uebelhor with InSite Real Estate, LLC to install a monitoring to the top
of rock and collect a groundwater sample per the IHSB request..

2.0 FIELD ACTIVITIES

2.1 Introduction to Scope of Work

The groundwater assessment consisted of drilling a soil boring to install a permanent monitoring and to
collect a groundwater sample using a Geoprobe® drill rig. The drilling contractor used for this project
was Quantex, Inc.

2.2 Utility Clearance

Prior to commencing with field activities, ECS contacted NC One-Call to locate and mark public utilities
at the site. ECS also contracted with a private utility locator to locate private underground utilities at
each parcel. Required separation distances between subsurface activities and marked utilities (typically
30-inches) were maintained during the field activities.

2.3 Geoprobe® Drilling Services

The Geoprobe® consists of various drilling platforms an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The Geoprobe® used
was capable of drilling with both hollow-stem augers and various forms of groundwater and soil
sampling probes into the ground to depths equivalent of auger refusal.
Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

3

2.3.1 Geoprobe® Soil Boring

The soil boring for the monitoring well was advanced using hollow-stem augers. The location of the soil
boring is shown on Figure 2. Prior to advancing the boring, the down hole equipment and Geoprobe®
drill rig were decontaminated utilizing a high pressure steam cleaner that utilized municipal water. The
down hole equipment and drill rig were decontaminated to prevent cross-contamination between
drilling locations.

2.3.2 Soil Sample Collection and Preparation

The auger cuttings were visually classified and screened for relative levels of volatile organic vapors
using a Thermo 2020 flame ionization detector (FID). Copy of the boring log and FID readings are in
included in Appendix A.

2.3.3 Monitoring Well Installation

The boring for the monitoring well was drilled to a depth of 90 feet below land surface where refusal
was encountered. The well was constructed with 2-inch I.D. Schedule 40 PVC flushed-threaded casing
and screen. The PVC screen and casing were lowered to the bottom of each borehole. A 5-foot length
of slotted well screen with machined 0.010-inch slot widths and threaded bottom plug were installed at
the bottom of each well. A solid section of PVC casing was placed above the screened interval flush
with the ground surface. The annular space around well screen was filled with washed fine filter sand
to approximately two feet above the top of the screen. A minimum two foot thick seal of bentonite
pellets was placed immediately above the sand pack. The remaining annular space was filled with
grout. A protected flush mount well cover was set over the well. The top of the well casing was
equipped with a lockable, water-tight well plug. The monitoring well construction diagram is included in
Appendix A.

2.3.4 Groundwater Sample Collection and Preparation

Approximately 24 hours after installation, the monitoring well was purged using a dedicated
polyethylene bailer and nylon cord. The well was developed/purged by evacuating a minimum of five
well volumes. The well was developed/purged to remove sand, silt and other fine sediments which may
have entered the well during construction and to promote communication between the surrounding
formation and the sand pack surrounding the well’s screened interval. After the purging was
completed, a groundwater sample was collected and transferred into sample containers provided by
the laboratory.

The sampler placed the samples in laboratory prepared containers. Each container was labeled and
placed in a cooler containing ice to maintain the samples at approximately 4 Celsius. The samples
were hand delivered to R&A to be analyzed for VOCs using EPA Method 8260. A Chain of Custody
Record was maintained and is included in Appendix B.

Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

4

3.0 RESULTS

Laboratory analysis of the groundwater sample detected chloroform above the laboratory quantitation
limits but not its NC2L standard Laboratory analysis of the groundwater sample detected PCE at a
concentration of 1.83 ppb which is above its NC2L standard. A summary of the groundwater analytical
results is presented in Table 1. The laboratory data sheets are included in Appendix B.

4.0 CONCLUSIONS

Laboratory analysis of the groundwater sample collected from the monitoring well detected low
concentrations (1.83 ppb) of PCE above its NC2L standard. Analysis of the shallow well installed in this
location in 2003 detected 2.2 ppb of PCE and the analysis of two shallow groundwater samples
collected in the same area in 2015 did not detect PCE above laboratory detection limits. As the data
indicates, the presence of PCE in both the shallow and deeper portion of the aquifer is intermittent and
very low. The data does not support a deep plume of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL).

As we have presented in previous reports, there is no reported source of PCE on the subject site (past
milk distributor, commercial retail, residential); however, an automobile repair garage was located on
the adjoining property east of the site from at least 1992 to 1999 (probably longer). The monitoring
well/groundwater sample locations are five feet from the eastern property line and within ten feet of
the former garage building, whereas the onsite building is located approximately 50 from the
well/sample locations. It is our opinion that the source of the PCE is from the garage on the adjoining
property, as metal degreasers and/or parts washers used in the garage could have contained PCE.

In May 2012, the EPA updated the IRIS database with recent scientific information that indicates that
PCE is significantly less carcinogenic than previously thought. The current NC2L standard of 0.7 ppb is
based on an earlier EPA determination of the 1 x 10-6 cancer risk level. In May 2014, as part of EPA’s
draft update of the recommended water quality criteria, EPA published a report on PCE indicating that
the 1 x 10-6 cancer risk level for PCE is 10 ppb, replacing the prior estimate (Draft Update of Human
Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria: Tetrachloroethylene (2014), at
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/current/upload/Draft-Update-of-Human-
Health-Ambient-Water-Quality-Criteria-Tetrachloroethylene.pdf). On June 29, 2015, EPA issued its final
recommended water quality criteria, including the higher PCE standard. EPA, Final Updated Ambient
Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health, 80 Fed. Reg. 36,986, at 36,988 (June 29,
2015).

Because EPA has increased the PCE 1 x 10-6 cancer risk level to 10 ppb, we expect the state groundwater
quality standard to rise to the MCL of 5 ppb during DENR’s next triennial groundwater standards
review. Note that the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for drinking water is already 5 ppb.
When the NC2L standard for PCE rises to 5 ppb, the detected concentrations of PCE will no longer
violate the standard, as PCE has not been detected at or above 5 ppb. We understand the triennial
review is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Groundwater Assessment Report
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 Southeast
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49.1624A
March 25, 2016

5

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

In light of the very low concentrations of PCE detected on the site, low to no risk to receptors (nearest
reported wells (not in use) were 600 feet northwest of the site in 2003) and vapor intrusion concerns
are nonexistent based on the detected concentrations of PCE, the site is in a commercial area, the EPA’s
MCL of 5 ppb for drinking water, no known source of PCE on the site but a likely source on the adjoining
property, and the willingness of the client to place groundwater use restrictions on the property; we are
requesting the IHSB issue a no list letter for incident on this property.

If the IHSB does not agree with our recommendation, and InSite Real Estate, LLC (InSite) wished to
continue with development of the property, ECS recommends that InSite consider developing the
property under a North Carolina Brownfields Agreement.

6.0 QUALIFICATIONS OF REPORT

The activities and evaluative approaches used in this assessment are consistent with those normally
employed in environmental assessment projects of this type. Our evaluation of site conditions has been
based on our understanding of the site project information and the data obtained during our field
activities. This report was prepared for the express use of InSite Real Estate, LLC. Use of this report by
other individuals or companies implies their acceptance of the General Conditions of Service of the
original contract.

FIGURES
SOURCE:
USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA
QUADRANGLE, DATED 1993
FIGURE 1
SITE LOCATION MAP
2115 HIGHWAY 70 SE
HICKORY, CATAWBA COUNTY, NC
ECS PROJECT NO. 49-1624A
SITE
APPROXIMATE SITE BOUNDARY
2,000’
SOURCE:
CATAWBA COUNTY GIS WEBSITE
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH, DATED 2014
FIGURE 2
SITE MAP
2115 HIGHWAY 70 SE
HICKORY, CATAWBA COUNTY, NC
ECS PROJECT NO. 49-1624A
LEGEND
CURRENT/FORMER AUTO REPAIR
BUSINESS
APPROXIMATE SITE BOUNDARY
A
200’
A
SOURCE:
CATAWBA COUNTY GIS WEBSITE
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH, DATED 2014
SCALE = NTS
FIGURE 3
SAMPLE LOCATION MAP
2115 HIGHWAY 70 SE
HICKORY, CATAWBA COUNTY, NC
ECS PROJECT NO. 49-1624A
MW-1

Approximate Site Boundary

TABLES
Former Sealtest Dairy
2115 Highway 70 SE
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
ECS Project 49.1624A
TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF GROUNDWATER ANALYTICAL RESULTS
Parameter ANALYTICAL RESULTS
Location MW-1
Date Sampled 3/10/16
Chloroform 1.35 70
Tetrachloroethene 1.83 0.7
Notes:
Concentrations are presented in milligrams per liter, analagous to parts per million
2L Standard = 15 A NCAC 2L.0202 Water Quality Standard
Bold = Concentration exceeds the 2L Standard
BQL = Below the laboratory quantitation limit of the method of analysis
2L
Standard
VOCs by 8260

APPENDIX A
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
16.76
18.32
18.77
16.81
14.32
12.71
11.78
dark red brown silt
brown silt
light brown silt
dark brown silt
brown silt
PROJECT:Former Sealtest Dairy MONITORING WELL NO.MW-1
CLIENT:InSite Real Estate, LLC PROJECT NO.49-1624A
LOCATION:
2115 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina
ELEVATION:
DRILLER:
Quantex
DATE DRILLED:
3/9/16
LOGGED BY:
Randy Cavallier
DRILL RIG:
Geoprobe with Hollow Stem Augers
DEPTH TO WATER:
44.30'
Elevation/
Depth (Ft)PI
D
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Figure Page 1 of 3
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
11.98
11.84
10.91
10.99
10.53
10.66
ML
brown silt
brown wet silt
silt mud
PROJECT:Former Sealtest Dairy Monitoring Well No.MW-1
CLIENT:InSite Real Estate, LLC Project No.49-1624A
LOCATION:
2115 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina
ELEVATION:
DRILLER:
Quantex
DATE DRILLED:
3/9/16
LOGGED BY:
Randy Cavallier
DRILL RIG:
Geoprobe with Hollow Stem Augers
DEPTH TO WATER>FIRST:
44.30'
COMPL.:
44.30'
Elevation/
Depth (Ft)PI
D
Re
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Sa
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Figure Page 2 of 3
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
ML
silt mud
PROJECT:Former Sealtest Dairy Monitoring Well No.MW-1
CLIENT:InSite Real Estate, LLC Project No.49-1624A
LOCATION:
2115 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina
ELEVATION:
DRILLER:
Quantex
DATE DRILLED:
3/9/16
LOGGED BY:
Randy Cavallier
DRILL RIG:
Geoprobe with Hollow Stem Augers
DEPTH TO WATER>FIRST:
44.30'
COMPL.:
44.30'
Elevation/
Depth (Ft)PI
D
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g
Sa
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Figure Page 3 of 3

APPENDIX B