NCD980602163_19921120_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_S&ME letter to Bill Meyer re Inspection of Landfill-OCR

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Printed on
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November 20, 1992
State of North Carolina
Division of Solid Waste Management
Department Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7687
Attn: Mr. Bill Meyer, Director
Reference: PCB Landfill, Warren County
Dear Mr. Meyer
This letter is written in response to our recent inspection of the PCB Landfill in Warren County and
your request for proposal to assess the current conditions at the landfill and propose remedial action
alternatives should they be warranted.
Background
On November 12, 1992, Mr. Bobby Lufty of your office accompanied Mr. Walt Beckwith and Mr. Billy
Lee of S&ME to the PCB Landfill in Warren County. The primary purpose of the visit was to review best
methods for recovery, treatment and disposal of leachate from the low yielding collection system and to
speculate hypotheses for the apparent fluctuations in depth of leachate contained within the collection
system.
The site visit involved an evaluation of the leachate pump system, the leachate treatment system,
the methane venting system, and perimeter monitor wells. During the investigation an initial water level
measurement in the leachate collection well was recorded and then monitored while dewatering the sump.
After approximately 15 minutes, the water level in the recovery well casing was equal to the sump elevation.
A visibly high dissolved gas content in the leachate (coarse bubbles) was noted in the filtration tank
of the treatment system. The recognition of dissolved gas prompted an assessment of the sole methane
vent. It was discerned that a significant volume of gas flows out of the vent and a detectable pressure within
the landfill's "sealed cell" exists.
S&ME, Inc. 3100 Spring Forest Rood, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604, [phone], Fox [phone]
Moiling address: P.O. 13ox 58069, Raleigh, North Carolina 27658-8069
Preliminary Assumptions
Based on our field observations, we hypothesize that the fluctuation of the water level in the leachate
recovery well is a result of a marginal or insufficient gas venting system. Production of methane gas from
the decomposition of organic matter contained within the landfilled soil creates a nominal pressure within
the sealed cell. Presumably, the only links with the atmosphere are the methane vent and the leachate
recovery well. Consequently, the well acts as a barometer and the water column fluctuation is a response
to variations in atmospheric pressure in conjunction with the back pressure caused from the methane
accumulation within the landfill.
Thus, the water level fluctuations as measured in the well could potentially be caused entirely by
the atmospheric and cell pressures rather than the volume of leachate within the landfill cell. A one pound
per square inch (psi) pressure differential between the cell and atmosphere would equate to approximately
2.3 feet rise in the recovery well water column.
At the same time, we have concerns about the integrity of the synthetic liner because of the
potentially high volume of water present in the cell, the effects of potentially high methane gas pressures
on the liner, and the thickness of the geosynthetic liner (we understand that the liner is 1 O mil in thickness
which may have been difficult to seam during installation).
Approach to Work
We recommend that prior to designing a leachate treatment and land application system for the
landfill as suggested in our meeting of November 9, 1992, an additional assessment of the situation be
considered. The objectives of the assessment should be as follows:
• Verify the origin of water column fluctuations
• Estimate the actual volume of leachate in the landfill
• Evaluate the performance of the existing methane venting system
• Evaluate the integrity of the existing 1 O mil flexible membrane liner (FML) cover
• Recommend corrective action for:
► Leachate recovery, treatment and disposal
► Methane venting network
► FML repair (if damaged)
We propose to take a phased approach to this project. A key consideration in our initial selected
approach will be to employ non-destructive (and generally non-intrusive) investigative measures. The
following _outlines our proposed approach and estimated cost for completion. A summary of possible
scopes of work prompted by results of this proposed initial investigation has also been provided.
Scope of Work
Task #1 Health & Safety Plan
S&ME will prepare a site specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) for this site to protect the health
and safety of our personnel while on site. S&ME is committed to the utilization of sound health and safety
practices as a means of protecting employee health, maintaining compliance with Federal standards, and
reducing liability factors for S&ME, Inc. and our clients. Specific programs include, but are not limited to,
the following :
• Medical Monitoring
• Respiratory Protection
• Training Program
• Hazard Communication
• Site Specific Health and Safety Plan
As part of S&ME company policy, our employees maintain annual medical monitoring, attend 40
hour Health and Safety Training course and annually attend an eight (8) hour Health and Safety Refresher
course in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 "Hazardous Waste Site Operation and Emergency
Response".
Task #2 Water Column Fluctuation Study
We suspect that water column fluctuations in the leachate recovery well may be due primarily or
entirely to: 1) the barometric effects within the "sealed vessel", and/or 2) changes in the landfill pressure
caused by the rate of methane generation. Thus, a fluctuation in atmospheric pressure and/or methane
generation coupled with an inadequate venting system would subsequently, change the water column
elevation within the leachate recovery well. We propose to verify this assumption by comparing atmospheric
pressure, methane vent pressure and water level fluctuation. If a correlation appears to exist between these
variables, past water level readings will be compared to historic climatological data.
Task #3 Leachate Volume Estimation
An estimate of the leachate volume will be calculated by utilizing: data collected in Task #2 and the
As Built Plans titled, "PCB Waste Disposal Site, Warren County North Carolina," and stamped as received
by the North Carolina, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch on September 19, 1983; and
geophysical methods. Following verification of the true depth of leachate within the landfill, the volume can
be estimated and an evaluation of leachate management alternatives can then be addressed.
A Hydrologic Evaluation of the Landfill Performance (HELP) can be simulated by employing the
HELP model. This model will evaluate leakage potential of a landfill by utilizing climatological conditions,
synthetic liner material and soil cover material, and estimate the volume of leachate that is expected to be
generated over time. The results of this model can be compared with the actual volume of leachate present
in the landfill.
Task #4 Methane Vent Evaluation
The estimate of discharge pressure from the single vent will be measured with a manometer. This
test will be of short duration and will be repeated several times in order to arrive at an average value for
pressure. These measurements will be made utilizing an apparatus consisting of a PVC valve and manifold
pipe clamped to the existing vent.
An estimate of flow will be made by timing the inflation of a plastic bag of known volume. Based
on our initial site visit and our observations regarding the nominal gas pressure at the vent, it is likely that
additional vents will be required.
Due to health and safety concerns as well as air quality, discharge regulations dictate that a sample
of the gas may be analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOC) including PCB concentration. Elevated
VOC or PCB levels from the vent's emissions could require additional gas treatment prior to discharging to
the atmosphere.
Task #5 Liner Evaluation
A soil gas survey over the landfill surface area will be performed utilizing an Organic Vapor Analyzer
(OVA). This survey will be done by gridding the site and attempting to locate any methane sources
emanating through the cap. The effectiveness of the survey may depend upon relative methane
concentrations present in the vicinity of the landfill vent and wind direction. However, any elevated
concentrations of methane at the surface of the landfill soil cover could indicate that separation in the liner
has occurred. Results of the data will be utilized to formulate recommendations for possible further studies
or corrective action.
Projected Future Scope
The objective of our scope presented above is to identify and quantify particular dynamic parameters
associated with the PCB landfill cell. Upon completion of the scope, a remedial alternative analysis may or
may not be necessary. Anticipated additional work may include, but not be limited to:
• Design modifications and implementation of the leachate recovery,
treatment and disposal system
• Design modification and implementation of methane venting system
• Repair of the existing liner (if damaged)
Estimated Cost
S&ME proposes to perform this study on a time and materials basis using the unit rates shown on
the attached Fee Schedule for services actually provided. We have prepared an estimate of the costs to
conduct the scope of work described in this proposal using our estimate for labor and expenses necessary
for each task. The estimated costs are shown in Table 1. We have estimated the cost for this project to
be $19,625.00. We will not exceed this cost without further authorization.
Table 1
Unit Price Estimate
Task #1 Health & Safety Plan $3,000
Task #2 Water Column Fluctuation Study $2,860
Task #3 Leachate Volume $3,940
HELP Model $1 ,200
Task #4 Methane Vent Evaluation $2,175
Gas Sample Analysis Pending
Task #5 Liner Evaluation $6,450
Total Estimated Cost $19,625
(Less lab analysis)
Schedule
Based on our current schedule of work, S&ME, Inc. is prepared to initiate this project immediately
upon authorization. We anticipate being able to provide a written report of our findings within 60 days of
authorization to proceed with the work.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist the Division of Solid Waste Management. Please give us
a call if you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance.
Very truly yours,
/~1.e
Billy Lee, E.1:T.
Environmental Engineer
~~~
Senior Geologist
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
S&ME, Inc.
Environmental Services
Fee Schedule
Effective June 1, 1992
1. Principal (Level VII or VIII) per hour .................................... $ 125.00
2. Senior Consultant/Project Director (Level V or VI), per hour .................. $ 110.00
3. Senior Professional-Project Manager; Registered Engineer or
Hydrogeologist, or Scientist (Level IV), per hour .......................... $ 90.00
4. Project Professional-Engineer; Hydrogeologist, or Scientist (Level 111), per hour .... $ 75.00
5. Staff Professional-Engineer; Hydrogeologist; or Scientist (Level II), per hour ...... $ · 63.00
6. Staff Professional-Engineer; Hydrogeologist, or Scientist (Level I), per hour ...... $ 53.00
7. Senior Environmental Technician (Level IV or V), per hour ................... $ 48.00
8. Environmental Technician (Level II or Ill), per hour ........................ $ 40.00
9. Technician (Level I), per hour ........................................ $ 35.00
1 o. CAD Operator, per hour ............................................ $ 42.00
11. Drafting Services, per hour .......................................... $ 33.00
12. Secretarial Services, per hour ........................................ $ 30.00
13. Travel by Vehicle, per mile .......................................... $ .30
14. Travel Expenses .................................................. Cost + 15%
15. Supplies and Materials ............................................. Cost + 15%
16. Report and Document Copies .................................. Supplies + $.12/page
17. Mail and Special Handling of Reports .................................. Cost + 15%
18. Subcontract and Specialty Services ................................... Cost + 15%
19. Computer Services ................................................ Cost + 15%
IBM PC or Equivalent, per hour ...................................... $ 15.00
IBM 386/486 or Equivalent, per hour: Terminal Time ....................... $ 25.00
Note: Fee Schedule is subject to change on an annual basis at end of each calendar year ..
EQUIPMENT
S&ME, INC.
Environmental Services
Fee Schedule
Effective June 1, 1992
1. Organic Vapor Analyzer, per day ..................................... $ 105.00
2. HNu Meter, per day ............................................... $ 105.00
3. Explosimeter /02 Meter, per day ...................................... $ 35.00
4. pH Meter, per day ................................................ $ 20.00
5. Conductivity Meter, per day ......................................... $ 20.00
6. Electric Water Level Probe, per day ................................... $ 10.00
7. Oil/Water Interface Probe, per day .................................... $ 25.00
8. Colorimetric Tube Pump, per day ..................................... $ 10.00
9. Colorimetric Tubes, each ........................................... Cost + 15%
10. Non-Dedicated Teflon Bailers (includes Decon & Line), each use .............. $ 50.00
11. Dedicated Bailer Decon, each ........................................ $ 30.00
12. Pneumatic Pump & Controls, per day .................................. $ 25.00
13. Centrifugal Pump, per day .......................................... $ 25.00
14. Hand Auger, per day .............................................. $ 10.00
15. Sample Coolers, per day ........................................... $ 8.00
16. Steam Genny, per day ............................................. $ 75.00
17. Water Level Continuous Recorders, per day ............................. $ 50.00
per week ....................................................... $ 200.00
per month ...................................................... $ 600.00
18. Keck Units, per day ............................................... $ 35.00
19. Portable Gas Chromatograph, Mobilization .............................. $ 250.00
per day ........................................................ $ 200.00
20. Bison Model 2390 T /R Resistivity Equipment, per day ...................... $ 140.00
21. Proton Magnetometer, per day ....................................... $ 85.00
22. ISCO Water Sampler, per day ........................................ $ 40.00
per week ....................................................... $ 150.00
23. Single Channel Seismograph, per day .................................. $ 85.00
24. Groundwater Flowmeter, per day ..................................... $ 125.00
25. Miscellaneous Equipment, Tools & Supplies ............................. Cost + 15%
2
EXPANSION BUDGET 1993-94
DIVISION OF SOLID WASTE
The Division of Solid Waste Management requests appropriations
for equipment, installation and maintenance of this equipment, and
one ( 1) technician position as a Waste Water Treatment Plant
Operator II, for the PCB landfill in Warren Cou~ty.
This landfill was established in the 1980's as a result of the
cleanup of PCB's which had been illegally disposed along over 200
miles of highways in the state.
The equipment costs for the first year are estimated to be
$160,000, and $60,000 the second year. This equipment will be for
the removal and treatment of potentially contaminated water which
is currently in the landfill. The operator costs are estimated to
be $35,000 per year, and would be terminated once the water is
removed and it is demonstrated that no further water is leaking
into the landfill.
It should be noted that without removal of this liquid,
further decaying of material will occur in the landfill, and
potentially contaminated water may leak from the site and
contaminate area groundwater, resulting in a much more expensive
cleanup in the future.
DEPARTMENT EHNR PRIORITY PROGRAM NUMBER <FUND} CODE 4 1760-7621 PRELIMINARY SUMMARY LIST OF EXPANSION BUDGET REQUESTS SOLID WASTE MGMT DIVISION AGENCY OR INSTITUTION SOLID WASTE SECTION PROGRAM D~CRIPTION (CONCISE SENTENCES} Funding is requested to provide equipment (including installation and maintenance), and one technician position for a two year time period for the PCB landfill in Warren County. This will allow for removal and treatment of potentially contaminated water currently in the landfill. Clean up is necessary at this time to prevent groundwater contamination. Total Requirements Receipts Appropriations No. of Positions Capital Equipment Personnel -.. . ' ATTACHMENT 13 BUDGET OODE ~ 1993-94 195,000 0 195,000 (1) 0 160,000 35,000 1994:95 95,000 0 95,000 (1) 0 60,000 35,000