NCD980602163_19970111_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_Memos between Bill Meyer and Linda Rimer re air sampling-OCR

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Assistant Secretary for
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DEHNA
_ NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ·
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
P.O. Box 27687. Raleigh. North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone]
~ State of North Carolina
, Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Waste Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
William L. Meyer, Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Linda Rimer
Henry Lancaster
FROM: Bill Meyer fJtv\
DATE: January 6, 1997
SUBJECT: PCB Landfill
AVA
DEHNR
The staff has proposed an air sampling event for the PCB Landfill air vent. The
vent is the sole source of air emissions from the landfill. There are existing differences of opinion
as to the threat of exposure from past air emissions. The vent has been filled with a carbon filter
system to sorb constituents and prevent future exposure. The purpose of the proposed sampling
is to provide additional data on air emissions to determine risk, both past and present.
In addition, the staff has proposed to monitor the surface liner for gas leaks
(methane). If methane is detected the specific location ofleaks can be identified. If the landfill
surface liner is not leaking gasses, then the probability of water leaking into the landfill is very
unlikely. This is based on the significant difference in permeability ofliners to water and gases. It
is a very simple but effective means of determining the status of the liner.
The staff is prepared to perform both sampling events. Both sampling events
would add factual data rather than the current speculative nature of air emissions and liner
leakage. However, in addition to approval of sampling protocol and questioning the need for
sampling, it has become apparent that the Working Group's real concern is with the state's role as
owner/operator, state sampling, and state analysis of samples. Based on this concern, it is
apparent to the Division of Waste Management that only independent sampling and analysis may
satisfy the Working Group.
We have several choices. One is to proceed with a state sampling effort. Another
is to have the state sample with the Working Group oversight and use independent labs for
analysis. The third will be for complete independent sampling and analysis. Either of the latter
two options will require Department funding. The compromise option is state sampling with
independent analysis. The division does not think that the continued state sampling and state
analysis will be accepted by the Working Group.
P.O. Box 27687,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687
Voice 919-733-4996
N!;C FAX [phone]
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Page 2
This experience is having a very frustrating effect on the staff and the belief that
the Department and Administration do not recognize nor support their efforts.
In order to resolve this issue the Division of Waste Management would like for
Department approval and support to plan, sample and analyze air and methane on the landfill. The
Division of Waste Management has the staff and equipment to accomplish this and is willing, with
Department support, to address concerns raised by the Working Group on the lack of
independence of this effort. If this is not the appropriate process, the Division will need financial
commitments for the Department for at least independent analytical activities. We need a
resolution from the Department on these issues as soon as possible.
c:wpfiles/pcblfi'smpling.mem