HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCD980602163_19990308_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_Detoxification, Nov 1997 - Mar 1999-OCR-1,;•.:·_.•\:· .
•.'•', JAMES B. HUNT JR;,
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
March 8, 1999
MEMORANDUM
TO: Daria Holcomb
Kathy Lawrence
Nan Freelan
Pat Backus
ike Kelly
FROM: Pat Williamson
SUBJECT: Job Description for Community Involvement Coordinator
In our phone conference call on Friday, March 5, we agreed that the
following should be included in the job description for the Community
Involvement Coordinator:
Help obtain funding for detoxification of the PCB landfill and
community activities;
Serve as a liaison to the state, the community, and the PCB Working
Group, including
assisting with local contracting/sub-contracting needs,
working with technical advisory group/science advisors as
necessary, and
facilitating job training activities;
Lead community involvement;
Provide education and updates about the PCB Landfill; and
Have strong writing and verbal skills.
401 OBERLIN ROAD, SUITE I 50, RALEIGH, NC 27605
PHONE 919-733-4996 FAX 919-71 5-3605
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER -50% RECYCLED/I 0% POST-CONSUMER PAPER
STATUS OF PCB LANDFILL DETOXIFICATION
WARREN COUNTY, NC
February 25, 1999
BACKGROUND:
In the late l 970's several thousand gallons of polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs) were
illegally disposed by spraying along approximately 210 miles of state roadways. PCBs were used
extensively as transformer fluids in the early l 970's. However, because they were suspected
carcinogens, they were outlawed from manufacture in 1976 and strictly controlled in disposal as
transformers came out of service.
Listed as a Superfund site under the US EPA program, the roadways were dug up and the
contaminated soils disposed in an approved PCB landfill located in Warren County. There was
much opposition to the landfill and the Environmental Justice movement supposedly started at this
site.
In 1982, Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., made a commitment to the people of Warren
County that if appropriate and feasible technology became available, the state would explore
detoxification of the landfill. In I 995, $1 million was appropriated to study detoxification. The
General Assembly provided this money for the sole purpose of studying various detoxification
technologies, including bench scale work; confirming that detoxification is possible; and
identifying the best technology available to do the work.
The Warren County PCB Working Group (WG) was established and consists of local
citizens, state employees and members of various environmental organizations. This group has
been working together in a joint partnership to explore detoxification.
CURRENT ST A TUS:
The WG, through the Division of Waste Management (DWM), contracted with two
independent science advisors to provide technical expertise to the WG and to help outline the
steps necessary to explore detoxification.
With staff from the DWM, the WG and science advisors outlined activities that needed to
take place during the detoxification studies. These activities included an extensive site
inve'?tf~~igri, IT\6nitoring wells installation, boring into the landfill to extract soils for testing, and
the actual detoxification studies.
Mobilization/site work:
On February 12, 1997, DWM personnel and science advisors began work at the PCB
landfill to install additional monitoring wells and begin the site investigation. Fifteen new
monitoring wells were installed around the perimeter of the landfill and in the immediate area
within .25 miles of the landfill. Three were placed off site as background wells, approximately 1.5
miles away. Two bore holes were placed in the landfill from which soils were extracted and
containerized for the detoxification studies. Extraction wells were installed in the bore holes.
Two eight foot square areas were dug out in order to examine the top liner of the landfill
cap system. "Split spoon" samples were taken of the clay cap and the landfill contents. These
samples were analyzed for a variety of things including moisture, compaction, permeability and
PCB content. The clay cap is covered by a 10 mil plastic liner. Sections of this liner were cut out
and sent to a testing laboratory for examination. The cut out portions were replaced and the holes
refilled.
Sampling:
Extensive sampling was done in the monitoring wells and streams around the landfill. Soil
and sediment samples from selected locations around the area were taken. These samples were
analyzed for a variety of chemicals including PCBs, dioxin, heavy metals, pesticides and volatile
organic chemicals.
Detoxification studies:
Beginning in I 996, the science advisors for the Working Group, along with DWM staff,
conducted a detailed technology screening, evaluation, assessment and comparative analysis on
potentially feasible technologies. Potential feasibility had to have been demonstrated through
prior successful full scale use of a technology for PCB detoxification work. Any technology that
existed only as a research or developmental technology was deemed inappropriate.
Twelve different technologies were considered. All but two were screened out. Only
Base Catalyzed Decomposition (BCD) and Gas Phase Chemical Reduction technology were
found to be appropriate and potentially feasible for the Warren County landfill.
Two companies were subsequently picked to conduct bench scale demonstrations. ETG
Environmental, using BCD, and ECOLOGIC, using the Gas Phase Chemical Reduction
technology, were provided samples of the contaminated soils from the landfill, along with very
stringent guidelines and treatment goals for both PCBs and dioxin. Following their bench scale
studi?t~~.P co/npany submitted phase I reports that were analyzed by the WG, state staff and
science advisors. -
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As a result of these phase I studies, the Working Group concluded that feasible and
effective detoxification technology is now available and selected BCD as the preferred technology
for detoxification of the PCB Landfill. ETG Environmental, Inc. (ETG) was subsequently
awarded a contract to perform this Phase II preliminary design of a full-scale BCD detoxification
system to remediate the PCB Landfill (ETG performed the successful Phase I bench scale BCD
study). The primary purpose of this report is to develop sufficient conceptual design information
to allow for preparation of a cost estimate to form the basis to request funding from the State
legislature for final design and detoxification of the PCB Landfill utilizing the BCD process.
The BCD process utilizes non-incineration chemical reactions to detoxify the PCBs and
dioxins/furans in the contaminated materials. Chlorine atoms are chemically removed from the
PCB and dioxin/furan molecules, and replaced with hydrogen, rendering them non-hazardous.
The resulting non-hazardous oil can be recycled off-site. Detoxified soils will be replaced on-site,
covered and revegetated. The process has been proven at several full-scale project applications.
The preliminary conceptual design of the full scale detoxification project is divided into
two components. The first component provides written conceptual designs for site preparation,
excavation, treatment, confirmation/verification sampling, stormwater management, security, site
reclamation, decontamination, and demobilization. These aspects of the project have been
conceptually designed to provide the basis for a detailed cost estimate for detoxification.
The second component presents those aspects of the project which will be completed
during the final design portion of the Phase III Design/Build detoxification. Outlines have been
provided to introduce these final design items, as follows : emergency response plan, permitting
plan, performance demonstration plan, air monitoring plan, quality assurance plan, health and
safety plan, construction quality assurance plan, and technical specifications.
To assist in the overall project oversight, a Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) would be
established as a committee to the Working Group and would include an independent science
advisor(s). The Design/Build detoxification contractor would include Program Management,
working in conjunction with the state, to ensure that the local community has a strong role in the
detoxification project's implementation. The Design/Build detoxification contractor would also
include a coordinator to ensure maximum economic benefit to local/minority businesses and the
local economy. Direct local economic impact is estimated in the range of $3 million to $5 million,
which includes the hiring of local individuals and utilization of local businesses for supplies,
materials, and services to support the detoxification project. A detailed cost estimate has been
prepared to perform the detoxification project utilizing the BCD process. A cost of $23,975,000
is presented, which includes a $2,079,000 contingency.
' ·'i\:.Q.nce funding is obtained, we would send out requests for a statement of interest from
, WI ' ••• ,_ '\
various vendors who have the ability to use BCD technology on a full scale operation. We would
also be preparing a RFP for the final design report on the detoxification effort. A RFP would be
sent out and a vendor selected for the detoxification through competative bids.
3
CURRENT ST A TVS:
The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $2 million in 1998 to begin
detoxification of the landfill. This appropriation bill also specified the BCD technology and
cleanup levels of 200 ppb PCBs and 200 parts per trillion toxicity equivalent concentration (TEQ)
for dioxins/furans.
In January 1999, the state hired Ms. Pat Backus, chemical and environmental engineer, to
be the project manager for detoxification.
The state is currently completing the scope of work and contract negotiations with ETG
Environmental for completion of the Phase III final design plan, for full-scale detoxification.
It is anticipated that this final plan will be completed in August 1999.
During the next few months, the state will be pre-qualifying prospective bidders for the
detoxification. Assuming adequate funding is received, a request for proposals (RFP) for the
detoxification will be sent out this fall, and a contract awarded in the first quarter of 2000.
Depending on a variety of factors, including capabilities of the company receiving the contract,
our plans would include an on-site full-scale demonstration in the second half of 2000, and actual
detoxification taking place by the end of the year 2000. At the current time, it is estimated that
detoxification will take 18 to 24 months of actual on-site work to complete.
During the balance of 1999, the state will undertake as much work as possible using the
$2 million currently allocated. We anticipate the final phase III work to cost approximately
$530,000. Other pieces of the project, such as site preparation, lining of the leachate pond,
confirmation sampling under the landfill and utility needs, are being identified in order that they
may be completed during the interim time.
On February 16, 1999, Henry Lancaster, Mike Kelly and Pat Backus met with
representatives of the EPA Region 4 in Atlanta to discuss potential funding support for
detoxification and the permitting required from EPA to do the work.
CONTACT: Michael A Kelly, Deputy Director
Pat Backus, Project Manager
Pat Williamson, Public Information Officer,
919-733-4996, ext. 203
919-733-4996, ext. 308
919-733-4996, ext. 337
C:Q.{;1IJIJIU:
PCB GJORK rnG GROUP Fax:252-257-1000 Fe b 1 '99 15 :03 F·. 01
JOINT WARREN COUNTY/STATE PCB LANDFILL
WORKING GROUP
7 20 RIDCF;WAY STREET
WAARENTON, N.C. 2758Q
PHONE 252-257-1948 -FAX 252-257• 1000
DQLLJE & .IUJtnLl
HCNRY .LANCAIT'Elt
FAX COVER SHEET
TO:
DATE:
#PAGES:
Henry Lancaster
Tommy Cline
Dennis Retzlaff
Nan Freeland
Jim Warren
Dollie Burwell
Ken/Deborah F erruccio
Daria Holcomb
Bobbie Riley
_ Mike Kelly
January 29, 1999
4 (including cover sheet)
Working Group Members,
919-733•9519
919-733-1431
252-257-2897
828-255-7953
919-493-6614
252-257-2088
252-257-2604
252-257-5399
252-431-1453
919-715-3605
Please find a meeting announcement and a copy of a letter to Secretary McDevitt that was
discussed at the December and January meetings.
PCB WORKING GROUP Fax :252-257-1000 Feb 1 '99 15 :09 F·. 02
~Meetini: Announcement
The Joint Warren County/State PCB Landfill
Working Group will meet
Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at 6:00 p.n1.
in the conference room of the
Warren County Office.
Agenda Items:
A) Contract with ETG
B) Federal Contact
C) Legislative Outreach
D) Secretary McDevitt Update
PCB WORK I t~G GROUP Fax :252-257-1000 Feb 1 '99 15 :10
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Jolnt Warren CcauttylSt1te PCB Landfill W~rkJa1 Group
720 R,jdsew11y Street :
We.rfflnlon, North Carolina 27589 '
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Depwnent or Bn\;nmont and Natural Re.sources
Box 27617 r . I •
P. OZ,
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3,. Wa;110 MtOevltt, J~
ti&h, NC 276l 1-768f ! I ; I
Df Secretary M~Devitt: . . i . t.
, ·For the put fo11r i.,.,,, the Warren Counl)'/State l>C13 J,an~fi!l Worklna Oroup as
w~ked toward determinbis the CU!rent stmtus of the landfill and o taining full funding or
d~tb,cification of the PCB•contaminate-1 soiJ in the landfl.11. We~~ e had 1he liSSistencc of
ou~lde science advisors, ls well u St mi11ion provided by \he Oe~eral Ass~mbly to he~ with
lh~e tasks I I
: Whit~ n1etnbers ofthe Workina Group reel we have tr.svcl~ far alona \he r\)ad I wurd
detb,dfication, cur joum~' ;, not >·et flni1hed . Fult fundina for de ,dfication is ,ti !l n . dtd, the
phue) fuU•scale plat1 fut detoxlfic,tion must still be prepared, an . a contrector selecte fo:
actual cetoxmcaticin, i l
. I
On January 7, 19~9, Workina Group member, rnet to di~c~s and determine wh t we felt
our.tutu.re role should t>e,1memberih!p of the Wcrkins Oroup, and pur aupport and stafff& ueed~.
The foHowSna is our propbsal for )'t)ur considerat10n. ! \
Mii•ion: Work toa•ll>•r to dotox!I) the PCB Landlill. i \
Rol~: We would like to continue our efforts to help obwn: fwldin.a for detoxifiqation, t6
serve u I l,iai10n to the state on behalf of the Wurett County oonunW1.ityJ to
serve 11 a liaison to the community; to provide edu~tion and updates ab~~t PCB
LandfiU isiues; to lead • c~mmunity involvcmtnt CWf'aign; to help dev IC1p
spedflcati1ns for detoxiflc:ation of the landfill and f~f the 1ole¢lion of a
contractor~ and to oetennine the 1upport ,md budae n~eds for the cm n~
Adviaory ~oard.
We sugJcsi havina rcpresentadvca from the foUc\\i a local interests to s rve on
t~ Citiitnf Advisory Board: education, eco:1omic eveJopment, health
spe;tllist, •mer&ency m11n.a1ement 1 envlronm~ntal 1wzation, ~lected ou.nty
cffic.lal or his/her representath·e, civfo 1ro1Jp, con~e ed county citiz.ens, nd
citizen• ne4r U-,e PCB LandfiU.
PCB WORKrnG GROUP Fax:252-257-1000 Feb 1 '99 15 :10 F·. 04
c, •.,:,. , ;. 7? I O ·~,~
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Mr.I Wayne McDevitt. Se4rewy Paaie :z '.
1an~ 2S, 1999
Needs: In order to ;aocompU1h the role of the Cttlr..ens Advi ry Board, we need
secretarial ~upport; offic.e apace, supptlc1, and equt t; a community l aison
bjred; and technical support from science advisor, o othen on an as me e.d basis.
· We would like to thank you for the opportunity to have inp t and be a pert of the process
to ~toxify the PCB Landfill. Thi, i11ue hu been an 11rea d cone for the citirAN in rmen
County for neerly 20 )'~, and we very much want to continue o efforts with t:1e stat to
dct~xif)· the PCB landfill .'.
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In llsht of the con~ninl of the Oeneral Assembly. we wou d like to mett with Yfu in the
verj near future to discus~ QW' continued workin1 relationship witl\the atate and Werre~ County.
Heriry Lancuter will be i~ contact with )'OU to aet a meeting date. i
Sincerely,
Joint Warren County/State PCB Landfill Working Group
720 Ridgeway Street
Warrenton, North Carolina 27589
January 25, 1999
Mr. Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
PO Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611-7687
Dear Secretary McDevitt:
For the past four years, the Warren County/State PCB Landfill Working Group has
worked toward determining the current status of the landfill and obtaining full funding for
detoxification of the PCB-contaminated soil in the landfill. We have had the assistance of
outside science advisors, as well as $1 million provided by the General Assembly to help with
these tasks.
While members of the Working Group feel we have traveled far along the road toward
detoxification, our journey is not yet finished. Full funding for detoxification is still needed, the
phase 3 full-scale plan for detoxification must still be prepared, and a contractor selected for
actual detoxification.
On January 7, 1999, Working Group members met to discuss and determine what we felt
our future role should be, membership of the Working Group, and our support and staffing needs.
The following is our proposal for your consideration.
Mission:
Role:
Work together to detoxify the PCB Landfill.
We would like to continue our efforts to help obtain funding for detoxification; to
serve as a liaison to the state on behalf of the Warren County community; to
serve as a liaison to the community; to provide education and updates about PCB
Landfill issues; to lead a community involvement campaign; to help develop
specifications for detoxification of the landfill and for the selection of a
contractor; and to determine the support and budgetary needs for the Citizens
Advisory Board.
Membership: We suggest having representatives from the following local interests to serve on
the Citizens Advisory Board: education, economic development, health
specialist, emergency management, environmental organization, elected county
official or his/her representative, civic group, concerned county citizens, and
citizens near the PCB Landfill.
. '\ .
Mr. Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
Page 2
January 25, 1999
Needs: In order to accomplish the role of the Citizens Advisory Board, we need
secretarial support; office space, supplies, and equipment; a community liaison
hired; and technical support from science advisors or others on an as needed basis.
We would like to thank you for the opportunity to have input and be a part of the process
to detoxify the PCB Landfill. This issue has been an area of concern for the citizens in Warren
County for nearly 20 years, and we very much want to continue our efforts with the state to
detoxify the PCB landfill.
In light of the convening of the General Assembly, we would like to meet with you in the
very near future to discuss our continued working relationship with the state and Warren County.
Henry Lancaster will be in contact with you to set a meeting date.
Dollie Burwell
Co-Chair
Sincerely,
Henry Lancaster
Co-Chair
PCB LANDFILL, WARREN COUNTY, NC
PROPOSED DETOXIFICATION
1) PCB landfill sited in Warren County against the wishes of the people. The Environmental
Justice movement got its start here.
2) Governor Jim Hunt made a promise in 1982 to look at detoxification if and when the
technology was available. In 1994, Secretary Howes, DENR, set up a Working Group in Warren
County to study the feasibility of detoxification and to provide an in-depth assessment of the
landfill.
3) Over $1 million was spent studying detoxification technologies and assessing the landfill. A
technology was chosen, and in 1998, $2 million was appropriated to begin actual detoxification.
4) Detoxification is feasible, and it is the right thing to do.
5) The recent court decisions regarding pay back of taxes to retirees may have a dramatic effect
on the available state funds 'for the project. The next portion of the project is the actual
detoxification process that will require $16 million to select and contract with a vendor. The
state will need this amount to enter into a contract for this phase of the detoxification.
6) The Phase II report for detoxification set the total estimated cost at approximately $24
million, and took into account worst case scenarios. It also included a $2 million contingency.
The site would be detoxified to levels less than 10 times drinking water standards and be
available to Warren County for use with its surrounding property as either an industrial park or
recreational park.
7) The EPA, congressional staff and the DOD have been contacted to see what funds may be
available to support the project. The site does not qualify for "Superfund" cleanup funds as the
site was the remedy to the cleanup of a National Priority Listed (NPL) site (spill along the road
side.) It is anticipated that any funds received from EPA will be less than $500,000. The DOD
will notify us within the next two weeks if they have any funds available.
8) The cleanup standards are very strict and will allow the state to walk away from the landfill
without any future liability, maintenance or monitoring. Failure to detoxifiy the landfill may
require a more extensive and expensive cleanup in the future.
9) Although the landfill is currently not leaking, it does contain nearly 2 million gallons of
water-~,.p_uring assessment of the landfill, there were indications that the top liner is beginning to
fail. flif•itate is-currently under a Notice of Non-compliance from the EPA that may require
expenditure of substantial funds in the future for upgrading the landfill if we do not pursue
detoxification.
10) Federal participation in the project will decrease the amount necessary for contribution by the
state.
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PCB LANDFILL, WARREN COUNTY, NC
TALKING POINTS ON PROPOSED DETOXIFICATION
Detoxification efforts are underway using $2 million allocated in 1998, following
the expenditure of $1 million in the last three years assessing the landfill and choosing
a detoxification technology
Next phase of project will require $16 million for on site work; federal dollars
are crucial to the state's ability to contract for this work
Representative Clayton's support is also crucial to obtaining this money to help
fulfill a promise to detoxify the landfill in Warren County, the birthplace of the
Environmental Justice movement
Failure to proceed with detoxification will cause significant loss of faith and trust
in state government, breaking a promise, and potentially causing civil disturbance in the
county
F F M 9 19 7153 6a5 SOLI D WASTE DIV 11.1 6 .1 998 17:45
i, f!J~ (()-ctJ . . . . I ~ \ ~ l'1ovember 16. 1998 .............. · .............................................................................. by F
(,_ I . -. /fl i . .·~
.1-_}-. To: Milce Kelly : }, J i '•Jo\..
Front Joel Hitschhom : • " ...... . ,,
Re: Detoxification of the W~eo County PCB Landfill i
I . I
I have had an opportunity to .txamine tho recently-r.ubmitted propoul by ETG on how t spend
the $2 million appropriated b~ the stato legislaturo.
1:
J am writing to you because I feel an ethical and professional rosponaibility to protect th interests
of the residents of Warren C 1unty and to help ensure wise spend.mg of North Carolina owes.
. I • .
Let me state immediately tha . I found the ETG proposal without mt6grlty and technfoal uallty
and competence. I strongly commend that DENR NOT solo souroe tho project to ET . J
strongly reoommend that the ~ate pw-suc an orderly R.FP process. I
Moroover, despite any lanp
1
ke in: the appropriations bill specifying the use of BCD, I n~w
support DENR finding son,e egal way to keep the door open to other detoxification tecir.ofogie&
that can meet the stringent p ormance standards previously cstabliSihed. My reason fofthis ls
twofold. Firm, I am dimlaye at the ETG proposal which in my professional opinion in oates a
lack of quality and competen ~. For ex:ampie, I found the amount of money wanted for al
deiign outrageous and the c : cept that equipment would be pw-oh.ased by the state totiuw
unacceptable. For $2 millio~ :I would have expected a very different proposal that woul1 have
focused on an onlite pilot det#,onstration of the teclmology. 1
I I
Secou~ sin.cc we completed ~e various activities that reiulted in the selection ofETG fdr the
Phase 11 work, 1 have become !aware of a different treatment technology that off ors incr ible
teob.nioal and econon:,ic advan~ages over ETQ• s BCD process. As l know you appreciat as an
experienoed environmental p~'fessionaL the field of remediation technology is in oonstan flux and
improvement in response to· o '.mpetitive developments and market needs. Another comp y has
mov~d forward veiy rapidly d at this thne probably has more e>rten&ive, highly sucoe field
exp~rlenc~ vvith its simple, lo't: cost teohnology 'Which is highly effective for PCBs and di xins. I
bollovc its technology could b~ used _at a fraction of the $24 million originally estimated r BCD.
ii I
1 hope, th~roforc, that DENR ~ find some logal means of using a RFP that allows other
technologies to oompoto. I w~uld also urge O.ENR to oonsidor usms a rapidly expanding\ concept
In remedial teolmology oontra~g, namely a Jinn guarantee of mootiag perfomw>ce s••r-
Althoush 1 am no longer on Jt payroll as a Soionco Advisor, 1 want to o.tr.r my udstan°I' in any
practi.oal way to best ensure ~, use of the most c~otive, safe, and cost-e.ffeodve means or
dctoxifytng the Warren Countr PCB Landfill.
cc: PCB Worklng Oroup ' i
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p. 2
.BF A Environmental Consultants
Barnes , Ferland and Associates, Inc.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Steve Detwiler
Mike Kelly
Joel Hirschom 4
FROM: Patrick A. Barnes, P.G. ~ ~
DATE: November 12, 1997
SUBJECT: ADDITIONAL TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE NOVEMBER
14 PHASE II DESIGN MEETING
In addition to the topics mentioned in Joel's memo dated November 12, 1997 the Phase II
design team should be prepared to discuss the following detoxification site design
concerns:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Area required for project implementation including site layout and work zones
Site operations and logistics -
--3 1, c / {, Q v I Pn. c f\J T S CC u ri I f)' /
Construction of contamination reduction facilities if necessary
Temporary storage facilities
Other potential temporary and permanent horizontal and vertical construction
Stonnwater management /
• Ponds
• Need for infrastructure
'~61L~%~·
Phasing of fill removal and clean fill placement
·.:..,.:-_ ..
8 .. --'Detailed estimates of quantities to be removed in each phase
9. Site plan showing anticipated final topography of each cell as it is closed
l=, /111 J ~ f i 11.,,e,~e!Ji d ,_R-1<-) .
10. Permits necessary -local, state and federal
S\--c:-(~
J',l\.c""'L.\ \--c:,v-',~
3655 Maguire Boulevard • Suite 150 • Orl ando Florida 32803
Office (407J 896-8608 • Fa x (407) 896-1822
I I -I.,;:-I :::_1:::_1; I : I L!Yl·I
November 12, 1997 ................................................................................. by fax (2 pages)
To: Steve Detwiler
Mike Kelly
Pat Barnes
From: Joel Hirschhorn
Re: SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR NOVEMBER 14 KICK-OFF MEETING ON PHASE II
DETOXIFICATION PROJECT
General goal for meeting: to develop a ~1Jecific work plan that details all the activities and the
specific outputs for the fornl Phase Il repo1t.
At this meeting all major assumptions, tradeoffs, and paxticulars should be thoroughly discussed
and consensus decisions reached on how to proceed. Any issues vvi.th RFP !iliould be thoroughly
addressed.
A detailed table of coutents for the final report should be developed.
A detailed schedule for completion of the project should be developed, including interim
deliverables and review procedures, and a regular fo1m of communication. A procedme for
handling changes in the work plan should be agreed to.
As to the Phase II repmt being pr~pared, the follo,:ving are imp01tant priorities:
TI:te rep01t should communicate in words, figures, and data a technically complete but easily
understood picture of vvhat a foll-scale detox project for the landfill would consist of and .look
like. All impacts on the local community should be dearly identified. An Executive Summary
should be conceived as serving as the basis for presentations to lawmakers and others o.u the
Phase II project/repo1t.
171e rep01t should have sufficient details to supp01t a credible cost estimate for the entire detox
project, with clear statements to describe the assumptions and unc.ertainties for the estimate. The
report should also present the detox project in terms of clearly de.fined and described discrete
phases or.~iages, beginning 'With a final design phase, Vvith a reliable cost estimate for each phase . ...., '",. .. ·-
Supplemental site investigation "vork to be conducted during the final design phase should be
scoped out iu order to resolve uncertainties about contamination outside the landfill that might
require detox.
Several levels of potential cleanup performance objectives for PCBs and dioxins/forans should be
selected to assess different levels of detox and their associated costs. For example, one scenario
could nse the st1iugent performance standards used in Phase I, while another might use the
numerical levels likely to be used in a standard state regulated cleanup. The impact of different
performance levels on volumes of material to be detoxified and costs must be specified.
A site. perimeter air monitoring system should be designed and apprnp1iate action levels defined.
Special attention shon.ld be given to landfill excavation and material hand.ling processes and
procedm:es aud hovv particuJates ·will be effectively controlled. The need to address water in the
landfill and mixing of wastes ·with varying contamination levels prior to treatment should also be
addressed. It may be appropriate to assume certain amounts of\vater removal by the state.
An early phase should be performance verification or demonstration for full-scale equipment. at
the site dming a trial production nm. llle maximum amount of excavated materials to be used
should be identified, as well as the general protocol, \\1.th special emphasis giv en to air pollution
control equipment and effective functioning of a perimeter air monitoring system
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An emergency response plan should be developed and any special costs identified, such as
necessary training for local hospital persouuel. Special attention should be given to local residents
w:ithi.n about five miles of the site.
A plan to use locally available labor should be developed, v--ith special costs identified, such as
technical training for skilled and semi-skilled positions. Use C>flocal finns for supplies should also
be examined. A reasonable estimate for the economic contribution to Wanen County from the
project should be given.
The use of a Citizen Advisory Board with its own · ndent technical consultants should be
included in project design and cost estimates. e CAB , 1 ould provide oYersight throughout
project duration.
A plan to use the project to serve local educatio:oal ust:itutions should be developed based on
cooperation with the CAB. For example, site tour , presentations by site managers, and possibly
ex-polt of data from monitoring stations to schools r libraries should be considered.
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