HomeMy WebLinkAbout7601_RandolphCountyMSWLF_MNAMonReqResp_DIN28561_20171018
October 18, 2017
Sent Via Email – Paxton.Arthurs@randolphcountync.gov
Mr. Paxton Arthurs, P.E.
Randolph County Public Works Director
725 McDowell Road
Asheboro, NC 27205
Re: Monitored Natural Attenuation Parameter Modification Request
Closed Randolph County Landfill
Solid Waste Permit Number 7601-MSWLF-1983
DIN 28561
Dear Mr. Arthurs:
The Solid Waste Section (Section) has completed a review of the Request for Monitored Natural
Attenuation Parameter Modification (DIN 28540) submitted on behalf of Randolph County by Golder
Associates (Golder) for the Closed Randolph County Landfill, Solid Waste Permit Number 7601.
The facility is currently undergoing monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a remedial strategy to reduce
groundwater contaminant concentrations. Golder has completed the four MNA baseline monitoring
events and requested to modify the MNA parameter list and schedule. The current full list of MNA
parameters includes: alkalinity, carbon dioxide, chloride, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical
oxygen demand (COD), ethane, ethene, methane, hydrogen, ferrous iron, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfide,
total organic carbon (TOC), and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The modified MNA parameter list would
include: carbon dioxide, chloride, ethane, ethene, methane, hydrogen, ferrous iron, nitrate, and sulfate.
Golder also requested to monitor the abbreviated list semiannually and the full MNA parameter list during
the last two semiannual monitoring events of each five-year evaluation period.
Sulfide, VFAs, TOC, and alkalinity were proposed to be removed from the MNA semiannual monitoring list
because their concentrations have been reported at levels below the Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) natural attenuation screening levels. Golder also requested to remove BOD and COD from the full
list of MNA parameters since those parameters are not used in the EPA screening protocol. In addition,
Golder requested to perform the MNA screening models on an annual basis instead of after each
semiannual monitoring event.
The Section approves the request to reduce the MNA parameter list to include: carbon dioxide, chloride,
ethane, ethene, methane, hydrogen, ferrous iron, nitrate, and sulfate during routine semiannual
monitoring. Randolph County may also perform the EPA screening models on an annual basis. The
Section does not approve removing BOD and COD from the full list of MNA parameters. Although BOD
and COD are not included in the EPA screening protocol, BOD values could quantify the amount of oxygen
used by microorganisms to oxidize organic compounds and the conversion of organic material, measured
as COD, to methane could also provide further evidence of reductive dechlorination. The Section will
allow an alternate frequency of full-scale MNA monitoring to the final semiannual events of every third
year instead of every fifth year to better detect potential changes to environmental conditions and
contaminant plume characteristics.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this letter, please feel free to contact me by email at
ervin.lane@ncdenr.gov or by phone at 919.707.8288. Thank you for your continued cooperation with this
matter.
Sincerely,
Ervin Lane
Compliance Hydrogeologist
Solid Waste Section, Division of Waste Management
NCDEQ
cc sent via email: Jason Watkins, Field Operations Branch Head
Deb Aja, Western District Supervisor
John Patrone, Environmental Senior Specialist
Perry Sugg, P.G., Permitting Hydrogeologist
Ming Chao, P.E., Permitting Engineer
Dusty Reedy, P.G., Golder Associates NC, Inc.