CEA: Corporate Environmental Advisors: Case Studies: Site Assessment

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Case Study - Site Assessment

The property is bounded to the southeast and southwest by residences, to the northwest by wooded land and to the northeast by town property. The site consisted of two 20,000-gallon #2 fuel oil above ground storage tanks (ASTs) and one 10,000-gallon kerosene AST. The ASTs were removed in September 2000. The site is currently developed with two 20,000-gallon ASTs containing #2 fuel oil. The ASTs are located within a concrete containment structure.

A limited subsurface investigation at the site was conducted to assess soil impacts from incidental, historic spills. The subsurface investigation consisted of five test pits northeast of the ASTs. Levels of petroleum compounds were detected in soil that exceeded Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reportable concentrations for soil.

A Release Notification Form (RNF) was submitted to the MA DEP based on a 120-Day Reportable Condition pursuant to 310 CMR 40.315(2). The reportable condition was based on a release of oil to soil exceeding reportable concentrations and affecting more than two cubic yards of soil. The MA DEP issued a Release Tracking Number (RTN) to track the 120-Day Reportable Condition.

An additional assessment was conducted as part of a RAM Plan to evaluate soil and groundwater impacts. The assessment consisted of four soil borings completed as monitoring wells. Levels of C9-C18 aliphatic (EPH) and carbon fraction C9-C12 aliphatic (VPH) hydrocarbons were detected in groundwater that exceeded DEP reportable concentrations for groundwater.

A RNF was submitted to the DEP based on a 120-Day Reportable Condition pursuant to 310 CMR 40.315(3). The reportable condition identified a release to the environment of oil in groundwater exceeding reportable concentrations. The DEP determined that the release to groundwater is related to the release to soil and this condition was linked to the original RTN as part of the MCP Phase I activities and is being addressed concurrently under the original RTN.

The objective of the RAM is to remove petroleum-impacted soil from the vicinity of the former ASTs. This objective as not met during excavation activities conducted during the next two months. Laboratory analytical results for soil samples collected after RAM excavation activities indicate residual petroleum impacts remain on-site. However,RAM activities were successful in removing the majority of petroleum-impacted soil beneath and adjacent to the former ASTs. Concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons have been reduced to levels below MCP Method 1 S-1 standards in all areas beneath, north, west and southwest of the former ASTs. Residual impacts did remain at the limits of the excavation 45 to 50 feet to the east and south of the ASTs.