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Fact Sheet
July 2006
Proposed Plan for Final Remedial Action Available for Comments/EPA to Hold Public Meeting, Railroad Avenue Superfund Site, West Des Moines, Iowa
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a Proposed Plan for the Final Remedial Action to address ground water contamination within the Southern Plume of the Railroad Avenue Superfund site in West Des Moines, Iowa. The action will be taken under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as the Superfund Law.
EPA's Proposed Plan recommends actions to address contaminant concentrations in ground water at this site.
EPA is asking for public comments on its Proposed Plan. The public comment period runs July 25 - August 24, 2006. Although EPA and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are recommending a proposed action to address the contamination, a final decision will not be made until EPA reviews comments from the public. After the comment period closes, EPA will make a decision, which will be published in a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD will also include a summary of EPA's responses to the comments received during the public comment period.
BACKGROUND
Ground water beneath the Railroad Avenue Superfund site is contaminated with tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE) and their breakdown products of dichloroethylene (DCE) and vinyl chloride. EPA has divided the site into Northern Plume and Southern Plume areas, because the
plumes appear to have separate and distinct sources. This Proposed Plan addresses the final remedial actions for the Southern Plume. Delavan, Inc. is the only currently identified source of the Southern Plume. Operations at the facility included heat treatment and brazing of metal parts. As part of its operations, Delavan operated a used-solvent storage tank that was removed in 1986. At some time prior to its removal, the tank leaked solvents to the soil and ground water. The facility is no longer in operation.
The Railroad Avenue site was first identified in 1993, when a routine water distribution sample showed contamination. EPA was made aware of the site in 1996, after a site investigation was conducted by IDNR. EPA completed remedial sampling in November 2002.
The Railroad Avenue Groundwater Site was placed on the National Priorities List in September 2002, making it eligible for cleanup under EPA's Superfund program.
EPA completed two interim response actions for the site. The first action included adding treatment capabilities at the West Des Moines (WDM) water plant in November 2004. These added capabilities allowed beneficial use of previously unused water wells by the WDM water plant.
The second action included adding air sparging wells at the Delavan facility. This treats the water in the soil with the greatest contamination, reducing the total amount of contaminates in the soil and ground water, therefore reducing the likelihood that contaminates can reach the WDM water wells.
The Remedial Action discussed in this Proposed Plan addresses the Southern Plume ground water contaminants that are not addressed by the interim response actions.
EPA estimates there are no significant risks currently presented by the site. However, significant potential for future risks exists, based on assumptions of individual well water use from the contaminated area.
RECOMMENDED REMEDIAL ALTERNATIVES
The two interim response actions discussed above are common to all proposed alternatives and will be incorporated into the selected remedy. The remedial alternatives are:
1. No Action - The National Contingency Plan requires consideration
of a no further action alternative against which other alternatives
can be compared.
2. Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) - would rely on the
aquifer's ability to lower contaminant concentrations through
natural processes.
3. Focused Pump and Treat – would consist of five ground water recovery wells, onsite treatment via carbon adsorption, and discharge of treated water to a nearby stream or storm sewer.
A complete explanation of the alternatives can be found in the Feasibility Study (FS) and Cost Revisions to the FS Reports that are included in the Administrative Record.
We propose to select Alternative 2 which incorporates the interim response actions as the Preferred Alternative, subject to public comment.
EPA will hold a public meeting to provide information and accept comments on the Proposed Plan. The public meeting will be held:
Monday, August 7, 2006
Starting at 7:00 p.m.
West Des Moines Community Center
in the South Dining Room
217 Fifth Street
West Des Moines, Iowa
Written comments must be postmarked by August 24, 2006, and should be sent to:
Beckie Himes
Office of External Programs
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
himes.beckie@epa.gov
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Proposed Plan and other site-related documents provide details of the nature and extent of contamination and the work that has been completed at the site. These documents are part of the Administrative Record, and are available during regular business hours at the following locations:
West Des Moines Public Library
4000 George M. Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, Iowa
EPA Region 7 Records Center
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas
If you have questions or need additional information concerning the public meeting or the Railroad Avenue site, please contact:
Beckie Himes
Office of External Programs
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-551-7003 or
Toll Free: 1-800-223-0425
himes.beckie@epa.gov
