Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Virginia Department of Transportation - Elko Materials Laboratory in Sandston, Virginia
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineer Controls
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
A final remedy decision was issued on January 20, 2021 for the VDOT Elko facility that includes the following components: 1) targeted excavation and removal of contaminated soil; 2) conduct natural attenuation monitoring of contaminants in groundwater in accordance with an approved Corrective Measures Implementation Work Plan; and 3) implement and maintain compliance with land use controls in the form of institutional and engineering controls. The remedy was implemented through a Remedy Consent Order (RCO) negotiated between VDOT and DEQ.
Cleanup Status
In October 2008, VDOT signed a Facility Lead Agreement (FLA) with EPA Region 3 to conduct corrective actions at the former waste management unit (surface impoundment) identified as SWMU #1.
Between July 2009 and March 2015, VDOT conducted a series of investigations and interim measures.
EPA completed the Environmental Indicator Documents Current Human Exposures and Migration of Contaminated Groundwater on October 23, 2013. The EI documents listed the human exposure risk and contaminant migration as “Under Control”. There are no known human or environmental down-gradient receptors.
The results of the IM suggest that VOCs in groundwater were overall reduced but remain above risk-based levels and MCLs on and offsite. Therefore in August 2019, VDOT prepared an IM/Corrective Measures Study that evaluated additional remedial alternatives, which recommended additional corrective measures and continued groundwater monitoring.
In December 2019, the CMS was deemed completed and DEQ prepared a Statement of Basis (SB) that detailed the proposed remedy for site. The SB was provided for public comment in December 2020. The final remedy decision was issued on January 20, 2021. The components of the remedy are explained in detail in the SB and were implemented through a Remedy Consent Order between VDOT and DEQ. The Remedy includes the following: 1) targeted excavation and removal of contaminated soil; 2) natural attenuation monitoring of contaminants in groundwater in accordance with an approved Corrective Measures Implementation Work Plan; and 3) implementation and maintenance of compliance with land use controls in the form of institutional and engineering controls. The physical construction of the remedy was completed in March 2024.
Site Description
Interactive Map of Virginia Department of Transportation - Elko Materials Laboratory, Sandston, VA
The VDOT Elko Materials Lab is situated on +/-16 acre tract near Sandston, Henrico County, Virginia. The Elko Lab has been operating since 1980 and conducts tests on materials used in the construction and maintenance of the Commonwealth's roads. There is one solid waste management unit (SWMU) of concern which is a surface impoundment that received waste water from the facility's laboratories. The SWMU contained both listed and characteristic hazardous waste. The waste was previously removed from the unit and it is no longer an operating unit. The releases of volatile organic compounds from this unit to soil and groundwater was investigated and is being remediated under RCRA corrective action.
Contaminants at this Facility
The primary contaminants in the groundwater and soils at the facility are 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) and its daughter products 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE) along with 1,4-Dioxane and trichloroethene (TCE)
Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility
The final remedy requires the implementation of the following ICs:
- The restricted part of the Property (shown in Figure 4 in the December 2020 Statement of Basis) shall not be used for residential purposes or for children’s (under the age of 16) daycare facilities, schools, or playground purposes and senior care facilities;
- Groundwater beneath the restricted part of the Property (shown in Figure 4 in the December 2020 Statement of Basis) shall not be used for any purposes except for environmental monitoring and testing, or other use outside the plume as approved by the Agency as long as drinking water standards are exceeded. Any new groundwater wells installed at the Property must be approved by the Agency;
- Excavation and disturbance into areas of known contaminated soil or groundwater in and around SWMU #1 shall be performed in accordance only with a DEQ approved Materials Management Plan.
- Future modifications at the property that could be reasonably understood to adversely affect or interfere with the integrity or protectiveness of the final remedy will be evaluated to identify and address those potential impacts or interferences.
- Vapor intrusion mitigation measures shall be installed in any newly constructed totally enclosed building(s) designed for occupation within 100 feet of the footprint of groundwater having site-related VOCs identified above protective levels, unless it is demonstrated to DEQ that vapor mitigation is not necessary to protect human health. The method of assessment will be based on current DEQ and/or EPA risk assessment guidance. Vapor intrusion mitigation measures may be waived with DEQ approval based upon a demonstration that mitigation measures are not necessary for protection of human health.
Land Reuse Information at this Facility
The facility is in continued use.
Site Responsibility at this Facility
RCRA Corrective Action activities at this facility are being conducted under the direction of VA DEQ with assistance from the EPA Region 3.