groundwater in the san gabriel valley and the area 3 superfund site presented by the san gabriel...

Groundwater in Groundwater in the San Gabriel the San Gabriel

Valley and the Area Valley and the Area 3 Superfund Site3 Superfund Site

Presented by thePresented by the

San Gabriel Valley Oversight San Gabriel Valley Oversight GroupGroup

April 10, 2010April 10, 2010

Who we areWho we are

The San Gabriel Valley Oversight Group is a The San Gabriel Valley Oversight Group is a non-profit, public benefit 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation.corporation.

We are an independent group of local We are an independent group of local residents with a concern for our environmentresidents with a concern for our environment

Contact:Contact:Eric Sunada, Executive DirectorEric Sunada, Executive [email protected](626) 589-0440(626) 589-0440

Who we are notWho we are not We are NOT affiliated with any local We are NOT affiliated with any local

water producer/agency, City, State, water producer/agency, City, State, Federal government, or corporation.Federal government, or corporation.

We are not experts in hydrology or We are not experts in hydrology or toxicology, but we hire consultants to toxicology, but we hire consultants to help us interpret data and assess help us interpret data and assess health risks of contaminantshealth risks of contaminants

We go to great lengths to ensure there We go to great lengths to ensure there are no conflicts of interest that could are no conflicts of interest that could skew our oversight dutiesskew our oversight duties The technical consultant we used to help The technical consultant we used to help

review contamination data, The Cadmus review contamination data, The Cadmus Group, is based in Watertown MA.Group, is based in Watertown MA.

Funding for our workFunding for our work

None of us at the SGVOG gets paid for what None of us at the SGVOG gets paid for what we do. We serve on a volunteer basis.we do. We serve on a volunteer basis.

The cost of technical consultants has been The cost of technical consultants has been partly funded through the use of U.S. EPA partly funded through the use of U.S. EPA Technical Assistance Grant funds. The Technical Assistance Grant funds. The contents herein do not necessarily reflect the contents herein do not necessarily reflect the policies, actions, or positions of the U.S. policies, actions, or positions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The San Environmental Protection Agency. The San Gabriel Valley Oversight Group does not Gabriel Valley Oversight Group does not speak for nor represent the U.S. speak for nor represent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Environmental Protection Agency.

PurposePurpose As a fellow resident, the purpose is to share As a fellow resident, the purpose is to share

what we have learned and to help the rest of what we have learned and to help the rest of the community become active stakeholders the community become active stakeholders in our water supplyin our water supply

Provide background information and Provide background information and definitions of terminology to help residents definitions of terminology to help residents understand our local water contamination understand our local water contamination issuesissues

It is our strong belief that an informed public It is our strong belief that an informed public is the key to building a stronger, healthier, is the key to building a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communityand more prosperous community

Today’s PresentationToday’s Presentation

Groundwater BasicsGroundwater Basics Terminology commonly used by the U.S. Terminology commonly used by the U.S.

EPA and other regulatory agenciesEPA and other regulatory agencies Water contaminants found in our areaWater contaminants found in our area The San Gabriel Valley Area 3 Superfund The San Gabriel Valley Area 3 Superfund

Site (formerly known as the Alhambra Site (formerly known as the Alhambra Operable Unit Superfund Site)Operable Unit Superfund Site)

Findings of our independent reviewFindings of our independent review

GroundwaterGroundwater

Think of it as a large, Think of it as a large, natural, underground natural, underground reservoirreservoir

Water which is Water which is allowed to percolate allowed to percolate down into the down into the groundwater basin is groundwater basin is naturally filterednaturally filtered

We are fortunate to We are fortunate to have a very large have a very large groundwater basingroundwater basin

Structure of our BasinStructure of our Basin Our groundwater Our groundwater

basin is not a basin is not a series of series of underground lakes underground lakes and riversand rivers

It’s essentially It’s essentially porous Earth porous Earth consisting of consisting of alluvia, bedrock, alluvia, bedrock, and stoneand stone

Groundwater Groundwater TerminologyTerminology

alluvia – sedimentalluvia – sediment bedrock – solid rock that borders the bedrock – solid rock that borders the

alluviaalluvia aquifer – alluvia and bedrock in a aquifer – alluvia and bedrock in a

geologic formation which is geologic formation which is permeable and can store and permeable and can store and transport water; often used transport water; often used interchangeably with the term interchangeably with the term “groundwater basin”“groundwater basin”

Groundwater Storage Groundwater Storage CapacityCapacity

Storage capacity of the main San Storage capacity of the main San Gabriel groundwater basin:Gabriel groundwater basin:

3,500,000,000,000 gallons of 3,500,000,000,000 gallons of water!water!

That’s like having 85 Lake Perris size That’s like having 85 Lake Perris size reservoirsreservoirs

Source: State of California http://www.water.ca.gov/pubs/groundwater/bulletin_118/basindescriptions/4-13.pdf

TriviaTrivia Question: How many fresh water Question: How many fresh water

lakes in California are NOT man-lakes in California are NOT man-made reservoirs?made reservoirs?

Answer: 3 (with one not entirely in Answer: 3 (with one not entirely in California)!California)! Clear LakeClear Lake Lake TahoeLake Tahoe Eagle LakeEagle Lake

Source: State of California http://www.water.ca.gov

Recharging our Groundwater Recharging our Groundwater Basin -Basin -

The Preferred Method: Natural The Preferred Method: Natural Water CycleWater Cycle

Getting water into the Getting water into the ground isn’t as easy as it ground isn’t as easy as it

used to beused to be As land gets developed and covered As land gets developed and covered

with concrete and asphalt, water is with concrete and asphalt, water is no longer able to percolate into the no longer able to percolate into the groundground

During times of rain, water is During times of rain, water is diverted to storm drains and sent diverted to storm drains and sent down river to the oceandown river to the ocean

San Vicente and Fairfax, Los Angeles c.1922

Storm run-off plume, Southern California Coast

Today, we rely heavily on Today, we rely heavily on man-made recharging man-made recharging

techniquestechniques

Spreading

Grounds

Partial dam of rivers to

allow percolation

Injection Wells

Spreading GroundsSpreading Grounds

We do not get enough natural We do not get enough natural replenishment of our groundwater basin, replenishment of our groundwater basin, i.e., we withdraw more water than is i.e., we withdraw more water than is naturally depositednaturally deposited

So we end up buying water from either the So we end up buying water from either the State Water Project (Northern California) or State Water Project (Northern California) or from the Colorado Riverfrom the Colorado River We then pump the water onto open surface We then pump the water onto open surface

areas so that it can percolate down into the areas so that it can percolate down into the basinbasin

These open areas are called spreading groundsThese open areas are called spreading grounds

Local Spreading GroundsLocal Spreading Grounds

Source: Raymond Basin Management Board, 2006.

So how does all this So how does all this relate to us?relate to us?

Our portion of the groundwater basin Our portion of the groundwater basin is referred to as the Alhambra is referred to as the Alhambra Pumping HolePumping Hole

Alhambra gets about 80% of its water Alhambra gets about 80% of its water from the Alhambra Pumping Hole.from the Alhambra Pumping Hole.**

This water requires treatment prior to This water requires treatment prior to sending it to residentssending it to residents

The remaining 20% is importedThe remaining 20% is imported More expensive to import water!More expensive to import water!

* As of 2006, the last set of data that I had access to

TriviaTrivia How far does water have to travel to How far does water have to travel to

get to us via the State Water get to us via the State Water Project?Project? About 575 miles and pumped nearly ¾ About 575 miles and pumped nearly ¾

of a mile highof a mile high

Problems with the Problems with the Alhambra Pumping HoleAlhambra Pumping Hole

The local geology makes it difficult The local geology makes it difficult to re-charge our areato re-charge our area Water does not flow satisfactorily into Water does not flow satisfactorily into

our area from other parts of the basinour area from other parts of the basin We have no local spreading grounds We have no local spreading grounds

which directly recharge the which directly recharge the Alhambra Pumping HoleAlhambra Pumping Hole

Direct Injection via ASR wells is not Direct Injection via ASR wells is not feasiblefeasible

Main San GabrielMain San GabrielGroundwater BasinGroundwater Basin

Groundwater Groundwater ContaminationContamination

BackgroundBackgroundVOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds: carbon-containing chemicals that were often used in industrial solvents; health risks include kidney, liver damage, compromised immune system, cancer.

Area 3: Previously known as the Alhambra Operable Unit, it is the name given to the area in the west San Gabriel Valley where groundwater contaminant levels exceed national drinking water standards. Four such areas exist in the San Gabriel Valley.

Superfund: also known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), it authorizes the EPA to clean up contamination caused by chemical spills or hazardous waste sites that could or do pose threats to the environment. Amendments in 1986 authorize citizens to sue violators and establish “community right-to-know” programs. By being listed as a Superfund site (same as being placed on what is called a National Priority List or NPL), we become eligible for federal funding for cleanup efforts.

Remedial Investigation: the phase of the EPA’s clean-up process that involves data gathering and health assessments. There’s a long way to go before any clean-up actually begins under this program.

Monitoring well: wells drilled at varying depths by the EPA with the specific purpose of obtaining samples for groundwater contaminant measurements. See following slides for locations of the eight such wells in Area 3.

LARWQCB: the State agency that works to investigate water contamination.

Area 3 Superfund SiteArea 3 Superfund Site

Ref. USEPA Community Involvement Plan

Some more terminologySome more terminology MCL or maximum contaminant levelMCL or maximum contaminant level: The : The

maximum permissible level of a contaminant that maximum permissible level of a contaminant that can be delivered to you as drinking water. MCL’s can be delivered to you as drinking water. MCL’s can vary between Federal and States.can vary between Federal and States.

COPC or contaminant of potential concernCOPC or contaminant of potential concern: : This is the EPA’s terminology to designate those This is the EPA’s terminology to designate those contaminants which have found in sufficiently high contaminants which have found in sufficiently high concentrations to pose a health or environmental concentrations to pose a health or environmental risk.risk.

μμg/L or microgram per literg/L or microgram per liter: This is a unit to : This is a unit to describe the amount of contaminant found in a liter describe the amount of contaminant found in a liter of water. A microgram is one-millionth of a gram of water. A microgram is one-millionth of a gram (or about 0.000000035 ounces). By weight, this is (or about 0.000000035 ounces). By weight, this is equivalent to 1 part per billion or 1 PPB.equivalent to 1 part per billion or 1 PPB.

mg/L or milligram per litermg/L or milligram per liter: A milligram is one-: A milligram is one-thousandth of a gram (or about 0.000035 ounces). thousandth of a gram (or about 0.000035 ounces). By weight, this is equivalent to 1 part per million By weight, this is equivalent to 1 part per million or 1 PPM.or 1 PPM.

TriviaTrivia Question: How much water is Question: How much water is

needed to dilute a tablespoon of needed to dilute a tablespoon of contaminant to reduce its contaminant to reduce its concentration to 1 PPB?concentration to 1 PPB?

Answer: About as much water as is Answer: About as much water as is contained in an Olympic-size contained in an Olympic-size swimming poolswimming pool

Is my tap water safe to Is my tap water safe to drink?drink?

YesYes Our tap water is regularly tested to Our tap water is regularly tested to

meet federal and state health standardsmeet federal and state health standards If a well is producing contaminated If a well is producing contaminated

water, that water is treated by water, that water is treated by specialized equipment to make it specialized equipment to make it potable (i.e., bring contaminant levels potable (i.e., bring contaminant levels below the MCL standard)below the MCL standard)

So if it’s safe to drink, So if it’s safe to drink, why should I be why should I be

concerned about Area 3?concerned about Area 3? We need to clean up the We need to clean up the

contamination because:contamination because: groundwater is limited due to the groundwater is limited due to the

closing of the most contaminated wellsclosing of the most contaminated wells it is expensive to treat contaminated it is expensive to treat contaminated

waterwater water imported from other sources, water imported from other sources,

such as the Colorado River, costs more such as the Colorado River, costs more and may not be enoughand may not be enough


concerned about Area 3?concerned about Area 3? State and federal standards for water State and federal standards for water

quality are based on many factors, not quality are based on many factors, not all health-related. Cost-benefit analyses all health-related. Cost-benefit analyses are also considered in setting MCLs.are also considered in setting MCLs.

What is deemed safe today may not be What is deemed safe today may not be in the future even if current detected in the future even if current detected levels do not change. Ongoing health levels do not change. Ongoing health studies continue to reassess the studies continue to reassess the toxicology of many contaminants.toxicology of many contaminants.


concerned about Area 3?concerned about Area 3? MCLs can differ from state to state. MCLs can differ from state to state.

Take the contaminant Perchlorate, Take the contaminant Perchlorate, which is often found in rocket fuel which is often found in rocket fuel and dry cleaning fluids and has been and dry cleaning fluids and has been found harmful to pregnant women found harmful to pregnant women and causes abnormalities of the and causes abnormalities of the thyroid glandthyroid gland


concerned about Area 3?concerned about Area 3? Hypothetical situation: there is a Hypothetical situation: there is a

contaminant which is present in our contaminant which is present in our groundwater system, but not currently groundwater system, but not currently above today’s MCL. Sometime in the above today’s MCL. Sometime in the future this contaminant ends up violating future this contaminant ends up violating the MCL, either because the concentration the MCL, either because the concentration of contamination grew or because the MCL of contamination grew or because the MCL was reduced.was reduced. in the case of Perchlorate, this can take a in the case of Perchlorate, this can take a

$10M treatment plant used for VOCs and turn $10M treatment plant used for VOCs and turn it into a $40M plant.it into a $40M plant.

Findings from our independent Findings from our independent review of the Remedial review of the Remedial Investigation ReportInvestigation Report

The following slides summarize the The following slides summarize the SGVOG’s findings of our review of SGVOG’s findings of our review of the Remedial Investigation Report the Remedial Investigation Report published by the USEPA. The published by the USEPA. The review was conducted by our review was conducted by our technical consultant, The Cadmus technical consultant, The Cadmus Group.Group.

Map of San Gabriel Valley Area 3 Map of San Gabriel Valley Area 3 Site showing plumes of Site showing plumes of

groundwater contaminationgroundwater contamination

The 7 Key Contaminants The 7 Key Contaminants Found in the Area 3 Found in the Area 3

Superfund SiteSuperfund Site

= Found in wells which produce drinking water. Water is treated before delivery to the public to ensure it is below MCLs

Trichloroethene (TCE)Trichloroethene (TCE)

A volatile organic compound (VOC) A volatile organic compound (VOC) which is contained in solventswhich is contained in solvents

In high doses or in small doses over In high doses or in small doses over long periods of time, it may causelong periods of time, it may cause**

liver and kidney damageliver and kidney damage fetal development problemsfetal development problems cancercancer

Source: The Cadmus Group (technical advisor for the SGVOG)

Tetrachloroethene (PCE)Tetrachloroethene (PCE)

A volatile organic compound (VOC) A volatile organic compound (VOC) which is contained in solvents and which is contained in solvents and dry cleaning chemicalsdry cleaning chemicals


liver and kidney damageliver and kidney damage compromised immune systemcompromised immune system cancercancer


1,2,3-Trichloropropane 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP)(1,2,3-TCP)

A volatile organic compound (VOC) A volatile organic compound (VOC) which is contained in pesticides, which is contained in pesticides, solvents, and sealantssolvents, and sealants


liver and kidney damageliver and kidney damage compromised immune systemcompromised immune system blood damageblood damage


NitrateNitrate A chemical which is contained in A chemical which is contained in

fertilizers. Because of the agricultural fertilizers. Because of the agricultural history of our area, nitrate history of our area, nitrate contamination is widespread throughout contamination is widespread throughout the valley and is exempt from Superfund the valley and is exempt from Superfund cleanup fundscleanup funds

In high doses or in small doses over long In high doses or in small doses over long periods of time, it may causeperiods of time, it may cause**

blue baby syndromeblue baby syndrome hemorrhaging of the spleenhemorrhaging of the spleen


Assessment of the EPA’s test Assessment of the EPA’s test methodsmethods

We asked our consultant: “are the We asked our consultant: “are the test methods used to collect and test methods used to collect and evaluate samples consistent with the evaluate samples consistent with the latest state-of-the-art techniques? latest state-of-the-art techniques? Please assess the accuracy and error Please assess the accuracy and error bars associated with the data.”bars associated with the data.”

In general, they said the test In general, they said the test methods are “well-established, methods are “well-established, sensitive, and routinely used”sensitive, and routinely used”

Assessment of the EPA’s test Assessment of the EPA’s test methodsmethods

In terms of accuracy and error bars associated In terms of accuracy and error bars associated with the tests, our consultant saidwith the tests, our consultant said ““With respect to errors, one measure of variability is With respect to errors, one measure of variability is

the reproducibility from duplicate samples taken in the the reproducibility from duplicate samples taken in the field. The tables below show a few examples of results field. The tables below show a few examples of results from field duplicates for four of the key COPCs sampled from field duplicates for four of the key COPCs sampled at EPA monitoring wells. These . . . show the values for at EPA monitoring wells. These . . . show the values for the duplicates and the RPD (relative percent difference) the duplicates and the RPD (relative percent difference) between the two”between the two”

Assessment of the EPA’s Assessment of the EPA’s health risk assessmenthealth risk assessment

We asked our consultant “Please explain the method We asked our consultant “Please explain the method by which the health risk assessment is made. Are the by which the health risk assessment is made. Are the conclusions drawn consistent with industry-standard conclusions drawn consistent with industry-standard practices and accepted principles?”practices and accepted principles?” ““This systematic analysis was reviewed by Cadmus and This systematic analysis was reviewed by Cadmus and

found to be very thorough including presentation of all found to be very thorough including presentation of all available data, and explanation of the process used for available data, and explanation of the process used for hazard identification of chemicals, calculations of exposure hazard identification of chemicals, calculations of exposure assessment, and selection of the most conservative human assessment, and selection of the most conservative human health criteria to assess risk.”health criteria to assess risk.”

““The basic approach for the risk assessment was to use the The basic approach for the risk assessment was to use the most conservative available site data and human health most conservative available site data and human health criteria (i.e., representing the worst-case scenario) and the criteria (i.e., representing the worst-case scenario) and the most conservative contaminant occurrence data (i.e., highest most conservative contaminant occurrence data (i.e., highest concentrations of contaminants monitored at the site).” concentrations of contaminants monitored at the site).”

Assessment of plume Assessment of plume migrationmigration

We asked our consultant “Could you please comment on the lack We asked our consultant “Could you please comment on the lack of migration data? Do we truly lack the data to make an of migration data? Do we truly lack the data to make an assessment of plume migration?”assessment of plume migration?” EPA appears aware of these data limitations, and has prepared the RI, EPA appears aware of these data limitations, and has prepared the RI,

Cadmus believes, as well as would be expected with the data Cadmus believes, as well as would be expected with the data available, and in spite of uncertainty in many areas. Summarized available, and in spite of uncertainty in many areas. Summarized below is the information on plumes and contaminant migration in the below is the information on plumes and contaminant migration in the RI. RI.

Of five areas where groundwater occurs at Area 3, the most severe Of five areas where groundwater occurs at Area 3, the most severe contamination is in the southwest and northeast. Representations of contamination is in the southwest and northeast. Representations of the spatial relationships between surfaces structures, groundwater, the spatial relationships between surfaces structures, groundwater, contaminants, and hydrogeological features at Area 3 are found contaminants, and hydrogeological features at Area 3 are found throughout the RI. See Figure ES-2 in the RI for a simplified throughout the RI. See Figure ES-2 in the RI for a simplified conceptual hydrogeology drawing. However, contaminant plumes conceptual hydrogeology drawing. However, contaminant plumes have not been delineated in Area 3 because the transport mechanism have not been delineated in Area 3 because the transport mechanism (downward flow as compared to spreading horizontally) is not well-(downward flow as compared to spreading horizontally) is not well-defined, and this significant data limitation produces uncertainty in defined, and this significant data limitation produces uncertainty in the RI EPA reported it hopes to improve (Section 8). the RI EPA reported it hopes to improve (Section 8).

Summary of our Summary of our AssessmentAssessment

The EPA has been diligent and thorough The EPA has been diligent and thorough in their investigation given limitations due in their investigation given limitations due to working across multiple agencies to working across multiple agencies (State, County, City, water providers)(State, County, City, water providers)

Our consultant did not find any Our consultant did not find any discrepancies when comparing their discrepancies when comparing their interpretation of the data and health interpretation of the data and health assessmentsassessments

Data gaps still exist, but the EPA is aware Data gaps still exist, but the EPA is aware and will be working to fill themand will be working to fill them

Path ForwardPath Forward We should continue to monitor the We should continue to monitor the

cleanup process and MCLscleanup process and MCLs Stay proactive and express our Stay proactive and express our

concerns to our local legislatorsconcerns to our local legislators We are interested in identifying the We are interested in identifying the

responsible partiesresponsible parties The EPA is still in the process of The EPA is still in the process of

identifying those who may be liableidentifying those who may be liable If you ask, they will share with you a list If you ask, they will share with you a list

of parties it believes may be liable and of parties it believes may be liable and to whom they have sent noticesto whom they have sent notices

Business who have been served Business who have been served notices, as reported in the San notices, as reported in the San

Gabriel Valley TribuneGabriel Valley Tribune

-- “EPA to discuss extent of water contamination under Alhambra, San Gabriel, Rosemead Superfund site,” San Gabriel Valley Tribune, April 9, 2010

Attend the EPA’s Area 3 Attend the EPA’s Area 3 meetings to show your concern meetings to show your concern

and support of the cleanup and support of the cleanup processprocess EPA will host two public information EPA will host two public information

sessions:sessions:

Wednesday, April 14, 2010Wednesday, April 14, 20105:00-7:30 pm (presentation 6:30-7:00 pm)5:00-7:30 pm (presentation 6:30-7:00 pm)Alhambra Civic Center LibraryAlhambra Civic Center Library101 S. First St.101 S. First St.Alhambra, CA 91801Alhambra, CA 91801

Saturday, April 17, 2010Saturday, April 17, 20102:00-4:30pm (presentation 3:30-4:00 pm)2:00-4:30pm (presentation 3:30-4:00 pm)Rosemead LibraryRosemead Library8800 Valley Blvd.8800 Valley Blvd.Rosemead, CA 91770Rosemead, CA 91770

Contact InformationContact Information

EPA Contacts:EPA Contacts:Svetlana Zenkin, Community Involvement Svetlana Zenkin, Community Involvement

CoordinatorCoordinator

(415) 972-3085(415) [email protected]

Lisa Hanusiak, Remedial Project managerLisa Hanusiak, Remedial Project manager

(415) 972-3152(415) [email protected]

AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

We would like to thank you for taking the We would like to thank you for taking the time to attend today’s meeting. Strong time to attend today’s meeting. Strong community support is key to the cleanup community support is key to the cleanup process.process.

We would also like to thank the U.S. EPA We would also like to thank the U.S. EPA for being open and willing to share their for being open and willing to share their data with us and giving us the data with us and giving us the opportunity to review draft reports. We opportunity to review draft reports. We also appreciate them taking the time to also appreciate them taking the time to answer all our questions over the years.answer all our questions over the years.

Mark your calendarsMark your calendars

EPA will host two public information EPA will host two public information sessions:sessions:

Wednesday, April 14, 2010Wednesday, April 14, 20105:00-7:30 pm (presentation 6:30-7:00 pm)5:00-7:30 pm (presentation 6:30-7:00 pm)Alhambra Civic Center LibraryAlhambra Civic Center Library101 S. First St.101 S. First St.Alhambra, CA 91801Alhambra, CA 91801

Saturday, April 17, 2010Saturday, April 17, 20102:00-4:30pm (presentation 3:30-4:00 pm)2:00-4:30pm (presentation 3:30-4:00 pm)Rosemead LibraryRosemead Library8800 Valley Blvd.8800 Valley Blvd.Rosemead, CA 91770Rosemead, CA 91770

Current Water LevelsCurrent Water Levels

Source: SGVMWD

groundwater in the san gabriel valley and the area 3 superfund site presented by the san gabriel...

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