I ... ..j

COM F E D E R A L P R O G R A M S C 0 R'P O R A T I O.N, -a s u b s i d i a r y of C a m p D r e s s e r & M c K e e Inc .

March 16, 1993

Mr. Ervin SmieszekTES V Regional Project OfficerU.S. Environaental Protection Agency26 Federal Plaza Room 737New York, NY 10278

PROJECT:

DOCUMENT NO:

SUBJECT:

TES V, EPA CONTRACT NO: 68-W9-0002Vork Assignment C02081Vega Alta Site, Operable Unit IIVega Alta, Puerto Rico

TESV-C02081-EP-CVRV

Summary of Field Oversight Activities, March 1993DCN: TESV-C02081-LR-CVRW

Dear Mr. Smieszek:

Please find enclosed the letter report titled "Summary of Field OversightActivities, March 1993" as partial fulfillaent of the requirements for VorkAssignment CO2081, Vega Alta Site, (OUII) in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico.

If you have any consents regarding this submittal, please contact SallyOdland of CDM FEDERAL PROGRAMS CORPORATION (CDM FPC) at (212) 393-9634within two veeJts from the date of this letter.

Sin

CDM S CORPORATION

Scott1

TES V

Attachment

MANAGER

cc« . nt PRS. Odland, CDM FederalDocument Control (2 copies)NIC File

111 Fukon SUM, State 7tt New York, NY 10038 212 J9W6M 305871

SUMMARY OF FIELD OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIESMARCH 1993

VEGA ALTA VATER SUPPLY VELL SITEOPERABLE UNIT II

VEGA ALTA, PUERTO RICO

Prepared for

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCYOffice of Waste Programs Enforcement

Washington, D.C. 20460

EPA Work Assignment No.EPA RegionSite No.Contract No.COM FEDERAL PROGRAMSCORPORATION Document No.Prepared ByWork Assignment Project ManagerTelephone NumberEPA Vork Assignment ManagerTelephone NumberDate Prepared

C02081II2PA168-W9-0002

TESV-C02081-LR-CVRVCOM FPCSally Odland(212) 393-9634Jose Font(809) 729-6919March 16, 1993

305872

C D M F E D E R A L P R O G R A M S C O R P O R A T I O Na s u b s i d i a r y o f C a m p D r e s s e r & M c K e e Inc.

March 16, 1993

Mr. Jose FontU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region DCaribbean Field Office1413 Fernaodez Juncos Ave.Santurce, Puerto Rico 00907

PROJECT: TES V, EPA Contract No. 68-W9-0002Work Assignment: C02081Vega Alta Water Supply Well SiteVega Alta, Puerto Rico

DOCUMENT NO: TESV-C02081-LR-CVRW

SUBJECT:

Dear Mr. Font:

Summary Report of Field Oversight Activities, March 1993

CDM Federal Programs Corporation (CDM Federal) conducted field oversight of field activities for theOperable Unit D (OUH) Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study of the Vega Alta Water Well Supply Sitein Vega Alta, Puerto Rico from March 1 through March 5, 1993. This oversight was performed under EPAWork Assignment C02081.

1.0 SUMMARY OF FIELD ACTTVTnES

Field activities overseen were the completion of subsurface exploratory test pits throughout the study area.Five locations were ones recommended by Geraghty & Miller, Inc. (G&M) based on a previously conductedgeomagnetic survey (Section 8.2, Technical Memorandum. Summary of Initial Field Activities for meOperable Unit Two Remedial Investigation. Vega Alta. Puerto Ricol. Five other areas were alsoinvestigated based on results from subsurface borings and recommendations from CDM Federal. The tentest pits completed during this task, with their corresponding anomaly names, excavation dates and whetheror not their excavation was recommended in the technical memorandum, are listed below, followed bycomments on the findings of each excavation:

£ Date Jech Memo

1 3/1 No

2 3/2 Yes

3 3/2 Yes

Area

8(Teledyne)

1 (Concrete Pad)

1 (Concrete Pad)

Anomaly Comment

at BH26 metal debris, with no measurableorganic vapors

A metal debris, with no measurableorganic vapors

B metal debris, with no measurableorganic vapors

IIIFukonScrtct. Suite 710 New Yoik, NY 10038 211 393-9634 305873

4 3/2 • No , 1 (Concrete Pid) . C ': metal conduit,;.:''with >v

• , . . - ' measurable organic vipon''| Date Tecfa Memo Arej Anomaly Comment .- ' / ' ; ' ."

5 3/2 No 1 (Concrete Pad) by BH20 metal debris, with no measurableorganic vapon

6 3/3 Yes 6 (GE Pilot) A metal debris, with no measurableorganic vapors

7 3/3 Yes 4 (West Co.) B metal debris, with measurableorganic vapon

g 3/4 Yes 4 (West Co.) C metal debris, with measurableorganic vapon

9 3/4 No 6 (GE Pilot) NW field metal debris, with no measurableorganic vapon

10 3/5 No 6 (GE Pilot) at BH03 conduits with highly measurableorganic vapors

1.1 Area 8 (Teledyne), at BH26

The test pit in Area 8 (Teledyne) was centered on BH26, a boring that penetrated metal debris wheninstalled. This location was not identified in the technical memorandum for testing, but was included dueto the metal found when drilling BH26. Previous soil samples collected from BH26, and the boring five feetwest, BH26A, did not exhibit organic contamination. The test pit excavation began on March 1 at 12:30p.m., with debris being piled onto plastic, to minimize damage to the grassy area. Excavation revealed alayer of buried metal debris approximately 10* long, 5' wide and 4' thick, beginning at about 1* below thesurface. The total size of the excavated test pit prior to backfilling was approximately 10' long, 10' wideand 8* deep. C&M monitored the pit and excavated soils with their PID (photo-tonization detector), withoutnoting any measurable organic vapor readings. CDM Federal did not check these soils with their OVA(organic vapor analyzer), because the instrument did not arrive until later that day. G&M collected five soilsamples for on-site screening with their GC (gas chromatograph) and one for off-site analysis and a CLPlaboratory. On site with CDM Federal and G&M personnel was Rob Strahle of Harding Lawson &Associates, consultant to Teledyne, who collected split samples of soils collected and photographed theactivities. ~

1.2 Area 1 (Concrete Pad), Anomaly A

This test pit in Area 1 (Concrete Pad) was centered on Anomaly A, an area identified in the technicalmemorandum for exploration due to a large'magnetic anotnaryi : The test pit' excavation begairbn March l'~at 8:45 a.m., with debris being piled onto the adjacent soils, without plastic sheeting. Excavation revealedburied metal debris beginning at about 2* below the surface. The debris included metal sheeting'{likelyassociated with roofing), wire, conduit, and wood, some charred from a fire. This debris apparently wasfrom a maintenance facility which had burned down. The total size of the excavated test pit prior tobackfilling was approximately 9' long, T wide and 6' deep. G&M monitored the pit and excavated soilswith their PID, noting only one measurable organic vapor readings. CDM Federal checked these soils withtheir OVA, and did not notice any readings. G&M collected a soil sample for on-site screening with theirGC, to represent soils at the bottom of the excavated pit. Neither the PID nor the OVA recorded anyreadings from the backhoe scoop of soil before the sample was collected.

1.3 Area 1 (Concrete Pad), Anomaly B

05874,„,,*< r», Harried PJPTT

• . • • • •t- .--'A••;*.' '

. .This test pit to Area 1 (Concrete Pad) was centered on magnetic Aixxnaly B, an a Identified la'tbe:

technical memorandum foe exploration. The test pit excavatfoo began oo March 2 at 11:00a.m., with debrisbeing piled onto (be adjacent soils, without plastic sheeting. Excavation revealed buried metal debrisbeginning at about 2* below the surface, similar to Anomaly A. The debris included metal sheeting (likelyassociated with roofing), wire, conduit, and wood, some charred from a fire. The total size of the excavatedtest pit prior to backfilling was approximately 8* long, 7* wide and 6* deep. G&M monitored the pit andexcavated soils with their PID, noting no measurable organic vapor readings. COM Federal checked thesesoils with their OVA, and did not notice any readings. G&M collected a soil sample for on-site screeningwith their GC, to represent soils at the bottom of the excavated pit. Neither the PID nor the OVA recordedany readings from the backhoe scoop of soil before the sample was collected.

1.4 Area 1 (Concrete Pad), Anomaly C

This test pit in Area 1 (Concrete Pad) was centered on magnetic Anomaly C, an area not identified in thetechnical memorandum for exploration. However, G&M was informed by CDM Federal, that EPA wantedan extensive test pit effort, so investigation of this anomaly was added to the test pit program. The test pitexcavation began on March 2 at 1:55 p.m., with debris being piled onto the adjacent soils, without plasticsheeting. Excavation revealed a single 1' metal conduit. The total size of the excavated test pit prior tobackfilling was at its widest points 20* long, 20* wide and 6* deep. G&M monitored the pit and excavatedsoils with their PID, noting no measurable organic vapor readings. CDM Federal checked these soils withtheir OVA, and did not notice any readings. G&M collected a son sample for on-site screening with theirGC, to represent soils at the bottom of the excavated pit Neither the PID nor me OVA recorded anyreadings from the backhoe scoop of soil before the sample was collected.

1.5 Area 1 (Concrete Pad), by BH20

This test pit in Area 1 (Concrete Pad) was centered 25' south of BH20, an area not identified in the technicalmemorandum for exploration. Oil bad been encountered in a soil gas point here. The test pit excavationbegan on March 2 at 3:15 p.m., breaking through concrete, with debris being piled onto the adjacentconcrete, without plastic sheeting. Breaking through the concrete was very difficult with the backhoe. Oncesoils were exposed, the backhoe removed as much as possible, which was only about 1' of soil, and the areawas analyzed for organic vapors. G&M monitored the pit and excavated soils with (heir PID, noting nomeasurable organic vapor readings. CDM Federal checked these soils with their OVA, and did not noticeany readings. The total size of the excavated test pit prior to backfilling was at its widest points 5* long,5* wide and 1' deep. G&M collected a soil sample for on-site screening with their GC, to represent soilsat oie bottom of the excavated pit Neither the PID nor the OVA recorded any readings from the soil beforethe sample was collected., -rv.^^.- ;^- o,'. -^•''. -. >/.=, -i:-^ - •i;v^«-:v| £ •>sT-t:?y>r>-£c>:.ts--^^*f:S;

1.6 Area 6 (GE Pilot), Anomaly A . - . - ' . '

The test pit in Area 6 (GE Pilot) was centered on Anomaly A, a very large magnetic anomaly identified inthe technical memorandum for testing. The test pit excavation began on March 3 at 8:10 a.m., with debrisbeing piled onto plastic, to minimiM* damage to the grassy area. Excavation did not reveal any buried metaldebris. The anomaly was probably due to electric fields created between overhead electrical lines and thecyclone fencing. The anomaly is centered where the power lines hang at their lowest level and the localtopography and fencing, correspondingly, are at their highest, with a difference between them of about 10*.The total size of the excavated test pit prior to backfilling was approximately 10' long, 6* wide and 8* deep.

G&M monitored the pit and excavated soils with their PID, noting no measurable organic vapor readings.CDM Federal checked these soils with their OVA, and did not notice any readings. G&M collected a soil

05375

' . ' . : . ' . . ' ." '. ' ;• ' •:•'• "• •':•.'sample for oo-tite screeninf widi their GC, to represent soils it Ac bottom of tf» excavated pit* Neitherdie PID nor die OVA recorded any readings from die soil before die sample was collected. 7 . : " ! : • _

A second test pit was dien initiated on die north side of die fencing (which ran east-west). Again no metaldebris was found and no organic vapors were detected, further supporting die assumption diat die powerlines caused die anomaly. The test pit was IT long, 3' wide and 10* deep when a sample was collected andme bole was backfilled.

1.7 Area 4 (West Company). Anomaly B

The test pit in Area 6 (GE Pilot) was centered on Anomaly B, a large magnetic anomaly identified in dietechnical memorandum for testing. The test pit excavation began on March 3 at 1:15 p.m., with debnsbeing piled onto die adjacent concrete. Excavation revealed large quantities of metal debris including copperpiping and steel-belted tires. The total size of die excavated test pit prior to backfilling was approximately8* long, 6* wide and 11* deep. GAM monitored die pit and excavated soils widi dieir PID, noting nomeasurable organic vapor readings. However, CDM Federal checked these soils widi dieir OVA, andrecorded readings of up to 90 ppm. GAM collected a soil sample for on-site screening widi dieir GC, torepresent soils at die bottom of die excavated pit. Some workers from a nearby facility walked over to diesite and talked widi Brian Smith, GAM, about die excavation, and told him that they remembered die areaas a former drainage ditch, which was normally used for dumping tilings, such as tires, and so they weren o t surprised a t what w a s being uncovered. • - . - • .

1.8 Area 4 (West Company), Anomaly C

The test pit in Area 6 (GE Pilot) was centered on Anomaly C, a large magnetic anomaly identified in dietechnical memorandum for testing. However, Brian Smith, GAM, originally indicated to Kin Suomela,CDM Federal, that this anomaly was to be skipped because GAM felt that tfxis was a geologic feature, andtherefore should not have been recommended for exploration. Afcr further discussion widi CDM Federal,GAM felt that it would be easier to explore die anomaly than to undergo die formalities of having it removedfrom die scope of work. The test pit excavation began on March 4 at 8:00 a.m., widi debris being piledonto die adjacent plastic. Excavation did not reveal large quantities of metal debris, but instead metal nailsscattered dirougbout die area in die shallow subsurface (0-2' below die surface). After 2* below die surface,die soils appeared to be native, widi no debris. So die anomaly in fact was not geological, but rather dueto widespread small pieces of metal. The total size of die excavated test pit prior to backfilling wasapproximately 7* long, 5* wide and 9* deep. GAM monitored die pit and excavated soils widi dieir PID,widi measurable organic vapor readings up to 200 ppm. However, CDM Federal checked diese soils wididieir OVA, and did not notice any readings. GAM collected a soil sample for co-she screening wj* their •;GC, to represent soils at die bottom of die excavated pit -- • - y - ' . ' • ;.-

1.9 Area 6 (GE Pilot) V

The test pit in Area 6 (GE Pilot) was centered on a magnetic anomaly on die northwest side of die propertywhich was not identified in die technical memorandum for testing, but was recommended by CDM Federal.The test pit excavation began on March 4 at 9:20 a.m., widi debris being piled onto the adjacent plastic.Excavation revealed quantities of metal debris, such as shelving pieces and metal scraps, and plastic'START' and 'STOP' buttons known to be manufactured by GE on site. Like Area 4 Anomaly C,described in Section 1.8, die metal debris was scattered dirougbout die area in die shallow subsurface (6-2'below die surface). After 2' below die surface, die soils appeared to be native, widi no debris. The totalsize of die excavated test pit prior to backfilling was approximately 23* long, 5* wide and 9' deep. GAM

305876

i •utaMvy pi Camp Imonitored the ph and excavated nOs with their PID, with no measurable brpnk vapor readings. .CDMFederal checked mese soils with meir OVA, and did not notice lay reading!. GAM collected a soil samplefor on-she screeainf with their OC, to represent Mils at the Interface between AD and -native soils.

1.10 Area 6 (GE Pilot), at BH03

This test pit in Area 6 (GE Pilot) was centered on BH03, an area not identified in the technical memorandumfor exploration, but where BETX and oil were discovered during completion of a subsurface boring. It wasfelt at that time that a sewer line had been broken by the drill rig. At 10:00 a.m., on March 5, a 6' by 6'bole began to be cot in the concrete. However, after the bole was cut and the jackhammer worked oncutting up the concrete for about 45 minutes, G&M realized the concrete was thicker than anticipated, andthat they would need a heavier piece of equipment to finish cutting the bole. They returned at 2:15 p.m.and were finished cutting the bole at 3:35 p.m., placing the concreted pieces into 55-gallon drums, and thebackboe began to uncover soils. The soils had a noticeable solvent-like odor immediately, and a 3" plasticline was cut at 3:45 p.m. which drained approximately 15 gallons of heavily contaminated liquids into theexcavation area, then ceased to drain. OVA readings from the soils were at 300 ppm and from thebeadspace in the broken pipe were over 1,000 ppm. This pipe was at about T below the surface. Airaround the bole was reading 40 ppm. A good breeze was blowing east to west ensuring a safe breathingzone, in spite of the high readings around the pit

At 3:45 p.m., G&M collected four 40-ml liquid samples from liquid in the bottom of the pit for analysis.After being frustrated by persistent bubbles in the sampling vial, G&M resigned to sending two samples offsite to a CLP lab without bubbles, but the on site samples both had bubbles in them.

At 4:30 p.m., about 30 gallons were bailed from the hole into a 55-gallon drum. Also uncovered was aconduit containing four power lines, which were cut by the backboe, breaking a circuit and causing a lossof power to portions of the GE facility.

Water was also observed flowing into the pit from the west side of the bole. A liquid sample was collectedat 4:48 p.m. from ne bailed liquids in the drum to represent the two sources: the plastic pipe and the westside of the bole.

At 5:10 p.m., G&M was ready to cease exploring the bole but was recommended to continue by CDMFederal. Shortly thereafter, a 5" steel or clay pipe was uncovered, with a piece missing from its side. Itis not known whether this was caused by the backhoe or the drill rig previously, but CDM Federal believesit was caused by the backboe. Once this was uncovered, water began flowing out of the pipe, into the pit,until the water level in the ph rose to the level of me pipe,- and the flow returned to topipej draining eaac-This pipe was immediately beneath the electrical conduit, at about 2 1/2* deep. Headspace in this sewer pipewas measured at over 1,000 ppm with the OVA. • [ - . • ' • , ' . ' • - * \

Bailing was resumed at 6:30 p.m. until the total bailed volume reached about 90 gallons. The east wall wasalso observed to be draining into the pit from a area about 12" above the sewer fine (at the same elevationas the west wall). In addition to dear liquid, it contained spotted amounts of oil. So liquids wereoriginating from three levels: plastic pipe at 1', soils at 1 1/2* and the sewer pipe at 2 1/2'. G&M collecteda liquid sample from the east side of the pit to represent liquids emanating from the soils.

At 7:10, no more liquids were draining into the pit The area was secured and flagged, the pit was leftopen, and the excavated soils were placed into 55-gallon drums. G&M needed to discuss this contaminationwith GE officials before proceeding on any additional actions.

505877

; COM 'HIDERAL -TROGfcAMS. CORPORATION2.0 OVERSIGHT EVALUATION - "* ****?'* f"^^T!; *?*?^;.r

:'"-\

Overall, the task u completed by G&M wu done In accordance with their work documents and standardprocedures for environmental field work, with the following exceptions:

• The backhoe wu to be decontaminated before initiating new lest pits. Thistask was skipped during excavation of items (as identified in the table onpage 1) 3, 4, and 5. It is unlikely that this lack of deconning contributedto any cross contamination, because none of the soils showed any OVAreadings.

• Samples were sometimes collected using the samplers gloved fingers forpacking the soils into the jars. It is unlikely that this activity contributedto any cross contamination, but it may have happened, which is why theprocedure is discouraged.

• The anomalies to be investigated were described on maps. The centers ofthese anomalies were not described dimensionally relative to fixed points(e.g., parking lots or building corners) for relocating them in the field.Instead the general area was walked, and the area wu surveyed with ahand-held magnometer to decide where to proceed with excavating.

• During all excavations, all metal was not excavated and the boles were notexcavated beyond 12 feet It is possible that metal may have been missedby this limited excavation and excavation locating method, describedabove. However, it is felt that the effort was sufficient to identify potentialsources of groundwater contamination, because the the holes and theexcavated soils were checked for organic vapors

3.0 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED/RESOLVED

The only problem area encountered is the one on GE Pilot property described in Section 1.10. Theredefinitely is organic contamination in this area both in the soils and the conduits that pass through this area.There the area needs to be explored more, both horizontally and vertically, and the conduits need to bedefined as to what they receive and where they discharge their effluent- • '>V<-.V-i>-^-'>r£-;..V>J:^

4.0 OVERSIGHT PERSONNEL

Field oversight of the PRP contractor was performed by Kirt Suomela of CDM Federal. A copy of bis fieldlogbook notes for this task is attached as Attachment A.

GAM personnel present throughout the task included Brian Smith, Miguel Cedenk) and Mike Reive. Alsopresent were the backboe operator and concrete cutters, u supplied by G&M's contractor Clear Ambient.

305878

.COM FEDERAL PROGRAMS CORPORATION* lut)*dMry tt C«mp (>M*kr t MoKM Inc

If you have any questions concerning this field summary report, please call me at (212) 393-9634.

Sincerely,

COM Federal Programs Corporation

Sally OdlandWork Assignment Manager

• 305879

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