EPA meeting recap, Comment period extended to Oct 22.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public meeting on Sept. 11, 2007, during which they provided evaluations of various alternatives and their recommendations for a Proposed Remedial Action Plan to continue the clean-up work.

The following documents were provided:

Flyer (PDF) - sent to local residents, has overview of the situation, history, recommendations and EPA contact info

Copy of EPA presentation (PDF) given by EPA at the meeting

Map of Superfund site area (click to enlarge, large detailed image, 7 MB)

Map of proposed excavation area (click to enlarge)
The recommended plan has two parts:

Operable Unit 3A (OU3A) “addresses the deep groundwater in the source area.” The recommended remediation plan includes an additional recovery well, upgrading the treatment plant to add capacity, and in-situ chemical enhanced flushing. (In situ means “being in the original position.”) The cost of this recommended solution for OU3A is estimated at $1,062,000 initial capital cost plus $151,000 per year, with at total present worth of about $3 million.

Operable Unit 3B (OU3B) “address the contaminated soil and groundwater in the Recreational and Open Space (ROS) area, which is located behind Rittenhouse Circle and adjacent to Washington Avenue.” The recommended remediation plan includes excavating a 50 ft x 50 ft area and a 200 ft x 20 foot strip along the abandoned sewer line, removing the remaining portion of the abandoned sewer line that was not previously sealed, backfilling with clean soil and replanting, and installing 3 wells. The cost of this recommended solution for OU3B is estimated at $4,371,000 initial capital cost plus $128,000 per year, with at total present worth of about $6 million.

The public comment period has been extended until Oct. 22, 2007. Comments can be emailed to Remedial Project Manager Jill Lowe at lowe.jill@epa.gov.