Revised Community Involvement Plan

Refuse Hideaway Superfund Site Middleton, Wisconsin SSID# 05TN

W.A. No. 010-CRCR-05ZZ/Contract No. 68-W6-0025

December 1998

EPA Region 5 Records Ctr.

227499 Introduction This Community Involvement Plan (CIP) for the Refuse Hideaway Superfund site was prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) which is responsible for community involvement and remedial activities at the site under the federal Superfund program. The CIP provides background information on the site and recommends activities U.S. EPA will do to inform the public and local officials about progress at the site, and to encourage community involvement during the site cleanup. This CIP also discusses Middleton residents' concerns regarding the site and ways for U.S. EPA to address them. The scope of this document applies to the Remedial Design/Remedial Action phase. The information in this plan is based primarily on discussions held in September 1998 with Middleton residents and officials. This CIP revises a similar document done by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in 1995.

Site Description Location and Site Features The Refuse Hideaway Superfund site encompasses 23 acres of a 40-acre parcel of land in the Town of Middleton in rural Dane County, Wisconsin. The site is located on the north side of U.S. Highway 14 approximately 2 miles west of the City of Middleton and 4 miles east of the Village of Cross Plains. The Town of Cross Plains is located just west of the site. The landfill is bounded on the north and west side by a Christmas tree farm, on the south by a cornfield and U.S. 14, and on the east by unused agricultural land. Several large dairy farms and smaller dairy farms are located near the site. Scattered rural residences are located near the site on U.S. 14, Rocky Dell Road, Twin Valley Road, and Blackhawk Road. In addition, the Deer Run Heights subdivision is approximately 1-mile southwest of the site. Several recently completed and developing subdivisions are located southeast of the site near Blackhawk Road. Approximately 53 homes are within 1 mile of the site. The landfill is located on the side of a hill in the upper Black Earth Creek watershed. Black Earth Creek, a highly productive trout stream, drains 46 square miles in Dane County. Ground water flow southwest from the site. Surface water from the site drains into Black Earth Creek.

Site Background Municipal, commercial, and industrial wastes were disposed of at the privately owned, unlined site between 1974 and 1988. The landfill owner reported receiving full barrels of glue and paint, spray-paint booth by-products and paint stripper sludge, and spill residues containing methylene chloride, acetone, and other solvents. Based on volume calculations, the landfill could hold up to 1.2 million cubic yards of waste. In 1988, WDNR discovered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in private wells southwest of the site. In late 1988, the landfill owner complied with a WDNR order to close the landfill, cover it with 2 feet of clay, 18 inches of soil, 6 inches of top soil, and a vegetative cover. Subsequent tests revealed contaminated ground water in three wells southeast of the site. Landfill records showed that contaminants found in the wells were disposed in the landfill. The primary contaminants of concern at the site are tetracholorethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE). One contaminated well was taken out of service; the others were fitted with treatment systems. WDNR data indicate the plume of contaminated ground water extended as far as 3,800 feet southwest of the site. In 1991, WDNR installed systems to collect methane gas and leachate at the landfill. Both systems are still in use at the site. In 1992, WDNR repaired surface erosion on the landfill. The landfill owner declared bankruptcy in 1989. WDNR continued remediation and investigation of the site, as well as all operation and maintenance activities. The site was added to U.S. EPA's National Priorities List in 1992. In 1993, the WDNR began a detailed study of the nature and extent of contamination at the site. Based on the results of that study and public input, the WDNR and U.S. EPA selected a cleanup plan for the site in 1995. The cleanup plan involved continued maintenance of the landfill cap, pumping contaminated ground water to the surface, treating it, and reinjecting it in the ground, and continuing existing treatment of private wells already contaminated. In 1996, U.S EPA became the lead agency to facilitate a consent decree between U.S. EPA and the potentially responsible parties (PRPs). Forty two generators and transporters of hazardous waste signed the consent decree.

Community Background The Town of Middleton is a fast-growing area on the far west edge of the Madison metropolitan area. Older rural residences are scattered throughout the township. Newer residences and subdivisions are being built, particularly in the eastern part of the township. The Town of Middleton's population has grown 13 percent between 1990 and 1998. The average home value and household income in the area surrounding the site is higher than the Dane County and Wisconsin average. Median Household Median Home Value Population Income (1989) (1989) (1998 estimate) Town of Middleton $58,442 $124,500 4,123 Town of Cross $42,566 $95,700 1,363 Plains Dane County $32,703 $78,400 407,584 State of Wisconsin $29,442 $62,500 5,232,739

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990; Wisconsin Department of Administration, 1998

Status of Community Involvement Activities U.S. EPA's community involvement activities began at the site in January 1998 when an update letter was mailed to the Refuse Hideaway mailing list. The update letter provided information on five Superfund sites in Dane County. The mailing list was originally developed by the WDNR and assumed by U.S. EPA. Community interviews were held in Middleton on September 9-11,1998 to provide information for this CIP. The purpose of the community interviews was to obtain area residents' concerns about the site and update them on upcoming site activities. Following the interviews, U.S. EPA prepared a follow-up fact sheet describing an "Explanation of Significant Differences" to the 1995 cleanup plan and answering the most frequently asked questions regarding the site. The update was mailed to the site mailing list in October 1998. Prior to U.S. EPA's community involvement efforts, the WDNR mailed several fact sheets to area residents and conducted meetings at the Middleton Town Hall. WDNR also sponsored a tour of the site. Virtually all residents interviewed by U.S. EPA in September 1998 praised the efforts of WDNR staff who kept them informed about the site and responded to requests for information. Most residents said they were well informed during the site investigation but that they have not been told much about the site in the last two to three years. The previously described October 1998 fact sheet was intended to re-establish the flow of information to area residents. The WDNR established an information repository at the Middleton Public Library. The repository contains copies of several reports prepared during Refuse Hideaway site investigations. U.S. EPA now maintains the repository. The address of the repository is listed on page 6.

Community Issues and Concerns In general, knowledge of the site throughout the community was high. Many nearby residents kept a file of mailings and newspaper articles related to the site and could recall details of the site contamination and WDNR's 1995 cleanup plan. Several long-time residents said they actively opposed construction of the landfill in the early 1970s. The primary concern among area residents today is whether the contaminated ground-water plume could affect their private drinking wells. After the site contamination became evident in the late 1980s, area residents placed very little trust in the WDNR because the WDNR allowed the landfill to be constructed. This is especially true of long-time residents who fought against construction of the landfill. However, the subsequent cleanup effort led by the WDNR restored many people's trust in the agency. Many people cited Terry Evenson, WDNR's former project manager, as being very helpful during the cleanup. One resident, whose well is one of three contaminated by the site, feels that "nobody cares" about their plight because only three wells are contaminated. All residents interviewed said they were interested in staying informed about the site.

Health Issues The threat of contaminated ground water entering their wells caused a number of residents to express potential health concerns. However, only one resident-attributed actual health problems to contaminated ground water from the site. Several residents were concerned that if a new "high-capacity" well were installed in the area it may affect the movement of the contaminated ground-water plume. Similarly, three residents were concerned that blasting in a quarry approximately 1 mile from the site could affect the movement of the contaminated ground-water plume. Two people mentioned concern over the integrity of the landfill's clay cover.

Property Issues Virtually all residents near the site are concerned that the threat of contaminated ground water entering their private drinking wells lowers their property values. One resident whose well is contaminated said he was unable to sell his home because of the contamination. Many area residents do not have current information on the location of the contaminated ground-water plume.

Environmental and Land-Use Issues Several residents were interested in what would happen to the site once it is cleaned up. The Town of Middleton is experiencing increasing development pressure. There are pro- and anti-development supporters in the community who are interested in the site's future use. Several residents also asked if the contaminated ground water could affect Black Earth Creek and its trout population.

Proposed Community Involvement Plan Introduction The U.S. EPA community involvement objective is to inform area residents of current site conditions, upcoming site activities, and the impact of the site on public health and the environment. Based on the community interviews, the questions area residents most often asked were:

• Is the contaminated ground-water plume continuing to move away from the site?

• Are private wells near the site being tested regularly? If so, by whom?

• Will the contaminated ground water be cleaned up?

• What will happen to the site after it is cleaned up? Can it be redeveloped? Some Town of Middleton and Town of Cross Plains residents also asked for more information on the limits of the contaminated ground-water plume so they can determine whether their private wells could be affected by it. Information provided to area residents will attempt to answer these questions to the extent possible.

Fact Sheets Because the site affects residents not only adjacent to the site but also several miles away in a relatively fast-growing area, there is a need for a wide distribution of information. Most residents stated that mail was one of the most effective ways to provide information to them. The mailing list will be used to distribute fact sheets and other information to the community. U.S. EPA Presence and Contacts Throughout the remedial design and cleanup, U.S. EPA's community involvement coordinator and remedial project manager will respond to telephone inquiries from those interested in the site. During the September 1998 community interviews, U.S. EPA's community involvement coordinator stressed to residents that U.S. EPA staff will be available to answer questions at any time, and that residents need not wait for a public meeting to ask questions of U.S. EPA staff. U.S. EPA's toll-free telephone number and the project staff's direct numbers and e-mail addresses are listed below and will be included on all community involvement materials. Susan Pastor, P-19J John Fagiolo, SR-6J Community Involvement Coordinator Remedial Project Manager [email protected] [email protected] (312)353-1325 (312)886-0800

U.S. EPA Region 5 77 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604-3590 (800) 621-8431 www.epa.gov/region5

Information Repository An information repository was established several years ago at the Middleton Public Library at 7425 Hubbard Avenue in Middleton. The information repository currently consists of the Record of Decision (June 1995), Feasibility Study (February 1995), QA Project Plan, Ground-water Monitoring Study Volume I (April 1990) and Volume II (June 1991), In- Field Conditions Report (January 1988), and Remedial Action Report Consent Order and Appendix (November 1988). Mailings and technical documents will be added to the information repository as they are published.

Media Relations The most widely read newspapers in the community are the Middleton Times Tribune, Madison Capitol Times, and Wisconsin State Journal. Some residents, particularly west of the site, also read the Cross Plains Arrow. U.S. EPA will publish notices in these newspapers prior to all public meetings and other site milestones as appropriate.

Public Meetings/Availability Sessions Formal public meetings and informal availability sessions will be held, if needed, in conjunction with site-related milestones. Fact sheets and newspaper announcements in the Middleton Times Tribune, Madison Times, Wisconsin State Joiirnal, and Cross Plains Arrow will be used to inform the public of the meetings.

Internet Because nearly all of those interviewed said they have Internet access, U.S. EPA will post all fact sheets and update letters on its home page (www.epa.gov/region5). Photos and other site-related information will also be added to the home page, as necessary. Community Involvement Schedule Community involvement activities are timed to coincide with technical milestones during the remedial design and remedial action.

Planned Schedule for Community Involvement Activities 1998 1999 Activity O N D J F M A M J J A S 0 N D Update information * update throughout project repository Update mailing list * update throughout project Hold public hold meetings as necessary meetings or availability sessions Distribute fact * as necessary sheets /update letters Publish newspaper * as necessary notices Note: The symbol * represents a completed or scheduled activity. U.S. EPA will consider other community involvement activities as needed. REFUSE HIDEAWAY SUPERFUND SITE CONTACT LIST

Federal Elected Officials The Honorable Richard Mr. Richard Bakken The Honorable Herb Kohl Skindrud Middleton Town United States Senator 79lh Assembly District Supervisor 110 Hart Senate Office Bldg Room 18 West 4315 Pleasant View Road Washington D C 20510 State Capitol Middleton, WI 53562 Madison, WI 53708 14 West Mifflin Street Mr. James Mueller Madison, WI53703 The Honorable Eugene Middleton Town Hahn Supervisor The Honorable Russ 47* Assembly District 7820 Caribou Court Feingold Room 15 West Middleton, WI 53562 United States Senator State Capitol 716 Hart Senate Office Bldg Madison, WI 53708 Mr. Terry Riker Washington D C 20510 Middleton Town State Agencies Supervisor 8383 Greenway Boulevard 3490 Sabaka Trail Middleton, WI 53562 Mr. Henry Nehls-Lowe Verona, WI 53593 Epidemiologist The Honorable Tammy Wisconsin Department of U.S. EPA Baldwin Health and Family United States Representative Services Ms. Susan Pastor, P-19J U.S. House of 1414 East Washington Community Involvement Representatives Avenue, Room 96 Coordinator Washington D C 20515 Madison, WI 53703-3043 U.S. EPA Region 5 77 West Jackson State Elected Officials Mr. Hank Kuehling Boulevard Project Manager Chicago, IL 60604 Governor Tommy Thompson Wisconsin Department of (312) 353-1325 Room 115 East Natural Resources (800) 621-8431 State Capitol 3911 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, WI 53702 Fitchburg, WI 53711 Mr. John Fagiolo, SR-6J Remedial Project The Honorable Chuck Local Elected Officials Manager Chvala th U.S. EPA Region 5 State Senator, 16 District Mr. Ed Tallard 77 West Jackson Room 101 Middleton Town Chair Boulevard 119 Martin Luther King Jr. 7555 West Old Sauk Road Chicago, IL 60604 Boulevard Middleton, WI 53562 (312) 886-0800 P. O. Box 7882 (800) 621-8431 Madison, WI 53707 Mr. Greg Held Middleton Town Repository The Honorable Jon Supervisor Erpenbach th 4633 Evergreen Road Middleton Public Library State Senator, 27 District Middleton, WI 53562 7425 Hubbard Avenue State Capitol Middleton, WI 53562 Madison, WI 53707 Media - Newspapers Newsroom WORT-FM 899 Mr. Mike Ivey 118 South Bedford Street Capital Times Madison, WI 53703 P. O. Box 8060 Madison, WI 53708 Newsroom WTDY/WMGN Mr. John Donaldson P. O. Box 2058 Cross Plains Arrow Madison, WI 53701 P. O. Box 286 Black Earth, WI 53515 Newsroom WTSO AM 1070 Mr. Michael Bailey P. O. Box 99 Middleton Times-Tribune Madison, WI 53701 P. O. Box 6 Middleton, WI 53562 Media - Television

Ms. Natasha Kassulke Newsroom Wisconsin State Journal WHA-TV Channel 21 P. O. Box 8058 821 University Avenue Madison, WI 53708 Madison, WI 53706

Media - Radio Newsroom WISC-TV Newsroom 7025 Raymond Road WHA 970/WERN 887 Madison, WI 53711 821 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706 Newsroom WKOW-TV Newsroom 5727 Tokay Boulevard WHIT 1550/WWQM 1063 Madison, WI 53714 P. O. Box 4408 Madison, WI 53711 Newsroom WMSN-TV Channel 47 Newsroom 7847 Big Sky Drive WIBA AM/FM Radio Madison, WI 53719 2651 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, WI 53701 Newsroom WMTV-TV Newsroom 615 Forward Drive WNWC-FM 1025 Madison, WI 53711 5605 Medical Circle Madison, WI 53719

Newsroom WOLX-FM Radio 7601 Ganser Way Madison, WI 53719-2074