COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN for the METCOA RADIATION SITE ; LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA

Preface

The .United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region III has prepared this Community Relations Plan for the METCOA Radiation Site located in Lawrence County, . This Community Relations Plan is a working document which highlights public concerns and outlines community relations activities for the community surrounding the Site. EPA will use this Community Relations Plan to establish and maintain useful communication with the public.; EPA promotes public notification of the Site status and the progress of cleanup activities, and encourages community involvement through the community relations activities listed in this Plan. Throughout this Community Relations Plan, you may notice technical terms. Appendix (D) to this plan provides a glossary of certain technical terms.

Prepared by U.S. EPA Region III Community Involvement Branch March, 1996

MJ 00578 EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site

OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN

This Community Relations Plan will aid the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in developing and conducting community relation activities as part of the Superfund removal process at the Metcoa Radiation Site, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. This Community Relations Plan identifies issues of community concern and interest related to the Site and details EPA community relation activities that seek to address the needs of the affected community. The program outlined in this Plan aids EPA in informing the public about the status and progress of EPA activities at the Site and helps EPA to. provide interested community members with the opportunity to participate in the Superfund process. Though the level of community interest at the Site is not high, EPA anticipates a rise in interest when it releases various plan(s) involving the recommended removal activities and continued interest in the event future response actions are implemented at the Site. Local officials, business owners and residents are aware of the Site's existence and recognize the Site is a health and environmental threat if left unattended. Based upon conversations EPA representative (s) have had with local residents, EPA understands that residents of the area are particularly interested in having the Site cleaned up as soon as possible to facilitate potential continued industrial growth of the area. Such local concerns appear to center on the ability for local residents to maintain, or increase, their current job base and increase jobs and revenue in the future through the growth of new industries in the area and region. Additionally, EPA understands that the community is concerned that EPA remain sensitive to traffic safety issues during any future removal reponse action. Site community relation activities are designed to inform the community about the Site status and EPA activities, as well as provide general information about the Superfund process. EPA, in performing these activities, will emphasize currently available time lines showing projected completion of significant phases of any removal response action. In general, this Plan introduces the goals of the community relations plan and certain, community relation activities which will be undertaken in an effort to achieve those goals, including opportunities for community involvement .

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This Community Relations Plan is divided into a number of sections as follows:

SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY This section provides general information regarding Site history, surrounding land use and past EPA removal response actions and related actions conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND AND COMMUNITY INTERVIEWS This section describes the community that lives in the area surrounding the Site. This section also highlights EPA's understanding of the concerns and interests of residents based upon interviews conducted by EPA with local residents. GOALS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN This section specifies the goals EPA seeks to achieve through implementation of this Community Relations Plan. COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES AND TIMING This section specifies the types of community relations activities EPA anticipates conducting for the Site and describes EPA's projected timing in implementing these activities.. APPENDICES Appendix A provides names, addresses and telephone numbers for Federal and State officials. Appendix B lists locations for public meetings and the local information repository and lists names of local officials currently known to EPA. Appendix C is a list of local media. Appendix D provides Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) information. Appendix E is a glossary of technical terms which appear throughout this Plan.

JLfiinnRfln EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site

SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

The Metcoa (Metallurgical Company of America) Radiation Site is a 6-acre fenced facility within a 22-acre lot located on PA Route 551 and Metallurgical Way, approximately one-half mile north of the Village of Pulaski and PA Route 208 in Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. On the Site there is a large metal building, with the Site itself enclosed by a chain link fence. The building itself is currently in deteriorated condition. The Site is bounded to the east by Route 551, and to the north by a public flea market. To the sooth and the west by Buchanan Run, a tributary to the Shenango River. The area surrounding the Site is generally rural and agricultural in nature During the period of 1976 through 1983, a company by the name of METCOA, or the Peases Company, ran a business at the Site. METCOA was in the business of obtaining materials which could not be productively used for their intended purposes, or scrap materials, and processing such scrap materials into alloys. The scrap materials processed by METCOA during this period contained, among other substances, chromium, cobalt, copper, cadmium, lead, magnesium, nickel, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, acids, thorium, and thoriated compounds. The thoriated compounds are low-level radioactive wastes. METCOA processed such materials by, among other activities, melting, shearing, cleaning, crushing, sawing, , banding, drilling, tapping, briquetting, and baling such materials. This processing created scrap materials which were stored directly on the ground or placed inn drums at the Site.. The Site location area is primarily rural/agricultural. However, an industrial complex occupies the land parcel south of the Site. A public flea market is held on the parcel north of the Site one (1) day each week. Township representatives have informed EPA that the current zoning for the Site and nearby surrounding areas allows for industrial development. In or about November of 1985, a radiological survey of the Site (the "Oak Ridge Study") was conducted by the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, under contract to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This study revealed the presence of elevated radiation levels at numerous locations throughout the Site. The survey included surface radiation scans, measurements of direct radiation levels, and analyses of radionuclide concentrations in soil, sediment, and water samples. As a result of data collected

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during this study, the study recommended that the acceptable human exposure rate at 1 meter above the soil surface for this Site is approximately twenty micro-Roentgens per hour ("microroentgens11) (20 uR/h) total. Microroentgens measure the quantity of radiation absorbed by the body during one hour of exposure. This radiological survey disclosed that numerous locations exceeded this level;, and most of these locations were associated with 55 -gallon drums, containing slag and other hazardous substances, which had been stored throughout the Site. In addition to. this radiological survey, analyses of nonradioactive hazardous substances in soils were performed. On or about August 13, 1986, EPA's Technical Assistance Team ("TAT") conducted a more extensive soil sampling of the Site. The TAT sampling results and the Oak Ridge Study indicated that elevated levels of hazardous substances, including heavy metals and thoriated metals, were present on the Site. The results of these sampling activities revealed: up to 26,000 parts per million (ppm) nickel, up to 10,400 ppm lead, up to 3,300 ppm cadmium, up to 1,150 ppm cobalt, and up to 7,100 ppm chromium. On or about November 20, 1986, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ("ATSDR") determined that conditions at the Site posed a potential risk to the public's •health. , . EPA conducted stabilization work at the Site from approximately March XO, 1987 to April 20, 1987 ("1987 Fund Lead Response Action"). During this period, surface debris and drummed wastes were separated according to suspected waste class and were temporarily staged at the Site. Approximately 2,500 drums, containing hazardous substances and/or radioactive waste, were collected from within and outside of the chain link fence surrounding the Site. These drums were placed in a specified staging area. In addition, 800 cubic yards of soil contaminated with hazardous waste ("soil waste piles") and 500 cubic yards of radioactive waste were covered with a double layer of Visqueen and geotextile fabric. From October of 1989 to December 1, 1989, certain Respondents conducted additional short-term Site stabilization activities, pursuant to a Consent Agreement and' Order, Docket No. JII-88-33-DC, issued by EPA pursuant to Section 106 Of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9606. - In or about June 1990> it was observed that many drums containing the hazardous substances identified above were stored in the building on-Site, and were in a deteriorating condition, as was the building itself. It was also observed that the tarpaulins used to cover the drums in the. building and the soil

ARI00582 EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site waste piles on-Site were torn and showed signs of deterioration, thus exposing such waste piles and the hazardous substances contained in such drums to weathering and erosion. The soil waste piles were located: (1) on the west side of the building in the northwest corner; (2) on the south side of the building in the southwest corner; (3) approximately seventy-five (75) yards south of the southeast corner of the building; and (4) approximately thirty (30) yards north of the building. On or about July 2, 1990, the Regional Administrator approved a Request for Removal Action Funding at the Metcoa Radiation Site and determined that: 1) conditions at the Metcoa Radiation Site met the criteria set forth in Section 300.415 of the National Contingency Plan; and 2) immediate response actions were necessary to address the threat to public health and the environment posed by drums and contaminated soil at the Site. On or about August 13, 1990, EPA again mobilized to the Site to conduct further removal response actions to abate the release or threat of release of hazardous substances attributed to existing Site conditions ("1990 Fund Lead Response Action"). On or about August 17, 1990, pursuant to Section 106 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9606, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order ("1990 UAO") to certain persons, including certain Respondents requiring them to conduct specific removal response actions at the Site, including determining the extent of contamination at the Site and identifying and analyzing certain methods for possible treatment and disposal of that contamination ("Management Options/Analysis Report" or "the Report"). From around October 25, 1990 through December 31, 1991, certain persons ("the Working Group"), including certain Respondents, conducted certain tasks pursuant to the 1990 Unilateral Administrative Order. Those tasks included: 1) sampling the four soil waste piles, the deteriorating drums in the building and the metal containers ("totes") for radioactivity and RCRA1 hazardous waste; 2) shipping truckloads of hazardous nonradioactive waste and non-hazardous radioactive waste offsite to an EpA.approved treatment, storage and disposal ("TSD") facility; 3) establishing five meter grids to conduct a geophysical survey to evaluate suspected anomalies, identified in past geophysical surveys, below the soil surface; 4) conducting a geophysical survey within such five meter grids; 5) collecting

1 "RCRA" refers to the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

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interior and exterior radiological samples from the building at the Site; 6) analyzing the above described samples; and 7) conducting a risk analysis. On or about September 1 through September 30, 1991, data validation, reduction and review was conducted for radiological, geophysical and chemical data and submitted to EPA by the Working Group as an Interim Data Report on or about October 17, 1991. On or about May 8, 1992, the Management Options/Analysis Report (the "MO/AR") was submitted to EPA by the Working Group. This Report included a characterization of Site investigative activities and an analysis of certain removal options. This Report concluded that, among the hazardous substances found at the Site, elevated levels of cadmium and nickel were found in soil samples collected throughout the Site and dust samples collected from within the building at the Site. Debris and other solid waste, containing radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous substances ("low-level radioactive mixed waste"), is currently contained in 128 overpacked drums and staged in the building at the Site. Such waste includes, but is not limited to, cadmium, nickel and thorium. • - - • ' • The Report identified areas throughout the Site, including the north, south and west portions of the Site, which contained elevated levels of cadmium, nickel and thorium in the soil. Since 1992, EPA Region III issued two Unilateral Administrative Orders, concerning this Site, to two distinct and different groups of Respondents. These orders sought: 1) the disposal of the remaining drums in the building; 2) the excavation and disposal of contaminants in the soil presenting an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment, and 3) the removal of contaminated dust within the building. Respondents subject to these orders have refused to comply with such orders. Subsequent to the issuance of these orders, EPA determined that the above described MO/AR contains unreliable calculations and, therefore, unreliable.cost estimates. Based upon the inadequacy of .this report, EPA has determined that an EPA-conducted EE/CA is necessary for this Site. EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site i

COMMUNITY BACKGROUND AND COMMUNITY INTERVIEWS

Several small industries are located nearby the Site as are several residential homes along PA Route 551 which fronts the Site and Metallurgical Way. The residences are located on the opposite or north-east side of the two lane Route 551 from the Site. Additionally a large field with several small buildings and a parking lot is located immediately adjacent to the Site and is used as a year-round 'flea market'. The public open-air market is a well known regional meeting place for citizens of several cultures, including Amish of the Western Pennsylvania area, who travel to the market via horse and buggy to sell and purchase vegetables and wares . The market operates each Thursday selling wares and baked goods, fruits and vegetables from outdoor uncovered tables and from indoor uncovered tables inside the small buildings. Attendance at the market can range from several hundred to several thousand on any market day, and automobiles and pick-up trucks are parked on both sides of the highway for hundreds of yards with the Amish tying-off their horse and buggies in an around the field adjacent to the market and Site. Small vendor supplied lunches and snacks are also sold to the general public attending the market. Presenting a panoramic view of the Site is a segment of Pennsylvania Route 50, a four lane highway running north south. This highway ranges from the Greater Airport in the south to the Junction of Interstate 80 and nearby Sharon, PA. in the north. This highway is moderately used by vehicles of all description. Since August of 1994, interview/meetings between EPA and Town of Pulasici Board Members have been held on August 9, 1994, July 19, 1995 and December 12, 1995 to discuss current conditions and possible removal actions to address the contamination at the Metcoa site. EPA has also made presentations on the current status of the Site, and/or the removal actions proposed in the EE/CA to the public in Pulaski, PA at regularly scheduled Town meetings on August 9, 1994 and December 12, 1995. The main concerns expressed by the Board Members and other members of the public during these meetings are: 1} health threats posed by the contaminants at the Site; 2) industrial/commercial redevelopment of the property; 3) the duration of time that the cleanup of the Site has taken. A telephone interview between EPA and Edward Fosnaught, Lawrence County Commissioner, was held on February 13, 1996. The current status of the Site and proposed removal actions to address the contaminants of concern at the Site were discussed. 8 ' flfiioosas EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site

A briefing of all the Board Commissioners was offered by EPA and will be scheduled in March 1996.

GOALS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN

The Community Relations Plan for the METCOA Site is designed to facilitate interaction between EPA and the public, and promote public participation in the Superfund Removal Process. The community relations activities explained in this Plan should effectively meet the goals listed below: A. Provide information about the Site background and history to community residents, local officials and business owners: EPA should explain the METCOA Superfund Site history and explain the nature and extent of contamination at the Site and what has been accomplished to the present time in order to increase the public's understanding of EPA's decision to clean up the Site.. EPA should inform the public about the Site's potential risk to human health and the environment. - . • : , - • • '- • B. Provide timely updates on Site activities and progress: EPA should inform the local, community of any current and future activities for the Site in a timely manner. EPA understands that residents, business owners and local officials are interested in following the progress of the Site's clean up because of their eagerness to begin redevelopment of the land for industrial purposes. Also, it is important for EPA to prepare the community for any inconvenience by the clean up of the Site. C. Re-establish and maintain open communication with the local news media: The news media is an important vehicle for communicating with the local community. Most of the residents, business owners and local officials contacted by EPA over the course of preceding EPA activities, learned about the Site from the local newspapers. Local officials have mentioned that newspaper and local radio are important outlets for communicating clean up plans and. any changes in those plans.

AR100586 EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site

D. Enlist and encourage the participation of State and local officials and interested residents in coordinating community relations activities: It is important to ensure that Federal, State and local officials, as well as local civic groups in the area, are kept up-to-date on Site activities. These individuals can-facilitate the exchange of information between the community and EPA.

E. Provide the community with information on the Superfund Removal Process and how it relates to the Site: Information on the Superfund Removal Process and how it relates to the Site and the community should be provided to let the community and local officials throughout the different phases of the clean up. This information will help identify EPA's purpose, involvement, responsibilities and activities at the Site. Overall, Superfund information will be helpful in promoting a better understanding of why this Site is included in the Superfund program and how the clean up will progress* The names, addresses, phones numbers of the EPA On-Scene-Coordinator/Enforcement will also be provided to ensure that the community has access to him.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES AND TIMING

The following is a list of community relation activities for the METCOA Site designed to meet the goals which have been identified. EPA should conduct these activities throughout the Superfund Removal Process to ensure the community is kept informed of Site work and conditions. Also, EPA should give members of the community the opportunity to submit comments upon the release of information subject to public comment pursuant to the National Contingency Plan, 1. Maintain and Update the Information Repository which is located at: Pulaski Municipal Building RD 1 Pulaski, PA 16143 Ph (412) 964-8891 The Information Repository is a collection of technical reports, fact sheets, Site reports, (Including the various Work 10

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Plans, Community Relations Plan, Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study reports) , general information on the Superfund program, the Administrative Record, and other relevant documents. The Administrative Record is a file that contains all the information used by EPA to make its decision on a clean up method. EPA is required to make the Administrative Record available for public review, the repository also includes information on the procedure for obtaining a Technical Assistance Grant. r EPA also has a complete Administrative Record File at EPA Region III, 841 Chestnut Building, , PA 19107. 2. Additionally, EPA will advertise and hold a Public Comment Period on any information subject to public comment pursuant to the National Contingency Plan. Every public comment period provides citizens with the opportunity to make comment and asks questions regarding EPA's removal action alternatives including EPA's recommended removal action alternative for cleaning up the Site. 3. EPA will prepare a Response To Comments which responds to any public concerns and issues raised during any public comment period. EPA includes this Response To Comments, along with any written public comments received by EPA during a public comment period, as part of the Record of Decision and releases them with the Record of Decision. 4. EPA uses public notices to announce official public .meetings and the start of any public comment period. EPA may use public notices to announce other information related to this Site as well. 5. EPA will provide updates to this Community Relations Plan to reflect significant changes in the level and nature of community concerns and to update the schedule of community relations activities as necessary. 6 . EPA will conduct Public Meetings which offer a forum for interested citizens of the area to express their opinions regarding past, present and future actions at the Site. Public meetings give EPA staff working with the Site a chance to introduce themselves to the community and to address community issues in a timely manner. ' ; EPA Region III - Community Relation Plan Metcoa Radiation Site

7. EPA will, as necessary, prepare Fact sheets and Technical Summaries which provide an effective means to communicate relevant information to the community about the current and upcoming Site activities and the Superfund process.

8. EPA will, as appropriate, conduct informal meeting to monitor and assess public concerns, answer questions and explain current and future activities for the Site. These meetings offer citizens a relaxed environment to-ask questions and express concerns regarding the Site. 9. EPA will, as necessary, prepare News Releases and maintain contact with media. To facilitate the dissemination of accurate and timely information, EPA should distribute news releases to and keep in contact with media sources, such as newspapers, radio and television stations. 10. EPA will maintain and update a mailing list of individuals interested in then Site, including local officials and'media representatives. The list is used in mailing fact sheets and in establishing telephone contact with officials and other interested parties. EPA also maintains a separate list of private citizens who have expressed an interest in the Site. 11. EPA officials may contact local officials by telephone to inform them of the schedule of activities for the Site, any changes in the scheduling, major findings throughout the Superfund Removal Process and about any additional Site developments. Additionally, EPA may request that an EPA representative(s) be placed on the agenda(s) for local governing body public meetings to brief local elected officials about Site activities. 12. EPA has assigned a primary contact person to handle inquiries from the public who is: , Jeff Dodd (3HW32) On-Scene-Coordinator/Enforcement U. S. EPA Region III llth & Chapline Sts. Wheeling, WV 26003 Ph (304) 234 0254 Fax (304) 234 0259

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Appendix A LIST OF INTERESTED PARTIES AND CONTACTS Federal Elected Officials: Sen. 2050 Londmorhs Boulevard One Station Square Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Sen. Arlen Spector Suite 2031, Federal Building Liberty Avenue, Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Hon. Ron Klink U. S. House of Representatives 1130 Longworth House Building Washington, DC 20515

PA. State Elected Officials Hon. Frank LaGrotta Main Capitol Building House Box 100 Harrisburg, PA 17120-0028 Hon. Sen. Gerald J. LaValle Senate Post Office Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120

PA State Agency Officials: Robert' Kimball PA Department of Environmental Protection RR 2, Box 614 Mosertown Road Meadville, PA 16335-6191 John Fruestorfer PA-Department of Environmental' Protection Radiation Safety Office. Harrisburg, PA 17120 (814) 332 6648 13

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Appendix B Local Information Repository and Public Meeting Location: Pulaski Municipal Building RD 1 Pulaski, PA 16143 Att: Lillian Stowe, Sect.

Local Officials : Lawrence County, PA: Lawrence County Government Center 430 Court Street New Castle, PA 16101-3593 Board of Commissioners: Brian D. Burick, Commissioner (Chairman) (412) 656-2165 Thomas J. See, Commissioner (412) 656-2163 Edward Fosnaught, Commissioner (412) 656-2178

Town of Pulaski, PA: Pulaski Municipal Building RD 1 Pulaski, PA 16143 Att: Lillian Stowe, Sect. (412) 964-8891 Town Board Members: Daniel Abramson William J.Hartzell Mark Anderson

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Appendix C Media Contacts Assignment Editor KDKA TV One Gateway center Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Ph (412) 5575 2200 Fax (412) 575 2871 Assignment Editor WPXI TV - Ch 11 11 Television Hill Pittsburgh, PA 15214

WTAE-TV (Ch-4) 400 Ardmore Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Ph (412) 244-4444 Fax (412) 244 4628

The Sharon Herald 52 South Dock St. PO Box 51 Sharon, PA 16146 Att: Michael Rocknick (412) 981 6100 Fax (412) 981 5116 Youngstown Vindicator 116 East State st. Sharon, PS 16146 Att: Harold Gwin (412) 346-4867 Editor Allied News 201 Aerie St. P.O. box 190 Grove City, PA 16127

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Appendix C Media Contacts, Continued Editor New Castle News 27-35 N. Mercer St. P.O Box 60 New Castle, PA 16103 Ph (412) 654 6651 News Director WPIC-AM, WYFM-FM 2030 Pine-Hallow Blvd. P. 0. Box 211 Sharon, PA 16146 News Director WBZY-AM 1906 Wilmington Rd. New Castle, PA 116105 News Director WKST-AM 219 Savannah-Gardber Rd New Castle, PA 19101 News Director WMGZ 1565 East State St. Sharon, PA 16146 (412) 981-9600 Associated Press Pittsburgh Office Att: Mike Hadigan Ph (412) 281-3747 Fax (412) 281 1869

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Appendix D GLOSSARY OF TERMS

AR100591* GLOSSARY

Adds: Substances, characterized by low pH Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease (less than 7.0), that are used in chemical Registry (ATSDR): The Federal agency manufacturing. Acids in high concentration within the U.S. Public Health Service charged can be very corrosive and react with many with carrying out the health-related rcsponsi- inorganic and organic substances. These bilities of CERCLA. reactions possibly may create toxic com* pounds or release heavy metal contaminants Air Stripping: A process whereby volatile that remain in the environment long after the organic chemicals (VOCs) are removed from acid is neutralized. contaminated material by forcing a stream of air through it in a pressurized vessel. The Administrative Order On Consent: A legal contaminants are evaporated into the air and enforceable agreement between the EPA stream. The air may be further treated before and the parties potentially responsible for site it is released into the atmosphere. contamination. Under the terms of the Order, the potentially responsible parties (PRPs) Ambient Air: Any unconfined pan of the agree to perform or pay for site studies or atmosphere. Refers to the air that may be cleanups. It also describe* the oversight rules, inhaled by workers or residents in the vicinity responsibilities, and enforcement options that of contaminated air sources. the government may exercise in the event of non-compliance by potentially responsible Aquifer: An underground layer of rock, parties. TOs Order is signed by PRPs and the sand, or gravel capable of storing water government; it does not require approval by a within cracks and pore spaces, or between judge. grains. When water contained within an aquifer is of sufficient quantity and quality, it Administrative Order [Unilateral]: A can be tapped and used for drinking or other legally binding document issued by the EPA, purposes. The water contained in the aquifer directing the parties potentially responsible to is called groundwater. A sole source aquifer perform site cleanups or studies (generally, supplies 50% or more of the drinking water of the EPA does not issue Unilateral Orders for an area. site studies). Artesian (Well): A well made by drilling Aeration: A process that promotes break- into the earth until water is reached, which, down of contaminants in soil or water by fr°m internal pressure, flows u exposing them to air. tain.

AR100595 GLOSSARY.

Attenuation: The naturally occurring pro Boom: A floating device used to contain oil cess by which t compound is reduced in floating on a body of water or to restrict the concentration over time through adsorption, potential overflow of waste liquids from degradation, dilution, and/or transformation. containment structures. . Background Level: The amount of a sub- Borehole: A hole that is drilled into the stance typically found in the air, water, or soil ground and used to sample soil or ground- from natural, as opposed to human, sources. water. Baghouse Dust: Dust accumulated in remov- Borrow Pit: An excavated area where soil, ing particulatcs from the air by passing it sand, or gravel has been dug up for use through doth bags in an enclosure. elsewhere. Bases: Substances characterized by high pH Cap: A layer of material, such as clay or a (greater than 7.0), which tend to be corrosive synthetic material, used to prevent rainwater in chemical reactions. When bases are mixed from penetrating and spreading contaminated with acids, they neutralize each other, form- materials. The surface of the cap generally is ing salts. mounded or sloped so water will drain off. Benm A ledge, wall, or a mound of earth Carbon Adsorption: A treatment system in used to prevent the migration of contami- which contaminants arc removed from nants. groundwater and surface water by forcing water through tanks containing activated Bkaccumulate: The process by which some carbon, a specially treated material that contaminants or toxic chemicals gradually attracts and holds or retains contaminants. collect and increase in concentration in living tissue, such as in plants, fish, or people, as Carbon Disulfide: A dcgreasing agent they breathe contaminated air, drink contami- formerly used extensively for parts washing. nated water, or eat contaminated food. This compound has both inorganic and or- ganic properties, which increase cleaning Biological Treatment: The use of bacteria or efficiency. However, these properties also other microbiai organisms to break down cause chemical reactions that increase the toxic organic materials into carbon dioxide hazard to human health and the environment. and water. Carbon Treatment: [see Carbon Adsorp- Bioremediation: A cleanup process using tion]. naturally occurring or specially cultivated microorganisms to digest contaminants and Cell: In solid waste disposal, one of a scries break them down into non-hazardous compo- of holes in a landfill where waste is dumped, oents. compacted, and covered with layers of dirt. Bog: A type of wetland that is covered with CERCLA: [see Comprehensive Environ- peat moss deposits. Bogs depend primarily mental Response, Compensation, and Uabil- onmoisture from the air for their water ityAct]. source, are usually acidic, and are rich in plant residue [see Wetland]. Characterization: The sampling, monitor- ing, and analysis of a site to determine the

AR100596 ______GLOSSARY

extent and nature of toxic releases. Character- nines, and making certain that the Agency is ization provides the basis for acquiring the aware of, and responsive to, public concerns. necessary technical information to develop. Specific community relations activities are screen, analyze, and select appropriate required in relation to Superfund cleanup cleanup techniques. actions [see Comment Period]. Chemical Fixation: The use of chemicals to Comprehensive Environmental Response, bind contaminants, thereby reducing the Compensation, and Liability Act * potential for leaching or other movement (CERCLA): Congress enacted the CERCLA, known as Superfund, in 1980 to Chromated Copper Arsenate: An insecti- respond directly to hazardous waste problems cide/herbicide formed from salts of three toxic that may pose a threat to the public health and metals: copper, chromium, and arsenic. This the environment The EPA administers the salt is used extensively as a wood preservative Superfund program. in pressure-treating operations. It is highly toxic and water-soluble, making it a relatively Confluence: The place where two bodies of mobile contaminant in the environment water, such as streams or rivers, come to- gether. Cleanup: Actions taken to eliminate a release or threat of release of a hazardous Consent Decree: A legal document, ap- substance. The term "cleanup" sometimes is proved and issued by a judge, formalizing an used interchangeably with the terms remedial agreement between the EPA and the parties action, removal action, response action, or potentially responsible for site contamination. corrective action. The decree describes cleanup actions that the potentially responsible parties are required to Closure: The process by which a landfill perform and/or the costs incurred by the stops accepting wastes and is shut down, government that the parties will reimburse, as under Federal guidelines that ensure the well as the roles, responsibilities, and enforce- protection of the public and the environment ment options that the government may exer- cise in the event of non-compliance by poten- Comment Period: A specific interval during tialiy responsible parties. If a settlement which the public can review and comment on between the EPA and a potentially respon- various documents and EPA actions related to sible parry includes cleanup actions, it must site cleanup. For example, a comment period be in the form of a Consent Decree. A Coo- is provided when the EPA proposes to add sent Decree is subject to a public comment sites to the NPL. There is minimum 3-week period. comment period for community members to review and comment on the remedy proposed Consent Order [see Administrative Order to clean up a site. on Consent]. Community Relations: The EPA effort to Containment: The process of enclosing or establish and maintain two-way communica- containing hazardous substances in a sanc- tion with the public. Goals of community ture, typically in a pond or a lagoon, to pre- relations programs include creating an under- vent the migration of contaminants into the standing of EPA programs and related ac- environment tions, assuring public input into decision- making processes related to affected commu-

AR 100597 GLOSSARY.

Contaminant: Any physical, chemical. Degradation: The process by which a biological, or radiological material or sub- chemical is reduced to a less complex form. stance whose quantity, location, or nature . produces undesirable health or environmental Degrease: To remove grease from wastes, effects. soils, or chemicals, usually using solvents. Contingency Plan: A document setting out De minimis: This legal phrase pertains to an organized, planned, and coordinated course settlements with parties who contributed of action to be followed in case of a fire, small amounts of hazardous waste to a site. explosion, or other accident that releases toxic This process allows the EPA to settle with chemicals, hazardous wastes, or radioactive small, or de minimis contributors, as a single materials into the environment. group rather than as individuals, saving time, money, and effort. Cooperative Agreement: A contract be- tween the EPA and the States, wherein a State Dewater: To remove water from wastes, agrees to manage or monitor certain site soils, or chemicals. cleanup responsibilities and other activities on a cost-sharing basis. Dike: A low wall that can act as a barrier to prevent a spill from spreading. Cost Recovery: A legal process by which • . ' ^ . , J potentially responsible parties can be required Disposal: Final placement or destruction of to pay back the Supcrfund program for money »«• radioactive, or other wastes; surplus or it spends on any cleanup actions [see Potcn- banned ^sncides or other chemicals; polluted tially Responsible Parties! soils; and drums containing hazardous maten- als. Disposal may be accomplished through Cover: Vegetation or other material placed the use of approved secure landfills, surface over a landfill or other waste material It can impoundments, land farming, deep well be designed to reduce movement of water into injection, or incineration. the waste and to prevent erosion that could _ ^. ' A . _j •_ .• i • cause the movement of contaminants. Downgradient: A downward hydrologic slope that causes groundwater to move toward Creosotes: Chemicals used in wood preserv- *?** elevations. Therefore, wells dwngra- ing operations and produced by distillation of *ent of a contaminated gjoundwater source tar, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocar- "flT ^ Pron|-iru-Lr|c • wf/* ^AMABAHAJV •***• ••**#• ••**• ssaaasr- tough prolonged exposure. dialed into surface waters.

facilities.

and water. ARI00598 GLOSSARY

Endangerment Assessment: A study con- Feasibility Study: The analysis of the ducted to determine the risks posed to public potential cleanup alternatives for a site. The health or the environment by contamination at feasibility study usually starts as soon as the NPL sites. The EPA or the State conducts the remedial investigation is underway; together, study when a legal action is to be taken to they are commonly referred to as the RI/FS direct the potentially responsible parties to [see Remedial Investigation]. clean up a site or pay for the cleanup. An cndangcrmcnt assessment supplements an Filtration: A treatment process for removing investigation of the site hazards. solid (paniculate) matter from water by passing the water through sand, activated Enforcement: EPA, State, or local legal carbon, or a man-made filter. The process is actions taken against parties to facilitate often used to remove panicles that contain settlements; to compel compliance with laws, contaminants. rules, regulations, or agreements; and/or to obtain penalties or criminal sanctions for Flood Plain: An area along a river, formed violations. Enforcement procedures may from sediment deposited by floods. Flood vary, depending on the specific requirements plains periodically are innundated by natural of different environmental laws and related floods, which can spread contamination. regulatory requirements. Under CERCLA, for example, the EPA will seek to require Flue Gas: The air that is emitted from a potentially responsible parties to clean up a chimney after combustion in the burner Supcrfund site or pay for the cleanup [see occurs. The gas can include nitrogen oxides, Cost Recovery). carbon oxides, water vapor, sulfur oxides, particles, and many chemical pollutants. Erosion: The wearing away of land surface by wind or water. Erosion occurs naturally Fly Ash: Non-combustible residue that front weather or surface runoff, but can be results from the combustion of flue gases. It intensified by such land-related practices as can include nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, farming, residential or industrial develop- water vapor, sulfur oxides, as well as many mem, road building, or timber-cutting. Ero- other chemical pollutants. sion may spread surface contamination to off- site locations. French Drain System: A crushed rock drain system constructed of perforated pipes, which Estuary (estuarine): Areas where fresh is used to drain and disperse wastewatcr. water from riven and salt water from nearshore ocean waters are mixed. These Gasification (coal): Ite conversion of soft areas may include bays, mouths of rivers, salt coal into gas for use as a fucL marshes, and lagoons. These water ecosys- _ • •*-.,.. . „ terns shelter and feed marine life, birds, and Generator: A facility that emits pollutants into the air or releases hazardous wastes into water or soil. allowed to dry out ally m response to a J made by a potentially responsible party consisting of a written proposal demonstrating^^ a potentially responsible party's qualifications

AR100599 GLOSSARY_____L!I______—______

and willingness to perform a site study or Hydrogeology: The geology of groundwater, cleanup. with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of water. Groundwater: Underground water that fills pores in soils or openings in rocks to the point Impoundment: A body of water or sludge of saturation. In aquifers, groundwater occurs confined by a dam, dike, floodgate, or other in sufficient quantities for use as drinking and barrier. irrigation water and other purposes. Incineration: A group of treatment tcchnolo- Groundwater Quality Assessment: The gies involving destruction of waste by con- process of analyzing the chemical characteris- trolled burning at high temperatures, e.g., tics of groundwater to determine whether any burning sludge to reduce the remaining hazardous materials exist residues to a non-burnable ash that can be disposed of safely on land, in some waters, or Halogens: Reactive non-metals, such as in underground locations. chlorine and bromine. Halogens are very good oxidizing agents and, therefore, have Infiltration: The movement of water or other many industrial uses. They are rarely found liquid down through soil from precipitation by themselves; however, many chemicals (rain or snow) or from application of waste- such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), water to the land surface. some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dioxin are reactive because of the pits- Influent: Water, wastewater, or other liquid ence of halogens. flowing into a reservoir, basin, or treatment plant Hazard Ranking System (HRS): The principal screening tool used by the EPA to Injection Well: A well into which waste evaluate relative risks to public health and the thuds are placed, under pressure, for purposes environment associated with abandoned or of disposal uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The HRS calculates a score based on the potential of Inorganic Chemicals: Chemical substances hazardous substances spreading from die site of mineral origin, not of basic carbon struc- through the air, surface water, or groundwater turc. and on other factors such as nearby popula- tion. Tbt HRS score is the primary factor in Installation Restoration Program: The deciding if the site should be on the NPL. specially funded program established in 1978 under which the Department of Defense has Hazardous Waste: By-products of society been identifying and evaluating its hazardous that can pose a substantial present or potential waste sites and controlling the migration of hazard to human health and the environment hazardous contaminants from those sites. when improperly managed. It possesses at M leastorieoffcnircliaracteristics(ignitability, Intake: ^e source from where a water corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity), or appears «uPPlv « *»«• such as from a nvcr or water on special EPA lists. bodX- Hot Spot: An area or vicinity of a site con- Interagency Agreement: A written agree- taining exceptionally high levels of contami- ment between the EPA and a Federal agency nation. that has the lead for site cleanup activities,

AR100600 ______GLOSSARY setting forth the roles and responsibilities of Leachate Collection System: A system that the agencies for performing and overseeing gathers liquid that has leaked into a landfill or the. activities. States often are parties to other waste disposal area and pumps it to the interagency agreements. surface for treatment Interim (Permit) Status: Conditions under Linen A relatively impermeable barrier which hazardous waste treatment, storage, designed to prevent leachate (waste residue) and disposal facilities, that were operating from leaking from a landfill. Liner materials when regulations under the RCRA became include plastic and dense clay. final in 1980, are temporarily allowed by the EPA to continue to operate while awaiting Long-term Remedial Phase: Distinct, often denial or issuance of a permanent permit The incremental, steps that are taken to solve site facility must comply with certain regulations pollution problems. Depending on the corn- to maintain interim status. plexity, site cleanup activities can be sepa- rated into several of these phases. Lagoon: A shallow pond or liquid waste containment structure. Lagoons typically are Marsh: A type of wetland that does not used for the storage of wastewaters, sludges, contain peat moss deposits and is dominated liquid wastes, or spent nuclear fuel. by vegetation. Marshes may be either fresh or saltwater and tidal or non-tidal [see Wetland]. Landfarm: To apply waste to land and/or _ incorporate waste into the surface soil, such Migration: The movement of oil, gas, as fertilizer or soil conditioner. This practice contaminants, water, or other liquids through commonly is used for disposal of composted porous and permeable soils or rock. wastes and sludges, 6 Mill Tailings: [See Mine Tailings]. Landfill: A disposal facility where waste is placed in or on land. Sanitary landfills are Mine Tailings: A fine, sandy residue left disposal sites for non-hazardous solid wastes. from mininS operations. Tailings often Tie waste is spread in layers, compacted to contain high concentrations of lead, uranium, the smallest practical volume, and^covered ami arsenic or other heavy metab. wi th soil at the end of each operating day. • • A- . . Secure chemical landfills are disposal sites for Mitigation: Acupns taken to improve ate hazardous waste. Tney arc designed to conditions by limiting, reducing, or control- minimize the chance of release of hazardous ling toxicity and contamination sources. substances into the environment [see Re- .„ . „ A . . . ^ - , source Conservation and Recovery Act]. Modeling: A technique using a minVniifinii * or physical representation of a system or LeachateW; The liquid that trickles Aconrihatie«ilioe«fcwitatcli«i8MO« through or drains from waste, carrying soluble ***&* components have on the overall components from the waste. Leach, Leach- performance of the system. ing [v4J: The process by which soluble ., ,, . • „ c . , „ ,.- , . chemical components OT dissolved and Monitoring Wells: Special weUi drfled at c^edtlmm^soilbywaterorsomeother sj>«nfictotiorawiu^orsuTr^g,a percolatini h'quid. hazardous waste site where groundwater can ^ *H be sampled at selected depths and studied to obtain such information as the direction in

AR100601 GLOSSARY.

which groundwater flows and the types and Organic Chemicals/Compounds: Chemical amounts of contaminants present substances containing mainly carbon, hydro- gen, and oxygen. National Priorities List (NPL): The EPA's list of the most serious uncontrolled or aban- Outfall: The place where wastewater is doned hazardous waste sites identified for discharged into receiving waters. possible long-term cleanup under Superfund. The EPA is required to update the NPL at Overpacking: Process used for-isolating least once a year. large volumes of waste by jacketing or encap- sulating waste to prevent further spread or Neutrals: Organic compounds that have a leakage of contaminating materials. Leaking relatively neutral pH, complex structure and, drums may be contained within oversized due to their organic bases, are easily absorbed barrels as an interim measure prior to removal into the environment. Naphthalene, pyrene, and final disposal. and trichlorobenzene are examples of neutrals. Pentachlorophenol (PCF): A synthetic, modified petrochemical that is used as a wood Nitroaromatics: Common components of preservative because of its toxicity to termites explosive materials, which will explode if and fungi. It is a common component of activated by very high temperatures or pres- creosotes and can cause cancer. surcs; 2,4,6-TrinitrotoIucnc (TNT) is a nitroaromatic. Perched (groundwater): Groundwater separated from another underlying body of Notice Letten A General Notice Letter groundwater by a confining layer, often clay notifies me parties potentially responsible for or rock. rite contamination of their possible liability. A Special Notice Letter begins a 60-day Percolation: The downward flow or filtering formal period of negotiation during which the of water or other liquids through subsurface EPA is not allowed to start work it a site or rock or soil layers, usually continuing down- initiate enforcement actions against poteTi- ward to groundwater. tially responsible parties, although the EPA . M ... may undertake certain investigatory and Petrochemicals: Chemical substances planning activities. The 60-day period may produced from petroleum in refinery opera- be extended if the EPA receives a good faith tions and as fuel oil residues. These include offer within that period. fluoranthene, chrysene, mineral spirits, and refined oils. Petrochemicals are the bases Go-Scene Coordinator (OSC): The from which voUtile organic compounds predesignatedEPA, Coast Guard, or Depart- (VOCs), plastics, and many pesticides are mem of Defense official who coordinates and mad^ These chenucal substances often are directs Superfund removal actions or Clean H***0 *> humans and the environment. Water Actoil- or hazardous-spill corrective „. . - . . . .. actions Phenols: Organic compounds that are used in plastics manufacturing and are by-products Operation and Maintenance: Activities of Petroleum refining, tanning, textile, dye, conducted at a rite after a cleanup action is and resm manufacturing. Phenols are higjily completed to ensure that the cleanup or poisonous. containment system is functioning properly. 00602 GLOSSARY

Physical Chemical Separation: The treat- tissues. PCB use and sale was banned in ment process of adding a chemical to a sub- 1979 with the passage of the Toxic Sub- stance to separate the compounds for further stances Control Act treatment or disposal Polynudear Aromatic Hydrocarbons POO* Testing: A small-scale test of a pro- (PNAs): PNAs, such as naphthalene, and posed treatment system in the field to deter- biphenyls, are a group of highly reactive mine its ability to clean up specific contami- organic compounds mat are a common com- nants. ponent of creosotes, which can be carcino- genic. Plugging: The process of stopping the flow of water, oil, or gas into or out of the ground Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A plastic made through a borehole or well penetrating the from the gaseous substance vinyl chloride, ground. PVC is used to make pipes, records, raincoats, and floor dies. Health risks from high con- Plume: A body of contaminated ground water centrations of vinyl chloride include liver flowing from a specific source. The move- cancer and lung cancer, as well as cancer of ment of the groundwater is influenced by such the lymphatic and nervous systems. factors as local groundwater flow patterns, the character of the aquifer in which groundwater Potable Water: Water that is safe for drink- is contained, and the density of contaminants ing and cooking. [see Migration]. Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs): Pollution: Generally, the presence of matter Parties, including owners, who may have or energy whose nature, location, or quantity contributed to the contamination at a Su- produces undesired health or environmental perfund site and may be liable for costs of effects. response actions. Parties are considered PRPs ' until they admit liability or a court makes a Poiycydic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or determination of liability. PRPs may sign a Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Consent Decree or Administrative Order on PAHs, such as pyrcne, are a group of highly Consent to participate in site cleanup activity reactive organic compounds found in motor without admitting liability. oil They are a common component of creo- . sotes and can cause cancer. Precipitation: The removal of solids from liquid waste so that the solid and liquid Polychlorinated BIphenyls (PCBs); A portions can be disposed of safely; the re- group of toxic chemicals used for a variety of moval of particles from airborne emissions. purposes including electrical applications. Electrochemical precipitation is the use of an carbonless copy paper, adhesiycs, hydraulic anode or cathode to remove the hazardous fluids, microscope immersion oils, and caulk- chemicals. Chemical precipitation involves - ing compounds. PCBs also are produced in the addition of some substance to cause the certain combustion processes. PCBs are solid portion to separate. extremely persistent in the environment because they are very stable, non-reactive, Preliminary Assessment: Tne process of and highly heat resistant Chronic exposure collecting and reviewing available informa- to PCBs is believed to cause liver damage; It turn about a known or suspected waste site or also is known to bioaccumulate in fatty release to determine if a threat or potential threat exists. AR100603 GLOSSARY.

Pump and Treat: A groundwater cleanup Remedial Design: A phase of site cleanup, technique involving the extracting of contami- where engineers design the technical specifi- nated groundwater from the subsurface and cations for cleanup remedies and technolo- the removal of contaminants, using one of gies. several treatment technologies. * ' " Remedial Investigation: An in-depth study Radionuclides: Elements, including radium designed to gather the data necessary to and uraniurn-235 and -238. which break down determine the nature and extent of contami* and produce radioactive substances due to nation at a Superfund site, establish the their unstable atomic structure. Some are criteria for cleaning up the site, identify the man-made, and others are naturally occurring preliminary alternatives for cleanup actions, in the environment Radon, the gaseous form and support the technical and cost analyses of of radium, decays to form alpha particle the alternatives. The remedial investigation radiation, which cannot be absorbed through is usually done with the feasibility study. skin. However, it can be inhaled, which Together they arc customarily referred to as allows alpha panicles to affect unprotected the RI/FS [see Feasibility Study]. tissues duvcdy and thus cause cancer. Radia- tion also occurs naturally through the break- Remedial Project Manager (RPM): The down of granite stones. EPA or State official responsible for oversee- ing cleanup actions at a site. RCRA: [See Resource Conservation and Recovery Act]. Remedy Selection: TTw selection of the final cleanup strategy for the site. At the few Recharge Area: A land area where rainwater sites where the EPA has determined that saturates the ground and soaks through the initial response actions have eliminated site earth to reach an aquifer. contamination, or that any remaining con- tamination will be naturally dispersed with- Record of Decision (ROD): A public docu- out further d^p activities, a "No Action" mcntthatcxplainswhichclcanup ^ remedy is selected [see Record of Decision]. alternatives) will be used to clean up sites listed oo the NPL It is based on information Removal Action: Short-term immediate generated during the remedial investigation actions taken to address releases of hazardous and feasibility study and consideration of substances [see Cleanup]. public comments and community concerns. Residual: The amount of a pollutant remain- Recovery Wefls: Wells used to withdraw ing -m ^ environment after a natural or contaminants or contaminated groundwater. technological process has taken place, e.g., the sludge remaining after initial wastewater Recycle: The process of minimizing waste treatment, or particulates remaining in air generation by recovering usable products that after the air passes through a scrubbing, or might otherwise become waste. other, process. Remedial Action (RA): The actual construe- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act tOTcrimplemenution phase of a Superfund (RCRA): A Federal law that established a site cleanup following the remedial design regulatory system to track hazardous sub- (sec Cleanup]. stances from the time of generation to dis- posal. The law requires safe and secure GLOSSARY procedures to be used in treating, transport* Sinkhole: A hollow depression in the land ing, storing, and disposing of hazardous surface in which drainage collects; associated substances. RCRA is designed to prevent with underground caves and passages that new, uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. facilitate the movement of liquids. Retention Pond: A small body of liquid Site Characterization: The technical pro- used for disposing of wastes and containing cess used to evaluate the nature and extent of overflow from production facilities. Some- environmental contamination, which is times retention ponds are used to expand the necessary for choosing and designing cleanup capacity of such structures as lagoons to store measures and monitoring their effectiveness. waste. Site Inspection: The collection of informa- Riparian Habitat: Areas adjacent to rivers tion from a hazardous waste site to determine and streams that have a high density, diver- the extent and severity of hazards posed by sity, and productivity of plant and animal the site. It follows, and is more extensive species relative to nearby uplands. than, a preliminary assessment The purpose is to gather information necessary to score the Runoff: The discharge of water over land site, using the Hazard Ranking System, and to into surface water. It can cany pollutants determine if the site presents an immediate from the air and land and spread contamina- threat that requires a prompt removal action. tion from its source. Slag: The fused refuse or dross separated \j Scrubber: An air pollution device that uses a ftom a metal in the process of smelting. spray of water or reactant or a dry process to trap pollutants in emissions. Sludge: Semi-solid residues from industrial or water treatment processes that may be Sediment: The layer of sou, sand, and contaminated with hazardous materials. minerals at the bottom of surface waters, such as streamst lakes, and rivers, that absorbs Slurry Wall: Barriers used to contain the contaminants. flow of contaminated groundwater or subsur- . face liquids. Slurry walls are constructed by Seeps: Specific points where releases of digging t trench around a contaminated area liquid (usually leachate) form from waste ^ miing ^ ^4, ^ ^ impermeable disposal areas, particularly along the lower material that prevents water from passing edges of landfills. through it The groundwater or contaminated Seepag_ e Pits„ :- .A . hole . ,, shaft. _, or cavit..y. i n the liquid£ ss, trappe £^cad within nt eth ^^e are^a surrounde^ ^^d by ground used for storage of liquids, usually m the form of leachate, from waste disposal Smelter: A facility that melts or fuses ore, areas. The liquid gradually leaves the pit by often ^^ tt accompanying chemical change. moving through the surrounding soil to separate the metaL Emissions from smelt- ^ ...... ' en are known to cause pollution. Scptage: Residue remaining in a septic tank after the treatment process. Soi, GaK Q^^M elements and compounds that occur in the small spaces between par* tides of soil Such gases can move through

All 00605 GLOSSARY or leave the soil or rock, depending on Sorption: The action of soaking up or at- changes in pressure. aacting substances. It is used in many pollu- tion control systems. Soil Vapor Extraction: A treatment process that uses vacuum wells to remove hazardous Stillbottom: Residues left over from the gases from soil. process of recovering spent solvents. Soil Washing: A water-based process for Stripping: A process used to remove volatile mechanically scrubbing soils in-place to contaminants from a substance (sec Air remove undesirable materials. TTicre are two Stripping]. approaches: dissolving or suspending them in the wash solution for later treatment by Sumps: A pit or tank that catches liquid conventional methods, and concentrating runoff for drainage or disposal. them into a smaller volume of soil through simple particle size separation techniques [see Superfund: The program operated under the Solvent Extraction]. legislative authority of the CERCLA and Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Stabilization: Hie process of changing an Act (SARA) to update and improve environ- activc substance into inert, harmless material, memal »ws. -Tl* program has the authority or physical activities at a site that act to limit *> respond directly to releases or threatened the further spread of contamination without releases of hazardous substances that may actual reduction of toxicity. endanger public health, welfare, or the envi- ronment. The "Superfund" is a trust fund that SoUolficationyStabilization: A chemical or finances cleanup actions at hazardous waste physical reduction of the mobility of hazard* sites. ous constituents. Mobility is reduced through the binding of hazardous constituents into a SurgeTanks: A holding structure used to idid mass with tow permeability and resis- «*«°* irregularities in flow of liquids, includ- tance to leaching. ing liquid waste materials. Solvent: -A substance capable of dissolving Swamp: A type of wetland that is dominated another substance to form a solution. Tne by wocxlyvegetanonanddc

operations. An organic chemical is used to method will work. dissolve contaminants « i opposed to water- Tr|chloroethylenc (TCE): A sable, color- based compounds, which usually ate used in j^ Bquid wim a low boiling point. TCE has sou washing. many industrial applications, including use as

ARI00606 ______GLOSSARY

a solvent and as a metal degreasing agent widespread industrial use, they are commonly TCE may be toxic to people when inhaled, found in soil and groundwater. ingested, or through skin contact and can damage vital organs, especially the liver [see Waste Treatment Plant: A facility that uses Volatile Organic Compounds]. a series of tanks, screens, filters, and other treatment processes to remove pollutants from Unilateral [Administrative] Order: [see water. Administrative Order]. Wastewaten The spent or used water from Upgradlent: An upward hydrologic slope; individual homes or industries. demarks areas that are higher than contami- nated areas and, therefore, are not prone to Watershed: The land area that drains into a contamination by the movement of polluted stream or other water body. groundwater. Water Table: The upper surface of the Vacuum Extraction: A technology used to groundwater. remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from soils. Vacuum pumps are connected to a Weir: A barrier to divert water or other series of wells drilled to just above the water liquids. table. The wells are sealed tightly at the soil surface, and the vacuum established in the Wetland: An area that is regularly saturated soil draws VOC-contammatcd air from the by surface or groundwater and, under normal soil pores into the well, as fresh air Is drawn circumstances, is capable of supporting down from the surface of the soiL vegetation typically adapted for life in satu- rated soil conditions. Wetlands are critical to Vegetated Soil Cap: A cap constructed with sustaining many species of fish and wildlife. graded soils and seed for vegetative growth. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, to prevent erosion [see Cap]. and bogs. Wetlands may be either coastal or ...'.„• inland. Coastal wetlands have salt or brackish Vitrification: Hie process of electrically (a mixture of ^t 3,^ fresh) water, and most melting wastes and soils or sludges to bind have fa^ while mland wctiands are non- the waste in a glassy, solid material more tidal and freshwater. Coastal wetlands are an durable than granite or marble and resistant to integral component of estuaries. leaching. «r • *•. * . r< j /ir/w i Wildlife Refuge: An area designated for the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): protection of wild animals, within which VOa are manufactured as secondary petro- hunri ^ fishi m cithcr prohibited ^ chemicals. They include light alcohols, stricdy controlled, acetone, tnchloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ' dichloroethylene, benzene, vinyl chloride, toluene, and methylene chloride. These - potentially toxic chemicals are used as sol- vents, degreasers, paints, thinners, and fuels. Because of their volatile nature, they readily evaporate into the air, increasing the potential exposure to humans. Due to their low water solubility, environmental persistence, and