EPA Region 5 Records Ctr.

257294

CONSENT FOR ACCESS TO PROPERTY

Name :

Address of Property: Bloomington, Indiana 47404

I consent to officers, employees, contractors, and authorized representatives of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) entering and having continued access to this property for the following purposes:

To excavate a located on your property and enter the system, if possible, to determine how croundwater flows and influences the Neal's Landfill Superfund site.

I realize that these actions taken by U.S. EPA are undertaken pursuant to its response and enforcement responsibilities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601-9601-9675 (2001) .

This written permission is given by me voluntarily, on behalf of myself and all other co-owners of this property, with knowledge of my right to refuse and without threats or promises of any kind.

Date Property Owner Sinkhole Investigation Plan

PSARA-BLOOMINGTON TECHNOLOGIES, INC

Re: Cleanout and Investigation of Sinkhole on Sarber Property

Background and Purpose

The Sarber property is located on the south side of S.R. 48 roughly opposite the southeast corner of the Neal's Landfill site. A sinkhole now filled with brush, trees, trash and debris is located a few hundred feet south of the Sarber residence on the east side of a gravel drive. It has been reported that Mrs. Sarber's Grandfather and an Uncle entered the sinkhole sometime back in the 1930s. They reportedly entered through a near vertical shaft at the mouth of the sink and observed a flowing underground stream at or near the base of the shaft, some 40-ft. below the ground surface. From there they were able to walk some distance along the stream. Later, after the entry and brief exploration, they reportedly blocked the entrance to the sinkhole with a white stove or refrigerator and covered it with trash and brush.

The purpose of this investigation is to make the sinkhole accessible for re-entry, to confirm or disprove the presence of an underground stream, to determine the flow direction and other attributes of the stream if it exists, and otherwise to explore the sinkhole/stream system as far as is practical and safe. The sinkhole has been dye-traced and shown to be connected to the Northwest System at Neal's Landfill.

Scope of Proposed Activities

The proposed investigation consists of three parts: 1) the cleanout of the sinkhole at the ground surface to ascertain the feasibility of entry, 2) entry and exploration of the sinkhole, and 3) closure of the sinkhole entrance to prevent unauthorized or accidental entry. This Preliminary Investigation Plan deals only with Part 1 (cleanout and assessment) and Part 3 (closure). A proposed scope of work for Part 2, entry and exploration, will be prepared after Part 1 has been completed and the feasibility of entry has been evaluated.

The scope of initial cleanout and assessment will involve the joint efforts of several parties including Viacom, PSARA Technologies, the US EPA, Earth Tech, the Monroe County Health Department, and the Monroe County Solid Waste District. Key elements of the plan are the disposition of the brush and trees, as well as the household and other trash/debris that is removed from the mouth of the sinkhole. For the brush and trees, it is proposed that these materials be stockpiled beside the sinkhole for replacement over the mouth of the sinkhole as part of final closure. For the trash and debris, arrangements have been made by the Monroe County Health Department to provide a roll-off container for disposal at no cost to the project.

Pan 1 Approach

The following is a listing of tasks to be performed during the first part of this three-part investigation. The initial clean-out, feasibility assessment and disposal of wastes is expected to take 2 to 3 days. Given the low-lying location of the sinkhole, to the extent possible, the clean-out work should be scheduled for a relatively dry period.

• Obtain written permission from the property owner

• Plan to photograph and document all aspects of Part 1

• Spot a roll-off container on Sarber property beside the sinkhole Mobilize a small excavator with a grapple to handle trees and brush, and a small bucket for the removal of soil and rock once the trees and brush have been removed

Remove and segregate trees, brush and debris; stockpile trees and brush and place trash and debris in roll-off

Once trees, brush, trash and debns have been removed, construct a temporary security closure consisting of orange construction fence around the open sinkhole and/or a steel traffic plate placed over the sinkhole opening.

Transport filled roll-off container to the Monroe county landfill for disposal

Viacom, PSARA and Earth Tech will then assess the feasibility of entry including further excavation that may be required.

If entry is deemed feasible, proceed with the development of an Entry Plan that will include a brief Entry and Exploration Safety Plan.

If entry is not feasible, proceed with the development of a Permanent Closure Plan.

Part 3 Approach

Following the completion of cleanout (Part 1) or the entrance/exploration of the sinkhole (Part 2), the sinkhole will be closed to prevent unauthorized or accidental entry. The method of closure will involve the placement of a farm gate (or other similar gate structure) over the mouth of the sinkhole. The gate will be anchored at all four corners (anchor bolts in concrete-filled post hole). If the sinkhole exploration was successful and further exploration or other testing is anticipated, the gate will be fitted with a locking hinge- type anchor on one end so that the gate can be opened. After the gate has been secured, light brush will be placed on top of the gate to hide it from casual observation and minimize the chance of vandalism or other disturbance. The construction of the farm gate (or similar type gate) closure will be done so as not to impede or materially alter natural storm drainage that may now flow into the sinkhole.

• Prepare a written summary of all activities and findings for distribution to the property owner and the government parties involved. HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN HYDROGEOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS AT SARBER SINK NEAL LANDFILL, BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA

Background The Neal's Landfill site is a closed, inactive, waste disposal site located about 4.5 miles west of Bloomington in Monroe County, Indiana (Figure 1). The site is located north of Indiana State Road 48 in a rural area, and occupies about 18 acres. The area was used for industrial and municipal waste disposal from about 1950 until 1972, and disposal practices at the site included open burning of discarded materials. In 1966 and 1967, numerous capacitors filled with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCS) containing oil, PCB-contaminated rags, sawdust, and filter clay generated at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation (now Viacom) plant in Bloomington were disposed of at the site.

The Ne;al Landfill site was listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in October 1981. In 1985, EPA, the State of Indiana, Monroe County, the City of Bloomington, and Westinghouse (now Viacom) signed a Consent Decree requiring Viacom to remediate Neal Landfill and five other PCB sites in the Bloomington area. In 1987, a number of interim measures were completed at the site, including removal of capacitors from the ground surface, removal of a total of 4,500 linear feet of contaminated sediment from receiving streams, (Conard's Branch and Richland Creek), and installation of a soil cap over the primary landfill area.

The site is located in a terrane characterized by numerous , springs and caverns. Karst springs draining the landfill area, referred to as the Northwest Spring System, continue to be contaminated with PCBs. The primary underflow discharge point for this spnng system is South Spring (Figure 1). Interim remedial measures have included the construction of a spring treatment facility (STF) at South Spring. The STF began operation in 1990, but only treats spring flows up to 450 gallons per minute (gpm). The karst drainage basin discharging at the Northwest Spring System is estimated to be approximately 360 acres in size and peak flow rates from the PCB contaminated springs are in excess of 12,000 gpm. Further remedial actions for ground water are now being directed, in part, toward delineation of the surface and subsurface flow pathways feeding the Northwest Spring System and methods to reduce or bypass peak flow through the karst system to the STF.

Project Scope

The Sarber Sink is located on the south side of S.R. 48 roughly opposite the southeast corner of the Neal's Landfill site. Ground water tracer tests have clearly shown that the sink is directly connected to the Northwest Spring System at Neal's Landfill, and that it is located in an upstream, or upgradient, position with respect to the landfill within the karst drainage basin. The sinkhole, now filled with brush, trees, trash ar d debris, is located a few hundred feet south of the Sarber residence on the east side of a gravel drive.

It has been reported to the US EPA and Viacom that Mrs. Sarber's Grandfather and an Uncle at one time entered the sinkhole through a near vertical shaft at the mouth of the sink and observed a flowing underground stream at or near the base of the shaft, some 40 feet below the ground surface. From there, they were able to walk some distance along the stream. Later, after the entry and brief exploration, they reportedly blocked the entrance to the sinkhole with a white stove or refrigerator and covered it with trash and brush to prevent further entry.

Sarber Sinkhole HSP As part of ongoing hydrologic investigations at Neal Landfill undertaken by Viacom, the Sarber Sink will be made assessable for re-entry. If a cavern entrance is made evident, the cavern will be entered to confirm or disprove the presence of an underground stream, to determine the flow direction and other attributes of the stream, if it exists, and otherwise to explore the sinkhole/stream system as far downstream and upstream as is practical and safe. Activities to be conducted may include cavern survey and documentation, hydrologic measurements, and water sampling.

This plan addresses health and safety issues related to entry into the sinkhole, and traversing any cavern system that is evident from the initial entry. Because cavern conditions at this time are unknown, the hazard assessment is based on conditions typically encountered in southern Indiana . Because the sinkhole is reported to have a vertical shaft entrance, hazards and procedures to be employed for vertical cave entry are included, but may not be necessary.

Hazard Assessment The following are potential sources of injury to personnel conducting fieldwork related to the Sarber Sinkhole entry and cavern traverse: 1. Slip trip hazards 2. Hypothermia 3. Rockfall 4. General hazards 5. Falling due to uncontrolled vertical descent 6. Falling due to equipment failure during vertical ascent 7. Falls by support personnel 1. Slip-trip hazards will be the most common source of potential injury encountered by field workers. Above ground, slipping, tripping and falling may occur as a result of distractions, poor visibility, ground irregularities, and loose stone on rock outcrops. Brush and loose rocks will be cleared from the sinkhole lip area. Footwear will provide sufficient traction and ankle support. Loose-fitting boots or tennis shoes must not be worn in the field. Do not attempt to walk through areas of poor visibility and footing while carrying too many items. Make extra trips to bring equipment, if necessary. Personnel should assist one another in areas where the footing is particularly bad. Slip-trip hazards and falls are a particular hazard underground where there may be poor visibility, an uneven floor, shifting rocks underfoot, steep slopes, and mud-covered surfaces. Personnel shall wear laced boots with sufficient ankle support and heavy cleat soles. Footwear with tennis shoe-type soles will not be worn, as the tread quickly becomes filled with mud and forms a slick surface. Traversing the cave is greatly simplified if both hands are free. Each team member must wear a that fits the head securely and that has a mounting bracket for attaching a light source (electric or carbide) that leaves hands free. Items carried into the cave must be carried in backpacks or standard caving side packs with straps that leave that also leave the hands free. 2. Hypothermia may be a problem in caves. Cavern temperatures in southern Indiana are usually around 54°F. Lower temperatures may be encountered near entrances in the colder months of the year due to air movement. While initial cavern entries are expected to be brief (less than 2 hours in duration), team members may become wet, muddy and tired while working in a cave. Hypothermia can be prevented by wearing several layers of warm clothing while in the cave, avoiding getting wet or muddy whenever possible, and sitting and resting as little as possible. Sustained inactivity in a cave may lead to rapid chilling of the

Sarber Sinkhole HSP body. But, rapid movement through the cave may result in overheating. Layered clothing can be unbuttoned while moving to prevent overheating, then closed while resting. A wicking polypropylene undergarment is advantageous. 3. Rockfallisa danger in sinkhole or vertical shaft areas. Rockfall is a potential source of injury in caves. Rockfall can be started in a variety of ways: by walking over or crawling through loose breakdown; while chimneying or free climbing walls or slopes, or by entrusting handholds to rocks before testing them for movement. A hard hat with chinstrap must be worn at all times. Loose rocks will be removed form the sinkhole lip area. Do not stand in the drip line of the sinkhole or vertical shaft. Extensive climbing or chimneying should not be necessary for this project, and will not be done. Whenever a rock or thin ledge is used as a handhold, it should be tested to be certain it will not move when the climber's full weight is put upon it. All persons must wear in caves to protect the head from falling rocks. 4. General Caving Hazards. The most frequent general caving hazards are losing light or becoming lost. Losing light and/or becoming lost should not be a problem for a well- prepared team. The most experience ember of each team will be the team leader. He will note, a nd c ause to b e noted b y t he o ther t earn m embers, p rominent p assage junctions a nd landmarks. In a cavern where limited entry has been made the time-tested caving procedure of''follow the elephant tracks" will usually lead a lost team to safety. Each team member will be required to carry three reliable sources of light. The primary light will be a carbide miner's lamp or an electric headlamp. Spare batteries and or carbide shall be taken into the cavern to provide at least a 12-hour continuous primary light source.

If a substantial vertical entrance shaft is encountered, the preferred method of sinkhole entry will employ single rope techniques (SRT) for descending and climbing a static line. SRT procedures are adopted from standard caving and mountaineering practice, and have been utilized by the caving community for many years to safely descend and ascend free drops of great depth. Hazards 5, 6 and 7, below, apply to vertical cavern entry, which may or may not be encountered during this project.

5. Falling due to uncontrolled descent is one of the most common SRT hazards. It is caused by too rapid a descent employing too few brake bars in the descending device. Standard procedures of this plan are to use a minimum of four brake bars, keeping the lower hand on the rope at all times, and use a friction leg warp if needed.

6. Falling due to equipment failure during ascent. Ascending equipment is very reliable, but an extra ascending device must always be carried. The extra device will be readily available at all times. Accidents due to equipment failure are very much minimized by always using two points of attachment to the static line, and the use of safety cords to prevent the climber from falling upside down in the event of harness or failure.

7. To prevent accidental falls by personnel working on the surface, no one will approach closer than 3 feet to any edge of the sinkhole unless equipped with a fall prevention or fall arrest device, or is performing SRT or direct entry of the sinkhole.

Equipment (General) 1. Caving equipment. A standard caving suitable for a typical southern Indiana cavern shall be employed. This shall consist of hard hat with chin strap, a primary light and two backup light sources, a light repair kit (as appropriate), leather gloves, boots with non-slip sole, and caving

Sarber Sinkhole HSP pack with shoulder and / or back straps. The primary light shall be mounted on the hard hat to allow both hands to be free at all times.

The equipment checklist is: • Appropriate layered clothing for the anticipated underground temperature and activity level. A wicking undergarment, sleeved shirt or wool sweater, and coveralls or denim jacket is proper attire. • High topped lace boots with a lug or cleat sole • Leather gloves • Helmet with a chin strap, a light bracket and attached light source • Caving pack with: 1. Two additional source of light 2. Spare carbide or batteries (12 hours), and a light repair kit, as appropriate 3. Water, snacks 4. First-aid kit • Watch

A cellular phone must be available in a vehicle parked at the cavern entrance.

2. Air Monitoring Equipment. Natural caverns in southern Indiana are almost always well- ventilated due to air flow induced by temperature differences between the cave and the outside air. Rarely, caves are encountered with excessive CO2 due to the presence of washed- in decaying vegetation and poor air flow.

A four-gas monitor will be utilized upon the initial cavern entry to check the ambient air for oxygen content.

Equipment (SRT)

The following equipment will be employed at a significant vertical entrance shaft. It is not necessary of the cavern has does not contain a vertical entrance.

1. Braded specialty caving rope, 7/16" diameter. The rope will be manufactured specifically for caving and will be of a braided kernmantle construction. These ropes are manufactured by PMI, Bluewater, and Wellington Puritan specifically for rappelling and static line climbing. The ropes have high strength (in excess of 6,000 pound static load), have high abrasion resistance and low stretch. They are of braided rather than laid construction so loading the rope does not induce spin. Rope pads will be used to pad any rope contact points.

2. Descending equipment. This equipment shall consist of a double sewn nylon webbing seat harness, a rappelling device (rappelling rack), and quick attach safety (QAS) attachment device. The safety attachment device is attached to the seat harness. The rappelling rack will be attached to the seat harness or central Mallion using a "D" ring with a safety- locking gate. Solid aluminum brake bars for maximum heat dissipation. The rack should have a minimum of six bars to account for variable rope conditions. Ascending equipment, including a double sewn nylon chest harness (see below) shall be worn during descend in case a n e mergency r ope a scent i s n ecessary b efore the b ottom o f the s inkhole i s reached. Ascending devices (see below) must be immediately available during the descent.

Sarber Sinkhole HSP 3. Ascending equipment. This ascending equipment shall incorporate the nylon webbing seat harness (used in descent), a double sewn chest harness, and mechanical or rope-sling ascending devices. Various climbing systems including the 3-knot prusik, Mitchell, Frog (sit- stand), and Ropewalker are available. Mechanical ascending devices include the Gibbs, , Jumar, or CMI ascenders. The 3-knot prusik employs special gripping knots (Prusik or Ascender knots) tied in slings and attached to body harnesses to ascend the standing line. It is anticipated that the Frog (sit-stand) or 3-knot prusik ascending systems will be utilized during this project.

4. Regardless of the climbing system employed, the climber shall always maintain two attachment points to the standing line, and carry on his person for immediate deployment a least one extra ascending device. Harness systems will employ safety cords to prevent the climber from falling upside down in the event of harness or ascender failure. "Cowstail" leads are an additional harness safety feature that allows rapid attachment of the third safety ascender. They are also used to safely cross rope knots, rebelay points, or deviations while ascending or descending the static line.

Cavern Entry Procedures (General)

1. The entry team shall consist of a team leader and at least two other party members for safety. In case of accident in the cavern this allows for one party member to attend to the victim, and the second party member to summon help from the entrance.

2. Prior to entry the team leader will check the weather forecast. No entry will be made if rainfall is predicted during the upcoming 24-hour period. The team leader will establish with the other party members a schedule of activities and an anticipated time of return. This information will be provided to the Earth Tech project manager or Earth Tech office manager. The team leader is expected to notify the project manager or the Earth Tech office manager prior to entering the cave, and to give an expected time the team will leave the cave. The team leader should assure that there is a cellular phone available in one of the vehicles parked at the cavern entrance. The vehicle keys shall not be taken into the cavern. It is best to leave vehicle keys hidden on the vehicle or at the entrance. All members of the party shall know the location of the vehicle keys.

3. The team will park their vehicle in an open area easily visible from the road, and will leave a sign on the dash visible from the window that names the team members, the cave they entered, and the time expected out.

4. The team leader shall check the condition of the cavern entrance. Generally, the entrance will be located in solid limestone bedrock. Entrance will not be made if this involves moving beneath undercut soil banks or ledges. Loose soil and rock material will be removed from the entrance area prior to entry.

5. While in the cavern the team leader shall make frequent inquiry with the other party members as to their general physical and mental condition. If any party member expresses a concern as to their physical or mental well being, the team leader will assure that party member is escorted to the entrance. If the party consists of four or fewer members, all party members will leave the cavern.

6. Although minor climbing, stooping, and crawling may be expected, the party leader shall assure that the team is adequately prepared for the cavern to be traversed. Long crawl areas

Sarber Sinkhole HSP 5 may require the use of knee-pads. Areas of deep water (over mid-thigh depth) will not be traversed with special equipment.

7. The team leader will assure that the party keeps to the established schedule and that exit from the cavern is made by the preset exit time. Immediately upon exit, the party will notify the Earth Tech project manager or Earth Tech office manager that they have safely exited the cavern. If the project manager or office manager have not heard from the team after three hours from the expected exit time, a trip will be initiated to locate the team members.

8. If a team becomes lost or stranded, with or without light, they should remain where they are and await rescue.

SRT Procedures

This section contains specialized entry procedures for a vertical entrance. These procedures do not apply of a vertical shaft entrance is not encountered.

1. An entry crew consisting of a minimum of three people will be used. One experienced person will descend first. The two other crew members will be a safety crew and remain on top until it is ascertained that significant horizontal cavern exists.

2. Rig a 7/16 braided nylon rope. The rigging point shall be selected and secured by an experienced person. A large, well- rooted tree is commonly selected as a tie off point. Alternatively rock outcroppings or artificial tie-off points including earth-anchors o r posts may be used. The primary tie point must be backed with at least one other secondary tie point. Where practicable, a "tensionless hitch" will be employed. This type of rig employs friction around a post or tree to reduce the load on the rope knot. The rope will be secured to the anchor with a standard bowline, Figure Eight knot, or carabiner.

Check for loose rocks at the lip that could become dislodged during desent, and remove by kicking into the sinkhole.

3. Pad the rope at rub points using a secured heavy rope pad. This is anticipated to be only at the top. Tie a foot loop in the bottom of the rope. This is a safety procedure to prevent rappelling off the end of the rope. Uncoil the rope and lower (do not throw) the rope into the pit Verify the rope is on bottom before going over the edge.

4. Descend the vertical shaft by sliding down the rope using one of various types of friction devices. A rappel rack is anticipated. The rappelling device is attached to the rope well away from the sinkhole lip. The rappelling device is attached to the seat harness with a locking steel carabiner. The carabiner will be locked before any weight is applied to the device. Friction of the rappelling device on the rope is gauged by pulling back on the device. Friction is adjusted by adding or removing brake bars. A minimum of four brake bars must be used on the rack at all times for safely. Should this prove to be too much friction on dirty or stiff ropes, the bars may be spaced out by hand, or the rope may be "fed" into the rappelling device. One hand must be on the rope below the rack at all times. The other hand must be on the rope above the rappel rack for balance.

5. Double-check the rappel rack, harness and carabiner attachment before going over the edge of the sinkhole. Check hair and loose clothing to be sure they will not entangle in the

Sarber Sinkhole HSP rappelling device. Check to be sure the rope is on the rope pad immediately prior to initiating the descent.

The surface party must remain clear of the rope and sinkhole lip during the descent. Rappelling will be at a slow steady rate to avoid heat build up. A rapid, jerky descent is dangerous and unnecessary. Extra or emergency rope friction may be quickly added by wrapping the down-hole rope around either leg. All ascending harnesses must be worn during the descent, and climbing gear will be immediately available.

6. Upon reaching the bottom, immediately move from the point of descent away from the drip line. Once in a safe position, remove the rappelling device, and issue an audible "off rope" to the surface crew. Prepare to "bottom-belay" the next person down the shaft.

7. Do the required tasks. Wear hard hat/cave helmet at all time and limit time standing on the drip line. Upon completing the required tasks, prepare to exit the shaft.

8. The s tatic line is climbed u sing t he a ppropriate h arnesses a nd a scending d evices. D o n ot stand in the drip line when hooking onto the static line. The surface party is advised immediately prior to beginning the ascent, and will clear the rope and sinkhole lip areas. The climber shall always maintain two attachment points to the standing line, and carry on his person for immediate deployment a least one extra ascending device. The seat harness will be worn on the ascent, and the descending device must be immediately available in case a rapid descent of the sinkhole needs to be made.

Emergency Procedures in Caves

In the event of an emergency in a cave involving injury or hypothermia, the team should consider removing the person from the cave (self-rescue) if the person can be safely moved. The best course of action (self-rescue or await rescue) will be dictated by the type and severity of the injury, the distance from the entrance, and the difficulty in reaching the entrance. Besides the absence of medical attention, the greatest danger to the injured person will be hypothermia. Self-rescue usually offers the quickest means of extracting a victim, and should be considered as a means of preventing hypothermia. If the person can be moved somewhat and is cold, he or she should be provided with dry clothing (if available), or additional body warmth from another person. A carbide lantern with a low flame can be placed under the person's tented clothing to provide a source of heat.

If the person is too weak or disoriented to be moved, is in too much pain to be moved, or if an injury to the spine or neck is suspected, one person should exit the cave while the others make the injured person as comfortable as possible. The Indiana State Police or the Monroe County Sheriffs department should be summoned for help. These organizations maintain relationships with local, trained cave rescue groups. The person should be taken to Bloomington Hospital for medical treatment.

Sarber Sinkhole HSP