Monterey Peninsula Airport Noise


U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Report - Monterey Peninsula Airport


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1-1

1.1 Scope of Report and Objectives 1-1

1.2 Inventory Project Report 1-1

1.3 Site History 1-2

1.4 Previous Investigations 1-6

1.4.1 Removal of Underground Storage Tanks 1-6

1.4.1.1 Two 50,000 Gallon USTs 1-6

1.4.1.2 Three 2,500 Gallon USTs 1-10

1.4.1.3 One 10,000 Gallon UST 1-12

1.4.2 Groundwater Sampling of former UST Sites 1-12

1.4.2.1 December 1995 Groundwater Sampling 1-12

1.4.2.2 January 1997 Groundwater Sampling 1-13

1.4.3 Groundwater Investigations 1-14

1.4.3.1 1997 Groundwater Investigation 1-14

1.4.3.2 1998 Groundwater Investigation 1-17

1.4.3.3 TCE Groundwater Investigation 1-27

1.4.4 Transformers 1-28

2.0 CONTINUING INVESTIGATIONS 2-1

2.1 Quarterly Monitoring Program 2-1

2.1.1 Petroleum Plume 2-1

2.1.2 TCE Plume 2-1

3.0 FUTURE INVESTIGATIONS 3-1

3.1 Fire Fighting Training Facility 3-1

3.2 Dump Sites 3-1

4.0 REFERENCES 4-1

 

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Page No.

1 Location Map 1-3

2 Site Map of Former UST Locations 1-4

3 Previous & Future Project Sites 1-5

4 Site Map Showing Locations of Boring & Excavation 1-7

5 Site Map Showing Dimensions of Tank Excavation 1-9

6 Locations of Monitoring & Temporary Wells 1-11

7 Petroleum Plume 1-15

8 TCE Plume 1-31

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Page No.

1 1990 Soil Analysis, AquaGeosciences 1-8

2 1990 Groundwater Analysis, AquaGeosciences 1-10

3 1995 Groundwater Analyses, USACE 1-13

4 1997 Groundwater Analyses, Weiss Associates 1-14

5 1997 Groundwater Analyses, USACE 1-16

6 1997 Soil Analyses, USACE 1-17

7 1998 Groundwater Analyses, USACE 1-18

8 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Gasoline 1-19

9 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Jet Fuel 1-19

10 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Diesel 1-20

11 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Benzene 1-20

12 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Toluene 1-21

13 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Ethylbenzene 1-21

14 1990-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Xylenes 1-22

15 1997-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Trichloroethene 1-23

16 1997-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Cis-1,2-DCE 1-23

17 1997-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Metals 1-24

18 1997-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Chloride,

Nitrate, & Sulfate 1-25

19 1997-1999 Petroleum Plume, Quarterly Sampling Events, Analyses of Alkalinity 1-26

20 June 1999 Analytical Results from Monitoring Wells, TCE Plume 1-29

21 August 1999 Analytical Results from Monitoring Wells, TCE Plume 1-30

ACRONYMS

bgs below ground surface

BTEX benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes

DOD Department of Defense

DON Department of Navy

DHS Department of Health Services

EDS Environmental Design Section

FFTF Fire Fighting Training Facility

FUDS Formerly Used Defense Site

IPR Inventory Project Report

MPA Monterey Peninsula Airport

NAAS Naval Auxiliary Air Station

SI Supplemental Investigation

TCE trichloroethene

TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USTs underground storage tanks

 

 

MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORT

BASEWIDE REPORT

FINAL REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope of Report and Objectives

In 1990, the Monterey Peninsula Airport (MPA) was identified as a Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS). The use of funds within this program (FUDS) is restricted to the time frame when a facility was used by the Department of Defense (DOD). Many of the FUDS-eligible issues at this site identified in the Inventory Project Report (IPR) have been investigated and completed, however, there remain a few sites which warrant investigation.

This Basewide Report summarizes completed, on-going, and future environmental projects at the MPA. The objective of this report is to evaluate the status of these projects and to identify any additional potential site contamination sources at the MPA that are related to past military activities which may pose a potential hazard to human health or the environment and, if necessary, may require remedial action. Several independent projects have resulted from the discovery of either different contamination or an unsuspected site with potential contamination while conducting other investigations.

Personnel with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District, Environmental Design Section (EDS), have performed several groundwater investigations, supplemental investigations, and quarterly groundwater sampling events. In general, these investigations have included research, site visits, interviews, field activities, chemical analytical results, and reportings. The excavation of underground storage tanks (USTs) has been conducted primarily by private contractors.

1.2 Inventory Project Report

In September 1991, USACE, Sacramento District, completed an IPR of the MPA. Site visits were conducted on two separate occasions; in November 1990 by Sacramento District personnel and in June 1991 by personnel from a private contractor. The results of the IPR concluded that the MPA was formerly used by the DOD, and therefore, eligible for the Defense Environmental Restoration Program. The IPR documents the removal of several USTs which included two 50,000 gallon USTs, three 2,500 gallon USTs, and one 10,000 gallon UST. This report also listed additional projects which included: testing, removal, and disposal of abandoned transformers; removal of three additional USTs (one 300 gallon and two 500 gallon); a former fire fighting practice area, and a military dump site.

The USTs were removed from an area located in the light industrial park on the north side of the airport (Figure 1). Subsequent work involved exploration in an area offsite which is located in the Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Park north of the light industrial park (Figure 1). The locations of the USTs are shown on Figure 2. The locations of the transformers and the former Fire Fighting Training Facility are shown on Figure 3. Two suspected dump sites are also shown on Figure 3.

1.3 Site History

The Department of Navy (DON) leased approximately 455 acres from the Monterey Peninsula Airport District (MPAD) in 1942. The Naval Auxiliary Air Station Monterey (NAAS Monterey) was commissioned from the mid-1940s until March 1972. The air base was supervised by Commander, Naval Air Bases, Twelfth Naval District Headquarters, Naval Air Station, Alameda, California. In 1944, an agreement between MPAD and the United States empowered the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Department of Commerce to construct, improve, and repair the subject airport. In 1946, it was determined that the airport was not required for full military purposes. Consequently, MPAD was granted joint and equal use of the landing facilities without terminating the original agreements dated in 1942. Other facilities, such as parking aprons, hangers, repair shops and storage tanks, were solely used by the DON. By agreement in 1949, the 455 acre lease was to be terminated by June 1972. Between 1972 and 1982, the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey continually renewed the lease from MPAD which included the use of underground fuel storage tanks and supporting pipelines in the cantonment area at the north end of the property. On 22 November 1989, MPAD released DON from its lease of the 455-acre parcel. The approximate leasehold boundary is shown on Figure 3. The site is currently a municipal airport.






1.4 Previous Investigations

1.4.1 Removal of Underground Storage Tanks

1.4.1.1 Two 50,000 Gallon USTs

In June 1990, two former 50,000 gallon USTs (89 and 9) were removed by Scrivner Environmental Services under general closure requirements by the Monterey County Department of Health (Figure 2). These tanks were used exclusively by the Navy to store aviation and jet fuel from the 1940's to 1972. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command used the tanks for the storage of diesel fuel from 1972 to 1982. During excavation, confirmation samples collected around the base of the tanks, analyzed for diesel and gasoline by DHS method 8015 modified and for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) by EPA method 8020, indicated soil contamination from petroleum hydrocarbons (AquaGeosciences). The locations of the samples collected for analysis are shown on Figure 4. The analytical results from those soil samples are compiled in Table 1.




Table 1
1990 Soil Analysis, AquaGeosciences

 

Sample #

DHS 8015M, mg/kg

EPA 8020, ug/kg

Diesel

Gasoline

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

89 North

95

*

ND

88

55

500

89 South/East

ND

*

ND

ND

ND

1.4

89 East

ND

*

ND

ND

ND

ND

89 West

ND

*

ND

ND

ND

ND

89 North Island

ND

*

ND

ND

ND

0.7

89 South Island

ND

*

ND

ND

ND

ND

T9 @20'

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

T89-south base

118

ND

ND

ND

ND

0.05

T89-SE wall

32

16

ND

ND

ND

0.05

T9-center base

ND

ND

NR

NR

NR

NR

T9-NE wall

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

T9 @40'

ND

130

ND

ND

0.47

3.2

T89 @36

420

1300

1.4

0.68

2.9

15

T89 @40

120

300

ND

0.13

0.67

4.0

TH-1 @30'

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

TH-1 @40'

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

TH-1 @55'

ND

13

0.17

0.16

0.12

0.52

ND - Not Detected *Not Tested *Not Reported

After the tanks were removed a site assessment was conducted by AquaGeosciences (1990). Samples collected from soil borings and excavation trenches verified soil contamination extending to groundwater at a depth of 55 feet below ground surface (bgs). Contaminated soil was excavated to a depth of 31 feet and laterally to limits that did not endanger adjacent buildings or roadways. A stability study indicated that no additional soil could safely be removed. As a result, some contaminated soil was left in the ground. A risk assessment indicated that there is a relatively low health risk associated with the type and concentrations of petroleum compounds remaining in the soil. Approximately 3,200 cubic yards of contaminated soil were excavated from the tank site prior to backfilling the pit with clean sand in October 1990 (AquaGeosciences). The location and dimensions of the tank excavation are shown on Figure 5.


Three 4-inch monitoring wells were installed as part of the site assessment. Two of the wells are located downgradient (MPA-MW-2 and -MW3) and one well is located upgradient (-MW1) of the former USTs. Analysis of groundwater samples, collected in September 1990 and again in October 1990, indicated some contamination from petroleum hydrocarbons as well as BTEX constituents in all three wells during both sampling events. Results from the second sampling event indicate reduced concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in both downgradient wells and no concentrations of the target analytes detected in the upgradient well. The results from these wells are compiled in Table 2. The locations of the monitoring wells are shown on Figure 6.

Table 2
1990 Groundwater Analysis, AquaGeosciences

 

Date

Well Number

DHS 8015M, ug/l

EPA 8020, ug/l

Gasoline

Diesel

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

9/19

MW1

86

NR

4.0

4.3

ND

0.69

9/19

MW2

13000

NR

1400

2400

200

1210

9/19

MW3

ND

NR

2.3

ND

ND

ND

10/5

MW1

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

10/5

MW2

190

ND

16

0.65

ND

ND

10/5

MW3

60

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

NR - Not Reported ND - Not Detected

1.4.1.2 Three 2,500 Gallon USTs

In April 1994, three 2,500 gallon USTs, designated as Tanks 1, 2, 3, were removed from the light industrial park on the north side of the airport by The Don Chapin Company, Inc (Figure 2). The tank investigation was conducted by Terratech, Inc. These tanks reportedly contained gasoline and were utilized by the DON and later by the American Auto Rental leasehold located in Building 6 (personal communication, 1999).

Upon removal, the soil underlying Tanks 1 and 3 appeared heavily stained. The analytical results showed that no compounds were detected at or above the practical quantitation limits in six of the twelve verification samples analyzed. The analytical results indicated the presence of gasoline in two of the soil samples at concentrations of 210 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg. No concentrations of TPH as diesel, BTEX compounds, or lead were detected in any of the samples. Following the collection of soil samples, the excavation was backfilled with clean fill material and compacted. Quarterly groundwater results from two downgradient wells installed during a groundwater investigation have detected significant concentrations of gasoline, diesel, BTEX, and lead since 1997 (USACE).

1.4.1.3 One 10,000 Gallon UST

In July 1990, one 10,000 gallon UST (designated as tank 4) and associated piping was removed from the light industrial park on the north side of the airport (Figure 2). The tank showed little evidence of corrosion and no apparent holes were noted at the time of excavation. The single wall, metal UST reportedly contained unleaded, regular gasoline and was utilized by the DON and later by the American Auto Rental leasehold located in Building 6 (personal communication, 1999). Soil samples were reportedly collected from the east and west ends of the excavation with a strong petroleum odor noted at the west end. However, the analytical results for these tests were not published. Available information was obtained from the Monterey County Department of Health. Contact was made with Scrivner Environmental Services, the company listed on the UST removal permit. A company spokes person stated that changes occurred in the field and that tank removal was overseen by Onsite Environmental. Through contact with Onsite, it was learned that changes in company personnel occurred during that time frame, consequently, a final report was not filed with the Monterey Health Department or the MPA. Consequently, the extent to which source removal occurred is not known. It also is unknown if the lateral and vertical extent was ever characterized for the soil. Quarterly groundwater data from several wells downgradient of this site show high concentrations of gasoline and BTEX compounds (USACE, 1997).

1.4.2 Groundwater Sampling of former UST Sites

1.4.2.1 December 1995 Groundwater Sampling

From 18 through 22 December 1995, a groundwater sampling event was conducted by personnel from the Environmental Design Section (EDS), Sacramento District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Groundwater was sampled from the monitoring wells to determine the degree to which groundwater had been impacted by release of petroleum hydrocarbons from the former 50,000 gallon USTs, and to verify previous groundwater sampling results.

Evaluation of the analytical data from the 1995 sampling event indicate that significant contamination is present in wells MPA-MW1, -MW2, and -MW3. The results are compiled in Table 3. Higher TPH and BTEX concentrations were reported in these wells compared to the results from the earlier 1990 sampling events. Problems were encountered while purging wells -MW1 and -MW2, and the analysis may reflect the water quality in the wells only and not that of the formation. Although the results may bias the water quality in the wells, the increased concentrations of TPH and BTEX in both wells are significantly greater than the previous sampling results.

Table 3
1995 Groundwater Analyses, USACE

Well Number

DHS 8015M, ug/L

EPA 8020, ug/L

EPA 6010, ug/L

Gasoline

Jet Fuel

Diesel

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

Lead

MW1

5800

1900

800

8.7

ND

ND

1.9

5.9

MW2

54000

17000

49000

7600

11000

690

3300

43

MW3

310

150

165

21

2.3

ND

0.93

ND

ND - Not Detected

1.4.2.2 January 1997 Groundwater Sampling

Aguatierra Associates Inc. Dba Weiss Associates (WA) under contract with USACE, collected and analyzed groundwater samples in January 1997 from the existing three wells, MPA-MW1 through -MW3, at the MPA (Weiss Associates, 1997). The sampling event was conducted to determine the need for additional wells at this facility and to commence a monitoring program. The analytical results from this sampling event indicate that the TPH and BTEX concentrations reported in these wells were similar those reported from the 1995 USACE sampling event. The results are compiled in Table 4.

Table 4
1997 Groundwater Analyses, Weiss Associates

Well Number

8015M, ug/L

EPA 8020, ug/L

EPA 6010, ug/L

Gasoline

Jet Fuel

Diesel

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

Lead

MW1

1400Y

1000Y

32000Z

ND

ND

ND

3.6

3.9

MW2

30000

28000Y

10000YL

5200

7200

700

2980

ND

MW3

240Y

ND

400Y

25

ND

ND

ND

4

ND - Not Detected

Y - Sample exhibits fuel pattern which does not resemble standard

Z - Sample exhibits unknown single peak or peaks

L - Lighter hydrocarbons than indicated standard

1.4.3 Groundwater Investigations

1.4.3.1 1997 Groundwater Investigation

In March through April 1997, personnel from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District, conducted an investigation to characterize the extent of contamination present in the soil and groundwater from fuel released from two former 50,000 gallon USTs (89 & 9) and remove five USTs. The scope of the investigation included the following activities: drilling and collecting soil and groundwater samples for chemical analysis; installing three additional monitoring wells (MPA-MW4 through -MW6); surveying the elevations of the boring locations and monitoring wells; slug testing; and the removal of the five USTs.

The results of this investigation are presented in the Groundwater Investigation Report, prepared by USACE, September 1997. Chemical analyses identified high concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons and associated compounds in the groundwater. The petroleum plume as presented for the data collected in March-April 1999 is shown on Figure 7. As a result, the following items were recommended: additional exploration to determine offsite migration; installation of additional monitoring wells to be included in a quarterly monitoring program; quarterly monitoring in order to track the concentrations of contaminants and to determine the rate of biodegradation. The results from these wells (MPA-MW4 through -MW6) are compiled in Table 5.

Benzene Plume



Table 5
1997 Groundwater Analyses, USACE

Well Number

8015M, ug/L

EPA 8260, ug/L

Gasoline

Jet Fuel

Diesel

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

MW4

810

650

120YL

340

ND

75

45.6

MW5

79Y

63Y

150YL

3.1

ND

ND

ND

MW6

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND - Not Detected

Y - Sample exhibits fuel pattern which does not resemble standard

L - Lighter hydrocarbons than indicated standard

Prior to this investigation, only three additional USTs had been identified for removal, but during the tank excavation, two more USTs were discovered and removed (Figure 2). During the course of this investigation, and prior to the removal of any of these USTs, interviews were conducted with past and current MPA personnel and physical inspections were conducted of each building within the industrial complex, so that the removal of all USTs would be complete. These five USTs were removed by the Murphy Equipment Company under contract with USACE (1997).

These tanks, designated as MPA-TK1, -TK2, -TK3, -TK4, and -TK5, ranged in size from 300 to 700 gallons and reportedly contained diesel/heating fuel. They were used by the Navy in the 1940s to store fuel for boilers that supplied heat primarily to the office space of the hangars. Evidence of fuel release was observed beneath all of these tanks at the time of removal, but evaluation of the analytical results indicates that the vertical extent of contamination does not appear to threaten groundwater (USACE, 1997). The asphalt surface at each tank site and depth of contamination separates the remaining contaminated petroleum from the ground surface. Therefore, there does not appear to be any danger of exposure to human receptors health from the contaminated soil. Consequently, no further action was recommended. The results are compiled in Table 6.

Table 6
1997 Soil Analyses, USACE

Tank Number

Sample Depth

DHS 8015M, mg/kg

EPA 8260, ug/kg

Gasoline

Jet Fuel

Diesel

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

TK2

21

19YH

15YH

2200

ND

ND

240

1720

30

ND

ND

18

ND

ND

ND

ND

TK3

15

1900YH

1500YH

1500

ND

ND

1200

9000

25

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

TK4

11

ND

ND

54

ND

ND

ND

ND

25

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

TK5

11

ND

1.3YH

470

ND

ND

ND

ND

25

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND - Not Detected

Y - Sample exhibits fuel pattern which does not resemble standard

H - Heavier hydrocarbons than indicated standard

1.4.3.2 1998 Groundwater Investigation

In January 1998, a groundwater investigation was conducted to complete additional onsite characterization at the MPA and to perform the offsite investigation in the residential neighborhood north of the airport to assess whether contamination had migrated offsite (USACE, 1998). The results of this investigation are presented in the Groundwater Investigation Report, prepared by USACE, November 1998. The field activities performed onsite included the installation of two additional monitoring wells, MPA-MW7 and -MW8 (Figure 4), surveying the locations of the new wells, and the incorporation of the new wells into the established quarterly groundwater monitoring program. In addition to acquiring data on concentrations of hydrocarbons in the groundwater, the data was used to assess the occurrence of biodegradation.

The analytical results from the two monitoring wells partially clarified the extent of onsite contamination. Benzene was not detected in the monitoring well located in the northwest portion (MPA-MW7) of the investigation area close to the property boundary, but an estimated concentration of 2.0 ug/L of benzene and a concentration of 510 ug/L of trichloroethene (TCE) were detected in the well installed at the northeastern portion of the site (MPA-MW8), also located along the north boundary. Similar concentrations of TCE have been confirmed in subsequent quarterly sampling events.

In the offsite area of investigation, benzene was not detected but TCE was encountered in three (MPA-HP5, -HP7, and -HP8) of the eight borings (Figure 2). Partial characterization of the TCE plume was determined in the northwesterly and northeasterly directions. Analytical results support stability of the petroleum plume since benzene was not detected above the laboratory reporting limit. Groundwater samples collected from these borings were analyzed by a portable onsite laboratory as well as a conventional laboratory. The results from these borings are compiled in Table 7.

Table 7
1998 Groundwater Analyses, USACE

Boring Number

EPA 8260, ug/L

Benzene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Xylene

Trichloroethene

MPA-HP5

ND

7.6B

ND

ND

8.2

MPA-HP7

ND

10B

ND

ND

66

MPA-HP8

ND

ND

ND

ND

3.4J

MPA-HP9

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

MPA-HP10

ND

7.2B

ND

ND

ND

MPA-HP11

ND

7.9B

ND

ND

ND

MPA-HP12

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

MPA-HP13

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND

ND - Not Detected B - Compound found in blank due to use of Epoxy during field repair by onsite mobile laboratory chemist

J - Estimated Concentration

The analytical results evaluated from the quarterly data collected in 1990 through 1999 for the monitoring program of the petroleum plume show an overall trend of biodegradation of fuel and BTEX compounds. The quarterly sampling events include analysis from the eight onsite monitoring wells. Quarterly sampling events were recommended for an additional three years to continue monitoring the concentrations of fuel and BTEX compounds and to track the rate of biodegradation in the petroleum plume. The results from the 1990-1999 quarterly sampling events for all eight monitoring wells (MPA-MW1 through -MW8) are compiled on Tables 8-19.










1.4.3.3 TCE Groundwater Investigation

In June 1999, USACE performed an investigation to characterize the extent of TCE discovered in the 1997 USACE groundwater investigation both onsite the MPA and offsite in the residential neighborhood to the north of the MPA. The results of this investigation are presented in the TCE Groundwater Investigation Report, prepared by USACE, September 1999. The scope of the investigation included the following activities: drilling and collecting soil and groundwater samples for chemical analysis; installing eight additional monitoring wells (MPA-MW9 through -MW16), five onsite and three offsite; incorporating the new wells into a quarterly monitoring program; and surveying the elevations of the monitoring wells. Following the discovery of TCE, interviews were again conducted with active and previous MPA personnel in an effort to discern the source of the contamination.

From the 1940s to 1972, the U.S. Navy used Building 17 (formerly designated as Building 101) as an engine repair facility (Personal Communication, 1999). The larger aircraft parts were cleaned by spraying them with TCE which was allowed to air dry. The smaller parts were cleaned in portable solvent bins located outside of the hangar. Solvents were periodically drained from these bins into 5 gallon buckets and transported to the Fire Fighting Training Facility (FFTF) for disposal. The supply of TCE was stored in 55 gallon drums. Some of the TCE sprayed on the larger engine parts inadvertently dripped onto the hangar floor which was hosed regularly to a central floor drain. Liquids flowed from the drain to a concrete sump located outside the hangar where the contents were allowed to evaporate. The sump was not connected to any additional drainage system. Reportedly, the sump was frequently clogged with organic debris and the contents often spilled, unchecked down the slope. Leakage of materials may have also occurred through the bottom of the sump. The location of the sump is shown on Figure 2.

Prior to field explorations, an effort was made to determine the actual location of the sump. The information provided came from numerous interviews and field inspections of individual buildings. During the field activities, analytical results from a groundwater sample indicated the initial boring in the source area had not been drilled in the actual location. Additional historical information was supplied from the current owner of Building 15. A concrete slab which abuts the southern perimeter of Building 15 is part of the road that runs between this building and Building 17. The concrete slab was placed on top of the sump. Analytical results from the boring drilled in the concrete indicated the position of the former sump had been located. Groundwater samples from borings were analyzed onsite by a field portable laboratory to optimize placement of monitoring wells.

Chemical results from the borings and monitoring wells indicate the groundwater is primarily contaminated with dissolved TCE. Minor concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons and a few associated compounds (primarily benzene) were reported from one of the onsite wells. Although first order decay products (cis and trans-DCE) from the parent TCE are present, the biodegradation parameters indicate an aerobic environment which is not favorable to the process of reductive dechlorination. The biodegradation parameters include dissolved oxygen (DO); the reduced forms of iron (Fe+2) and manganese (Mn+2); nitrate; sulfate; chloride; alkalinity; and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). Continued quarterly monitoring has been recommended to document and track biodegradation of the contaminants, to evaluate the biodegradation parameters, and to provide data for evaluation of a suitable groundwater remedial technology. The results of the initial investigation and the first quarterly sampling event from these eight wells (MPA-MW9 through -MW16) are compiled on Tables 20 and 21. For the purpose of future remediation planning, a supplemental investigation is recommended to characterize each of the areas with consistently high concentrations of TCE. The data obtained from the initial TCE investigation, the quarterly monitoring, and additional characterization data will be used to design a suitable remedial plan for removal of contamination from the source area. The dimensions of the TCE plume are characterized in Figure 8.

1.4.4 Transformers

One of the projects listed on the IPR includes two transformers which were abandoned on the north side of the airport runway (Figure 3). In 1995, under the direction of personnel with MPA Operations, liquid from these transformers was drained into appropriate containers and shipped to Sherwood Labs., Inc., in Hilmar, California for analysis. Analytical results indicated the liquid was composed primarily of mineral oil. No poly chlorinated biphenols (PCBs) were detected (Sherwood Labs, 1995). Following completion of analysis, the transformers were delivered by maintenance personnel with MPA to A & S Metal in Castroville, California for scrap metal.




TCE Plume



2.0 CONTINUING INVESTIGATIONS

2.1 Quarterly Monitoring Program

2.1.1 Petroleum Plume

A quarterly monitoring program is recommended for a minimum of three years for all monitoring wells installed onsite at the Monterey Peninsula Airport to continue to document, analyze, and evaluate the degradation of the petroleum plume. At the end of this three year period, there will be a total of five years worth of quarterly data. At that time there will an evaluation of the overall trends of the data, and recommendations for additional monitoring will be made at that time. The recommended chemical analysis includes all methods and groundwater parameters utilized in this investigation (USACE, 1999).

2.1.2 TCE Plume

Quarterly sampling is recommended for a minimum of one year to monitor and to track biodegradation of TCE and the intermediate products (cis and trans-1,2-dichloroethene) and to increase information of biodegradation parameters. It is recommended that the analysis for the wells include all methods and groundwater parameters utilized in the primary investigation (USACE, 1999). For the purpose of future remediation planning, an additional investigation is recommended to characterize each of the areas with consistently high concentrations of TCE.

3.0 FUTURE INVESTIGATIONS

3.1 Fire Fighting Training Facility

The proposed characterization of the FFTF is scheduled to be conducted by USACE in 2000. The FFTF was used by the Department of the Navy (DON) from the early 1940s through 1972. Simulated airplane crashes were enacted to train personnel in fire fighting practices. An unlined, semicircular fire pit area was used for the training. The DON typically used contaminated fuel from aircraft, however, other fuel types, motor oil, and solvents were also consumed. The DON used the pit weekly from the early 1940s until the early 1970s. In addition to the large fire pit, the DON used two smaller pits for hand-held fire extinguisher training. These pits were typically used once or twice a year.

The Monterey Airport Fire Department used the burn pit approximately once a year for training purposes from the late 1970s until the early 1980s, when use of the pit was discontinued due to air pollution problems. Fuel types used by the fire department were similar to those utilized by the DON.

Since 1991, the FFTF area has been leased from the MPA on a monthly basis by tenants for storage purposes. The materials cover the majority of the surface area of the former fire fighting practice area. The tenants, types of stored materials, and temporary storage structures vary considerably.

3.2 Dump Sites

The existence of a military dump site was specified in the IPR. Aerial photographs from 1954 and 1955 were obtained of the Monterey Peninsula area in an effort to document and confirm the existence of a military landfill. Since the images on the aerial photos are inconclusive, numerous interviews were conducted with current and former MPA personnel and former and retired DON staff to determine if the existence of a military dump could be verified. Formed in the early 1940s, active and former members of the Navy Flying Club were also questioned about the possibility of a landfill. Results from the interviews indicated that an engineered landfill had not been constructed. The majority of individuals interviewed recalled that waste material was transported from the MPA and discarded in the landfills at Fort Ord.

In 1999, a new road was built that connects the hangar area (north industrial side) with the building utilized by the Navy Flying Club. During construction activities, two areas of discarded refuse were discovered by maintenance personnel with the MPA (personal communication, 1999). Glass fragments and medicinal vials containing sutures were observed in the area labeled as Dump Site #1 which is located east of Taxilane E. Broken glass, pottery shards, and dish fragments were the primary items noticed in Dump Site #2 which is located north of Runway IOL-28R and east of the area designated for Recreational Vehicle (R.V.) Storage. The alignment of the road and the areas exhibiting the debris are shown on Figure 3. A site inspection is recommended to characterize each of these suspected dump sites.

4.0 REFERENCES

Aqua Geosciences, Inc., 1990. Closure Report for Two Former 50,000 Gallon Storage Tanks at the North Side Industrial Park, Monterey Peninsula Airport District. November.

Hulsey, Jacquelyn, 1999. Personal Communication. Chief of Operations & Facilities, Monterey Peninsula Airport. September.

Huth, Vince, 1999. Personal Communication. Former Chief of Operations & Facilities, Monterey Peninsula Airport. January.

King, Marvin, 1999. Site visit and telephone conversation. Fire Department, Monterey Peninsula Airport. January.

Murphy Equipment Company, 1997. Underground Storage Tank Removal Report. March.

Nutt, R.G., 1999. Personal Communication and Site visit. Fire Department, Monterey Peninsula Airport. January.

Terratech, Inc., 1994. Report of Underground Storage Tank Closure & Immediate Source Removal, American Auto Rental, Monterey Peninsula Airport District, Monterey, California. September.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; Environmental Design Section, 1997. Field Sampling Plan (FSP), Groundwater Investigation, Monterey Peninsula Airport. January.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; Environmental Design Section, 1997. Final Report, Groundwater Investigation, Monterey Peninsula Airport. September.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; Environmental Design Section, 1997. Supplemental Work Plan, Groundwater Investigation, Monterey Peninsula Airport. December.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; Environmental Design Section, 1998. Final Report, Groundwater Investigation, Monterey Peninsula Airport. November.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; Environmental Design Section, 1999. Sampling and Analysis Plan, Trichloroethene (TCE) Groundwater Investigation, Monterey Peninsula Airport. March.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; Environmental Design Section, 1999. Final Report, Trichloroethene (TCE) Groundwater Investigation, Monterey Peninsula Airport. September.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District; 1999. Inventory Project Report, Site No. J09CA150000, Monterey Peninsula Airport, Monterey, California. September.

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