DOE/ORO/2327 Oak Ridge Reservation Annual Site Environmental ...

Annual Site Environmental Report
Abatement Program Sampling and Analysis Plan. In addition, each task is governed by task-specific
procedures generated and maintained by ESD.
The toxicity monitoring task for BMAP includes tests of effluent from selected storm water outfalls
concurrently with surface water from ambient sites in Mitchell Branch. Water fleas (Ceriodaphnia dubia)
are used for toxicity testing. Caged clams (Corbicula fluminea) are placed in several water bodies at
ETTP. After four weeks, they are removed and analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
mercury. Fish are collected from selected water bodies at ETTP. Largemouth bass are collected from the
pond sites, and redbreast sunfish are collected from creek sites. Game fish of a size large enough to be
taken by sports fishermen are selected both to provide more accurate data of potential human health
concerns and to reduce the amount of variation in contamination levels in the individual fish due to age
and size differences. Fillets are taken from each game fish and analyzed for PCBs. Beginning in CY 2009,
fish are also being analyzed for mercury. Both fish communities and benthic macroinvertebrate
communities at selected locations are sampled. Species diversity and density of each are examined.
3.5.1.2 Comparison of SWP3 Sampling Results to Screening Levels
The purpose of the SWPP sampling program is to evaluate and characterize storm water runoff from
ETTP. Analytical parameters to be monitored at each storm water outfall were chosen based on the
following criteria:
• a review of available analytical data from previous storm water sampling efforts;
• knowledge of various processes and functions which have been conducted at ETTP;
• current and past material storage and handling practices; and
• current and past waste disposal practices employed at ETTP.
The SWPP Program sampling effort provides information that is required as part of the ETTP
NPDES Permit renewal process. The sampling effort also incorporates an increased emphasis on the
identification of specific sources of pollutants that may be transported by storm water. This information is
used to support the site cleanup program that is being conducted in accordance with CERCLA
requirements.
Analytical results from the SWP3 sampling effort conducted in 2009 were compared with applicable
screening levels to identify locations where storm water runoff could be contributing pollutants to
receiving waters. These screening levels were applied to all data collected as part of the 2009 SWP3
storm water sampling effort. In general, the most stringent criterion that could be identified in the
references given for a particular parameter was chosen as the screening level for that parameter.
Applicable screening levels for data collected as part of the SWP3 sampling program are listed in
Table 3.10.
Screening levels are provided for implementation with the laboratory, in order to receive early and
immediate notification that a result is approaching or has exceeded an effluent limitation. Early
notification can lead to actions that prevent a noncompliance or multiple noncompliances with the permit.
Notification of storm water screening level exceedances should be sent automatically from designated
subcontract laboratories to the BJC Sample Management Office (SMO) upon completion of sample
analysis and verification of analytical results. The SMO is responsible for immediately notifying ETTP
Environmental Compliance and Protection (EC&P) personnel that the screening level exceedance has
occurred.
The screening level for a specific radionuclide is equal to 4% of the DCG for that radionuclide in
water, as listed in DOE Order 5400.5, Chap. 3; the reference standard is the DCG for each radionuclide.
Four percent of the DCG represents the DOE criterion of 4 millirem EDE from ingestion of drinking
water. Screening levels and reference standards are 15 pCi/L for gross alpha and 50 pCi/L for gross beta
per the National Primary Drinking Water regulations, Subparts B and G (40 CFR 141).
Screening levels and reference standards for other parameters are generally based on Tennessee water
quality criteria (Rules of Tennessee Division of Water Pollution Control, Chap. 1200-4-3) and the criteria
listed in the ETTP NPDES Permit TN0002950, Part III, A—Toxic Pollutants.
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