Final FONSI and EA for hot cargo pad on Kirtland AFB - Kirtland Air ...

<strong>Final</strong> <strong>EA</strong> Addressing Construction, Operation, <strong>and</strong> Maintenance of a Hot Cargo Pad
Construction of the proposed <strong>hot</strong> <strong>cargo</strong> <strong>pad</strong> would overlap into one ERP site, WP-26, east of Pad 5. WP-
26 consists of two ab<strong>and</strong>oned sewage lagoons that are surrounded by berms <strong>and</strong> a locked fence. The
lagoons were constructed from local material in 1962 <strong>and</strong> were unlined. Elevated levels of silver,
benzo(a)pyrene, <strong>and</strong> TCE contamination have been identified at WP-26 due to its historical use as settling
ponds <strong>for</strong> residential <strong>and</strong> light industrial raw sewage waste generated at Kirtl<strong>and</strong> AFB. These historical
lagoons were in service from 1962 to 1987 (KAFB 2008a, KAFB 2008e).
Initial sampling occurred in 2002 <strong>and</strong> 2003, <strong>and</strong> identified TCE <strong>and</strong> 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE) at levels
above the minimum detection concentration in soil vapor samples from 50 to 200 feet below ground
surface (bgs). Additionally, TCE was detected in perched groundwater samples above the USEPA
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L). Subsequent sampling association
associated with a RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI) from 2004 through 2006 revealed soil vapor
sampling of TCE, DCE, <strong>and</strong> acetone at concentrations significantly above the minimum detection
concentration. Perched groundwater (from approximately 200 feet bgs) samples were collected under the
RFI confirming that TCE was the only constituent of concern detected above its USEPA MCL (KAFB
2008e).
Soil sampling occurred separately from 2006 to 2007. The sampling event delineated the thickness of
sewage sludge <strong>and</strong> effect the sludge had on subsurface soils to a depth of 5 feet. This investigation found
several metals at elevated concentrations in the sewage sludge. Laboratory testing confirmed that
chromium identified in the samples was not hexavalent chromium (the most toxic <strong>for</strong>m). The sampling
data were utilized to compile an Ecological <strong>and</strong> Human Health Risk Assessment. The conclusions of the
assessment stated that silver in the sewage sludge was the only metal likely to create an ecological hazard.
Concurrently, benzo(a)pyrene in the sludge-soil mixed layer was identified as the sole human health
potential carcinogen risk (KAFB 2008a).
To address the potential risks identified in the Ecological <strong>and</strong> Human Health Risk Assessment Report, a
remedial action consisting of removal of the top 5 inches of sewage sludge will be conducted in Spring
2010 (Holmes 2009).
Four MMRP sites (SR763, SR764, <strong>and</strong> SR767 Rifle Ranges <strong>and</strong> the SR766 Sub-Machine Gun Range)
have been identified as overlapping with the existing <strong>hot</strong> <strong>cargo</strong> <strong>pad</strong> (Pad 5) <strong>and</strong> the proposed <strong>hot</strong> <strong>cargo</strong>
<strong>pad</strong> site. The historical <strong>and</strong> revised historical range boundaries <strong>for</strong> SR763, SR764, <strong>and</strong> SR766, <strong>and</strong> the
revised historical range boundary <strong>for</strong> SR767 overlap with the Proposed Action area. Phase I surveys were
conducted <strong>for</strong> these ranges, <strong>and</strong> expended small arms cartridges <strong>and</strong> links were discovered at SR764
during the survey. No other MCs were identified at these ranges. Although, it was determined that
SR766 <strong>and</strong> SR767 were not surveyed because discrepancies in the locations <strong>and</strong> boundaries of SR766 <strong>and</strong>
SR767 were identified after completion of the surveys. All four MMRP sites are listed as category G <strong>for</strong>
human health, chemical warfare, <strong>and</strong> explosive hazard. This hazard classification category corresponds
with a minimal potential <strong>for</strong> exposure. It is not anticipated that these areas contain Munitions <strong>and</strong>
Explosives of Concern (MEC); however, due to their historical use as firing ranges, there is a potential <strong>for</strong>
MC contamination (USACE 2007).
Asbestos-Containing Material. Asbestos is regulated by the USEPA under the CAA, TSCA, <strong>and</strong>
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, <strong>and</strong> Liability Act (CERCLA). The USEPA has
established that any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos is considered an ACM. Friable
ACM is any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos, <strong>and</strong> that, when dry, can be crumbled,
pulverized, or reduced to powder by h<strong>and</strong> pressure. Nonfriable ACM is any ACM that does not meet the
criteria <strong>for</strong> friable ACM. There are no records of ACMs at the Proposed Action site.
Kirtl<strong>and</strong> AFB, NM January 2011
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