Installation Underway

Field work for the installation of the air sparge/soil vapor extraction system commenced at the site the week of May 20, 2002.  Marin Environmental of Richmond, the environmental contractor for the site, completed installation of five new monitoring wells, decommissioned existing wells that were no longer needed, and installed the air sparge and soil vapor extraction points and underground piping in Area I of the site (see Community Update #1, December 2001 for details on the Corrective Action Plan and a site plan).   Marin also collected groundwater samples from site monitoring wells to establish baseline groundwater quality conditions before the air sparge/soil vapor extraction (AS/SVE) system is activated.  Preliminary results from these samples indicate that groundwater quality is consistent with previous rounds.  A small amount of floating petroleum was observed in two

monitoring wells during sampling activities.  These wells will continue to be monitored for the presence of petroleum during the course of the cleanup. 

Upcoming Activities Schedule

Marin will complete the installation of the AS/SVE system between now and the week of July 15.  This will include erection of a small remediation shed to house the required mechanical and electrical equipment.  Following startup of the AS/SVE system, which is expected by July 15, excavation of the French Drain in Area I and contaminated soils in Area II will occur.   Decommissioning of the on-site supply well is currently scheduled to take place the week of July 29.

Marin will be visiting the site regularly after the installation of the remedial system to perform maintenance activities and to collect performance monitoring samples.

Other Site Issues

Institutional Controls:  A revised version of the institutional control language (likely a deed restriction) that will allow for mixed commercial/residential use of the site is being developed for review and approval by the VTDEC.

Financial Assurances:  Representatives of the current owner and the state are still discussing the potential options for a financial assurance mechanism that would provide funds that could be used if the currently available fund is exhausted and additional environmental problems are discovered at the site.  A proposal from a major insurance company is expected shortly, which will need to be evaluated.  The parties remain optimistic that a solution that provides financial protection at a reasonable cost can be obtained.