Comment Period for Proposed Final Corrective Measures

INTRODUCTION

EPA Region 7 invites the public to review and comment on the proposed corrective measures for Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs) FTL-19, FTL-38, FTL-48, FTL-72 and FTL-75 at Fort Leavenworth (FTL). The 30-day public comment period runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 30, 2016.

The public is encouraged to review EPA’s Statements of Basis and investigation reports regarding the SWMUs. This information is contained in the Administrative Record and is available during normal business hours at the following locations:

Written comments on the proposed cleanup plan should be mailed or emailed no later than Dec. 30, 2016, and should be sent to:

Bruce Morrison
EPA Region 7 (AWMD/WRAP)
11201 Renner Blvd.
Lenexa, KS 66219
Email: morrison.bruce@epa.gov

BACKGROUND

Fort Leavenworth is an active U.S. Army installation where officers are trained for staff work. Also, Fort Leavenworth provides long-term confinement for military prisoners in the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB). Other significant activities include coordination of combined arms collective training and the National Simulation Center. The Fort has been active since 1827.

The purpose of the Statements of Basis is to summarize the risk posed by hazardous constituents at SWMUs and proposed final corrective measures to address the risk. 

THE CONTAMINATION

SWMU FTL-19, USDB Farm Sewage Lagoons: FTL-19 consisted of two livestock sewage lagoons that were operational from 1980 to 2008. Both lagoons have been backfilled with clean soil. Hexavalent chromium was identified as a contaminant of concern in subsurface soil.

SWMU FTL-38, Wash Rack at Building 305: FTL-38 was an outdoor wash station used for cleaning vehicles and equipment. Arsenic, manganese, and hexavalent chromium were identified as contaminants of potential concern.

SWMU FTL-48, Building 138 Sewage Treatment System: FTL-48 was a 5,000 gallon-per-day sewage treatment package plant that served to treat domestic wastewater generated at Building 138. Arsenic, barium, and hexavalent chromium were identified as contaminants of potential concern.

SWMU FTL-72, Quarry Creek Drum Site: FTL-72 is a solid waste management unit comprised primarily of a historical waste disposal and dump site that covers approximately three acres. Arsenic, lead, benzo(a)pyrene, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were identified as contaminants of potential concern.

FTL-75, Iowa Avenue Sanitary Landfill: FTL-75 is presumed to be a landfill that received sanitary waste from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. Arsenic and hexavalent chromium were identified as contaminants of potential concern.

PROPOSED FINAL REMEDY

Groundwater monitoring, landfill cap inspection and maintenance, and land use controls are proposed for FTL-72. Land use controls are proposed for FTL-19 and FTL-75. No response actions or land use restrictions are being proposed for FTL-38 and FTL-48, due to low levels of contamination that do not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.

PERMIT MODIFICATION

EPA is also proposing to modify the RCRA Part II Permit to incorporate the selection of the proposed remedies and the corrective measures previously selected for four additional SWMUs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

EPA encourages the public to review the Administrative Record and comment on the proposed final remedies. 

Guidelines for Commenting:

• Explain your views.
• Tell us if you support or disagree with the recommendation. Please be specific.
• Provide alternatives if you disagree.

A formal public hearing has not been scheduled, but will be held if there is sufficient public interest. Requests for a public hearing must be made in writing to the EPA contact at the address listed on Page 1, and must state the nature of issues to be raised at the hearing. EPA will evaluate any request and hold a formal hearing if it finds that a hearing will contribute to the decision-making process by clarifying significant issues affecting the cleanup remedy. Comments or requests should be submitted by Dec. 30, 2016.

EPA will make the remedy final only after the public comment period ends and all comments are reviewed. EPA may modify the proposed remedy or choose another one, based on any new information and comments from the public.

If you have questions or want to receive a copy of the administrative record or further information, please contact:

Brendan Corazzin
Community Engagement Specialist
EPA Region 7
11201 Renner Boulevard
Lenexa, KS 66219
Phone: 1-800-223-0425
Email: corazzin.brendan@epa.gov