Lower Passaic River Restoration Project/ Newark Bay Study Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting March 5, 2008 from 1:00 3:00 PM

Transcription

1 Lower Passaic River Restoration Project/ Newark Bay Study Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting March 5, 2008 from 1:00 3:00 PM Location: Participants: No. Jersey Transportation Planning Auth (NJTPA), 1 Newark Ctr, 17 th fl, Newark Federal and state agencies; associated consultants; environmental groups, Cooperating Parties Group representatives; Potentially Responsible Party representatives; all interested stakeholders 1:00 1:15 Welcome & Intro s 1:15 2:15 Newark Bay Study Introductory Presentation RI/FS Phase 1 Field Effort USACE s Harbor Deepening Project Geomorphological Characterization RI/FS Phase 2 Field Effort Questions 2:15 2:45 Overall Passaic River Project Updates 2:45 3:00 Open Forum Early Action FFS Status 17-mile RI/FS Status NRDA Status Additional comments from Stakeholders Announcements on other Passaic River/Newark Bay activities Next PDT Meeting

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5 Welcome to the 1 st Joint Passaic River/Newark Bay Project Delivery Team Meeting March 5, 2008

6 Geographic Perspective New Jersey New York Passaic River Manhattan Newark Bay N New York New Jersey Harbor Estuary

7 Scope of the Studies Diamond Alkali Plant Passaic River: -17 miles & tribs; -CERCLA-WRDA; -73 PRPs Newark Bay & tribs: -CERCLA only; -1 PRP so far N Newark

8 Who are we? On the Passaic River (dotted) On the Newark Bay Study (solid) NJ Dept of Environmental Protection

9 Brief History of Events Diamond Alkali owned/operated pesticide manufacturing facility at 80 Lister Avenue from EPA and NJDEP collected dioxin contaminated samples at the site in 1983 and in 1984 the site was added to the NPL The construction of the interim remedy, consisting of a floodwall, a cap and a groundwater pump and treat system, was completed at the site in 2004

10 Brief History of Events (cont d) Separate consent agreements were entered into for the study of the Lower Passaic River and Newark Bay and its tributaries in 2004 Tierra Solutions, Inc is studying Newark Bay on behalf of Occidental Chemical and EPA is providing oversight with its consultants and with input from the Trustees This study is a multi-phase, multi-year effort, of which a couple of Phases have been completed

11 Public Involvement Critical to Effective Decision Making Early & Often Many Tools & Opportunities Available Efforts Guided by the Community Involvement Plan

12 Public Involvement Project Team Meetings Project Web Fact Sheets, Brochures Listserv Notices Technical Assistance Grant Public Meetings & Availability Sessions Stakeholder Group Outreach Municipality Workshops & Coordination Media Events/Public Tours.and More

13 Status Update on the Newark Bay Remedial Investigation Program March 5, 2008 Imagine the result

14 Goals for Today Provide a broad overview of the Newark Bay Remedial Investigation Program to date Work completed Preliminary findings Future work Discuss USACE s Geomorphology Report 2

15 Newark Bay Study Goals Remedial Investigation Goals Stated in 2004 Consent Agreement with EPA: RI Goal 1: Determine the horizontal and vertical distribution of contaminants of potential concern (COPCs) in study area sediments RI Goal 2: Determine the primary human and ecological receptors of COPCs in study area sediments RI Goal 3: Determine the significant direct and indirect continuing sources of COPCs to the study area 3

16 Historical Data Systematic search of historical data from environmental investigations in the Bay and tributaries Category Total # of Docs # of pre-1990 Docs Chemical and Toxicity Data Water Sediment Toxicity and Pathogenicity Bioaccumulation Physical, Biological, and Other Data and Information Habitats Biological Communities Hydrodynamics 32 5 Dredging Bathymetry 8 3 Pollutant or Contaminant Sources Human Use Miscellaneous # of 1990-present Docs

17 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model Geomorphic Features 7 major geomorphic features influence hydrodynamics and sediment transport: Navigation Channels Port Channels Transitional Slopes Sub-tidal Flats Inter-tidal Areas Industrial Waterfront Confined Disposal Facility Hydrodynamics Complex and varying circulation patterns depending on location, tides, winds, and freshwater flows Sediment Transport Extensive dredging has modified/ obscured historical contaminant profiles, created preferential deposition areas and removed contaminated sediment Deposition rates relatively low in flats 5

18 Geomorphic Areas 6

19 Phase 1 Program and Preliminary Findings 7

20 Primary Phase 1 Data Quality Objectives RI Goal 1 (Nature/Extent) Estimate approximate depth of 1940 horizon Understand broad patterns of contaminants of potential concern in sediments and attempt to preliminarily identify hot spots Confirm presence and extent of geomorphic areas Confirm that analytical suite is appropriate for the various geomorphic areas Determine data needs for Phase II 8

21 Phase 1 Data Quality Objectives (cont d) RI Goal 2 (Risk Assessment) Preliminarily characterize sediment contamination in ecologically sensitive inter-tidal mudflats Estimate depth of Biologically Active Zone within various geomorphic areas RI Goal 3 (Source Identification) Gather information to identify ongoing sources of contaminants Confirm (through sediment sampling) current and historical discharges impacting select areas 9

22 Bathymetric Survey 10

23 Phase 1 Bathymetric Survey Completed by Ocean Surveys, Inc., in October 2005 Performed to verify geomorphic areas and to assist field crew in locating Transitional Slope cores Bathymetric data confirmed presence of distinct geomorphic features within the Bay 11

24 Biologically Active Zone Investigation 12

25 Phase 1 Biologically Active Zone (BAZ) Investigation: Overview Completed in October 2005 Performed to estimate depth of the BAZ Obtained Sediment Profile Images (SPI) and grab samples at 14 locations across the Bay Compared field results with literature on BAZ depth Burrow Oxic Void SPI Image: NB01SED

26 Phase 1 Biologically Active Zone (BAZ) Investigation: Preliminary Findings BAZ depth relatively consistent across Newark Bay (approximately 6 inches) BAZ thickness corresponds well with depths estimated in other studies Note: These preliminary findings are subject to change pending Tierra s responses to USEPA comments, and based upon the receipt of new information/data. 14

27 Sediment Coring 15

28 Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Overview Field work conducted from October through December 2005 Collected sediment cores from 69 planned locations Obtained approximately 850 samples 35% for chemistry analysis 65% for radiochemistry analysis Met goal of collecting >90% of planned samples Zero safety incidents 16

29 Phase 1 Sample Locations Collected cores at 69 locations Target depths 3 cores (18) 3.5 cores (19) 4 cores (3) 5.5 cores (5) 6.5 cores (17) 8 core (1) 11 cores (6) 17

30 Phase 1 Sediment Coring: General Field Observations Sediments generally comprised of silt overlaying red clay Found limited sediment in active navigation channels 18

31 Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Analytical Chemistry Program Analyzed throughout entire cores for Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds Pesticides/PCBs PCB Congeners Herbicides Dioxins/Furans Metals (including Mercury and Cyanide) Organotins Total Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons VOCs 19

32 Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Analytical Chemistry Preliminary Broad Findings Sediments contaminated with numerous chemicals horizontally and vertically Highest Mercury levels in Port Newark near Pierson s Creek Highest concentrations of Total PCBs and Dioxin (2,3,7,8 TCDD) found within the northwestern Sub-tidal Flat, near the Passaic River Relatively low detection frequencies for VOCs and organotins Note: These preliminary findings are subject to change pending Tierra s responses to USEPA comments, and based upon the receipt of new information/data. 20

33 Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Radiochemistry Program Evaluate short and long-term deposition rates Short-term (order of months) Collected samples for 7 Be Analysis Long-term (1940 to present) Collected samples for 210 Pb and 137 Cs 21

34 Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Radiochemistry Preliminary Findings Active Navigation Channels show evidence of recent accumulation Within 6 months of sample collection Majority of Sub-tidal Flat areas show relatively low rate of sediment accumulation Isolated pockets of Sub-Tidal Flat areas experience higher sediment accumulations Potential anthropogenic (i.e., man-made) features Note: These preliminary findings are subject to change pending Tierra s responses to USEPA comments, and based upon the receipt of new information/data. 22

35 Phase 1 Source Identification Process Conducted intensive research on potential Bay sources CSOs/SWOs POTWs Hazardous waste sites Secondary tributaries Industrial facilities Obtained cores as part of Phase 1 in select waterfront locations within Bay 23

36 Phase 1 Check on Data Quality Objectives Estimate approximate depth of 1940 horizon Understand broad patterns of contaminants of potential concern in sediments and attempt to preliminarily identify hot spots Confirm presence and extent of geomorphic areas Confirm that analytical suite is appropriate for the various geomorphic areas Determine data needs for Phase II Preliminarily characterize sediment contamination in ecologically sensitive inter-tidal mudflats Estimate depth of BAZ within various geomorphic areas Gather information to identify ongoing sources of contaminants Confirm (through sediment sampling) current and historical discharges impacting select areas 24

37 Phase 2 Program Sediment Coring 25

38 Phase 2 Project Quality Objectives Characterize sediments to the 1940 horizon (target deeper cores than in Phase 1 and areas of potential high net deposition identified by USACE) Characterize sediments to understand contaminants of potential concern distribution in channels and other geomorphic areas In select regions of the Bay, compare Phase I and Phase II data Characterize surface and subsurface sediments in select areas found to be potentially impacted by upland sources 26

39 Phase 2 Program: Overview Conducted field work from October through December 2007 Phase 2 activities included only sediment coring Collected sediment cores from 50 of 52 planned locations Obtained approximately 810 samples 45% for chemistry analyses 55% for radiochemistry analyses Met goal of collecting >90% of planned samples Zero safety incidents 27

40 Phase 2 Sample Locations Collected cores at 50 of the 52 planned locations Target depths 29 deep cores 9.5 to 29.5 feet Collected all cores 23 shallow cores 0.5 feet Collected 21 of 23 cores 28

41 Phase 2 Analytical Program: Summary Vista Analytical (Alta) Dioxin/Furan Congener/Homologue Congener PCBs and Homologues Paragon Analytics 210 Pb 137 Cs 7 Be Test America (STL) Pesticides Aroclor PCBs Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds Mercury Metals Herbicides Cyanide Total Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons Total Organic Carbon VOCs, % moisture Note: Phase 2 did not include organotin analysis Grain Size, Specific Gravity 29

42 Phase 2 Core Penetration In certain cases, penetration halted by clay, rock/till Clay encountered at 15 locations Potential High Net Deposition Areas as identified by USACE (8 cores) Sub-Tidal Flats (4 cores) Elizabeth River/Morse s Creek (3 cores) Penetration of the 20 planned 29.5 feet cores Achieved 29.5 feet at 7 of 20 locations (35%) Achieved > 20 feet at 13 of 20 locations (65%) Refusal due to rock at Location

43 Phase 2 Unexpected Conditions Location 088 at low tide Location 097 Location 088 riprap from bulkhead to channel Location 097 sunken barge and pilings Locations 099, 117 no fine-grained sediment 31

44 Next Steps Completion of laboratory analysis and data validation Data analysis and interpretation Data Assessment Report and Conceptual Site Model (Phases 1 and 2) Planning for Phase 3 32

45 QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION 33

46 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Corps Geomorphological and Historical Study of Newark Bay Bryce Wisemiller Project Manager, Harbor Programs Branch March 5, 2008

47 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District New York & New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project DESCRIPTION: Deepen highlighted channels to 50 ft (53 in Ambrose), with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey sponsorship and support. STATUS: Deepening Construction began in 1999 In 2005, Corps began new NEPA evaluations regarding continued HDP construction in light of the AOC on the NBSA and related litigation. Corps commented to EPA in 2005 on Phase 1 work plan to sample a few known historically deep areas that were now shallow Phase 1 data appeared to support prior Corps hypothesis regarding sediment deposition patterns within Newark Bay In 2006, Corps, with consultant (Earthworks) support, expanded historical geomorphological study of Newark Bay in support of draft Environmental Assessment ELIZABETH CHANNEL SOUTH ELIZABETH CHANNEL KILL VAN KULL PORT JERSEY CHANNEL AMBROSE CHANNEL RED HOOK FLATS ANCHORAGE ANCHORAGE CHANNEL BAY RIDGE CHANNEL

48 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Mapping Historical and Future (planned) Bay Bathymetry Using historical maps and other data sources, 3D models of Newark Bay bathymetry and shoreline were created for selected time periods (keyframes) Past time periods modeled in 3D include: 1855, 1886, 1917, 1934, 1944, 1969, and 1989 Using surveys and plans for future HDP construction and EPA s Phase 1 survey data, keyframes for present and upcoming years also modeled in 3D: 2006, Models illustrate dynamic and changing nature of Bay over past 150 years NOAA Historical Chart Search Website: s/historical_zoom.asp 1944 Chart 1989 Chart

49 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Bathymetry Illustrated on 2 scales (shallow and deep) 1855 Keyframe

50 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District 1934 Model Based on detailed NOAA survey (not just chart) 1855 Shoreline shown in gray for reference Numerous affected areas (fill, dredging, etc.)

51 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Vertical Exaggeration Illustrates Perspective Views of Bay 2006 Keyframe focused on middle Newark Bay No vertical Exaggeration 6X Vertical Exaggeration

52 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District 3D Perspective Views of Bay at Various Keyframes 1855 Shoreline and HDP contract areas shown in gray lines for reference Vertically Exaggerated (6X) to show details Animations Morphing Bay thru Keyframes

53 US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Comparing Past (composite) Bathymetries to Present Bathymetry Composite Historical 3D Model includes deepest bathymetry value per grid cell of any keyframe from 1934 to 1989 when subtracted from 2006 bathymetry thereby showing the most significant potential depth change Darker gray indicates areas of thicker sediment accumulation at some point in time from 1934 to present Deepest deposit areas identified to EPA for consideration in Phase 2 workplan Areas of potential intersect between thick depositional areas and the remaining HDP contracts are being sampled as part of lawsuit settlement

54 Questions?