A report summarizing the U.S. Department of Energy's response to public comments concerning groundwater remediation activities near the Lab's southern boundary and in the North Shirley area is currently under final review and is expected to be released by the end of 1996.
The report, known as the "Responsiveness Summary" for Operable Unit I, is part of a larger document called "Action Memorandum for Operable Unit I Groundwater Removal Action/Operable Units I & III Public Water Hookups." The Responsiveness Summary documents the Department of Energy's response to all questions and comments raised during the public comment period (January 2 to March 18, 1996) and at the public meeting (January 16, 1996).
The groundwater remediation alternatives selected for Operable Unit I included providing public water to residents in the North Shirley area, installing a pump-and-treat system (see story, above) near the Lab's southern boundary, and setting up additional groundwater monitoring wells both on- and off-site. As described in the "Responsiveness Summary," most residents were supportive of the public water hookups and the installation of a pump-and-treat system. However, the majority of concerns expressed had to do with the size of the hookup area, air emissions, and the desire for additional information to characterize the off-site contaminants.
In response to these concerns and those of elected officials, the Department of Energy extended residential hookups further south to Sunrise Highway and east to Cranford Road. Most of the hookups have been completed (see hookupdate, page 10). In response to concerns about emissions released from the air stripping stack on the pump-and-treat system, the Department of Energy approved a modification to the stack's design that will reduce the concentrations of volatile organic compounds that are emitted.
The use of a carbon filter was a primary concern expressed by the public. After review by N.Y.S. Department of Enviromental Conservation, it was determined that a carbon filter was not required. All emissions will be within air quality standards. The stack will be tapered at the top to a two-foot diameter to increase the velocity of the air flow as it exits the stripper. This will result in greater dispersion of air emissions.
The Department of Energy will also perform additional characterization studies as recommended in the "Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis Report" which is available at local repositories (for locations, see page 8). The additional data will then be evaluated to verify that natural attenuation (dilution and degradation of contamination in groundwater) is taking place at the expected rate. This data and evaluation will be made available for public review and comment in the "Feasibility Study" and "Proposed Remedial Action Plan" for Operable Unit III.