USEPA Region 2 Vapor Intrusion Study Cayuga Groundwater Contamination Site March 4, 2009

Site Background 2001 to Present – EPA Field Study –Installed 23 Multi-level monitoring wells –Seven Rounds of groundwater sampling (>500 groundwater samples) –Quarterly water level measurement and geophysics support from USGS –Surface water/sediment samples (Owasco Outlet, Crane Brook, Union Springs)

Site Background (cont’d) Cayuga County DOH – Multiple rounds of residential well sampling (>600 samples) Remedial report and risk evaluations in progress

Monitoring Wells

Site Overview

Ongoing Field Study Efforts Additional field work under NYSDEC/EPA: –Additional monitoring wells –Additional groundwater sampling – Geophysical survey –Hydraulic testing

Vapor Intrusion Study EPA field study indicates that chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are present in groundwater CVOC-contaminated groundwater extends from West Genesee St. to Union Springs CVOCs in groundwater can form vapors that migrate in the subsurface Potential exists for vapors to enter buildings Vapor sampling is being conducted to determine if vapors are present in buildings

Vapor Sampling Locations Selection of locations based on existing data: –Location of CVOCs in groundwater –Location of CVOCs in surface water –Residential well data –Human health risk evaluation –Geologic/Hydrogeologic factors Depth to contaminated groundwater (<100 feet) Degree of bedrock fracturing Presence of clean groundwater above contaminated zones

Vapor Sampling Locations (cont’d) Three areas identified that meet initial criteria: –South of West Genesee Street –Pinckney Road/Overbrook Drive Area –Union Springs

South of West Genesee Street Insert Figure 1

Pinckney/Overbrook Area (east) Insert Figure 2

Pinckney Road (West)

Union Springs Area (south) Insert Figure 3

Union Springs Area (north)

Residential Vapor Intrusion Sampling Procedures Presented by: Gary Newhart – EPA

Vapor Pathway into Buildings Vadose Zone Groundwater Contamination Interior space Subslab soil gas intruding into interior space Ambient air Ventilation

Key Questions for Vapor Intrusion Impacts 1. 1.Does groundwater or soil contamination exist? - -Yes, in this case, so we move to the next step 2. 2.Does subsurface gas contamination exist above guidelines? - -Answered through collection of subslab soil gas 3.If subsurface gas does exist above guidelines, is it entering the interior space? - -Answered through collection of indoor air samples 4.If gas contamination exists in the residence, are the concentrations elevated and related to contamination -Answered by comparing results to health-based guidelines and conducting lifestyle and ambient investigation

Monitoring and Sampling Strategy 1. 1.Initial Sampling - Subslab Location + Ambient (outdoor) 2. Subsequent SUMMA Canister Sampling - Subslab Location - Basement Location - First Floor Location

Indoor Air and Sub-Slab Soil Gas Activities

Drilling

Placement and Cementing of the Probe

Connection of the 3-Way Valve

Vapor Sampling Apparatus

Vapor Mitigation System

What is a VI Matrix and how is it developed? Chemical-specific Considers potential health effects from long- term exposures for residents including children and adults –Exposure Frequency of 24 hours/day and 350 days/year –Exposure Duration is 30 years Has comparison values for subslab soil gas and indoor air

Sub-slab Soil Gas Concentration Indoor Air Concentration (ug/m 3 ) (1) No ActionNo Action(2) InvestigateInvestigate(3) InvestigateInvestigate (4) MonitorMonitor (5) Monitor or Pursue RemediationMonitor or Pursue Remediation (6) Investigate or Pursue RemediationInvestigate or Pursue Remediation (7) Monitor or Pursue RemediationMonitor or Pursue Remediation (8) Pursue_ Remediation or MonitorPursue_ Remediation or Monitor (9) Pursue RemediationPursue Remediation Vapor Intrusion Matrix for a Carcinogenic Chemical Step 1. Does the subslab concentration exceed x ug/m3? No = Vapor intrusion investigation is over for this building Yes = Consider indoor air sampling Step 2. Evaluate subslab and indoor air concentrations.

Sub-slab Soil Gas Concentration Indoor Air Concentration (ug/m 3 ) (1) No ActionNo Action(2) InvestigateInvestigate (3) Monitor/ RemediateMonitor(4) RemediateRemediate Vapor Intrusion Matrix for a Non-Carcinogenic Chemical Step 1. Does the subslab concentration exceed x ug/m3? No = Vapor intrusion investigation is over for this building Yes = Consider indoor air sampling Step 2. Evaluate subslab and indoor air concentrations.

VI Decisions VI Profile – Subslab – Indoor/Basement – Indoor/First Floor Living Space – Ambient Concentrations Confounding Internal Sources Confounding External Sources

Key Points in VI Decisions Decision to remediate is not based on one piece of information Complexity and uncertainty is associated with the fate and transport mechanism of vapors Multiple lines of evidence are used in the decision making Rely on “VI Team” to ensure consistency in decisions within EPA Region 2

Contact Information USEPA Remedial Project Manager - Isabel Rodrigues – (212) USEPA Community Involvement Coordinator– Mike Basile - (716) New York State DOH – Krista Anders – (518) New York State DEC – Kevin Kelley – (315) Cayuga County DOH – Eileen O’Conner (315)