Monthly Hotline Report October 1993 RCRA/Superfund/OUST and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act The RCRA/Superfund/OUST and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act Monthly Hotline Report provides valuable OSWER programmatic information. This bulletin contains excerpts from the Report's "Questions and Answer" and "Publications" sections. The full report is available from the U.S. National Technical Information Service at 703-487-4650. For other information, please contact the RCRA/Superfund/OUST Hotline at 1-800-424-9346 or the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act Hotline at 1-800-424-9346. EPA Report Number: EPA/530-R-93-004j NTIS Number: PB93-922410 Hotline Questions and Answers RCRA 1. Effective Date Delayed for Certain MSWLFs EPA promulgated criteria for municipal solid waste landfills in 1991 to provide minimum national performance standards and to reduce the risk of harmful effects of solid waste on human health and the environment (56 FR 50978; October 9, 1991). Codified at 40 CFR Part 258, the municipal solid waste landfill (MSWLF) regulations require landfill owners and operators to comply with specific location restrictions, operating criteria, design criteria, groundwater monitoring and corrective action, closure and post-closure care, and financial assurance criteria. These regulations establish a schedule of compliance for owners and operators that spans several years. EPA recently issued a rule changing the effective dates of the federal MSWLF criteria for certain landfills (58 FR 51536; October 1, 1993). What specific changes to the MSWLF criteria were finalized? EPA recognized that a variety of circumstances made compliance with the MSWLF criteria's October 9, 1993, deadline difficult for certain MSWLF owners and operators. Landfills in smaller communities have encountered the most difficulty meeting the deadline, despite good-faith efforts, because financial conditions, legal challenges, and geography have created significant obstacles to compliance. To provide regulatory relief for owners and operators, EPA has changed some of the effective dates of the MSWLF criteria. Specifically, limited extensions have been provided for these existing smaller landfills and for landfills accepting waste resulting from the flooding in the Midwest. Additional extensions also have been granted to all landfills required to comply with the financial assurance and final cover regulations. The Part 258 regulations required existing landfills to comply with most requirements by October 9, 1993. EPA has extended the compliance date for eligible small landfills to April 9, 1994. Eligible landfills are those that accept less than 100 tons of solid waste per day; are located in a state that has submitted an application to EPA for approval of its permit program by October 9, 1993, or are located on Indian lands or Indian country; and are not on CERCLA's National Priorities List. In the October 1, 1993, final rule, EPA also provided some regulatory relief for MSWLFs accepting waste resulting from the flooding in the Midwest. The effective date may be extended up to April 9, 1994, for existing landfills regardless of size, if a landfill owner or operator's state determines that an extension is needed to manage flood-related waste from federally designated disaster areas. These states also may allow their landfills up to six more months (beyond April 9, 1994) to comply with the federal regulations. Federal disaster areas covered by this extension are in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. For all landfills, the requirement to obtain financial assurance has been delayed from April 9, 1994, to April 9, 1995. EPA believes that the extension will allow adequate time to promulgate a financial test for local governments and an additional mechanism for corporations. EPA also has extended the time allowed to install a final cover for those landfills that cease receiving waste before the effective date of the regulations. A final cover that meets the federal criteria in 40 CFR Sections 258.60(a) or (b) must be installed in most cases by October 9, 1994. In response to a court decision, the exemption from groundwater monitoring requirements for very small, arid, and remote landfills has been removed. The effective date for landfills previously qualifying for the exemption is October 9, 1995. EPA is still committed to investigating alternative groundwater monitoring requirements for this group and will continue to examine this issue. The above summary represents an overview of the new federal compliance dates. EPA strongly encourages owners and operators of MSWLFs to consult with their state or tribal government as they may have earlier effective dates or other requirements. CERCLA 2. Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) Contamination at Superfund Sites Groundwater remediation at Superfund sites can be much more difficult when contaminants such as chlorinated solvents (e.g., tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride), creosote, coal tar, wood preserving wastes (e.g., pentachloro-phenol), and some pesticides are present in their undiluted form. These contaminants are examples of compounds classified as dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). What are dense nonaqueous phase liquids? How can the likelihood of DNAPL presence at a Superfund site be estimated? What special precautions must be taken when DNAPLs are suspected to be present in the subsurface, and how should remediation be approached? Are there different cleanup standards for DNAPLs? Dense nonaqueous phase liquids are contaminants that are immiscible with and more dense than water in their undiluted form, meaning they sink in water. A contaminant that is immiscible with water does not readily mix with water, but does slowly dissolve in it. Other contaminants such as crude oil, fuels, and other petrochemicals are light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) which are less dense than water, hence they float on the water table. DNAPLs, because of their dense nature, migrate vertically downward, driven by gravity through soil and groundwater. Once in the ground, DNAPL migration is influenced by hydrogeologic features such as soil layering, impermeable layers, or bedrock, and DNAPLs can penetrate fractures in clay layers or bedrock. As DNAPLs migrate through the subsurface, a portion becomes trapped in pore spaces or fractures in the soil, while the portion not trapped can continue to migrate downward. The DNAPL that becomes trapped in the soil is called residual DNAPL, while the portion of the contaminant that can continue to migrate or form pools on impermeable layers (like clay) is called free-phase DNAPL. Once the contaminant becomes dissolved in the groundwater, it enters the aqueous (or dissolved) phase and is no longer categorized as a DNAPL. The following figure provides further clarification. DNAPLs' strong tendency toward vertical migration can make site characterization difficult. The methods recommended for estimating the likelihood of DNAPL contamination at Superfund sites include reviewing the historical use of the site to determine if DNAPL chemicals were used, stored, or disposed of; measuring the relative concentration of contaminants present in the soil; and measuring the relative concentration of contaminants dissolved in groundwater for those contaminants that are DNAPLs in their undiluted form (OSWER Directive 9355.4-07FS). When DNAPLs are present in the subsurface, special precautions should be taken during site characterization. When characterizing the subsurface, EPA recommends that bore holes be drilled first in areas that are least likely to contain DNAPLs, such as areas away from suspected sources (this is referred to as an "outside-in" strategy). Drilling in suspected DNAPL areas should be minimized. When drilling in site areas where DNAPLs are suspected, drilling should cease when an impermeable layer such as clay is encountered. If the bore hole penetrates the impermeable layer and free-phase DNAPL is present, then the gravity-driven DNAPL will migrate down the hole. EPA also recommends that noninvasive methods such as geophysical or geochemical surveys be used to characterize subsurface conditions in order to reduce the number of bore holes needed for this purpose, and to minimize the risk of causing further DNAPL migration. When DNAPL contamination is confirmed or highly suspected, the recommended approach to remediation at Superfund sites is to (1) contain the dissolved contamination plume, (2) contain or isolate areas containing subsurface DNAPLs from the dissolved plume, (3) extract the free-phase DNAPL to the extent possible, (4) where appropriate, restore groundwater in the dissolved plume to its current or potential use, and (5) consider using innovative cleanup technologies to remove as much DNAPL source material as possible. EPA also recommends that containment of the contamination plume be implemented as an early action. The cleanup standards for the remediation of DNAPL-contaminated groundwater are dependent on the current or potential use of the groundwater. For example, groundwater that is a potential future source of drinking water usually must meet chemical-specific cleanup standards that are relevant and appropriate for drinking water. Such cleanup standards are generally attainable over site areas where only dissolved contaminants are present in groundwater. For those site areas where DNAPLs are present in their undiluted form and cannot be removed, it may be appropriate to consider waiving cleanup standards due to technical impracticability from an engineering perspective, consistent with EPA guidance (OSWER Directive 9234.2-25). New Publications How to Order... NTIS publications are available by calling 703-487-4650 or writing NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Be sure to include the NTIS order number listed under the document. EPA publications are available through the Hotline. Use the EPA order number listed under the document. RCRA/SF/OUST: 1-800-424-9346 703-412-9810 (local) EPCRA/Title III: 1-800-424-9346 703-412-9877 RCRA TITLE: "Municipal Solid Waste Regional and Headquarters Grant/Output Directory" AVAILABILITY: Hotline EPA ORDER NO.: EPA530-B-93-003 This directory provides information about municipal solid waste documents, videos, reports, software, and brochures published as a result of EPA regional and Headquarters grants. The directory is divided into sections covering composting, educational programs, integrated waste management, land disposal, recycling, and source reduction. Intended as a reference document, it contains summaries of the documents and provides regional contacts for additional information. TITLE: "Reporting on Municipal Solid Waste: A Local Issue" AVAILABILITY: Hotline EPA ORDER NO.: EPA530-K-93-002 This document is written primarily for journalists who cover solid waste management issues. It explains the major issues and potential pitfalls in covering solid waste management. The document also presents a variety of statistics and provides summaries and pertinent questions to ask about major topic, as well as graphs, charts, and information resources. There are sections dealing with federal, state, and local roles and options in solid waste management. TITLE: "RCRA Public Involvement Manual" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB93-231 066 This guidance document is intended to assist RCRA-regulated facilities and EPA technical staff in implementing statutory and program-required public participation activities. The document provides a general overview of public involvement, as well as information about public involvement during the RCRA permitting process and corrective action. It contains step-by-step instructions, case studies, and lists of resources. The manual also contains the fact sheet entitled Modifying RCRA Permits and documents pertaining to EPA's draft strategy for hazardous waste combustion. CERCLA TITLE: "Guidance on Conducting Non-Time-Critical Removal Actions Under CERCLA" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB93-963 402 This guidance provides information on the procedures and activities EPA uses in conducting non-time-critical removal actions under CERCLA and the National Contingency Plan (NCP). On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) and Regional Project Managers (RPMs) should use this guidance to ensure that non-time-critical removal actions are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and EPA policy. TITLE: "Technology Selection Guide for Wood Treater Sites" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB93-963 329 This fact sheet is part of a series of guidance documents being developed on presumptive remedies at various categories of sites. Specifically, this fact sheet provides the technology selection guide for woodtreater sites, covering information on specific technologies and performance data. The information includes a procedural outline, practical considerations, and treatment technology tables for sludge, soil, sediment, and ground and surface water. TITLE: "Superfund Accelerated Cleanup Model (SACM)" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB94-963 201 This memorandum introduces a coordination strategy designed to promote the implementation of the Superfund Accelerated Cleanup Model (SACM). Regional access to Headquarters' Superfund offices and collaboration in implementing SACM will improve with this new coordination strategy. TITLE: "Additional Guidance on 'Worst Sites' and 'NPL Caliber Sites' to Assist in SACM Implementation" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB94-963 206 This document is intended to assist the Regions by providing clear guidance on what constitutes National Priorities List (NPL)-caliber sites and worst sites. This document also discusses the actions needed to implement these terms under the Superfund Accelerated Cleanup Model (SACM). TITLE: "Personal Air Sampling and Air Monitoring Requirements Under 29 CFR $1910.120" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB93-963 420 This fact sheet summarizes the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) air monitoring and sampling aspects of the OSHA requirements promulgated at 29 CFR Section 1910.120. It provides an introduction to air monitoring and air sampling, air monitoring requirements upon and after initial entry, conducting air monitoring and sampling, and available information sources and contacts. TITLE: "Superfund and Enforcement Program Publications Update (Volume 1, Number 4)" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PR881D This bulletin supplements the 1992 Compendium of Superfund Program Publications by listing the OERR and OWPE publications issued from October 1991 through July 1993. TITLE: "Superfund EPA/ICMA Superfund Revitalization Conference -- San Francisco, California, February 1-2, 1993" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB94-963 202 On February 1-2, 1993, the Superfund Revitalization Office held a meeting in San Francisco to encourage public participation in identifying innovative, nontraditional approaches to expedite the Superfund cleanup process. This report documents suggestions and written comments made by attendees at the meeting, as well as comments prepared specifically to address the issues discussed at the meetings. TITLE: "The Effect of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard on Hazardous Waste Cleanup Activities" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: PB93-963 419 This fact sheet describes the additional planning, training, and medical surveillance requirements that the new OSHA standard on bloodborne pathogens imposes on On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) and Regional Project Managers (RPMs) during a Superfund response action. EPCRA TITLE: "Hydrogen Fluoride Study Final Report: Report to Congress; Section 112(n)(6) Clean Air Act as Amended" AVAILABILITY: Hotline EPA ORDER NO.: EPA550-R-93-001 With the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Congress mandated EPA to conduct a study on hydrofluoric acid (HF). In this study, EPA examines the potential hazards to public health and the environment in the event of a release of HF. This document presents a characterization of the HF industry, HF release models, and examples of major accidents. TITLE: "Hazards Analysis on the Move: SARA Title III (EPCRA) and Conducting a Commodity Flow Study" AVAILABILITY: Hotline EPA ORDER NO.: EPA550-F-93-004 This fact sheets outlines the basic principles of conducting a hazardous commodity flow study (CFS). Local planners and responders may use CFSs to determine what hazardous materials are being transported through their communities and to locate priority areas of risk that warrant further analysis. The fact sheet also presents various survey methods and lists their advantages and disadvantages. TITLE: "Successful Practices in Title III Implementation -- Chemical Emergency Prepardedness and Prevention Technical Assistance Bulletin" AVAILABILITY: Hotline NTIS ORDER NO.: OSWER-93-006.1, Series 6, No. 10 The "Successful Practices in Title III Implementation" series offers up-to-date planning information to local emergency planning committees (LEPCs), state emergency response commissions (SERCs), and other interested agencies. This installment offers examples of effective strategies used in implementing the emergency planning provisions of SARA Title III and a subject index of the contents of all of the Successful Practices documents in this series. OUST TITLE: "Guidance for Federal Field Citation Enforcement" AVAILABILITY: Hotline EPA ORDER NO.: OSWER Directive 9610.16 This directive provides guidance to EPA regional offices on setting up and implementing a federal field citations program. A Field citation is an enforcement tool for use in certain situations where owners and operators of USTs violate UST regulations. This document supersedes OSWER Directive 9610.14 (of the same title) and supplements OSWER Directive 9610.12, U.S. EPA Penalty Guidance for Violations of UST Regulations. OTHER TITLE: "Monthly Hotline Report" AVAILABILITY: NTIS NTIS ORDER NO.: See below Yearly Subscription PB93-922 400 530-R-93-004 January 1993 PB93-922 401 530-R-93-004a February 1993 PB93-922 402 530-R-93-004b March 1993 PB93-922 403 530-R-93-004c April 1993 PB93-922 404 530-R-93-004d May 1993 PB93-922 405 530-R-93-004e June 1993 PB93-922 406 530-R-93-004f July 1993 PB93-922 407 530-R-93-004g August 1993 PB93-922 408 530-R-93-004h September 1993 PB93-922 409 530-R-93-004i October PB93-922 410 530-R-93-004j The reports contain questions that required EPA resolution or were frequently asked, publications availability, Federal Register summaries, and Hotline call statistics. The Monthly Hotline Reports are also available for downloading at no charge from CLU-IN at (301) 589-8366.