skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Use of field screening to delineate a low-level groundwater plume of ethylene dibromide

Conference ·
OSTI ID:230980
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
  2. ABB Environmental Services, Inc., Portland, ME (United States)
  3. National Guard Bureau, Otis Air National Guard Base, MA (United States)
  4. Solutions to Environmental Problems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

During routine groundwater sampling of monitoring wells downgradient of a groundwater extraction system under construction at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR), a trace level (i.e., <0.05 {micro}g/L) of ethylene dibromide (EDB) was discovered in one monitoring well. The groundwater extraction system was designed to contain a chlorinated solvent plume. The occurrence of EDB was not anticipated and had only recently been added as a contaminant of concern for ongoing MMR investigations. Because of its low state regulatory limit in groundwater (0.02 {micro}g/L) and potential impact on the location of the extraction system, a two-phased field screening approach was undertaken to confirm the presence/absence and extent of EDB. The presence of EDB was confirmed; however, a potential source area could not be determined. With regulatory concurrence, a field screening investigation to determine the extent of the EDB contamination in the vicinity of the extraction system and potential impact on design was undertaken. Field screening results confirmed that EDB and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were downgradient of the extraction system. Based on the screening data of compounds detected, the relative concentrations of the VOCs, and the intervals of detection, it was concluded that the EDB and VOCs represented a separate contaminant plume deeper in the aquifer than the solvent plume. Based on field screening data and with regulatory concurrence, it was determined that the extraction system design would not require modification. The use of screening data vs Contract Laboratory Program data saved approximately 60 workdays.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
230980
Report Number(s):
CONF-950209-; TRN: IM9623%%290
Resource Relation:
Conference: 4. international symposium on field screening methods for hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals, Las Vegas, NV (United States), 22-24 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Field screening methods for hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals. VIP-47, Volume 1; PB: 733 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English