HomeMy WebLinkAboutAscon Landfill Site - Community Update by the Department of (3) • APRIL 2021
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Department of Toxic Substances Control-Our mission is to protect the people. communities. and environment of California from
harmful chemicals by cleaning up contaminated sites,enforcing hazardous waste laws,and compelling the development oflfer products.
= N
Ascon Landfill Site m
Z fry n
Site Update & Pit F Removal Actions -,; N rn
21641 Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, California=ol": q <
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Online Community Meeting Q'
is providing an update on the upcoming removal Announcement*
actions at the Ascon Landfill Site (Site) located at
21641 Magnolia Street in Huntington Beach. Please join DTSC for a Virtual
The Site is a vacant 38-acre parcel at the southwest (Remote) webinar about the
upcoming Pit F excavation work at
corner of Hamilton Avenue and Magnolia Street in the Ascon Landfill Site.
Huntington Beach, California. The Site operated as an
active disposal facility from approximately 1938 to Date: May 6, 2021
1984. In the early years of operation, much of the
waste materials came from oil drilling operations and Time: 6:00pm — 8:00pm
included drilling muds, wastewater brines, and other
drilling wastes. Records indicate that from 1957 to Where: https://bit.ly/3d95AwU
1971, other wastes were also deposited onsite. From
1971 to 1984, material deposited onsite included Phone Line: (669) 900-6833
asphalt, concrete, metal, soil, and wood. Nearby land Webinar ID: 882 4636 7707
uses include a community park, high school, residential Presentation (slides) are
areas, light industrial operations, oil storage, a flood available: DTSC EnviroStor
control channel, and a power generating plant. Database, Ascon.
Pit F removal action is discussed in the DTSC-
approved Remedial Action Plan (RAP), Environmental This event will be recorded. If you
Impact Report, Remedial Design Report. and Remedy do not have the opportunity to
Implementation Plan. The removal action is to excavate view this live event, you will be
the Pit F waste materials within an area 45 feet wide by able to view it on our YouTube
45 feet long by 30 feet deep. Waste materials outside channel (DTSCGreen).
of Pit F will be covered by an engineered cap. All
investigations conducted to date have confirmed that
Pit F contamination is contained to the immediate vicinity of Pit F. The excavation and removal of
waste materials in Pit F for proper disposal is a key step in completing the future remediation at the
Site.
® Hearing impaired individuals may use the California Relay Service at 711 or 800-735-2929TTYN(O/HCO to voice.
O` . [it
Additional information on DTSC sites can be found through our Enviro5tor. (rev.5-2020)
O_
Under the direction of DTSC, the Ascon team is preparing for the excavation, transportation, and
disposal of Pit F waste materials to a permitted landfill.
Excavation work is tentatively scheduled to begin during the first week of June and continue for
approximately 2 to 3 months. This work will be performed under the permit approval and oversight of
several agencies, including DTSC and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
What is Pit F?
Ascon operated as an active landfill from 1938 to 1984 and received oil field wastes prior to 1972. In
the 195Os, manufacturing wastes generated from the production of styrene were deposited in an area
now referred to as Pit F. Pit F is near the southeast corner of the Site and is presently covered by a
large tent.
Pit F Tent on Ascon Site
Please see the attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Ascon Pit F Explainer on the DTSC
Envirostor database to learn more about Pit F, including the makeup of waste materials and answers
to frequently asked questions.
How will this work be conducted?
The Ascon team is preparing for the excavation and removal of Pit F waste materials for disposal at a
permitted landfill. This work will be conducted by hazardous waste specialized professionals using
equipment specifically designed for the safe removal, transportation, and disposal of waste materials.
All Pit F excavation work will take place within the Pit F tent, where odors and volatile organic
compounds will be contained within the tent. Emissions from excavation inside the tent will be
collected and controlled with vapor-phase granular activated carbon, through chemical adsorption.
Activated charcoal pores in the carbon trap and adsorb the contaminants. Pit F will be enclosed by
the tent with air treatment during the entirety of the Pit F excavation work, including during off-hours.
The blowers maintain a slight vacuum in the tent to prevent contaminant emissions as equipment and
trucks exit and enter the tent. These blowers are designed to operate without excessive sound.
The waste materials will be excavated from trenches, held open with a mixture of bentonite (an
absorbent clay) and cement, and then loaded into lined bins that will be sealed while inside the tent.
The sealed bins will be inspected and loaded onto haul trucks, and then transported the same day to
• Hearing impaired individuals may use the Califomia Relay Service at 711 or 800 735-2929 TTYN(0/H(0 to voice.
`��y� Additional information on DTS(sites(an be found through our EnviroStor. (rev.5-2020)
a permitted landfill. Outgoing haul trucks will exit the Site at the southernmost Magnolia Gate; turn
right onto Magnolia Street: turn right onto Pacific Coast Highway: turn right onto Beach Boulevard:
take Beach Boulevard north to 1-405, and then take 1-405 northbound or southbound (via Edinger
Avenue), depending on the disposal destination.
Pit F Material Excavation Work
40�
I(A- RAW
Pit F waste will be Excavated Pit F waste Fully sealed bins with Pit F
excavated inside the tent will be loaded into bins waste will be pulled from the
which will be sealed for entry chamber and loaded
transportation while onto haul trucks and
inside the tent transported to a permitted
landfill the same day
When will this work take place?
The work crews and equipment necessary to complete the excavation of the waste materials in Pit F
began arriving onsite in March. The removal action work is scheduled to start in early June 2021.
The work is expected to occur over a roughly four-month period, including onsite preparation and
demobilization after removal.
Safety Measures
The DTSC-approved RAP contains a health and safety plan designed to keep on-site workers and
the community safe during the proposed cleanup activities: it also requires Ascon to obtain and
comply with applicable permits, and to comply with the City of Huntington Beach noise ordinance to
monitor noise levels. In addition, the following measures have been taken in support of the Pit F work:
• Health and Safety Program to include Pit F-specific protocols was updated.
• Plan detailing the Pit F Procedures and Contingency Actions was prepared.
• Pit F Emergency Response Plan was prepared.
• Protocol for workers to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), including wearing
masks, practicing social distancing, washing/sanitizing hands, and cleaning surfaces has been
established.
• AsconAlert, a community opt-in emergency notification system, will be distributed prior to the
start of Pit F removal actions.
• Hearing impaired individuals may use the California Relay Sewu at 711 or 800-735-1929 TTYNCOM(O to voice.
91- .
Additional information on DTS(sites can be found through our EnviroStor. (rev.5-2020)
Milestones and Current Status at the Site
Key milestones accomplished since June 2019:
• Completion of a barrier fence along Magnolia and Hamilton streets.
• Ongoing community air monitoring to establish offsite baseline air data.
• Enhanced community outreach, including an informational project website. weekly Site activities
updates- and ongoing air quality monitoring results with live-streaming weather data.
• Completed emergency repair of North Berm slope to ensure community safety. Analyzed odor-
producing compounds in the northwest zone of Ascon to provide additional technical data for
future work.
• Sitewide odor assessment (initiated in February 2021 ) is being conducted to identify additional
methods of odor management.
• Ascon provides ongoing funding for a third-party technical advisor, managed by the City of
Huntington Beach and independent of the project and DTSC. to respond to community
questions.
For more information, please visit:
https -www.enviroslor dtsc.ca.govrpublic/ (enter "Ascon" and select from drop-down menu)
If you have any questions about this project, please contact the following DTSC staff:
Safouh Sayed
Project Manager, Site Mitigation and Restoration Program
(714) 484-5478
Safouh.Sayed(aDdtsc.ca.gov
Jessica Anderson
Public Participation Specialist
(714) 484-5354
Jessica.Anderson(c�dtsc.ca.gov
For media inquiries only:
Gamaliel Ortiz, Public Information Officer WANT MORE INFORMATION?
(916) 3274383 Visit www.AsconHB.com and sign up for
Gamahel.Ortiz(@dtsc.ca.gov e-mail notifications
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Questions on Air Quality and Dust Monitoring:
Please call the Ascon project hotline, Contact South Coast Air Quality Management
(714) 388-1825, or email info(a)AsconHB.com. District at 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664)
• Hearing impaired individuals may use the Cabfomia Relay Service at 711 or 800-735-2929 TTYN(0/H(0 to voice. a
Additional information on i sites can be found through our EnviroStor. (rev.5-2020)
O-
Department
• • LANDFILL
, •
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Regarding
PIT F Remediation
April 2021
Frequently • Questions (0)
Ascon Landfill, Huntington Beach, California
t. The 2015 approved Remedial Action Plan (RAP) states the following: Investigations show that
material from Pit F appears to have migrated in the subsurface to an aerial extent of
approximately 1.1 acres, all within the Site fence line (Page 15). Since almost 6 years have
passed since the last investigation, is there any recent data showing the current extent of
contamination, given the proposed restart of Pit F excavation?
Pit F and the areas surrounding Pit F have been thoroughly characterized in the following investigations
and reports:
• Pit F OHsite Investigation (2005): showed impacts diminished near the site perimeter
• Revised Feasibility Study (2007): documented the 2004 soils and waste remedial investigation and
mapped approximate limits of Pit F impacts
• Supplementary Groundwater Investigation in the Pit F Area (2006): showed Pit F waste is not in
groundwater except in close vicinity to Pit F
• South Coast Oil Corporation Area (SCOC), Ascon Properties Area, and Well 80 Area Investigation
Report - Addendum for the Site Remedial Investigation (2008): provides additional soils
assessment near Pit F that corroborates earlier findings
• Pit F Sampling Technical Memorandum (2017): characterized the waste in Pit F to determine the
proper means of waste disposal and confirmed depth of Pit F waste
The Pit F waste has been in place for more than 60 years. Since June 1966. multiple investigations
have been conducted at the site with no significant changes to the data collected. Therefore, additional
contamination migration from Pit F is not expected.
The rationale of Pit F removal action outlined in the DTSC-approved Remedial Action Plan,
Environmental Impact Report, Remedial Design Report, and Remedy Implementation Plan was to
address the Pit F waste within the geometric area 45 feet wide by 45 feet long by 30 feet deep.
Contaminated materials outside of Pit F will be covered by an engineered cap. All investigations
conducted to date have confirmed that Pit F contamination is contained to the immediate vicinity of Pit
F.
• Revised Final Remedial Design Report (2017): includes reference/discussion on the planned
cap
• Remedy Implementation Plan (2019): includes reference/discussion on the planned cap
2. Next to Pit F is Pit E which is also documented as having Styrene waste. Investigations have
shown that the nearby, now tented, Pit F appeared back in 2015 to have migrated into the
subsurface to a surface extent of approximately 1.1 acres. Is there documentation you can
share with us about the dates of all investigations regarding the delineation and migration at Pit
F? Has any delineation between the two pits and their migration of contaminates been done
lately or at all and when? Do they intersect?
Distinct and separate footprints of Pit F and E have been verified through historical photos and
documents. Remedial investigations found no styrene waste products in the Pit E footprint.
Contaminants in Pit E area are consistent with petroleum hydrocarbons. Soils in the Pit E area will be
covered by an engineered cap (see response 20 for explanation).
2
Frequently Asked Questions (Q) and Answers (A)
Ascon Landfill, Huntington Beach, California
The Revised Feasibility Study (RFS,) dated September 21, 2007, shows that waste migrated into the
subsurface to a surface extent of approximately 1.1 acres.
The Pit F waste has been in place for more than 60 years. Over those years, multiple investigations
have been conducted at the site with no significant changes to the data collected. Therefore, additional
contamination migration from Pit F is not expected and no further changes are expected, such as
physical nature and composition of materials
3. Why is styrene Pit E being left onsite if Pit F styrene is considered an imminent danger and
concern to the community?
Investigations show that Pit E waste does not pose an imminent danger to the community. Pit E
materials are soil while Pit F waste is highly viscous and taffy-like near the surface and viscous and
honey-like at greater depths. The analytical data shows there is no styrene in Pit E. All investigations
have confirmed that Pit F waste is contained to the immediate vicinity of Pit F and therefore does not
pose a health risk to the community. Remedial investigations found that there were no styrene waste
products in the Pit E footprint. (Waste) materials in this area are consistent with petroleum
hydrocarbons and will be covered by an engineered cap. This approach outlined in the Revised Final
Remedial Design Report, pages 21 to 23, and in Remedy Implementation Plan pages 19 and 20.
4. How mobile is the styrene waste at Pit F? How do we know that what needs to be excavated is
still within the confines of the existing tent?
Pit F waste is not mobile. Assessments have determined much of the Pit F waste to be highly viscous
and taffy-like near the surface and viscous and honey-like at greater depths. making it difficult for the
waste to flow through soils. For example, some toxic materials within Pit F (e.g.,
Dibenz(a.h)anthracene) are neither volatile or soluble in water.
The planned excavation, which encompasses Pit F itself, the berm around it, and the liners placed over
the Pit "F" material, is entirely within the confines of the tent. Contaminated materials outside of Pit F
will be covered by an engineered cap.
5. What are the contingencies for explosions, fires and other emergencies to be handled during Pit
F remediation? How will neighboring residents and schools be protected and notified during
these potential emergencies?
The health and safety of the City of Huntington Beach community is our highest priority as we
implement the cleanup at the Ascon Landfill Site. Safety measures like the tent and air treatment
systems are in place to protect immediate on-site workers. the public. and limit impacts such as odors
during work
Pit F waste has been thoroughly investigated and the risk of fire or explosion during excavation work is
very low. Ascon closely coordinates with the City of Huntington Beach Fire Department and local first
responder teams, and all are aware that Pit F excavation work tentative scheduled to begin first week of
June. In case of emergency, community members will be notified by the AsconAlert community opt-in
emergency notification system. Information on the notification system, AsconAlert, will be distributed
3
Frequently Asked Questions (Q) and Answers (A)
Ascon Landfill, Huntington Beach, California
utilizing the DTSC mailing list. posted to DTSC EnviroStor and to Ascon-HB website prior to the start of
Pit -F" cleanup. Along with advance onsite briefings for emergency responders. emergency
contingencies are part of the planning for this work and are reviewed with DTSC and local first
responders.
6. How will the community be protected during the excavation work to be conducted at Pit F in
terms of soil handling, odor controls, offsite transportation and confirmation sampling?
The Pit F tent will be equipped with an air treatment system designed for this specific environment that
maintains a vacuum to capture potential odors and volatile organic compound emissions. Emissions
from excavation inside the tent will be collected and treated with vapor-phase granular activated
carbon, through chemical adsorption. With chemical adsorption, the activated charcoal pores in the
carbon trap and hold the contaminants. Pit F will be enclosed in this air-treated tent during the entirety
of the Pit F clean-up work, including non-working hours. The tent will remain in place until the Pit F
clean-up work is complete. In addition, odor monitoring outside of the tent and at the site perimeter will
be conducted during the Pit F clean-up.
To ensure safety, the Pit F clean-up work will be conducted by specialized hazardous waste
professionals using equipment specifically designed for the safe removal, transportation and disposal of
waste materials like these. All work will be conducted under the direction and oversight of the DTSC
and a special permit with the SCAOMD.
7. Will the community be presented with the backup data and research demonstrating the efficacy
of the Pit F containment tent and GAC system prior to the start of excavation?
Yes. Testing on the effectiveness of emissions containment of the Pit F tent will be conducted prior to
excavation and ASCON will share the results of these tests with the DTSC and DTSC will share the
results with the public via DTSC EnviroStor. This data will include measurement of inward air flow
velocity at the louvered windows, which is produced from multiple blowers extracting air from the tent
into the air treatment system and which prevents the inside air from escaping by other means.
8. How will the public be able to see the daily air monitoring data in real time?
DTSC will be at the Ascon site during this work and will provide regular updates on independent
monitoring. Additionally, air monitoring data will be posted to AsconHB.com and DTSC Envirostor
database as soon as it is validated The Ascon team is currently reviewing additional opportunities to
speed up the availability of air data.
9. Since the tent cannot capture 100% of the gasses from escaping, there will be an opportunity
for some air to be released when trucks leave the tent: how much air might be released? And
how will these emissions be controlled?
Testing on the effectiveness of emissions containment of the Pit F tent will be conducted prior to
excavation and the results of these tests will be shared by Ascon with the DTSC and the public. This
data will include measurement of inward air flow velocity at the louvered windows, which is produced
from multiple blowers extracting air from the tent into the air treatment system and which prevents
inside air from escaping through other means.
4
Frequently • Questions (Q)
Ascon Landfill, Huntington Beach, California
As an added measure of safety, the tent is equipped with an entry chamber that enables delivery and
removal of waste bins without exposing the tent atmosphere to the outside. The two cargo doors
through which the waste bins will pass are located at either side of the entry chamber and will never be
open at the same time. With the use of a negative pressure atmosphere inside the tent and using the
entry chamber cargo transfer. emissions inside the tent will be entirely directed to the air treatment
system.
..
i
Pit F waste will be Excavated Pit F waste will Fully sealed bins with Pit F
excavated inside the tent be loaded into bins which waste will be pulled from the
under negative pressure to will be sealed for transport entry chamber and loaded
direct emissions to the air while inside the tent onto haul trucks and
treatment system transported to a permitted
landfill the same day
10. Documentation from 2013 showed that the planned 2,250 CY could be 4,500 BCY or 8,100 tons.
Why the difference?
2.250 cubic yards ICY) is the conservative estimate of materials in place to be excavated. As part of
the excavation process, a cement mixture and other additives will be added to the waste material to
assist in odor control and management of the viscous material. With these additives, the amount of
material hauled off will be more than the 2.250 cubic yards currently in place and could be as much as
4.500 cubic yards (or -8,100 tons).
11. The plan of the temporary structure and filtration for Pit F reflects capturing 95% of the
emissions. What happens when the residents and nearby students are affected in anyway shape
or form by the 5% or more that is released? Will SCAQMD or DTSC require a certain number of
phone calls again within a certain radius in order to take any action? Or will they act immediately
for one adverse report or call? How will this all be determined?
The 95% capture assumption used in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the SCAQMD
application for the Pit F permit is conservatively low. It is anticipated (or likely) that the system will
capture a greater volume, making it even more protective than the 95% conservative assumption in the
permit. The Ascon team, SCAQMD and DTSC are committed to responding promptly to any
community concerns or complaints during work.
Please contact the following for any concerns:
Ascon Hotline: (714) 388-1825
DTSC Project Manager: (714) 484-5478
DTSC Public Participation Supervisor: (714) 715 4881
SCAQMD Hotline: 1800-CUT-SMOG
5
Frequently • Questions (0)
Ascon Landfill. Huntington Beach, California
12. Will there be security at the site, particularly in regards to homeless at or parked near the Site?
During Pit F work, 24-hours-a-day. 7-days-a-week onsite security will continue. There also will be
increased presence of workers and monitoring technicians onsite.
13. What are Pit F working days/hours?
Work will occur between 7 a.m. — 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday work may occur only as
needed to complete Pit "F" cleanup in a timely manner. Workers may begin arriving onsite and conduct
health and safety briefings as early as 6 a m
14. Are there any issues with excavating the styrene in the summer? More problems than in cold
weather/winter?
Since the excavation will be conducted within the tent and emissions will be controlled and treated.
warm weather will not affect the work in Pit F. No adverse impact to the community is expected.
15. Is the noise level residential or industrial?
All work will be conducted in compliance with City of Huntington Beach's noise ordinance for residential
areas. Noise mitigation measures will be implemented to augment the existing 16-foot-high barrier
fence/sound wall, including additional fencing and sound barriers around noisy equipment. To mitigate
noise as much as possible to residents, the air treatment system and blowers will be situated on the
western side of the tent, furthest away from homes located along Magnolia Street.
16. Where is location of the filter?
The air treatment/filtration system and blowers will be situated on the western side of the tent. furthest
away from homes located along Magnolia Street
17. When/how often will the air treatment vessels be changed?
Sampling and testing of the Pit F air treatment system (inlet and outlet concentrations) will be
performed per the SCOMD Pit F permit-to-operate. which is protective of the community and
environment. As an added measure of safety, there are two granular activated carbon filtration vessels.
The leading vessel is required by the permit to be replaced/changed out if its efficiency falls below 90
percent
18. Are there emergency plans in place?
ASCON is finalizing the emergency response plan for the Pit F remedial work and it will be shared with
DTSC and the City of Huntington Beach.
6
Frequently - • Questions (0)
Ascon Landfill, Huntington Beach, California
19. Will work at Pit F create a need for residents, students and teachers or the public to relocate?
No. The planned clean-up work will employ safety measures to conduct this work with minimal impacts
to nearby neighbors. Protective measures like the tent and air treatment systems are in place to
provide a safe work environment for onsite workers. and to protect nearby residents and the public from
air emissions, and limit impacts such as odors during work.
To ensure safety, the Pit F clean-up work will be conducted by specialized hazardous waste
professionals using equipment specifically designed for the safe removal, transportation, and disposal
of waste materials like these. All work will be conducted under the direction and oversight of the DTSC
and a special permit with the SCAQMD.
20, What is makeup and purpose of the engineered environmental cap?
The primary purpose of an engineered environmental cap is to safely segregate and cover the
remaining waste materials onsite for long-term protection of the public and environment. Engineering
controls of the environmental cap prevents contact with the covered waste from storm water intrusion
and vapor emission. The cap is designed to require minimal maintenance and withstand weathering.
rain, settlement. and maximum credible seismic forces.
The engineered environmental cap will consist of an upper deck at a 3% grade surrounded by side
slopes, with a stormwater collection system. The upper deck design includes a 2-foot-thick foundation
layer, a geomembrane layer, a geonet biotic layer to prevent animals burrowing into the cap. and a 2-
foot-thick vegetative soil layer. The side slopes will have a 2-foot-thick foundation layer, a 2-foot-thick
clay barrier layer. a geonet biotic layer, and a 2-foot-thick vegetative soil layer. The vegetative layer will
consist of plants native to Southern California, including flowering species that provide bird and butterfly
habitat. The monitoring of the capped landfill includes soil gas, groundwater, and regular inspection for
maintenance actions. The final approved cap design can be found in the Revised Final Remedial
Design Report dated May 2017.
7