Lower Passaic River Restoration Project/ Newark Bay Study …passaic.sharepointspace.com/Public Documents/2008-03-05... · 2011-01-17 · Brief History of Events (cont’d) Separate

Lower Passaic River Restoration Project/ Newark Bay Study

Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting March 5, 2008 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Location: No. Jersey Transportation Planning Auth (NJTPA), 1 Newark Ctr, 17th fl, Newark Participants: Federal and state agencies; associated consultants; environmental groups, Cooperating Parties Group representatives; Potentially Responsible Party representatives; all interested stakeholders 1:00 – 1:15 Welcome & Intro’s 1:15 – 2:15 Newark Bay Study Introductory Presentation RI/FS Phase 1 Field Effort USACE’s Harbor Deepening Project Geomorphological Characterization RI/FS Phase 2 Field Effort Questions 2:15 – 2:45 Overall Passaic River Project Updates Early Action FFS Status 17-mile RI/FS Status NRDA Status 2:45 – 3:00 Open Forum Additional comments from Stakeholders Announcements on other Passaic River/Newark Bay activities Next PDT Meeting

Welcome to the 1st Joint

Passaic River/Newark Bay Project Delivery Team Meeting

March 5, 2008

Geographic Perspective

New York – New Jersey Harbor Estuary

Passaic River

Newark Bay

Man

hatta

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New Jersey New York

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Scope of the Studies

• Diamond Alkali Plant

• Passaic River:-17 miles & tribs;-CERCLA-WRDA;-73 PRPs

• Newark Bay & tribs:-CERCLA only;-1 PRP so far

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Newark

Who are we?

NJ Dept ofEnvironmentalProtection

On the Passaic River (dotted)

On the Newark Bay Study (solid)

Brief History of Events

� Diamond Alkali owned/operated pesticide manufacturing facility at 80 Lister Avenue from 1951-1969

� EPA and NJDEP collected dioxin contaminated samples at the site in 1983 and in 1984 the site was added to the NPL

� The construction of the interim remedy, consisting of a floodwall, a cap and a groundwater pump and treat system, was completed at the site in 2004

Brief History of Events (cont’d)

� Separate consent agreements were entered into for the study of the Lower Passaic River and Newark Bay and its tributaries in 2004

� Tierra Solutions, Inc is studying Newark Bay on behalf of Occidental Chemical and EPA is providing oversight with its consultants and with input from the Trustees

� This study is a multi-phase, multi-year effort, of which a couple of Phases have been completed

Public InvolvementPublic Involvement

�� Critical to Effective Decision Making Critical to Effective Decision Making

�� Early & OftenEarly & Often

�� Many Tools & Opportunities AvailableMany Tools & Opportunities Available

�� Efforts Guided by the Community Efforts Guided by the Community

Involvement PlanInvolvement Plan

Public InvolvementPublic Involvement

�� Project Team MeetingsProject Team Meetings

�� Project Web Site @ Project Web Site @ www.ournewarkbay.orgwww.ournewarkbay.org

�� Fact Sheets, BrochuresFact Sheets, Brochures

�� Listserv NoticesListserv Notices

�� Technical Assistance GrantTechnical Assistance Grant

�� Public Meetings & Availability SessionsPublic Meetings & Availability Sessions

�� Stakeholder Group OutreachStakeholder Group Outreach

�� Municipality Workshops & CoordinationMunicipality Workshops & Coordination

�� Media Events/Public ToursMedia Events/Public Tours

�� …….and More.and More

Imagine the result

Status Update on the Newark Bay Remedial Investigation Program

March 5, 2008

2

Goals for Today

• Provide a broad overview of the Newark Bay Remedial Investigation Program to date

– Work completed – Preliminary findings– Future work

• Discuss USACE’s Geomorphology Report

3

Newark Bay Study Goals

• Remedial Investigation Goals Stated in 2004 Consent Agreement with EPA:

– RI Goal 1: Determine the horizontal and vertical distribution of contaminants of potential concern (COPCs) in study area sediments

– RI Goal 2: Determine the primary human and ecological receptors of COPCs in study area sediments

– RI Goal 3: Determine the significant direct and indirect continuing sources of COPCs to the study area

4

Historical Data

• Systematic search of historical data from environmental investigations in the Bay and tributaries

161228Miscellaneous292251Human Use

342761Pollutant or Contaminant Sources

538Bathymetry111021Dredging27532Hydrodynamics4670116Biological Communities344074Habitats

Physical, Biological, and Other Data and Information353772Bioaccumulation281240Toxicity and Pathogenicity7626102Sediment5746103Water

Chemical and Toxicity Data

# of 1990-present Docs

# of pre-1990 DocsTotal # of DocsCategory

5

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Hydrodynamics • Complex and

varying circulation patterns depending on location, tides, winds, and freshwater flows

Sediment Transport • Extensive dredging has modified/

obscured historical contaminant profiles, created preferential deposition areas and removed contaminated sediment

• Deposition rates relatively low in flats

Geomorphic Features• 7 major geomorphic features influence

hydrodynamics and sediment transport:– Inter-tidal Areas– Industrial Waterfront– Confined Disposal Facility

– Navigation Channels– Port Channels– Transitional Slopes– Sub-tidal Flats

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Geomorphic Areas

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Phase 1 Program and Preliminary Findings

8

Primary Phase 1 Data Quality Objectives

• RI Goal 1 (Nature/Extent)– Estimate approximate depth of 1940 horizon

– Understand broad patterns of contaminants of potential concern in sediments and attempt to preliminarily identify “hot spots”

– Confirm presence and extent of geomorphic areas– Confirm that analytical suite is appropriate for the various

geomorphic areas– Determine data needs for Phase II

9

Phase 1 Data Quality Objectives (cont’d)

• RI Goal 2 (Risk Assessment) – Preliminarily characterize sediment contamination in ecologically

sensitive inter-tidal mudflats– Estimate depth of Biologically Active Zone within various

geomorphic areas

• RI Goal 3 (Source Identification) – Gather information to identify ongoing sources of contaminants

– Confirm (through sediment sampling) current and historical discharges impacting select areas

10

Bathymetric Survey

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Phase 1 Bathymetric Survey

• Completed by Ocean Surveys, Inc., in October 2005

• Performed to verify geomorphic areas and to assist field crew in locating Transitional Slope cores

• Bathymetric data confirmed presence of distinct geomorphic features within the Bay

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Biologically Active Zone Investigation

13

Phase 1 Biologically Active Zone (BAZ) Investigation: Overview

• Completed in October 2005

• Performed to estimate depth of the BAZ

• Obtained Sediment Profile Images (SPI) and grab samples at 14 locations across the Bay

• Compared field results with literature on BAZ depth

Burrow

Oxic Void

SPI Image: NB01SED038-3

14

Phase 1 Biologically Active Zone (BAZ) Investigation: Preliminary Findings

• BAZ depth relatively consistent across Newark Bay (approximately 6 inches)

• BAZ thickness corresponds well with depths estimated in other studies

Note: These preliminary findings are subject to change pending Tierra’s responses to USEPA comments, and based upon the receipt of new information/data.

15

Sediment Coring

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Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Overview

• Field work conducted from October through December 2005

• Collected sediment cores from 69 planned locations

• Obtained approximately 850 samples– 35% for chemistry analysis– 65% for radiochemistry analysis

• Met goal of collecting >90% of planned samples

• Zero safety incidents

17

Phase 1 Sample Locations

• Collected cores at 69 locations

• Target depths• 3’ cores (18)• 3.5’ cores (19)• 4’cores (3)• 5.5’ cores (5)• 6.5’ cores (17)• 8’ core (1)• 11’ cores (6)

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Phase 1 Sediment Coring: General Field Observations

• Sediments generally comprised of silt overlaying red clay

• Found limited sediment in active navigation channels

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Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Analytical Chemistry Program

• Analyzed throughout entire cores for– Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds– Pesticides/PCBs– PCB Congeners– Herbicides– Dioxins/Furans– Metals (including Mercury and Cyanide)– Organotins– Total Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons– VOCs

20

Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Analytical Chemistry Preliminary Broad Findings

• Sediments contaminated with numerous chemicals horizontally and vertically

• Highest Mercury levels in Port Newark near Pierson’s Creek

• Highest concentrations of Total PCBs and Dioxin (2,3,7,8 TCDD) found within the northwestern Sub-tidal Flat, near the Passaic River

• Relatively low detection frequencies for VOCs and organotins


21

Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Radiochemistry Program

• Evaluate short and long-term deposition rates

• Short-term (order of months)– Collected samples for 7Be Analysis

• Long-term (1940 to present)– Collected samples for 210Pb and 137Cs

22

Phase 1 Sediment Coring: Radiochemistry Preliminary Findings

• Active Navigation Channels show evidence of recent accumulation

– Within 6 months of sample collection

• Majority of Sub-tidal Flat areas show relatively low rate of sediment accumulation

• Isolated pockets of Sub-Tidal Flat areas experience higher sediment accumulations

– Potential anthropogenic (i.e., man-made) features


23

Phase 1 Source Identification Process

• Conducted intensive research on potential Bay sources– CSOs/SWOs– POTWs – Hazardous waste sites– Secondary tributaries– Industrial facilities

• Obtained cores as part of Phase 1 in select waterfront locations within Bay

24

Phase 1 Check on Data Quality Objectives

Estimate approximate depth of 1940 horizon

Understand broad patterns of contaminants of potential concern in sediments and attempt to preliminarily identify “hot spots”

Confirm presence and extent of geomorphic areas

Confirm that analytical suite is appropriate for the various geomorphic areas

Determine data needs for Phase II

Preliminarily characterize sediment contamination in ecologically sensitive inter-tidal mudflats

Estimate depth of BAZ within various geomorphic areas

Gather information to identify ongoing sources of contaminants

Confirm (through sediment sampling) current and historical discharges impacting select areas

25

Phase 2 Program

Sediment Coring

26

Phase 2 Project Quality Objectives

Characterize sediments to the 1940 horizon (target deeper cores than in Phase 1 and areas of potential high net deposition identified by USACE)

Characterize sediments to understand contaminants of potential concern distribution in channels and other geomorphic areas

In select regions of the Bay, compare Phase I and Phase II data

Characterize surface and subsurface sediments in select areas found to be potentially impacted by upland sources

27

Phase 2 Program: Overview

• Conducted field work from October through December 2007

• Phase 2 activities included only sediment coring– Collected sediment cores from 50 of 52 planned locations

• Obtained approximately 810 samples– 45% for chemistry analyses– 55% for radiochemistry analyses

• Met goal of collecting >90% of planned samples

• Zero safety incidents

28

Phase 2 SampleLocations

• Collected cores at 50 of the 52 planned locations

• Target depths• 29 “deep” cores

• 9.5 to 29.5 feet• Collected all cores

• 23 “shallow” cores• 0.5 feet• Collected 21 of 23 cores

29

Phase 2 Analytical Program: Summary

• Grain Size, Specific Gravity

• VOCs, % moisture

• Total Organic Carbon

• Total Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons

• Cyanide• Herbicides

• Metals• Mercury• Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds• 7Be

• Aroclor PCBs• 137Cs• Congener PCBs and Homologues

• Pesticides• 210Pb• Dioxin/Furan Congener/Homologue

Test America (STL)Paragon AnalyticsVista Analytical (Alta)

Note: Phase 2 did not include organotin analysis

30

Phase 2 Core Penetration

• In certain cases, penetration halted by clay, rock/till

• Clay encountered at 15 locations–Potential High Net Deposition

Areas as identified by USACE (8 cores)

–Sub-Tidal Flats (4 cores)–Elizabeth River/Morse’s Creek (3

cores)

• Penetration of the 20 planned 29.5 feet cores

–Achieved 29.5 feet at 7 of 20 locations (35%)

–Achieved > 20 feet at 13 of 20 locations (65%)

Refusal due to rock at Location 075

31

Phase 2 Unexpected Conditions

• Location 088 – riprap from bulkhead to channel

• Location 097 – sunken barge and pilings

• Locations 099, 117 – no fine-grained sediment

Location 088 at low tide Location 097

32

Next Steps

• Completion of laboratory analysis and data validation

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Data Assessment Report and Conceptual Site Model (Phases 1 and 2)

• Planning for Phase 3

33

QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

US Army Corpsof EngineersNew York District

CorpsCorps’’ Geomorphological and Historical Study of Geomorphological and Historical Study of Newark BayNewark Bay

Bryce WisemillerBryce WisemillerProject Manager, Harbor Programs BranchProject Manager, Harbor Programs Branch

March 5, 2008March 5, 2008


New York & New Jersey HarborNew York & New Jersey HarborDeepening ProjectDeepening Project

DESCRIPTION: Deepen highlighted channels to 50 ft (53 in Ambrose), with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey sponsorship and support.

STATUS:Deepening Construction began in 1999 In 2005, Corps began new NEPA evaluations regarding continued HDP construction in light of the AOC on the NBSA and related litigation.Corps commented to EPA in 2005 on Phase 1 work plan to sample a few known historically deep areas that were now shallowPhase 1 data appeared to support prior Corps hypothesis regarding sediment deposition patterns within Newark BayIn 2006, Corps, with consultant (Earthworks) support, expanded historical geomorphological study of Newark Bay in support of draft Environmental Assessment

ELIZABETH CHANNEL

SOUTH ELIZABETH CHANNEL

PORT JERSEY CHANNEL

KILL VAN KULL

BAY RIDGE CHANNEL

RED HOOK FLATS

ANCHORAGE

AMBROSE CHANNEL

ANCHORAGE CHANNEL


Mapping Historical and Future (planned) Bay Bathymetry

Using historical maps and other data sources, 3D models of Newark Bay bathymetry and shoreline were created for selected time periods (keyframes)Past time periods modeled in 3D include: 1855, 1886, 1917, 1934, 1944, 1969, and 1989Using surveys and plans for future HDP construction and EPA’s Phase 1 survey data, keyframes for present and upcoming years also modeled in 3D: 2006, 2008-2012Models illustrate dynamic and changing nature of Bay over past 150 years NOAA Historical Chart Search Website: http://historicalcharts.noaa.gov/historicals/historical_zoom.asp

1944 Chart

1989 Chart


Bathymetry Illustrated on 2 scales (shallow and deep)

1855 Keyframe


1934 Model

Based on detailed NOAA survey (not just chart)

1855 Shoreline shown in gray for reference

Numerous affected areas (fill, dredging, etc.)


Vertical Exaggeration Illustrates Perspective Views of Bay

6X Vertical ExaggerationNo vertical Exaggeration

2006 Keyframe focused on middle Newark Bay


3D Perspective Views of Bay at Various Keyframes

1855 Shoreline and HDP contract areas shown in gray lines for reference

Vertically Exaggerated (6X) to show details

Animations “Morphing”Bay thru Keyframes


Comparing Past (composite) Bathymetries to Present Bathymetry

Composite Historical 3D Model includes deepest bathymetry value per grid cell of any keyframefrom 1934 to 1989 when subtracted from 2006 bathymetry thereby showing the most significant potential depth changeDarker gray indicates areas of thicker sediment accumulation at some point in time from 1934 to presentDeepest deposit areas identified to EPA for consideration in Phase 2 workplanAreas of potential intersect between thick depositional areas and the remaining HDP contracts are being sampled as part of lawsuit settlement

Questions?