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Fact Sheet

March 2008

Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) Released for Comment for the Manufacturing Plant Area, Pools Prairie Superfund Site, Neosho, Newton County, Missouri

EPA Requests Public Comments on Proposed Cleanup Action

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comments on the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA).  The EE/CA describes recommended actions to cleanup contaminated soils at the Pools Prairie Superfund site.  This action is the latest in a series of successful cleanup responses at targeted areas of the Pools Prairie site.  This cleanup will target contaminated areas at or near the location of the currently operating Premier Turbines facility.

The comment period begins April 1, 2008 and ends May 16, 2008.

Background

Construction of Air Force Plant 65 began in approximately 1956.  This installation included a main manufacturing plant (referred to as the Manufacturing Plant Area, or MPA, portion of the Pools Prairie site), and an area initially used to test rocket engines and related components and later jet engines.  The MPA is located near the intersection of, and is included in portions of, Sections 2, 3, 10 and 11, Range 32 West, Township 24 North. 

From approximately 1956 until the present, this facility has been involved in many operations, including manufacturing rocket engines and related components, manufacturing and overhauling jet engines, and testing and refurbishing jet airplane and helicopter engines. 

Environmental Issues

A comprehensive investigation of the site was completed in 2006, and is described in the report entitled “Removal Site Evaluation,” dated May 17, 2006.  Affected soil was found to be primarily contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), the same contaminant found in area ground water and aquifer systems.  TCE was commonly used as a degreaser. Principal findings included significant soil contamination at four primary areas known as:  the chemical storage area, the former surface impoundment area, the former rail spur area, and the former TCE storage area.  

In January 2008, an EE/CA was completed for the site.  Its primary goal was to identify and evaluate potential removal actions that would appropriately address the contaminated areas.  Information for the EE/CA was developed based on data collected during the Removal Site Evaluation.

Recommended Cleanup Action

Based on information in the EE/CA, recommended cleanup approaches for the contaminated soils at the MPA would primarily be a combination of excavation and treatment by landfarming, and soil-vapor extraction.

Landfarming consists of removing contaminated soil and spreading the soil in layers approximately one foot thick over a lined and bermed area.  The berm contains the soil, and the liner prevents contaminants in the soil from moving to underlying soil.  The soil is turned over frequently using a tractor and large disks. Turning the soil over exposes the contaminants to air and sunlight, causing them to degrade and evaporate. Rainwater collected in the bermed area is also treated before it is discharged.  Sampling of soil and water is performed to confirm effective treatment of the landfarmed materials.

The proposed landfarm location is approximately 1.4 miles southeast of the MPA in an area previously utilized for two other cleanup actions at the Pools Prairie site.

Soil-vapor extraction consists of applying a vacuum to wells or conduits to remove contaminated vapors from the soil.

To Make Comments on the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis

EPA encourages the public to review and comment on the EE/CA for the proposed MPA removal action.   Comments should be submitted by May 16, 2008.

Guidelines for Commenting:

Plan to attend the
Pools Prairie
Community Advisory Group Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
7 p.m.
Fireside Room in the Student Center
(between Newton Hall and McDonald Hall)
Crowder College
Neosho, Missouri

Additional Information

The EE/CA is a part of the Administrative Record File. These and other documents are available for public review at:

Neosho City Hall      
203 East Main St.       
Neosho, Mo.   
           
EPA Records Center
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, Kan.

Questions about these actions and comments can be submitted to:

David Williams
EPA Region 7
Superfund Division
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Toll free: (800) 223-0425
e-mail: williams.dave@epa.gov

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