|
Closure of OB/OD Hazardous Waste Treatment Units
Military testing at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is a crucial element in the success of our
military. YPG is a modern research and development facility focused on the testing of military systems
and munitions. YPG uses open burning and open detonation (OB/OD) to test and demilitarize munitions.
Historically, the testing and demilitarization process has occurred at numerous test locations within the
YPG boundary without appropriate environmental controls.
With an increased awareness for environmental controls, YPG has progressed toward implementing fully
protective test areas and closing inactive test treatment sites. GCE was subcontracted by Jason Associates
to permit and design two new munitions test facilities and to close four inactive hazardous waste
treatment units. The new munitions test facilities were designed to be used for open burning and open
detonation of munitions and consist of lined concrete test pads. The munitions test facilities designed included
use of specialized concrete to withstand temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, dual lined
pads and basins with installed leak detection systems. GCE conducted the topographic surveys and
graded each of the new facilities to allow for adequate drainage around the testing pads.
GCE performed closure activities for four inactive hazardous waste treatment units at YPG identified as:
the Burn on Ground Area; the Abandoned South Pad Area; the Abandoned North Pad Area; and the
Trash Trench Area. Closure activities were conducted in accordance with RCRA requirements.
GCE developed the Project Work Plans; including an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) approved Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for a
study to characterize the residual concentrations of constituents of potential concern (COPCs) on the inactive
hazardous waste treatment units. COPCs included metals, explosives, semi-volatile organic compounds,
ammonia, and nitrates.
GCE supervised the field investigation and performed the quality assurance and quality control for the investigation
involving the collection of over 800 soil samples to characterize any residual explosive contaminant
concentrations in the area. All field work was conducted with an EOD escort due to the potential
for UXO on site. GCE reviewed the data and prepared a Site Characterization Report using analytical
data as well as background arsenic data to propose closure for the sites. A Closure Plan was recently
submitted to ADEQ for the closure of the inactive facilities.
The project was completed within the original budget with no change orders.
|
