Focused Conceptual Site Model Evaluation for Remedial Action Selection – Colonie, New York
Tuesday, September 24, 2019: 9:10 a.m.
Nathan Vogan, PG
,
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
Jean Firth, CG, PG
,
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., Portland, ME
This presentation will discuss how refinement of a conceptual site model (CSM) led to an important remedial action decision. A former disposal site received steel manufacturing waste that was used to fill low lying areas. The site is underlain by impermeable glacial till overlying shale bedrock which slopes to the east and north with exposed bedrock.
A site characterization investigation identified contaminants of concern (COCs) including metals and polychlorinated biphenyls within the fill materials, overburden groundwater, and seeps on the steep slopes. A central bedrock knob was identified in direct contact with fill materials. A remedial investigation was conducted to evaluate the extent of contamination and refine the CSM. Water level measurements indicated radial horizontal flow consistent with topography, however overburden groundwater was not observed in the northern and eastern portions of the site. The contributing source of COCs identified at seeps on the steep slopes was undetermined.
A data gap investigation evaluated if bedrock groundwater is a source to the seeps. Geophysical logging identified transmissive fractures that would be unlikely contributing to seeps. The CSM and geochemical comparisons ruled out bedrock groundwater as a source and therefore, does not require remedial action which simplified site cleanup objectives.
Nathan Vogan, PG, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Vogan is a professional geologist with over 10 years of experience focused on leading field investigation efforts and reporting for remediation projects. He has managed multidisciplinary teams composed of Wood team members and subcontractors. He is also responsible for preparing, developing, and writing reports, assessments, and recommendations. Mr. Vogan’s experience as a consultant is broad based and includes the assessment of chlorinated solvents, metals, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), petroleum (manufactured gas plants [MGP]), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), and other hazardous materials in various media, including soil, bedrock, groundwater, vapor, and sediments.
Jean Firth, CG, PG, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., Portland, ME
Ms. Firth is a Certified Geologist with over 25 years’ experience managing investigations and remediation at petroleum and hazardous waste sites. Her experience includes State Superfund in Maine and New York, CERCLA, RCRA and TSCA. Ms. Firth served as Project Manager for Maine Department of Environmental Protection where she managed over 80 sites in the Brownfield and Voluntary Response Action Program. Ms. Firth currently oversees site management activities for several sites in New York State including three closed landfills. Her responsibilities at these facilities included development of Site Management Plans, periodic inspections, long term monitoring, and coordinating maintenance and repairs.
