Project:
R&D Testing Facility for Laser and Satellite Communications Systems
Bottom Line: Developed and negotiated agency approval for a stratified closure approach that reduced project lifecycle costs by over 30 percent.
Summary of Project
The facility conducted classified research and development testing on prototype spacecraft propulsion engines, laser systems, and satellite communications systems. Since 1964, support processes for the 25 operational elements on the site have included a machine shop, chemical laboratory, materials storage areas, two shooting ranges, spray booth/paint storage area, toluene and isopropanol ASTs, and fuel USTs. Chemicals of concern found in soil and/or soil vapor include but are not limited to lead, PCBs, PCE, TCE, Freon-113, benzene, and benzo(a)pyrene.
- Supervised site decommissioning activities including the excavation and removal of a septic vault, aeration pond, and associated equipment and piping to coordinate concurrent impacted soil excavation and removal, where possible.
- Designed and conducted expedited removal of lead-impacted soil from former shooting ranges under Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) oversight.
- Provided agency notification, spill containment, and remediation services following third-party demolition contractor release of approximately 100 gallons of diesel fuel on site.
- Conducted targeted removal of PCB- and arsenic-contaminated soil identified during demolition activities.
- Conducted pilot testing of SVE to assess the effectiveness of this remedial technology given the consolidated nature of the vadose zone.
- Successfully removed over 90 percent of VOCs in the vadose zone as a result of SVE pilot testing at various operational units across the site.
- Developed and negotiated a stratified media-specific closure approach that will significantly reduce project lifecycle costs, agency oversight schedule and expenses, and minimize impacts to third-party site redevelopment plans.
- Designed a risk-based closure confirmation procedure to expedite the short-term (end of 2015) closure of residual soil and soil vapor contamination at each of the 12 former operational areas currently under investigation by OCHCA.