Project:
R&D Testing Facility for Laser and Satellite Communications Systems
Bottom Line: Used advanced geophysical characterization technologies to map preferential flow pathways and evaluate in situ remedial technologies.
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 used or generated at the site include NDMA, 1,4-dioxane, perchlorate, hexavalent chromium, VOCs, SVOCs, lead, and PCBs.
- Conducted numerous site investigation, assessment, and characterization programs to establish a baseline of chemicals of potential concern associated with historical site operations including VOCs, SVOCs, PCBs, metals, 1,4-dioxane, NDMA, and perchlorate in soil, soil vapor, and groundwater throughout the former 2,800-acre facility.
- Used Geoprobe, hollow-stem auger, and Hydropunch technologies to install soil borings, groundwater monitoring wells, and soil vapor extraction and monitoring wells and collect soil, groundwater, and soil vapor samples.
- Conducted a background metals assessment of soils for the documentation and establishment of site-specific background concentrations in accordance with state regulatory guidance.
- Based on the presence of past propulsion systems, conducted analytical method research and corresponding sampling to confirm the absence of hydrazine in soils and groundwater at the site.
- Integrated Willowstick Aquatrack Survey™, an advanced geophysical characterization method, to establish an initial understanding of the possible preferential groundwater flow pathways through dense, cemented sands found throughout the site.
- Performed Aestus GeoTrax Survey™ to map injectate movement in the subsurface to confirm the conceptual understanding of existing groundwater flow, movement of contaminants, and potential future effectiveness of in situ remedial technologies.
- Currently performing semiannual groundwater monitoring of 180 groundwater monitoring wells and providing chemical and hydrologic evaluation of the monitoring data.
- Coordinating soil and soil vapor characterization activities with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) as part of the local oversight program.
- Managing all groundwater characterization and investigation efforts with the San Diego RWQCB.