Superfund Site Final Close-Out Report

Barceloneta Landfill Site

Barceloneta, Puerto Rico

August 2011

Prepared by

u.s. Environmental Protection Agency

Region II
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. SUMMARY OF SITE CONDITIONS

Background

Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study

ROD Findings

Design Criteria

Remedial Construction Activities

III. MONITORING RESULTS

IV. ATTAINMENT OF GROUNDWATER RESTORATION GOALS

V. SUMMARY OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

VI. DEMONSTRATION OF CLEANUP ACTIVITY QUALITY ASSURANCE AND

QUALITY CONTROL

VII. FIVE-YEAR REVIEW

VIII. SITE COMPLETION CRITERIA

IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY

X. GROUNDWATER MONITORING RESULTS

XI. SITE MAP
I. INTRODUCTION

This Final Close-Out Report documents that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

has determined, in accordance with the Close-Out Procedures for National Priorities List Sites

(OSWER Directive 9320.2-22), that all response actions at the Barceloneta Landfill have been

successfully implemented in accordance with the July 5, 1996 Record of Decision (ROD).

II. SUMMARY OF SITE CONDITIONS

Background

The Barceloneta Landfill, an inactive non-hazardous domestic and industrial waste disposal

facility, is located in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico on the north coast of the island, approximately 20

miles due west of San Juan. The landfill is about 4.5 kilometers south of the Town of

Barceloneta in Florida Afuera Ward. The property which contains the Barceloneta Landfill is

approximately 32.6 hectares (80.6 acres) in size and is owned by the Municipality of

Barceloneta. The landfill is surrounded by a tropical forest. The Quebrada Cimarrona, a

tributary of the Rio Grande de Manati, is located 0.8 kilometer north of the landfill. A small

residential area of approximately 150 residences in Barrio Bajura Adentro is located about one

kilometer east of the landfill. Approximately two kilometers to the north, in an area with more

gentle topographic reliet: there are a series of manufacturing facilities. The nearest village is

Cruce Magueyes, located about two kilometers northwest of the landfill. The residences in the

area are served by a public water supply system that uses groundwater as its source.

The property contained three surface depressions which were used for waste disposal. These

waste disposal areas are known as the northern, southern, and southeastern disposal areas. Each

disposal area was located in a depression or "sumidero" (sinkhole) that is surrounded by conical

limestone hills referred to as "mogotes." The three waste disposal areas cover about 15 acres.

The northern disposal area is separated into two sections by an access road. The southern

disposal area was also known as the Superfund disposal area or El Superfondo. The northern

and southern disposal areas were filled and inactive at the time of the 1996 Record of Decision.

The southeastern disposal area remained active until December 31, 1998. Although the southern

disposal area was known as the Superfund disposal area, all three disposal areas are covered by

the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) site listing and were addressed under CERCLA.

The Barceloneta Landfill is located in a belt of rugged karst topography that extends along the

north coast from 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of San Juan to the west border of the island. In

the vicinity of the site, this belt is located from about one kilometer south of the coast to about 20

kilometers (12 miles) inland. North (seaward) of this rugged karst region is a belt of relatively

flat coastal plain sediments. South (landward), the rugged karst terrain transitions into the

central mountainous core of the island. Features of this karst landscape include numerous

sumideros, steep scarp cliffs on the mogotes and adjoining ridges which· surround the sumideros,

and a lack of surface streams or drainage features associated with individual sumideros.

3
The site is underlain by the northern limestone province of Puerto Rico which consists of blanket

deposits, the Ayrnamon Limestone, the Aguada Limestone, the Cibao Formation, and the Lares

Formation. Groundwater exists under unconfined conditions in the Aymamon and Aguada

Limestones and under confined conditions in the Cibao and Lares Formations. Groundwater

flow is to the north.

Groundwater in this area of the northern province discharges to the Rio Grande de Manati (river)

and the Cano Tiburones (wetlands) which are 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) north of the site.

Groundwater also feeds the Ojo de Guillo spring located 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) to the northeast.

The property on which the Barce10neta Landfill is located was purchased by the Municipality of

Barceloneta during the early 1970s. Preparation of the property for landfill use began in April

1972, and landfill operations commenced in August 1973. Reportedly, the landfill was initially

approved to receive both municipal and industrial waste, but was restricted to only municipal

waste disposal in 1975. However, disposal of industrial wastes appears to have continued past

1975. Specific dates of active filling in each of the three disposal areas are difficult to determine

given the lack of detailed record keeping. The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB)

has information which indicates that the landfill (all three disposal areas) was used in the late

1970s for disposal of wastes which contained hazardous substances.

Personnel from EQB and the Department of Health conducted numerous inspections of the site

and listed various violations. These violations included: insufficient cover material; allowing

refuse to bum; the presence of flies, rats and mosquitoes; allowing unlimited access to the

landfill; and, allowing people to inhabit structures on the landfill. The site was proposed for

inclusion on the NPL in December 1982, and was subsequently approved and listed as an NPL

site in September 1983.

The site property consists mainly of forested areas which provide a habitat for various plant,

insect and animal species. In order to protect the landfill cap, trees will not be allowed to grow

on the capped area. However, grasses will be permitted to grow and it is expected that the

landfill areas will be comparable to the surrounding ecology. No reuse is currently planned for

the landfill portion of the property.

Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study

In 1984, a Remedial Action Master Plan (RAMP) was prepared by an EPA contractor for the

site. Based on the RAMP, a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) Work Plan

was developed. In September 1990, a Consent Order was signed in which ten Settling

Defendants (SDs) agreed to perform the RI/FS for the site. Pursuant to the Work Plan, sampling

of subsurface soils, groundwater and surface water was completed. The first phase of the RI was

completed in 1992 and the second phase of the RI field work completed in January 1994. A final

RI report was received by EPA in March 1995 and a streamlined Risk Assessment was

completed in May 1995. An abbreviated Final FS was conducted in accordance with EPA's

Presumptive Remedy approach and was received by EPA in September 1995.

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Consistent with EPA's Presumptive Remedy approach, EPA conducted a streamlined baseline

Risk Assessment by comparing the levels of contaminants in groundwater to Maximum

Contaminant Levels (MCLs). These levels were exceeded, indicating the landfill to be a source

of contamination to the groundwater and, therefore, remedial measures would be necessary to

protect human health and the environment. The contaminants that were found above MCLs and

Safe Drinking Water Standards (SDWS) were l,l-Dichloroethene, Manganese, Mercury,

Chromium and Nickel. EPA's Risk Assessment indicated that the levels of contaminants present

in the groundwater pose a relatively low long-term threat to the human health. However, if no

action were to be taken with respect to the landfill, the continued release of contaminants into

groundwater could potentially result in a greater risk at some point in the future. Therefore,

based on the results of the Risk Assessment, it was determined that actual or threatened release

of hazardous substances from the Barceloneta Landfill site presents a threat to public health,

welfare, or the environment.

ROD Findings

On July 5, 1996, the Regional Administrator signed a Record of Decision.

The following remedial action objectives were established for the site:

• to prevent direct contact with waste material;

• to reduce or eliminate the potential for the landfill disposal areas to release hazards

substances to groundwater;

• to reduce or eliminate the potential for migration of hazardous substances to groundwater

downgradient of the landfill;

• to prevent the migration of and control landfill gas; and

• to minimize any potential future impacts of hazardous substances that may migrate into

environmental media.

The major components of the selected remedy are as follow:

• Installing a low-permeability cover system over the three landfill cells meeting the

requirements of the RCRA Subtitle D and Puerto Rico's Regulations Governing Landfill

Closure. This cover system or landfill cap(s) would further reduce infiltration of

precipitation water into the landfill and reduce leachate generation, thus mitigating

impacts to groundwater.

• Regrading and installing storm water management improvements at the site to reduce

infiltration of storm water into the landfill and reduce leachate generation.

• Conducting long-term groundwater and surface water monitoring to evaluate the

effectiveness of the cover system. It is anticipated that monitoring would be conducted

on a quarterly basis for the first year, semi-annually for the next four years, and then

annually. Monitoring would include the eight existing monitoring wells. Initially, the

wells would be sampled for a broad parameter list. The list has been developed based on

constituents detected above Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels in

the Remedial Investigation and on the requirements of the RCRA Subtitle D and Puerto

Rico's Regulation Governing Landfill Closure (RMNHSW). After the first five years, the

5
parameter list would be reviewed and those parameters not detected above standards

would be omitted. The exact long-term groundwater monitoring program would be

further defined during remedial design (RD).

• Conducting a landfill gas survey during predesign to determine the necessity of a landfill

gas collection system. The appropriate type of system, if necessary, would be

determining during RD.

• Implementing a long-term operation and maintenance program for the cover system to

include inspection of the system and provision for repair.

• Recommending to appropriate authorities that institutional controls be established.

Institutional controls were recommended in order to protect the integrity of the landfill

cover system and to reduce potential exposure to landfill contents. The institutional

controls would include zoning restrictions to limit future land use and a deed restriction

to limit future land and groundwater use.

• Installing a perimeter fence with signs to restrict access.

• Reevaluating site conditions at least once every five years to determine the need for any

modification of the selected remedy.

Design Criteria

A September 30, 1997 Consent Decree (CD) memorialized a settlement whereby ten parties

agreed to implement the remedy selected in the ROD. The SDs hired M&S Ingenieria y Ciencia

Asociados who prepared remedial design plans and specifications, which EPA approved on

September 17, 1999. On December 16, 1999, EPA approved the Remedial Action Work Plan

and M&S Ingenieria y Ciencia Asociados as the remedial action contractor proposed by the SDs.

During the RD activities, a new area of waste disposal was discovered at the site outside the

limits of the three waste cells delineated for closure in the ROD. The waste was located in a

sinkhole which lies immediately to the east of the Superfund cell. In agreement with EPA &

EQB, the SDs relocated this waste material and performed a clean closure. This waste was

incorporated and capped with waste in the Superfund disposal area.

During the predesign phase, it was determined that an active gas collection system was not

necessary but that a passive gas venting system should be incorporated into the landfill cap

construction. The gas venting system was included in the landfill cap design.

The groundwater monitoring program was developed during the RD phase. The monitoring

network included the eight monitoring wells sampled during the RIfFS. It was determined that

groundwater sampling would be conducted quarterly for the first year, semi-annually for the next

four years, and then conducted annually. It was also determined that the wells would be sampled

for a broad parameter list developed based on contaminants detected above MCLs and SDWS in

the RI. In addition, the parameters and contaminants monitored would also include those

specified under the RCRA Subtitle D and Puerto Rico's Regulation Governing Landfill Closure

requirements. This initial list of parameters included:

6
• Volatile Organic Compounds of Concern (VOCs). Only l,l-dichloroethane was detected

above MCLs during the RI. However, a more conservative approach that included the

complete EPA Method Scan for volatile organic compounds was implemented .

• Metals of Concern include mercury, chromium, manganese and nickel. These were

detected above MCLs and SDWS during the RI.

After the first five years, the parameter list would be reviewed and those parameters not detected

above standards would be omitted. The O&M Plan, dated March 28, 2000, and approved by

EPA, establishes the criteria used to reevaluate and modify the number of wells and list of

parameters sampled.

Remedial Construction Activities

EPA approved early Remedial Actions to be carried out prior to the final approval of the

Remedial Design Report. These activities included the excavation and stockpiling of clay for

landfill cap construction and the excavation and relocation of waste from the newly discovered

waste area. These activities were initiated on September 7, 1999. The Remedial Action on-site

construction started in January 24,2000 and was completed on August 30,2000.

On September 5, 2000, EPA and the State conducted a prefinal inspection and notified the

Settling Defendants to proceed with the development of the draft Remedial Action (RA) Report.

Punch list items identified during the prefinal inspection were addressed and documented in the

final inspection. On September 27,2001, EPA approved the final RA Report.

The Municipality of Barceloneta has implemented Institutional Controls at the site. The

Institutional Controls, which include zoning restrictions for the landfill property and deed

restrictions preventing ground water use beneath and downgradient of the landfill, are in place.

These controls were established on February 22,2010.

The O&M Plan, dated March 28, 2000, and approved by EPA, establishes the criteria used to

reevaluate and modify the number of wells and list of parameters sampled per the long-term

monitoring requirements developed during the RD. These criteria are:

Criteria #1: Parameters identified below the MCLs for three consecutive monitoring events

would be omitted from the parameter list;

Criteria #2: If no MCL exceedances at MW-2, MW-3, MW-4 & MW-5 are observed for two

consecutive monitoring events, these wells would be eliminated from the monitoring program;

Criteria #3: If all volatile and metal parameters, and nitrate have been eliminated from the

parameter list for an individual well, based on the procedures discussed above (i.e., item 1),

then this well would be eliminated from the monitoring program; and

7
Criteria #4: If increasing trends are observed above MCLs, annual monitoring would continue

including sampling for chloride, TDS, TSS, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, and

temperature.

At the end of the first year of monitoring and at the end of each five-year monitoring period,

interpretation of the data from the previous events would be completed and the monitoring

program modified per these criteria.

III. MONITORING RESULTS

The ROD called for conducting long-term groundwater monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness

of the cover system, ensure that the concentrations of contaminants in the groundwater are

decreasing over time, and monitor the natural attenuation of contaminants within the plume.

MW-3, has had only one parameter, 1,1-dichloroethene, exceeding MCLs during the two years

of monitoring. However, on two consecutive monitoring periods (March 2003 and October

2003), the results for 1,1-dichloroethene were non-detect and 49 micrograms per liter (Ilg/l),

respectively, and below the MCL of 70 Ilg/l. Based on the June 2004 groundwater monitoring

report for the site and according to the criteria in the O&M Plan, on September 2004, ground

water monitoring was reduced to five of the original eight wells and to the following parameters:

mercury, chromium, manganese and nickel. Mercury and chromium are monitored to ensure that

levels remain below MCLs. Chromium was identified below the MCLs for three consecutive

monitoring events (ending on August 8, 2007) and as a result, chromium was omitted from the

parameter list, consistent with the criteria established in the O&M Plan, beginning with the April

2008 sampling event. In addition, since the ROD was signed, the MCL and MCLG were

remanded for nickel. As a result, EPA no longer has an enforceable legal limit for nickel in

drinking water. Therefore, mercury, nickel and manganese contaminant concentrations are still

monitored but there is only an MCL threshold for mercury. The remaining five wells (MW-1,

MW -4, MW -6, MW -7 and MW -8) are currently sampled annually.

IV. ATTAINMENT OF GROUNDWATER RESTORATION GOALS

For the five remaining wells, the results ofthe groundwater monitoring are summarized on a well

by well basis below:

• MW -1, the background well, had concentrations below MCLs and SDWS for manganese,

mercury and nickel during the Spring 2011 sampling event. These results showed similar

concentrations to the previous annual sampling event in March 2010.

• MW -4, located in the middle of the site, had concentrations of mercury below the MCL

of 0.002 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (i.e., 0.00132 mg/L) during the Spring 2011

sampling event. These concentrations have decreased since 2004. Manganese and nickel

were below SDWS during this sampling event.

8
• MW-6, a downgradient well, had concentrations of mercury below the MCL of 0.002

mg/L during the Spring 2011 sampling event. These concentrations have been

consistently below the MCL since 2004. Nickel was found at a concentration of 0.192

mg/L. Concentrations of nickel at this well continue to decrease compared to previous

sampling events. Manganese was detected above the SDWS and shows concentrations

similar to the March 2010 sampling event.

• MW-7, a downgradient well, had concentrations of mercury, nickel and manganese

below MCLs and SDWS. The previous sampling event of March 2010 also showed

concentrations similar to this sampling event.

• MW -8, a downgradient well, had concentrations of mercury, nickel and manganese

below MCLs and SDWS. The last two sampling events, October 2009 and March 2010,

show all parameters below MCLs and SDWS.

In summary, all wells monitored at the site reveal contaminant levels below MCLs. Although

nickel and manganese are present in the groundwater, these contaminants do not have an

enforceable MCL and will continue to be monitored.

V. SUMMARY OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

Currently, five groundwater monitoring wells are sampled and analyzed on an annually basis for

mercury, manganese and nickel, and the results are compared to the Maximum Contaminant

Levels or Secondary Drinking Water Standards identified in the Record of Decision. The five

groundwater monitoring wells are designated MW-1, MW-4, MW-6, MW-7 and MW-8; they

will continue to be monitored by annual inspections and the five-year review process. The

results of the groundwater monitoring events will continue to be evaluated against the 2000

O&M plan monitoring criteria, and modified as appropriate. In addition, the gas venting system

is monitored by the PRPs' contractor and results reviewed by EPA. The landfill cap is regularly

inspected and maintained by the PRPs' contractor.

VI. DEMONSTRATION OF CLEANUP ACTIVITY QUALITY ASSURANCE AND

QUALITY CONTROL

The cap over the three disposal areas has been constructed in a manner consistent with the ROD

and the final design documents. A quality assurance and quality control (QNQC) program was

used in the development of the RD and throughout the RA. The QA/QC program was in

conformance with EPA and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico standards. The Operation and

Maintenance and Post-Remedial Monitoring Manual were approved by EPA and the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

9
VII. FIVE-YEAR REVIEW

Hazardous substances remain on the site above levels that allow for unlimited use and

unrestricted exposure; therefore five-year reviews are required. On August 2005 and August

2010, respectively, two five-year reviews (FYRs) were conducted. In August 2010, the FYR

concluded that the remedy at the Barceloneta Landfill currently protects human health and the

environment in the short term because all remedy components are functioning as intended and

institutional controls are in place to prevent exposure to contaminated groundwater. However,

in order for the remedy to be protective in the long term, it was recommended that the 0 & M

plan be reviewed to ensure that the appropriate monitoring wells are being sampled and the

correct analytes are being reported. In addition, surface water should be sampled as required by

the ROD.

In response to the recommendations identified in the 2010 FYR, EPA requested the PRPs to

review the 0 & M plan to ensure that the appropriate monitoring wells are being sampled and the

correct analytes reported. It was concluded that the correct monitoring wells are being sampled

and the appropriate parameters are being evaluated and reported. The groundwater will continue

to be monitored annually and the wells monitored and contaminants analyzed based on the

criteria identified in the 2000 O&M Plan.

In addition, the ROD stated that surface water monitoring would be conducted. After the FYR

was completed, it was concluded that surface water sampling would not be conducted because

there were no surface waters present at the site. The nearest surface water is the Ojo de Guillo, a

spring located 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) northeast of the site. Therefore, this recommendation was

not implemented.

VIII. SITE COMPLETION CRITERIA

Date

Walter E. Mugdan, ffirector

Emergency and Remedial Response Division

This site meets all the site completion requirements as specified in OSWER Directive 9320.2-22,

Close-Out Procedures for National Priorities List Sites. All remedial activities at the Barceloneta

Landfill are complete and the site poses no unacceptable risk to human health or the

environment. The only remaining CERCLA activities to be performed at the site are O&M and

five-year reviews. Therefore, EPA has determined that no further response action is necessary at

the Barce16heta Landfill Superfund Site.

10
IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Administrative Order on Consent, September 28, 1990

Remedial Investigation Report, May 1995

Feasibility Study Report, October 1995

Barceloneta Landfill Record of Decision, EPA, July 5, 1996

Consent Decree (CD) for Remedial Design and Remedial Action, September 30, 1997

Remedial Design Work Plan, September 17, 1999

Remedial Action Work Plan, December 16, 1999

Operation & Maintenance and Post-Remediation Monitoring Manual, February 26,2001

Remedial Action Completion Report, September 27,2001

First Five-Year Review Report, August 2005

Second Five-Year Review Report, August 2010

Groundwater Wells Location, Elevation & Flow Direction

Barceloneta Landfill Field Inspection and Maintenance Report, April 15, 2011

11
x. Groundwater Sampling Results

Location Mercury TDSTSS Chromium Sample Manganese Nickel

(me:/l) (mg/l) (me:/l) (mg/l) (me:/l) (mg/l)Sep-05 ND34430.0509 0.187 0.136

ND32630.150.037 0.147ND35830.1230.0595 0.0787

ND324ND0.616 0.095

ND304--- 11 0.0223 0.076625.5 .. 325 NDNT 0.557 0.281

ND310NDT NDNDND3258NDT 0.015 0.04

0.00777 772ND0.248 Sep-05 0.0212 0.107

0.0024 890.0125 1 0.124 0.1250.00104 956ND0.0106 0.557 0.217

0.088 902ND0.517 0.0603

0.0142 1020--- 0.0122 0.0573

0.00465 978NDT 0.0297 0.0703

0.00615 120 NTDNDND

0.00132 712NTD0.0233 ND

ND364NDSep-05 0.0431.27 0.485

ND33021.0322 1.04 0.41

ND36240.0209 1.08 0.341ND334ND9 0.535 0.226ND31622--- 0.204 0.212

ND33533.5 NT 2.18 0.768

ND325NT7.500.365 0.24

ND340NT6.500.434 0.192

NDSep-05 ND5140.0262 0.0138 0.0558

ND55820.0186 ND0.0351ND57440.0505 0.0413 0.0854ND534ND0.0147 0.0359

ND5149--- 0.0335 0.0502

ND335NDT NDND

ND460NDT 0.0154 0.0611

ND445NDT 0.0191 0.0469NDSep-05 ND3240.0295 0.0345 0.0538

ND35820.0464 0.0268 0.0582ND36430.0228 0.0202 0.0464ND332NDND0.018ND31821--- 0.0442 0.0558

ND340NDT NDNDND348NDT NDND

ND295NDT 0.0185 0.0665

0.001 1 0.010.01 0.02 1

--- NONE 0.0020.1 NONE 0.1---500 NONE --- 0.05 NONE

Notes: Bold values are above MCL or SDWS

NT = Sample Not Collected

ND = Not Detected

mg/I = milligrams per liter

Jlg/I = micrograms per liter

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level

SDWS = Secondary Drinking Water Standard

PQL = Practical Quantitation Limit

12
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