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·- DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE. NEW M f\PH Hi i9G1 Ms Judith M. Espinosa Secretary, New Mexico Environmental Department P.O. Box 26110 EID DIRECTOR'S OFFtCE .,..., Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502 Reference: Hazardous Waste Permit for Kirtland Air Force Base (9570024423) Dear Ms Espinosa The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Inspection for Solid Waste Management Unit's (SWMU) identified in Appendix I and items 6-11, 6-15, and 6-22 in Appendix II is submitted for your review (Atch 1). Initial field work on this plan will begin on or before 29 April 1991. If your review dis- closes any discrepancies or major problem areas, please contact Mr Davidson as soon as possible at (505) 846-2773. If there are discrepancies, we would appre- ciate written communication after any telephonic discussions. The Underground Storage Tanks (UST) items 8-35, 10-3, 10-4, and 10-5 are being addressed under the New Mexico UST program and are not included in this Work Plan. The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) regulations are no less stringent than the RCRA facility inspection that would have been conducted under this Work Plan. Any remediation will also be accomplished per the NMED UST regulations. The requirement for the Ground Water Installation and Soil Sampling Plans is included in the Work Plan and the Tijeras Arroyo Soil Characterization Work Plan by United States Geological Survey (USGS) (Atch 2). This soil sampling plan incorporates the investigation of the Tijeras and Coyote Arroyo and the soil sampling generated through coordination with the Bernalillo County/Kirtland Air Force Base Environmental Working Group. It was deemed important to conduct all these samples under the same sampling (Quality Control), analytical procedures, and data plan as required by the RCRA Facility Inspection Work Plan. Thank you for your review of the RCRA Facility Inspection Work Plan and Soil Sampling Plan. usAF Environmental Management Division 2 Atch 1. RCRA Facility Inspec Work Plan 2. Tijeras Arroyo Soil Characterization Work Plan cc: HQ MAC/LEEV (Mr Edwards) wo Atch HSD/YAQI (Mr Lundquist) wo Atch

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  • ·-DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE. NEW M

    f\PH Hi i9G1

    Ms Judith M. Espinosa L-1~"'------

    Secretary, New Mexico Environmental Department P.O. Box 26110

    EID DIRECTOR'S OFFtCE .,...,

    '{-f'~;; Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502

    Reference: Hazardous Waste Permit for Kirtland Air Force Base (9570024423)

    Dear Ms Espinosa

    The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Inspection for Solid Waste Management Unit's (SWMU) identified in Appendix I and items 6-11, 6-15, and 6-22 in Appendix II is submitted for your review (Atch 1). Initial field work on this plan will begin on or before 29 April 1991. If your review dis-closes any discrepancies or major problem areas, please contact Mr Davidson as soon as possible at (505) 846-2773. If there are discrepancies, we would appre-ciate written communication after any telephonic discussions.

    The Underground Storage Tanks (UST) items 8-35, 10-3, 10-4, and 10-5 are being addressed under the New Mexico UST program and are not included in this Work Plan. The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) regulations are no less stringent than the RCRA facility inspection that would have been conducted under this Work Plan. Any remediation will also be accomplished per the NMED UST regulations.

    The requirement for the Ground Water Installation and Soil Sampling Plans is included in the Work Plan and the Tijeras Arroyo Soil Characterization Work Plan by United States Geological Survey (USGS) (Atch 2). This soil sampling plan incorporates the investigation of the Tijeras and Coyote Arroyo and the soil sampling generated through coordination with the Bernalillo County/Kirtland Air Force Base Environmental Working Group. It was deemed important to conduct all these samples under the same sampling (Quality Control), analytical procedures, and data plan as required by the RCRA Facility Inspection Work Plan.

    Thank you for your review of the RCRA Facility Inspection Work Plan and Soil Sampling Plan.

    J;.d{f;ifr~@~one1, usAF D~c~or Environmental Management Division

    2 Atch 1. RCRA Facility Inspec Work Plan 2. Tijeras Arroyo Soil Characterization

    Work Plan

    cc: HQ MAC/LEEV (Mr Edwards) wo Atch HSD/YAQI (Mr Lundquist) wo Atch

  • • II II II II

    ' ' ' ~ I ~

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    INSTALLATION RESTORATION PROGRAM STAGE 2A

    Kirtland Air Force Base New Mexico 87117-5000

    WORK PLAN

    U.S. Geological Su~vey - Water Resources Division 4501 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 200 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

    April 1991

    Draft 2

    PREPARE:D FOR

    Headquarters Military Airlift Command (HQMAC/DEV) Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5001

    United States Air Force Human Systems Division (AFSC) IRP Program Office (HSD/YAQ) Brooks Air Force Base, Texas 78235-5000

    DRAFT

    KAFB1119

    I llllllll II/I lllll lllll llll II/II lllll lllll llll llll

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  • INSTALLATION RESTORATION PROGRAM STAGE 2A

    WORK PLAN FOR

    Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico 87117-5000

    Headquarters Military Airlift Command (HQ MAC/DEV)

    Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5001

    April 1991

    PREPARED BY

    U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division (USGS-WRD)

    4501 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 200 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

    USAF CONTRACT NO. OEH-90-USGS/l

    IRP PROGRAM OFFICE (HSD/YAQ)

    James F. Williams, Technical Project Manager

    HUMAN SYSTEMS DIVISION (AFSC) IRP PROGRAM OFFICE (HSD/YAQ) BROOKS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS 78235-5000

  • NOTICE

    This report has been prepared for the United States Air Force by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, New Mexico District for the purpose of aiding in the implementation of a final remedial action plan under the Air Force Installation Restoration Program (IRP). As the report relates to actual or possible releases of potentially hazardous substances, its release prior to an Air Force final decision on remedial action may be in the public's interest. The limited objectives of this report and the ongoing nature of the IRP, along with the evolving knowledge of site conditions and chemical effects on the environment and health, must be considered when evaluating this report, since subsequent facts may become known which may make this report premature or inaccurate. Acceptance of this report in performance of the contract under which it is prepared does not mean that the US Air Force adopts the conclusions, recommendations or other views expressed herein, which are those of the contractor only and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United States Air Force.

    Copies of this report may be purchased from:

    Government agencies and their contractors registered with the DTIC should direct requests for copies of this report to: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), Cameron Station, Alexandria, VA 22304-6145.

    Non-Government agencies may purchase copies of this document from: National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161.

  • SECL'?llf CLASSiFICA 7i0N OF fi-t1S ?.::.GE

    REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE I Form Appro-nd . OMS No. 0704-0188 I 1A. RE?ORT SECUR.ITY C:.ASSIFICAilON UNCLASSIFIED I lb. RESiRIGWE MARKINGS N/A 12.a. SECURITY Cl.A5SiFiCATION AUTHORITY 3. DlSiRIBUTION/AVAIUJllUTY OF RE?ORi

    l\J /r. Ap~roved for Public Release; 2b. DECLASSIFICAilON I DOWNGRADING SCHEDULE Distribution is Unlimited N/A

    4. PE?.FORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER(S) 5. MONITORING ORGANIZATION RE?ORi NUMBER(S)

    N/A N/A &&. NAME OF ?ERFORMING CRG.l.NIZAilON 6b. QF;:;c: SYMBOL 71. NAME OF MONITORING ORGANIZAilON

    U.S. Geological Survey (If JppiicJbie) Water Resources Division USGS AFOEHL/TS

    6i:. ADDRESS (City, 5tne, 1na i.IP Coat!) 7b. AODRE.SS (City, 5tJte. 1na ZIP Coae)

    4501 Indian School Rd. NE Albuquerque, New Me:d.co 87110 Brooks Aro, Texas 78235-5000

    8a. NAME OF FUNDING I Si'ONSORING cb. OFFICE SYMBOL 9. ?RCC..:REMENT INSiRUMENT IDENTiFIC,:..ilON NUMSER ORGANIZA7l0N (If •PpiiCJCJie)

    ,C'.,rlr.iO "'"' 7::> r.::'i::-an_nc::r:c: 11 Bi:. ADDRESS (City, 5tJte. 1na li? CooeJ 10. SOURC; OF FUNDING NUMBERS

    ?ROG MM ?ROJE._1 7.:..SK WORK. UNIT

    7b :~EMENT NO. NO. NO. :..cc:::SSION NO

    Same -o:: a~

    11. TITLE (lnc1uae 5ecumy C:•zinc~rionJ

    Installation Restoraticn P~ccr2.m, Phase II, Stace 2P..: WORK PLil.N lZ. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S)

    De.rn, B2.ll I Frei\;c..ld, Dave I Rovbal, Mfao ' i·~:.lc:Jx, Ral-:Jh 13a. TYPE OF RE?ORT I'-"' Tll~- cv·--;;;i r· -·-- o· --;ORT (Y M n r 5. ?;~: COUNT • ~ ..... : i.- c:i.:· • • . ...,.,..., : r I'\:. e•r, cnrn. --~YJ

    DRAFT F;:!OM anu=,/?7iO O?/'ll7 1991 April 16. SUPPLEMENTARY N07:.TICN

    17. cos.:.n c:J:i:s 18. SUEJE·-• 7:0i\MS (Ccr:tmue on n'YI!~ rr nece.t>Jry •na raenmy oy orocx. numoerJ FIELD I Gi\OUP I SU6-Gi\OUP Kirtland A2.~ Force Ba3e, ground water, monitoring wells,

    I I environme:it::.l sampling, landfills I I

    19. ASSIRACT (Continue on n'Yf!r'lf rt nece~ry •na raennry oy OJOCJC numoerJ

    This report describes the Kirtland Air Force Base work plan for the installation Restoration Program, Phase 11, Stage 2A. The work plan describes the investiga-ti on of twenty-one ( 2 1 ) Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU's) and sampling of thirteen ( 1 3) existing monitoring wells. Investigation of the Kirtland Air Force Base sites w i 11 be accomplished by i nsta 11 i ng groundwater man i tori ng wells, water and soil samp 1 i ng, geophysical surveys and soi 1 gas surveys. The report describes past burial practices, a summary of past investigations including analytical data, and a schedule for completing the work. - .

    20. DISTRIBUTION I AV All.ABILITY OF ABSIRACi 121. ABSTRACi SECURITY Cl.ASSIFICATlON 0 UNCl.ASSIFIEO/tJNLIMITEi) 0 SAME AS RPT. 0 one us::~s UNCLASSIFIED

    22a "!AME OF RES?ONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL '22b. TELEPHONE {lnc:tuca ArH CoaeJ I 2.lc.. OFFICE SYMBOL James F. Williams (512)536-9001 HSD/YAQ ~

    DO rorm 1473. JUN 86 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGc

  • PREFACE

    The purpose of this investigation is to determine if contamination has occurred in ground water, surface water, and soils immediately adjacent to 21 sites on Kirtland Air Force Base where contaminants were disposed of, leaked from storage areas, or spilled.

    This work is performed under the authority of the USAF Human Systems Division (HSD/YAQ), contract number 90-USGS/Ol.

    Project Chief of this investigation is Bill Dam. Technical support is provided by Miko Roybal and other employees of the New Mexico District of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division. Editorial and typing support for this report was provided by Mary Montano, Cindy Shattuck, and Leslie Duran. Illustrations were prepared by Barbara Henson. Chemical analyses will be performed by Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratory, a Division of Enseco, Arvada, Colorado. Drilling will be performed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Geologic Division.

    Appreciation is extended to the Base Points of Contact, Mr. Harry Davidson and Mr. John Gould, Environmental Management, Kirtland Air Force Base. The assistance and cooperation of the entire Kirtland Air Force Base is greatly appreciated.

    All work will be conducted between June 1990 and September 1992. Mr. Jim Williams, USAF Human Systems Division (HSD/YAQ), is the technical project manager for this investigation.

    Approved:

    Russell K. Livingston District Chief U.S. Geological Survey

    James F. Williams Technical Project Manager HSD/YAQ

  • TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Page

    1. 0 INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    1.1 Description of the Air Force IRP............................... 1

    1.2 History of Past IRP Work at the Installation................... 2

    1.3 Installation Description....................................... 3

    1.4 Description of Current Study................................... 5

    1.4.l Project objectives...................................... 5

    1. 4. 2 Scoping documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    2.0 SUMMARY OF EXISTING INFORMATION..................................... 12

    2.1 Installation Environmental Setting............................. 12

    2. 1. 1 Geographic setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

    2. 1. 2 Geology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

    2 .1. 3 Ground water...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

    2 .1. 4 Surface water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

    2.1.5 Climate ................................................. 18

    2.1.6 Biology ................................................. 19

    2 .1. 7 Demographics... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

    2.2 Site-specific Environmental Setting ............................ 20

    2.2.1 Site 1 Landfill No. 1. 20

    2.2.2 Site 2 Landfill No. 2. 22

    2.2.3 Site 3 Landfills No. 4/5/6. 24

    2.2.4 Site 4 Fire Training Area. 26

    2.2.5 Site 5 Sewage Lagoons. 28

    2.2.6 Site 6 Gold Course Pond. 30

    i

  • TABLE OF CONTENTS--Continued

    Page

    2.2.7 Site 7 Golf Course ...................................... 30

    2.2.8 Site 8 Explosive ordnance disposal range................ 33

    2.2.9 Site 9 Tijeras Arroyo ................................... 35

    2.2.10 Site 10 McCormick Ranch area............................ 35

    2.2.ll Site ll Landfill No. 3 .................................. 38

    2.2.12 Site 12 Landfill C ...................................... 38

    2.2.13 Site 13 Abandoned Landfill .............................. 41

    2.2.14 Site 14 Manzano Sewage Lagoon #1, 2, 3, 4, Drying

    Beds/Imhoff Tanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

    2.2.15 Site 15 Manzano Dump .................................... 44

    2.2.16 Site 16 Radioactive Burial Site......................... 44

    2.2.17 Site 17 Fill area southeast of Kirtland Sewage Lagoons.. 44

    2.2.18 Site 18 Unnamed Dump .................................... 48

    2.2.19 Site 19 Lake Christian.................................. 48

    2. 2. 20 Site 20 Landfill A...................................... 48

    2.2.21 Site 21 Landfill B...................................... 52

    2 . 3 Conceptual Site Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

    2.4 Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) .... 54

    2. 5 Data Needs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

    ii

  • TABLE OF CONTENTS--Continued

    Page

    3.0 REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION TASKS........................................ 66

    3.1 Site Objectives ................................................ 66

    3. 2 Field Investigation.......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

    3.2.l Field tasks ............................................. 66

    3.2.1.1 Soil-gas survey ................................ 66

    3.2.1.2 Surface geophysical survey..................... 67

    3.2.1.3 Well installation and development.............. 69

    3.2.1.4 Soil boring and hand augering.................. 69

    3 . 2 . 1 . 5 S 1 ug test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 9

    3. 2 .1. 6 Land surveying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

    3.2.2 Sampling and analysis activities ........................ 70

    3. 2. 2 .1 Water samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

    3. 2. 2. 2 Soil samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

    3.2.2.3 Field quality control (QC) samples............. 76

    3.3 Literature Search .............................................. 82

    3. 4 Record Keeping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

    3. 5 Data Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

    iii

  • TABLE OF CONTENTS--Concluded

    Page

    4. 0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

    4 .1 R & D Status Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

    4.2 Performance and Cost Report.................................... 85

    4.3 Informal Technical Information Reports......................... 85

    4. 4 Technical Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

    4.5 Quarterly Progress Reports..................................... 86

    4. 6 Special Notifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

    4. 7 Data Management... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

    5 . 0 PROJECT SCHEDULE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7

    6. 0 REFERENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

    iv

  • Figure 1. 3 . 1

    Figure 1. 4. 1

    Figure 2. 1. 2. 1

    Figure 2.1.2.2

    Figure 2.1.3.l

    LIST OF FIGURES

    Page

    Map showing location of Kirtland Air Force Base,

    New Mexico. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

    Map showing location of IRP Stage 2A investigation

    sites on Kirtland AFB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

    Block diagram of an area 33 miles square near

    Albuquerque, Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties,

    N. Mex., showing topography, generalized geology, and

    the water table in the alluvium and the Santa Fe Group ... 14

    Geology of Kirtland Air Force Base ....................... 15

    Map showing regional potentiometric surface of the

    basin-fill aquifer in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin ........ 17

    Figure 2.2.1.1 Map showing Site 1, Landfill No. 1 ....................... 21

    Figure 2.2.2.1 Map showing Site 2, Landfill No. 2 ....................... 23

    Figure 2.2.3.l Map showing Site 3, Landfills No. 4/5/6 .................. 25

    Figure 2.2.4.1 Map showing Site 4, Fire Training Area ................... 27

    Figure 2.2.5.1 Map showing Site 5, Sewage Lagoons ....................... 29

    Figure 2.2.6.l Map showing Site 6, Golf Course Pond ..................... 31

    Figure 2.2.7.1 Map showing Site 7, Golf Course .......................... 32

    Figure 2.2.8.l Map showing Site 8, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Range .... 34

    Figure 2.2.9.l Map showing Site 9, Tijeras Arroyo ....................... 36

    Figure 2.2.10.l Map showing Site 10, McCormick Ranch ..................... 37

    Figure 2.2.11.l Map showing Site 11, Landfill No. 3 ...................... 39

    v

  • LIST OF FIGURES--Concluded

    Page

    Figure 2.2.12.1 Map showing Site 12, Landfill C .......................... 40

    Figure 2.2.13.l Map showing Site 13, Abandoned Landfill .................. 42

    Figure 2.2.14.l Map showing Site 14, Manzano Sewage Lagoon #1, 2, 3, 4,

    Drying Beds/Imhoff Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

    Figure 2.2.15.1 Map showing Site 15, Manzano Dump ........................ 45

    Figure 2.2.16.l Map showing Site 16, Radioactive Burial Site RB-11 ....... 46

    Figure 2.2.17.1 Map showing Site 17, Unnamed Dump ........................ 47

    Figure 2.2.18.l Map showing Site 18, Lake Christian ...................... 49

    Figure 2.2.19.l Map showing Site 19, Burn/Detonation Pit, EOD Range ...... SO

    Figure 2.2.20.1 Map showing Site 20, Landfill A .......................... 51

    Figure 2.2.21.l Map showing Site 21, Landfill B .......................... 53

    Figure 5.1 Proposed schedule for the Stage 2A investigation ......... 88

    vi

  • Table 1.4

    Table 1. 4.1

    Table 2.3.1

    Table 2.4.l

    Table 2.5.1

    Table 3. 2. 1. 1

    Table 3.2.2.1

    LIST OF TABLES

    Page

    RCRA Corrective Action Compliance Schedule,

    Appendices I, II, I II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

    List of sites for IRP Stage 2A studies on Kirtland

    AFB ...................................................... 10

    Summary of existing information about the contamination

    at each site ............................................. 55

    Applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements ...... 60

    Summary of the data needs at the Stage 2A sites .......... 65

    Summary of the number of field tasks to be conducted

    at each site ............................................. 68

    Summary of the number of samples to be collected at

    each site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

    Table 3.2.2.2.l Summary of the number of analyses by analytical

    method for each site ..................................... 72

    Table 3.2.2.3.l Summary of the number of field QC samples by

    analytical method ........................................ 77

    vii

  • 1.0 INTRODUCTION

    WORK PLAN IRP REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION

    STAGE 2A KIRTLAND AFB, NEW MEXICO

    1.1 Description of the Air Force IRP

    The U.S. Air Force (USAF), in performing its primary mission of defense of the United States, has frequently engaged in operations that deal with toxic and hazardous materials. The Department of Defense (DOD) has implemented the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) to identify the location and contents of past toxic and hazardous material disposal or spill sites and to eliminate the hazards to the public health and the environment in an environmentally responsible manner. The DOD issued Defense Environmental Quality Program Policy Memorandum (DEQPPM) 80-6 in June 1980, which mandated that hazardous waste material sites on DOD installations be identified. The USAF implemented DEQPPM 80-6 by initiating the IRP Program in December 1980. The current IRP policy is contained in DEQPPM 81-5, dated December 11, 1981, and was implemented by U.S. Air Force Message 211807Z in January 1982.

    DOD policy is to identify and fully evaluate suspected problems associated with past hazardous contamination, and to control hazards to the public health and welfare that result from these past operations. The IRP is the basis for response actions on USAF installations under the provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as clarified by Executive Order 12316, and the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986.

    The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA of 1986) confirms that CERCLA of 1980 is applicable to Federal facilities and defines the process by which Federal agencies are required to undertake remedial actions at their facilities. In early 1987, the USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory/Technical Services Division (USAFOEHL/TS), now Human Systems Division (HSD/YAQ) for whom this study is being conducted, revised the former four-phase IRP to conform with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State regulatory agency guidelines for conducting the remedial response process. This current study of the Kirtland AFB is the Remedial Investigation (RI), Stage 2A (hereafter referred to as "Stage 2A").

    1

  • 1.2 History of Past IRP Work at the Installation

    Previous IRP investigations at Kirtland AFB (KAFB) began with the Phase I-Records Search Report (Engineering Science, 1981). This report consisted of a search of pertinent installation records, a literature search of published and unpublished reports, discussions with key installation personnel (both active and retired), an examination of topographic and geologic maps, an examination of aerial photographs, site visits, and an assessment of the hazard potential of each waste disposal site. Phase I identified twenty-one (21) disposal sites on KAFB lands as potential contamination sources which were prioritized for a Phase II evaluation. Phase II, Stage 1 was conducted by Science Application International Corporation at seven (7) sites which consisted of acquisition and analysis of preliminary site-specific environmental data to identify the environmental status and propose remedial actions where applicable (Science Application International Corporation, 1985).

    Ten (10) sites were studied by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), New Mexico District (hereafter referred to as "Geological Survey") in Phase II, Stage 2 beginning in 1988 with the final report in progress. The 10 sites were selected because they are sites at which potential contaminants were stored, discharged, or applied, based upon earlier studies and sampling done by the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Division. These 10 sites are the first 10 sites for continued investigation described in this work plan for Stage 2A.

    2

  • 1.3 Installation Description

    Kirtland AFB is located (fig. 1.3.1) southeast of and adjacent to the City of Albuquerque in central New Mexico. The area designated as KAFB includes lands and facilities owned and operated by the U.S. Air Force, three areas owned by the DOE with facilities operated and maintained by Sandia National Laboratories, lands leased from the U.S. Forest Service, and several off-base facilities. At present, the basic missions of KAFB are to support research and development and to train pararescue medics. The details regarding these resident units and their respective missions are presented in the Phase I report. (Engineering Science, 1981).

    Since the initiation of construction activities in 1941, the KAFB area has been administered by a variety of military organizations with missions typically directed to aviation training and miscellaneous research activities. No written records regarding the nature of wastes generated or of disposal activities prior to 1960 were found during the course of the previous Phase II investigation. General refuse generated by KAFB is currently placed in Landfill No. 6 with activities monitored by KAFB personnel.

    KAFB and the City of Albuquerque rely heavily on the Santa Fe Formation aquifer as a source of large quantities of potable water. Over half of KAFB overlies the Santa Fe Formation. The water table is generally at depths of 300 to 600 feet below ground surface on base and potential for a saturated connection (and potential contaminant migration) between the sites and the water table is low.

    There have been studies of ground-water contamination in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area at least since 1955 according to Geological Survey records. Reports from studies have described excessive nitrate concentrations in the Mountainview subdivision area (located southwest of KAFB) and at various locations in Tijeras Canyon. The Mountainview area was hydraulically downgradient from KAFB prior to the time that water level declines as the result of pumping of municipal wells north of the base resulted in a change in the direction of ground-water flow probably sometime in the 1970's (New Mexico Environmental Improvement Division, 1987). The nitrate contamination sites in Tijeras Canyon are hydraulically upgradient from KAFB and are thought to be independent of base activities.

    3

  • .i::-

    NEVADA I I I UTAH I I I

    '- I I ' I I \. I I

    ' I I

    COLORADO

    '-..,....-,__..-'-...... _

    I I I I I I

    '

    KANSAS

    L -------,-- OKLAHOMA

    ' I - - - - - --- - -- - _ I \. I ---;--------

    '\. I I ' . \--"'- ........ \. \ I ' \ I

    ' > I CALIFORNIA \ / Albuquerque

    ~) I ( ARIZONA I

    (J I I I NEW MEXICO

    i:. , ' I 1:;: '-.--..._ 1}.

    /-------1

    ' ' ' ' ' ~'-'""' I~· .. ·-··- .. - •• _ .. _!) I

    ~n. L;l\, , , : '\o I:: .. : ::·::·~-'~- '-.. I \\_ - -- -- - - -- -- _ J .... .. ........... , ~ ··:.· :.·=··=···:··~ ......... r - - - --... ::::· :::;::::::;:::.'~W '- I I \ Q TEXAS ~~~n~ ·~HH~H~HHHH: -- - .. -··- .. -- -··--·· J .'-~, •:.... .. ..... ·:........ '1-..... :.•::· ::·:=··=··!!··!·· '-"~ :::::: !•\ ::::::;;:;:::!::; '\

    '--~

    i ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... M E X I C 0 '\. ' - N . :::::: :::·:: :: :: :: ···=·· ...... ...... :::::: ...... ::; : :: ~

    . . .. .. n;: ....

    \ ''i

    l .J'·~ .. ~ •. , . ,.. '\ \-.. / .................

    '-, ' ' ..,. ~'r .

    Figure 1.3.1.--Location of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

    ~

  • 1.4 Description of Current Study

    In April 1988, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region VI, performed a Preliminary Review/Visual Site Inspection (Kearney/Centaur, 1988) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as part of the process for approving the RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Part B permit application for KAFB. Appendix I, II and III of the RCRA Corrective Action Compliance Schedule identified numerous solid waste management units (SWMUs) which required further investigation and characterization (table 1.4). Since sixteen of these SWMUs are areas of inactive hazardous waste disposal, the RCRA "corrective action" will be implemented under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), which has been further refined by the Air Force as the Air Force Installation Restoration Program (IRP). The IRP is the basis for response actions on Air Force installations under the provisions of DERP for cleanup of past disposal and landfill sites. Current DOD policy is to use the EPA Remedial Investigation terminology and process in carrying out the IRP.

    1.4.1 Project objectives

    In this project the Geological Survey will investigate twenty-one (21) sites in Stage 2A (fig. 1.4.1) for possible hazardous materials in the water and soil from past disposal and landfill sites. These sites are listed in table 1. 4 .1.

    The objective of this Stage 2A effort is to conduct a remedial investigation of twenty-one past land disposal and explosion test sites including the sampling of existing monitoring wells as part of the RCRA "corrective action." This work is intended to identify and characterize past releases that may have occurred at KAFB.

    NOTE: The four underground storage tanks (8-35 to 10-5) listed in Appendix I (table 1.4) of the Kearney/Centaur (1988) report will be examined by KAFB personnel and addressed in the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program by the State of New Mexico. However, the first three of the sites listed in Appendix II are included in this Stage 2A investigation.

    5

  • SWMU if

    6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-7 6-8 6-10 6-16 6-17 6-19 6-24 6-25 6-26 6-27 6-28 6-29 6-30 6-31 8-35 10-3 10-4 10-5

    Table 1.4--RCRA Corrective Action Compliance Schedule

    Appendix I

    Landfill 1 Landfill 2 Landfill 3 Landfill 4 Landfill 6 Landfill A Landfill B Landfill c Abandoned Landfill Kirtland Fire Control Training Area 2 Drains at Kirtland Fire Control Training Area Detonation Pit EOD Range Manzano Sludge Drying Beds Manzano Sewage Overflow Lagoon 1 Manzano Sewage Overflow Lagoon 2 Manzano Sewage Overflow Lagoon 3 Manzano Sewage Overflow Lagoon 4 Manzano Dump Radioactive Burial Site #11 McCormick Range/Ranch Waste Oil Storage Tank Building 20215-Tank T-20215, the AAFES service station Building 1016-Tank T-02413 Building 1016-Tank T-02412

    6

  • SWMU #

    6-11 6-15 6-22 8-5 8-6 8-13 8-26 8-28 8-29 8-31 8-47 8-55

    9-14 9-15 9-16 10-7

    6-A 6-C

    Table 1.4--RCRA Corrective Action Compliance Schedule--Continued

    Appendix II

    Fill Area Southeast of Kirtland Sewage Lagoons Unnamed Dump Lake Christian Oil/Water Separator Silver Recovery Unit Building 1001 and 1002 - Oil/Water Separator Building 1063 - Oil/Water Separator Building 20338 - Oil/Water Separator Building 20344 - Oil/Water Separator Building 20348 - Oil/Water Separator Building 20423 - Oil/Water Separator Building 20687 - CE Wash Rack Drain Field/French drain

    (buried gravel trench) Building 617 Piping Trench Building 617 Dilution Pit Building 617 - Dilution Pond 10-20 - Oil/Water Separators

    Radioactive Burial Sites - RB-4 through RB-9 and RB-9 Mine Shafts

    7

  • SWMU if

    6-14 6-18 8-41 8-49 8-58 9-4 9-20 10-1 10-2

    10-21 8-53

    AOC 6.B 6.E.

    Table 1.4--RCRA Corrective Action Compliance Schedule--Concluded

    Appendix I II

    Treated Sewage Effluent Transmission Line Jet Engine Burn Area Near Fire Control Training Area Building 20423 - Waste Battery Storage Area Building 20427 - Fuel Shop Battery Storage Area Building 57007 - Battery Storage Area Building 617 - Waste Accumulation Area Building 909 - Inactive Waste Accumulation Area Sanitary Sewer System Storm Sewer System A. Corrosion-Control Shop, Bldg. 482 (Sand trap to drain

    field) B. Paint Shop, Bldg. 1001, Storm Drain C. Plating and Anodizing, Bldg. 1001, Storm Drain D. Propulsion Branch, Bldg. 336, Grease Trap to storm

    Sewer E. Jet-Engine Test Cell, Bldg. 702, Washdown to Drainage

    Ditch F. H-3/H-53 Phase Dock, Bldg. 1000, Storm Sewer G. C-130 Maintenance Shop, Bldg. 1009, Storm Sewer H. Paint Shop, Bldg. 20681, Sanitary Sewer I. Line Division, Bldg. 1002, Oil/Water Separator to

    Storm Sewer 10-53 - Septic Tank System Building 20681 (Paint Shop) rockbed next to the shop

    Unit Dirt Mounds Rocket Impact Zone

    8

  • ID

    / ALBUQUERQUE .····1... .•. -··············· / 1 .

    GIBSON DJ!!! ___ ._Jr'.__ -,_;; ,. ........... ·1· : /• ••••••• > y --·- . _, . ''if " . • I'll llOllll~-~-!!... ..... . I [,,.,,.,.,,,, ; \ r; __ _ , I ... !~~-!!!,~!!!!.~---··········· :L ~ -rl,;,;;·~11u ,.,~, ··; .• ····9 ••••••••••••••••1.., !.;; - ' I .... ····· ·····--=~. .. .. r. : - -?;~-------·==----...... . . o , .......... j I 3 -·-·· Je 1 . - • 11 • I •4 • a· 4!1 ...• -'\'-- ••• ..... ~ r 1 11• t r . ~--/·· l• ' ... " l. ·\111 s . /;../ 20 es FACIU'"-~' · ,.,£ •• ... . ·····-'··-· . - . ·--- ""

    "····-- I - .. '---·G~~ CUUllSE .. ' 9•• . • 13 "'"" ·lj • 'v I ""• • .,... - .... - • .... ~, (j 7 ·f 111\llll\llU l\llEI\

    A nloo•I : 2 " ' 4" Intern t l ;-'}11111111.!i..l

    Al cpo• •'

  • USGS Site No.

    Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4

    Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Site 11 Site 12 Site 13 Site 14

    Site 15 Site 16 Site 17 Site 18 Site 19 Site 20 Site 21

    Table 1.4.1--List of sites for IRP Stage 2A studies on Kirtland AFB

    EPA SWMU #

    6-1 6-2 6-4,6-5 6-16

    6-19

    6-31 6-3 6-8 6-10 6-24 to 6-28 6-19 6-30 6-11 6-15 6-22 6-6 6-7

    Site Name KAFB

    Site No.

    Landfill No. 1 LF-01 Landfill No. 2 LF-02 Landfills No. 4/5/6 Fire Training Pit FT-13, 3 Fire Training Pit Drainage FT-39 and ST-325 Sewage Lagoons Golf Course Pond Golf Course Explosive Ordnance Disposal Range Tijeras Arroyo McCormick Ranch Landfill No. 3 LF-03 Landfill C LF-22 Abandoned Landfill LF-09 Manzano Sewage Lagoon #1 (WP-40), 2 (WPC-41). 3 (WPC-42, and 4 (WPC)-43), two Drying Beds (WP-16) and Imhoff Tank Manzano Dump LF-20 Radioactive Burial Site RB-11 LF-25 Fill Area Southeast of Kirtland Sewage Lagoon LF-44 Unnamed Dump LF-45 Lake Christian LF-46 Landfill A LF-18 Landfill B LF-15

    10

  • 1.4.2 Scoping documents

    The following scoping documents will be prepared for the Stage 2A investigation at KAFB.

    WORK PLAN - The work plan (this document) has been developed in part on the Phase I (Engineering-Science, 1981) and Stage I reports (Science Application International Corporation, 1985), preliminary data from Stage 2 (U.S. Geological Survey, in press), and the requirements set forth by the Statement of Work (SOW) for the KAFB Stage 2A study.

    SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS PLAN (SAP) - The SAP will address the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) objectives for the study. All facets of the study such as sampling, laboratory analysis, field analysis, and chain-of-custody procedures will be addressed. The SAP will be prepared consistent with the requirements set forth in the EPA document Interim Guidelines and Specifications for Preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans (USEPA, 1980), and the outline provided in the Handbook to Support IRP Statements of Work for RI/FS (the "Handbook"), Version 3.0 (U.S. Air Force, 1989).

    HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN - A Health and Safety Plan for the Stage 2A study at KAFB will be developed. The Health and Safety Plan will address the following areas: safety training, level of protection, monitoring procedures, on-site safety procedures, emergency procedures, safety responsibility, and documentation of health and safety activities. The Health and Safety Plan will be consistent with all applicable laws and regulations and will be approved by the USGS Safety Officer.

    11

  • 2.0 SUMMARY OF EXISTING INFORMATION

    2.1 Installation Environmental Setting

    A summary of the available information on the environmental setting of KAFB is discussed in the following sections. This includes the geographic setting, geology, ground water, surface water, climate, biology, and demographics.

    2.1.1 Geographic setting

    Kirtland AFB is located in the Rio Grande valley of the Mexican Highland subdivision of the Basin and Range physiographic province. The Rio Grande valley is a depressed linear feature extending from the headwaters of the Rio Grande in the central Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado, through New Mexico and Texas to the western edge of the Gulf of Mexico. In the Albuquerque area, the north trending Rio Grande valley is bounded on the east by the Sandia Mountains (northeast of KAFB) and the Manzano Mountains (east and south of KAFB). These mountains form north-trending, west-facing scarps that rise more than 5,000 feet above the valley floor. The western margin of the Rio Grande valley is less pronounced where the topographic boundary of the Rio Grande valley is the east edge of Ceja Mesa and the physiographic subdivision boundary west of the Rio Puerco.

    Lambert (1968) divided the Rio Grande valley in the Albuquerque area into six physiographic subdivisions. Kirtland AFB occupies two of these physiographic subdivisions: (1) the west front of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, and (2) the Sandia-Manzano piedmont plain between the mountains and the inner valley of the Rio Grande (Lambert, 1968). The piedmont surface ranges in altitude from 6,000 feet at the mountain to 5,000 feet at the steep scarp on the eastern edge of the inner valley. The gradient of the piedmont surface averages about 70 feet per mile to the west, but tapers to about 15 feet per mile to the west and locally dips to the east.

    12

  • 2.1.2 Geology

    The Albuquerque area lies mostly within the Rio Grande depression, which is a series of grabens and structural basins having a general north-south alignment and which is bordered on the east and west by upfaulted blocks (fig. 2.1.2.1). Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks exposed in the Albuquerque area range in age from Precambrian to Halocene (fig. 2.1.2.2). Rocks older than Tertiary are exposed in the Sandia and Manzano Mountains to the east and in the Rio Puerco valley and on the highlands west of the Zia Indian Reservation.

    The geologic units in the Albuquerque area range in age from Precambrian (1.5 billion years old) to Holocene and consist of sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and unconsolidated materials. Within the boundaries of Kirtland AFB there are complex associations of Precambrian crystalline rocks in the eastern, mountainous areas (Kirtland East). Most of the bedrock units in the Kirtland AFB area have been faulted downward in a series of rift-or graben-type faults. Bedrock is exposed at land surface in the eastern part of the base, but may be several thousand feet deep in the western part of the area.

    The most substantial surficial geologic units in the Kirtland AFB area are the Holocene deposits that include the flood-plain alluvium, eolian sands, lacustrine deposits, and the Quaternary-Tertiary Santa Fe Formation. The Santa Fe Formation is the most predominant of the units because it may exceed 6,000 feet in thickness. The Santa Fe Formation and younger rocks are commonly referred to as valley fill.

    13

  • .......

    .i::-.

    Sonlo Ano

    ... ~ I

    ~ ~ •

    . Qh

    ..

    Source: Bjorklund and Maxwell, 1961. t [ 'i] }1

    _;~-~~~: ~ Allu•lua

    ) Hootlr unconoo1Uote4 anvol, .. n4, milt, •eel clay. Uel1h bra• quanttth• of vat.er tQ .. u •.

    i ""· I l rj ~- --=-~·~.:... ~ ll&nta ra 1roup ii tl>atl7 uncon11ol tftated to looeel r •••Uk•M '"'"" ~~. •U•, d an4 chy, •tlb eoee lntnbe1S4ed Is -.olcanlo rock•. Jnch1d•• beJa4a • 1 d1J0alt.• of 1'1c•nl •&•• Yhlth l•r1• quantl ll•• or nhr to

    ~······ 'I r s s s s ... l..._ s \ s - s s .. \\ \ X 's,' 1lly llme•lone, ••~•lone,

    and •ti.ah. lhl4 .. u quant.ltlH of waler to wel ll

    ll

    I

    ll

    I

    ·~1000

    _1 , ' ,. , .. · ·-:l•ooo

    t~~j Oranlllc arllll ••-...Ofllbla rodla,

    1lel4 .. u pntltl•• ol water to well•

    9000

    t 4000 t

    I

    JOOO i ~

    -·-}I

    Figure 2.1.2.1 -- Block diagram of an area 33 miles square 11car N. Mex., showing topography, generalizccl geology, and Fe group.

    Al~uquerque, Der·nalillo and Sandoval Counties, Ll1c water table in the alluvium and the Santa

  • I.,., ..,. ! .... - '··~ ·•. q• c:r·:. .·:;.. -•·\-· :::o.~--~.!·~-_.:.~r.~.::_•,.~ ..... ·••:•;;'"'•.:• ---

    S'(MBOL DESCRIPTION

    Qua -ce rna r·1: alluvial sands and gravels

    Quater:iar1: terrace and pediment sands, gravels, cal iche

    • .:.,]+ .... ·.l Quaternary: upper Santa Fe Group sediments

    Cretaceous: consolidated sedimentary rocks, undivided

    Triassic: consolidated sedimentary rocks, undiveded

    !-····",···.:! Permian: consolidated sedimentary rocks, undivided

    [:: : :1 Permian: Abo sandstone

    Permian: Yeso Formation sandstone

    Pennsylvanian: Madera Limestone and Sandia Formation

    Pre-Cambrian: consolidated rocks, undivided

    SOURCE: Dane and Bachman, 1965

    Figure 2. 1.2.2 -- Geology of Kirtland Air Force Base

    15

  • 2.1.3 Ground water

    Kirtland AFB contains three potential sources of ground water: fractured bedrock; shallow alluvial deposits; unconsolidated and semiconsolidated sedimentary deposits of the Santa Fe Formation. Wells east of Kirtland AFB typically rely on penetrating fractured or naturally permeable rocks for water. The shallow alluvial deposits are used as a source of potable water along the Rio Grande River floodplain. The Santa Fe Formation is the principle aquifer for the City of Albuquerque and KAFB. All of the IRP study sites lie over the Santa Fe aquifer.

    The ground-water reservoir is recharged by infiltration of precipitation; by seepage from streams, drains, canals, and surface reservoirs; by infiltration of applied irrigation water; and by underflow of ground water from adjacent areas. Ground water in the valley fill generally is under water-table or semi-confined conditions. Sediments east of the Rio Grande generally are more permeable than sediments underlying or west of the Rio Grande valley.

    The regional potentiometric surface in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin slopes diagonally downvalley from the bases of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains on the east toward a ground-water depression, or "trough" about 8 miles west of the Rio Grande (fig. 2.1.3.1). The water table beneath the Rio Grande slopes southward at approximately the same gradient as the river. A localized ground-water depression has formed in the eastern part of Albuquerque as the result of pumping from city wells which has produced a localized reversal of the regional ground-water gradients within KAFB. Ground water generally flows northward across KAFB. At all of the KAFB sites except McCormick Ranch (site 10) the ground-water flow direction is expected to be to the north. However, site-specific information obtained by installation of monitoring wells will be necessary to accurately define the movement of ground water at several sites. Depth to water, measured in August 1990, in 10 of the 12 existing monitoring wells ranged from approximately 310 to 487 feet.

    Water in the area is chemically suitable for most uses. Of 68 ground-water samples collected in the Albuquerque area from sediments of Tertiary age, 61 were fresh, 6 were slightly saline, and 1 was moderately saline. Water in sediments of Quaternary age usually is more mineralized than water in the older valley fill. The chemical quality of water in deposits of Quaternary age has improved since the construction of drains in 1930. Ground water contamination on base does not appear to be present based on a single sample analysis from each of the two monitoring wells downgradient from landfill 1 and 2.

    Water is pumped from wells for public, irrigation, industrial, commercial, domestic, and stock uses. Wells having large yields usually are drilled at least 200 feet into water-bearing material. The municipal water system of the City of Albuquerque is supplied from wells ranging in depth from 65 to 1,284 feet. The average daily pumpage in Albuquerque in 1985 was 274 acre-feet. Several schools, hotels, hospitals, public buildings, and government installations in and near Albuquerque are supplied with water from privately and institutionally owned wells. Many industries and commercial institutions obtain their water from privately owned wells. Many small-yield wells are used to irrigate small farms and gardens. An inventory of large capacity wells owned by KAFB and the City of Albuquerque and their locations was accomplished in the Phase I study.

    16

  • I JS~ I_

    JO' i

    I I

    I 3 5 , ;

    0 Q' I

    I

    1 07• oo• ·

    ;

    \

    ' \

    \ I I

    ,.. -

    \

    I I

    AFB

    -

    Mod;fied frcm Kernoale and Sect:, 1986

    · EXPLANATTON

    POTENT I OMEii\1 C CONTOUR--Shews alti:~cie at whic~ water level would have steed in tightly cased wells, 1560. Dashed where accroximat~ly located. Contour in:erval 50 fe~c. Dae~~ is sea le'lei

    ~DI RECi I ON C~ C-1\0UND-......,........ 1..'ATE?. FLC'..'

    0 to %0 MI LES , I 0 I 0 Zo Kl LCMETERS

    Figure 2.1.3.1 -- Regional potentiometric surface of the basin-fill aquifer in the Albuquerque - Belen Basin.

    l 7

  • 2.1.4 Surface Water

    The Albuquerque area is drained by a single perennial stream, the Rio Grande. Drainage of land areas such as the mesa is accomplished by overland flow to arroyos and then to off-base flood canals and drains (man-made drainage canals or other similar features), or to surface soils by infiltration along the arroyo channel. Water reaching canals or drains is redirected to the Rio Grande. Flooding is not a problem typical of the Kirtland area, although localized flooding may occur for brief periods where surface drainage is restricted within erosional features such as arroyos. The primary surface flows through Kirtland AFB occur in the Tijeras Arroyo and Arroyo del Coyote only after rainfall.

    Because surface flow through KAFB occurs only for a short period after rainfall, surface water has not been routinely sampled. sample surface water entering and leaving the base was part of investigation, however, the results are not yet available.

    2.1.5 Climate

    immediately An effort to the Stage 2

    The climate of KAFB and vicinity is classified as "arid continental." The mean annual precipitation is 8.4 inches (at Albuquerque International Airport). The average monthly precipitation in the Albuquerque area ranges from less than 1 inch during November through March to more than 1.25 inches in July and August. The winter months are typically dry with monthly snowfalls seldom exceeding 3 inches. Snow rarely last longer than 24 hours in the non-mountainous areas. Typically, the summer months receive almost half of the annual moisture in the form of brief but locally heavy thunderstorms. Prolonged periods of continuous precipitation are rare.

    The annual mean maximum temperature at KAFB is 69 °F. The annual mean minimum temperature is 44 °F. The highest mean maximum temperature is 91 °F in July and the lowest mean minimum temperature is 24 °F in January.

    The prevailing wind direction from May through October is south or southeast and the mean wind speed is 7 to 9 knots. From November through April the prevailing wind direction is north or north-northwest and the mean wind speed is 6 to 9 knots.

    Potential evapotranspiration (evaporation occurring when no soil-water deficit exists) for the Albuquerque area is 30.9 inches. Actual evapotranspiration has been determined to be about 95% of precipitation in this climatic regime, and the remaining 5% is divided equally between runoff and recharge (Corps of Engineers and others, 1979).

    No studies have been identified dealing with pollution characteristics or ambient air quality at KAFB.

    18

  • 2.1.6 Biology

    The vegetation on KAFB can be classified into two basic ecological associations: the Pinyan-Juniper Association and the Grassland Association. The Pinyan-Juniper Association has a lower elevational limit of 5,800 feet, with Colorado pinyon pine and the one-seed juniper co-dominants in this association. The understory in this association is dominated by grasses and shrubs. The Grassland Association has an upper elevational limit of 5,800 feet and extends throughout the remainder of KAFB. Within this association over 50 species of grasses can be found, but only a relatively small number are abundant. Black grama, sand muhly, threeawn, Indian ricegrass, six-weeks grama, fluff grass, and spike dropseed are the most common. Several shrubs are also common in the Grassland Association. There are no fishing streams or lakes on KAFB. Wildlife is so sparse that for the best interest of ecology, safety and security, hunting is not allowed.

    The area does, however, support a variety of animal life. In view of the lack of competition from livestock, animal populations that feed on grasses and other range plants are abundant. Evidence supporting this contention is apparent in the sightings of numerous rodent burrows and mule deer, which are uncommon throughout much of the year but descend to this zone from higher elevations to winter.

    Birds are the most commonly seen animal on base. In the Grassland Association, horned larks, meadowlarks, thrashers, predatory birds (hawks, owls, vultures) several species of sparrows, scaled quail, and mourning doves are the most often seen species. Scrub jays, plain titmouse, bushtits, woodpeckers of several species, and warblers occur in the Pinyan-Juniper Association as year-round residents.

    None of the wildlife listed below as being endangered on the federal list actually inhabits KAFB, but may exist within a 50-mile radius of the installation.

    Federal Listing Eagle, Southern Bald Falcon, American Peregrine Ferret, Black-footed Falcon, Arctic Peregrine Cranes, Whooping

    2.1.7 Demographics

    State Listing None

    The principal population center in the state of New Mexico is the City of Albuquerque, which had a 1990 population of 384,736. This city joins KAFB along the base's northern and western boundary. Mountainview and Pajarito are subdivisions of the unincorporated South Valley. These subdivisions are 5 to 7 miles west of KAFB. The South Valley had a population of 38,898 in 1980. Other areas include Tijeras, 5 miles northeast of the base, which had a population of 311 in 1980. The total KAFB workforce of 16,600 includes tenants and 31 contractors (Engineering-Science, 1981).

    The base covers 46,389 acres and contains 742 buildings with 5.6 million square feet of floor space. (Engineering-Science, 1981). The area immediately north of KAFB is comprised predominately of urban areas with some open space and forest land to the northeast and east. Land use to the west of the base is a mix of airport facilities, private dwellings, and industrial facilities. Land use to the southwest of the base is a mix of urban areas, small farms, ranches, and some industry. South and southeast of the base, lands are mostly open-space areas belonging to the Isleta Pueblo.

    19

  • 2.2 Site-specific Environmental Setting

    For each site to be investigated in Stage 2A, a brief summary of the available information will be discussed. These discussions include the sites location, approximate size, period of operation, waste disposal practices, a discussion of the previous IRP field investigations and results. Although sites 1-10 previously investigated in Stage 2 are being investigated in Stage 2A, the data gathered at these sites during Stage 2 has not been fully evaluated and should be considered preliminary. Section 2.0 presents the exact objectives for each site based on information and data previously gained. Section 3.0 describes details of the proposed remedial investigations including installation of ground-water monitoring wells. Proposed sampling locations are shown in Section 2.2.1 to 2.2.19.

    2.2.l Site 1 Landfill No. 1

    Landfill No. 1 is located in the northwest part of Kirtland AFB on the north rim of Tijeras Canyon about 800 feet south of an Albuquerque International Airport runway (fig. 1.4.1). The approximately 53 acre site was operated from 1965-75 as an area trench-and-fill landfill (fig. 2.2.1.1). The material placed in the landfill includes general refuse, hard fill (building debris) and some evidence of hazardous materials (drums, oil-soaked insulation). Cover conditions in the south central portion of the site are poor and fill material is exposed. Land surface slopes generally to the south and the site is dissected by a modified natural surface-drainage channel that joins Tijeras Arroyo about 1 mile to the south. Kirtland AFB production well #2 is located approximately 150 feet northeast of the site.

    Monitoring well DM-01 was installed in Phase II, Stage 1 (fig. 2.2.1.1) and was sampled for TOG, TOX, & N0 3 in January 1984. The analytical results showed a concentration of 0.02 mg/L organic chloride. In April 1990 well DM-01 was resampled as part of the Phase II, Stage 2 project. The sample was analyzed for halogenated volatiles, aromatic volatiles, semivolatiles, explosives, total and dissolved metals, forms of nitrogen, major anions, petroleum hydrocarbons, and total dissolved solids. The analytical results showed a concentration of 0.0080 mg/L total chromium and 0.0066 mg/L dissolved chromium.

    In Phase II, Stage 1 soil samples were taken from two slanted auger holes under the fill material. The samples were analyzed for TOX, oil & grease, and a scan of metals, pesticides, and herbicides. The analytical results showed concentrations of 8 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg lead in the soils.

    Hand auger soil samples were collected Phase II, Stage 2 project (fig. 2.2.1.1). for volatiles, semivolatiles, explosives, petroleum hydrocarbons. Concentrations di-n-octylphalate, and 30.0 mg/kg total in three respective samples.

    from six locations as part of the These soil samples were analyzed

    metals, forms of nitrogen, and total of 0.99 mg/kg chrysene, 1.1 mg/kg petroleum hydrocarbons were detected

    The objective for Stage 2A is to determine the extent and magnitude of contamination in the soil, vadose zone, and ground water at Landfill No. 1. Figure 2.2.1.l indicates proposed locations for well sites and 100-foot auger borings. Four auger borings will be located at the well sites and three borings on the south side of the landfill.

    20

  • Basemap: KAFB/CES, 1976 150 0 300 600 ft.

    Contour Interval = 2 ft.

    Figure 2.2.1.1 -- Site l, landfill No. 1 (LF-01)

    21

  • 2.2.2 Site 2 Landfill No. 2

    Landfill No. 2 is located in the northwest part of Kirtland AFB just south of the TRESTLE and ARES facilities (fig. 1.4.1). The site encompasses an area of about 50-70 acres and is bordered on the south by Tijeras Arroyo (fig. 2.2.2.1). The site was operated from 1943 to 1965 as an area fill operation and was closed with a silty sand cover that contains some surface depressions. Two sanitary wastewater transmission pipelines that traverse this landfill have failed on numerous occasions, causing spillage of wastewater on the landfill. The landfill contains general refuse with reports of solvents and plastic wastes also disposed in unlined trenches.

    Monitoring well DM-02 was installed in Phase II, Stage 1 (fig. 2.2.2.1). It was sampled for TOG, TOX, & N0 3 in January 1984. Concentrations of 0.1 mg/L organic chloride and 0.004 mg/L organic bromide were detected. In April 1990 well DM-02 was resampled as part of the Phase II, Stage 2 project. The sample was analyzed for halogenated volatiles, aromatic volatiles, semivolatiles, explosives, total and dissolved metals, forms of nitrogen, major anions, petroleum hydrocarbons, and total dissolved solids. The analytical results showed concentrations of 0.050 mg/L total chromium, 0.0065 mg/L total lead, and 0.015 mg/L dissolved chromium.

    In Phase II, Stage 1 soil samples were taken from two slanted holes under the fill material. The samples were analyzed for TOX, oil & grease, and a scan of metals, pesticides, and herbicides. No contaminants were detected in these soil samples.

    Hand auger samples were collected from twelve locations at the south toe of the landfill as part of the Phase II, Stage 2, project (fig. 2.2.2.1). These soil samples were analyzed for volatiles, semivolatiles, explosives, metals, forms of nitrogen, and total petroleum hydrocarbons. Five of the soil samples contained petroleum hydrocarbons ranging in concentration from 30 to 80 mg/kg. Two of the soil samples contained semivolatile compounds at the following concentrations: 0.92 mg/kg naphthalene, 1.0 mg/kg acenaphthene, 4. 7 and 7.0 mg/kg phenanthrene, 1.4 mg/kg anthracene, 6.8 and 7.8 mg/kg fluoranthene, 5.8 and 6.1 mg/kg pyrene, 2.2 and 3.0 mg/kg benzo (a) anthracene, 2.0 and 3.4 mg/kg chrysene, 3.0 mg/kg benzo (b) fluoranthene, 2.1 and 3.9 mg/kg benzo (k) fluoranthene, 2.0 and 2.7 mg/kg benzo (a) pyrene, 0.91 mg/kg indeno (1,2,3-c,d) pyrene, and 0.93 mg/kg benzo (g,h,i) perylene.

    The objective for Stage 2A is to determine the extent and magnitude of contamination in the soil, vadose zone, and ground water at Landfill No. 2. Figure 2.2.2.1 indicates that each proposed well site and 100-foot auger boring will be placed at the same location.

    22

  • ) ( (

    Basemap: KAFB/CES, 1976

    400 200 0 400

    A a

    • $ C>

    t

    Contour Interval = 2 ft.

    EXPLANATION Boundary of landfill Hand auger site Existing monitoring well;

    number is altitude of water table, in feet

    Proposed well site General direction of

    ground-water flow

    800 ft.

    Figure 2.2.2.1 -- Site 2, Landfill No. 2 (LF-02).

    23

  • 2.2.3 Site 3 Landfills No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6

    Site 3 is located on the northcentral part of Kirtland AFB just north of the Golf course (fig. 2.2.3.1). LF-4, LF-5, and LF-6 are inactive landfills. The current landfill which is east of these inactive landfills began its operation in 1990. The landfills are unlined and wastes are disposed of by trench fill or area fill.

    LF-4 is a 25-acre inactive landfill which is covered with soil and graded. The site was jointly operated by the City of Albuquerque and Kirtland AFB from 1964 to 1969. Engineering Science Incorporated (ESI, 1981) reported that the materials buried were general refuse. Hardfill (no documentation as to the nature of hardfill) was placed in the northeast part of LF-4 and refuse was placed in the western part of LF-4. In 1988, Kearney/Centaur reported a drum fragment labelled "Sulfuric Acid" was observed during their visual investigation at LF-4. A single soil sample (41 vertical feet below LF-4) was collected by the Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) in 1984 and reported that halogenated organics, pesticides or oil and grease were below laboratory detection limits. However, SAIC states the soils data were not sufficient to characterize potential subsurface contamination.

    LF-5 and LF-6 to the north of LF-4 are inactive landfills that were operated by Kirtland AFB from mid-1960 to 1989. These two landfills cover approximately 25 acres. Hardfills (plywood scrap, roofing insulation, tree limbs, cardboard, and scrap metal) was placed in LF-05 and other refuse in LF-6. Kearney/Centaur (1988) states that hazardous materials such as arsenic, chromium, lead, benzene, and totalxylene were dumped at LF-6 in 1985. In 1984, landfill contents (mostly laboratory waste such as experimental animal carcasses and rubber gloves) were removed from landfill B (site 21) and placed into LF-5 and LF-6.

    The current 40 acre landfill on the east side of inactive landfills (LF-4, LF-5 and LF-6) has been operated by Kirtland AFB since January 1990. This landfill is considered to be part of LF-6 until a new number may be designated. Contents of the landfill are general refuse (except some asbestos in the southwest corner).

    The depth to the water table in the vicinity of site 3 has been estimated to be 450 feet. The hydraulic gradient is expected to be to the north-northwest. Kirtland AFB production well #11 is located approximately 1,000 feet north of site 3. The Tijeras Arroyo well is located approximately 1,700 feet north of site 3. There are four wells at the golf course pond about a half mile south of site 3 (fig. 2.2.3.1).

    The objective for Stage 2A is to determine the extent and magnitude of contamination in the soil, vadose zone, and ground water at site 3. Figure 2.2.3.l indicates that each proposed well site and 100-foot auger boring will be placed at the same location.

    24

  • Basemap: USGS, Bernalillo Co., 1975

    3000 500 0 . ' 1000 2000 3000 FEET CONTOUR INTERVAL 20 FEET

    EXP L.~NA TI Otl

    _/\___,/\.__ Approximate boundary of landfill

    EB5040 Existing well; number is altitude of water table, in feet

    () Proposed well site

    ~ General direction of ground-water flow

    Figure 2.2.3.1 -- Site 3, Landfills 4, 5, and 6.

    25

  • 2.2.4 Site 4 Fire Training Area

    The Fire Training area consists of a pit and 3 pit drainages. The Fire Training Pit is a 0.7-acre site with the fire control training area near the runways of Albuquerque International Airport at the western boundary of KAFB (fig. 1.4.1). This site consists of the former unlined pits used since the 1950's and the concrete pad constructed in 1976 for fire training purposes (fig. 2.2.4.1). The existing site consists of an airplane mock-up located on a concrete pad which is approximately 100 feet in diameter. The pad is level with the land surface area surrounding the pad. A earthen berm approximately 1.5 feet high surrounds the concrete pad. The concrete is very degraded from the numerous fire training exercises which have been conducted on it. Two metal drains, one on each side of the aircraft mock-up, lead to an unlined ditch east of the pad. Fuel is sprayed onto the aircraft mock-up and lit. Personnel use AFFF foam to extinguish fire. Residual fuels are allowed to evaporate.

    Prior to construction of the bermed pad, unlined pits were used for fire training and disposal of wastes from various shops. The pit depths are unknown. Residual fuels and fire control chemicals were allowed to infiltrate and evaporate. It is reported that the old pits were sometimes used for disposal of waste solvents and oils from base shops at a rate of 1 to 2 55-gallon drums per month.

    Previous IRP field investigations have included collecting 36 soil samples from 12 soil borings and a soil gas survey within and around the cement pad area. The soil gas survey conducted in May of 1990 detected concentrations of JP4 as high as 47 mg/kg in soil beneath the concrete pad. Soil sampling below the graded area in the vicinity of the concrete pad detected oil and grease to a depth of at least 20 feet. Maximum level of 6,500 mg/kg was found at 15 feet depth. Detectable levels of halogenated organic compounds (TOX) were also found in this area. The TOX analyses indicated organic chloride ranged from 0.5 to 4.9 mg/kg and organic iodide ranged from 0.04 to 0.1 mg/kg. A 1972 inspection noted three inches of oily water standing on the training area. No samples were taken in the vicinity of the unlined pits.

    Three (3) Fire Training Pit Drainages are within the fire control training area along western base boundary near the runways of the Albuquerque International Airport (fig. 1.4.1). One metal drain (4 feet x 2 feet) is located on either side of the aircraft mock-up (fig. 2.2.4.1) that receive liquid runoff including water, JP-4, and fire retardant beam (AFFF) from fire training exercises. The construction material and the diameter of the piping are unreported. The drainage system discharges through pipes to an open drainage channel 300 feet east of the fire training area. The facility representative stated that the drains were not currently in use. The open drainage channel also services the runway and other developed areas to the north which then drains into Tijeras Arroyo about 1 mile to the south. As part of the Phase II, Stage 2 project two 25 foot auger holes were drilled in the vicinity of the drain. One was located about 25 feet west of the drain, and the other just west of the channel south of the Fire Training area. Three soil samples were collected from each auger hole and analyzed for volatiles, semivolatiles, metals, forms of nitrogen, and total petroleum hydrocarbons. No contaminants were detected.

    The objective for Stage 2A is to determine the extent of contamination in the soil zones at the fire training pit and pit drainages. Ten hand auger holes to 10 feet are proposed as shown on figure 2.2.4.1. The vadose zone will be investigated at the fire training pit by augering three 100-foot borings.

    26

  • ccs ... '

    zoo 100 400 0 Ccn~:ur • 200 inte:n1 = 2 .&:• I i.. •

    ,-· ... ••

    x

    .J ~;;.?.·.·

    .;f[;/" ~-

    ----

    /

    I

    Test borin ( ~ D . g 25 feet) rain disch 0 arge pain

    Proposed h t e and auge . Prooosed 10 r site

    I t General d' O f~ot borina

    . I rec t I on of -~~~~g~ro~~un~d~-~w~a~t:..=,:~~~~-ft. er flow

    Figure 2.2.4 3 Fire Tral~i~~

    Site 4 F. Pit D ' I re Trainin p· rainage FT-39 g it (FT-13) and ST-325. '

    27

  • 2.2.5 Site 5 Sewage Lagoons (SL-1 and SL-2)

    The sewage lagoons (SL-1 and SL-2) are located one-half mile southeast of the main runway of the Albuquerque International Airport, and immediately north of the Trestle Aircraft Testing Facility (fig. 1.4.1). Altitude of ground surface at the site is 5,355 feet above mean sea level. The lagoons are square measuring approximately 550 feet on each side, approximately 6 feet deep, and approximately 6.35 acres in surface area (fig. 2.2.5.1). The base of the lagoons is unlined. The southeast corner of the south lagoon (SL-2) has a 20-inch outlet pipe that allows liquid from the surface of the southern impoundment to gravity flow to the main golf course pond.

    The sewage lagoons were constructed by the Air Force in 1962 as part of a water conservation system. They were used until 1987 for treatment of raw sewage collected through sewerlines from facilities on Kirtland AFB, including office buildings, flight line units, aircraft maintenance shops, Sandia National Laboratories, and base housing units. The lagoons were used from April to October. During these periods, depending upon irrigation needs, 40 to 100 percent of the untreated base sewage was routed to the lagoons; from November to March base sewage was routed to the city of Albuquerque sewage treatment facilities and the Kirtland AFB lagoons were unused.

    Effluent from the sewage lagoons was pumped to the golf course pond (site 6), mixed with well water, then used to irrigate the Kirtland AFB golf course (site 7). The lagoons last received untreated sewage in October 1987. The liquid in the lagoons had evaporated as of January 1989 and currently only a thin veneer of dry sludge is in the lagoon.

    As part of the Phase II, Stage 2 investigation, the U.S. Geological Survey installed wells at each corner of the lagoons and collected soil, dry sludge, ground-water, and drilling mud samples from the sewage lagoon and vicinity during the period between September 1989 and June 1990. Samples were collected from augured boreholes, wells, mudpits, and surface sludge and soil material. Analysis of samples collected detected chromium, in ground water; and chromium, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzene, toluene, xylenes, phenathrene, benzo (a) anthracene, chrysene, benzo (b) fluoranthene, benzo (k) fluoranthene, and benzo (a) pyrene in dry sludge. More detailed information will be available in the Phase II, Stage 2 final report which is in progress.

    The objective for Stage 2A is continued ground-water monitoring of four wells installed in Stage 2.

    28

  • N l.Q

    --- ~ ~ ·_ - - =r::-_, . -- .----- ----_., t· --l:I \~ 0 I - --- - --- , J #- ~ I' 111 ____.. IO 6 3 ~-,- -~1 ~-·~·',.' vi - \ , ____ U&lF \ ..... - , ----- ----- -=-hif:j' ' •. > 0 --- 4875$ .... 4 .. ~ i ~ '\( ~~-,--i~,: ~· "

    •I/ : ~~ I' I' '1)' I . , -- ( (')\I "'· '· . -! .,, • = :

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    l< ')( -· x x ·x

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    \ \

    Splltler I ,.L, box ---u---

    "'p - · -Divor:slon/Sampllng > slallon ~JIO _I l'lfl LAGOON , ~i.., ' / \ ~1·~~ll fi.i .. ~tJO_g~---~-- ~-\----.._~,. ·-- ,

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    -- ------ l ' < \ I"'-•. ~., • . ; , ,1i1 I , ·1,-/,.;;:-;:i. "1 '--,, .. :: ft .. ;j l~r ~~ .~ N· 1,-\ t • " • ' 1•·" ,,,.I J •' .... .., I. ... • r lv'lr ·-. •-'''"'"OH I ·\ · \ ··... ··',~" l 1;"1(hi.'.,,i,; _,__-, / I ' >.I \ro o, '

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    '-,t ._,.._\ ''-••• . .,K.;.1 . "" '"' •. --,., • • ·'ii'. . ...... , . ~..... • • • . Ell E• "" "

    9

    ~ ' '"; "" 0 f ;~:tL: :,. • '\v '*' ' v· I >1 •• :?i: 1 { '"~ l'~~ ~ ~·> !,'\.\ ,..!...._{ ~876 numt:;~table, in feet ~""~::;_ ·~·~\\_6Jo6 \\ ·.:, ··,1\' --· -~•/r.·~N~::~~''"~j•f "•I ) L/' ;~ wa diment) \\ \l '·' •····•~ ~ ~ ·- ,. t

    "''"'" l , .. , .. -.,• .. , .l "'&»,>. .1 •\\ 4 face-wa \'.~ • :.-:·' ( < '( ,, ~ • ~ ..... ~ •. X Sur mpling site .......... "J~' \ :"/ < :-;;,-\

    0 ~ I I< I LOMETEll

    COIHOIJB INTERVAL IO FEET

    Figure 2.2.5.l -- Site 5, Location of sewage lagoons (SL-1, SL-2).

  • 2.2.6 2.2.7

    Site 6 Golf Course Pond (GCP) and Site 7 Golf Course

    The golf course pond (site 6) is located on the northwest side of the golf course (site 7) on Kirtland AFB (fig. 1.4.1). The golf course is located west of the Manzano area, and northwest of the riding club. Altitude of ground surface of these sites is about 5,350 feet above mean sea level.

    The golf course pond (fig. 2.2.6.1) was constructed (lined with a 6-mil plastic liner) by the Air Force in 1962 as part of a water conservation system. The golf course pond serves as a storage pond for untreated wastewater that is pumped through pipelines from the sewage lagoons (site 5). The sewage lagoons contain raw sewage collected through sewer lines from facilities on Kirtland AFB, including office buildings, flight line units, aircraft maintenance shops, Sandia National Laboratories, and base housing units. The wastewater in the pond is mixed with surface runoff and well water and is pumped from the pond to an irrigation system for distribution to irrigate the golf course (fig. 2.2.7.1). The sewage lagoon/golf course pond irrigation system was used from April to October. During this period, depending upon irrigation needs, 40 to 100 percent of the untreated base sewage was routed to the lagoons and then to the golf course pond. From November to March base sewage was routed to the City of Albuquerque sewage treatment facilities and the Kirtland AFB lagoons were unused. The lagoons last received untreated sewage in October 1987. The liquid in the golf course pond had evaporated as of January 1989, and currently only dry sediment is in the pond.

    In March 1988, prior to the complete evaporation of the golf course pond, the USGS sampled the pond water and sediment for volatile organics and metals. No organics were detected and metal concentrations in the water were well below MCL's. Kirtland AFB also sampled the pond water and detected phenol (4.6 ppb), chloroform (0.4 ppb), methylene chloride (1.8 ppb), and trichloroethane (0.9 ppb). Soil samples were collected on November 21, 1988 by Kirtland AFB from each fairway of the golf course. Samples were analyzed for trichloroethane, methylene chloride, and chromium. No contaminants were detected.

    The objective for Stage 2A is continued ground-water monitoring of four wells installed in Stage 2.

    30

  • w .......

    106°34' 106°32'

    311°

    02•

    rua1 \ 1~~~~--1

    ©5046

    t L 500 FEET -----.r 1 (Approximate) - ,,, Y;"i •,) \ • o \ I 11 1. ' -. • 31i I I \Jt ~ I

    o I' It, 4 E.

    0 ·4 ---T

    I MILE I

    0 "l I I< I LOMETEH COtlJOllll ltlrEllVfll. 10 fff.I

    . llAllUllAL UEOllUIC VEIHICAI. llAllJM OF 1929

    EXPLANATION

    Figure 2.2.6.1 -- Site 6, Location of Golf Course Pond (GCP).

    l" • 8

    N.

  • w N

    I ' GIBSON OLVO ,'

    ···~·•M•••••W•M•••~[~ ~ ~ .J ~ r-· =~::.:;·:..:....;.:;;c:;:r~-.

    _J I I -·• Ill I ,,,---' ·--------------- ---------, l I

    •--1 ~ c1ni::- .uu: .. ., '.1 I

  • 2.2.8 Site 8 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Range

    The explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) range is located on the eastern part of the base and is relatively isolated from other facilities (fig. 2.2.8.1). The area is primarily a flat, well maintained area that is used to burn or explode various ordinance materials and contraband for the City of Albuquerque. Materials are burned by lighting wood soaked in kerosene. Craters produced by explosion are backfilled with original material. In Phase II, Stage 2, soil samples were collected at three sites. Two sites (0801 and 0802) were augered to 25 feet and three samples were collected at each site. The third site (0803) is the ash pit where one surficial ash sample was collected. All samples were analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbons, metals including chromium and mercury, volatile organics, extractable priority pollutants, and explosives. The only analytes detected were in samples from the ash burn pit (0803) which contained petroleum hydrocarbons (194 mg/kg) and xylenes (1.2 mg/kg). The significance and interpretation of these results will be described in the Phase II, Stage 2 final report which is in progress. No additional samples are planned in this Work Plan under Stage 2A at the EOD Range.

    33

  • cf . ..., ·:!;'

    ;::,. ~ ~ EXPLOSIVE 7~ ORONANcE

    ~-~--DISPOSAL _.._ _ _.. RANGE

    0

    t

    0802

    • 0801

    100 200 ME:l'ERS

    300 600

    EXPLANATION

    0803

    re Ash Pit

    "---' RANGE BOUNDARY 0801 • SEDIMENT SAMPLE COLLECTION SITE--number is site number

    0803 O ASH SAMPLE COLLECTION SITE--number is site number

    t GENERAL DIRECTION OF GROUND-WATER FLOW

    Figure 2.2.8.l -- Site 8, Explosive ordnance disposal range.

    34

  • 2.2.9 Site 9 Tijeras Arroyo (TA)

    Tijeras Arroyo is located on the northern part of Kirtland AFB (fig. 1.4.1). The arroyo trends northeast to southwest across the base entering at the northern boundary and exiting through the western boundary. The arroyo is usually dry except after storms typically as thundershowers during the summer. The headwaters of the arroyo are in the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains east of the base. Tijeras Arroyo flows into a canal about four miles west of the base. As part of the Phase II, Stage 2 investigation, U.S. Geological Survey drilled two monitoring wells in the Tijeras Arroyo area, one in the vicinity of the northeastern base perimeter and one near the western base perimeter (fig. 2.2.9.1).

    During the period between September 1989 and June 1990, U.S. Geological Survey collected soil samples, in Tijeras Arroyo and vicinity, and ground-water samples from the two monitoring wells. These samples were analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbons; volatile organics; halogenated volatile organics; aromatic volatile organics; semivolatile organic compounds; metals, arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium, selenium; dissolved solids; common anions; common cations; nitrogen (nitrate-nitrite, ammonia, total kaeldahl nitrogen); and explosives. The only contaminant found in the soil samples was chromium at concentrations at or below 18 mg/kg.

    Chromium was detected in water from the two wells in the Tijeras Arroyo area. Ground water from the Tijeras Arroyo well located on the western base parameter was found to contain several contaminants including trichloroethane (1.1 ppb), chloromethane (1.4 ppb), and 1,2-dichloroethane (0.99 ppb). More detailed results for analysis of samples collected will be available in the Phase II, Stage 2 final report which is in progress.

    The objective for Stage 2A is continued ground-water monitoring of three existing wells along Tijeras Arroyo.

    2.2.10 Site 10 McCormick Ranch

    McCormick Ranch is located southwest of the Kirtland AFB boundary (fig. 1.4.1). The base leases 8 square miles from the New Mexico State Land Office but only about 1.5 miles have been used for explosives testing. The northern part of the area is located in T. 9N. R. 3W. sec. 36 and the southern part is in T. 8N. R. 3W. sec. 1 (fig. 2.2.10.1). The southern part of the explosives testing area is a dry playa lake composed of unconsolidated sand and clay beds. Conventional explosives testing occurred since the 1960's, and is on-going at present, primarily to measure seismic waves in the ground and air shock waves. Nitroglycerine and RDX were the primary explosives used and several hundred tests have been conducted according to base personnel. One test typically consists of drilling 10 to 18 holes to a depth of 300-360 feet and exploding the material underground. Explosions have resulted in numerous crater-like features.

    The direction of ground-water flow at McCormick Ranch is likely to the west or southwest following the original gradient and is not affected from withdrawals by the City of Albuquerque. The McCormick Ranch windmill is abandoned and no wells are available at the site to obtain ground water altitudes. The Chemical Waste Landfill (CWL) operated by Sandia Laboratory is located approximately 2 miles to the northwest of site 10. Altitude of ground-water at the CWL was an average of 4,940 feet in 1988 and flow was to the northwest (U.S. Department of Energy, 1988).

    35

  • :.,..) 0)

    /,, //

    // //

    U E ······-·-···· / / ALUUQUEl\Q .···-L___ / / // //

    l // VO ·1"---- ' I/ "'"" " -- -- "···-·- ···-· •. I I

    .,i1--········· " ) I I/ _ llllllAll v ••••. • •• I 1:,,,,,,,,,,,, e \ / . I/ l

  • 27

    T8Jt-1 , : / .'

    ,_,

    ( ' i \ ; \

    26

    "

    1000 0 I ooo 2000 3000 4000 FEET

    Contour interval 10 feet

    Figure'2.2.l0.1 -- Site 10, McCormick Ranch

    37

  • The U.S. Department of Energy (1988) report indicates groundwater movement in the area of site 10 should be to the west or southwest at an altitude of approximately 4,930 to 4,940 feet. This indicates ground-water depths at site 10 are approximately 320 feet.

    A windmill located on the Isleta Pueblo is located about 2 miles south of site 10. The water altitude at this well was 4,906 feet in March 1990 indicating a southern flow gradient relative to the Chemical Waste Landfill.

    The objective for Stage 2A is to determine the extent and magnitude of contamination in the soil, vadose zone, and ground water at site 10.

    Five ground-water monitoring wells are proposed. The well at the northeast corner is expected to be upgradient and the other four wells are expected to be downgradient (fig. 2.2.10.1). However, the additional control provided by these monitoring wells may change the site specific understanding of ground-water flow direction and magnitude at site 10.

    2.2.11 Site 11 Landfill No. 3

    Landfill No. 3 is located about one-quarter mile west of the TRESTLE facility and one-quarter mile northwest of Landfill No. 2 (fig. 1.4.1). The site covers an area of 7 acres which was created by filling in a natural arroyo from 1972 to 1977 (fig. 2.2.11.1). Materials (general refuse) from Landfill No. 2 which had been excavated for the construction of the TRESTLE facility were deposited here along with burned aircraft parts. The cover material is a silty sand with metal and glass observed in a number of areas Land surface across the site slopes to the south towards Tijeras Arroyo which is less than 1,000 feet away.

    Previous IRP field investigations have collected one soil sample from a lysimeter boring beneath the landfill with no detectable levels of halogenated organics, scan pesticide, or oil and grease found.

    The objective for Stage 2A is determination of the extent of landfill boundaries and a recommendation for field investigation procedures.

    2.2.12 Site 12 Landfill C

    Landfill C is located on the eastern part of the base east of the Manzano area (fig. 1.4.1). Surface drainage across the site (fig. 2.2.12.1) is towards Arroyo del Coyote which is less than one-quarter mile to the south. The site is a surface dump approximately 1 acre in size with an unknown period of operation. No waste management records are available to confirm historical operating practices although general refuse including wooden shipment containers, tires, and scrap metal indicate the site was recently used. No previous IRP field investigations have been performed at this site.

    The objective for Stage 2A is determination of the existence and magnitude of soil contamination. Three 25-foot auger borings are proposed. A geophysical survey is planned to determine the extent of the dump.

    38

  • t Basemap: KAFS/ CES, 1976

    0

    I 200

    ! 400

    J 600 FEET

    I

    Contour Interval 5 feet

    t

    EXPLANATION Boundary of landfill Lysimeter sampling point General direction of

    ground-water flow

    Figure 2.2.11.1 -- Site 11, Landfill No. 3 (LF-03)

    39

  • EXPLANATION

    () Proposed shallow boring s i tes (25 feet)

    D Proposed area of surface geophysical survey

    t General direction of ground-water flow 1000 1000 2000 JOOO 4000 FEET

    Contour Interval 10 ft. or 40 ft.

    Figure 2.2.12.1 -- Site 12, Landfill C (LF-22).

    40

  • 2.2.13 Site 13 Abandoned Landfill

    The Abandoned Landfill is located south of the TRESTLE facility immediately adjacent to Landfill No. 2 (fig. 1.4.1). Base representatives could not provide any information on the age, operation, size, and dimensions of this site. Figure 2.2.13.l therefore only shows the approximate boundary of the landfill's location. The site is bordered on the north by Tijeras Arroyo but the other boundaries of the site are not visually evident. Some debris including tires and scrap metal can be seen on the surface. The landfill reportedly contained general refuse and was abandoned in about 1975. No previous IRP field investigations have been performed at this site.

    Base personnel have indicated the area may have been a bombing range during World War II using an areal photograph of the area taken during that time period.

    The objective of Stage 2A is to determine the potential for buried objects using surface-geophysical techniques. Because an upgradient well is planned for Landfill No. 2 (site 2), the well and a mud pit may be placed at site 13 depending on the results of the geophysical survey.

    2.2.14 Site 14 Manzano Sewage Lagoon #1, 2, 3, 4, Drying Beds/Imhoff Tank

    Site 14 is located in the central part of Kirtland AFB west of the Manzano area and adjacent to the Riding Club (fig. 1.4.1).

    Sewage from the Manzano Base Administration area was collected through an underground pipe system and carried to the Imhoff Tank for solids settlement. Sludges were directed to the Drying Beds and liquid effluent to a series of four Sewage Lagoons (fig. 2.2.14.1). The unit was constructed in 1955 and consists of a 11,800 gal multichanged reinforced concrete settling bas!n Imhoff Tank which receives raw sewage. The Drying Beds are two 1,740 ft -concrete-sided compartments with a one-foot thick sand-layer over natural soil bottom. The unlined Sewage Lagoons are 6 to 10 feet deep and range in size from 0.7 to 1.8 acres.

    In 1984, raw sewage was reportedly dumped into the Drying Beds without receiving primary treatment. Also, in November 1987 shop personnel in the Manzano area disposed of industrial wastes containing hazardous constituents through the sewer system. Analysis of discharge effluent in the receiving open ditch indicated dichlorobenzene, toluene, and xylene. The site is currently inactive and no previous IRP field investigations have been performed.

    The objective of Stage 2A is to determine the existence of buried metallic objects and the extent and magnitude of soil contamination. Figure 2.2.14.1 indicate locations of 10-foot hand-auger samples and a geophysical survey.

    41

  • 0 ""I r--1 lr\

    J t

    Basemap: KAFB/ CES, 1976

    0

    I 200

    ' 400 , 600 FEET I

    Contour Interval 5 feet

    EXPLANATION

    Approximate boundary of landfill.

    Proposed area of surface geophysical survey

    General direction of ground-water flow

    -Figure 2.2.13.1 -- Site 13, Abandoned Landfill (LF-09).

    42

  • I I / I I \ I I

    I ) I \ I

    I I L(\ \::;\::; r--.

  • 2.2.15 Site 15 Manzano Dump

    The Manzano Dump is located in the central part of the base in the southwest corner of the Manzano area (fig. 1.4.1) approximately 1 mile northwest of Arroyo del Coyote. The dates of operation is unknown for this landfill which is one to three acres in size (fig. 2.2.15.1). It was operated as a surface dump for the disposal of general refuse from the Manzano base housing area and was also used for open burning. According to facility representatives, the site was also used for fire training activities prior to its use as a dump.

    Based upon current waste management practices at landfill 6 and observed black oily stains, this site may also contain wastes including hazardous constituents. The unit has an earthen cover of unknown thickness and is currently inactive. No previous IRP field investigations have occurred at this site.

    The objective of Stage 2A is to determine the existence of buried metallic objects and the extent and magnitude of soil and vadose zone contamination. The proposed locations of five 100-foot auger borings is shown in figure 2.2.15.1. A geophysical survey is proposed to locate buried objects.

    2.2.16 Site 16 Radioactive Burial Site RB-11

    The site is located in the central part of the base within the riding club area about 1,400 feet northeast of Arroyo del Coyote and west of the Manzano Area (fig. 1.4.1). The site was reportedly a trench and fill operation from 1961-1970 with at least ni