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Topics: California
New 1,4-Dioxane Findings and Heightened Regulatory Interest
1,4-dioxane is an emerging groundwater contaminant that has been the focus of increasing regulatory interest at both the Federal and State levels. Until recently, few studies have empirically evaluated the co-occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in groundwater with chlorinated solvents other than 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) and 1,1,1-TCA degradation byproducts. A recent study has caught the attention of theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulators—the important findings are summarized below.
According to the authors of a recent peer reviewed article, their analyses, “conclusively demonstrate for the first time that 1,4-dioxane is a relatively common groundwater co-contaminant with TCE.”[1] The study analyzed a subset of data from 5,788 monitoring wells at 49 United States Air Force Installations and was conducted by researchers affiliated with the United States Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment.
There are several limitations of the study, and interpretation of the results is the subject of ongoing debate. Two key items to consider when interpreting the results are: 1) that the United States Air Force has pointed out that it did not fund the work[2]; and, 2) that the study analysis did not consider the short half-life of 1,1,1-TCA.
Regardless of uncertainties in interpreting the results, the journal article and underlying study were a significant topic of discussion as part of a monthly EPA groundwater forum teleconference lin November 2012. The summary notes for that teleconference[3] include the following statements, that:
“This may present a problem for previous site investigations as well as ongoing investigations”; and,
“The study raises the question of whether other solvent sites need to be retested to determine if they have 1,4-dioxane and, if they do, whether the remedy being used, such as pump and treat with GAC treatment, is appropriate for dioxane.”
For more information regarding these recent developments, please contact your local Roux Office, or click on the info button below and a Roux representative will contact you.
Click here to learn more about Roux Associates extensive experience and capabilities.
Other Useful Links:/Resources:
InsideEPA.com: EPA, Air Force Fear Expanding Scope Of 1,4-Dioxane Contamination
InsideEPA.com Air Force Fear Expanding Scope Of 14 Dioxane Contamination.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
References:
[1] Anderson, R. H., Anderson, J. K. and Bower, P. A. (2012), Co-occurrence of 1,4-dioxane with trichloroethylene in chlorinated solvent groundwater plumes at US Air Force installations: Fact or fiction. Integr Environ Assess Manag, 8: 731–737.
[2] Inside EPA (2013), EPA, Air Force Fear Expanding Scope Of 1,4-Dioxane Contamination, 23 January, 2013.
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency (2012), Groundwater Forum Teleconference, 1 November, 2012.
Topics: Insurance Support, Litigation Support, Industrial
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Effective February 1, 2013 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP or Department) has replaced its Basic Industrial Stormwater Permit (the General Permit) for industrial source stormwater discharges. Generally, unless authorized by a New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit or by NJDEP General Permit, stormwater discharges in the State of New Jersey (including discharges through separate municipal storm sewer systems) are unlawful. Click here for additional information regarding the new General Permit program. Facilities being reauthorized as part of the automatic permit renewal are required to update their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) to include all contents required in Part 1.E.of the new General Permit. They must also certify that their revised plans meet requirements for coverage under the new General Permit. Each facility being reauthorized as part of the automatic renewal is required to submit the Department's Certification Form within the appropriate calendar quarter indicated on the facility’s new General Permit, certifying that: i. The facility has updated its SPPP; and ii. An annual stormwater inspection has been conducted at the facility and the facility is in compliance with SPPP and permit conditions. On February 1st, facilities authorized under the new General Permit were required to conduct new “Monthly Maintenance Inspections”. These monthly maintenance inspections are an expansion of the historically required annual certifying inspections. At the present time, there is no grace period allowing existing sources more time for SPPP revision. Facilities that were unable to update the SPPPs or begin conducting their monthly inspections by February 28, 2013 run the risk of operating in violation of the permit coverage. Highlights:
Roux Associates has extensive experience in stormwater permitting, as well as in the design of stormwater collection and treatment systems. To learn more about our capabilities and to review some of our representative projects please click on the below link.
Should you have any immediate questions regarding NJDEP’s new Basic Industrial Stormwater Permit, or if you would like to explore how Roux Associates can help you evaluate permitting and compliance options, please contact Tom Patterson, P.E., Principal Engineer at Roux Associates, at (856) 423-8800 or click on the Info button below.
Other Useful Links: Industrial Stormwater Permitting Program Frequently Asked Questions
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