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EPA Record of Decision Signed for Downstream Areas Affected by the Ward Transformer Facility in Raleigh, N.C.

Release Date: 10/01/2008
Contact Information: Laura Niles, (404) 562-8353, [email protected]

(ATLANTA – October 1, 2008) The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed a Record of Decision (ROD) selecting the clean up plan for Operable Unit 1 (OU1) of the Ward Transformer Superfund Site. OU1 addresses PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) contamination from areas downstream from the Ward Transformer facility. These areas include: the tributary to Little Brier Creek (Reaches B and C) Brier Creek (Reach D), Brier Creek Reservoir; Lower Brier Creek; Lake Crabtree; and Lower Crabtree Creek. A separate action is currently removing the main source of PCB contamination at the Ward Transformer facility.

EPA preferred clean up option (Alternative 4), as presented in the Proposed Plan, was modified based on public comments and additional information to include more pre-excavation sampling and floodplain soil removal. The total estimated cost for this OU1 cleanup plain is currently $6,130,000. The selected cleanup plan for OU1 includes the following components:

• Conduct pre-excavation sampling of sediment and floodplain soil;
• Conduct a pre-excavation endangered mussel evaluation study;
• Excavate PCB contaminated sediment/soil from Reaches B, C, D, and lower Brier Creek, and transport sediment/soil off-site for appropriate landfill disposal;
• Restore site and stream to pre-excavation conditions;
• Implement Monitored Natural Recovery (MNR) in Brier Creek Reservoir, Lake Crabtree and Lower Crabtree Creek (PCB concentrations in sediments from these areas are well below the excavation limit of 1 part per million (ppm));
• Conduct periodic monitoring of sediment and aquatic biota;
• Implement institutional controls;
• Continue or enhance existing North Carolina fish consumption advisories and signs;
• Implement educational and community outreach programs; and
• Conduct five-year reviews.