PROGRAMS: Superfund - Tutu Wells Site

Background

In January 1988, EPA determined that some of the groundwater contamination in the Tutu area was the results of release of chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbons from Esso and Texaco gas stations, O=Henry Dry Cleaners, and the former LAGA Industries.    

DPNR closed 13 commercial and 5 private wells in the Tutu area between July and September 1987 to protect public health.   The potentially responsible parties (PRPs) listed above were ordered to assume EPAs well water monitoring program and to provide potable water to residents with contaminated well water.  

DPNR Actions:

In July 1998, EPA and DPNR met with the following potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to discuss EPA=s Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) -  Statement of Work (SOW):

• O'Henry: soil post-excavation sampling and remediation.
    

• Esso: Source Control Program soil and groundwater sampling and remediation.
     

• Western Auto/Four Winds Plaza: soil sampling and remediation
      

• Texaco:  Source Control Program soil and groundwater sampling and remediation.

EPA and DPNR met on numerous occasions to discuss DPNR comments to the Remedial Design Workplans for:

• The Site-wide Groundwater Remediation at the Tutu Wells Superfund Site and
       

• Soil Remediation at the Curriculum Center, St. Thomas.

Regulatory Context

• Site remedial activities performed pursuant to CERCLA, to determine the extent of the contamination and potential contaminant sources.
         

• The well closure order issued by DPNR was made pursuant to Title 12 Chapter 5 of the Virgin Islands Code. 

  Future Actions

• EPA issued UAOs to the PRPs in May 1988 requiring these parties to perform remedial actions at the various portions of the site.   Notice of Intent (NOI) to comply by the PRPs expected this month.  
      

• EPA=s site-wide remedial design activities began with the site reconnaissance on Nov 12 through 14, 1997.   The anticipated completion date for the remedial design activities is the ending of 1998 or early 1999.    EPA projected the cleanup of the site to take at least 30 years.   However, DPNR is very concerned with the difficulty and technical impracticability of cleaning up portions of the site that may be contaminated with dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) and has made its position known to EPA.

Factors to Consider

• Cost:  Cost estimate for designing the cleanup plan and the cleanup itself is not available at the present time.   It is expected that the cleanup will be funded by USEPA and/or the potentially responsible parties (PRPs).  
      

• Plan for treated water:   Using treated groundwater for potable purpose is not an acceptable option to DPNR.   Treated groundwater will be discharged into Turpentine Run.
       

• Well survey:  DPNR is performing a survey to determine well owners compliance with the well closure order that was issued in 1987.

Issued: January 2000

EPA has established an Administrative Record for the Tutu Wells Superfund Site.  All documents related to the selection of a final cleanup plan can be viewed at the following locations:

EPA V.I. Coordinator’s Office
USEPA, Region 2
Caribbean Environmental Protection Division
The Tunick Building
1336 Beltjen Road, Suite 102
St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Protection
Cyril E. King Airport
St. Thomas, USVI 00802

USEPA, Region 2
290 Broadway, 18^th Floor
Record Center
New York, New York 10007-1866
St. Thomas, USVI 00802 

Regional Public Liaison

U.S. EPA Region 2 has designated a Regional Public Liaison for you to call and express your concerns or complaints about the federal Superfund Program in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please call toll free (888) 263-1626

This information was provide by the US EPA, Region II Environmental Update, August 2003.