PROGRAMS: Superfund - Update

EPA to Begin Cleanup Construction at Tutu Wells Site

August 2003 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has secured funding to implement the Remedial Action (RA) at the Tutu Wells Superfund Site (the Site).  The RA included cleanup of the Curriculum Center soils and Site-wide groundwater at the Tutu Site.  Construction is expected to begin in September 2003. Groundwater cleanup will include the installation of recovery wells to contain the spread of groundwater contamination, and the construction of two treatment facilities to treat the extracted groundwater.  In-situ (in place soil vapor extraction (SVE) treatment will be used to address Curriculum Center soils.  It is anticipated that construction and initial startup of the treatment systems will be completed by spring 2004.

History of the Site

The Tutu Wells Superfund Site is located in east central St. Thomas, VI at the Estate Anna’s Retreat section of the island.  In 1987, EPA tested several wells in the area after reports of a strong unpleasant odor from the water.  The wells were found to have elevated concentrations of gasoline, chlorinated organic compounds, and chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs). Affected residents were either connected to non-contaminated public water or provided with water via a local water hauler.

From 1992 to 1995, EPA led an extensive Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at the Site to determine the nature and extent of contamination in Site soils and groundwater, and evaluate possible cleanup options.  Results identified areas of groundwater contamination (i.e., groundwater plumes) in the Turpentine Run Aquifer which underlies the Site, overlapping to form a large area of groundwater contamination that has significantly impacted regional groundwater quality.  The property currently occupied by the Curriculum Center was found to be a main source of the CVOC groundwater contamination, and significant amounts of CVOCs were found in the subsurface behind the Center.

The Record of Decision (ROD) for the Site, dated August 5, 1996, described EPA's selected remedy to clean up the soil and groundwater contamination at the Site. The remedy included four property-specific cleanups (to be completed by six responsible parties), Site-wide groundwater cleanup, and cleanup of the soils at the Curriculum Center.  EPA conducted a pre-design investigation of the Curriculum Center soils and Site-wide groundwater from August 1998 to November 1999 to further define the nature and extent of CVOC contamination in soil and groundwater, and to collect hydrologic and geologic information to be used in the Remedial Design (RD).  As a result of this investigation and subsequent design analysis, EPA approved minor modifications to the cleanup remedy defined in the ROD.  The resulting design was reviewed by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and conforms to all DPNR permit requirements.

Remedial Action Contractor Selected

EPA awarded the remedial action contract to CDM Federal Programs Corporation In September 2002.  A Request for Proposals was issued in January 2003 to obtain the services of a Remedial Action Subcontractor.  The subcontract included the cleanup construction, as well as the first year of operation and maintenance of the treatment systems.  The mandatory pre-bid site visit was held with prospective subcontractors in February 2003.  Proposals were received in March, evaluated in April, and negotiations were held with qualified firms in May 2003.

The RA Subcontract was awarded to Arrowhead Contracting, Inc. in June 2003, in the amount of $2.36 million, and the Notice to Proceed was issued in July.  As part of this subcontract, Arrowhead has committed to retaining 33% of the subcontract dollars in the U.S. Virgin Islands through the use of local businesses.

Construction Impacts

Construction will begin in September 2003.  Construction will occur during normal business hours and will comply will all local laws and regulations. Significant waste generation will not occur, and traffic impacts are expected to be minimal.  During construction, conventional engineering controls will be implemented to minimize noise, dust generation, and disturbances to local traffic and Curriculum Center operations.  Pedestrian/vehicular traffic controls (e.g., flag workers. construction signs, traffic barriers. construction fences) will be used during the completion of trenching and pipe installation work which crosses active streets and driveways.  Standard health and safety procedures/protocol will also be followed to ensure that there are no health risks to construction workers or the public during construction.

Community Involvement Activities

EPA will conduct a variety of community involvement (CI) activities throughout construction and operation of the Site-wide groundwater and Curriculum Center soils remedies to inform the community regarding the schedule and progress of activities, and address any issues or concerns.  These CI activities include the distribution of fact sheets and the opportunity for the community to attend public information meetings, as appropriate.

You may call or e-mail your questions and concerns to Caroline Kwan, Remedial Project Manager at (212) 637-42750 or e-mail at: Kwan.Caroline@epa.gov or Cecilia Echols, Community Involvement Coordinator at (212) 637-3678, 1 (800) 346-5009 or e-mail at: Echols.Cecjlia@epa.gov.  You also may call Syed Syedali, Department of Planning and Natural Resources at (340) 773-0565.

EPA has established an Administrative Record for the 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 provided by the US EPA, Region II Environmental Update, August 2003.