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Adequate plume definition is illustrated by data from wells MW-1,MW-2,MW-3,MW-4,and MW-7. In <br /> combining its knowledge of contaminant transport mechanisms, contaminant source location, and the <br /> consistent direction of groundwater flow, Chevron is able to make certain inferences about the areal <br /> distribution of the contaminant plume. For instance,the width of the plume perpendicular to the <br /> prominent flow direction should be shorter than the downgradient migrational distance. This inference is <br /> supported by actual groundwater results. Before their screens became submerged, the concentrations <br /> measured at cross-gradient wells MW-1 and MW-2 appeared to be lower than those measured at <br /> downgradient well MW-7. The inferred plume shape is demonstrated by there being higher concentrations <br /> at MW-7 which, is a greater distance from the source area than wells MW-1 and MW-2. <br /> Additional support for the inferred plume shape is the stable-decreasing trend in contaminant <br /> concentrations observed at wells MW-1 and MW-2. This indicates the contaminant plume is no longer <br /> migrating in the cross-gradient direction and that the migrational distance is limited. On the other hand, <br /> the results obtained from well MW-7 (and MW-5)suggest the plume may not be stable and that <br /> downgradient migration may still be occurring. Therefore, the migrational distance is greater and no limit <br /> has been established. Another inference that can be made about the plume shape/contaminant distribution <br /> is that there should be no groundwater contamination upgradient from the known source. Considering the <br /> consistent flow direction and source location(former UST complex), wells MW-3 and MW-4 would be <br /> located upgradient. Again, the inference is supported by site-specific data as historic groundwater data <br /> indicates no groundwater contamination at either of these wells. <br /> The groundwater investigation data for the subject site does not allow Chevron to determine the most cost- <br /> effective plan of remedial action. This is mainly due to there being no information available concerning <br /> the location of any sensitive receptors or the downgradient extent of contaminant migration. Both <br /> deficiencies should be corrected upon the implementation of Pacific's work plan and work plan <br /> addendum. It should be pointed out that the deficiencies noted do not relate to the monitoring and <br /> reporting program at the subject site. <br /> The historic groundwater monitoring data from the subject site supports inferences that were made based <br /> on site specific information and on contaminant transport theory. The fact that actual field data supports <br /> scientific theory indirectly suggests that there is adequate definition. Therefore, considering the above <br /> arguments Chevron requests that your agency reconsider the following, scientifically-based changes to the <br /> monitoring and reporting program. To assist with your reconsideration, rationale are provided along with <br /> each recommendation. <br /> -Gauge and sample wells MW-1,MW-2,MW-5,and MW-7 semi-annually (lstQ,4thQ) <br /> Wells 5 and 7 will assist in tracking downgradient plume migration. Wells 1 and 2 will track any <br /> plume variations in the cross-gradient direction. Monitoring wells 1 and 2 will also confirm <br /> plume stability in those directions. The semi-annual frequency is more than enough considering <br /> that the plume is adequately defined and that contaminant migrational velocity is less than 3 <br /> ft/yr. <br /> -Discontinue monitoring wells MW-3,MW-4,and MW-6 <br /> Wells 3 and 4 have consistently been non-detect. The repeated measurements of such are <br /> redundant and would provide no further value to understanding plume conditions. Well 6 is <br /> further cross-gradient than well 1. Since cross-gradient plume migration has been shown to be <br /> stable/limited, data from well 6 would be redundant to data from well 1 and unnecessary. <br /> -Analyze all samples for TPHG,BTEX,and MTBE <br /> Theca nnnlvtac raflart the rnntnminnnte of rrnnrrarn <br />