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Port of Stockton -7- 2 June 2005 <br />San Joaquin County <br />(MW-1 through MW-4) in the immediate vicinity of MSC's property which is leased from the Port of <br />Stockton. MSC collected baseline samples from these wells in 1991, prior to their start up, and <br />re-sampled in June 2003. Sulfate concentrations in 1991 ranged from 87 mg/L (MW-1) to 440 mg/L <br />(MW-4) and in 2003 increased to 597 mg/L (MW-1) to 1780 mg/L (MW-2). Samples collected in 2003 <br />also had elevated concentrations of EC ranging from 1743 1.unhos/cm to 3080 p.mhos/cm, TDS ranging <br />from 1310 mg/L to 2512 mg/L, and sulfur ranging from 197 to 587 mg/L. These concentrations exceed <br />water quality objectives, and indicate an impact to water quality. <br />As noted in our inspection report, dated 8 April 2005, Board staff determined the sulfur piles were not <br />adequately contained to protect waters of the state. Data collected during our inspection, as well as <br />MSC's groundwater data, support Board staff's conclusion that sulfur has impacted water quality. The <br />sulfur piles themselves are not considered a waste. However, leachate is generated as rainfall percolates <br />through the stockpiled sulfur, runs off the piles and discharges as storm water. This leachate is <br />considered a waste material because of its acidic properties. In addition, as noted during the inspection, <br />there was wind blown sulfur drift from the H.J. Baker and Bay Sulfur piles. This sulfur drift settled in <br />ponded storm water, reducing the pH and increasing the EC. The ponded storm water is a potential <br />source of groundwater contamination. Field readings of pH and EC, and historical groundwater data, <br />have lead staff to conclude that the sulfur drift and/or storm water runoff has impacted water quality. <br />Therefore, pursuant to Section 13267 of the California Water Code (CWC), you are directed to provide <br />the following written technical reports. The reports shall be prepared under the direction of a California <br />Registered Engineer or Certified Engineering Geologist, and signed and stamped by that person. <br />By 15 July 2005, the Discharger shall submit a groundwater investigation work plan. The groundwater <br />investigation shall assess the lateral and vertical extent of groundwater impacts from the existing and <br />past activities (sulfur, copper concentrate, coal and petroleum coke storage) at the H.J. Baker, Bay Sulfur <br />and MSC sites. A characterization of water within the surface impoundment at Bay Sulfur shall also be <br />provided. <br />By 15 July 2005, the Discharger shall submit a short-term plan to manage the sulfur at the Port of <br />Stockton in a manner that will prevent its release outside the present containment areas or from the <br />conveyance structures for the winter of 2005-2006. This plan shall include the removal of sulfur <br />presently discharged to the surface soils and surrounding roadways adjacent to these facilities. The plan <br />shall include an implementation date no later than 15 October 2005. <br />By 1 December 2005, the Discharger shall submit the following: <br />Results of the groundwater investigation. <br />Feasibility study and corrective action measures for the cleanup of soils, surface water and <br />groundwater per Title 27 California Code of Regulations (Title 27) §20425 (See attached). <br />Report of Waste Discharge (RWD) for long-term containment facilities that comply with Title 27 <br />§21710 (See attached). The RWD shall address the containment of sulfur and sulfur impacted <br />storm water per Title 27 (construction of waste management units) or management practices to <br />prevent the creation of waste (i.e. covered storage facilities and conveyance structures such that <br />designated waste will not be created).