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Mi Sergio Morescalchi - 3 - 8 April 2009 <br /> Atlantic Richfield Company <br /> 27, section 20415(e)(10) contains statistical procedures recommended for establishing <br /> baseline concentrations, which, by reference, requires the collection of data for four <br /> consecutive quarters, and obtained during the times of highest and lowest groundwater <br /> elevations. Subsections (A) and (B) of Section 20415(e)(10) allow for the use of either <br /> historical or contemporaneous data to determine baseline concentrations in accordance with <br /> the methods described in Section 20415(e)(7). We cannot accept the baseline concentrations <br /> proposed in the Response. Arco must propose baseline concentrations derived in accordance <br /> with CCR, Title 27 Section 20415(e)(10). <br /> ARCO explains that the rationale behind choosing the highest historical concentrations as <br /> baseline concentrations is to avoid triggering contingency measures prematurely. ARCO <br /> states that natural fluctuations in the concentrations of these constituents could trigger the <br /> contingency plan even if the injected materials do not reach MW-1A. However, there are very <br /> few data points: and ARCO has not provided data showing these fluctuations. In addition, the <br /> contingency measures start with a 6-month monitoring period to ensure that a 120% <br /> exceedence is sustained before extraction is initiated. Data in Table 7 in the February 2005 <br /> 2004 Annual and Fourth Quarter 2004 Site Status, Groundwater Monitoring, and Remedial <br /> Summary Report (2004 Annual Report), taken during and after implementation of the 2004- <br /> 2005 nitrate/sulfate bioremediation pilot study, demonstrate that there is no evidence to <br /> believe that a 6-month sustained 120% exceedence will occur. This method for calculating <br /> baseline concentrations is not sufficiently protective of groundwater quality. Therefore, <br /> Regional Water Board staff cannot concur with ARCO's proposed method and baseline <br /> concentrations. <br /> ARCO is still required to clean up the petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in the groundwater <br /> beneath the Site, whether it is via an in-situ or alternative method. If ARCO chooses to proceed <br /> with an in-situ remedy, ARCO must (1) demonstrate there are no cost-effective non salt- <br /> containing injectants that can effectively clean up the pollution, (2) propose baseline <br /> concentrations for dissolved calcium, sulfate. sulfide, and TDS calculated in accordance with <br /> Title 27 section 20415(e)(10) with data incorporated frorn Table 7 of the 2004 Annual Report as <br /> well as Table 2 in the Response, and (3) propose an alternative contingency plan to fructose <br /> infection. <br /> By 8 May 2009, please inform Regional Water Board staff of ARCO's chosen path forward. If <br /> ARCO wishes to proceed with an in-situ project, the 8 May submittal must include a time <br /> schedule to submit a revised work plan that addresses the comments above. If ARCO chooses <br /> not to proceed with an in-situ project, the 8 May submittal must include a time schedule to submit <br /> a work plan for an alternate cleanup method. <br /> If you have any questions or comments regarding this letter, you may contact me at (916) 464- <br /> 4811 or.,betaylcr �terboards.ca.gov. <br /> BRIAN TAYLOR, P.G. <br /> Engineering Geologist <br /> cc list on next page <br />