SITE INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDENCE_1993-2003

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i Mr. Maurice Benson August 18, 2003 Page 2 • Recent modeling completed by the Department of Defense Waterways Experimental Station (WES) modelers indicates an uncontrolled migration of a TCE plume offsite. Modeling shows cleanup time will be extended by an additional 19 years past the target date of 2014. The new target date to fully achieve the cleanup goals specified in the Record of Decision now becomes 2033. The additional 19 years of operation starts once DDJC-Sharpe implements the recommended optimization of the treatment systems which currently are not completed. • In 3Q02, MW437C detected TCE concentrations of 650 ug/L, 130 times the Maximum Contamination Level allowed by the State of California. Concentrations this high have not been seen at DDJC-Sharpe for over five years. In addition, the area where this detection was made is the corridor where the incomplete capture has been reported and confirmed by modeling. 2.) Page 3, DDJC-Sharpe Fact Sheet# 5, Summary of the Five-Year Review Report, second bullet, second sentence; This sentence states "...Sharpe now expects that it will take longer than originally thought to achieve groundwater cleanup goals." Response: • The fact sheet fails to mention that following the recommended optimization by WES modelers still shows an additional 19 years past the expected target cleanup date of 2014 before the TCE plume will be pulled back to the base boundary and cleanup levels are achieved. DTSC believes that DDJC-Sharpe has not addressed all long-term environmental hazards as evidenced with the continuing migration of the offsite plume. DDJC- Sharpe's fact sheet should provide concise factual information concerning the true extent of contamination and any long-term hazards associated with DDJC-Sharpe's resulting groundwater contamination. A fact sheet for the community's view is the best tool to convey to the public the status of ongoing environmental cleanup at DDJC- Sharpe. As mentioned in the Final Community Relations Plan in March 2003, "fact sheet mailings are the best way to keep the community informed about environmental issues at the installation. None of the community members believe meetings would be an effective way of communicating with the public." In light of the above mentioned concerns, DTSC cannot approve nor support the release of Fact Sheet#5 to the public. DTSC will be providing its own fact sheet regarding the Five-Year Review Report.