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3.0 FINDINGS FOR PARCEL IThis section discusses our findings for Parcel 1 based on our review of available records, interpretation of historical aerial photographs and maps, interviews with knowledgeable individuals, and VSI.
3.1 HISTORY AND CURRENT USE
This subsection provides a general description of the subject parcel based on the VSI performed between June 25, 1996 and August 1, 1996; a historical synopsis for the subject parcel and facility; and key findings that may have a potential to impact Parcel 1. Structures located on Parcel 1 and their current and historical uses are provided in Table 1. Appendix A provides a chronological synopsis of historical activities that have been performed at the subject facility. Historical aerial photographs reviewed are described in Appendix B.
3.1.1 Site Description
Parcel 1 covers approximately 55.6 acres and is located on the northwestern three-fourths of the subject facility (Figure 2). About 40 percent of the parcel is paved with asphalt or concrete and minor planter/grass units associated with landscaping. The remainder of Parcel 1 contains buildings and canopies (Table 1), underground storage tanks (USTs), pressure vessels, aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) (Table 2); and current and former sumps/clarifiers (Table 3).
Figure 3 shows the location of tanks, sumps and clarifiers. Chemical processing tanks are listed in Table 4. Figure 4 shows the location of photographs taken during the VSIs. VSI notes and photographs are provided in Appendix C. Figure 5 provides the utility and piping layout for subsurface features at the NASA Downey Facility. Structures and buildings within Parcel 1 were associated with manufacturing, support and office-type operations.
Historically, numerous buildings and structures have been located within Parcel 1, in the manufacturing areas north of Building 001, and immediately surrounding Building 001. These structures are shown on historical maps in Appendix B. Many of these historical structures were additions to pre-existing buildings, that were given a different number, for example, historical maps show Building 41 consisting of Buildings 41A, 41B, and 45. The original structure still exist and the building was expanded to incorporate the additions. Our discussion of former historical structures is limited to those areas where activities may have occurred that had a potential to impact the NASA Downey Facility. Table 1 identifies the buildings present in Parcel1, and Tables 2 and 3 provide a listing of tanks and sumps, respectively.
3.1.2 Historical Synopsis of Parcel 1
Because of a lack of written records for the subject facility, we developed the following historical synopsis based primarily on our interpretation of aerial photographs and maps. Where possible, we have included information acquired during our record review and interviews. A historical synopsis of the NASA Industrial Plant, Downey, California, is provided in Appendix A so that the reader can associate facility-wide activities with those activities described in this section.
In the 1920s, prior to the area being developed, the NASA Downey facility was part of the Hughan Ranch, which consisted of orange orchards and adjacent fields. In 1929, the subject facility:was purchased by a private entity, which opened a small aircraft manufacturing facility and single-runway industrial airport. The original expansion of the faicility occurred between 1929 and 1934. The facility consisted of about eleven buildings that were eventually merged under one roof
to comprise Building 001. The east-west Vultee runway was located south of Building 001 (Figure 2).
Between 1940 sind 1941, the north-south runway was constructed at the subject facility. This runway extended from the northeast end of the subject facility across the southeastern corner of Parcel1. Buildings 10, 42, and 25 had been constructed north of Building 001, by 1942. The area north of Buildings 10 and 25 was used for open storage.
Between 1945 and 1948, operations at the subject facility diminished considerably and came to a near standstill until North American Aviation (NAA) came on-site. Around 1948, Building 41 was constructed and a stripping area was located to the northwest, roughly in an area currently occupied by Building 292 storage area and the parking lot immediately on the west. This stripping area had at least two sumps and a drainage ditch network that drained stormwater and floor washings from the area. Our interpretation of historical aerial photographs suggests that drained liquid(s) tended to accumulate at the southwestern end of the area. The area east and northeast of the stripping area was generally undeveloped.
By the early 1950s, open storage activities were visible north and on the eastern sides of Building 001. The Vultee runway was being used to store aircraft and the northeastern portion of Parcel 1 was used for parking and refueling aircraft. Periodically planes were parked in the stripping area.
Buildings 118 and 134 were constructed east of Building 001 by 1954. Open storage areas were associated with these buildings. The Navajo missile tower, located east of Building 118 and south of Building 001 was also constructed by this time. The tower was a hydrostatic test tower that held upright Navajo missiles for testing their structural integrity. A dry well was located east of this tower (NAA 1955, November 19, Appendix B). A 1971 document indicates that hydrostatic
test water typically contained zinc chromate (an anti-biofouling additive) (Author Unknown, 1971).
In 1955, the paint booths located north of Building 25 (currently Canopy 701) were situated on the northern end of the concrete pad, whereas the current paint booths in this area are located on the eastern end. Currently, storage sheds are located on the northern end. The 1955 paint booths were of the wet-type with water curtains for collecting excess paint. Paint booths were converted in the 1970s into dry filter type booths.
By June 1955, Building 009, the main cafeteria was constructed and open storage areas were present on the eastern sides of Building 001, near Buildings 11 and 134, and the area north of the stripping area. A new structure east of Building 41 and north of Building 101, the highbay on the north and the western one-third of Building 244, cooling tower west of Building 244, expanded paint booth north of Building 25, and a storage shed south of the Navajo missile tower area were constructed. Open storage areas were present on the northern and southern ends of Building 134 and the eastern side of Building 001.
By 1957, Building 244 was fully constructed. The area north of the stripping area operations was converted to open storage activities. Open storage activities were also present south of the parking area on the northeastern end,of Parcel 1 (first visible in 1955), north of the paint booth (Building 701) north of Building 25, and on the eastern exteriors of Building 001. A second tower was constructed south of the Navajo tower. This tower was about half the height of the Navajo tower. South of Buildings 009 and 011 was a dirt ditch that may have been associated with the installation of subsurface piping.
Around 1958, an AST was constructed south of the Navajo tower. By 1960, this AST had been removed. Around this time, three additions were constructed immediately north of Building 41, in the area of current Building 276. The parking area located on the northeast end of Parcel 1 was replaced by an open storage yard. Open storage areas were also present northwest of Building 10 and north of the paint booth north of Building 25. A helicopter pad was constructed east of the
Navajo tower area.
In 1961, NASA awarded the Apollo and Saturn II programs to North American Rockwell. This resulted in renewed construction activities and the addition of a variety of office trailers throughout the NASA Downey Facility to accommodate the new administrative and office-type activities. Building 276 was constructed north of Building 41. The three buildings that were located on the north end of Building 41 were moved to the east end of the building.
By 1963 several additional structures had been constructed at the facility. These included two helicopter pads east of the Building 001 Navajo tower, Building 287 and associated open storage area and office trailers on the south, Building 277 and adjacent buildings on the east. The stripping area western portion, the canopy and open storage area located north of Building 134 were asphalted. Personnel buildings located southwest of Building 001 were removed and renovated by 1964. The north-south runway was used for open storage. Around 1963 and 1964, additional structures constructed included Building 119 with two cooling towers on its roof, Building 61, the wastewater treatment tank farm (Building 199) north of Building 277, and office trailers at the western end of the manufacturing process area
By 1966, operations at the stripping area west and southwest of building 292 were discontinued. Personnel buildings constructed southwest of Building 001 were removed.
By 1968, Building 292 was constructed west of Building 61. A storage shed was located south of Building 292. Open storage areas were located north of Buildings 61, 292 and 287. Open storage areas with partitions were located north of Building 118. Also by 1968, the helicopter pads east of Building 001 were moved to the flightline grass area near its present location.
The space shuttle program started in the early 1970s and additional expansions occurred to accommodate the program. By 1973, two additional cooling towers were placed on the roof of Building 119. One of the buildings east of Building 41 was removed. The storage areas north of Buildings 287, 292 and 61 were no longer being used. Storage areas north and south of Building 134 were removed. The former stripping area was converted to a parking lot, merging with the lot on the northwest end of Parcel 1. Since 1973, the configuration of buildings remained relatively constant within Parcel 1, as seen today.
3.1.3 Support Areas and Structures on Parcel I
Review of site data, historical aerial photographs, and the VSIs resulted in the identification of support areas and structures located on Parcel 1 that have a low-to-high potential to have significantly impacted Parcel 1. These areas were identified based on historical or current operations suggesting use of a variety of chemicals in the area, the presence of sumps and/or clarifiers, possible USTs, and possible spills/releases. Chemicals identified during the VSI and listed by Rockwell as being used are listed in Table 5. Table 6 lists spills and releases identified through the record review. Key features fiom Parcel 1 support areas and structures were photographed and are provided in Appendix C.
We have divided our discussion in this subsection into Support Areas and Chemical Processing Areas. Generally, buildings and operations located north of Building 001 are included as part of the Chemical Processing area (Figures 6 and 7) and the remainder of the buildings and operations are included with the Support Areas (Figure 3).
3.1.3.1 Parcel 1 Support Areas
Table I summarizes the current and historical operations that have occurred within Parcel 1. Operations with a low-to-high potential to impact Parcel I occurred in Buildings 001, 010, 025 and 701, and 042 (Table 7). A brief description of these operations follows.
Building 001
Building 001 consisted of a multitude of smaller buildings/aircraft hangers (eight-to-thirteen buildings) first constructed in 1929 and fused together under one roof by 1939 (Appendix B). Engineering drawings for Parcel 1 have subdivided the building into Zones. Prior to 1973 the building was divided using old building numbers ranging from 1 through 48, and after
1973,the building was divided into Zones 1 through 9 (Appendix B). Figure 3 shows the locations of Zones 1 through 9.
Building 001 is predominantly a single-storied, concrete-walled structure that covers an area of 913,023 square feet. Portions of the building are double-storied, such as the Annex offices on the west and miscellaneous office spaces. A small basement is located below a portion of the Annex (Figure 4; Appendix C). This basement has an electrical substation and a cooling tower sump. Limited geotechnical investigations were apparently undertaken in the basement to assess subsidence, possibly associated with hydrocompaction. Cut-outs were visible on the concrete floor during our VSI (Figure 4; Appendix C). During the VSI, remnants of an abandoned well were observed in the basement. This well consisted of a 6-inch diameter, concrete cut in the basement door that extended at least to a depth of 10 feet bgs. A metal casing about 10 feet in length and 6-inches in diameter was discarded to one side of the hole. The casing was filled with
concrete and was flanged at the top end (Appendix C).
Building 001 historically had been used as the main manufacturing area for the NASA Downey facility. Portions of the building had been used for aircraft assenibly, final assembly, chem milling, plating, silk screening, welding, physics test laboratory, a rubber laboratory, a foundry, and administrative and engineering offices. Table 1 provides a listing of key activities that have occurred within Building 001 by each respective zone. Table 3 identifies 10 sumps as being
located in and around Building 001, and Figure 3 shows the location of the sumps. These sumps and additional unnumbered sumps identified through a review of microfiche files are listed by zone in Table 7. Sumps identified inside Building 001 typically were not visible and had been covered with either carpet or tile. No information on how these sumps were abandoned could be located.
Sumps, located in Zones 2, 4, 5, and 7 have the potential to have impacted Parcel 1. Records of chemical analyses performed on wastewater from Sump 2 located in Zone 2 showed presence of 1,2-Dichloroethane (1-2-DCE). This sump received cooling tower water that possibly had soluble oil, sulfuric acid, and dissolved metals (Table 3). A degreasing pit about 21 feet by 28 feet and 3 feet deep was located in Zone 4. This pit apparently held either trichloroethylene (TCE) or 1,1,1- trichloroethane (-1,1,1-TCA). Other sumps located in Zone 4 were used with chemical processing operations and a foundry. Zone 5 was used as a Chem Mill lab, paint lab and analytical lab. Two sumps are associated with this zone. Zone 7 was used as a plating room and at one time had a water-curtain-type paint booth. A clarifier and wastewater sump were located on the western and eastern ends of Zone 7, as shown in a 1955 Engineering Drawing (Dwg. No. DO-004-25-0-
M034, December 1955).
A 1966 facility map showed an underground line exiting the northeastern end of Building 001, trending southeast and connecting to a concrete culvert located within the grass area of Parcel V (Figure 2). The map described the line as "intercept underground drain (to be abandoned at time of construction of ultimate S.D. [storm drain?] system)" (Author Unknown, 1966). It appears that this subsurface line was abandoned in place after 1966. This line may have received storm water discharges from Building 001. A soil investigation was performed near the culvert in Parcel V by Rockwell in the sumner of 1996. Chemical results for soil samples did not have detectable concentrations of volatile organic compounds and petroleum hydrocarbons.
The southeast exterior of Building 001, just east of Building 118, was used for testing a full-sized Navajo Missile. A test tower was located in this area and was used to perform hydrostatic structure integrity tests. A dry well is shown east of the test tower in a November 1955 engineering drawing (NAA, D85007F, Appendix B)
The Vultee runway was located south of Building 001. A 1939 Vultee Engineering Drawing showed this runway to be 150 feet wide with an asphalt-paved (Vultee, January 1939). On the southern side of the runway was a 5-feet wide ditch that was treated with oil. This runway intercepted an oil covered, 60-foot wide runway that trended west toward Building 001.
Table 6 lists minor spills/incidents that occurred in Building 001 during the early 1990s. These spills/incidents were readily cleaned up/mitigated and do not appear to have impacted the environment. An interview with a Rockwell employee suggested that a large acid spill occurred in the chem mill area, along the eastern interior of Building 001 (Appendix D). The spill was contained to the interior of the building and was cleaned up.
Building 001 is currently being used for engineering and administrative office space and for storage of shuttle parts and equipment. Manufacturing and assembly activities no longer occur in the building.
Building 910 was identified as a maintenance building in the 1940s and 1950s. A 1956 Engineering Drawing shows a wash rack and sump on the·northern exterior of Building 010 (Dwg. No. D-4 10986). Sump 11 is shown both on the western exterior of the building and on the western interior (Table 3). The VSI did not identify a sump on the northern exterior nor in the interior of the building; however, a possible sump was observed west of Building 010. A photograph of this area is included in Appendix C. The building is currently being used for office space and a wood shop.
Buildings 025 and 701
A 1942 Engineering Drawing (PE 1896) identified Building 025 as a paint storage building with a battery of five large tanks and three smaller, 1,900 gallon USTs located northwest of the building (Vultee, June 1942). Top of the 1,000-gallon tanks was shown at about 4 feet bgs. Barrel racks were located west of the 1,000-gallon tanks. VSI showed five vents adjacent to the northwest exterior of Building 025. Three circular features observed northwest of Building 025, across the
street, just west of Building 701 suggest the location of the 1,000-gallon USTs (Appendix C). Subsequent field investigations (Earth Tech, July 1998) located the eight USTs. The tanks were removed in 1998. Site closure is pending approval from LACDPW.
Building 025 apparently was used for paint and acid storage at least until 1964 and by 1967 was being used for manufacturing (Table 1). Currently the building is used to store janitorial equipment and supplies.
Building 701 had been and is currently used as a paint booth and storage area by the maintenance department. This canvas-covered building reportedly had water-curtain type paint booths and associated sump. The paint booths were converted to dry-filter type booths around 1974. The sump associated with the wet paint booths was located on the eastern end of the building and was also abandoned in 1974. Sump 26, a pre-fabricated concrete clarifier, was installed on the eastern exterior of Building 701, shortly thereafter. A nearby sink used for washing equipment discharges
to Sump 26. Photographs showing Sump 26 and the sink are provided in Appendix C.
Building 042
Building 042 had been used since the 1940s as a vehicle maintenance facility and wash bay. The Vehicle maintenance activities occur on the southern half of the building and the washbay is located on the northwest. The remainder of the building is used for offce space. Photographs of the wash bay and maintenance area of Building 042 are provided in Appendix C.
A fuel island and three, USTs (10, 13, and 14) were located on the western exterior of the building (Table 3, Figure 3). USTs 13 and 14 were removed in 1990. UST 10 and the fuel-island were removed in the Fall of 1996, after the VSI. Site closure was provided by the LACDPW for these USTs. Appendix C provides photographs taken during the VSI, prior to the removal of fuel-island and UST 10.
3.1.3.2 Chemical Processing Areas
Chemical processing operations were carried out in Buildings 41, 61, 244, 276, 277, 287, and 292. These buildings were located on the northern end of Parcel I, north of Building 001 (Figure 6). Buildings 51/267, 101, and 221 were also located in this area although these buildings were not used for chemical processing operations. The current and historical operations conducted in these buildings are described below and summarized in Table 1.
Building 41
Building 41 was constructed in 1942. This building contained several different operations including heat treatment, painting, tooling/storage: and assembly (Tables 1 and 7). Heat treatment and painting operations have been discontinued. The area is currently used for storage of miscellaneous equipment.
Heat treatment operations were housed in the west central portion of the building. The shop contained five, Small electric ovens for baking metal parts. Three of these ovens were recently removed. These ovens were contained in a rectangular pit that was visibly stained with oil (AppendixC). East of the rectangular pit was a vapor degreaser and a small solvent dip tank used for cleaning metal parts prior to heat treatment. The vapor degreaser (now empty) used 1,1,1-TCA as a solvent and the solvent dip tank appeared to have used a petroleum-based solvent. A 1,200 gallon oil quench tank was located here and was used for cooling parts after heat treatment. A large oven (Oven 17) was located on the eastern end of the heat treatment room and was used for baking larger metal parts. Two, large ovens (#1 and #2) were located on the southern end of the room. Oven #1 was elevated over a large, water quench pit, approximately 15 feet by 10 feet by 20 feet deep. Metal parts that were heat treated, were lowered from the oven and immediately cooled in this pit. Cooling water from this pit was discharged into Sump 13, which is located on the western exterior of Building 41. Soil sampling near Sump; 13 (SB-9) did not, however, detect any contamination. Appendix C provides photographs of the water quench pit and Sump 13 (Figure 4).
Painting operations were conducted in four large paint booths located in the northwest portion of the building. According to Rockwell employees interviewed, the booths originally installed were water-curtain type (wet-type paint booths) but these were converted to dry-paint booths-sometime in the mid-to-late 1980s (Appendix D). In the water-curtain design, paint was sprayed onto the part and the water curtain collected the paint overspray. The water collected in a sump located either underneath a grated noor in the paint booth or beneath the water curtain at the back of the booth. According to Rockwell operating personnel interviewed, water collected in the sump was treated with chemicals to suspend the paint particles so they could be removed for disposal. The sumps associated .with the wet-type paint booths could not be located during our
VSI. These sumps received wastewater, paints and solvents. The dry-type paint booth design collected the paint overspray on filters located in the back wall of the booth. The filters were replaced:after heavy paint buildup was observed. A wall sign indicating use of Freon and 1,1,1- TCA was observed on the paint booth walls (Figure 4; Appendix C).
Interviews with Rockwell personnel indicated that the area west of Building 41 was used for sand blasting parts during the late 1950s and early 1960s (Appendix D). A paint booth was also present in this area.
The tooling/storage area located on the southern portion of Building 41 was used for preparing parts that required bonding. Currently, the area is used for storing miscellaneous office equipment and as a wood shop. A small room located between the heat treating room and the tooling/storage area was used to store Freon 113. According to Rockwell, Freon 113 was stored in two ASTs and 55-gallon drums. The tanks held approximately 67,000 pounds of bulk Freon 113.
The northeast corner of Building 41 held an upholstery shop that contained two small paint spray booths with ovens and miscellaneous equipment. Rockwell operating personnel indicated that small parts for the Hound Dog program were painted in this area during the 1960s. Rockwell personnel also indicated that this room has previously been used as a clean room
An oil/water (10%:90%) spill, about 40 feet in diameter occurred during the startup of Building 221 compressor in June 1992 on the asphalt area at the northwest end of Building 41 (Table 6). The release was cleaned up with absorbent; no additional information was located on the release.
Building 51/267
Building 51 was constructed first in 1958 and Building 267 added to the north in 1967. These buildings were used for shipping and receiving operations. A below grade truck ramp was located south of Building 51. A storm water collection sump was located at the end of the ramp (Figure 3).
Building 61
Building 61 was constructed in early 1964, north of Buildings 244 and 277. The building was surrounded by asphat-paved storage area. A hazardous accumulation area is located in the canopy northeast of the building. UST 1 was located north of the building. This UST was removed during Fall 1996 and closure activities are pending. Table 3 identifies nine sumps in and around Building 61 (Figure 3). Sump 29 was identified as having received waste solvents from Building 292 paint stripping operations and Building 61 clean rooms (Table 3, Figure 3). According to Rockwell personnel interviewed, this sump was abandoned in place in March 1990 (Appendix D). Details on how the sump was abandoned were not located. Appendix C provides photographs taken of the building and associated features.
Operations performed in Building 61 included a chemical processing line (Tanks 6 to 23 and 34) and a tube cleaning line (Tanks 1 to 5 and 24 to 33). The tube cleaning line was expanded to include a chemical film line. Engineering drawings showed the northeast end of Building 61 as having five processing tanks, including one vapor degreaser (Dwg. DO-061-00-1-A-011, January 1975). Also, there were 18 tanks in a horseshoe arrangement located west of chemical processing tanks (Dwg. No. D-61-AA-036, January 1975). Appendix C contains a listing of tanks (date unknown) monitored by the Chemical Process Control Laboratory.
By 1974 the chemical processing line had been removed and the area remodeled to include tubing fabrication precision cleaning, chemical cleaning and silk screening (Dwg. No. D-61-A-051, January 1975). Brazing operations were located on the western end of Building 61 that had a preheat oven, salt bath, quench tank and cleaning tank (Dwg. No. D-61-1-A-012, January 1975). These facilities were evidently removed in the late 1970s/early 1980s. A 1978 Engineering
Drawing showed a small electropolish operation consisting of electropolish, rinse and descale tanks just west of the processing tank area (Dwg. No. D-061-00-1-A-052, May 1978). Building 61 and surrounding storage areas are currently used as Surplus Sales storage.
Tubing fabrication involved forming, cutting and packaging of various types of tubing. According to interviews with Rockwell operating personnel the rise of chemicals was minimal in this operation.
Precision cleaning operations were performed in the northwest portion of the building. This operation used Freon in an ultrasonic cleaning machine and I,I,I-TCA in a vapor degreaser for precision cleaning of the tubes. According to interviews with Rockwell operating personnel a 20,000-pound Freon storage tank. Small quantities of isopropyl alcohol were also used for cleaning.
A chemical cleaning operation was located at the northeast portion of the building for cleaning and chemical etching tubes. This area contained eleven processing tanks (Table 4). The tanks were located on a grated area with an overflow sump located on the noor beneath the grated area During our VSI the tanks showed evidence of corrosion. Sump 17 on the northeast exterior collected wastewater from the pit area below the chemical processing tanks and discharged
wastewater southward toward the wastewater pre-treatment unit in Building 199 (Figures 6 and 7).
The silk screening shop was located in the southern portion of the building and its principal function was to produce signs and decals. Chemicals used in this shop included photographic chemicals such as developer, fixer, stop bath, and hydrogen peroxide. Spent chemicals were either disposed as hazardous waste or discharged to Sump 16. Less than five gallons of waste were generated monthly (Rockwell, August 19934).
Table 6 identifies a TCE release on the north end of Building 61 around 1983 (ALT, 1988c,d, August) that resulted when two 55-gallon drums were accidentally punctured. The released chemical may have been trichloroethylene or 1,1,1-TCA since inconsistencies were identified in the record. The release extended across the asphait on the northern and eastern exterior of Building 61 (Table 6). Sumps 17 and 31 located in the northeastern corner of the building may have shown residual contamination. However, both these sumps, permitted as USTs, were closed in 1999 under LACDPW permit # 243771B indicating no further action was needed (Earth Tech, Sept. 1999). In 1988, a pipeline located on the eastern exterior of Building 61 failed and discharged wastewater from plating operations into the soil. The impacted soils were excavated and disposed off-site (ALT, 1988c,d, August). Nine spills and releases were identified in and around Building 61 between 1988 to 1993. These releases involved small quantities of sodium dichromate, sodium hydroxide, alkaline cleaner, emulsion cleaner, solvent emulsion cleaner and wastewater possibly associated with tank overflows (Table 6). The releases were contained and cleaned up.
Building 101
Building 101 was constructed in 1948. According to interviews with Rockwell operating personnel, this building once contained Upholstery Shop where seat covers were fabricated. The area is currently used for offices. A freezer and an air conditioning unit were located in this building during the VSI. Historical operations do not suggest that hazardous chemical have been used in this building.
Building 199
Building 199, wastewater treatment area, located between Buildings 61 and 277, was initially constructed in 1967 and reconfigured in the mid-1980s. The building housed a variety of treatment tanks, pumps and a clarifier on an elevated berm/concrete pad. A coolant recovery unit (Canopy 751) and an office (Building 271) were located on the northwestern end of the concrete pad. Figures 6 and 7 show the location of the pad and configuration Building 199 served as the
industrial wastewater pre-treatment plant for the chemical processing areas in Buildings 61,276,277 and 287. Operations consisted of regenerating deionized water from mixed rinsate sumps for reuse in metal finishing operations and conditioning wastewater prior to being discharged to the sewer (Figures 5 and 7). A schedule of tanks for this building is provided in Table 4. Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide were used for regeneration of the cation and anion resin beds,
respectively. A small coolant recovery unit was also located here for filtering solids from coolant used in machining operations. A brine tank was also located here. A three-compartment clarifier located on the northern end of Building 199 received wastewater from the wastewater holding tank. After appropriate pH adjustment, the wastewater was routed to Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts sewer system (Figures 6 and 7). Appendix C provides photographs of this area.
Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide were the two primary chemicals used at Building 199. According to Rockwell operating personnel interviewed, these tanks used to be open to atmosphere and some small releases had occurred (Appendix D). The releases apparently damaged the concrete berm sufficient to warrant a renovation of this area in the
1980s.
Building 221
Building 221 is a single story shed that was constructed in 1952. The building is located just west of Building 276 and a cooling tower. The building housed a compressor unit and associated piping. A flammable chemical cabinet storing oil containers was located inside the building. The waste oil storage unit for the compressor was located on the northern exterior of the building. Minor oil staining was noted on the compressor and by the waste oil unit during the VSI. Appendix C provides photographs of this building and the minor oil staining observed. On the eastern exterior of Building 221 was a pump unit and below grade concrete vault that appeared to have been associated with the cooling tower immediately to the east. A condensate sump and pump was located immediately east of the cooling tower (Figure 4; Appendix C).
Building 244
Building 244 was constructed in 1956 as a single-story building with a high bay at its northwestern end. The southwestern corner of the building was used for equipment storage by the Coldplate Department. This area was fenced off from area immediately to the north. This northwestern portion was an asphalt-paved area with a sump located on its southern end. The sump was about 3 feet square and was filled with sediment at the time of the VSI. Surface stains were observed along the eastern wall in the area during our VSI (Appendix C). Empty 55-gallon drums were stacked three high, along the western exterior of the building. A cooling tower was located to the west of these drums.
The eastern half of Building 244 was open to the chemical processing area of Building 277. The Non-Destructive Test (NDT) area and Chemical Process Control Laboratory were located on the northern portion of Building 244. The NDT area had one, 8 feet long by 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep tank for polyethylene glycol a nuorescent dye used for testing parts. Minor spills and adsorbent material were noted on floor near the northern exterior of the tank during our VSI (Appendix C). A small chemical dip tank containing solvent was also located in this area.
The Chemical Process Control Laboratory located in the northeast portion of the building provided testing and quality control for the chemical processing areas.· This lab had a sink that discharged to a covered sump located north of the lab exterior. The laboratory contained a number chemicals located in shelves under the sink and an adjacent counter. Four chemical cabinets were located outside the laboratory in a hallway. These cabinets contained various laboratory stock chemicals, corrosive chemicals, and flammable chemicals. Table 5 provides an inventory of the chemicals observed during our VSI. Also north of Chemical Process Control lab was a sump that possibly received cooling water (Figures 3 and 6). Appendix C provides photographs of this area (Figure 4).
Three boilers and Sumps 19 and 20 were located onthe northern exterior of Building 244. The boilers were used to supply steam to the chemical processing areas in Buildings 277 and 276. The boilers discharged blowdown wastewater to Sump 19. Boiler treatment chemicals containing sulfides, phosphates and amines mixed with water were stored in a small tank next to the boilers. The boilers have been inactive since March 1995, A horizontal pressure vessel was located in this
area, possibly for boiler feedwater storage. Sump 20 was used for neutralizing process wastewater (Table 3).
Chemical milling operations for the Navajo missile program were located in the northwestern portion of Building 244 during the late 1950s. Chemical milling operations consisted of approximately six chemical storage tanks used in the preparation and etching of metal parts (Dwg. D-244-A-25, May 1956). The tanks were located at grade with an elevated walkway allowing the operators to stand over the tanks. A large pit held a tank on the northern end (Dwg. D-244-A-
20, October 1955). This pit was backfilled in 1983 (Dwg, DO-244-00-1-A-067, April 1983). A sump and a shallow ditch were also associated with the tanks. Chem mill operations were removed in the 1960s after the Hound Dog program ended. Historical drawings indicate that the chem mill area was replaced with a chemical processing area consisting of approximately 19 tanks that were used for chemical cleaning and etching operations. The tanks were removed in 1971
according to historical drawings (Dwg. DO-244-00-0-A-059, February 1971). Historical drawings also indicate six acid storage tanks were located on the exterior of Building 244 east of the boilers (Dwg. No. DO-244-0-A-058, July 1957). The tanks were possibly used in Building 244 operations or were part of the wastewater treatment plant.
The Honeycomb Bonding area was located in the southern portion of the building and was used for assembly of the honeycomb components. Chemical usage consisted of small quantities of adhesives and cleaning chemicals. The area is currently used for storage of miscellaneous parts and equipment.
Table 6 identifies only one spill as having occurred at Building 244 during 1983 to 1993. A boiler feedline leaked and spilled Betz Entec 725 and 735. The volume of chemical spilled was not identified. The spill was covered with neutralizer.
Building 276
Building 276, a single-storied building, was constructed in 1959. This building contained the Coldplate Fabrication and Test shop for buildup of aluminum and stainless steel coldplate. The coldplate process area, located in the southeast end, consisted of 23 tanks used for cleaning and etching operations. Table 4 lists the chemicals most recently used in these operations. The tanks were located on a grated floor over a pit. The pit area drained to Sump 23 located on the south
side of the building. Sump 23 was permitted as a UST Boeing and was closed in 1999 under LACDPW permit #243771B (Earth Tech, Sept. 1999). During the VSI, the shop appeared to be active and the majority of the tanks contained chemicals. Some minor corrosion was detected on the tanks during the VSI (Appendix C). A chemical storage cabinet and a flammable storage cabinet were located in this area The historical tank summary for Building 276 (Appendix C)
suggested that a different tank configuration was present prior to the current configuration. Historical drawings also indicate the southern portion of the site previously contained a wet-paint spray booth (approximately 120 feet by 50 feet) which were relocated in 1961 (Dwg. Nos. DO-276-A-009, October 1959 and D-711-5-3AF, February 1961). The 1961 drawing showed a french drain with 4-inch diameter clay tile on the eastern exterior of Building 276.
Machines used for fabrication were located in the western and northern portion of Building 276. The machines used hydraulic oils and showed signs of minor leakage. A flammable liquid cabinet was also located in this area. A vacuum brazing furnace was located on the southwestern end of the building (Figure 6).
Table 6 identifies two spills as having occurred at Building 276 since 1959. About 80 gallons of diluted sodium hydroxide overflowed from a processing tank in 1988, and 20 to 25 gallons of ethyl-ethylene glycol were released when a fluid line broke in 1992. Both releases were cleaned up with absorbent material.
Building 277
Building 277 is a single storied structure that was constructed on the eastern end of Building 244 in 1959. A refrigeration unit and foam booth were located in the southern room. Northern portion contained chemical processing Tanks 1 through 42 and vapor degreaser Tanks 49 and 50 (Figure 6). Table 4 summarizes the service and size of these tanks. These tanks were contained in an overflow pit that discharged into Sump 30, located in the northeastern exterior of Building
277 (Figure 3). During our VSI, we noticed that the concrete sides and floor of the overflow pit was visibly corroded and fractured in places (Appendix C, Figure 4). The tanks were also visibly stained in places. The majority of the tanks and two vapor degreasers in Building 277 are currently not being used and do not contain chemicals. During the VSI, a few tanks were in use to assist with intermittent chemical processing activities.
Sump 30 is divided into five compartments, only two of which were active. One compartment collects wastewater from the secondary containment pit surrounding the tanks in Building 277. This compartment also collected any wastewater from three scrubbers located on the east side of the building. The second compartment collected mixed rinses from the process tanks located inside Building 277. The contents of the two compartments were pumped to the wastewater
holding tank and the mixed rinse holding tank in Building 199. The sump was also permitted as
UST and was closed in 1999 under LACDPW permit # 243771B (Earth Tech, Sept. 1999).
Building 277 had been used for sewing/scribing & layout, foam group, and chemical processing operations. Sewing/scribing & layout operations were performed in the southern portion of the building. Small amounts of flammable and halogenated solvents were used with these operations. Foam operations were also carried out in this location using a cryogenic foam that required refrigeration.
The chemical processing area operations included anodizing, passivating, chem filming, etching and cleaning of metal parts. Historical drawings of this building showed that the tank arrangement was modified from its original layout sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Prior to this modification, there were approximately 29 tanks in a plating/chem milling area and 59 tanks in plating area. The two areas were separated by a wall. The tank summary in Appendix
C lists the chemicals used in the previous tank configuration. The plating/chem milling area tanks were removed-in 1971 (Dwg. DO-277-00-0-A-023). According to Rockwell personnel interviewed, the shop's operations bad changed over the years. Silver and gold plating were two of the operations previously conducted. Our review indicated that at times 1,1,1-TCA, TCE and perchioroethylene (PCE) were used in the vapor degieasers.
A review of the record and interviews with Rockwell personnel indicated a history of spills associated with various chemicals such as, sodium dichromate, solvents and acids, occurred in the chemical processing area (Table 6). Chemicals overflowed into the pit area which drained to Sump 30 and was pumped to the clarifier at the Building 199 wastewater treatment unit (Figure 6). The clarifier was pumped out with a vacuum truck and the contents disposed off-site as a hazardous waste.
Building 287
Building 287 was constructed in 1963. The northeastern end had three, chemical processing tanks (Tanks 201 to 203) and a vapor degreaser (Tank 200) that were located in a 20 foot deep pit with grating (Figure 6). Table 4 identifies the tank volumes and the chemicals that were stored in them These tanks were used for processing large parts for bonding. The tanks were empty at the time of our VSI. A dry-type paint booth was located south of the tank area. The southern
end of the building held autoclaves and an ultrasonic unit. Minor staining was seen in the pit area of the ultrasonic unit where two polypropylene tanks and two unlabeled cylinders were located (Appendix C). One of the tanks was labeled as RustLick a corrosion inhibitor. A fenced chemical storage area was located on the southeastern exterior of Building 287 (Figure 6). This area had wooden pallets and an empty flammable cabinet at the time of our VSI. Three AST and a carbon
dioxide tank were located on the southern exterior of Building 287. Two sumps (Sumps 16 and 24) are located on the northeast end of Building 287 (Figure 3 and Table 2). The building is currently used for storage of miscellaneous equipment.
The area north of Building 287 is currently used by Surplus Sales to store equipment. The area once housed UST 2 and UST 12 (Figure 3). UST 2 had stored diesel fuel for trucks and ovens. This UST was removed in the Fall of 1996. Soil samples collected from the tank excavation had elevated concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons. According to Boeing, a no-further-action (NFA) has been approved by the LACDPW for the site. UST 12 was located south of UST 2. UST 12 held sulfuric acid/sodium dichromate. Based on our interviews with Rockwell personnel and review of Rockwell's UST files, a release was associated with this UST and the tank was removed and the site cleaned up.
Building 287 contained fabrication, assembly, and processing areas for composite part. Equipment consisted of layout tables and several ovens used for curing epoxy and adhesive parts. A small machine shop existed on the north side of the building and was used for cutting plastics and composite materials, A small mixing laboratory was located on the east side of the building. Chemicals for the lab were stored either on shelves in the lab or in 55-gallon drums within the
outside storage area (Figure 6). This lab used solvents, silicone rubbers, and adhesives.
A 50-foot diameter, clam shell autoclave was located in the southeastern corner of Building 287, partially below grade (Dwg. No. D-287-A-3). This unit and other autoclaves were removed in the early 1990s.
The dry-type paint booth was located in the eastern portion of the building. Interviews with Rockwell operating personnel indicated that this booth was converted from a wet-type to dry-type booth sometime in the 1970s. Minor staining was visible on the noor near the booth.
Based on interviews with RockwelI personnel overflow discharges from the chemical processing tanks of Building 287 were pumped to a wastewater UST located on the eastern exterior of the building, just east of the chemical processing tank area. Apparently a leak was identified in the wastewater UST in 1980. The UST and surrounding impacted soils were removed and disposed off-site (Appendix D). Subsequent wastewater discharges were then contained in the tank pit and removed by vacuum truck.
According to Rockwell operating personnel and spill incidence data, the chemical processing tanks that contained Turco 4090 and sulfuric acid/sodium dichromate overflowed into the containment pit in 1990. The sulfuric acid/sodium dichromate tank release damaged the sump pumps, piping, and valves. The overflow containment area was redesigned to avoid this from happening again.
Table 6 identifies a few releases that have occurred at Building 287 during the early 19908. Two releases were diesel spills associated with the UST. Another release was associated with Tanks 201 and 203 being overfilled. About 50,000 gallons of alkcaline soap solution and aluminum prebond etch were discharged to the overflow containment pit. A portion of the release flowed into two compartments of the clarifier at Building 199 (Figure 6). A vacuum truck was used to
remove the liquid from the pit and clarifier. The wastewater was disposed off-site.
Building 292
Building 292 was constructed in 1963 and moved to its present location around 1966. Light assembly operations were performed in this building. The building currently stores miscellaneous equipment and is used for Surplus Sales storage. The northern exterior of the building had some chillers and dust collectors. A canopy on the west side of the building used to house a welding area and still contains welding equipment, previously, a paint stripping operation was located in
this canopy. A 1969 Engineering Drawing shows a strip pit (approximately 7 feet by 7 feet by 6 feet) and trench and drain associated with these paint stripping operations (Dwg. No. D-61-A-33, June 1969).
Sump 15 was located south of the welding canopy. This sump was identified as an oil and grease trap in historical drawings (Table 2, Figure 3).
A 1939 Engineering Drawing @wg. Nos. D-400 42D, April·1939) showed the stripping area located northwest of Building 41, roughly in the area of Building 292's southern storage yard, and the eastern edge of the north parking lot (Figure 6). In 1957 after Building 244 was constructed, covered Shelters were constructed in the stripping area and the area to the north was used for open storage. The stripping area was in operation until about 1966, when Building 292 was relocated in the area (Dwg. No. D-61-A-20, June 1966). This drawing showed the stripping area having three sumps connected together with a below grade ditch. The sump just west of Building 292 was designated for abandonment. The upper 36-inches of the sump were removed and the area backfilled with sand and gravel and paved with cement. The two other sumps and
the drainage ditch were cemented and abandoned in 1968 (Dwg. No. D-61-A-32). According to interviews with Rockwell personnel the paint stripping operations used chemical strippers manufactured by Turco. The stripper was either sprayed on with a spray hose (Black Turco) or brushed on from the container. The stripper excess flowed to the sewer drain, Several dry sand blasting machines were also described by employees as having been located in the Stripping area.
These blasting areas were used for removing paint from parts.
Table 6 identifies one release in Building 292 in 1989. Cee Bee stripper was accidentally discharged into a trench (Table 6).
3.1.4 Regulatory Agency Database Search
Appendix E provides a copy of our Freedom of Information Act requests for USTs and hazardous substance usage, spills, cleanups or investigations that were sent to the USEPA, NRC, Cal/EPA, DTSC, RWQCB Los Angeles Region, LACDPW, LACSD, SCAQMD, and the Downey Fire Department. Visits were made to the RWQCB, LACSD, LACDPW, and the Downey Fire Department to review files relevant to Parcel 1 and immediately adjacent facilities with potential to
impact Parcel 1. Appendix G provides a list of reference documents.
In addition, a search of readily available Federal, state, regional, and local agency database listings was conducted by ERIIS in 1996. A copy of the findings of the database search is provided in Appendix E. In addition, maps showing the location of these sites and historical USGS topographic maps are also provided in Appendix E. Table 9 provides a site distribution summary of the ERIIS regulatory agency database listing for the subject parcel and surrounding area. In
1998, a BBL database search was conducted. The database identified nearby drinking water supply wells operated by the City of Downey, which had low levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachioroethylene (PCE). Appendix E contains a copy of the BBL report. in addition, discussions with the LARWQCB in 1998 identified three facilities of potential concern for groundwater contamination These include the Astro Pak facility, Primer Technologies, and Downey Properties located to the north ofNASA Downey facility.
3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
This section includes descriptions of the local and regional physical setting of the subject parcel.
3.2.1 Physiography/Topography
The NASA Downey Facility is located in the 480-square-mile Coastal Plain of Los Angeles County extending from the Santa Monica Mountains on the north, to the Orange County border to the south and east, and south and west to the Pacific Ocean (Rockwell 1980). The Coastal Plain is primarily comprised of coalescing alluvial fans forming a gently dipping surface extending from the mountains to the north, southward to the ocean. The NASA Downey Facility is located
along the western portion of the Los Angeles Coastal Plain at a surface elevation of approximately 100 feet above mean sea level(msl). The topography is·relatively flat, sloping to the south at a gradient of approximately 15 feet per mile (ALT, 1992a).
The facility is located between two surface water mainstream channels that flow across·the Coastal Plain south towards the Pacific Ocean. The San Gabriei River is located approximately 1.5 miles to the east of the facility and the Los Angeles River is located approximately 2 miles to the west of the facility. The NASA Downey facility, however is not located in an area characterized as a floodplain or wetlands (Rockwell, 1980).
3.2.2 Meteorology
The climate of the local area is pleasant and mild throughout the year with mild, rainy winters and warm dry summers. Rain averages from 12-to-20 inches a year. The majority of the annual precipitation (85 percent) occurs between November and March (Rockwell, 1980). Daily temperatures at the in the area are relatively mild, with average temperature changes during the summer and winter months ranging between 150C and 200C, respectively (Rockwell 1989). Prevailing winds are typically from the west-northwest during the spring, summer and early fall, with northeasterly winds predominating the remainder of the year (Rockwell, l980). Occasionally, the area is affected by "Santa Ana" winds. These winds occur as a result of high pressure systems moving,into parts of Nevada and Utah that generate strong, hot and dry winds that originate from desert areas to the northeast of the site. The Santa Ana winds can reach speeds up to 35 to 50 mph (Rockwell, 1980).
3.2.3 Geology and Hydrogeology
3.2.3.1 Structural Geology
NASA Downey facility is located within the Los Angeles Basin, a physiographic basin underlain by a deep structural depression. The Los Angeles Basin, which extends from the Santa Monica Mountains on the north to the Pacific Ocean on the south and west, is divided into four primary structural blocks defined along major zones of faulting or nexure in the basement rocks. NASA Downey facility is located within the Central Block of the Los Angeles Basin, which is a wedge-
shaped block approximately 55 miles long trending to the southeast. It is bounded on the northwest by the Santa Monica-Raymond fault, bounded on the southwest by the Newport-Inglewood fault, and bounded on the northeast by the Whittier-Elsinore fault system. The predominant structural feature in the Central Block is a northeast trending synclinal trough underlying the central portion of the block (CET, 1994).
3.2.3.2 Environment of Deposition
The Los Angeles Basin has been the site of discontinuous sediment deposition since late Cretaceous time. Deposits typically consist of stream channel coalescing alluvial fans, and floodplain sediments. The fresh water-bearing sediments of the basin include unconsolidated and semi-consolidated alluvial deposits of Recent, Pleistocene and Pliocene ages that have been divided into separate groundwater basins. NASA Downey facility lies near the northern boundary
of what is known as the Central Basin Pressure Area of the Central Groundwater Basin. It is called a "pressure area" because the primary aquifer within it are confined by relatively impermeable layers of clay or silt over most of the area (CET, 1 994).
3.2.33 Regional Hydrogeology
Based on lithologic information from nearby groundwater production.wells, and shallow on-site groundwater monitoring wells, the NASA Downey facility is underlain by approximately 30 to 50 feet of fine-grained sediments comprised primarily of silty clays and clayey silts (GRC,. 1994b,1995a). Based on an interpretation of regional cross sections, these sediments appear to be underlain by the Gaspur Aquifer which consists of approximately 100 to 150 feet of
predominantly sands and gravels with some thin layers of silt and clay [State of California, Department of Water Resources (DWR), 1990]. The Gaspur Aquifer has been used as a source of water supply however, production wells are typically screened in deeper aquifers (Rockwell, 1980). Deeper aquifers beneath the NASA Downey facility include, in order of increasing depth, the Exposition, Gage, Jefferson, Lynwood and Silverado Aquifers. The base of the Siiverado
Aquifer extends to a depth of between approximately 600 to 650 feet below ground surface (bgs) beneath the site (DWR, 1990). Regional groundwater now in the deeper aquifers beneath this area is generally toward the south(GRC, 1994 a, b).
3.23.4 Shallow Soils and Groundwater Beneath the Subject Facility
Limited soil investigations performed at the subject facility have described the shallow soils and groundwater encountered beneath the subject facility. These studies include geotechnical investigations performed by Converse Foundation Engineering Company (Converse, 1955),and LeRoy Crandall and Associates (Crandall, 1963). Other investigations include Cone Penetrometer Tests (CPTs) performed in the area of the helipad in Parcels V and VI (Fugro-McClelland, 1993), and soil and groundwater evaluations associated with USTs (No.13,14, and15) and underground sumps by GRC (GRC, 1994 a, b; 1995b,c; 1996a, b), ALT, Inc., (ALT1988a-d, 1989, 1990, 1992a,b), and Earth Tech Inc., (Earth Tech, 1996). Shallow soils, and shallow groundwater information pertinent to Parcels 1 and II are discussed in this section.
The boring logs from the CPT locations, geotechnical studies, and monitoring well installations indicate that shallow subsurface soils generally consist of interbedded silty sand, sandy silt, silty clay, and clayey silt to a depth of about 41 feet bgs. Boring logs from monitoring well S-l, S-2, and S-3 installed by GRC in the vicinity of former UST 15 indicate that predominantly coarse sands were encountered from about 41 feet to 66.5 feet bgs (GRC, 1995b).
Shallow,groundwater was first encountered beneath the subject facility between 45 to 65 feet bgs. Groundwater elevation data collected from shallow monitoring wells, located in Parcel IIl, Parcel II, and:the adjacent Rockwell property indicate a south-to-southwesterty groundwater flow direction with a gradient of approximately 0.1 percent (GRC, 1994b; 1996a). During the CPT investigation, groundwater was not encountered at a depth of 63 feet bgs (Fugro-McClelland,1993).
Soil and groundwater evaluations performed south of Parcel I, on Parcel IV, adjacent to the northern and western boundary of Spartan Chemical (GRC, 1994c) and Rockwell's UST 11 investigation performed southwest of Parcel 1 and south of Parcel II (GRC, 1994a, b; 1995a;1996c) (Figure 2). The investigation near Spartan Chemical identified groundwater at a depth of about 50 feet bgs. Grab groundwater samples analyzed from this area in 1994 had concentrations of TCE at 38 migrograms per liter (ug/L) and 82 ug/L and PCE concentrations at 11 ug/L and 40 ug/L (GRC, 1994c). In addition, low concentrations of cis-1,2-dichloroetbene (cis-1,2-DCE) and 1,1-dichloroethene (I,I-DCE) were detected. No other VOCs were detected in groundwater samples (GRC, 1994c).
Rockwell evaluated the soil and groundwater in the area near UST Il, formerly located south of Parcel Ill, on Rockwell's property. Groundwater was encountered about 45 to 65 feet bgs. The groundwater sample from the northernmost well in October 1995 had concentrations of TCE at 18 ug/L and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-M3E) at 0.59 itg/L (GRC,
1996c). Groundwater samples collected from the southern end of Rockwell's property (Figure 2) had concentrations of TCE that ranged from 6.1 ug/L to 24 ug/L (GRC, 1996c). Reportedly, the regional shallow groundwater has been impacted with TCE.
3.2.3.5 Nearest Water Supply Wells
Three, water supply wells are located near the subject facility. These wells are:
- The city of Downey Well No. 30 [also known by Los Angeles Collnty Flood Control District (LACFCD) identifier 1568J, or DWR identifier of T3S, R12W, SION, 3S] is located about 500 feet southwest of the Downey facility, on the northeast corner of Imperial Highway and Clark Avenue. This well is an active domestic water supply well which produces about 1,000 gallons per minute (GRC, 19956). This well reportedly is perforated at intervals of 384-394 feet, 517-534 feet, and 577-620 feet bgs (LACFCD Files). This well is not screened in the Gaspur Aquifer.
- Observation well 1577F (LACFCD identi~er) is located approximately 500 feet east of the Downey facility, near the intersection of Bellflower Boulevard and Washburn Crossing Road. This well is an inactive production well that is now used for observation purposes. The well is completed to 142 feet bgs with perforations between 90 and 114 feet bgs. Depth to groundwater in this well was measured in 1990 at about 60 feet bgs (ALT,1992b). This well is completed within the Gaspur Aquifer.
- Groundwater well 1157D (LACFCD identifier) is located approximately 500 feet west of the Downey facility near the intersection of Marbel Avenue and Boyne Street. This well is used for monitoring purposes by the LACFCD (GRC,1995b). No information was located on the depth or screened interval of this well.
The nearest deep well for which water quality data is available is the city of Downey Well No. 30, (15685). Foster Wheeler Environmental reviewed quarterly groundwater quality data obtained between 1989 and 1994 for this well. The data reviewed indicated all analytes were below their respective detection limits, except for TCE detected in October 1993. TCE concentrations of 0.6 ug/L reported were slightly above the detection limit of 0.5 ug/L but below the state of California
Primary Drinking Water MCLs of 5 CLg/L [City of Downey Data Files (1989 to 1994) Well No. 30]. The City of Downey Department provided analytical data for recent (1998) well water samples (Appendix E) for 11 water supply wells. PCE was detected in six wells with the highest concentration of3.7 ppb. TCE was not detected in any of the wells.
3.3 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND CHEMICAL USAGE
Management of hazardous substances at the subject facility is haridled by Rockwell's ES&IH. The hazardous substances identified in this section are based on the 1996 Downey Facility Hazardous Materials Business/Contingency Plan and VSIs performed between June 8, 1996 and August 1, 1996 (Appendix C). This plan identifies storage locations and quantities of hazardous substances used and stored at the subject facility. Processes that generate waste at the facility
include machining, chemical processing, painting gnd assembly of aerospace components.
3.3.1 Storage of Hazardous Substances on Parcel I
Table 5 provides a list of hazardous sudstances and chemical materials stored on Parcel 1. This table was compiled through a review of documents supplied by Roclrweli and observations made during the VSI. The majority of hazardous chemical storage occurs in buildings historically used for chemical processing. Specific observations on storage of hazardous substances in each building are provided in Section 3.1.3.
Historically, hazardous chemicals have been stored and used at various buildings in Parcel 1. Flammable chemicals were stored at Canopies 736 and 737 and Buildings 701, 42, and 287. Corrosive chemicals were stored at Canopy 740 and Building 244. Building 119 served as a chemical storage area. Machine coolant and oil werre stored in Building 118 (Rockwell, 1996, Hazardous Chemical Storage Areas).
In addition, storage tanks located throughout Parcel 1 also provided storage for hazardous chemicals. These include the sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide tanks at Building 199, the chemical processing tanks located in Buildings 244, 277, 276, 287, and 61, and chemical storage tanks located in and outside of those buildings.
3.3.2 Waste Handling
A list of Hazardous Chemical Storage Areas designates portions of Canopies 737, 736, and Buildings 701, 287, and 244 as hazardous waste accumulation areas for Parcel I. In addition, Canopy 744 at Building 42 served as a storage area for batteries. These areas would store hazardous waste generated from processes carried out in these buildings.
3.3.3 Releases and Unauthorized Discharges
Forty three spill incident reports for Parcel 1 were identified during the site review (Table 6). The majority of these spills occurred in the chemical processing .buildings (Buildings 61, 244, 276, 277, 287; and 292).
3.3.3.1 Building 61
Building 61 releases include a unknown quantity of trichloroethylene which was released sometime in the early to mid-1980s. Evidence of the release was supported during soil investigation of a pipeline break which occurred in 1988 (ALT, 1988c,d, August). Soils analysis from this investigation showed a volatile organic compound, believed to be TCE. Spills also occurred in the chemical processing tanks in Buildings 61, 277, and 287. In March and April of 1989, seven spills occurred although it is not specified which buildings these occurred in. These spills resulted in minor releases of alkaline cleaner, solvent emulsion cleaner, sodium dichromate, and sodium hydroxide. These releases prompted the installation of automatic shut-off valves for the processing tanks located in these buildings.
3.3.3.2 Building 277
Building 277 spills include 20 gallons of a nitric acid/ammonium bifluoride solution from Tank 30 which occurred in April 1987. The spill was removed by vacuum truck. Spills also occurred in the chemical processing tanks in March and April of 1989 as mentioned above. On September 28, 1989, a 15 gallon release of sodium dichromate resulted from a valve inadvertently left open. On December 18, 1989, 55 gallons of chromic acid were released in the northeast corner of the
building when a drum fell off a truck. The spill was neutralized wiith soda ash. In August 1990, a valve inadvertently left open in Tank 17 resulted in a 2 to 3 gallon release of nitric acid. The spill was neutralized with water and drained to the clarifier pit at Building 199. There were two sodium dichromate releases reported for 1991, one in June and the other in October. Quantities of these spills were not available. Water flow into Tanks 29, 30, 38, 39, and 40 also caused an
unknown quantity of rinse water to be released in August 1991. Other spills in Building 277 include 50 gallons of sodium dichromate, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sodium silicate on June 28, 1992 which resulted from open containers during an earthquake.
These spills were neutralized and removed. In October 1992, Tank 15 overflowed and released an unknown quantity of Solution No. 218 (Sodium hydroxide, carbonate carboxylate). Another tank overflow bccurred in January 1993 involving Tank 39 releasing 5 gallons of sodium dichromate.
3.3.3.3 Building 244
The first recorded spill in Building 244 occurred on June 12, 1990, in which as much as 200 gallons of diluted Castrol Clearedge 6550 were released when a coolant tower overflowed. The coolant was hosed into the storm drain which was subsequently cleaned out. The second recorded spill occurred when a leaking boiler feed line released an unknown quantity of boiler treatment chemicals (Betz Entec 725 and 735). The spill was contained with absorbent material.
3.3.3.4 Building 276
On April 20, 1988, a release of 80 gallons of sodium hydroxide were released fiom Building 276 when a processing tank overflowed. A second recorded spill occurred in March 1992 when 20 to 25 gallons of ethyYethylene glycol were released by a ruptured line. Both spills were contained with absorbent material.
3.3.3.5 Building 292
The only spill recorded for Building 292 is an unknown quantity of chemical stripper released into the storm trench This release occurred in September 1989.
3.3.3.6 Building 287
Building 287 had the largest spill recorded for the processing buildings. On October 8, 1990 Tanks 201 and 203 overflowed into the containment reservoir and the first and second stages of the clarifier at Building 199. This spill resulted in a release of over 15,000 gallons of Solution 208 (Sodium silicate, phosphate, berate, sodium carbonate) and 15,000 gallons of Aluminum pre-bond etch (sulfuric acid, sodium dichromate). The contents of the clarifiers were subsequently pumped out into tanker trucks and hauled away. Interviews with Rockwell operating personnel indicated previous releases of the aluminum pre-bond etch tank prior to 1990.
Other spills in Building 287 include the small releases from chemical processing tanks as discussed above under Building 61. In March 1990, 20 gallons of diesel fuel were released during a tank filling procedure. The spill was contained with absorbent. In June 1991, another diesel fuel spill occurred, resulting in 0.5 gallons released. This spill was also contained with absorbent.
3.3.3.7 Other. Recorded Spills in Parcel I
Several small spills have been recorded in other buildings on Parcel 1. These include releases from Buildings 1, 183, 10, 41, 267 and Gate 11. The releases were usually small quantities of oils and other fluids. Building 1 also reported leaking light ballast containing PCBs as indicated in Table 6.
3.4 STORAGE TANKS AND PIPELINE SYSTEMS
Table 2 lists the storage tanks presently and historically located on Parcels 1 and II. Seven USTs are listed as being located in Parcel 1. Table 2 includes the eight USTs removed from near Building 25 in 1998. As of Fall 1996, these USTs, associated pipelines and fuel island have been removed. Petroleum hydrocarbon impacted soils were identified at USTs 1, 2, and 10. Closure for these USTs was received from LACDPW.
UST 1 was a 6,000 gallon steel tank currently that was located north of Buildings 61 and 292 (Figure 3). The tank is listed as having held diesel fuel oil No. 2, which was used as boiler backup fuel in support of building 061 and 292 operations.
USTs 2 and 10 are located north of Building 287, and west of Building 42, respectively (Figure 3). UST 2 was a 10,000 gallon steel tank that contained diesel fuel oil No. 2. which was used for neet vehicle refueling and possibly Building 287 ovens. This tank was replaced with an AST. UST 10 was a 10,000 gallon steel tank that contained unleaded gasoline. The tank had a fuel dispensing island associated with it. UST 10 was used to fuel plant fleet vehicles (Facility files, 1996).
UST 3 was a 15,000 gallon steel tank that contained diesel fuel oil No. 2, which was used as boiler backup fuel for operations associated with Building 119 (Figure 3). Soil samples collected from beneath UST 3 were non-detect (Earth Tech, Inc., 1996). Closure certification was received from theLACDPW on June 5, 1996 (LACDPW, 1996).
UST 12 was located north of Building 287. The approximate size of the tank is unknown, but facility files indicate that the steel tank was used to store sulfuric acid/sodium dichromate wastes associated with historic building operations. According to Rockwell's UST files, the site is clean.
USTs 13 (1,000 gallons), and 14 (550 gallons) contained gasoline and were located adjacent Building 42 (vehicle service area) (Figure 3). These tanks were removed in March 1990. No significant soil contamination was detected in soil samples collected from the undisturbed soil beneath the tanks (ALT, 1990). Facility files indicate that closure certification was obtained by Rockwell from LACDPW and SCAQMD.
3.5 OIL/WATER SEPARATORS, CLARIFIERS AND SUMPS
Table 3 lists the oil/water separators, clarifiers, and sumps located in Parcels 1 and II. The majority of these sumps/clarifiers appear to be associated with the chemical processing buildings located in the northern section of Parcel 1 (Figures 3 and 6). These buildings are: Buildings 61,199, 244, 276, 277, 287, and 292. A number of sumps/clarifing pits were located during the VSI that do not appear to be listed in the facility files. Approximate locations of clarifiers and sumps identified from facility files and during the VSI in Parcels I and II are shown on Figure 3.
Facility files indicate that the contents of the sumps/clarifiers in the subject facility are pumped out by a vacuum truck at a frequency that varies from 2 to 12 weeks (Facility files, 1984).
Sump No. 29, located immediately adjacent the north side of B/292 was removed by ALT on March 12, 1990 (ALT, 1990). The abandoned sump was used for solvent waste associated with Buildings 61 and 292 operations. Two representative samples were collected from the soil beneath the sump after removal and analyzed for volatile organic compounds. Sample analysis indicated concentrations of methylene chloride at 13.3 and 16.8 parts per billion (ALT, 1990).
ALT conducted sump testing, leak detection, and a soil contamination investigation program for seven sumps (16, 17, 23, 26, 29, 30, and 31) at the NASA Downey Facility in December, 1987 (ALT, 1988b). The location of these sumps is illustrated in Figure 3. A total of fiffteen (15) discovery wells (S-l through S-15) were drilled to a total depth of 15 feet bgs around the sumps. Well S-6 was drilled to a depth of 40 feet bgs adjacent Sump 24. Measurements were taken at
two foot intervals between 2 and 15 feet bgs. The leak tests indicated that Sumps 16, 17, and 29 (abandoned), were not leaking, and that the leakage rate from sumps 23, 26, 30, and 31 was very small (0.02 gph to <0.01 gph)(ALT, 1988b).
Soil analyses indicated elevated concentrations of metals (aluminum, chromium and zinc) in soil samples collected adjacent Sumps 16, 17, 29, and 31 (ALT, 1988b). Soil vapor analyses obtained from hydroprobe readings indicate elevated concentrations of vapor at or exceeding 1,000 parts per million in Sumps 17, 29, and 31. In-situ gas chromatograms indicate the presence of acetone at various concentrations at each of the sump locations (ALT, 1988b).
Sumps 17, 23, 24, 20, 31, and 32 were permitted as USTs. In 1999, these sumps were closed under LACDPW permit #243771B (Earth Tech, Sept. 1999).
3.6 PESTICIDES/HERBICIDES
In the past, Rockwell Plant Services has periodically applied herbicides in a manner consistent with the standards for licensed application, to the asphalt area associated with the subject facility. Current facility practices are to contract work to private companies for the application of pesticides and herbicides.
3.7 MEDICAL/BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE
No records of medical and biohazardous waste being generated· or stored on Parcel I were located.
3.8 ORDNANCE
No record of ordnance being used or stored within Parcel I was located.
3.9 AIR EMISSIONS
Table 8 lists stationary sources for air emissions for Parcel 1 and their current status.
3.10 SOLID WASTES HANDLING AND DISPOSAL
Household solid wastes (such as paper and trash) are generated in Parcel 1. This waste is consolidated in the dumpsters throughout the Parcel 1 and is picked up by a licensed, private municipal waste contractor. The solid waste is ultimately disposed of at a state-authorized sanitary landfill (Rockwell, 1980). Salvageable waste, such as paper, metal scraps, and recycled drums are temporarily stored in the Conservation Yard in Parcel III. These salvageable materials are ultimately sold to the public.
3.11 WASTEWATER TREATMENT, COLLECTION, AND DISCHARGE
There are a total often (10) sewer networks which serve the buildings in Parcel 1. The are the Baker, Queen, Charley, Easy, Mike, Fox, George, Item, Dog and How Sewers. Figure 5 shows the location of these sewers. The Baker Sewer serves the chemical and processing areas of Buildings 61, 244, 276, 277, 287, the wastewater treatment facility at Building 199, and three cooling towers. Sanitary wastes from the restroom facilities in Buildings 61 and 287 are
discharged to the Queen Sewer. The Charley Sewer serves the North portion of Building 001 and Buildings 10, 25, 41, 42, 114, 701 and cooling tower 800 for sanitary disposal. Small quantities of chemicals are discharged into this sewer from an engineering laboratory in Building 001. The chemicals are metered and diluted prior to discharge to the laboratory drains. Easy Sewer serves the annex portion of the northwest side of Building 001 and collects waste water discharged from the restrooms and drinking fountains. Previously, the Easy Sewer also collected wastewater from a machine shop which directed its wastewater through a clarifjring sump. Although the shop is still in use, the shop no longer discharges wastewater. Mike Sewer collects sanitary waste from 32 restrooms and associated drinking fountains in Buildings 001, 006, 009, 014, 118, 119, 134, 291, 450, 695, and ten cooling towers. Other sanitary sewers handling Building 001 discharge are Fox, George, Item, Dog, and How.
Discharge to the sewer system leads to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District sewage network. Rockwell has Industrial Wastewater Discharge permits (Nos. 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 9170, 1044, and 1045) for the subject facility on file at their Environmental Safety and Industrial Hygiene Department (Rockwell, 1993a and March 1993b).
A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) (Geocon, 1993) has been prepared for the subject facility per state requirements. This plan identifies Best Management Practices that will be implemented to reduce storm water pollution. This plan identifies surface water flow directions, storm drains, and sampling locations. After the first major rainstorm event, surface water samples are supposed to be collected and analyzed for specific analytes. According to Rockwell, data collected for these storm events indicate storm water quality to be in compliance with state permit requirements. Twenty-two storm water drains are located on the subject parcel (Figure 5). Discharges from the storm drain system ultimately outfall into the San Gabriel River, which discharges into the Pacific Ocean.
3.12 UTILITIES
Electricity is supplied to the NASA Downey facility by the Southern California Edison Company (recently renamed Edison Company), and natural gas is supplied by the Southern California Gas Company.
3.13 DISCLOSURE FINDINGS
This section documents conditions that may affect the use of the property, but do not pose specific risk or hazard to human health or safety if they are maintained and managed properly. The conditions or substances discussed in this section are: asbestos, PCBs, lead-based paints, radioactive substances, and radon These findings are not considered in the determination of the property category. However, their presence must be disclosed to future users or owners.
3.13.1 Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)
Asbestos in buildings can be found in various forms such as surfacing materials on ceilings and walls, as pipe and boiler insulation, and in miscellaneous materials such as ceiling and floortiles, adhesives for tiles, and wall boards. Friable ACMs are of greatest concern (USEPA, 1985). The majority of the asbestos present at the subject facitity is associated with floor tiles that, in some cases, are located beneath carpet. Partial removal of ACMs was undertaken in the early 1990s, in areas where a threat existed for airborne asbestos to adversely impact employees. However, removal of the floor tiles has been undertaken only as buildings are renovated. As a result, the potential exists for ACM to be present at the subject facility.
3.13.2 Polychlorinated Bipbenyls (PCBs)
Beginning in 1981, Rockwell instituted an inventory of transformers and capacitors throughout the subject facility. The inventory for the Downey facility included 15 PCB transfonners and 2 PCB capacitor banks. Other equipment inventoried include 25,500 lighting ballast found throughout the subject facility (Justice, 1981). This inventory was conducted in response to USEPA regulations requiring quarterly inspections of all electrical transformers containing PCBs
for leaks and equipment deterioration (Weisberg, 1983).
Periodically, through these quarterly inspections, leaking transformers were identified and subsequently cleaned. According to Rockwell's standard operating procedures manual the cleaning of spilled oil containing PCBs was done with organic solvents such as kerosene, toluene, xylene or other solvents. Contaminated concrete was chipped away and replaced (Heavener, 1983). Subsurface samples were collected from the surrounding soil to determine the extent of
the oil leaks. All waste materials, including oil stained rags and chipped concrete were placed in DOT approved drums and stored in the Conservation/Surplus Sales Yard for appropriate disposal (Heavener,1983).
Between 1989 and 1992, replacement of PCB transformers and capacitors was undertaken at the subject facility. This included the replacement of substations 501, 501C, 501D, and 501F located in B/255, and substation 502 located adjacent B/287, in Parcel 1. According to a June, 1991 PCB Annual Report, substations 501, 5D1C, 501D, 501F, and 502 were removed in November and December of 1991.
An internal Rockwell memo (Barbara Ross to Rockwell PCB file July 1, 1994) stated that all PCB containing transformers and Large High and Large Low Voltage capacitors had been removed in the pst and disposed Small PCB capacitors still exist within the plant and are still in service (Ross, 19940).
3.1.3.3 Lead-Based Paints
Lead-based paints have been used to paint buildings and possibly light poles at the subject facility. The use of lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Structures painted prior to the ban may contain lead-based paint. Table 1 provides the dates of construction of buildings on Parcel 1. Based on the age of buildings on Parcel 1, there is a high potential for lead-based paints to be present.
3.1.3.4 Radioactive Materials/Wastes
Historically, radioactive material has been used at the subject facility for thickness gauging, radiographic inspection, propellant gauging, cabin environment chromatography, and heat shield detection (Author Unknown, 1971). Building 134 has been used as an X-ray facility since at least the 1950s. An historical summary for the site indicated that a water-based nuclear reactor, capable of generating enough power to illuminate a flashlight, was first developed at the subject
facility (Murray, 1981). These activities were most likely to have occurred on Parcels 1 and II.
3.1.3.5 Radon
The ERIIS Radius Statistical Profile in Appendix E lists the Radon Zone Level at 2 for the NASA Downey Industrial Facility. Zone 2 has a predicted average indoor screening level equal to or greater than 2 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), and equal to or less than 4 pCi/L.