| A
PCB Pilot Source trackdown study
was performed in the sewer collection
system of the Camden County Municipal
Utility Authority (CCMUA) as part
of a PCB TMDL. The goals were to
evaluate the most appropriate sampling
and analytical techniques for tracking
down PCB contamination to the MUA
collection system and to identify
potential upland sources. Innovative
field and analytical methods were
evaluated including the use of PCB
analytical Method 1668a to attain
high sensitivity and low detection
limits; the quantitation of over
124 separate PCB congeners as a
mean to identify unique source signatures
through pattern recognition; the
use of passive in-situ continuous
extraction sampler (PISCES) for
sample integration over protracted
time periods (14 days); and the
use of electronic data collection
systems interfaced with a geographic
information system (GIS). PCBs were
found at all sewer locations (i.e.,
both urban and suburban) and in
all sampling media potentially from
varied sources (i.e., as indicated
by differences in PCB congener profiles
between waste streams). PCBs were
quantifiable in both 24-hour composites
with a mean of 189 ng/l (Range:
33 ng/l to 784 ng/l) and grab samples
with a mean of 41 ng/l (Range: 20
ng/l to 82 ng/l). Geographic analysis
of sewer results indicated a concentration
of potential PCB sources in the
industrialized south-central area
of Camden. We further evaluated
desktop trackdown methods and innovative
field methods using field methods
(i.e., immunoassays e.g., SDI/ELISA)
known to be quick, inexpensive and
accurate; and approved by NJDEP’s
Site Remediation Program for site
screening. The project was also
designed to assist MUAs with CSOs
in performing, TMDL required, PCB
Pollution Minimization Plans (PMPs)
through documentation of PCBs on
city streets with a capacity to
erode into storm drains, thereby
localizing proximity of sources
in sewersheds and at specific city
blocks and for certain industry
types. An addition goal was to explore
how regulatory programs could inform
the PMP process, since many PCB
sources leading to storm drains
could, potentially, not be directly
regulated by a MUAs (e.g., Hazmat
sites, NPS permitted facilities,
orphan contaminated sites). Street
soil results show PCBs on streets
in front of most facilities with
a mean of 0.6 ug/g - ppm (Range:
0.05 to 5.16 ug/g).Confirmatory
analysis on select soil samples
using HRGC/HRMS analysis (Method
1668A), confirmed relative accuracy
of using ELISA for source screening.
Decreasing mean PCB concentration
in street soils near source categories
(using ELISA) were: 1. HazMat (known
contaminated sites); 2. metal reclamation
(junkyards, shredders, smelters;
3. gas pipelines; 4. transportation;
5. drum cleaning; 6. manufacturing;
7. paper-pulping; 8. waste management;
9. electrical transmission; 10.
aggregate processing (concrete);
and 11. landfills. Overlapping management/policy
issues with PMPs include analytical
methods, stormwater management;
CSOs permits; residuals (sludge);
soil remediation standards; Brownfield
Assessments; and Environmental Justice. |
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