Environmental consultants for UC Berkeley will begin implemenation of the Final Phase 1 Groundwater Investigation Field Sampling Workplan (FSW) starting Friday July 23, 2010. The investigation includes installation of temporary groundwater monitoring wells and closure of existing research groundwater wells no longer needed. The current schedule calls for utility clearance to begin Friday July 23, 2010 and drilling to begin Monday July 26, 2010.
Work will be completed in approximately 6 to 8 weeks and will occur Monday through Firday between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. The work will be overseen by the State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
The scope of work as described in the DTSC Work Notice consists of the installation and sampling of approximately 50 groundwater wells (piezometers) and closure of some existing groundwater wells. Wells will be drilled to depths of 20 to 40 feet. The following activities will occur:
- Daily health and safety meetings will be held in accordance with the project’s Health and Safety Plan.
- Underground pipes or utilities will be identified using hand-held detection devices. Utility companies will be notified using the Underground Service Alert (USA) system and through private utility clearance consultants.
- Piezometers will be installed at the rate of about 4 per day. Trained drill operators will drill boreholes using a truck-mounted auger rig in accordance with Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department and industry standards. The piezometers, which will consist of a 2-inch-diameter PVC pipe, will be enclosed with a small, lockable concrete cover at ground surface. There will be no obstructions to vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
- Dust and noise will be monitored continually to ensure safe working conditions.
- A groundwater sample will be collected from each piezometer. Prior to collecting samples, groundwater will be pumped from each well into 55-gallon drums until the well water represents normal groundwater conditions. Drums will be secured until characterized for proper off-site disposal. U.S. EPA Region 9 analytical laboratory will analyze the samples.
- For the closure of inactive wells, each well will be sealed with a cement grout to ensure a tight seal.
The work plan is available for review at RFS administrative offices in Building 478, and online on the Publications page of this web site or from the links below:
- Final Phase 1 Groundwater Investigation Field Sampling Workplan
- FSW Health and Safety Plan
- FSW Quality Assurance Project Plan
- Groundwater Sampling Locations map (from FSW)
The plan is also available at DTSC’s Envirostor database at www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public.