Active Sites Status (as of September 2023)
SWMU 4 - Pond A and Sludge Disposal Area
This site comprises three acres in the north central portion of the installation. This area was used for the sedimentation of solids and equalization of wastewater from the nitrocellulose (NC) production area prior to lime treatment and subsequent discharge to Pond B (SWMU 6). Pond A was constructed in 1942 with a surface area of 86,200 square feet, and received wastewater from NC production during 1943-1946, 1951-1960, and 1965-1971. In addition, Pond A received wastes from many other areas of Sunflower AAP, including the NQ Pilot Plant from 1980-1984. The pond now functions as part of the natural drainage system receiving storm sewer outfall from various parts of the former Sunflower AAP, including drainage from the industrial wastewater treatment facility area. Pond A receives storm water runoff from the NC Ditches (SWMU 25) and shares a geographical boundary with the Acid Sewage Disposal Plant (SWMU 5). All underground piping that is associated with the Acid Sewage Disposal Plant will be handled under SWMU 5. A supplemental RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI)/Corrective Measures Study (CMS) is being completed and it is anticipated that remediation will consist of excavation with off-site disposal. Groundwater is being addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2.
SWMU 5 - Acid Sewage Disposal Plant
This site comprises one acre in the north central portion of the installation. This area was used to treat the acidic wastewater flowing into Pond A from the NC Production Area and had three periods of operation- 1943-1946, 1951-1960, and 1965- 1971. The water from Pond A was diverted into the neutralization unit and pH was adjusted by adding burned lime slurry. The neutralized water and unsettled flocculent were then discharged from the unit into an underground drainage pipe which emptied into a tributary ditch to Pond B (SWMU 6). The underground piping and the initial portion of the connecting ditch to Pond B will be remediated under this site. A supplemental RFI/CMS is being completed and it is anticipated that excavation and off-site disposal will be performed. Groundwater is being addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2.
SWMU 6 - Pond B and Sludge Disposal Area
This site comprises 38 acres in the east central portion of the installation. Pond B is an unlined impoundment situated upon limestone bedrock with a surface area of nine acres and a capacity of 16.5 million gallons. This area was used for sedimentation of solids from the neutralized wastewater discharged from the Acid Sewage Disposal Plant (SWMU 5). Unknown quantities of sludge were occasionally dredged from Pond B and were deposited in a series of small dewatering basins west of the pond. Pond B discharges into Kill Creek. A supplemental RFI/CMS is being completed and it is anticipated that excavation and off-site disposal will be performed. Groundwater is being addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2.
SWMU 7 - North Acid Area – Chromate Area
This site, combined as 7/8/9 comprises 25 acres in the north central portion of the installation known as the North Acid Area. This area was used for production and recycling of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, and production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate. In 1952 a nitrogen fixation plant was built at the north end of the North Acid Area which operated from 1953 to 1954. Chromate contamination was found here. The Chromate Area is the location of the former cooling water treatment unit, and chromium-contaminated wastewater was reportedly generated in a cooling tower. To better define the geographic areas of contamination/production processes, sites SWMU-007, -008, and -009 were changed to define three different areas within the North Acid Area. The entire Chromate Area is covered under SWMU 7. The contaminants of concern (COCs) were metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil, sediment, surface water, and include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulfate in groundwater. The RFI/CMS was completed in 2022. Corrective measures were completed in 2023 with excavation and disposal of 1,307 tons of contaminated soil. If required, groundwater will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit 4. The Army is preparing to send a request to Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for approval of “No Further Corrective Action Planned (NFCAP)” for this site as SWMU 7/8/9.
SWMU 8 - North Acid Area – Chromate Concentration Pond
This site, combined as 7/8/9 comprises 25 acres in the north central portion of the installation known as the North Acid Area. This area was used for production and recycling of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, and production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate. A rind soils investigation at SWMU 8 was completed in 2016. The soil around explosive buildings in the North Acid Area were remediated under SWMU 8. The nonexplosive buildings, ditches, and areas away from the explosive buildings in the North Acid Area, excluding the Chromate Area, were remediated under SWMU 9. Interim Corrective Measures (ICM) were completed in 2019 and 2022 to address the possible explosive contaminants associated with munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) foundations and sewers in the area. Environmental cleanup of soils occurred prior to MEC sewer removal. If required, groundwater will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit 4. A request for NFCAP approval is being prepared for this site as SWMU 7/8/9.
SWMU 9 - North Acid Area – Wastewater Treatment Lagoon
This site, combined as 7/8/9 comprises 25 acres in the north central portion of the installation known as the North Acid Area. This area was used for production and recycling of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, and production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate. The nonexplosive buildings, ditches, and areas away from the explosive buildings in the North Acid Area, excluding the Chromate Area, were cleaned up as part of SWMU 9. An RFI/CMS was completed in 2022. Corrective measures were completed in 2023 with excavation and disposal of 1,307 tons of contaminated soil as 7/9. If required, groundwater will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit 4. A request for NFCAP approval is being prepared for this site as SWMU 7/8/9.
SWMU 12 – Pyott's Pond & Sludge Disposal Area
This site comprises 12 acres in the east central portion of the installation. This area was used as an acidic water retention basin to regulate the pH prior to discharge off post. Pyott’s Pond is an unlined, earthen impoundment with a surface area of 1.7 acres and a capacity of 5.2 million gallons. The pond was constructed in 1968 to aide in pollution control. The pond received drainage from the South Acid Area, Paste Mix Area, NC Area, Solvent Area, and nitroglycerin (NG) Area. Neutralization of water entering the pond resulted in an accumulation of calcium sulfate sludge, which was periodically dredged and landfilled adjacent to the pond to the north. Effluent from the pond drains northeast to Kill Creek and was monitored by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitted Outfall 004. The May 1999 RFI results indicated elevated levels of mercury and nitroguanidine (NQ) in the surface water. Groundwater contained NQ and sediments contained elevated levels of PAHs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and NC. A supplemental RFI/CMS is being completed and results of the investigation and study will guide future actions. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2
SWMU 14 – Rocket Static Test Area
This site comprises seven acres in the east central portion of the installation that was used to ballistically test 2.75-inch rocket grains. The site includes four firing platforms. The COCs were explosives and metals in the soil, sediment, and groundwater. An ICM was completed in 2008, in which 1,847 tons of contaminated soil were excavated and disposed. An ICM to remove environmental contamination and remediate the MEC foundations and sewers was completed in 2022. A NFCAP request has been prepared and after internal Army review, will be sent to KDHE for their consideration.
SWMU 17 – G-Line Area Ditches
This site comprises 284 acres in the south-central portion of the installation. This area was used for production of multi-base solvent propellant. G-Line operated from 1943-1948 and 1953-1960. The G-Line area is situated close to the basin divide between westward flow to Captain Creek and eastward flow to Spoon and Kill Creeks. Consequently, it is possible for contamination to migrate in either direction depending on the location of the source of contamination in the G-Line area. An ICM was completed for the MEC foundations and sewers in 2022. An RFI/CMS is currently underway and will guide future cleanup requirements. Any groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 3
SWMU 18 – Old/New Sanitary Landfill
This site comprises 50 acres in the west central portion of the installation. This area was used for disposal of solid waste. The landfills employed a trench-type operation. Several types of landfills are included in this area- the sanitary landfill (31 acres); asbestos landfill (one acre) and ash landfill (19 acres, SWMU 19-2). This landfill area began operation in 1943. Prior to the designation of the New Sanitary Landfill in 1967, refuse of all types was buried at a site just south of the new landfill. No records from the Old Landfill were available. There is no record of hazardous waste being placed in either landfill. The 1997 RFI report states that the primary concerns at SWMU 18 and 19 are the constituents detected in groundwater (sulfide; cis-1 ,3-dichloropropene; and ammonia nitrogen) and dioxins/furans in the shallow soil. Institutional controls have been implemented (fencing) to control site access. An ICM for eroded areas was completed in September 2003. Shallow groundwater flowing through a sand lens within the site complicates the final corrective measures. The RFI/CMS for soils and groundwater has been completed. A CMI to include an approved landfill cap is underway and is scheduled to be completed in 2023. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 3.
SWMU 19 – Ash Landfill
This site is made up of two areas, identified as 19-1 and 19-2. These areas were used for the disposal of fly ash and coal fines. SWMU 19-1 occurs in the central part of the installation and 19-2 occurs adjacent to SWMU 18 on the west central side of the property. An RFI was completed in 2006 and a CMS was completed in fiscal year (FY)2020. At SWMU 19-1, in the central portion of the installation, excavation and disposal of approximately 16,893 tons of contaminated soils was completed in 2022 and the area has been restored. A NFCAP request will be prepared for this site. At SWMU 19-2 a pre-design investigation occurred in 2022 and completed the delineation of 18 and 19-2. This area will receive a landfill cap consisting of low permeable clay and topsoil. Once this activity is complete, Long-Term Monitoring/Management will occur. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 3.
SWMU 21 – Contaminated Materials Burning Ground
This site is comprised of approximately 10 acres in the west central portion of the installation. The site was built in 1942 and was used for open burning of used oil and combustible material contaminated with explosive residues, and flashing (decomposition of explosive compounds by high temperatures) of non-combustible material contaminated with explosive residues. Burning activities took place in two open trenches, and later, on pads in the same location. The COCs were dioxin/dibenzofurans, explosives, metals, nitrate/nitrite, POL, PCBs, PAHs, SVOCs, and VOCs. The 1997 and 2002 RFI found COCs in the soil, groundwater, and surface water. A CMS was completed in 2004, and corrective measures were implemented in 2007. More than 66,000 tons of contaminated soil was excavated and disposed; soil remediation is complete for the site. A supplemental RFI for groundwater is currently being prepared and the results will guide future requirements for this site.
SWMU 24 – Nitroglycerine and Paste Mix Area
This site comprises 149 acres in the central portion of the installation. It had three periods of operation- 1943-1946, 1951-1960, and 1965-1971. The area was used to produce nitroglycerine and mix pastes for double-base solventless propellant and triple-base solvent propellant. The COCs are explosives, metals, nitrate/nitrite, PAHs, and SVOCs in the soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater. An explosive safety assessment conducted in 2004 indicated that the standard investigation and cleanup methods are safe from explosive hazards. An ICM to remediate the MEC foundations, sewers, and the contaminated rind soil around them was completed in 2022. An updated RFI work plan is being prepared. Results from investigations completed as part of the RFI/CMS phase will be used to determine future actions for the site. If there is groundwater contamination it will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2
SWMU 25 – Nitrocellulose Area Ditches
This site comprises 244 acres in the north central portion of the installation that was used to convey acidic wastewater and other wastewater from the Nitrocellulose Production Area (AOC 16) to Pond A (SWMU 4), via 41,000 linear feet of ditch. Nitrocellulose production ceased in 1971. The COCs are explosives and metals in the soil, sediment, and groundwater. A supplemental RFI/CMS is currently underway, and it will be used to determine future actions for the site. If there is groundwater contamination it will be addressed under groundwater operable unit #2.
SWMU 26 – Single Base Propellant Area (Wastewater Settling) Sumps
This site comprises 501 acres in the north central portion of the installation and originally consisted of three single base propellant lines (B/C/D Lines). This area was later used to produce single-, double-, and triple-base solvent propellant grains. The mixing solvent for single base propellant was alcohol-ether and for multi-base propellant was an acetone-alcohol mix. The finishing area for E-Line is not included in SWMU 26, but was instead made a separate site (AOC 11). Production was documented during 1943-1948 for B-Line and C-Line. Production was documented during 1943-1948 and 1951-1960 for D-Line and E-Line. The COCs are explosives, metals, PCBs, and PAHs in the soil and groundwater. An ICM to remediate the MEC contaminated foundations and sewers was completed in FY2022. A supplemental RFI/CMS is currently underway, and it will be used to guide future actions for this site. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 1.
SWMU 31 – Contaminated Waste Processor (Evaporative Lagoon)
This site comprises seven acres in the west central portion of the installation. This area was used to decontaminate material containing explosive residues. The Contaminated Waste Processor (CWP) operated between 1982 and 1996. The CWP was an incinerator that could only handle materials with residual amounts of explosives. The COCs are dioxins/ dibenzofurans, explosives, metals, and nitrate/nitrites. An ICM for removal of the MEC foundations and contaminated rind soils was completed in 2021. A supplemental RFI is currently underway. Future actions at this site will be guided by results of the current investigation. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 3.
SWMU 33 – Paste Area Half Tanks and Ditches
This site comprises one acre in the central portion of the installation. This area was used to settle out propellant solids from the wastewater discharged from the F-Line and N-Line paste mix area. The half tanks in this area received wastewater from washdown of propellant processing equipment and buildings in the paste mix area. They were used from 1965 to 1971. The half tanks discharged into two unlined settling ponds, then to Pyott’s Pond. There were two steel half tanks located upgradient from each of the settling ponds and are designated half tank 33/34 and 33/35. The 33/34 tank was located southeast of the paste mix area between the Five Corners Settling Ponds and the Paste Sumps, and the 33/35 tank was located northwest of the paste mix area near the F- Line Paste Mix Settling Ponds. Reportedly, overflowing of the metal flumes and half tanks occurred. There was no secondary containment around the half tanks. The April 2002 RFI results indicated the presence of lead, NG, NC, and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the soil. A corrective measure was implemented in 2002 and consisted of removal and decontamination of the half tanks, removal of 60 cubic yards (cy) of impacted soils from around the half tanks and 700 cy of contaminated soil from drainage ditches extending from the half tanks to their stream discharge point. Confirmation samples were collected to verify that remaining soils met KDHE residential requirements. The ditches extending from the half tanks upgradient to the source area will be remediated as part of the SWMU 24 cleanup. A NFCAP request has been prepared and is currently under internal Army review.
SWMU 34 – Five Corners Settling Ponds
This site comprises one acre in the central portion of the installation. This area was used to settle out propellant solids from the wastewater discharged from the F-Line and N-Line Paste Mix Area. There were two earthen, unlined ponds (5A, 5B), each 40 feet in diameter. The ponds were used periodically from 1953 to 1971. There were no secondary containment berms surrounding these ponds. The Settling Ponds received paste mix wastewater resulting from the wash down of equipment and buildings and from sprinkler trips. The April 2002 RFI results indicated the presence of lead, NG, NC, and SVOCs in soil. An ICM was completed in 2002 and consisted of removal of 900 cy of contaminated soil. Post-excavation confirmation sampling found no contaminants above unrestricted levels. A NFCAP request has been prepared and is currently under internal Army review.
SWMU 35 – Nitroglycerin Area Settling Ponds
This site comprises one acre in the central portion of the installation. This area was used to settle out propellant solids from the wastewater discharged from the F-Line and N-Line paste mix area. The NG Production Area did not discharge to these settling ponds. There were two earthen, unlined ponds (6A, 6B), each 40 feet in diameter. The ponds were used periodically from 1953 to 1971. There were no secondary containment berms surrounding these ponds. The Settling Ponds received paste mix wastewater resulting from the wash-down of equipment and buildings, and from sprinkler trips. During site visits in both 1985 and 1987, Pond 6A was reported to contain approximately 16 inches of standing water, while Pond 6B was dry. Both ponds contained 12-18 inches of sediment which appeared to be soil. The April 2002 RFI results indicated the presence of lead, NG, NC, and SVOCs in the soil. Interim corrective measures occurred in 2002 and consisted of removal of 1,300 cy of contaminated soil. Post-excavation confirmation sampling found no contaminants above unrestricted levels. A NFCAP request has been prepared and is currently under internal Army review.
SWMU 36 – N-Line Area
This site comprised 301 acres in the south-central portion of the installation. This area was used to produce 2.75-inch rocket grains. The N-Line Press and Roll House Area operated from 1943 to 1946. The N-Line Finishing Area operated from 1943 to 1971 and was where the Army completed final machining and inspection of extruded and cut propellant grains. An ICM to remediate MEC related contaminants under foundations, rind soils, and sewers was completed in 2011. A total of 52,833 tons of contaminated soil was excavated and disposed. A supplemental RFI/CMS was completed in 2021. A corrective measure was completed in 2023 with excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soils. Groundwater will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 5.
SWMU 39 – South Acid Area Ditches
This site comprises one acre in the east central portion of the installation. This area was used to convey contaminated wastewater from the South Acid Area. The primary central drainage ditch originates near the Calcium Cyanamide Disposal Area (SWMU 40). A second ditch originates from the northeast corner of the South Acid Area. A third influent ditch from the NG and paste mix areas joins the central ditch. All three ditches discharge into Pyott’s Pond (SWMU 12). The 2005 RFI found contamination in the drainage soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater. Removal of contaminated drainage soil and sediment in the drainage ditches was recommended in the RFI report. A CMS was completed and recommended excavation and offsite disposal of contaminated soil in these ditches. Cleanup of this area will occur when work in SWMU 12 is completed. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2.
SWMU 43 – Tunnel Dryers (Calcium Carbonate Cake Storage)
This site comprises eight acres in the west central and southeast portion of the installation. This area was used to temporarily store calcium carbonate cake (CCC). There are six former tunnel dryers used for CCC storage. The dryers began operation in 1986. Four of the dryers are in the west central portion of Sunflower AAP. The two remaining dryers, located in the southeast portion of Sunflower AAP, were removed and remediated during the SWMU 36 ICM in that area. An ICM occurred at the four remaining dryers as part of the MEC remediation project in 2021. A supplemental RFI/CMS is being prepared and will guide future cleanup activities for this site. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 3.
SWMU 45 – Building 9040 & Calcium Cyanamide Conveyors (Bins)
This site comprises two acres in the northwest portion of the installation. This area was used for moving and storing calcium cyanamide, and production of GN. Calcium cyanamide was produced in Building 9004 and transferred via belt conveyor to Building 9040. The conveyor led to storage bins located on the east side of Building 9040. Spills were reported during operations. During the ICM to remove the MEC foundations in AOC 17, ammonia/nitrate contaminated soil was found around and under building 9040. This area will be remediated under AOC-17/SWMU 47. An RFI work plan is in development for this area. An ICM to remove the sumps is also planned for FY2024. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 1
SWMU 47 – Nitroguanidine Area Sumps (25)
This site consists of 25 sumps that occupy multiple acres in the northwest portion of the installation and occur completely inside of the AOC 17 boundary. These sumps were used to collect wastewater from each of the NQ Production Area buildings/tanks. Production at the site occurred between 1981 and 1992. Each of the production buildings had dedicated sumps outside the buildings which received wastewater generated by operations in the NQ Area. The wastewater resulted from equipment washdowns and spills. The COCs are explosives, metals, nitrate/nitrite, sulfate, and SVOC-PAHs in the soil and groundwater. An ICM to excavate the remainder of these sumps is scheduled to be conducted in FY2024. Four of these sumps were already removed during MEC work in the area. An updated RFI/CMS for AOC 17/SWMU 47 is being prepared and is scheduled for completion in FY2024. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 1.
SWMU 48 – Nitroguanidine Support Area
This site comprises six acres in the north central portion of the installation that was used to prove out the NQ production process. The site consists of the NQ Support Equipment (NSE) Area located in Buildings 2000 and 2012 which were part of a NQ pilot-scale production plant, operated from May 1979 to June 1984. The COCs are explosives and nitrate/nitrite in the soil and groundwater. ICMs to remove the MEC foundations and sewers and the contaminated soils associated with this area were completed in 2022. A supplemental RFI/CMS is underway. Results from this investigation will guide future actions for this site. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2.
SWMU 51 – New Reclamation Yard
This site comprises eight acres in the north central portion of the installation. This area was used to stage scrap materials and excess equipment. This site consists of the New Reclamation Yard and the battery handling area. Scrap was flash (explosive) decontaminated at the Contaminated Materials Burning Ground (SWMU 21) and then temporarily stored in the Salvage Yard prior to disposition. Typical wastes associated with batteries include acids and metals. An RFI/CMS was completed in 2022. The CMS recommended excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil. A corrective measure to excavate and dispose of this contaminated soil is currently underway. If groundwater monitoring is required, it will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 4.
SWMU 58 – Combined Shops Area
This site comprises 55 acres in the north central portion of the installation that was used for maintenance activities and repairs. There are a total of 30 facilities in the area, including offices, a fuel unloading station, storage and distribution center, storehouses, and shops. The COCs are metals and PAHs in the soil. An RFI/CMS is currently underway. Results from investigations completed as part of the RFI/CMS phase will be used to determine future actions for the site. Any groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2.
SWMU 65 – Tank Farm
This site comprises 22 acres in the north central portion of the installation. This area was used for storing and recycling ether and alcohol. The Tank Farm consists of three contiguous areas- South Tank Farm (which includes the 600-2, 600-3, and 600-4 Tanks, and Still Houses 3502 and 4502); the North Tank Farm (which includes the 600-1 Tanks) and the Loading Stations; and the area containing the compressor buildings and tanks (Building 1991). The Tank Farm received and processed recycled solvents which included alcohol and ether. Numerous releases have been documented from within the Tank Farm. This site has not been used for solvent storage and recycling since 1960. The 600-1 Tanks were used for storing diesel fuel starting in the mid-1970s. The east 600-3 Tank was used for storing gasoline starting in the mid-1970s. An interim corrective measure in part of this area was completed to remove the MEC foundations and sewers as well as contaminated soils in proximity to these areas. A supplemental RFI/CMS is currently underway and will guide any future actions at this site. Any groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 4.
SWMU 66 – Stream Study
This site comprises 8.6 miles of streams across the installation. This site is designated for sampling the installation-wide surface waters and sediment of Captain Creek, Hanson Creek, Kill Creek, and Spoon Creek which were used for disposal of wastewater created during installation operation activities. The COCs are dioxins/dibenzofurans, explosives, metals, pesticides, SVOCs, and VOCs in the sediment and surface water. An initial RFI was completed in 2005. KDHE comments indicated that there is significant potential that contaminated sediment will be transported into stream areas. Sediment sampling will take place after upgradient remediation is completed. Results from investigations completed as part of the RFI/CMS phase will be used to determine future actions for the site. There is no groundwater associated with this site.
SWMU 67 – South Acid Area
This site comprises 26 acres in the east central portion of the installation that was used for the production and recycling of nitric and sulfuric acid. The site operated from 1943 to 1998 and contained numerous tanks and buildings in various levels of repair (intact to total disrepair). Drainage ditches and sewers were used for managing spills and wastewater discharges. SWMU 67 also includes AOC 7/8/9. The COCs were metals, nitrate/nitrite, sulfate, POL, PAHs, SVOCs, and VOCs in the groundwater, sediment, soil, and surface water. An ICM for removal of MEC foundations and sewers and removal of contaminated soil associated with them was completed in 2023. An RFI and CMS have been completed for the site; the CMS recommended excavation and disposal of contaminated soils. A corrective measure to address the contaminated soils was implemented in 2021 and 27,362 tons of contaminated soil was excavated and disposed of from this site. A supplemental groundwater investigation will be completed for this site and adjacent sites and the results will help guide future actions. Groundwater contamination will be addressed under Groundwater Operable Unit No. 2
AOC 2 – Main Electrical Switch Yard
This site comprises two acres in the central portion of the installation that was used to transform electricity coming on plant to a lower voltage. A transformer fire resulting from a lightning strike reportedly occurred around 1945; many of the transformers (assumed to contain PCBs) were said to have been destroyed. The site was active until 2003. The COCs are dioxins/dibenzofurans and PCBs in the soil. A CERCLA remediation was conducted in 2004 during which 5,060 tons of PCB-contaminated soil were excavated and disposed of offsite. Additional investigation and cleanup was required to close data gaps identified in the cleanup report. An RFI/CMS was completed in 2022. A corrective measure to excavate and dispose of the remaining dioxin contaminated soils is underway and should be completed by the end of 2023.
AOC 13 – General Warehouses (8037 Series)
This site comprises 15 acres in the east central portion of the installation and includes eight warehouse buildings. These buildings were used for storing plant parts, an assortment of supplies, process equipment taken out of commission for reuse or disposal, unused packing drums for NQ, and unused packing containers for 2.75-inch rocket grains. The warehouses still contain an estimated 700,000 of the 2.75-inch rocket grain packing containers. The COCs were metals and PAHs in the soil. A 2004 RFI found soil exceedances for COCs; these sample locations were excavated in 2005. An NFCAP request was denied by KDHE in 2008 due to the 700,000 rocket grain packing containers, which KDHE said must be disposed before they will approve NFCAP. Closure documentation will be submitted when the rocket grain packing containers are removed and disposed of properly.
AOC 16 – Nitrocellulose Production Lines
This site comprises 107 acres in the north central portion of the installation that was used to produce nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose was produced at the site during the periods of 1943-1946, 1951-1960, and 1965-1971. Each of the four production lines contained 10 or more buildings.; most were intentionally burned down and all that remained were suspect explosively contaminated concrete foundations and underground sewers. The COCs are explosives, and metals in the soil. In 2016 -2023 an ICM was conducted to excavate the MEC foundation slabs and sewers in this area as well as the environmentally contaminated soil associated with them. An RFI/CMS is currently underway to investigate for any remaining environmental contamination. Results from this investigation will be used to determine future actions for the site. Groundwater will be handled under Operable Unit 2.
AOC 17 – Nitroguanidine Production Buildings
This site comprises 139 acres located in the northwest portion of the installation that was used for producing NQ. The site includes all buildings which have been identified as being potentially contaminated with explosives located in the NQ Production Area. The COCs are explosives and metals in the soil. An ICM to remove the MEC foundations and sewers and the contaminated soil associated with them was completed in 2023. An RFI/CMS to look for any remaining contamination in the area is underway. Results from this investigation will be used to determine future actions for the site. Groundwater will be handled under Operable Unit 1.
AOC 26 – Power Houses
This site comprises 66 acres in the central portion of the installation that was used for steam production by burning coal. There were three Power Houses (all built in 1943), two of which have been demolished. Fuel oil spills were reported in the past. Asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint were suspected to be present in the soil. The COCs were POL and PAHs in the soil. A RFI/CMS was completed in 2022. The CMS recommended excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil. A corrective measure was completed in 2023 and over 19,000 tons of impacted soil and remnant coal were disposed of off site.
GWOU 1,2,3,4 & 5- Groundwater Operable Units 1 through 5
Five Groundwater Operable Units (GWOU) have been identified within the former installation boundary. To date, environmental investigations have been completed to determine the presence or absence of chemical contamination in soils, surface water, sediment, and groundwater at numerous SFAAP sites. However, since groundwater has generally been addressed under site-specific investigations, further investigation was needed to address data gaps that exist across the facility as a whole and complete an updated groundwater Conceptual Site Model (CSM).
An updated CSM and investigation for GWOUs 1, 2, and 3 has been underway since 2020 and the report is nearing completion. Results from this study will help guide future requirements for groundwater. Two additional investigations in GWOUs 4 & 5 are just beginning.