Agenda - 03-21-2000-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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To summarize, the results of the testing indicate. + None of the samples have quantifiable levels of any of the VOC's, sVOC's or PCB/pesticides (more than 1.60 chemicals). . • Levels of arsenic, ranging from 10 to 19.7 parts per million (ppm), were found in the samples at the field and in the background sample. Detection of arsenic at these levels will prompt a more detailed evaluation of these landings. .Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can often be found at levels well in excess of 4 ppm in areas that have not been affected by human activity. It is not clear whether the arsenic levels detected. at Fairview Park are naturally occurring or are related to previous waste disposal operations. It is unlikely that any regulatory agency would require remediation of natural or background levels of arsenic. • None of the above RCRA 8 metals, with the exception of arsenic, were detected at levels that were sufficient to even require reporting to the EPA ar NCDENR. All of the samples do show quantifiable levels of six of the RCRA 8 metals (arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury). No selenium or silver (the two remaining RCRA $ metals) were detected at quantifiable levels. The consequences of the arsenic findings, in terms of regulatory requirements for Fairview Park, are~not clear at this time. Typically, a standard action level and remediation goal for arsenic in residential/recreational areas may be 4 ppm or less. The 4 ppm level is not an unequivocal standard, however. Regulators may rule that the level of arsenic detected represents merely the background level and is consequently not actionable from a regulatory standpoint. Conversely, regulators may require that the County undertake additional testing to more firmly establish the background bevel. It is expected that the issues surrounding any further investigation and review of the arsenic findings may take several months to resolve. Since any potential mitigation strategy for the continued use of the existing field would involve some sort of construction (earth moving, filling, grading, etc.), the field would not be playable this year because a new grass surface will have to be established for the outfield -which could not be accomplished during the upcoming playing season. Staff is continuing to work with Trigon to complete the testing of Fairview Park, determine the regulatory implications of test results, and develop strategies - as necessary - to mitigate the situation at the ball field and other areas of the park. Staff will continue to advise and update the Board ahd the public on the results of the testing program and the implications of those findings. With the Fairview Park field unavailable during the upcoming season, staff has developed an alternative or contingency plan for use and/or upgrade of nearby school playing fields, in cooperation with the Orange County Schools. Arrangements have been made for the playing field at Hillsborough Elementary School to be upgraded for use as a baseball field for practice, and the possibility of use of the baseball field at Orange High School for games. However, schedule issues (particularly with the field at Orange High which is used by other organizations during the summer) will need to be resolved with FYB and the other parties that use this field. Use of the fields may also require signage far public awareness to alert walkers and other field users of the FYB playing and practice schedule. With Hillsborough Elementary being ayear- round school, this field will be available during the summer break of June 9-July, but will only be available far practice during the week afker 6:00 p.m., once school starts back on July 10. The potential for providing transportation for the FYB players to and from the playing fields is being explored with Orange Public Transportation.