Haley & Aldrich, Inc. Glastonbury, Connecticut. Town of Hamden Hamden, Connecticut. File No January 2002 Revised December 2002

Transcription

1 REPORT ON ASTM PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT HAMDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SURROUNDING NEWHALL STREET NEIGHBORHOOD HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT by Haley & Aldrich, Inc. Glastonbury, Connecticut for Town of Hamden Hamden, Connecticut File No January 2002 Revised December 2002

2 UNDERGROUND ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS Haley & Aldrich, Inc. 800 Connecticut Blvd., Suite 100 East Hartford, CT Tel: Fax: November 2001 Revised 9 December 2002 File No Town of Hamden 2372 Whitney Avenue Hamden, Connecticut Attention: Subject: Mr. Donald Proto ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Hamden Middle School and Surrounding Newhall Street Neighborhood Hamden, Connecticut OFFICES Boston Massachusetts Cleveland Ohio Dayton Ohio Detroit Michigan Kansas City Kansas Los Angeles California Manchester New Hampshire Newark New Jersey Portland Maine Rochester New York San Diego California Santa Barbara California Tucson Arizona Washington District of Columbia Ladies and Gentlemen: This report presents the results of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I) conducted at the above referenced property. This work was performed by Haley & Aldrich, Inc. (Haley & Aldrich) in accordance with our proposal to Town of Hamden dated 2 July 2001 ( Agreement ) as authorized by Town of Hamden on 17 August As indicated in our proposal, this Phase I was conducted using practices consistent with the ASTM E Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. The goal of this Phase I assessment was to evaluate site history, existing observable conditions, current site use, and current and former uses of surrounding properties to identify the potential presence of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) at the site, as defined in the ASTM E Standard. Our conclusions regarding the presence and potential impact of RECs on the subject site are intended to help the user evaluate the business environmental risk associated with the site, as defined in the ASTM E Standard and discussed in the Introduction section of this report.

3 Town of Hamden 20 November 2001 Revised 9 December 2002 Page 2 Thank you for the opportunity to perform these services for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments. Sincerely yours, HALEY & ALDRICH, INC. Deborah Motycka Downie, LEP Senior Hydrogeologist Chris G. Harriman, LEP Senior Environmental Geologist William F. Kay, Jr., PE, Ph.D., LEP Vice President Enclosures G:\PROJECTS\27892\400\Report\Ph I ESA FinalRev.doc

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Haley & Aldrich, Inc. has performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the Hamden Middle School and Surrounding Newhall Street Neighborhood properties in the Town of Hamden, Connecticut. The scope of work is described and conditioned by our proposal dated 2 July As indicated in our proposal, this Phase I was performed in conformance with the scope and limitations of the ASTM E Standard. The purpose of this assessment was to evaluate site history, existing observable conditions, current site use, and current and historic uses of surrounding properties to identify the potential presence of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) in connection with the subject site. Exceptions to, or deletions from, this practice are described in Section I of this report. Our conclusions are intended to help the user evaluate the business environmental risk associated with the site, as defined in the ASTM E Standard and discussed in the Introduction section of this report. The subject site is composed of 131 separate properties that have been separated into seven Parcels as shown on Figure 2. One of the Parcels (Parcel 4) is composed of six Town-owned properties, including the Hamden Middle School, Hamden Community Center, Newhall Street Athletic Fields, Rochford Field (baseball fields), Mill Rock Park (Rochford Field Annex), and a sewer pump station. The other six Parcels are comprised of residential properties with single or multi-family homes. RECOGNIZED ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS The goal of the ASTM E Standard practice is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), as defined in the Standard and in Section I of this report. This assessment has revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions currently in connection with the property except for the following four RECs listed below. The ASTM E Standard requires an opinion of the potential impacts of REC(s) identified on a site during a Phase I. Our opinion is rendered with respect to a REC s potential (high, medium or low) to require remedial response based on prevailing agency requirements and on our understanding of the sensitive nature of the property use (School, daycare, residential use and Municipal Park or athletic fields). Our opinion is limited by the conditions prevailing at the time our work is performed and the applicable regulatory requirements in effect. During the Phase I ESA, Haley & Aldrich identified several RECs associated with the subject site. Our opinion of the potential impacts of REC(s) identified in this Phase I is as follows: REC #1: Former landfill areas that existed on the site during the period from the 1920s through the mid 1950s. Potential Impact: High Explanation: Based on the results of the ESA, Haley & Aldrich encountered evidence of historic landfills on the subject site. Former industrial waste landfills were located at the site of the Hamden Middle School and associated Newhall Street Athletic Field, and at the site of Rochford Field and may occur on abutting properties to the south. Haley & Aldrich i

5 encountered evidence that residential refuse waste and unauthorized dumping also occurred in, or immediately adjacent to, this area. Refer to Sections 4.01(A) and 4.01(K) for further details. The area of Mill Rock Park, Bryden Terrace, and the sewer pumping station was reportedly used for dumping of residential rubbish. The area of dumping may have extended southerly to include some or all of Parcels 2A and 2C. Haley & Aldrich also encountered evidence of a private automotive dump in the western portion of Parcel 1. The landfills, or portions of the landfills, apparently operated during the period from the 1920s through the mid 1950s. REC #2: Historic fill that may have included ash, cinders, industrial and residential waste. Potential Impact: High. Explanation: Haley & Aldrich encountered evidence of historic, waste-containing fill materials, containing, ash, cinders, and solid waste debris in portions of Parcel 3 and Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) has identified residential properties in Parcels 2B and 2D as being constructed over filled areas. Haley & Aldrich did not encounter documentation that these areas were used as landfills. It is not certain whether the placement of the fill was authorized or consisted of uncontrolled dumping by unauthorized persons or facilities. The impacted materials may have resulted from placement of industrial or residential waste from off-site areas, landowner dumping or on-site burning or a combination of sources. However, it is also possible that historic landfilling activities at Rochford Field extended into Parcel 2B, historic landfilling activities at the current Middle School site extended into the southern portion of Parcel 3, or, that a landfill existed on the northern or western portions of Parcel 3 prior to the 1920s. HISTORICAL RECs AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The ASTM E Standard also requires that historical RECs (HRECs) and other known or suspect environmental conditions, as defined in the Standard and in Section I of this report are identified in the Phase I. Historic RECs HREC #1: A former 10,000-gallon, steel underground storage tank at the Hamden Middle School was reportedly removed in Haley & Aldrich encountered a 1987 spill report regarding an overfill of the UST. Haley & Aldrich did not encounter other reports or documentation of the UST removal or results of testing of environmental quality of soils in the UST excavation. The existing 10,000-gallon UST was reportedly installed at the location of the former tank. The existing tank has not been tightness tested, and has not exceeded the standard 30-year life expectancy for fiberglass tanks. Haley & Aldrich conducted Phase II subsurface explorations and chemical testing of soil and groundwater in the vicinity of the existing and former USTs. The UST evaluation was documented in a 5 November 2002 report titled Report on Phase II Underground Storage Tank Investigation, Hamden Middle School and Community Center, Hamden Connecticut. Results of the Haley & Aldrich assessment, and previous testing by others, detected Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) at or near the water table on the west side of the school, adjacent to, and in the vicinity of the UST. The source of the petroleum, however, appeared to be related to former landfilling activities as Haley & Aldrich did not detect evidence of releases from the existing or former USTs. ii

6 HREC #2: A former 6,000-gallon, steel UST was removed from the Hamden Community Center in According to a Town employee that witnessed the UST excavation and removal in 1989, there was no visible evidence of oily soils or leakage from the UST. Haley & Aldrich did not encounter documentation of the removal or results of soil testing from the UST excavation. Haley & Aldrich conducted Phase II subsurface explorations and chemical testing of soil and groundwater in the vicinity of the existing and former USTs. The UST evaluation was documented in a 5 November 2002 report titled Report on Phase II Underground Storage Tank Investigation, Hamden Middle School and Community Center, Hamden Connecticut. Results of the assessment did not detect evidence of releases from the existing or former USTs at the Hamden Community Center. Additional Information A. Historic Fill in the Site Vicinity During the ESA, Haley & Aldrich encountered evidence of areas of debris or ashcontaining fill in the Newhall Neighborhood at locations within and outside the Phase I study area (refer to Figure 4). The potential presence of fill materials at locations outside of the site was identified based on information on file at CTDEP, information obtained during the discovery phase of the Order SRD-128 proceeding from Olin Corporation, CTDEP, the South Central Regional Water Authority,, the Town of Hamden Town Hall, the Miller Library, the Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD), and the results of surveys or questionnaires completed by area residents. Historic areas of filling are common throughout Connecticut, especially in urban areas. The presence of fill is not necessarily an environmental concern. Many current and historic building projects included placement of sand, gravel or other types of clean fill, including fill containing stone, concrete or asphalt pieces. The placement of fill materials that include contaminated debris could cause environmental problems. These areas are discussed further in Sections 6.03 and 7.03 of the report. B. Structural Settling of Residences Results of a review of regulatory documents, neighborhood surveys and discussions with residents and town employees revealed indications of structural settling problems on properties in Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3 as well as several adjacent areas (refer to Figure 2). The settlement of the homes may be related to the compression and ongoing breakdown of landfilled materials or the organic degradation of former wetland soils or sediments that may underlie many locations in the area. DEP has undertaken an evaluation of these residences with Haley & Aldrich and Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc. The results of these investigations are likely to be set forth in reports to DEP and are beyond the scope of this Phase I ESA. PROPOSED REVISIONS TO LIMITS OF STUDY AREA Based on the information reviewed by Haley & Aldrich and documented in this Report, we recommend that the study area be revised as shown on Figure 8 and discussed below. Our information indicates that a zone of fill materials, contiguous to the study area fill material, may extend to the east, south and west, along former wetland corridors. iii

7 Approximate former wetland areas are shown on 1973 and 1993 maps included in Appendix C and on Figures 3 and 4. The mere presence of fill material does not in itself constitute an environmental concern. During the Phase I ESA, Haley & Aldrich encountered some evidence of fill placement beyond, and contiguous to the study area, including: Referenced 1970 s documentation of the placement of up to 15 ft. of industrial and residential waste in the area surrounding Edwards Street (Appendix C, 322), information regarding former public refuse dumps on Shelton and Newhall Streets, south of the site, and on Morse and Columbus Street, west of the site (322, 332, 341, 342), information regarding the presence of fill material on the Southern New England Telephone (SNET) Company property to the west of the site (463), and, information from interviews with former area residents and other information compiled by the CTDEP (463, 477, 478) [Numbers in parentheses refer to attached References] However, Haley & Aldrich did not encounter direct evidence of contamination in these expanded study areas. Specifically, we believe that study area limits should be extended to include the following areas as shown on Figure 8: Properties contained within the blocks bounded by Morse Street, Shelton Avenue, Marlboro Street, Butler Street, Goodrich Street, and St. Mary Street. Historic data indicates that up to 15 ft. of industrial and residential waste fill may have been placed in the first area listed above surrounding Edwards Street (322). Additionally, a historic public refuse dump, former WRA coke lot and former City of New Haven asphalt disposal area were reportedly located on Shelton Avenue between Marlboro and Goodrich Streets. Properties contained within the block bounded by Mill Rock Road, Prospect Street, Bryden Terrace, and Wadsworth Street, and along the eastern side of Wadsworth Street, between Bryden Terrace and Morse Street. Properties contained with the block bounded by Morse Street, North Sheffield Street, Goodrich Street, Homeland Terrace, and Prospect Lane, and along the west side of North Sheffield Street. Properties located on the east side of Winchester Avenue. No historic documentation was encountered during the research for this assessment related to actual placement of fill materials in these three areas, listed above, but the data does indicate that these areas may have been part of the former wetlands or associated low lying area. Additionally, information encountered by Haley & Aldrich during a review of CTDEP files, interview transcripts, and telephone logs, included reports of debris or fill material in these areas (463, 477, 478). If fill materials do exist in these areas it is anticipated that the thickness will be less than in the area surrounding Edwards Street. iv

8 Properties located approximately north of the intersection of St Mary Street and Morse Street and east of Columbus Street. A former pond/wetland was once reportedly located on or near the southern portion of the SNET property (322) and an environmental consultant retained by SNET has also reported encountering ash fill and debris in widespread explorations in that area (463). The fill may be related to a historic public refuse dump located on the east side of Columbus Street, north of Morse Street during the late 1930s and 1940s (362). The specific nature of the fill material encountered on the SNET property is not certain, as such, it is not known if it is similar to the materials encountered at the adjacent Newhall Street Field. In addition to the potential areas of contiguous fill, Haley & Aldrich encountered evidence of other, localized, non-contiguous area that may have been filled. These include portions of Parcels 3 and 2D and other areas south of the site. Previous filling in Parcel 3 may have been localized and not part of the contiguous wetland filled area south of Mill Rock Road. Historic information reviewed by Haley & Aldrich including aerial photographs and health department records (28, 308) indicate that this filling may have been at isolated locations and occurred primarily west of Remington Street and North of Augur Street. Haley & Aldrich also encountered reports of historic filling, including ash, coke and residential rubbish at locations on the east and west sides of Newhall Street, west of Winchester Avenue, south of Morse Street and east of Shelton Avenue/Butler Street, including Parcel 2D. Historic maps showing the limits of wetland and historic aerial photographs appear to indicate that the fill material encountered at these locations may not be part of the contiguous wetland filled area but rather areas of local isolated fill. A 1993 map, reviewed by Haley & Aldrich, suggests that much of this filling may be associated with waste materials of the Winchester Gun Plant (322). However, Hamden Board of Health records and newspaper articles from the 1930s also reference a public refuse dump on Newhall Street between Goodrich and Marlboro Streets (341). SUMMARY In summary, Recognized Environmental Conditions were identified during this assessment. Previous environmental evaluations of the site have included several soil exploration, soil vapor surveys, and surficial soil sampling programs to evaluate the nature of historic landfilled materials on the subject site. The majority of these subsurface investigations to date have concentrated on shallow soils. During 2002, investigations of deeper soils and groundwater were performed by certain of the various parties identified in Order SRD-128 and the DEP. The results of the investigations and work performed by or on behalf of the Town of Hamden by Haley & Aldrich, are summarized in the following list of reports: Oversight of U.S. EPA Remedial Activities, Newhall Neighborhood, Hamden, Connecticut, 6 November 2002 Phase II Underground Storage Tank Investigation, Hamden Middle School and Community Center, Hamden, Connecticut, 5 November 2002 Phase II and III Environmental Investigations, Rochford Field and Mill Rock Park, Hamden, Connecticut, 9 December 2002 v

9 Oversight of Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc., Malcolm Pirnie and GZA GeoEnvironmental Investigation Activities, Newhall Neighborhood, Hamden, Connecticut, 9 December 2002 Test Pit Investigations, Hamden Middle School, Rochford Field & Mill Rock Park, Hamden, Connecticut, 9 December 2002 The remainder of this report contains additional information regarding the Phase I work performed, the resulting findings summarized above, and limitations affecting this report. vi

10 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page i LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF ACRONYMS I. INTRODUCTION Purpose Site Identification Scope of Services Non-Scope Considerations Exceptions and Deviations 3 A. Deviations Limitations 4 II. SITE DESCRIPTION Site Ownership and Location 6 A. Site Locus Map Site and Vicinity Description 6 A. General 6 B. Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3 6 C. Parcel Physical Setting 8 A. Topography 9 B. Geologic Information 9 C. Ground Water and Surface Water Information 9 D. Prevailing Regulatory Conditions and Implications for Groundwater and Surface Water 10 III. PREVIOUS REPORTS, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS USEPA and Subcontractors HRP Associates, Inc Facility Support Services Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Subcontractors Metcalf & Eddy, Inc Indoor Air Quality Testing Health Risk Assessments 24 IV. SITE HISTORY Past Usage of the Site and Adjacent Properties 26 A. General 26 B. Site Area History and Development 26 C. Hamden Middle School and Newhall Street Athletic Field 33 D. Rochford Field 44 x x xi vii

11 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont d) Page E. Hamden Community Center 47 F. Mill Rock Park 49 G. Sewer Pump Station 51 H. Historical Topographic and Property Maps and Atlases 51 I. Sanborn Maps 53 J. Photographs 55 K. City Directories 61 L. Historic Use of Properties Adjacent to, and In the Site Vicinity 61 M. Winchester Company Operations in the Pine Swamp, US Repeating Arms Facility and Other Area Properties 64 V. ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS REVIEW Standard Environmental Records Review 70 A. NPL Sites 70 B. CERCLIS Sites 70 C. Federal ERNS List 72 D. RCRA non-corracts TSD Facilities 72 E. RCRA CORRACTS TSD Facilities 72 F. RCRA Generators 72 G. State Sites and State Spill Sites 73 H. Registered Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) 75 I. State Landfills and Solid Waste Disposal Sites 76 J. State Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Additional Environmental Records Review 77 A. Quinnipiack Valley Health District 77 B. Fire Department 82 C. Tax Assessor s Office File Review 82 D. Engineering Department, Building Department, Planning and Zoning Department, Hamden Board of Education File Review 82 E. CTDEP File Review 83 F. United States Environmental Protection Agency 91 G. User-Provided Information 93 VI. SITE RECONNAISSANCE AND KEY PERSONAL INTERVIEW(S) General Site Visit Observations Parcel 4 95 A. General 95 B. Hamden Middle School and Newhall Street Field 95 C. Hamden Community Center 97 D. Sewer Pump Station 98 E. Rochford Field 98 F. Mill Rock Park Results of Environmental Surveys and Interviews in the Newhall Neighborhood 99 viii

12 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont d) Page VII. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Recognized Environmental Conditions Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions and Recommendations for Additional Studies and Investigations Additional Information 103 A. Historic Filling Operations in the Site Vicinity 103 B. Structural Settling of Residences Proposed Revisions to Limits of Study Area Summary 106 VIII. CREDENTIALS 107 REFERENCES 108 FIGURES APPENDIX A Haley & Aldrich Proposal dated 1 August 2001 APPENDIX B Parcel Reports and Tax Assessor Field Cards (Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3) APPENDIX C Select Historical and Municipal Research Documentation APPENDIX D Database Search Report and Regulatory Records Documentation APPENDIX E Site Photographs APPENDIX F Chronology of Site Development, Significant Events and Previous Environmental Assessments APPENDIX G Additional Exploration Location Plans and Exploration Logs APPENDIX H Haley & Aldrich Survey Questionnaires to Newhall Neighborhood Residents ix

13 LIST OF TABLES Table No. Title I Summary of Property Owners and Addresses: Parcels 1 through 4 II Summary of Debris Questionnaires and Neighborhood Surveys, Newhall Neighborhood LIST OF FIGURES Figure No. Title 1 Site Locus 2 Site Plan 3A 3B Subsurface Exploration Plan Subsurface Explorations Greater than 4 Feet Deep 4 Historic Site Plan 5 Development History Aerial Photograph Aerial Photograph 8 Properties Potentially Within Limits of Contiguous Historic Fill 9 Areas of Reported Filling or Dumping x

14 LIST OF ACRONYMS AOCs: Areas of concern ASTM: American Society of Testing and Materials ATSDR: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Brooks: Brooks Safe and Sound CDM: CDM Federal Programs Corporation CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility, Compensation and Liability Act CORRACTS: Corrective Action Report CTDEP: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection DPH: Connecticut Department of Public Health ECAF: Environmental Condition Assessment Form ECG: Environmental Consulting Group ERI: University of Connecticut Environmental Research Institute ERNS Emergency Response Notification System ESA: Environmental Site Assessment ETPH: Extractable Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons FIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Map FOIA: Freedom of Information Act FSS: Facility Support Services HREC: Historical Recognized Environmental Condition HRP: HRP Associates, Inc. IT: IT Corporation LBG: Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc LEP: Licensed Environmental Professional LUST: Leaking Underground Storage Tank M&E: Metcalf & Eddy Mg/kg: milligrams per kilogram Mg/l: milligrams per liter MP: Malcolm Pirnie Ug/kg: micrograms per kilogram Ug/l: micrograms per liter NFRAP: No Further Remedial Action Planned NGVD: National Geodetic Vertical Datum NHW: New Haven Water Company NPL: National Priorities List NUS: NUS Corporation ORCS: Occupational Risk Control Services PA/SI: Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigation PA: Preliminary Assessment PAHs: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls Phase I: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment PMC: Pollutant Mobility Criteria PPM: Parts per million QVHD: Quinnipiack Valley Health District xi

15 LIST OF ACRONYMS (cont d) RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RDEC: Residential Direct Exposure Criteria REAC: Lockeed Martin REAC REC: Recognized Environmental Condition RSR: Remediation Standard Regulation SCCRWA: South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority SIP: Site Inspection Prioritization SVOCs: Semivolatile organic compounds SNET: Southern New England Telephone Company SPLP: Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure START: Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team TCLP: Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure TPH: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons TSD: Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility UI: United Illuminating Company USEPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency USGS: United States Geological Survey UST: Underground storage tank VOCs: Volatile organic compounds Weston: Roy F. Weston, Inc. WRA: Winchester Repeating Arms Company XRF: X-ray fluorescence xii

16 I. INTRODUCTION 1.01 Purpose This Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was performed in conformance with the scope and limitations of the ASTM E Standard. The purpose of this assessment was to evaluate site history, existing observable conditions, current site use, and current and historic uses of surrounding properties to identify the potential presence of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) in connection with the subject site. RECs are defined by ASTM as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on a property or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property. The term includes hazardous substances or petroleum products even under conditions in compliance with laws. The term is not intended to include de minimis conditions that generally do not present a material risk of harm to public health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies. Conditions determined to be de minimis are not recognized environmental conditions. In addition, the Standard requires that historical RECs (HRECs) and known or suspect environmental conditions be identified in the Phase I report. The standard defines HRECs as environmental conditions which in the past would have been considered a recognized environmental condition, but which may or may not be considered a recognized environmental condition currently. The term additional information is not specifically defined in the standard, but is used by Haley & Aldrich to highlight environmentally-related information that is not anticipated to adversely affect the subject site and/or does not rise to the level of an REC. Our conclusions are intended to help the user evaluate the business environmental risk associated with the site, defined by ASTM as a risk which can have a material environmental or environmentally-driven financial impact on the business associated with the current or planned use of a parcel of commercial real estate. Consideration of business environmental risk issues may involve addressing one or more non-scope considerations Site Identification The subject studied site includes 131 individual properties located along Newhall, Augur, Remington, Harris, Newbury, Wadsworth, Morse and Marlboro Streets, Mill Rock Road, Mill Rock Extension, Bryden Terrace and Winchester Avenue in the Town of Hamden, Connecticut (Figure 1, Site Locus). However, DEP has retained the authority to add additional properties to the Site at its discretion. For purposes of this assessment, the site properties have been organized into seven parcels designated as Parcels 1, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3, and 4. Parcel locations, which are shown on Figure 2, are consistent with those used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Table I summarizes the address, use and current owner of properties included in each of the seven parcels. Generally, Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3 include 125 residential lots, most of which contain single or multifamily residences. Parcel 4 includes six properties owned and operated by the Town of Hamden. 1

17 1.03 Scope of Services In accordance with our 2 July 2001 proposal, Haley & Aldrich performed an ASTM Phase I ESA on the six town-owned properties in Parcel 4. Specifically, Haley & Aldrich performed the following work items for the properties in Parcel 4: 1. Visual observations of site conditions, and of abutting property use, to evaluate the nature and type of activities that have been or are being conducted at and adjacent to the site, in terms of the potential for release or threat of release of hazardous substances or petroleum products. 2. Review of federal and state environmental database information within the ASTMspecified radii from the subject property using a database service to access records. Use of 7.5-minute topographic maps to evaluate the site s physical setting. 3. Review of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) files, historic newspaper articles, information obtained during the discovery phase of the Order SRD-128 proceeding from Olin Corporation, CTDEP, and the South Central Regional Water Authority,, pertaining to the subject site and nearby sites with the potential to impact the subject site. 4. Review of previous reports prepared for the subject site. 5. Review of the following sources of historical use information: Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, City Directories and aerial photographs, historical atlases and topographic maps and historic information on file at the Town of Hamden Miller Library and Town Hall. 6. Contacts with State and local municipal agencies regarding the site and surrounding properties and structures. 7. Interviews with Town employees, property tenant representatives and persons familiar with the site use and history. 8. Interpretation of information and data assembled as a result of the above work tasks, and formulation of conclusions regarding the potential presence and impact of potential areas of concern (AOCs) or RECs as defined by the ASTM E Standard. Haley & Aldrich conducted a modified Phase I assessment, consisting of historical research, data reviews, and site observations from public thoroughfares, on the 125 residential parcels (Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3). The modified Phase I work scope included the following: 1. Visual observations of site conditions, and of abutting property use from public thoroughfares, to evaluate the nature and type of activities that have been or are being conducted at and adjacent to the site, in terms of the potential for release or threat of release of hazardous substances or petroleum products. 2

18 2. Review of federal and state environmental database information within the ASTMspecified radii from the subject property using a database service to access records. Use of 7.5-minute topographic maps to evaluate the site s physical setting. 3. Review of CTDEP and Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) files pertaining to the subject properties. 4. Review of the following sources of historical use information: Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, City Directories, aerial photographs. 5. Contacts with State and local municipal agencies and selected site residents regarding the site and surrounding properties and structures. 6. Survey of residents of the Newhall Neighborhood regarding the presence of solid waste or other debris or other environmental concerns on site or area properties. Conduct follow-up interviews of selected owners or occupants at properties where solid waste fill or structural settling was reported. 7. Interpretation of information and data assembled as a result of the above work tasks, and formulation of conclusions regarding the potential presence and impact of potential AOCs or RECs as defined by the ASTM E Standard Non-Scope Considerations The ASTM E Standard includes the following list of additional issues that are nonscope considerations outside of the scope of the ASTM Phase I practice: Asbestos-Containing Materials, Radon, Lead-Based Paint, Lead in Drinking Water, Wetlands, Regulatory Compliance, Cultural and Historic Risks, Industrial Hygiene, Health and Safety, Ecological Resources, Endangered Species, Indoor Air Quality, Toxic Mold and High Voltage Powerlines. These items were not included in our assessment of the property. A limited assessment of the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is included in the ASTM work scope. Accordingly, our assessment of the presence of PCBs is limited to those potential sources specified in the ASTM Standard as electrical or hydraulic equipment known or likely to contain PCBs. to the extent visually and or physically observed or identified from the interview or records review Exceptions and Deviations A. Deviations Haley & Aldrich completed the Phase I ESA of Parcel 4 in substantial conformance with the ASTM E Standard. In our opinion there were no exceptions, additions made to or deviations and deletions made from the ASTM work scope in completing the Parcel 4 Phase I. In accordance with our 2 July 2001 Agreement with the Town of Hamden, Haley & Aldrich conducted limited Phase I ESAs of Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3. The limited Phase I ESAs conducted on these Parcels were intended to be used for preliminary, screening purposes and as such, the work scope did not include the full scope as described in the ASTM E Standard. 3

19 Deviations to the ASTM Phase I work scope included the following: Haley & Aldrich did not visit each one of the 131 residential properties on Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3. During the Phase I ESA, Haley & Aldrich viewed the properties from public thoroughfares and visited selected residences. Haley & Aldrich did not interview all of the tenants or owners of the residential properties on Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3. During the ESA, Haley & Aldrich interviewed approximately 40 tenants or homeowners Limitations Our work for this project was performed generally consistent with the ASTM E Standard for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. Several organizations other than ASTM, such as professional associations (e.g. ASFE and AGWSE) have also developed guidelines or standards for environmental site assessments. The Phase I presented herein is consistent with the ASTM E Standard, which may vary from the specific guidelines or standards required by other organizations. This Report was prepared pursuant to an Agreement dated 1 August 2001 between Town of Hamden and Haley & Aldrich, which Agreement is attached hereto and is made a part of this Report. All uses of this Report are subject to, and deemed acceptance of, the conditions and restrictions contained in the Agreement. The observations and conclusions described in this Report are based solely on the Scope of Services provided pursuant to the Agreement. Haley & Aldrich has not performed any additional observations, investigations, studies or other testing not specified in the Agreement. Haley & Aldrich shall not be liable for the existence of any condition the discovery of which would have required the performance of services not authorized under the Agreement. This Report is prepared for the exclusive use of the Town of Hamden and its counsel in connection with environmental assessment of site properties. There are no intended beneficiaries other than the Town of Hamden and its counsel. Haley & Aldrich shall owe no duty whatsoever to any other person or entity on account of the Agreement or the Report. Use of this Report by any person or entity other than Town of Hamden and its counsel for any purpose whatsoever is expressly forbidden unless such other person or entity obtains written authorization from the Town of Hamden and from Haley & Aldrich. Use of this Report by such other person or entity without the written authorization of the Town of Hamden and Haley & Aldrich shall be at such other person s or entity s sole risk, and shall be without legal exposure or liability to Haley & Aldrich. Use of this Report by any person or entity, including by the Town of Hamden and its counsel, for a purpose other than for the environmental assessment of the subject properties is expressly prohibited unless such person or entity obtains written authorization from Haley & Aldrich indicating that the Report is adequate for such other use. Use of this Report by any person or entity for such other purpose without written authorization by Haley & Aldrich shall be at such person s or entity s sole risk and shall be without legal exposure or liability to Haley & Aldrich. 4

20 This report reflects site conditions observed and described by records available to Haley & Aldrich as of the date of report preparation. The passage of time may result in significant changes in site conditions, technology, or economic conditions, which could alter the findings and/or recommendations of the report. Accordingly, the Town of Hamden and any other party to whom the report is provided recognize and agree that Haley & Aldrich shall bear no liability for deviations from observed conditions or available records after the time of report preparation. Use of this Report by any person or entity in violation of the restrictions expressed in this Report shall be deemed and accepted by the user as conclusive evidence that such use and the reliance placed on this Report, or any portions thereof, is unreasonable, and that the user accepts full and exclusive responsibility and liability for any losses, damages or other liability which may result. 5

21 II. SITE DESCRIPTION 2.01 Site Ownership and Location The subject site consists of 131 separate properties. Table I includes a listing of the subject properties and current property owners. For the six properties owned by the Town of Hamden (Parcel 4), the table also includes the name of the tenant or use of the property. A. Site Locus Map The site is located in the Town of Hamden, New Haven County, Connecticut. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map for the site is the New Haven, Connecticut Quadrangle, dated 1967, photorevised in 1984 (see Figure 1). The USGS topographic map was used as the source for site setting information Site and Vicinity Description A. General The subject site includes 131 separate properties, which have been combined into seven parcels (1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3, and 4). Figure 2 is a Study Area Site Plan of the subject property, showing the Parcel locations and including relevant site and immediately adjoining property features. The subject site is serviced by a public water transmission system operated by the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (SCCRWA). The Town of Hamden provides public sewers to the area. United Illuminating Company (UI) provides electric service and The Southern Connecticut Gas Company provides natural gas. The area in the vicinity of the subject site is primarily residential although some commercial businesses and industrial facilities are located to the south and west. The Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) service garage and training facility is located immediately to the west. The Hamden Industrial Park is located to the north/northwest. Water Company properties and residential neighborhoods are located to the north. SCCRWA operates two large water storage tanks to the north of Mill Rock Road, located immediately north of the site. B. Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3 Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3 are zoned for residential use (R-4 or R-5) and consist primarily of single and multi-family residential properties (302) [Numbers in parentheses refer to attached References]. Information relative to the use, abutters, and history of Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3 is included in Appendix B of this report. The residences in Parcels 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3 use public water and sewer systems. Natural gas is available throughout some of the site area. Site residences are heated with oil, gas, or electricity. 6

22 Some buildings were rebuilt at the same location as former structures, some may have been built on existing foundations. A number of these are in Parcel 3 and associated with building destruction as a result of the 1989 tornado. C. Parcel 4 Parcel 4 includes properties owned by the Town of Hamden including the Hamden Middle School and adjacent athletic fields (known as Newhall Street Field), the Hamden Community Center, which includes classrooms and a daycare center, Mill Rock Park, Rochford Field and a sewer pump station. The Town acquired the original Newhall Street School property from People s Bank and Trust on 13 July 1917, and lands to the north for the school addition from the New Haven Water Company (NHW) on 10 December 1924 (516). The Town acquired the Rochford Field property from John M. Morse and Dorothy H. Morse Struck on 28 September 1936 (517) and the Rochford Field Annex property from Thomas and Inez Cleary on 11 September 1939 (514). On 11 November 1947 the Town acquired the eastern portion of the Middle School property from NHW. The western portion of the Middle School property was first acquired by the Town from NHW on 29 March 1950 and transferred to the State of Connecticut the next day. The State returned the parcel to the Town of Hamden on 24 February 1954 (518). The Town-owned properties are zoned R-4 or R-5 (302). Property addresses or locations are shown on Table I. 1. The Hamden Middle School The Hamden Middle School, located at Newhall Street, consists of four interconnected brick and steel school buildings constructed in 1956 (302). Portions of the school site not covered with buildings consist of asphalt driveways and parking areas, tennis courts, lawns and areas landscaped with wood chips or trees. The Newhall Street Field includes several soccer fields located immediately west of the Middle School. The Middle School buildings are heated with an oil-fired system; the heating system can also use natural gas. Fuel oil is stored in a 10,000-gallon underground storage tank (UST) which is located outside to the west of the main school building (Figure 2). 2. The Hamden Community Center The Hamden Community Center, located at 496 Newhall Street, includes two interconnected brick buildings, which are used as a community center, overflow classroom space for approximately 100 students from Hamden Middle School and as a daycare facility. Portions of the property not covered by building include paved parking lots and driveways to the north and west of the buildings and concrete walkways and grassy areas to the south and east. The southern portion of the Hamden Community Center was constructed in 1917; the northern portion was added in 1951 (302). The site buildings are heated with an oil-fired system. Heating oil is stored in a 6,000 gallon UST located on the east side of the building, near the Newhall Street entrance (Figure 2). 7

23 3. Rochford Field Rochford Field is a municipal recreational area located in the block between Newhall Street, Newbury Street, Winchester Avenue, and Mill Rock Road. The property, which was developed in the 1930s (33), includes two baseball fields, dugouts, backstops, and bleachers. 4. Mill Rock Park (Rochford Field Annex) Mill Rock Park (also known as the Rochford Field Annex), which is located on the south side of Mill Rock Road between Winchester Avenue and Wadsworth Street, was developed in 1941 (36). The Park includes a large grassy area, a smaller asphalt-paved area (in the western end of the Park), benches, a playground, tennis courts and a basketball court. 5. Sewer Pump Station The sewage pump station is a small, one-story brick structure located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Mill Rock Road and Winchester Avenue. The building, which was constructed in 1952 (366), is situated in the middle of a grass-covered lot, surrounded by a chain link fence. 6. Parcel 4 Boundaries 2.03 Physical Setting Parcel 4 is irregularly shaped and disconnected as shown on Figure 2. Generally, the Parcel is bordered as follows: North and Northwest: By the Hamden Industrial Park, SCCRWA watershed property, a residential neighborhood (Parcel 3) and Mill Rock Road and Mill Rock Extension to the north. SCCRWA water storage tanks, Mill Rock and residential properties are located to the north of Mill Rock Road. West: By the SNET garage and service facility and residential homes on Morse Street (Parcel 1). South: Morse Street, Newbury Street, residential properties on Morse Street (Parcel 1), and residential properties on Bryden Terrace (Parcel 2A), border the southern side of the site. Parcels 2A, 2B, and 2C also border Parcel 4 to the southeast. Residential properties are located on the south side of Newbury Street (Parcel 2B) and a mixture of commercial, residential and industrial properties are located south of Morse Street. East: By Wadsworth Street and portions of Winchester and Newhall Streets. Subsurface explorations were not performed for this evaluation; therefore site geology and hydrology were evaluated on the basis of readily-available public information or references, test pit or well logs from previous explorations conducted on the site and/or based upon our experience and understanding of subsurface conditions in the Hamden area. 8

24 A. Topography Topographically, the site is generally flat and ground surface elevations range from about EL 40 to 50 ft. (referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum [NGVD] of 1929) (94). B. Geologic Information A review of the Surficial Geology Map of Connecticut (314) indicates that natural soils in the site vicinity are generally composed of glacial outwash and alluvial deposits, primarily sand and gravel overlying fine grained sediments. Adjacent areas of higher elevations, including Mill Rock to the north and to the east, are underlain by shallow glacial till deposits. Based on a review of published information and previous site explorations, Haley & Aldrich encountered evidence that a significant portion of the site was formerly wetlands which were subsequently filled with residential and industrial waste, ash and cinders or sandy fill material. Previous explorations have encountered up to 26 ft. of fill materials in the western portion of Parcel 4 (140,141,182, 304). Fill deposits in borings at the Middle School and Newhall Field sites, were underlain by peat or organic silts (wetland sediments) (182). Figures 3 and 4 show the limits of the wetlands in Bedrock beneath the site and area is mapped as the New Haven Arkose, a reddish-gray sand and siltstone. Mill Rock is underlain by the West Rock Dolerite (traprock), an igneous, intrusive rock (315). C. Ground Water and Surface Water Information Based on surface topography, surface water at the site appears to flow northeasterly or northerly on the western side of the site and northwesterly on the eastern portion of the site. Also based on topography, groundwater flow in the site area anticipated to be generally to the north towards the Pine Swamp and an associated tributary located immediately north of Parcel 4. Due to the history of former wetlands and filling on the site, localized flow variations are likely. During 2002, groundwater investigations were begun by Haley & Aldrich and LBG on the public properties. Haley & Aldrich has reported its results in the Report on Phase II and III Environmental Investigations, Rochford Field and Mill Rock Park, Hamden, Connecticut (December 2002). According to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the site, the subject site is not located within a floodplain. The site is serviced by the SCCRWA, which provides potable water to the Town of Hamden. Haley & Aldrich did not encounter evidence of groundwater monitoring or pumping wells on the site. According to SCCRWA, potable water for the site is obtained from the Lake Gaillard Reservoir in North Branford. Prior to use, the water is stored in the Mill Rock Basins Storage Facility on Blake Road, in Hamden (302,304,308). According to published data, the site and surrounding properties are located in the local watershed of Lake Whitney, a former water supply reservoir, which is approximately 4,000 ft. to the northeast and east of the site. SCCRWA plans to put Lake Whitney back into service as a water supply as early as 2004 (304, 392). 9

25 D. Prevailing Regulatory Conditions and Implications for Groundwater and Surface Water Connecticut's environmental regulations pertaining to site contamination are primarily intended to safeguard human health and the environment through the protection and enhancement of the State's water resources. Surface waters and groundwaters are classified and regulated by the CTDEP according to a system that recognizes the impacts of current and historic land use practices, potential future water resource needs, and a general policy to maintain or improve water quality. Groundwater beneath the site is regulated as GAA, impaired by the CTDEP (316). GAA areas are regulated for use or potential use as a public drinking water supply. The GAA, impaired designation indicates that the area may not be currently meeting the GAA standards. The site is located within the watershed of Lake Whitney, a former and potential future water supply reservoir. Public or private water supply wells are not located on or near the site. The subject sites are located within the Mill River Drainage Basin, within the larger South Central Coast Major Basin Drainage Area. The Mill River flows southerly, through Lake Whitney, approximately 4,000 ft. east and northeast of the site. Pine Swamp, which drains into Lake Whitney, is located immediately north of the site. Based on a review of historic New Haven Water Company maps and a 1934 aerial photograph (28, 322, 323), an unnamed tributary to the Mill River formerly flowed through the site, into Pine Swamp (see Figure 4). The tributary and associated wetland areas on the site were filled in the early to mid 1900s. The Mill River continues southerly of Lake Whitney, discharging into New Haven Harbor approximately five miles south of the site. The Harbor discharges into Long Island Sound. The Mill River and Pine Swamp, in the vicinity of the site, have been classified as AA resources (316). This designation indicates that CTDEP regulates the surface water body for potential use as a public drinking water supply. Lake Whitney has been classified as B/AA. This designation indicates that current quality of the water body ( B, suitable for bathing and other recreational uses, agricultural uses, certain industrial uses and as a wildlife habitat) and the CTDEP goal ( AA, restoration of surface water quality for potential use as a public drinking water supply.) The unnamed tributary located on SCCRWA property, north of the site, has not been individually classified, as such, it is considered to be an A water body. Class A water bodies are regulated for potential use as a water supply without prior treatment. Historic land use and industrial activities have reportedly resulted in environmental impacts to the Pine Swamp and remedial investigations and activities have been conducted in the area north of the site. 10